August 2015 'B' issue by MShare Limited

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August 2015 / Fortnightly

Volume 6 - Number 16

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‘FOR UNDECLARED ASSETS IN SALN’

SANDIGANBAYAN FINDS CAUSE TO PUT CORONA ON TRIAL FOR PERJURY A special division of the antigraft court Sandiganbayan has found probable cause to put former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona on trial for perjury over his alleged failure to declare some his assets in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang said the antigraft court’s Special Third Division has voted 4-1 to junk Corona’s motion for judicial determination of probable cause filed before the court in April 2014. Through the motion, Corona questioned the sufficiency of the evidence presented against him. “There is probable cause that he has committed the crime,” Tang told reporters in a chance interview at the sidelines of the hearing on the proposed 2016 budget of the judiciary before the House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations. “My recollection is that there are certain properties that he failed to include in his SALN for a number

of years based on the documents submitted,” Tang added. GMA News Online is getting Corona’s comment as of posting time. A copy of the court’s ruling is set to be released to the media on Friday, Third Division clerk of court Atty. Dennis Pulma said. Aside from Tang, other members of the Special Third Division who voted in favor of holding Corona on trial were Associate Justices Jose Hernandez, Alex Quiroz and Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta. Meanwhile, Associate Justice Samuel Martires dissented. In a portion of his dissenting opinion, Martires said the “there was no legal basis for the filing of charges against the accused Corona” as his alleged act was not tantamount to perjury under the Revised Penal Code nor under the Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Martires also said that “the Ombudsman was devoid of authority to file these cases against the accused Corona.”

Untruthful declarations. Corona is facing before the Sandiganbayan Special Third Division eight counts of perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code and eight counts of violation of Section 8 of RA 6713 both in connection with his alleged untruthful declarations in his SALNs. Based on the complaint of the Office of the Ombudsman filed with

the Sandiganbayan in April last year, Corona misdeclared his and his wife’s assets in his SALNs from 2001 to 2011. For instance, the Ombudsman said that from 2001 to 2011, Corona has a total legitimate earnings of P30.37 million in his tenure as a legal officer in the Office of the President (2001), Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (2002 to 2011),

a member of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (2008 to 2009) and the House Electoral Tribunal (2009 to 2010), yet Corona, in his SALN for 2001 has only declared a net worth of P13.97 million which only grew by about P8 million over the next ten years as he has only declared a total net worth of P22.94 million in his 2011 SALN. Continue to page 2

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Philippines could see end to five-year growth spurt of rice production in 2015 MANILA he fi e year growth spurt of the country s rice sector could end this year possibly dashing the go ernment s hopes of attaining self sufficiency in the staple. ccording to its latest report the ureau of gricultural tatistics cut its forecast for palay production for this year to . million metric tons or . percent below the . million har ested last year. he go ernment had planned on the country becoming self sufficient in rice as early as this year. t has been importing since late last year to secure the country s buffer stoc in time for the lean season. n the first si months of the year

production reached . million or . percent below the . million in the same period last year. he blamed the lower forecast on the reduction in areas planted to the staple amid insufficient irrigation brought about by the El Niño dry spell. he agency noted significant reductions in output in areas such as O E OP estern isayas and orthern indanao. or the third quarter palay production is forecast to drop by . percent as har est area li ely dropped by . percent from a year ago. ield howe er may rise by . percent year on year. iting standing crop the said

production in the uly to eptember period could fall by . percent to . million metric tons this year from . million last year. he agency blamed this on farmers foregoing planting in light of insufficient irrigation and the late onset of the rainy season. reas affected include agayan alley estern isayas Eastern isayas entral u on amboanga Peninsula and O E . or the fourth quarter planting intentions gathered by show a . percent year on year increase in production for the period. ield is e pected to remain at . metric tons a hectare. n Orti Despuez / InterAksyon.

com / August 13, 2015 / 9:00 AM

Bangko Sentral keeps policy rates steady MANILA - The policy-making Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) today kept its key rates steady. In a statement, the BSP said the Board maintained the overnight borrowing and lending rates at 4 percent and 6 percent, respectively. Likewise, the interest rates on term reverse repurchase, repurchase and special deposit accounts, as well as banks’ reserve requirement ratios, were kept stady “The Monetary Board’s decision is based on its assessment that prevailing price and output conditions support maintaining current monetary policy

settings,” the BSP said, noting that its latest baseline forecasts point to inflation settling slightly below the target range for 2015. “Inflation expectations also continue to be anchored within the inflation target band,” the central bank said. In recent months, inflation has slipped to its lowest level in more than two decades because of the contraction in fuel prices and slow increases in the cost of food. The BSP, which set an inflation target of 2-4 percent for the entire 2015, however is not confident of prices keeping within the target band beyond this year. Upside risks to the inflation

outlook come from pending power rate adjustments and the impact of the El Niño dry spell on food prices and utility rates. Downside risks come from the modest rise in food and commodity prices, and slower global economic activity. Having said the above, the Monetary Board noted that the moderation in inflation have resulted from favorable supply-side conditions, which however are “transitory.” The BSP said the Monetary Board in deciding against changing rates considered recent developments on the global front, which “could pose threats to financial stability.” n InterAksyon.com / August

13, 2015 / 5:30 PM

BSP Gov. AmandoTetangco and Deputy Gov. Diwa Guinigundo.

AirAsia Philippines to receive fresh equity from mother unit

KUALA LUMPUR alaysia alaysia based ir sia erhad is set to pour fresh funds into its Philippine unit through an equity infusion this year according to company EO ony ernandes. omorrow we are ha ing a board meeting to finali e new equity going into the Philippines ernandes told nter syon.com on the sidelines of a press conference here yesterday. ernandes declined to specify the amount only saying it will be used to replace the company s eet with newer planes and for e pansion down the line.

AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes. Interaksyon File Photo

DRIVEN BY LOWER FOOD, OIL PRICES

BSP sees inﬂation belowimpact 2% in 2015 of the stronger-than-expected El CONSUMER prices will slow down to 1.8 percent this year on favorable supply-side conditions, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Latest baseline forecasts show that inflation could fall below the 2 percent to 4 percent target range, BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. told reporters after the Monetary Board policy meeting on Thursday. Headline inflation dropped to 0.8 percent in July, further sinking to a new 20-year-low from the 1.2 percent

in June and pushing the year-to-date figure beyond the lower end of the target range. “The Monetary Board noted that the benign inflation outturns were driven basically by supply-side factors. Food prices are down and other commodity prices are also down particularly oil,” BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said. But the central bank expects inflation to gradually rise and stabilize within the target range, given the pending petitions for power rate adjustments and the

Niño on food and utility prices. “Since this is something that’s supply driven and again, the Monetary Board noted that this is something that is less permanent and more transitory, therefore we don’t have to respond with monetary measures on something that is driven by favorable supply,” Guinigundo said. The central bank expects inflation at 2.5 percent in 2016. n Keith Richard D. Mariano / VS, GMA News / August 13, 2015 / 7:34 PM

his year our focus is to renew our eet so we are focusing on replacing the est planes with new aircraft and then ne t year we will loo at e panding again ernandes said. he commitment of the shareholders is ery strong because we belie e we ha e a strong company. ir sia Philippines bought into est irways last for million from lfredo ao of esto orp. ut pending appro al from airline regulators ir sia Philippines and ir sia est still operate as separate

local brands with a combined eet of aircraft. ir sia Philippines boo ed a net loss of . million alaysian ringgit in the fourth quarter of last year with company officials loo ing to turn a profit this year before a possible initial public offering by . remain confident that the Philippines is the ewel in the ir sia group of companies. eep saying that. here is really an opportunity for international tourism ernandes said. n Jose Bimbo F. Santos / InterAksyon.com / August 13, 2015 / 8:21 AM

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Peso slumps to lowest in 5 years on Fed rate fears, yuan devaluation MANILA - The peso on Wednesday fell to its lowest level against the U.S. dollar in the last fi e years on more hints of a possible hi e in ederal Reserve rates next month.

The local currency opened at P46 against the dollar, a big drop from the P45.70 yesterday. It traded between its opening level and P46.33. Volume of trade reached US$1.109 billion from

the US$1.106 billion yesterday. The peso-dollar exchange rate ended the day at P46.26, up from yesterday’s P45.93, which a trader said was not surprising given recent statements from ed officials li e ederal eser e an of tlanta president ennis oc hart. he People s an of hina s P o decision to devalue the yuan by nearly two percent also figured in today s local currency movement. aw ish statements from ed officials li e oc hart along with the devaluation of the yuan fed investors’ ris appetite a trader said. an of anila senior economist oey uyeg eng said the

P46 exchange rate is expected ahead of scheduled economic report releases from the US in the latter part of this wee . Peso may test the le el this wee if economic reports later in the wee reinforces a eptember ed rate hi e he said. ang o entral ng Pilipinas P o ernor mando etangco r. however said the peso “continues to trade well in light with others in the region. He said corporate demand for the dollar also figured in the peso s wea ness. “Going forward, we anticipate mar et mo es in the spot mar et will

be driven by domestic supply/demand forces as well as mar et iews on data that will be coming out of the US this wee he said. he central ban chief said sian currencies “can be expected to continue to trade from the soft side on impact of developments on the yuan, US economic reports as well as developments in Greece. “The exchange rate almost always is the first to domestically re ect olatility in global mar ets. ence as is our policy, the BSP, while maintaining essentially a mar et determined exchange rate, will be present in the mar et to rein in e cessi e olatility he added. n PNA / August 12, 2015 / 6:06 PM

within a matter of weeks. We appreciate the public’s patience during this period,” Maher said. Commuters may also use the beep cards they bought at LRT-2 stations for

southbound line of LRT-1, starting Sunday. The LRTA stopped selling the magnetic cards at LRT-1 since August 8.

LRT-1 riders to use beep cards Sunday COMMUTERS on the RooseveltBaclaran line of the Light Rail Transit (LRT-1) will start using the tap-and-go beep cards in place of magnetic tickets on Sunday. The LRT Authority and its private sector partner AF Payments Inc. is piloting the contactless ticketing system in all southbound LRT-1 stations following the “positive results” of the tests done on the Santolan- Recto line (LRT-2) late last month. “The positive results of the trial at LRT-2 gave us and the LRTA the

confidence to implement a similar ‘public trial’ on the southbound direction of LRT1,” AF Payments CEO Peter Maher said in a statement Thursday. Commuters can buy the beep cards – pre-loaded with P80 – ahead of the test from August 10 to 14 at the Roosevelt, Doroteo Jose, Central, EDSA, Gil Puyat, Monumento and Baclaran stations for P100. The reloadable cards sells for P20 each. “We encourage commuters who regularly use LRT-1 and are interested in trying out the new system to purchase

their beep cards during the pre-selling period so they don’t have to line up to buy their cards on August 16,” Maher said. Starting Monday, August 17, the preloaded beep cards will be available at the Unibersidad de Manila, Philippine Normal University, Technological University of the Philippines, Masagana Building and Victory Mall. “We hope to minimize any inconvenience to the public during the trial and transition to the new system on LRT-1 which is planned to be completed

n Keith Richard Mariano / VS, GMA News / August

13, 2015 / 10:53 AM

BUSINESS & FINANCE

August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

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BOC seizes P40M worth of misdeclared Thai rice, sugar SOME P40 million worth of Thai sugar and rice were seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), after an attempt to smuggle the products at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) were foiled. Out of the 26 40-footer container vans seized – 21 contained around 13,600 sacks of Thai sugar and five with 3,200 sacks of white rice. The shipments were all consigned to Rainbow Holding Inc.

The container vans arrived in four batches from July 16 to 22 and were misdeclared on the bill of lading as bitumen to avoid the necessary permits from the Sugar Regulatory Authority (SRA) and the National Food Authority (NFA). Bitumen is an oil-based substance usually used in road construction and waterproofing. Customs Deputy Commissioner for

NET INCOME DOWN 8% YEAR-ON-YEAR

Weak peso takes toll on San Miguel’s ﬁrst-half proﬁt SAN iguel orp. ga e a wea financial performance in the first half of as a soft peso in ated its debt costs while unfa orable crude prices and thinner power production weighed on re enues. n a disclosure with the Philippine toc E change on ednesday the di ersified conglomerate reported an 8-percent decrease in net income to P . billion from P . billion in the comparable period. ithout ta ing into account the effects of currency mo ements an iguel could ha e netted P . billion or 15-percent higher than the P . billion a year earlier. n anuary to une the company incurred P . billion in foreign exchange losses.

The monthly average of pesodollar exchange rate reached as high as . in the first half of according to figures from the Philippine tatistics uthority. his compares with the . in anuary . iting data from loomberg gence rance Presse said in a another report that an iguel and affiliates ha e P billion in debt e cluding interest more than percent of which were dollar-denominated. The greenback has generally kept the peso subdued on e pectations the ederal eser e would increase interest rates come September. Servicing the company’s debt has therefore become more expensive. an iguel s operating income increased by percent to P .

billion from P . billion due to the percent combined re enue growth in core businesses the profit reco ery of Petron orp. in the second quarter and the higher contribution from the infrastructure segment. nfa orable crude prices at the start of the year along with lower

olumes for lobal Power as a result of the maintenance shutdown of the alampaya gas facilities howe er resulted in a percent decline in SMC’s consolidated re enues the company said. n Keith Richard Mariano / VS, GMA News / August 12, 2015 / 1:24 PM

Intelligence Jessie D. Dellosa said that while the sugar shipment’s bill of lading indicated Hong Kong as the place of origin, the rice packages included in the shipments actually came from Guandong, China. Dellosa noted, however, that the sacks of rice were packaged to indicate as if the commodity were produced in Cagayan de Oro. “Hindi katakataka na ‘yan ang strategy mga smugglers ngayon. If they get caught outside the Customs area, they will say the rice were locallyproduced and not smuggled imported rice,” the BOC official said in an emailed statement. The latest seizure brings the total of illegally imported Thai sugar at the MICP to over 39,000 sacks or around 2,000 tons with an estimated value of over P95 million. The BOC also intercepted another 2,500 sacks of imported sugar at the Port of Zamboanga last June and around 10,000 sacks of imported sugar at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Misamis Oriental last May. “We will continue to seize all illegal importations of sugar no matter how often we need to do that. We need to protect the local sugar industry and our local farmers,” Dellosa said. n Jon Viktor Cabuenas / VS, GMA News / August 13, 2015 / 6:32 PM

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Bloomberg TV Philippines promises to boost Filipinos’ financial literacy, economic contribution MANILA - Bloomberg TV Philippines the first hour business news channel in the country that starts airing in September, aims to boost its audience s financial literacy as well as their participation in the economy. his is according to e ecuti es of loomberg ele ision edia uest oldings and its subsidiary ignal during the trade launch on ednesday night at the a ati hangri a. ignal became loomberg ele ision s fifth local partner in sia in arch when the two signed a multiple year contract in anila. s opposed to the loomberg ele ision channel that ignal already carries loomberg Philippines will ha e more local content. ccording to oel oren ana president and chief e ecuti e officer of edia uest and the partner companies en ision loomberg Philippines as a means to promote business and financial literacy among ilipinos. thin loomberg will be the centerpiece of that he said. loomberg sia Pacific head of

editorial eremy ustance said they want to deli er to the public an understanding of the goings on in business. ecause without the participation of the public the economy and the country as a whole cannot be a success. nd this is one of the ma or dri ers for coming here and partnering with ignal he said. P chairman anuel . Pangilinan said business news was increasingly becoming an important component of Philippine life. he new channel would also connect the Philippines and ilipinos to what was happening outside of the country. ecause clearly economic trends outside the Philippines will affect our economy he told reporters in an inter iew after the e ent. edia uest is part of the P roup. iewers can e pect intelligent credible and in depth analysis of business and news topics through the shows that would be piloted ne t month according to edia president and chief operating officer ane asas. edia uest s free to air channel

is wor ing with loomberg ele ision to run loomberg Philippines. ignal chief operating officer Oscar eyes r. said loomberg Philippines would be a world class operation gi en that ignal was now the number one pay pro ider in the country while loomberg ele ision was a leading authority in business news. e said ignal aims to ha e . million households and . million iewers by the end of the year. loomberg ele ision in turn is a global powerhouse with around million iewers globally as well as . million unique iewers online he said. ustance said the audience can be assured of a ery ery talented operation which will count on ignal s e perience in producing content and loomberg ele ision s financial and business nowledge. ontent would be in the form of fast accurate information for the business audience inter iews with ey players at the heart of business decision ma ing and insights about young entrepreneurs across the Philippines.

PLDT chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan (3rd from right) and TV5 president Noel C. Lorenzana (2nd from right) lead trade launch of Bloomberg TV Philippines. Photo by Bernard Testa

mong loomberg Philippines anchors and presenters are entrepreneur uintin Pastrana correspondent hawn ao finance analyst and management specialist P Ong corporate lawyer and commercial arbitration specialist ean de astro international business reporter egina ay international trade e pert economist and law professor ony bad social entrepreneur ichael limurung and mar eting e pert od epomuceno. he million smartphone users and million nternet users in the Philippines would also be tapped by loomberg Philippines digital platforms. ebsite loombergt .

ph will pro ide access to news and commentary online while its social media presence bloombergt ph on witter would gi e neti ens information where er they are. loomberg Philippines app is also a ailable for download as well as a Philippine toc E change game that would teach players how the mar et wor ed and enable them to graduate to real stoc portfolio management. ontent released by loomberg Philippines will be carried by the loomberg ele ision global networ informing people around the world about the dynamism of the Philippine economy ustance said. wish them the best of luc Pangilinan said. thin they re a great business channel for the country. e re bringing to our shores a great business news organi ation in the form of loomberg. ignal subscribers can tune in to Bloomberg TV Philippines on channel and channel . nter syon.com is the online news portal of . n Tricia Aquino / InterAksyon.com

/ August 13, 2015 / 12:48 AM

PIDS study underscores economic contribution of middle class, need for lower income tax rates MANILA – A new study from state-run Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said the government should help not only the poor, but also the middle class, which carries a disproportionate share of the tax burden. According to a study titled “Why we should pay attention to the middle class,” there is a need for government to support the middle class in order to sustain Philippine economic growth. Authors PIDS senior research fellow Jose Ramon Albert and researchers Raymond Gaspar and Martin Joseph Raymundo said government programs that target the poor should be expanded to include the middle class, who are at risk of falling into poverty by reason

File photo of income tax filing at Bureau of Internal Revenue.

of illness, death of the provider, natural hazards, among others. The study defined the middle class as those with per capita incomes between four and 10 times the poverty line, or those families of five with incomes of between P31,560 and P78,900 a month. This places the number of middleincome households at 3.6 million, based on

the 2012 Family Income and Expenditure Survey. According to the study, a big number of middle-class households can be found in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and the CALABARZON. Middle-class families have smaller households – averaging four to a family – as against the average of six for the poor. Also, while the poor spend a bigger portion of their incomes on food, the middle-class spends bulk of its earnings on education and health. The study said middle-income families spend more on education than do high-income households. The middle class, particularly the lower middle class, also counts among its ranks the majority of households with overseas

Filipino workers. As such, joblessness ranks as a top concern among the middle class. Given this, the study said the government should look for ways of attracting job-intensive investments. “Although the private sector is responsible for job creation and incomegenerating activities, the government sets the investment climate,” which includes infrastructure, the authors said. Moreover, middle-income households rely more on salaried jobs, which explains why they contribute the biggest share to income tax payments, as well as to government’s total tax collections. In this regard, legislation aimed at lower income tax rates would boost middle-class take-home pay, in turn

spurring domestic consumption, which comprises two-thirds of the Philippine economy. Fiscal redistribution, therefore, could be an “important tool to raise the income share of the poor and middle class and, in turn, support growth,” the authors said. “It will be important to examine the effects of removing income tax altogether, and instead only collecting consumption taxes (as the wealthy find too many income tax loopholes) with heavy consumption taxes on luxury items, and minimal consumption taxes on basic items (especially those consumed by the poor),” the authors said. n Rain Castro / InterAksyon.com / August

12, 2015 / 11:30 PM

DENR allows Semirara Mining to resume Panian operations MANILA he epartment of En ironment and atural esources E has lifted the cease and desist order against the Panian operations of the emirara ining and Power orporation. n the first of two disclosures to the Philippine toc E change P E emirara ining said it recei ed an order dated ugust from E main office lifting the suspension order on the company s E on the basis of its finding that there is no ad erse effect or damage to the en ironment in relation to the landslide that occurred at the orth edge of the Panian ine and same is due to fortuitous e ent. he E refers to the company s

en ironmental compliance certificate. he second disclosure said the company recei ed an order from E E egional Office dated ugust lifting the cease and desist order it issued on uly in iew of the lifting of the suspension order dated ugust on the company s En ironmental ompliance ertificate E O by the E E ain Office. he E En ironmental anagement ureau issued the cease and desist order on uly which bars emirara ining from underta ing any acti ity in the Panian mine aside from search and rescue and rehabilitation. he order also stopped any mining acti ity until

the mitigation measures ha e been complied with. he E said the E focal person in ntique should immediately e ecute the order and submit a report within hours. n lifting the suspension of the company s E the E said that emirara ining agreed to comply with the new conditions to be added to its E for the East Panian e pansion pro ect. E said most of the recommended conditions were already being implemented by emirara ining as reported to the epartment of Energy OE . he go ernment agency said the conditions include implementing the comprehensi e monitoring

program co ering slope mo ements and groundwater conditions and complying with coal mine safety rules and regulations. emirara ining has to submit proof of compliance which is obtained from the OE. he remaining three conditions are the submission of assessment on the

cause of slope failure performance of monitoring instruments climate change pro ects and hydrological stability erodibility of mine wor ings a ha ard and operability study within days and installation of an automatic weather station. On uly the OE suspended the operations of the emirara coal mines in ntique after an incident at the northern edge of the Panian mine which led to the death of nine people. ccording to OE documents the emirara open pit mine produced . percent of the . million metric tons of locally produced coal last year. emirara ining and Power orp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of oldings nc. n PNA / August 12, 2015 / 9:16 PM

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

First Fil-Am on Jacksonville, Florida council credits Pinoy roots for drive to serve others A Filipino-American politician is an inspiration to many Filipinos in America after she won a seat on the City Council of Jacksonville, Florida, the first ilipino merican woman to ever do so. Anna Lopez Brosche is now listed as one of the very few Filipino-American women who got their chance to take part and be elected to a position in US politics. Despite being brought up in the US for most of her life, Brosche spent a significant part of her childhood in

Hagonoy, Bulacan, where her father, who is a former member of the US Navy is from. Brosche attributes her work ethic and her inclination for public service to her Filipino roots. “I always remember my roots of coming from a family of not having very much and working very hard to become who I am, and to always be thinking of others and serving others. I really attribute that to all that I learned, all the values I gained growing up as a child,” she said.

Brosche added, “I always relied on my faith that I was doing the right thing, and I have all the skills I need to be successful.” Despite being a Republican, the city councilor said she admires former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is one of the potential presidential candidates of the Democrats. “It takes a lot of courage to run for any office and so applaud her long term commitment to public service,” she said. n Bianca Rose Dabu / JDS, GMA News /

August 2, 2015 / 11:26 PM

Owners shut down LA bakery amid lawsuit from Pinoy workers The workers were also brought in their assets, likely to the Philippines where THE Los Angeles bakery accused of exploiting its Filipino workers has shut down, but it was not clear if the closure was connected with the lawsuit, reports said. L’Amande French Bakery closed last July, five months after 11 Filipino workers sued owners Analiza Moitinho De Almeida and her husband Goncalo over alleged labor and wage violations. A report on Los Angeles Eater said the bakery’s exact date of closure was unknown but noted that the Santa

Monica Boulevard location had been removed from the eatery’s website. Quoting the Filipinos’ legal counsel, the Daily Breeze reported that the Almeidas were closing their bakeries to “secretly and rapidly” liquidate and transfer “all of

they will be outside the jurisdiction of the court.” According to the suit filed by the Filipinos, the couple promised them work as “skilled bakery chefs and managers” and shouldered their visa and travel fees. However, they were ordered a reimbursement of $11,000 or a contract of three years and were forced to work for the same wages they earned in the Philippines, or $3 an hour for 14-hour workdays at L’Amande’s two branches.

through E-2 visas, an oft abused visa classification meant to bring in workers with skills deemed “essential” for the growth of businesses. The owners of the bakery had earlier questioned the motives behind the lawsuit, describing it as a “ploy to extort damages and to fast-track the employees’ permanent residency application.” “Why hadn’t the Asian Americans Advancing Justice investigated thoroughly before bringing this case to a large law

firm?” they said in a statement posted on their Torrance bakery’s door. It also questioned what could protect “small business owners” from “frivolous lawsuits, greedy employees and the muscle of Latham & Watkins?” The Asian Americans Advancing Justice and law firm Latham & Watkins represent the 11 Filipino plaintiffs in the case. Their legal counsel is seeking a temporary restraining order against the liquidation of the Almeidas’ assets. n Rie

Takumi / KBK, GMA News / August 11, 2015 / 1:39 PM

Hundreds of Pinoys, others in Saipan homeless after typhoon HUNDREDS of overseas Filipino workers and other residents in the US island of Saipan are now either living in rain-soaked houses or are totally homeless after Typhoon Soudelor directly hit the territory and damaged almost everything in its path from late Sunday night to early Monday morning. It was the strongest typhoon to rip through Saipan in over a decade, forcing hundreds of island residents to ee to emergency shelters. Saipan is the main island in the US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), where an estimated 10,000 OFWs and FilipinoAmericans live and work. The CNMI’s acting governor, Ralph DLG. Torres, declared a state of emergency for the entire CNMI on

Monday morning. The typhoon ripped off homes, ipped par ed ehicles and small planes over, knocked down trees and power poles ooded the main power plant, caused oil spills, shut down the airport and even blew off the roof of the only movie theater on island. Many of the roads remained impassable as of Monday night. There were long lines of people and cars as only at least two gasoline stations were open as of Monday afternoon. Stores and other businesses were also closed. Authorities said it could take weeks for power and water services to be restored in many of the areas. Despite the devastation, residents were thankful that the typhoon did not claim any lives although there were some injuries reported as people

started clearing up typhoon debris. Dozens of OFWs returning to Saipan from their vacation in the Philippines or the US are also now stranded in the US territory of Guam because the Saipan international airport remains closed. The airport is not expected to reopen until early Wednesday afternoon. Typhoon Soudelorpummeled Saipan with torrential rain and maximum sustained winds of over 100 miles per hour and gusts up to 120 mph. Leaders of Filipino groups have started asking their compatriots and other community members to remain strong in the face of the tragedy, to be thankful to be alive, and to help one another. Before power outages, OFWs and other CNMI residents were posting

photos on social media showing their typhoon-damaged homes, as well as roads littered with typhoon debris. Government agencies asked residents to stay indoors Monday. US agencies are now helping the CNMI government assess the typhoon damage and assist in other immediate needs.

Meanwhile, in Guam, Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio announced onday his office is organi ing two boot drives to help Saipan residents recover from the typhoon. Other Guam-based groups are also planning fundraising to help typhoonbattered Saipan. n Haidee V. Eugenio / KG, GMA News / August 4, 2015 / 7:20 AM

DFA, DOJ oﬃcials visit Veloso in Indonesia prison

OFFICIALS of the Deparment of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) recently met with Mary Jane Veloso at the Wirogunan Penitentiary in Jogjakarta, Indonesia, to update her on the case being pursued against her alleged illegal recruiters.

In a statement released Monday, the DFA said officials headed by Executive Director Ambassador Reynaldo Catapang of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (DFA-OUMWA) and Chief State Counsel Ricardo Paras III led a team of lawyers and investigators from the National Bureau of Investigation on a regular consular prison visit to Veloso. Prior to their jail visit on July 31, the team met with representatives from the regional office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Jogjakarta, the Indonesian Attorney General’s Office and the Indonesian Foreign Ministry.

During the visit, Paras reiterated the government’s commitment to secure justice for Veloso, who was convicted for bringing 2.6 kilograms of heroin to Indonesia in 2010. Her execution was stayed in late April so she could testify first against her alleged recruiters. On July 9, the DOJ found probable cause to file illegal recruitment, qualified trafficking and estafa charges against alleged recruiters Ma. Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao. Assistant State Prosecutor Susan Azarcon said Veloso’s “detailed narration” of how Sergio had promised her a job in Malaysia with a monthly salary of P25,000

“proves convincingly that respondents committed the imputed offense” of simple illegal recruitment. Just last week, one of the victims of Veloso’s alleged recruiters, Anne Marie Gonzales, withdrew her complaint, a move which could grant possible temporary freedom to the suspects. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima assured that the case will not be affected, saying there are several complaints filed against Veloso’s illegal recruiters. Veloso’s lawyer, Edre Olalia, meanwhile said he finds it “curious and concerning” Gonzales’ removal of her court oath that Sergio is a large-scale illegal recruiter but

known to have trafficked others. “The reported withdrawal of Ms Gonzales complaint is extremely worrying and smacks of interference,” Olalia said in a statement. “She gave her statement freely under oath when Ms Sergio was being questioned by Philippine authorities, why has she suddenly changed it now?” “We implore the remaining complainants: Lorna Mitch Valino, Jenalyn Paraiso and Teresa Candelaria to not be intimidated by Ms Gonzales’ actions and to hold fast,” he added. n Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez / KBK, GMA News / August 10, 2015 / 6:44 PM

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

‘Inside Out’ co-director Ronnie del Carmen: Pixar’s ‘Pix-noys’ give back to PHL IN case you missed it, the codirector of isney Pi ar s latest film “Inside Out” is a Filipino. Ronnie del Carmen grew up in Cavite and graduated from the University of the Santo Tomas with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree major in Advertising. He went to the US in 1989 and joined Pixar in 2000. But Del Carmen is not the lone Filipino inside the headquarters of this award-winning animation company. Although he did not give the exact number of Filipinos working at Pixar Animation Studios in California, del Carmen said that there is a group called “Pix-noys” who love eating together. But more importantly, they host charity events for causes such as typhoon relief in the Philippines. “It’s a very active and friendly group. We’re always smiling,” he said

during a press conference in Makati on Friday. Pinoy food. When asked if there’s going to be a future Pi ar film about the Philippines, Del Carmen joked that if ever that would happen, it would be about food. “I have to look forward to Pete’s next movie that is about bibingka and calamay. Animated though, it might be really tasty,” he teased. Kidding aside, the Filipino animator is keen to share stories from his homeland. “There are lots of stories here in the Philippines. I have been telling people about growing up… That’d be fantastic to do,” Del Carmen said. To this, “Inside Out” director Pete Docter shared that his co-director has already worked on a story about the Philippines.

“Ronnie has already boarded a beautiful piece about growing up. I’ve never been to your hometown but it really captures this amazing feeling of what it’s like. A very personal story,” he said. When asked about what it’s like coming home, Del Carmen said that coming home has been While reminiscing on his days spent watching movies in theaters in the Philippines, Del Carmen said that coming home to promote “Inside Out, his first film as a co director has been amazing. “I am not just coming home, there’s a movie I have made that’s opening here. It’s kind of a surreal experience,” he said. “Inside Out” will open in Philippine cinemas on August 19. n Trisha Macas / BM,

GMA News / August 10, 2015 / 4:12 PM

Pinay brothel owner denies late British PM was a pedophile THE former Filipina prostitute and brothel owner who was at the center of a child abuse scandal involving the late British Prime Minister Edward Heath has denied that the former official was a pedophile. A report on The Independent said Myra Ling-Ling Forde has described Heath as “an old, sad, gay man” who “never asked” her for “young children” during an interview with Channel 4 News.

Recent investigations on the alleged cover-up by the Wiltshire Police uncovered that Forde, 67, escaped prosecution in 1992 by threatening to expose Heath, who died in 2005, as a sex offender. Forde had earlier denied reports that she used the knowledge of the Conservative politician’s alleged sexual misconduct to escape further charges and insisted that problems with a key witness led to her case being dropped.

Though the 1992 case was dropped, Forde was still convicted of running a brothel in her Salisbury residence minutes away from Heath’s home in 1995 and 2009.

A report on Express and Star said Forde received £500 from Heath under the name “John” for male escorts well above the age of consent in the UK. “He was specific from the start he wanted men over 21 and under 30 and I was happy to help him as I didn’t see anything wrong with providing that service. He was not a paedophile - he was gay. People should stop blackening his name,” Forde was quoted as saying.

She also described Heath in the report as a “very secretive and shy gay man.” Heath supposedly broke off contact with Forde after she discovered his real identity. The Independent report said Heath’s family and friends had “strenuously” that the former prime minister was involved in offenses against children. n Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / August 12, 2015 / 3:13 PM

No irregularity in PHL diplomats’ salaries, says DFA THE Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday said there is “nothing irregular” with the salaries and allowances of the seven Filipino diplomats who were included in the list of highest paid go ernment officials in 2014 based on a Commission on Audit report. Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said the report did not show the complete picture since it did not make any distinction between salaries and allowances. efinitely there is nothing irregular about it,” Jose told GMA News Online. “Included in the emoluments are not only the basic salary but also allowances for overseas posting,” he explained.

In a separate statement, the DFA said the COA Report on Salaries and Allowances (ROSA) for 2014 “inaccurately” indicates several Philippine ambassadors as among the highest paid officials of the government, noting that a part of the report is “misleading.”

The DFA said its personnel are covered by the Salary Standardization Law for government workers, meaning its employees and diplomats receive the same pay based on rank and length of service like its counterparts in other government agencies. “Allowances, which are provided in our regulations, are commensurate to one’s rank and position,” Jose said. The department also has a system of allowances for personnel assigned abroad, designed to meet the cost of living in different countries and the demands of its position as representatives of the country. All allowances of Philippine ambassadors follow the UN Index

System that is based on the living standards and economic conditions of countries where the Philippine Government maintains embassies and consulates, the DFA said. The Foreign Service Act or RA 7157 likewise states that DFA personnel are granted allowances, such as living quarters, overseas and representation allowances on top of their basic salaries. “Allowances also take into account the cost of living in the post,” Jose said. He said Philippine ambassadors’ Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) are paid directly to the owner of their respective residences, but if owned by the government, a particular amount

is earmarked for its upkeep and is not given to the envoy. According to the DFA, the COA report computed these rental fees as part of the allowances of Philippine ambassadors, which, it said, is “misleading.” Jose said that while some allowances need to be liquidated, others don’t, such as the overseas allowance, which helps diplomats adjust to the cost of living in the country where they are assigned. Filipino diplomats are also entitled to a representation allowance, which is used for official meetings functions and visits of dignitaries and public relations activities. n Michaela del Callar / ALG,

GMA News / August 3, 2015 / 11:44 AM

Pinoy teacher in Las Vegas pleads guilty to child sex abuse A Filipino elementary school music teacher in North Las Vegas pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted lewdness with a minor under 14, effectively waiving his rights to a preliminary hearing in court, reports said. A report on KVVU- V said Jeremiah Mazo, 54, was arrested last April 24 for allegedly “inappropriately” touching an eight-year-old girl several times since the beginning of the academic year at Don E. Hayden

Elementary School. Mazo was initially booked at Las Vegas’ jail on 10 counts of lewdness with a minor under the age of 14. A separate report on Las Vegas ReviewJournal said Mazo faced similar charges of abuse in 2008 though judges dismissed them and had his records sealed from public view after he “completed certain court requirements.” Mazo’s bail has been set for $150,000, or $15,000 per charge. Another Review Journal report said

Mazo has confessed to police after he was arrested last April that he touched the eight-year-old victim twice and over the clothes “because he had a temptation.” It added that his teaching license was granted in 2003 and had been renewed in October 2012. State policy requires teachers to submit biometric data, including fingerprints, to apply for licenses. It has since doubled its background checks for license renewals. n Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA

News / August 11, 2015 / 8:47 PM

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

FREE LISTING of events in HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper. Please email info@hello-philippines.com to include your event. DISCLAIMER: The Events Diary listing does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation or favouring by HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Hello Philippines newspaper and/or the Publisher. What’s On is a Filipino Events Diary listing for UK and Europe.

2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS – UK & EUROPE 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Gates Open at 5:30 pm The 70s Superband UK Tour Live - London City Temple Conference Centre, City Temple, Holburn Viaduct Leah Cubio 07971 818 706 / Doddie Victorino 07572 674 174 Nanay Lagie 07908697795 / Adelina Duenas 07854 114330 Jhermy 07825 509624 / Joanna Kelly 07403 427561 29th August 2015 2nd Ipswich Pinoy Festival 2015 Bourne Park, Wherstead Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 8LT Mike Baclayon - 07581376504 Jonathan Doblados - 07598278880 Neil Bacalso - 07736235014 Yol Jayme - 07982237924 September 10, 2015 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm Appellation of Origin: The Philippines Prochester Hall, London, W2 5HS +44 (0) 20 3488 1167 +44 (0) 7903 547676

22nd – 23rd August, 2015 3:30 pm & 6:00 pm The Love Affair - London Screening Prince Charles Theatre, 7 Leicester Place, London WC2H 78Y Lolita Boddy Tel: 07973 469450

6th September 2015, 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm FASHION EXTREME PARIS 2 LE PAVILLON CHAMPS ELYSEES 34 rue Marbeuf 75008 Paris, Paris, France Organiser: Suzette Riego Founder/Creator - together with: THE EXTREME TEAM - in partnership with SIGNE COUTURE PARIS - for the benefit of COEURS A COEURS FOUNDATION #HelpUsRebuildLives www.facebook.com/FashionExtremeParis”>Suzette Riego

Every Sunday 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Lahing Kayumanggi Rehearsals St. Andrew’s United Reformed Church Hall, Frognal Lane (corner Finchley Road), London NW3 7DY. Nearest tube: Finchley Road. Organiser: LKDance Contact Laurence at 07840 602 944 or Avery at 07805 239 801 or email info@lkdance.org.uk

Every 2nd Sunday 2:00 pm Filipino Family Mass at English Martyrs Catholic Church English Martyrs Catholic ChurchChalkhill Road, Wembley Park, HA9 9EW Hosted by: Alyssa Gonzales Becky at 07949857699 / Lina B at 07579418510

FREE LISTING of your events in HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper. If you know of any events please contact us via info@hello-philippines.com to submit your event. DISCLAIMER: The Events Diary Listing does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Hello Philippines newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Hello Philippines newspaper. This is merely an Events Diary Listing of what is happening within the Filipino Communities in Europe. This is for general information only.

2015 MONTHLY FILIPINO COMMUNITY MASSES IN GREATER LONDON 1st Saturday 5:00pm Devotion in Honour of Our Lady of Fatima (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament / Rosary / Benediction / Mass) St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB Oliver Abasolo – 07782 661 922

1st Sunday 2:00pm Five Precious Wounds Parish, Brentfield Road, Stonebridge Park, London NW10 8ER MervicMonocillo – 07894 636 140

1st Sunday 5:00pm Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Friary Road, Peckham, London SE15 1RH Allen Abeleda – 07713 625 888

2nd Saturday 4:00pm St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 103 Woolwich New Road, London SE18 6EF Moises Espanola – 07894 648 639

2nd Sunday 2:00pm English Martyrs Church, Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 9EW Becky Sarinas – 07949 857 699 / 07425 761 519 Lina B – 07579 418 510

2nd Sunday 2:00pm St Dominic Catholic Church, 243 Violet Lane, Waddon, Croydon CR0 4HN Merlie Mirto – 07722 216 462

2nd Sunday 4:00pm St. Anselm and St. Cecilia, 70 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3JA Feliciano Ramirez – 07733 680 748

3rd Sunday 3:00pm Sacred Heart of Jesus, New Priory, Quex Road, Kilburn, London NW6 4PS Sheidrick de Leon – 07738 210 202

3rd Sunday 3:00pm Blessed Sacrament Parish, 157 Copenhagen Street, Islington N1 0SR Christy Sangalang – 07709 119 969

Last Saturday 6:00pm Our Lady of Dolours, Servite Parish Church, 264 Fulham Road, London SW10 4EL Fr Allan Satur – 020 7352 6965 / fulhamroad@rcdow.org.uk Roland Adap – r_adap@hotmail.com

Last Sunday 12:00pm St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB Oliver Abasolo – 07782 661 922

Last Sunday 2:00pm St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 218 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE Rafael Santiago – 07795 254 451

Every Sunday 5:00pm Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 20 Brixton Road, Oval, London SW9 6BU Ben Ortiz – 07723 318 486

First Wednesdays 6:30pm Filipino Mass and Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Farm Street Church of the Immaculate Conception (Jesuit House Chapel), access on 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AY Josie Ramos – 07723 024 591

August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

INTERNATIONAL / GLOBAL NEWS

www.hello-philippines.com

Alaska translates workers rights FAQs to Filipino for OFWs FILIPINO workers in Alaska can now read about their rights in Filipino after the State Department of Labor and Workforce and Development of Alaska translated employee “frequently asked questions” pamphlets to several languages. A report on KTOO said the move was made to accommodate the state’s significant population of ilipino residents. The pamphlet contains 23 items answering inquiries such as basic wage, overtime pay, wage deductions, and

minimum-wage eligible employees, the report said. Wage and Hour Administration supervising investigator Joe Dunham told KTOO that the pamphlet was designed to inform Filipino workers of possible labor violations they may have missed due to cultural differences. “What turns out to be common in their culture turns out to be a violation in ours and very often, neither the employer nor the employee even knows about it,” Dunham said. Census data counted 19,394

single-heritage Filipinos and 25,424 mixed-heritage Filipinos living in Alaska, making them the largest Asian population in the state in 2010. KTOO’s data from the 2010 census indicated that 2.6 percent of households in the borough of Juneau spoke Filipino at home while 17 percent of the population in the Kodiak borough comprised of Filipinos. As from Filipino, the pamphlets were also translated to Yup’ik, Korean and Spanish, the report said. n Rie Takumi

/ KBK, GMA News / August 4, 2015 / 8:08 PM

Palace forms TWG to review terminal fee integration MALACAÑANG has formed a technical working group (TWG) to review the integration of terminal fees into airline ticket prices. Through Memorandum Circular 84, the Palace ordered the formation of the eight-member group particularly to determine how individuals not required to pay the terminal fee, such as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), can easily avail their exemption. The TWG shall be composed of officials from the following agencies: • i e o the E e uti e e ret ry • ep rt ent o r nsport tion nd

Communication, • hilippine erse s E ploy ent Administration, • ep rt ent o ouris • ep rt ent o r de • ep rt ent o Foreign A irs • nil ntern tion l Airport Authority (MIAA), and • t o pri te se tor represent ti es. The MIAA earlier issued Memorandum Circular No. 08, which seeks to integrate terminal fees amounting to P550 per passenger in all plane tickets. Pro-overseas Filipino worker groups assailed the Integrated Terminal Fee,

saying it would violate Republic Act 10022, the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, which exempts migrant workers from paying terminal fees Last October, a Pasay City court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) halting for 20 days the plan to integrate the terminal fee into the prices of plane tickets. The integration of the terminal fee in plane tickets is currently being implemented after the TRO lapsed. n Andreo Calonzo / KBK, GMA News / August 7, 2015 / 7:33 PM

INTERNATIONAL / GLOBAL NEWS

www.hello-philippines.com

August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

ROAD TO PARIS CLIMATE TALKS

Experts weigh in on Asia’s role, PHL’s intended emissions cut MANILA - All eyes will be on Paris later this year. In less than four months, leaders from 196 countries are expected to sign a global deal to tackle climate change. Increasingly, one key aspect in achieving the critical agreements is the leadership role of Asian countries. While a fair climate deal that is satisfactory to both wealthy and poor nations is crucial, Asia - a region with over 4.4 billion people and has been seen to bear much of the climate change impacts - has a lot at stake at the 21st Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December. Leaders of Asian nations are thus being urged to lead the way in empowering all countries to act and pro ect a unified geo political oice in addressing climate change and weather-induced disasters. Asia, experts said, could spur political momentum at the climate summit hopefully in uencing the largest emitters to pledge ambitious climate actions. “The countries in Asia, particularly China, India and Indonesia, are critical to not only achieving a successful outcome in Paris climate change negotiations, but more importantly in making sure that global temperatures stay well below 2 degrees Celsius,” said Salleemul Huq, director of the International Centre for Climate and Development at the Independent University of Bangladesh. Huq told InterAksyon.com that the remaining weeks would be crucial as most countries are expected to voluntarily submit their national climate action plans or the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) ahead of the climate summit in December. INDCs represent governments’ steps in addressing climate change in their own countries—whether on adaptation to climate impacts, building climate resilience or reducing greenhouse gas emissions. So far, 52 countries - mostly from leading economies like the United States, European Union member states, Russia, Canada, among others - have formally submitted their INDCs to the United Nations. Several Asian countries have also published their national climate action plans, among them China, Singapore, South Korea and Japan. China, one of the world’s biggest emitters, announced its aim to cut, by 2030, greenhouse gas emissions per unit of gross domestic product by 60-65 percent from the 2005 levels. The country also aims to increase to about 20 percent by 2030 its share of non-fossil fuels as part of its primary energy consumption.

Activists mount the People’s Climate March as the UN 20th Conference of Parties is held in Lima, Peru. The 21st COP will be held this December in Paris. Interaksyon.com file by Imelda V. Abano

Singapore has pledged to reduce by 2030 its emissions by 36 percent from 2005 levels. South Korea, on the other hand, has committed to reduce emissions by 37 percent during the same period. apan which faces significant energy challenges in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima disaster, set out an emissions reduction target of 26 percent from 2013 levels by 2030. The deadline for submission of INDCs to the UNFCCC is on October 1. In a policy brief, Gary Theseira of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Malaysia, said INDCs can be taken as opportunities for countries to push for the means to implement substantive actions within their own territory to reduce climate impacts and carbon emissions and move towards climate resilience. Past decade’s onslaught. In the past decade alone, countries in Southeast Asia have been hit by some of the most devastating climaterelated disasters on record. Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the central part of the Philippines in November 2013, left more than 6,000 dead and damaged millions of dollars worth in agriculture. Cyclone Nargis killed more than 80,000 in Myanmar in . he oods in hailand left more than a billion dollars in agricultural damage. “These impacts show that there is no time to be wasted for climate action in the region. Concrete steps are needed in reducing vulnerability to climate impacts and contribution to climate change,” Theseira said, citing the Weathering Extremes policy brief published by the ASEAN for a Fair, Ambitious and Binding Global Climate Deal (A-FAB). Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have a large potential for renewable energy. Theseira said their governments would do well to create or reinforce policies that promote the use and growth of renewable energy

while re-evaluating dependency on fossil fuels at the same time. Zelda Soriano, political advisor of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, said ASEAN leaders must also ensure a low-carbon development path and climate-resilient economy by promoting renewable energy. “We are urging our ASEAN governments to strengthen their unity through common positions and concrete programs and projects that will meet a long-term objective” of reducing carbon emission and boosting “resilience of countries to

Leaders of Asian nations are thus being urged to lead the way in empowering all countries to act and project a unified geopolitical voice in addressing climate change and weatherinduced disasters.” climate change,” Soriano said. “We cannot continue with a businessas-usual scenario if we want to ensure our safety and that of future generations.”

Is the Philippines primed to deliver its climate action plan? Before the deadline of submission of climate action plans to the UN by October 1, the Philippines is expected to reveal its plan on how to further reduce emissions, the bulk of which come from the energy and transport sectors, according to Climate Change Commission Vice-Chairperson Mary Ann Lucille Sering. Sering said the next few weeks are crucial as the final series of workshops, orientations and consultations are being conducted

with various sectors, including business stakeholders mostly in energy and transport. She said balancing carbon cuts with development pathways is crucial in crafting the country’s INDC. Although Manila intends to submit its INDC by August, the civil society organizations had asked for an extension to give them more time to review the content of the plan, Sering told the InterAksyon.com. he said the final national climate plan would then be submitted to President Benigno Aquino III for further comments and “to seek his guidance”. Sering, however, said “the initial numbers show that the emissions of the country are increasing but it also showed that initiatives both from private actions and public policies are also helping in the reduction of emissions.” Agriculture Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano, who has been for many years part of the Philippine delegation to the climate negotiations, told InterAksyon.com that the Philippine government “must be transparent and it should widen consultations to involve all sectors of government, including the civil society groups in crafting the country’s climate plan.” Serrano asked aloud: “Is the consultation wide enough? Or the Commission is just trying to meet the deadline to submit INDC?” He added: “For a country that has no obligation to reduce emissions, we do not have any commitment to do so. It is a unilateral move but we need to see first what other countries have to commit.”

Little Alvarez.

transparency,

debate:

Climate Change Commissioner Heherson Alvarez, on the other hand, revealed that the Philippines’ climate action plan is still being formulated to date. “It is unfortunate that this is being done with little transparency and without public debate. he official attitude seems to be that, since the Philippines is not a significant emitter, the crucial pledges should be made by the industrial nations. This attitude is so wrong,” Alvarez said in a statement. l are said that firstly the Philippines “has bound itself to submit contributions that are fair and ambitious in the light of our national circumstances.” Since private industry will bear the brunt of cutting emissions, there is a need for total transparency in order to build responsibility, trust, and accountability with all stakeholders, he said. Alvarez added that the country has also agreed that the collective INDCs shall be the basis for global

action toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. And as the nation most vulnerable to climate impacts, the Philippines should be an exemplar in demonstrating that emissions reduction is compatible with sustainable development and poverty reduction. “Equally important, by seriously defining our s the Philippines will also be in a position for priority assistance with regard to finance technology, and capacity-building from international funding agencies. Thus, to submit commitments that are run-of-the-mill will subvert our larger interests and likely embarrass the next administration,” asserted Alvarez. Former Climate Change Commissioner Naderev Saño, who now leads the People’s Pilgrimage, said that during the Paris climate talks, governments must closely monitor the promised reduction of carbon emissions through the INDCs and the commitment of funds from rich countries to mitigate the impacts of climate change. “Success in Paris means no less than the whole world coming to a new climate agreement that prevents further dangerous climate change, that challenges the status quo of unbridled consumerism, and that ensures the upliftment of the lives of billions of people confronting the twin crisis of development and climate disruption,” Sano said. “It is about an agreement that recognizes the dignity of the human condition. It is about a more just, democratic, and sustainable world. It is a big goal, but one I believe that humanity is capable of achieving.” Saño told InterAksyon.com: “As such, the Philippines must maintain its strong moral standing as one of the countries most impacted by climate change . . . It must galvanize global public opinion towards the right side of this issue. And it must also be a leader for strong domestic climate action that protects its communities, builds resilience, and fosters inclusive and sustainable development.” Saño had drawn a huge outpouring of sympathy for the Philippines in 2013, when Yolanda (Haiyan) struck as he was attending an international climate conference, and made a tearful appeal on behalf of the Philippines. He comes from the most-impacted areas of Yolanda in Eastern Visayas. Whatever happens in Paris climate talks in December, the global solidarity movement on climate change will persist and continue to inspire actions at the grassroots, Saño concluded in his latest interview. n Imelda V. Abano /

InterAksyon.com / August 13, 2015 / 7:26 PM

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

How are first PH inhabitants treated? Aeta people ‘beggars’ in their own land PAMPANGA - Bushman Edward Serrano struck two rocks together and wrapped the faint spark in wood sha ings building a fire in much the same way Stone Age man must have done two million years ago. The short, Afro-ed jungle survival instructor is an Aeta, from one of the most unique ethnolinguistic peoples of the Philippines, who are also the archipelago s first nown inhabitants. But after hunting and gathering for most of the past 40,000 years, their bushcraft is nearly forgotten, many of their languages are all but extinct, and their way of life is swiftly dying out. Rapid urbanization has turned tiny Aeta forest settlements into virtual islands, their nomadic lifestyle shut down as the deer, warthog, and jungle fowl they hunt for food are extirpated. “We can no longer do many of the things that our ancestors took for granted,” said Mr. Serrano, a highschool dropout who teaches soldiers and police how to ma e fire without matches or lighters. He teaches them where to look for water, should they get lost in the jungle, and which leaves, fruits, and seeds are safe to eat -- skills learned from his father. Sapang Uwak, which means Crow Creek, his sun-baked village in the foothills of the Pinatubo volcano about two hours’ drive from Manila, showcases both the old way of life --

and the disruption of the new. Languid water buffaloes pull carts filled with bananas and taro along dirt roads, parched river beds, and forests that the community of 1,700 people claim as their ancestral domain. But to leave their village to take their produce to mar et or find work as farmhands or construction workers, they have to pass through a giant private entertainment park. ‘Aliens in our own land’. A 1997 law recognized the rights of some 15 million ethnic minorities to their ancestral lands, and Sapang Uwak and nearby Aeta settlements have filed claims on a combined hectares (42,000 acres). However, the government has yet to define the boundaries of many areas, fueling fears of encroachment by private developers, said Roman King, leader of an association of Aeta communities. e were the first peoples of the Philippines, but now we are aliens in our own country,” said Mr. King, a retired policeman from the nearby settlement of Inararo. “If we lose our lands we have nowhere else to go... You’ll see more of us begging in the streets,” he said. Most of the Philippines’ estimated seven million Aetas live in tiny, isolated communities, engaged in slash-and-burn farming -- clearing forests for fields mo ing with the seasons and with limited contact with the outside world.

Aside from Sapang Uwak, three other Pinatubo Aeta communities have won titles to 39,000 hectares, giving the families steady cash from land leased to quarries, golf courses, and tourist resorts. But it is a cumbersome process and typically takes years to complete, said Jonathan Adaci, director of the ancestral domains office at the ational ommission on Indigenous Peoples. A mere 180 titles have been handed out nationwide, with some fi e million other claims still being processed, Mr. Adaci said. By law, ancestral domains cannot be bought nor sold, but this has not stopped outsiders from mysteriously obtaining titles. “At times there are some powerful people in government involved,” he told AFP, declining to give names. Unscrupulous people talk uneducated Aetas into parting with their land inheritance for a pittance, said Cynthia Zayas, a University of the Philippines anthropologist. “Private developers are eating up their land. The way it’s turning out, they could become squatters in their own land,” Ms. Zayas added. The Aetas of Sapang Uwak are dismayed by the delays and feel helpless, said survival instructor Serrano, a father of seven in his late 30s. “We’ve been pushed out in the past. We do not want that to happen to us again,” he told AFP.

Aeta mother and child. Ric Gonzales File Photo

‘Passive people’. Philippine minorities have been progressively elbowed out since the late 16th century as first pain and later the United States colonized the islands, introducing the concept of property titles, Ms. Zayas said. hey ne er fight bac . he Aeta will just run to the mountains. They’re a passive people and they don’t like violence,” she added. For the Pinatubo Aetas, the 1991 volcanic eruption that killed more than 600 people only made their plight worse. Deprived of their farms as well as game to hunt, about 35,000 Aetas moved to shelters clustered close to the main towns, according to government data. Many never left, with families reduced to begging on the roadsides. “They also started to adopt the

values of the lowlanders, they buy junk food, eat all these processed food and acquire the illnesses of lowlanders like high blood pressure and diabetes,” Ms. Zayas said. Getting formal titles to their ancestral lands is not enough and Aetas must learn new skills by going to school, Mr. Adaci said. “If they embrace the mainstream they should have more stability, but that means they will no longer be able to roam,” he added. Sapang Uwak children now go to school, but most are slow starters. Teachers often buy their pupils pencils and pads out of their own poc ets said first grade teacher Betsy Lozano. t s a difficult e istence because their parents do not really have stable incomes,” she told AFP. n AFP / August 9, 2015

De Lima: Part 2 of Mamasapano probe eyes US forces role MANILA, Philippines - Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima disclosed on Thursday that the second part of the investigation into the Mamasapano massacre will touch on the alleged involvement of American forces in the law enforcement mission gone awry. “We are awaiting the results on part two of our investigation ... This would include the alleged involvement of some Americans,” De Lima told lawmakers at the House of Representatives budget briefing of DOJ. She added that the Justice department’s fact-finding team is also expected to give a report on the possible liability of Police Officer 2 Christopher Lalan of the Special Action Force’s (SAF) 55th Special Action Company, who was singled out by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for allegedly killing four combatants of the Moro rebel group while the victims were sleeping.

Detail citing eyewitness code-named ‘Marathon’, from NBI National Prosecution Service special investigation team report.

De Lima said she is expecting the report of the fact-finding team within the month. The clash between SAF and MILF forces merged with other factional and rebel armed groups on January 25 in the town Mamasapano, Maguindanao Province resulted in the death of at least 44 police commandos, 17 MILF members and five civilians.

The first part of the inquiry looked into how exactly 35 PNP-SAF commandos forming the blocking force in Barangay Tukanalipao were annihilated by combined forces of the MILF, its breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other private armed groups, as they retreated from the marshy area where they tried to arrest the international terrorist who

went by the nom de guerre Marwan on the basis of warrants from Philippine courts. In the first part of the case, the panel headed by Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera recommended that 90 MILF, BIFF and private armed group members be charged with murder and theft — the latter charge because the firearms, equipment and personal belongings of the PNP-SAF men were taken from them. The second part of the Navera team’s fact-finding was supposed to cover — besides the death of the nine PNP-SAF commandos who took down Marwan but were themselves later killed — the deaths as well of 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members and five civilians. This took place at Barangay Pidsandawan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The Navera team was also tasked to inquire into the reported participation of US personnel in the operation.

During hearings on the encounter at the House, several lawmakers noted the testimony of an eyewitness on the death of two “Americans” in the clash. According to Bayan Muna partylist Representative Carlos Zarate, this “proves that the US involvement was more than just advisory and provision of real time intelligence information via its drone operations.” The testimony of the eyewitness, known only by the codename “Marathon,” was contained in the report of the National Bureau of Investigation-National Prosecution Service special investigation team. In its report, the NBI-NPS team also recommended the continued investigation into the extent of US involvement in the Mamasapano operation, arguing that “criminal investigations and national security are not mutually exclusive.” n Lira Dalangin-Fernandez / InterAksyon.com / August 13, 2015 / 2:11 PM

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

‘Manipulated’ referred to attempted eviction of lumad from Davao church - UN expert ‘DISTORTION’

MANILA -- United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Chaloki Beyani has broken his silence and scored what he called the military’s “incorrect, unacceptable and … gross distortion of my views” on the plight of hundreds of lumad who have sought shelter in a church compound in Davao City. statement of clarification from Beyani, issued Thursday through the UN Information Center in Manila, said he was “appalled” by the “misrepresentation of his comments by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.” The UN expert referred to an August 7 press release from the Eastern Mindanao Command that lifted an excerpt from the exit brief he gave in Camp Aguinaldo towards the end of his 10-day visit to the country on the invitation of the government late last month, to bolster military claims that the Manobo tribesfolk from Davao del Norte and Bukidnon at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines Haran Mission House “are manipulated, not evacuees but ictims of traffic ing. This is the second statement issued by eyani s office on the Eastmincom press release. An earlier statement from his media liaison Graham Fox called the military claims a “gross misrepresentation of the position of the Special Rapporteur.” The Eastmincom press release quoted Beyani as saying: “When we asked them about the circumstances in which why they left their areas they say they were at risked at force recruitment into Alamara and the movements to that area was in protest in relation to the presence of Alamara, so they wanted to make a point that that was what happened. But I have been there for some time, I think they got manipulated.” When questions were raised about Beyani’s supposed “assessment,” which differed substantially to the official e it statement he made at the end of his visit to the country, the AFP released an audio recording of the UN expert’s exit brief. The exact words he said, in the excerpt cited by Eastmincom, as gleaned from the recording, were: “When we asked them about the circumstances in which they left, they said they were at risk of forced recruitment into the Alamara and their movements to that area was in protest both in relation to the presence of the Alamara and of military activity. So they wanted to make a point that this is what is

happening. But having been there for some time, I think they got manipulated and their situation is now vulnerable.” n his statement of clarification Beyani said: “My reference to their being ‘manipulated’ related to the attempt to forcibly move them out of the UCCP facility without proper and adequate consultation with them.” He was referring to the June 23 attempt to evict the lumad from Haran and return them to the communities they ed which turned violent and left at least 15 persons hurt. he anobo refugees had ed what they said was the occupation of their communities and even tribal schools by soldiers and militias. Journalists who transcribed what the military called Beyani’s “ad libs” agreed that the rest of the recording bears him out. In his comments, Beyani suggested that Davao police personnel involved in the June 23 incident “may have been invited in the belief that the communities have agreed to go (home) and found a situation which they totally did not expect on their hands.” He also referred to a “statement by Congresswoman Nancy” about the “political implications” of the Haran situation, an apparent reference to North Cotabato Representative Nancy Catamco, who chairs the House committee on indigenous people, and who, like the military, insists the lumad in Davao are being held against their will and ictims of traffic ing. “And this we say, situations of that sort should not be politicized …” Beyani adds in the recording. In his statement on Thursday, Beyani said: “Let me be absolutely clear, the indigenous persons in Davao are not victims of human traffic ing. was e plicit in my discussions with the senior AFP representatives on multiple occasions, and indeed at my press conference, that the indigenous persons concerned should under no circumstances be considered to fall into the category of traffic ed persons.” “I therefore consider that the AFP statement by the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) in its news release of 7 August that the lumads in Davao City are victims of human traffic ing is incorrect unacceptable, and represents a gross distortion of my views on this issue,” he stressed. He also referred several times to his official e it statement on uly

31 in which he urged “a peaceful resolution of the situation in full consultation with the indigenous peoples concerned and their legitimate leaders.” “It is essential to avoid any form of manipulation of their (lumad’s) situation by any party, governmental or non-governmental. The human rights, security and wishes of the indigenous peoples themselves must be the highest priority. No attempts should be made to forcibly remove the people from the UCCP facility,” he added. READ THE FULL STATEMENT OF UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR CHALOKA BEYANI:

Internal displacement / Indigenous peoples: UN expert appalled at distortion of his comments by Philippines Armed Forces

MANILA / GENEVA (13 August 2015) – In a statement of clarification the nited ations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, Chaloka Beyani, today described the misrepresentation of his comments by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on the situation of hundreds of internally displaced indigenous persons in Davao, Mindanao, as “incorrect, unacceptable and a gross distortion of my views.” In a press release issued on 7 August, the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command misquoted Mr. Beyani as saying that the indigenous people in Davao City have not been displaced from their ancestral homes, but are ictims of human traffic ing. he Special Rapporteur conducted a tenday official isit to the Philippines at the invitation of the Government which concluded on 31 July. uring my recent official isit to the Philippines, representatives of the AFP informed me of their assessment that the indigenous persons concerned in Davao City were ictims of traffic ing in persons and were being held against their will in the United Church of Christ in the Philippines Haran facility. The indigenous peoples whom I interviewed informed me that they relocated to this facility freely and in response to the militarization of their lands and territories and forced recruitment into paramilitary groups operating under the auspices of the AFP. My reference to their being ‘manipulated’ related to the attempt to forcibly move them out of the UCCP facility without proper and adequate consultation with them. I therefore consider that the AFP

The commotion at the UCCP Haran Mission House in Davao City when lumad refugees resisted an attempt to forcibly evict them and return them to their communities on June 23. File photo by Davao Today

statement by the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) in its news release of 7 August that the lumads (Indigenous People) in Davao City are ictims of human traffic ing is incorrect, unacceptable, and represents a gross distortion of my views on this issue. At the end of my visit on 31 July, I called for a peaceful resolution of the situation in full consultation with the indigenous peoples concerned and their legitimate leaders. It is essential to avoid any form of manipulation of their situation by any party, governmental or non-governmental. The human rights, security and wishes of the indigenous peoples themselves must be the highest priority. No attempts should be made to forcibly remove the people from the UCCP facility. n my official e it statement of July I highlighted that indigenous peoples have been particularly ulnerable to con ict induced displacement in many regions, particularly in Mindanao. I noted my concern at the plight of hundreds of indigenous peoples currently living in basic United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) run facilities in the city of Davao having been displaced from their ancestral homes for several months due to long standing con ict between the government and the New People’s Army (NPA) in their region. During my visit, I travelled to Davao to consult the national and local authorities and the indigenous peoples themselves on this situation. I heard from the AFP its assertion that it is seeking to protect the communities and pro ide ser ices to them in con ict

regions; however the displaced IPs made it clear that it is their presence and that of the paramilitary groups in their communities that continues to create anxiety amongst the indigenous communities. The community wishes to return to its lands but stressed to me that they will only feel safe to do so if the long-term militarization of their region comes to an end and they can return with guarantees of safety, dignity and protection. They described to me their concerns including their alleged forced recruitment into paramilitary groups, known as Alamara, under the auspices of the AFP and harassment in the context of the ongoing con ict between the P and the NPA. Schools have reportedly been closed and/or occupied by the AFP or Alamara, hampering the access to education of indigenous children. While tribal leaders informed me that they are not being detained against their will at the UCCP centre in Davao, as is evident by reports of their periodic return to their communities, their current situation is neither acceptable nor sustainable. t is essential to find a rapid and peaceful solution to their situation in full consultation with their legitimate leaders, with their voluntary and secure return to their ancestral lands being a high priority. I urged the Government, in consultation with indigenous peoples themselves, to give greater attention to addressing the causes of displacement whether it be due to the militarization of their areas or due to development projects.” n InterAksyon.com / August 13, 2015 / 8:55 AM

August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

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Oﬃce of the Vice President performance ranks last among 64 govt agencies–Makati Business Club SIXTY-SEVEN members of the Makati Business Club are of the perception that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is the worst performing among 64 government agencies they were asked to rate in the latest MBC survey. The OVP’s rank in last year’s MBC Executive Outlook Survey was 33rd. It ranked 64th or last in the new survey done from July 6 to August 7. The MBC did not say why or how ratings of the office of ice President e omar inay dropped to the last spot on their survey. ith the O P in the bottom fi e are “Department of Transportation and Communications (63rd), Bureau of Customs (62nd), Department of Agriculture (61st), and the Energy Regulatory Commission (60th).” MBC executives who participated in the survey gave 24 government agences negative net satisfaction ratings. The

67 MBC corporate members are 16.6 percent of the total membership of 404 firms. Results of the survey were posted Thursday on the MBC website. Positive marks. “The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, and the Department of Tourism maintain their hold as the top government agencies which received positive net satisfaction scores,” the MBC said. According to MBC executive director Peter Perfecto, “BSP has been ranked as the top government agency for the fourth straight time, dating back to 2011, owing to its continuing satisfactory work in maintaining the country s macroeconomic and financial stability, despite external threats from overseas.” “Joining the BSP, PEZA, and DOT in the top 5 are the Department of

Foreign Affairs and PAGASA (tied for 4th),” the MBC also said. Thirty-eight agencies got positive net satisfaction ratings from the club. “The most improved agencies based on their rankings from 2014 are the Senate (+26), House of Representatives (+13), Department of Trade and ndustry oard of n estments Office of the Ombudsman and Department of Budget and Management (all got +11),” the MBC said. The Governance Commission for GOCCs (29th), National Telecommunications Commission (49th), the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (58th), and the Energy Regulatory Commission (60th) were rated for the first time by the MBC survey. “During the survey period, the Arbitral Tribunal of the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea

commenced hearings on the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea; Police Director Ricardo Marquez formally took over as the chief of the Philippine National Police; President quino deli ered his fifth and final

State of the Nation Address; and the President formally endorsed Interior Secretary Mar Roxas as the administration’s 2016 standardbearer,” the MBC recalled. n ELR, GMA News / August 14, 2015 / 1:52 AM

GUESS Which city police station is the best in the Philippines? DAGUPAN CITY - Which city police station is the best in the Philippines? Dagupan City Police Station bested 1,700 municipal and 140 police stations throughout the country, after it was earlier adjudged the best police station in Pangasinan and in Region 1 (Ilocos Regioni). PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez handed the Nationwide Outstanding City Police Station Achievement Award to Supt. Christopher Abrahano, Dagupan chief of police, in a ceremony during the 114th Police Service Anniversary on Monday at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Difficult year. Abrahano admitted the year 2014 which was the basis for the selection was a difficult year for the Dagupan police due to crimes and issues that it faced within its jurisdiction. Among the tough cases it handled

included the shooting and wounding of Barangay Captain Joaquin Reyes Jr. inside the Tapuac barangay hall, a robbery holdup in a jewelry store where one of the holdup men was killed, and the shooting and wounding of a media man by his

neighbor, which were all solved. “We faced many trials last year but we are glad that we rose above these challenges and our higher commanders were able to recognize this,” said Abrahano. Abrahano said the Dagupan police

Interaksyon File Photo

implemented a crime prevention and solution program that resulted in higher crime solution efficiency. Among these are the K (Kaibigang)Pulis Dagupan, regular simulation exercises, Oplan Sita, and Patrol 10A, among others. “I believe they (members of the selection board) also considered our accomplishments in our campaign against illegal drugs,” said Abrahano. Hr acknowledged the support of the local government unit headed by Mayor Belen Fernandez and the community as a big factor that enabled them to receive national recognition. “It is a fact that the LGU and the community have a very good harmonious relationship with us that enabled the local police to achieve the goal of peace and order in the city,” said Abrahano. He recalled how the city government

and the community responded well to the police appeal through the K-Pulis program. “The people in the barangays were with us patrolling, conducting checkpoints for the purpose of securing their community against illegal elements,” said Abrahano. Furthermore, he promised that his unit will continue to strive for excellence despite the high recognition already received. “This award will serve as an inspiration for us to work more and I hope this will also inspire the community to be even more vigilant as we foresee that many more trials will come our way but we are ready to rise above them all once again,” he added. n Hilda Martin Austria / Philippines News Agency /

August 13, 2015 / 7:55 AM

How 2 MMDA traffic enforcers helped a distressed motorist THESE two traffic enforcers deserve to be commended for showing their compassion to a motorist in need - even beyond their call of duty. As the story was shared and became trending on social media, college student Jomai Moreno wrote in his Facebook page that he was helped and e en lent money by traffic constables Tetchie Carmona and Maria Sol Acosta after he figured in a traffic accident on Tuesday last week in EDSA-Guadalupe wherein he bumped the vehicle of another motorist. “On my way home to Bulacan from Terminal 4, Along EDSA, I needed to stop kasi may emergency, Kailangang kailangan ko ng pera that time pero wala akong dala kahit magkano, pangtoll gate na lang…” Moreno wrote on Facebook.

hese two officers approached me and asked me what’s wrong. I told them that I needed money badly…” Moreno added. He told them that the motorist was asking P2,000 in damages, and admitted to them that he did not have that amount. To his surprise, the enforcers not only pleaded with the motorist to lower the price, but without hesitation, they also shelled out P1,500 of their money so that Moreno can pay the damages. “No hesitations, they lent me money which is Php 1500 to be exact. Nagulat ako kasi ‘di ko sila kilala??” Moreno wrote. The enforcers told News5 that the P1,500 would have been equivalent to their food and travel allowance

for a week but they did not pass the chance to help someone in need and ust wanted to return the fa or they received from the past. “Marami tayong mga kawani na tahimik na tumutulong sa kapwa (We have many employees who silently help others) beyond the call of duty. Theirs is the story of compassion,” said Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis olentino who praised the two traffic constables. The two humbly said that to thank them was already enough and they would be happy. Moreno had returned the money the enforcers lent him. And he now views MMDA enforcers not as mulcters but with a certain degree of respect. n

Renz Ongkiko / News5 / August 12, 2015 / 10:05 AM

MMDA traffic constables Tetchie Carmona and Maria Sol Acosta. TV5 Screenshot

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HEALTH and Lifestyle

August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Overweight children: advice for parents IF your child is o erweight there s lots you can do to help them become a healthy weight as they grow. s a parent it can sometimes be difficult to tell that your child is o erweight. child may not loo particularly hea y to be o erweight. nd because more children are becoming hea ier at a younger age we e become used to seeing bigger children. here s a lot you can now do to help your child reach a healthy weight. esearch shows that children who achie e a healthy weight tend to be fitter healthier better able to learn and more self confident. hey re also less li ely to ha e low self esteem and be bullied. nd they re much less li ely to ha e health problems in later life.

s a parent there s lots you can do to help your child become a healthier weight. etting them to be more acti e and eat well is important. ere s lots of practical ad ice to help you. Steps for success. ere are fi e ey ways you can help your child maintain a healthy weight. ou can read this whole page or clic on the lin s below to go directly to the topic you want to now about Be a good role model. One of the best ways to instil good habits in your child is for you to be a good role model. hildren learn by e ample. One of the most powerful ways to encourage your child to be acti e and eat well is to do so yourself. et a good e ample by going for a wal or bi e ride instead of watching

or surfing the internet. Playing in the par or swimming with your children shows them that being acti e is fun and it s a great way for you all to spend time together. Get active. O erweight children don t need to do more e ercise than slimmer children. heir e tra body weight means they will naturally burn more calories for the same acti ity. ll children need about minutes of physical acti ity a day for good health but it doesn t need to be all at once. e eral short minute or e en minute bursts of acti ity throughout the day can be ust as good as an hour long stretch. or younger children it can ta e the form of acti e play such as ball games chasing games li e it and tag riding a scooter and using playground swings climbing frames and see saws. or older children it could include riding a bi e s ateboarding wal ing to school s ipping swimming dancing and martial arts. al ing or cycling short distances instead of using the car or bus is a great way to be acti e together as a family and you ll sa e money too. Child-size portions. ry to a oid feeding your child o er si ed portions. here s ery little official guidance on precisely how much food children

require so you ll need to use your own udgement. good rule of thumb is to start meals with small ser ings and let your child as for more if they are still hungry. ry not to ma e your child finish e erything on the plate or eat more than they want to. nd a oid using adult si e plates for younger children as it encourages them to eat o ersi ed portions. t may also help if you encourage your child to eat slowly and ha e set mealtimes. ou can use mealtimes as an opportunity to catch up on what s happened during the day. Eat healthy meals. hildren ust li e adults should aim to eat fi e or more portions of fruit and egetables e eryday. hey re a great source of itamins minerals and fibre. etting shouldn t be too difficult. lmost all fruit and egetables count towards your childs including fresh tinned fro en and dried. uices smoothies beans and pulsesalso count. iscourage your child from ha ing too many sugary or high fat foods li e sweets ca es biscuits some sugary cereals and soft drin s. hese foods and drin s tend to be high in calories and low in nutrients. im for your child to get most of their calories from healthier foods such

as fruit and egetables and starchy foods such as bread potatoes pasta and rice preferably wholemeal . nd switch sweet drin s for water.

Less screen time and more sleep!

longside the ad ice to get them mo ing more is the need to reduce the time they spend sitting or lying down in the day. elp your children a oid sitting and lying around too much as this ma es them more li ely to put on weight. imit the time your child spends on inacti e pastimes li e watching playing ideo games and playing on electronic de ices. here s no hard and fast ad ice on how much is too much but e perts ad ise that children should watch no more than two hours of tele ision each day. nd remo e all screens including mobile phones from their bedroom at night. t also helps children stay trim if they sleep well. t s been shown that children who don t ha e the recommended amount of sleep are more li ely to be o erweight. he less children sleep the greater the ris of them becoming obese. ac of sleep can also affect their mood and beha iour. f your child has a medical condition then the ad ice in this article may not be rele ant and you should chec first with their P or hospital doctor. n NHS Choices

Worried about your teenager? ARE you worried about your teenager? Many parents find that their children act differently during the teenage years. It is common to worry that they may be affected by mental health issues such as depression or eating disorders, or be involved in risky behaviour such as taking drugs, abusing alcohol, having unprotected sex, or committing crimes.

Normal teenage behaviour something more serious?

Teenage behaviour can be erratic and unpredictable, so it can difficult to distinguish when they are just ‘being a teenager’ and when something more serious is going on. But, as a parent, there are certain warning signs to look out for. Linda Blair, clinical psychologist, advises: “As a parent what you can do is look out for unexpected and persisting changes. “Have they changed in any way that is particularly out of character for them? For example, if your teenager is usually very sociable – and he or she withdraws socially to a large degree – there could be a problem. “If they’re normally very chatty and they become completely uncommunicative, it may be worth exploring whether it’s due to more than just teenage angst.”

Encourage teenagers to talk. Most teenagers become moody and uncommunicative from time to time. This is often due to hormonal changes,

which make the teenage years an emotional time. Many teenagers haven’t yet developed the skills to talk about emotions, so communication becomes very difficult. Teenagers also have to go through a process of setting themselves physically and emotionally apart from their parents. However, if you’re worried about them, you may be able to encourage them to open up. Direct questioning can make them feel very threatened, so a more subtle approach is more effective. Linda Blair suggests: “If you’re having trouble getting them to open up to you, be available to them as much as possible. Take every opportunity to be there for them at times when they feel comfortable talking freely. Eat together whenever possible. A great example is to provide a taxi service – being in the car is a non-threatening situation for them because you’re not looking at one another. Have meals together whenever you can – perhaps take them out for a pizza, for example. If they refuse to talk to you and you are worried that something more serious is going on, you may need to open up other channels of communication for them. Be honest and explain that you’re worried that they’re going through something difficult, and if they can’t talk to you, that’s fine, but they should talk to someone. Try offering helpline numbers, or suggesting a GP or a friend of the family.

Let them ‘choose’ where to go for help. Allowing them to make a decision

about how and where to seek help can also be beneficial. Linda explains: “If you’re very worried, whether about drugs or an eating disorder, you can try offering them what’s known as a ‘forced choice decision’. “Present them with two choices, both of which represent a positive step. For example, suggest they talk either to your GP or to a named family friend. That way, they feel more in control.”

Spotting the signs of abnormal teen behaviour. Many of the symptoms listed below can often be attributed to normal teenage behaviour. However, if you’re worried, it can be helpful to know the signs of a possible problem. You may then choose to discuss your concerns with your teen, or get advice from your GP. Depression in teenagers. Noticeable symptoms of depression in teenagers can include: continuous low mood or sadness; voicing/showing feelings of hopelessness and helplessness; frequent tearfulness; being irritable and intolerant of others; apparent lack of energy or motivation, and little or no enjoyment of things that were once interesting to them; slowed movement or speech; changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased); frequent unexplained aches and pains; disturbed sleep patterns (for example, problems going to sleep and/or waking throughout the night, particularly in the early hours of the morning); losing interest or being disruptive at school or playing truant; and constantly complaining that they feel bored or lonely.

Teenage eating disorders. The most common eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia andbinge eating. Signs of eating disorders can include: having a preoccupation and concern about food and gaining weight; a desire to lose weight even though their friends or other family members worry that they’re underweight; letting people around them think they have eaten when they haven’t; being secretive about their eating habits; becoming anxious, upset or guilty when asked to eat; and vomiting, or using laxatives in order to lose weight. Self-harming teenagers. People who self-harm usually try to keep it a secret from their friends and family and often injure themselves in places that can be hidden easily by clothing. If you suspect that your teenager is selfharming, look out for any of the following signs: unexplained cuts, bruises or cigarette burns, usually on their wrists, arms, thighs and chest; keeping themselves fully covered at all times, even in hot weather; signs of depression, such as low mood, tearfulness, a lack of motivation or lack of interest in everything; changes in eating habits or being secretive about eating, and any unusual

weight loss or weight gain; signs of low self-esteem, such as blaming themselves for any problems or thinking they are not good enough; signs they have been pulling out their hair; and signs of alcohol or drug misuse. Teenagers who take drugs. Signs that your teenager is taking drugs can include: losing interest in hobbies, sports or other favourite activities; losing interest in their appearance or personal hygiene; dramatic changes in behaviour; suddenly forming an almost totally new group of friends; excessive tiredness and lack of appetite; playing truant from school; dilated pupils, red eyes, bad skin; spending an increased amount of money, coupled with a refusal to explain why; and stealing money from you. Finding any of the following items in their room or in the house, could indicate that they are using drugs: pipes; rolling papers; small medicine bottles; eye drops; butane lighters; homemade ‘bongs’ (pipes that use water as a filter) made from tin cans or plastic drinks bottles; scorched tinfoil; razor blades; and syringes. n NHS Choices

e. If you have a ask for a GP, who

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persistent. An estimated four out of five children with peanut allergies remain allergic for the rest of their life. 24 to peanutswww.hello-philippines.com Food allergies that develop during adulthood, or persist into adulthood, are likely to be lifelong allergies. For reasons that are unclear, rates of food allergies have risen sharply in the lastAROUND 20 years. one or two people out What is a food allergy? A food However, anaphylaxisof every 100deaths in the from UK have a food allergy is a rapid and potentially related food are now very rare. serious response to a food by your allergy, but reactions food intolerance is more There were only two reported deaths common. immune system. It can trigger classic related to foodfood allergies in England and allergy symptoms such as a rash, Genuine allergy is rare. Wales during ■ NHS Choices(and 8% About 2% of2010. the population wheezing and itching. of children under the age of three) The most common food allergies are affected. among adults are to fish and shellfish and nuts – including peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts and brazil nuts. Children often have allergies to milk and eggs as well as to peanuts, other nuts and Food allergy: fish. • Symptoms come on within seconds What is a food intolerance? Food or minutes of eating the food intolerances are more common than food allergies. The symptoms of food • In extreme cases it can be lifeintolerance tend to come on more threatening slowly, often many hours after eating • Even a tiny trace of the food can the problem food. Typical symptoms cause a reaction include bloating and stomach cramps. • It is easily diagnosed with tests It’s possible to be intolerant to several different foods. This can make it Food intolerance: difficult to identify which foods are • Symptoms come on more slowly and causing the problem. are long-lasting. They mainly involve Food intolerances can also the digestive system be difficult to tell apart from • It’s never life-threatening other digestive disorders that can • A reasonable portion of food is produce similar symptoms, such usually needed to cause a reaction, as in ammatory bowel disease although some people can be gastrointestinal obstructions sensitive to small amounts orirritable bowel syndrome (IBS). • You may crave the problem food Lactose intolerance. Lactose • It’s difficult to diagnose as there are intolerance, sometimes known as dairy only a few reliable tests intolerance, occurs when your body

HEALTH and Lifestyle food

August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Is it a food allergy or food intolerance?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley that damages the intestine of people with coeliac disease. Symptoms include diarrhoea, bloating and weight loss. Coeliac disease can be accurately diagnosed with a blood test and biopsy. About one out of 100 people in the UK have coeliac disease, but it’s estimated that around half a million aren’t diagnosed.

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How to tell the difference

Treatments for food allergy and food intolerance. In the case of a food

can’t digest lactose. Lactose is in milk and dairy products such as yoghurts and soft cheeses. The main symptoms are diarrhoea and stomach pain. In most cases, your GP can diagnose lactose intolerance by looking at your symptoms and medical history.

Could it be another type of food intolerance or condition? Sometimes it isn’t clear which food is causing a problem. The only reliable way of identifying such a food intolerance is

through an exclusion diet, where you cut out certain foods from your diet one at a time to see if there’s an effect. Coeliac disease is a common digestive condition where a person has an adverse reaction to gluten. However, coeliac disease is not an allergy or an intolerance to gluten. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them.

allergy, you’ll have to avoid the food you’re allergic to. You may be able to eat the cooked versions without any problems, for example with fruit or vegetable allergies. With lactose intolerance, you’ll have to reduce the amount of dairy food that you eat. With other forms of food intolerance, you’ll have to stop eating the food for a while, or possibly for life. With the autoimmune condition coeliac disease, you must avoid gluten for life. In all cases, always read food labels carefully, and learn where your problem food may be used as an ingredient in other foods. For more advice on your diet, ask your GP to refer you to an NHS dietitian. n NHS Choices

symptoms of a mild to moderate allergic reaction. A type of medication called adrenaline is aneffective treatment for anaphylaxis. People with a food allergy are often given a device, known as an auto-injector pen, which contains dosages of adrenaline that can be used in case of emergencies. When to seek medical advice. If you suspect you or your child may have a food allergy, it’s very important to ask for a professional diagnosis from your GP, who can refer you to an allergy clinic. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has also released a short guide for parents who are concerned that their child has a food allergy. Many parents mistakenly assume their child has a food allergy when in fact their symptoms are due to a completely different condition. There are commercial allergytesting kits available but their use is not recommended. Many kits are based on unsound scientific principles and even if they are reliable, it is best to have

the results interpreted by a health professional. Who is affected. Most food allergies affect younger children aged under the age of three. It is estimated that around one child in every 14 children of this age has one or more food allergies. Most children will “outgrow” food allergies to milk, eggs, soya and wheat by the time they start school. Peanut allergies are usually more persistent. An estimated four out of five children with peanut allergies remain allergic to peanuts for the rest of their life. Food allergies that develop during adulthood, or persist into adulthood, are likely to be lifelong allergies. For reasons that are unclear, rates of food allergies have risen sharply in the last 20 years. However, deaths from anaphylaxisrelated food reactions are now very rare. There were only two reported deaths related to food allergies in England and Wales during 2010. n NHS Choices

Food allergy

you’ll have to stop eating the food for a while, or possibly for life. With the autoimmune condition coeliac disease, you must avoid gluten for life. In Aallfood cases, always read food labels allergy is when the body’s carefully, and learn where your problem immune system reacts abnormally to food may be used as an ingredient in other specific foods. foods.Allergic reactions are often mild, but For more advice on your diet, serious. ask your GP they can sometimes be very to referInyouchildren, to an NHScommon dietitian. food ■ NHS allergies Choices

include being allergic to milk and eggs. In adults, allergies to fruits and vegetables are more common. Nut allergies, such as being allergic to peanut, are relatively common in both children and adults. Symptoms of a food allergy can affect different areas of the body at the same time. Some common symptoms include: • n it hy sens tion inside the mouth, throat or ears • r ised it hy red s in r sh (this is known asurticaria, hives or “nettle rash”) • s elling o the e round the eyes, lips, tongue and the roof of the mouth (this is known as angioedema)

Anaphylaxis In the most serious cases, a person has a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can be lifethreatening. If you suspect that somebody is experiencing thesymptoms of anaphylaxis, such as breathing difficulties and swollen lips, immediately call 999 for an ambulance and tell the operator that you think the person has anaphylaxis.

What causes food allergies? Food allergies are caused when the immune system (the body’s defence against infection) mistakenly treats proteins found in food as a threat to the body, when in fact they should be harmless. It then releases a number of chemicals to prevent what it sees as an infection taking hold. It is these chemicals that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Any food could cause an allergic reaction, but there are certain foods that are responsible for most food allergies. In children, the foods that most commonly cause an allergic reaction are: • il • eggs • pe nuts • tree nuts • ish • shell ish The majority of children with a food allergy have a background of eczema (an allergic skin condition) during infancy. The worse their eczema is and the earlier it started, the more likely they are to have a food allergy. In adults, the foods that most commonly cause an allergic reaction are: • so e types o ruit su h s pples pears, kiwi fruit and peaches • so e types o eget les su h s potatoes, carrots, celery and parsnip • rust e ns shell ish su h s r lobster and prawns • tree nuts su h s lnuts r il

nuts, almonds and pistachios • pe nuts • ish It is still uncertain why people develop allergies to food, although often people with a food allergy have other allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever and eczema. Types of food allergies. The most common type of food allergy is triggered by an antibody called immunoglobulin E. This is known as IgE-mediated food allergy and tends to cause rapid symptoms, often within seconds or minutes of exposure to certain foods. There is a greater risk of anaphylaxis with this type of allergy. Allergic reactions not caused by immunoglobulin E (non IgE mediated food allergy) tend to cause symptoms hours or even days after exposure to certain foods. This type of allergy is often difficult to diagnose. Treatment. There is no treatment to cure a food allergy. The best way of preventing an allergic reaction is to identify the type of food that causes the allergy and then avoid it in future. Read more about identifying foods which cause allergies(these are known as allergens). However, avoid making any radical changes to your child’s diet, such as cutting dairy products, without first consulting with your GP. A type of medication called an antihistamine can help relieve the

August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

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Legarda vows to tackle under-spending, lump sums in ‘transparent, consultative’ budget deliberation

Senator Loren Legarda with the country’s taxmen. (from left) Customs commissioner Alberto Lina, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and BIR commissioner Kim Henares after the budget hearing on Thursday, August 13, 2015. ©InterAksyon.com

MANILA -- The deliberation of the P3.002-trillion proposed 2016 national budget will be “transparent and consultative,” and will tackle outstanding issues like lump sums and under-spending, Senator Loren Legarda has assured. “We will scrutinize the national budget of 2016 in a manner that is transparent and consultative,” egarda said during the briefing by the Development Budget Coordinating Committee on the 2016 National Expenditure Program. Legarda, who chairs the Senate finance committee also owed to break down so-called lump sum

items, if there are any, “so that there is no suspicion that it will be used for any purpose other than serving the growth of the nation and the needs of every Filipino.” “I want to leave a legacy budget that is socially inclusive, gender sensitive, climate adaptive, attuned towards reducing disaster risks, and that mainstreams culture and heritage in every department, something that is also sensitive and responsive to the needs of the vulnerable sectors of our population,” she stressed. She also said the committee will look into the issue of under-spending

by some government agencies, noting that this has been going on since 2011. “We want to know why there has been under-spending. Is it because of the process of procurement under the law, the bureaucracy or red tape e need to find out the causes of under-spending because we allocate funds, the funds are earmarked for expenditures that should generate income, jobs and economic activity, but if it is not spent then there is a problem and so there is slower growth,” she said. n

Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / August 13, 2015 / 11:52 AM

Woman earns netizens’ ire for posting photo of dog shot dead for ‘being too noisy’ A woman who posted a photo of a dog with a gunshot wound online, with a message saying her father shot it because it was making too much noise, has earned the ire of netizens. Facebook users got even angrier when the dog’s owner also posted pictures of the dead pet, with some even creating an online petition on Change.org in protest, a report on “State of the Nation with Jessica Soho” aired Thursday night said. The petition, which urges the company where the woman works “to investigate [her] and if possible

YOLANDA UPDATE

terminate [her] with cause” for supporting cruelty to animals, has received more than 7,000 signatures in the four days since it was created. “Ang mga taong sumusulong para sa animal welfare at [laban sa] animal cruelty ang siyang pinaka-aktibo sa Internet, lalong lalo na sa Change.org... Hindi lang para maglabas ng sama ng loob, pero para magbigay ng isang ideya para sa pagbabago or para masolusyonan ang isang isyu,” Christine Roque, senior campaigner for Change.org, said. Meanwhile, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, or PAWS, is already

looking into the incident. Under the Animal Welfare Act, cruelty to and killing of animals are punishable with imprisonment and a fine. Animal rights advocates say, though, that it is not enough to get angry online. The best way to curb animal cruelty is to report incidents to the authorities. “Kailangan mo pa ring subukan na maghanap ng katarungan para sa mga biktima kasi hindi sila nakakapagsalita eh. Tayong mga tao ang puwedeng gumawa nun para sa mga biktimang hayop,” PAWS’ Lee Anne Escandor said. n JDS, GMA News / August 14, 2015 / 1:07 AM

12 skeletal remains of typhoon Yolanda victims found in Tacloban City TACLOBAN City - Almost two years after the monster storm Yolanda killed thousands of persons in Tacloban City and other parts of Region 8, the skeletal remains of 12 victims were found by the members/ rescuers of the City Risk Reduction and anagement Office two months ago, a belated report indicated. According to Acting CDRRMO Head Brando Bernadas, the 12 skeletons were found in the Cogon

Mass grave in Tacloban City.

San Jose area in this city. Six of them were identified through the remnants of their clothing and identification cards fished from the pockets. Of the si identified fatalities one of them was an employee of the city government. Today, the CDRRMO has officially recorded fatalities of Yolanda in Tacloban City, most of them buried in a 2.5-hectare lot acquired by the city government.

Next year, those families whose relatives went missing due to the typhoon will be able to know the result of the DNA tests that the National Bureau of Investigation conducted last year. The DNA samples have their own individual serial numbers for the CDRRMO to identify the remains of the dead where their family members can visit. n Lottie Salarda / InterAksyon.com / August 13, 2015 / 8:50 PM

One Dream bigwigs make themselves scarce at DOJ probe MANILA - The president and other officials of One Dream Global Marketing Incorporated were noshows at Thursday’s preliminary investigation before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the syndicated estafa charges filed against them by 18 Lipa City residents who claimed they were duped into investing their money in the company. One Dream president Arnel Gacer and his girlfriend and vice president Jobelle De Guzman did not attend the probe at the office of Assistant State Prosecutor Susan Villanueva, and instead sent their lawyer, Elmo Triste to represent them in the hearing. Triste said his clients were not able to submit their counter-affidavits since they received their copy of the

complaint only on Thursday morning, giving them little time to prepare their response to the allegations. “They don’t even know the specifics of the complaints,” he said. Aside from Gacer and De Guzman, also facing the non-bailable offense are Ariel Gacer, Richard Ramos, Jay-ar de Guzman, Marlon de Guzman, Judith Itoh, Jun de Guzman, Lui de Guzman, Linda de Guzman, and Joel de Guzman. Triste said the respondents would submit the counter-affidavits on September 1 during the continuation of the PI. The complainants, who complained that they lost P15 million in investments to One Dream, claimed that the respondents encouraged them to part with their money by telling them feel-

good stories of others who had become rich by investing in the company through the so-called “system profit scheme” where their money can be expected to nearly double its value in just four days. They explained that the respondents encouraged them to invest their money in the networking company by promising them handsome profit margins using the profit sharing scheme, in which an investment of P888 would grow to P1,300 after four days. They explained that they were also offered a commission for every individual they referred to the company and becomes an investor, too. But they stressed that, after an initial period of smooth going, they tried to get their money back after the

One Dream’s principals Arnel Gacer and Jobelle de Guzman, screenshot from News5 broadcast

company showed problem signs early this month, but the respondents failed to do honor their request to back out of the arrangement. With this refusal or failure on the

part of the respondents to return their money, the complainants said they decided then to file a case of syndicated estafa. n Brian Maglungsod / InterAksyon.com / August 13, 2015 / 3:47 PM

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

UN Special Rapporteur: 100 indigenous peoples protecting environment killed in last 3 years MANILA - How are indigenous peoples in the Philippines doing? Over the last three years, 100 indigenous peoples have been killed protecting their homes and the environment, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNSRRIP) Victoria Tauli-Corpuz said Tuesday. When indigenous peoples protect the forests and the bodies of water, as well as assert their claims over these, they become subject to arrests or even extrajudicial killings, said Corpuz, a Kankana-ey from Besao, Mountain Province who joined 79 leaders from 38 indigenous communities who delivered the State of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines Address (SIPA) at the University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City. “This needs to be addressed, and this kind of violation of the right to participate and to assert their claims to their lands must be avoided,” she said. And with the Philippines bearing the brunt of environmental degradation now more than ever, indigenous peoples have an important role to play in preserving the country’s biodiversity, Corpuz stressed. In the SIPA, the indigenous leaders lamented that indigenous peoples were only mentioned once in President enigno quino s final State of the Nation Address on July 27, in the context of the Alternative Learning System, which would lessen the number of out-of-school youth among indigenous peoples and street children. But absent in Aquino’s last SONA, Corpuz said, is the IPs continuing struggle to fight to eep their ancestral land free from destructive projects such as mining, big infrastructure, hydroelectric plants, and plantations which destroy the natural environment.

If one looked at the Philippine map, the only forests left untouched are those in the territory of the indigenous peoples, she said. “Indigenous peoples have a big contribution to the national development of the Philippines. And this contribution is in maintaining the sustainability and the integrity of these ecosystems which provide ecological service not just for the indigenous peoples, but for the entire country,” Corpuz said. “We are talking about clean water, clean air, the various plants, and knowledge about microorganisms which promote the health of the people,” she said.

Repeal AO stopping issuance of CADTs, reform NCIP. In relation to this,

she condemned a Joint Administrative Order issued in 2012 by the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Land Registration Authority, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples which would delay the issuance of the ertificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT). Before a CADT is released, the agencies would have to ascertain whether these overlapped with the s ertificate of and Ownership the LRA’s Torrens title, or the DENR’s protected areas. She asked why an administrative order which prevents the issuance of CADTs to indigenous peoples was created, when there is a higher, national law -- the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights -- which recognized the inherent rights of the indigenous peoples to their land. “My analysis on that as a special rapporteur is first and foremost indigenous peoples have been subjected to a long history of injustice which is the grabbing of their lands

(With mic) Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, UN Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples, at the State of the Indigenous Peoples Address in UP Hotel, 11 August 2015. Photo by Bernard Testa ©InterAksyon.com

and takeover of their lands. The least that the government can do under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act is to provide these lands in the most effective and fastest way possible,” Corpuz said. Creating an administrative order which questioned the rights of the indigenous peoples over their lands would not address that injustice, she added. “And I think that it is but right for the indigenous peoples to call on the government to repeal that administrative order, which should in fact be a lower kind of law compared to the national law, and the constitutional provision that says that indigenous peoples’ rights over their ancestral domains should be respected,” Corpuz said. She also hoped that the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) would not become an agent of corporations, land-grabbing politicians, and other interest groups in stripping the indigenous peoples of their land. The agency must be reformed, she added. Asked about the reported closure

of schools for the Ata-Manobo tribe in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, Corpuz said she had talked to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, who had gone to Davao to visit the area in question. The two agreed to write a letter addressed to authorities to raise the issue, as well as that of the harassment supposedly experienced by teachers and students in the hands of the military. Corpuz said they both believed the rights of the indigenous peoples, as well as those of the children to education, were violated. Having signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child and adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Corpuz said, the Philippines government needs to address these issues. She said they would continue to discuss the issue along with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education. IPs not prominent in SDGs. With the former institution she worked with, Tebtebba Foundation (Indigenous Peoples International Centre for

Policy Research and Education Network), Corpuz had also been pushing for indigenous peoples’ issues to be included in the Sustainable Development Goals, which would set the development agenda for the UN member-states for the next 15 years. “To a certain degree, there are recognitions, like the importance of ensuring the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples, respect for the land tenure systems of indigenous peoples, but the reference to indigenous peoples are really very, very few,” she said. “This is also why we are not that happy about the Sustainable Development Goals that have been reached. But I think we are not giving up. We are still looking at putting indicators that will measure the progress as far as indigenous peoples’ rights and development are concerned,” she added. Earlier this August, the 193 UN member-states agreed on 17 SDGs and would formally commit to their attainment in September. The SDGs would forge a path toward economic development alongside environmental sustainability and social inclusion. Corpuz said IPs want the data showing the attainment of the SDGs to be disaggregated so they could better monitor the progress of indigenous peoples. While indigenous peoples made up fi e percent of the world s population they also made up 15 percent of people living in extreme poverty, she said. The Philippine government has to pay more attention to them because not only do they make the country more culturally diverse, their knowledge and practices would also ensure that Filipinos up to seven generations ahead would live in a world that was better than it was now, Corpuz said. n Tricia

Aquino, InterAksyon.com / August 12, 2015 9:18 AM

Mar links road, air traﬃc problems to booming economy AS far as Interior Secretary Mar Roxas is concerned, the traffic problem in major roads could be an effect of the country’s booming economy. During the annual national convention of the Philippine Sugar Technologists Association Inc. (Philsutech) in Cebu on Wednesday, Roxas noted that 260,000 vehicles were added on the road in 2014. “This is a problem in a sense that arises from prosperity. Because there is money. Because there is economic activity,” he said. Roxas added: “When I was in DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), 60,000 vehicles a year was a big year. That was about 12 years ago. Today, 260,000 vehicles last year, 300,000

vehicles projected this year, and 10 percent to 15 percent projected into the future.” Roxas, the administration’s likely standard bearer in the 2016 elections, served as DTI secretary from 2000 to 2003. Delayed flights. Roxas also said the

oft derided delay in flights could be partly attributed to a boom in domestic tourism, pointing out that last year, 50 million domestic tickets were sold. “Equivalent to half our population flew on a flight within the Philippines,” he said. The Aquino administration has

repeatedly hyped the country’s good economic performance as a product of its “Daang Matuwid” (straight path) platform, which seeks to translate good governance in good economics. This, however, was contested by Vice President Jejomar Binay, who has belittled the platform, claiming it failed to address basic problems like poverty, corruption, and even mass transport woes. Binay, who leads the opposition party United Nationalist Allianace and who will seek the presidency in 2016, has become a critic of the administration ever since resigning from the Aquino Cabinet in the light of the corruption allegations being leveled against him and his family. More work. Meanwhile, in the Cebu event, Roxas admitted that more work still

need to be done to improve the country’s airports, terminals and thoroughfares. “I mean, yes, we have to invest in our airports. Yes, we have to expand our terminals and so on and so forth,” he said, noting the large number of Filipinos—50 million—who traveled within the country last year. “That one seems unnerving,” Roxas said. He added that capital expenditure of the country tripled over the last five years. When in 2009-2010, the entire capital expenditure amounted to P180 billion, now he said it’s P570 billion. “That’s in the roads, the bridges, airports, ports, that were built all over our country,” Roxas said. n Trisha Macas /

KBK, GMA News / August 13, 2015 / 8:48 PM

August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

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Robin Padilla’s withdrawal from Maria Ozawa movie spurs ﬁnancier to pull out SHORTLY after news broke out on Tuesday that Robin Padilla has pulled out of the action horror film Nilalang”, his etro anila ilm esti al entry with retired apanese porn star aria Ozawa, a private investment group that claims to be the “main funding partner” of the company that’s producing it announced its withdrawal from the project.

Robin Padilla and wife Mariel Rodriguez. At right, is Maria Ozawa. Robin and Mariel photo from Mariel’s Instagram; Maria photo by Bernard Testa/ InterAksyon

In a statement furnished to InterAksyon, Joyce Ramirez, spokesperson and lead publicist for the roup said that a letter had been furnished to Haunted Tower Pictures confirming that after much deliberation will no longer finance the production of Nilalang’.” “Given the proposed working budget for the film the non participation of r. Padilla means that being the main funding partner of Haunted Tower Pictures) no longer believes that the project has a bankable actor as its lead and the absence of [an] immediate alternative means that the production will be delayed to an e tent that ‘Nilalang’ will not be released in time for the etro anila ilm Festival,” Ramirez said in behalf of the roup in the statement. ithout a financier and a lead actor the production of “Nilalang” is now

in serious jeopardy. If the project is eventually aborted or is not completed in time its slot in the will be awarded to one of two films earlier announced as reserve entries. hey are Eri atti s action drama “Conman” starring John Lloyd Cruz, which is already in the can, and “Lakambini” directed by Jeffrey eturian and Ellen Ong e o arfil and topbilled by Lovi Poe, which has already started principal photography. eanwhile obin s manager Betchay Vidanes of Vidanes Celebrity ar eting also issued a statement confirming the actor s withdrawal from the project, which Robin published late Tuesday on his Instagram feed along with a teaser poster with images of obin and aria. idanes cited e tenuating circumstances” as the reason, referrring mainly to the delicate

pregnancy of the actor’s wife, TV host ariel odrigue who suffered a miscarriage ust last arch and is currently pregnant with triplets. “This decision making process has been ery hard as r. Padilla s reputation shows that he has the highest regards for those he commits to work with. But his withdrawal is due to the fact of needing to attend to his wife ariel as she is e periencing a delicate pregnancy,” Vidanes’ statement noted. On behalf of r. obin Padilla and idanes elebrity ar eting we would like to ask the producers and the public for their understanding and kind consideration,” the statement added. Once the reel and real bad boy of Philippine cinema, Robin has admirably turned his life around following his conversion to Islam

during his conviction for illegal possession of firearms in . ince his release, Robin has been on his best behavior on and off screen with several advocacies to his name. The 45-year-old actor has also become the consummate family man who has involved his siblings and relati es in recent pro ects li e the film “Sa Ngalan ng Ina, Ama at Mga Anak,” and the TV5 sitcom, “2 ½ Daddies”. In a press conference to promote the said sitcom last April, Robin told media he had been offered to host the long-running talent search series, “Talentadong Pinoy” for a second straight season but had to beg off due to his strong desire to build the Padilla’s family tree. or this purpose he and ariel recently ew to e ille pain to trace his living relatives there. n Edwin P. Sallan /

InterAksyon.com / August 12, 2015 / 8:31 AM

Robin Padilla quits movie with Maria Ozawa to take care of Mariel Rodriguez ACTOR Robin Padilla has dropped out of the film, “Nilalang”, an entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival that he was earlier announced to headline opposite retired Japanese porn star, Maria Ozawa. A source close to the actor’s camp told InterAksyon that Robin is quitting the project to devote his time to taking care of wife Mariel Rodriguez, who is currently bedridden at home as result of her delicate pregnancy. Just last Sunday, a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer said the actor’s manager, Betchay Vidanes, just laughed off such talks. Instead of a categorical denial, however, Vidanes was quoted as saying, “Just wait and see.”

Although neither the actor, director Pedring Lopez nor representatives of the film’s producer, Haunted Tower Pictures, have yet to make an official announcement on their respective social media accounts, Robin’s latest post on Instagram hinted where his priorities lie. “You are right, whatever is the size of the third sac, she needs our parenthood now more than when she comes out because right now she is fighting for her survival,” Robin said in his early Monday post addressed to Mariel as he greeted her on her 31st birthday. Robin announced on August 1 that Mariel was pregnant with twins but amended the news two days later, saying she could be carrying triplets. Incidentally, Maria is one of the names

he has assigned to his potential children, despite the uncertainty of the fetuses’ genders and whether or not they would, in fact, end up as triplets or just twins. The other names are Juan and either Gabriella or El Cid for the “third sac”. “Nilalang” would have marked the third straight year that Robin has an entry in the annual film festival held every Christmas season. In 2013, he won the MMFF Best Actor award for “10,000 Hours” while his entry last year, “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo”, won nine awards including Best Picture. Pegged as an action horror thriller, “Nilalang” was scheduled to start principal photography this month. n Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / August 11, 2015

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Maria Ozawa, Robin Padilla, and Mariel Rodriguez. Maria Ozawa photo by Bernard Testa/InterAksyon

Gelli de Belen excited to return to acting on TV5’s ‘Misterless Misis’ GELLI de Belen remains one of the busiest celebrities in the country. On TV5 where she remains under contract, Gelli is currently a regular cast member of “Tropa Mo Ko Unli Spoof”, one of the hosts of “Happy Truck ng Bayan”, and a guest host on “Happy Wife, Happy Life”.

Gelli de Belen. Photo by Edwin P. Sallan/InterAksyon

But Gelli, who won the 1995 Gawad Urian Best Actress for her riveting portrayal of AIDS victim arah ane ala ar in the film “The Secrets of Sarah Jane: Sana’y Mapatawad Mo”, admits that she misses acting, especially since she rarely did movies after marrying

singer and actor Ariel Rivera. “I still did soaps after that but rarely movies,” she told InterAksyon and other media during a recent rendezvous with the press. With TV5, Gelli was still able to e her acting muscles with roles on “Glamorosa,” “Nandito Ako,”, a guest stint on “Third Eye”, and most recently, “Confessions of a Torpe” as the third wheel in a love triangle with Ogie lcasid and lice i son. “Yun ang last kong soap. Comedy siya pero nung ending, ako na lang ang nagda-drama, sila comedy pa rin,” she quipped. So when Gelli was offered a new acting project as one of the lead roles on TV5’s “Misterless Misis,” she readily said yes. A new kind of comedy series directed by acclaimed filmma er ar eily Misterless Misis” also stars Lorna Tolentino, uffa utierre itch aldes it Azul and newcomer Andie Gomez. From the title alone, the show, which premieres this Saturday, ugust at P is li ely to

draw comparisons to “Desperate Housewives” although “Sex and the City” is also cited as an inspiration. “The only similarity of our show with ‘Desperate Housewives’ is that our characters live in the same neighborhood and we’re all friends,” Gelli noted as she revealed her role in the series as that of a housewife married to an overseas Filipino Worker. Despite her Urian, Gelli remains best identified with comedy roles owing in large part to her best nown film Gagay: Prinsesa ng Brownout which was a bo office hit in the etro anila ilm Festival. Her association with gag shows like “Tropang Trumpo” and “Nuts Entertainment” further cemented her reputation as a comedy actress. But Gelli remains open to taking on more dramatic and challenging roles. She recalled that she was, in fact, ready to take on such a project but it was derailed after the untimely demise of her then

manager, Douglas Quijano. “I forgot the story but I was supposed to be a midwife. I really wanted to do it kaya lang hindi na talaga natuloy,” she lamented. Like her sister Janice who has done se eral independent films Gelli is very much open to going the indie route if offered. “Kaya lang feeling ko ang babata na kasi ng mga indie filmma ers. Hindi yata nila alam na umaarte ako. Kasi lumaki sila, nasa ‘Sis’ na ako,” she said in reference to her long-running late morning show with Janice and Carmina Villaroel that ran for 10 years from 2000 to 2010. Being a happily married woman and fulfilled mom to teenage boys Joaqui and Julio, Gelli is in no hurry to be back on the big screen. “For me, I just want to work. I will go where there is work. If and when I get to do movies again, okay na sa akin ‘yung roles which I don’t do on TV,” she declared. n Edwin P.

Sallan / InterAksyon.com / August 7, 2015 / 2:38 PM

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Scoop

August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Maria Ozawa calls Robin Padilla ‘unprofessional’ for backing out of ‘Nilalang’ Maria Ozawa. Photo by Bernard Testa/ InterAksyon

A teaser poster for ‘Nilalang’.

REACTING to Robin Padilla’s announcement on Tuesday that he was dropping out of the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Nilalang” which would have starred them together, retired Japanese porn star Maria Ozawa took the actor to task in two separate Instagram posts. n her first post on the sub ect late Tuesday night, Ozawa posted a smiling photo of her and captioned it with the post, “its not that i really wanted to film w robin but i thin it was so unProfessional of him to call it off 10 days before the shooting starts i feel so sorry for the film director’s,staff..etc.”

The post immediately drew mixed reactions from her followers and other Instagram users, a good number of whom were sympathetic to the delicate pregnancy of Robin’s wife, Mariel which the actor’s management cited as the reason for withdrawing from the film. Several hours later, Ozawa again posted, this time in response to those who had defended the actor in their comments, particularly those who cited the importance of family values to Filipinos. “I still think he was unprofessional. If he knew his wife was pregnant and wanted to ta e family first then he

should e said no to the film in the first place. e had this discussion like two month ago. NO OTHER E E would cancle its ob 10days befor the shooting starts. I was so happy when i got chosen for this movie and really excited for my nxtcarrier,and a chance to be famouse.its ust sad. hope they will find a replacement soon Ozawa’s post again drew mixed, strong reactions from netizens taking either her side or that of Robin’s. Some of the cooler heads posted sober comments pointing to to the cultural differences between the Japanese and the Filipinos,

especially when it comes to work and family. Robin announced that Mariel was pregnant with twins on August 1 on Instagram. He amended the news two days later and said she could be carrying triplets, citing a statement from Mariel’s obstetrician. He did not say how long she had been pregnant. n an official statement released late uesday confirming obin s withdrawal from “Nilalang,” the actor’s manager Betchay Vidanes appealed to the producers and the public “for their understanding and kind consideration.” n Edwin P. Sallan /

InterAksyon.com / August 12, 2015 / 5:06 PM

Derek Ramsay wants relationship with girlfriend to be ‘for life’ WHO says there’s no such thing as forever? As far as actor Derek Ramsay is concerned, forever is exactly how he wants his current relationship with non-showbiz girlfriend Joanne Villablanca to lead to. “I want this to have a happy ending. Sana pang-habambuhay na talaga,” Derek told InterAksyon and other media during the recent pocket press conference for his very first “ Wattpad Presents” mini-series, “Unwanted Girlfriend”, where he is paired with Jasmine Curtis-Smith. Derek is aware that his past relationships — including his marriage to Mary Christine Jolly which is now in the process of being annulled, and a six-year romance with Angelica Panganiban — did not end well. So he hopes that what he has right now with Joanne will not be jinxed. And from the way things are going so far, Joanne is no unwanted girlfriend. Far from it. “It’s very hard for me to balance my schedule and my time with both my family and her. But the great thing about her is that she’s very understanding of what I do, she gets along well with my family and she’s very patient with me,” Derek confessed. Also, it looks like Derek has found

someone who is willing to share his passion for the great outdoors. “We’re very much intrigued by one another, and enjoying each other’s company. She’s always asking questions and we are getting to know each other very well but she supports stuff that I do. When I went to Vietnam, she came with me. Umakyat kami sa Mt. Pulag, sama din siya. Walang kiyeme, walang kaarte-arte sa katawan,” he beamed. “I can see the sincerity that she’s interested in what I do. When I see her, I feel like she really, really wants to be with me.” As for Joanne being a single mom with a 7-year old daughter, that’s not something Derek considers as a deal breaker at all. If anything, her little girl Sophie and his son Austin, now 13, have both contributed in not only bringing them closer together but also in him seriously entertaining the idea of settling down. “I fell in love with her, she fell in love with me. That’s part of who I am, that’s part of who she is. Her having a daughter makes her more attractive to me. I like her sense of responsibility, how she’s able to balance her time for her daughter and me,” he pointed out. It also helps that Joanne came to Derek’s life at a time when he is getting some kind of second wind in his career. After many detractors

predicted his career would decline when he transferred to TV5, he surprised everyone by taking on projects that not only showcased his versatility and contributed to his growth as an actor but also revealed his knack for hosting. “At TV5, I became a superhero in ‘Kidlat’, I got to do crazy stuff for free that I would usually pay for in ‘Extreme Series’. I got to to be the host of ‘Amazing Race Philippines’ which is one of the biggest shows in the world, I got a lot of challenging roles in ‘Undercover,’ ‘For Love or Money’ and now ‘ Wattpad Presents’ with Jasmine,” he noted. “And I also got to cover the London Olympics in 2012 which to me is one of the best projects I’ve ever had. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Brazil would be a really awesome place to go,” he added. On the big screen, Derek is also on a roll following his 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor win for “English Only, Please”. He is currently doing “Ex with Benefits” which he will headline opposite another rising young star in Coleen Garcia. “It’s about a couple who are madly in love with each other but can’t be together. It’s a bit sexy like ‘No Other Woman’ but this time, it’s not a love triangle,” he shared. Another project with Ellen Adarna as leading lady is also in the works. As for

Derek Ramsay. Photo by Edwin Sallan ©InterAksyon

his upcoming movie with Kris Aquino, Derek says the project is currently on hold since Kris is currently working on “Mr. and Mrs. Split ” with Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. “Me and Kris still want this to happen. We very much want to work with each other but if ever the project pushes through it will have to be for next year along with ‘English Only, Please, Part 2’ but even though I won’t have an entry in this year’s MMFF, I’m being asked to do a cameo in the movie of Jennylyn Mercado and JM de Guzman.” Ironically, the title of that rom-com

starring Jennylyn and JM is “ Walang Forever”. Regardless of how his relationship with Joanne will play out, Derek does not look like the type who’ll give up on something like, yes, forever. “I’ve fallen too many times and made too many stupid decisions because of love and I’ll still make those mistakes. That’s my Achilles heel but I’m proud of it,” he conceded. “Wattpad Presents: Unwanted Girlfriend” premieres on TV5 this Monday, July 20, and will air every night until July 24 at 9PM. n Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / July 17, 2015 / 4:30 PM

Gossip blogger nabbed over libel suit filed by Deniece Cornejo

Michael Sy Lim and Deniece Cornejo. (Lim photo from his Instagram account; Cornejo’s photo from Twitter)

POPULAR gossip blogger Michael Sy Lim was arrested Tuesday morning o er a libel suit filed by contro ersial personality eniece orne o. Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Chief irector en amin agalong said im the amboyant author of the entertainment news blog Fashion Pulis, was arrested in a subdivision in Makati by CIDG operatives and

brought to the PNP Crime Laboratory in Camp Crame. Lim was arrested by virtue of a warrant arrest for libel issued by Antipolo City Regional Trial Court Judge Marie Claire Victoria MabutasSordan, who recommended a bail of P16,000 for Lim’s temporary liberty. Magalong said the arrest was conducted in response to the request of orne o and her lawyer erdinand Topacio, as part of the CIDG Quality

Assurance Support to Victims program. The lawsuit stemmed from Lim’s publication in his blog of orne o s medical report allegedly leaked by outpatient clinic network Healthway. The medical report was taken after orne o accused comedian hong Navarro of rape in January 2014. In the report, Healthway concluded that orne o may ha e a se ually transmitted disease. Topacio said his

client orne o is also planning to sue Healthway. orne o herself has been out on bail since September after she was ailed for months o er charges of illegal detention and grave coercion filed last year by a arro against her businessman Cedric Lee, and several others. True to form, Lim live-tweeted his arrest. n InterAksyon.com / August 11, 2015

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Scoop Megan and Tom, sizzle on screen this August via Marimar August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

ANOTHER delightful pairing is set to sizzle on screen as Kapuso prime artists Megan Young and Tom Rodriguez team up in one of GMA Network’s highly anticipated programs this 2015—Marimar. In an interview, Megan reveals her excitement on portraying an iconic and well-loved character and how much

n Mar

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she can relate in the story of a Filipina barrio lass. his is definitely a great project to do. Dito sa Marimar talagang maipapakita ang character nating mga Filipina na handang humarap sa kahit anong pagsubok. his is definitely a great project to do. Marimar re ects that distinct Filipina characteristic of being able to face any challenge.]

“Marimar is like any other Pinay who strives for the best. She’s a hard worker, gagawin niya ang lahat para makuha ang mga pangarap niya. Ganoon din ako, kahit sinabi ng iba dati na baka matalo ako sa pageant…I put that aside kasi ito ang gusto ko. Manalo, matalo at least nagawa ko. Si Marimar ganoon din na kahit magfail siya, in the end she’ll make sure na ‘yung failure na ‘yun ay magiging encouragement sa kanya to strive for the better,” added the multi-talented actress. [Marimar is like any other Filipina who strives for the best. She’s a hard worker, she will do anything to reach her dreams. I am the same way – even if people told me that I might lose the pageant (Miss World 2013)… I put that aside because that was what I wanted. Win or lose, at least I did it. Marimar is the same in that even if she fails, she makes sure that the failure turns into encouragement for her to strive for the better] Equally excited is Megan’s leading

man, Tom, who is very vocal about his preparations for the series. “I knew right away when first heard about it that it was going to be a big project kaya wala talaga akong pinapalampas na oras for training. Right now, I started boxing and doing circuit training.” [I knew right away when I first heard about it that it was going to be a big project, which is why I didn’t waste any time and started training. Right now, I started boxing and doing circuit training.] Despite being nervous, Tom is very much excited to take on the challenge of portraying the role of Sergio. “Nakaka-pressure pero at the same time I’m very excited because I know I’m going to learn a lot on this project. Plus, Megan and I have a great working relationship kaya mas nakakabawas ng kaba. It would be a great and fun challenge to breathe new life to the character.” [It’s a lot of pressure but at the same time, I’m very excited because I know I’m going to learn a lot

on this project. Plus, Megan and I have a great working relationship so that lessens my nervousness. It would be a great and fun challenge to breathe new life to the character.] Marimar is definitely the primetime series to watch out for as it takes pride in bringing together some of the entertainment industry’s respected actors and actresses including Ms. Jaclyn Jose, Zoren Legaspi, Lauren Young, and Ms. Alice Dixson in her comeback project as a Kapuso. Joining the stellar cast are Nova Villa, Tommy Abuel, Carmi Martin, Ina Raymundo, Ricardo Cepeda, Jaya, Cris Villanueva, Dion Ignacio, Frank Magalona, Ashley Cabrera plus Boobay as the voice of Fulgoso. From the original format of Ines Rodena and license granted by Televisa, S.A. de C.V., Marimar is produced by GMA Network, Inc. and to be directed by Dominic Zapata. Marimar is slated to premiere this August on GMA Pinoy TV. n

e recei es first actin award for role in Ma pa ailanman

IGINAWAD sa Kapuso actress at 2015 Binibining Pilipinas candidate na si Wyn Marquez ang “Pinakamahusay na Aktres sa Telebisyon” award mula sa Golden Torch CCA Inc. Bilang bahagi ng Gawad Sulo ng Bayan para sa kaniyang pagganap sa “Magpakailanman” na pinamagatang “Sex Slave: Anak, pinabayaan ng Ina?” Matatandaang bukod sa nakabibilib na pagganap ni Wyn sa weekly drama anthology ng GMA Network, nakasama niya rin sa isang

television project sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ang kaniyang ina at batikang aktres na si Alma Moreno para sa naturang programa. Ito ang kauna-unahang acting award ni Wyn at personal niya nga itong tinanggap sa naganap na awards ceremony sa Tanghalang Pasigueño noong Martes. Nagpasalamat naman ang aktres sa pagkilalang kaniyang natanggap sa pamamagitan ng isang Instagram post nitong Miyerkules. Aniya, “It’s my first time to receive

an acting award and sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na mabigyan pansin ang isang bagay na you’re really passionate about. Maraming maraming salamat po. #GinintuangGawadSuloNgBayan” Bukod kay Wyn, kinilalarin sa Gawad Sulo ng Bayan ang ilan pang Kapuso stars, gaya na lamang ni Marian Rivera na ginawaran ng Natatanging Filipina award, pati na sina Glaiza de Castro, Charee Pineda, 2013 Miss World at “Marimar” star Megan Young, at batikang mamamahayag na si Jessica Soho. n Bianca Rose Dabu / RSJ, GMA News

AlDub trends worldwide

Alden Richards tweeted Yaya Dub after the incident last Saturday ‘Akala ko eto na yung tamang panahon. Get well soon’ (photo courtesy of Alden Richards’ Instagram account)

AlDub has viewers all over the world glued to Eat Bulaga, which airs worldwide on GMA Pinoy TV. Photos courtesy of Maine Mendoza’s Instagram account

FILIPINOS across the globe enjoy and experience intense kilig with Alden Richards and Yaya Dub aine endo a in the first e er kalyeserye on the longest-running noon time show in the Philippines, Eat Bulaga. Their record-breaking tandem, widely known as “AlDub”, started to gain popularity during an episode last July, when Yaya Dub got distracted with Alden who was focused on the split screen. It was

Jose Manalo’s character Frankie Arenolli with Yaya Dub

not long after that AlDub’s story progressed, and became the talk on social media, not to mention bringing Eat Bulaga to even greater heights in terms of nationwide ratings. During AlDub’s segment last Saturday, August 8, Yaya Dub passed out due to fatigue while supposedly about to get married to Jose Manalo’s character Frankie Arenolli. Jose, together with Wally and the whole production staff, took hold of the situation in a professional manner and kept the show going, while making sure to aide Maine. She was rushed to the hospital and the show continued without her. Later during the day, Maine posted on her Instagram a photo of her with the caption saying that she was not feeling well since the morning. “We’re too busy preparing for the segment that I forgot to take my meds. That’s probably the reason why I passed out during our cue. None of it was scripted. I was immediately rushed to the hospital

so I can have myself checked. But nothing to worry, they said it’s all because of over fatigue. Super appreciate all the love and concern from everyone! Rampa na ulit si Yaya Dub!” Meanwhile, Alden was supposed to rush to the wedding to meet Yaya Dub. He tweeted Yaya Dub and said, “Akala ko eto na yung tamang panahon. Get well soon.” AlDub trended all over social media because of this event, and viewers have never been more excited for the love team’s long awaited meeting. s international agship channel, GMA Pinoy TV, opens doors for AlDub fans overseas to watch Eat Bulaga and fully experience the fun and excitement of Alden and Yaya Dub’s entertainment. GMA Pinoy TV is currently available in various continents and countries all over the world, making sure to serve Filipinos abroad and bring them closer to home with their favorite GMA programming. n

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Scoop

August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Ai-Ai, Jose, Wally and Marian headline GMA’s upcoming program Sunday PinaSaya

ON August 9, GMA Network raises the bar in Philippine entertainment with the premiere of its newest comedy-musical variety program Sunday PinaSaya on its agship international channel GMA Pinoy TV. he program redefines the usual variety show, as it offers viewers unique production numbers featuring the hottest celebrities, comedy sketches and fun filled games. t also unites the country’s biggest names in showbiz – Philippine Comedy Queen Aiai delas Alas, well-loved comic tandem Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola, and Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera. Ai-Ai admits that she couldn’t wait for the show to start. “Sabi ko, parang, ‘game na ba ‘to? Kailan na ba magsisimula?’ Tapo saya na, gamena talaga. Excited ako kasi this show is comedy-based. Patatawanin muna namin kayo bago namin kayo mas lalong pasasayahin sa hatid naming mga papremyo. At marami pa rin silang dapat abangan na mga bonggang performances mula sa kanilang mga paboritong artista. said to myself s this really it

When will it start?’ And then they said it was a go. m e cited because this show is comedy-based. We’ll ma e you laugh first before we make you even happier with prizes. They can look forward to more great performances from their favorite artists.]” Meanwhile, Marian is excited for the program as it promises a new Sunday variety show experience, “Patatawanin namin sila, magbibigay kami ng papremyo, at makikitanila ang iba’t ibang klaseng talento ng mga cast dito. At ang maganda sa Sunday PinaSaya, hindi lang kami yung makakasama nila dito dahil every Sunday ay may mga Kapuso tayo na pwedeng mag-guest sa show. So everybody’s welcome sa Sunday PinaSaya. [We’ll make them laugh, we’ll give prizes and they’ll be able to see the various talents of the cast. The great thing about Sunday PinaSaya is that it’s not just the hosts that they get to see every week, but they can also watch other Kapuso artists as guests on the show. So everybody’s welcome on Sunday PinaSaya.]” Expect nothing but the best banters and funny antics from Alden

Richards, Julie Anne San Jose, Barbie Forteza, Joey Paras, Valeen Montenegro and Jerald Napoles, who will also bring more fun to the show. On its pilot episode, over 10 million worth of prizes are to be given away, tax free. Don’t miss the much-awaited premiere of the newest and trendiest comedy-musical variety show this Sunday on GMA Pinoy TV, because Sundays are fun days with Sunday PinaSaya! n

THE only thing stopping his rise to the top was Andre Rieu & Johann Strauss Orchestra and Essential Einaudi by Ludovico Einaudi. Manny is not too upset however, as he is amongst classical music royalty and that’s not bad for a Yorkshire carpenter’s son. Emmanuel as named as ‘one to watch by he ndependent and rising star’ by BBC Music Magazine and as ‘unsigned artist of the month’ by Yamaha and 26 year old Emmanuel Vass is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most charismatic pianists on the contemporary scene. saw the launch of his first

recording From Bach To Bond and his first recital tour under the same heading, which took in seven venues across the North of England and columned in his London debut at Steinway Hall with a subsequent performance at St James’ Piccadilly both of which attracted considerable media interest, including a live broadcast on adio s n une. He was also broadcast on Classic FM in October 2014. The From Bach to Bond title Emmanuel chose for the recording and tour re ects both his eclectic taste in music and his versatility as a pianist. He

is at was with the challenges of Bach as with the demanding pianistic technique required for his own arrangements - in the manner of Liszt - of the James Bond theme and Bohemian Rhapsody. (His performances of these have drawn huge attention on Youtube). Emmanuel’s supreme versatility is also revealed in the calibre and variety of his recent engagements His busy solo recital day has included performances at The Bridgewater Hall anchester heffield athedral Leeds College of Music, the Long Gallery at Castle Howard and Hexham Abbey. He has also performed at the Steinway Hall, Queen’s Theatre, West End; 1901 Arts Club Waterloo,

Emmanuel “Manny” Vass’ crowdfunded Sonic Waves, entered the UK Classical Music chart at No 3

Tour Dates: 2nd June - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire 5th June - National Centre for Early Music, York 6th June - St Peter’s Church, Nottingham 12th June - St Paul’s Church, Manchester 13th June - Grassington Festival 16th June - Holy Trinity Church, Leeds 19th June - Arts Centre, Pocklington 26th June - St Philip’s, Church, Alderney

St Lawrence Jewry and St James’ Piccadilly. He has performed for Lord Levy and the Russian Ambassador in the olden oom in ensington Palace Gardens, for the Filipino ambassador at St Sepulchre’s Church, London and for the French Ambassador at The Lowry Theatre in Salford. At the Variety Club Jubilee Ball her played for the Prince and Princess of Monaco on the same programme as The Manfreds, Blake and Lulu. n eptember he made his first adio appearance as part of a Radio 3 Masterclass. Presented by a id Owen orris and filmed in front of a live audience at BBC Broadcasting House, London the Masterclass is

available to watch on the BBC YouTube channel. Notes for Editors: Emmanuel Vass was born in Manila, Philippines and grew up in East Yorkshire. Having passed Grade 8 piano with distinction at the age of 15 he subsequently studied with Robert Markham at Yorkshire Young Musicians, the Centre for the Advanced Training for Gifted Young Musicians based at Leeds College of Music. This was followed by four years at the Royal Northern College of Music, where Manny studied with John Gough and was supported by scholarships from the Leverhulme Scholarship Trust and the Sir John Manduell Scholarship Trust. He graduated in 2011.

Edge 27th June - St Mary’s Hall, Sandbach 3rd July - St Andrew’s Church, Sheffield 4th July - St Martin in the Bull Ring, Birmingham 6th July - The Forge, London 11th July - Castle Howard, York 13th July - Fringe Festival, Buxton 17th July - St George’s Church, Preston 13th July - Bolton Abbey, Skipton

23rd August - Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow 24th August - Edinburgh Festival Fringe 25th August - St Michael’s Hawkshead, Lake District 7th September - The Atkinson, Southport 8th September - St Mary Le Tower, Ipswich 12th September - St Peter’s Church, Woking 13th September - Chapel Royal, Brighton 26th September - St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol

All ticket enquiries: emmanuelvass.co.uk http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/classical-artist-albums-chart/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdWqDKX-Yf0

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

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Advocates, opponents debate medical marijuana bill in House MANILA - Advocates and opponents of medical marijuana debated its merits at a hearing on a pending measure to legalize its use in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, with the bill’s author pushing for its passage with a call to “shatter” the “fear of the unknown.” At the hearing conducted by the committee on health, Isabela Representative Rodito Albano, principal author of House Bill 4477, or the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act, which he said has so far gathered 59 co-authors, confessed to having smoked marijuana in his youth to point out that it had no adverse effect on him. HB 4477 seeks to “provide accessible, affordable, safe medical cannabis to qualifying patients with debilitating medical condition as certified by medical doctors and approved by the Medical Cannabis Regulatory Authority.” “When I was in college … gumamit ako ng marijuana, pero hindi ako nagcocaine or shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride), hindi ako naging hippie, hindi ako maging mataba dahil sa sobrang kain, gaya ng sabi nila naepekto raw (I used marijuana, but I did not do cocaine or shabu, I did not become a hippie, nor did I grow fat from overeating, which some claim is an effect),” he said at the hearing. In fact, he claimed, his “absorptive capacity” improved, recalling when he was in first year college and engaged a professor in a debate for 30 minutes. The professor, a priest, ended up being impressed with him, Albano said. “Hindi ko naman masabi na, ‘Father, nakahithit po ako (I smoked marijuana)’,” he said in jest. Albano also said people should shun the perception that marijuana users are prone to criminality. “When you take marijuana,

everybody thinks you’re a criminal, a bad guy. No, in fact the crime rate in Colorado (the US state that has legalized recreational marijuana use) decreased,” Albano said. And jokingly, he added: “Ewan ko kung bakit, baka happy silang lahat, or tulog kasi silang lahat sa umaga (I don’t know why, maybe they’re all happy, or asleep in the morning).” Alabno said his father, a former lawmaker, was aware of his experiments with marijuana but was assured that he was not hooked on drugs. “It is this fear of the unknown that we should shatter,” Albano said. “We should not judge this drug yet. Let’s conduct a research on it and see the beneficial effects it can gi e to people. For pain alleviation. Ang Nars partylist Representative Leah Paquiz also pushed for the measure’s passage, saying people should have access to a medicine that could give relief, albeit temporary, to chronic pain. She said when her 33-year-old son was suffering pain from cancer of the pancreas, from which he died last year, morphine patches were not readily available and were also not affordable to ordinary families. “It was hard to see a son suffering. I hope for one day when relief for their pain will be available and affordable. I hope that medical cannabis will be within reach,” she said. Romeo Quijano, a medical doctor and professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the University of the Philippines-Manila, said a number of studies prove cannabis has therapeutic benefits and is safe. “Mas maraming benepisyo iyong mismong halaman kaysa sa (The plant itself has more benefits than the pure extract,” he added. Chuck Mananzala of the Medical Cannabis Research Center said a law

on medical cannabis would bring the Philippines to the forefront of research in this emerging field of medicine. “It could open the door for medical tourism too, it could really be more fun in the Philippines,” he said. “If the Pope can be so open-minded about taking one of the dangerous plants, maybe we should also open our minds about medical cannabis,” Mananzala added, referring to the time when Pope Francis chewed coca leaves -- from which cocaine is made -to treat altitude sickness during a visit to Latin America.

Legalizing would be dangerous PMA chief. However, opponents of the

bill, like Philippine Medical Association president Minerva Calimag, said legalizing medical marijuana would be dangerous despite regulation. “Our children will grow up, how sure are we that we are not experimenting on our own children?” she said. “Are we allowing the bill to be passed because we think it will improve the lives of a sector of a population who can actually avail of the drug through the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health?” she asked. Calimag also said more evidence and studies are needed to prove the

efficacy of cannabis as a drug. “The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. There will always come a time when more issues can come up (over) using the drug. Iyong ibang drugs nga na nasa market na proven effective and safe (There are some drugs already in the market and proven effective and safe), but after study in a bigger population, may side effects pala (they were found to have side effects),” she said. Undersecretary Jose Marlowe Pedregosa of the Dangerous Drugs Board also said the bill needs more polishing as well as guarantees of strict procedures. He also noted that the bill does not actually define medical marijuana and contains sections that encourage smoking it. Bill lists ‘beneficial uses’. The bill says the medical use of cannabis has been confirmed to ha e beneficial and therapeutic uses to treat chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that produces one or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe and chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy; or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those associated with

multiple sclerosis.” The measure requires a licensed physician to make a complete assessment of a patient’s medical history and current condition, including the appropriate diagnostic and personal physical examination sufficient to determine that the patient is suffering from a debilitating medical condition. It also seeks the establishment of a Medical Cannabis Compassionate Center, which will be registered with the Medical Cannabis Regulatory Authority, which will be licensed to “acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, deliver, transfer, transport, sell, supply, and dispense cannabis, paraphernalia or related supplies and educational materials to registered qualifying patients.” The Center or Medical Cannabis Safety Compliance Facilities will also be set up to implement appropriate security measures to deter and prevent the theft of cannabis and unauthorized entrance into areas containing cannabis; cultivate or test cannabis in an enclosed location accessible only to employees and agents; and, display registration certificates in their premises at all times. qualified patient will be gi en an identification card to certify that he or she has been allowed to use cannabis for treatment. ualified patients are not allowed to possess and smoke cannabis for other than medicinal purposes, or to use the medicinal cannabis in public transportation or public places. They also cannot operate any motor vehicle, aircraft or motorboat while under the in uence of cannabis and undertake tasks that would require the use of body or motor functions impaired by the use of cannabis. n Lira Dalangin-Fernandez / InterAksyon.com / News5 /

August 11, 2015 / 3:09 PM

No Cabinet split in support for Mar, says PNoy; shortlist for new DILG chief down to 2 MANILA - President Benigno Aquino III said Thursday he does not perceive any split in the Cabinet in the support for his anointed successor Mar Roxas, but stressed that “there is no dictation” within his official family. In an ambush interview after he made a surprise visit to the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO), Aquino said he has narrowed down to two his choices for Roxas’s replacement as Interior secretary, but said he has “yet to talk to both.” He said was just told that “both seem to be willing,” but said he wanted to confirm that with them himself, considering that in the last remaining 10 months of his term or the tailend of the 2016 poll campaign, “grabe ang pressure na aabutin ng DILG secretary. Siguro kailangan ko namang makausap

nang masinsinan ‘yung dalawang ito [the pressure will be great on the DILG secretary. I think it’s best I talk at length with these two people].” He declined to confirm if either or both of the two people are from the Liberal Party, saying he did not wish to pressure them.

He said the first few people he had sounded out earlier about taking over the DILG post had replied to him, “’Sir, kung gusto ho niyo, hindi ko kayo hihindian [Sir, if you want me to take it, I won’t refuse you].’ Something that, Mr. Aquino said, smacked of coercion, which he said he disdained.

President Aquino shakes the hand of Sec. Mar Roxas, who sees him off at the airport before his last Japan trip. Malacanang Photo Bureau File

Speaking of coercion, the President, replying to questions on the real story about the Cabinet being “split” in its support for Roxas, stressed that there is no dictation in his official family. “Not from my perspective. Baka [Maybe] you should ask those who--the others,” the President replied when asked if there was a “split.” Asked whether Cabinet members are free to choose those they wish to back, Aquino replied, “Siyempre, ano... Hindi naman kami nagdidiktahan. Parating [Of course. We don’t dictate. It’s always] consensus building.” Still, the President characterized reports of a split Cabinet as being part of the political season, where any one can allege anything. “At the end of the day, may pruweba ba [is there proof of that]?”

The President also dismissed fears he may be running out of time to pick a runningmate for Roxas. “At the end of the day . . . the election is still in May and there is plenty of time to introduce whoever the running mate of Secretary Mar.” He is certain all talks will be finalized by October, the deadling for the filing of the COC (certificate of candidacy). Likewise, he said that though the door remains open, there will no longer be any further formal meeting with Senator Grace Poe, whom the LP and Roxas had been courting to be the administration’s VP bet. “I think we have all said our respective views. We have said it already, and like I said, the lines are still open pero walang [but there won’t be a] formal meeting.” n InterAksyon.com with Roices Naguit / News5 / August 13, 2015 6:42 PM

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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AROUND THE WORLD

August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

PHL Consulate General in Xiamen donates Phl Publications, Cultural items to Xiamen University IN commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, as well as the 20th Anniversary of its establishment, the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen, donated in a simple turn-over ceremony on July 30 to Xiamen University’s International Relations Department/ Research School for Southeast Asian Studies the following items: u ifty fi e olumes of Philippine publications comprising publications on Philippine history, literature and culture as well as the life and contributions of the ethnic Chinese in the Philippines; v An original painting entitled “Harmony” depicting “Unity-indiversity” theme and integration process of the the 10 ASEAN-member countries by Filipino visual artist Ernesto “Aris” Bagtas; w One set of sungka;

x One set of api platters y One api frame z A mother-of-pearl jewelry box; { Abaca mats and throw pillows; and, | Table mats of indigenous fabrics. In his message, Philippine Consul General to Xiamen Julius Caesar Flores underscored the importance of academic linkages and exchanges in strengthening and enhancing relations between the Philippines and China. Xiamen University Vice Dean for International Relations Department and Research School for South East Asian Studies, Professor Shi Xueqin received the donations and expressed appreciation for the Philippine Consulate General’s generosity and assured the latter that the donated materials will be given an appropriate place in the Department’s Display Room and library. She was joined

by Professors Shen Hongfang, Nie Dening and Associate professors Xu Ke, Li Meiting and Yu Yuan during the ceremony. Professor Shi gave the assurance that Xiamen University will continue to collaborate with the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen on various academic endeavors, including the possible hosting of Ballet Philippines in October and an academic forum symposium in Manila in early 2016 to attract more Filipino students to consider studying at Xiamen University’s International Relations Department. Consul General Flores echoed the same sentiments and assured the university professors of the Consulate General’s support in bringing the Philippines and Fujian province closer through increased people-to-people contacts. n Philippine Embassy Philippines /

August13, 2015

Left photo: Philippine Consul General to Ziamen Julius Caesar Flores donates an original painting by Filipino visual artist Ernesto “Aris” Bagtas to Vice Dean Shi Xueqin of Xiamen University. Right photo: Vice Consul Ria Gorospe, Consul General Flores and Vice Dean Shi Xueqin.

Left photo: Consul General Flores receives a token from Vice Dean Shi Xueqin. Right photo: Group photo of officer of the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen University Department of International Relations and Research School for South East Asian Studies professors.

Secretary Del Rosario and FM Julie Bishop Discuss Elevation of PH-AU Partnership HONORABLE Albert F. del Rosario, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, met with Honorable Julie Bishop, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

on 05 August 2015. Secretary Del Rosario and Minister Bishop affirmed the longstanding friendly and robust relations between the two countries, which go beyond merely political relations

to include dynamic cooperation in defense and counterterrorism, trade and investments, people to people exchanges, education, and development, among others. Australia has also been providing

humanitarian assistance to the Philippines for the victims of various natural calamities in the country. It is also a valuable partner of the Philippines in capacity building for disaster risk reduction and management. Australia is likewise providing assistance in our country’s efforts to enhance institutional capacity in support of the Philippine Government’s peace process. The Ministers also took the opportunity to discuss topics of mutual interest such as Australia’s recent donation of two (2) landing craft heavy (LCH) vessels to the Philippine Navy. According to Secretary Del Rosario, “enhancing defense and security relations with Australia is very important especially during this

period when the region is witnessing dynamism in the political, economic and military fields.” Noting the excellent state of bilateral cooperation, the two Foreign Ministers agreed that both countries are ready to elevate their friendship to a higher level to mark the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2016. The Philippines and Australia enjoy a close friendship characterized by a shared commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Australia is the Philipines’17th largest trading partner, and is home to over 210,000 Filipinos. n Philippine Embassy Philippines / August 05, 2015

del Rosario Receives Foreign Affairs Secretary del Rosario Meets with Secretary Japan Parliamentary Delegation Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Kuala Lumpur FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario held bilateral talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting-Post Ministerial Conference on August 06 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At the meeting, Secretary del Rosario and FM Lavrov agreed to facilitate the conclusion of several pending agreements between the Philippines and Russia, including the establishment of an intergovernmental commission on trade, defense and military technical cooperation, and combating transnational crimes. Secretary del Rosario informed FM Lavrov that the Philippines would be hosting the next round of political consultations between their respective foreign ministries next year.

He likewise conveyed his appreciation to Russia for the conclusion of a new Air Services Agreement (ASA) in July that would pave the way for increased air traffic and tourist flows between the two countries. In turn, FM Lavrov assured the Secretary that the Russian Foreign Ministry would assist in the ASA’s implementation and technical aspects. As part of the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Russia in 2016, FM Lavrov proposed the publication of materials, among other things, to highlight the event. The bilateral meeting between Secretary del Rosario and FM Lavrov was their second in three years. It paves the way for the much anticipated and

historic visit of President Putin to the Philippines to take part in AELM Summit in November. n Philippine Embassy Philippines / August 12, 2015

Yoichiro Aoyagi, Hon. Hirofumi Yoshimura, Hon. Mikio Shimoji, Hon. Go Shinohara, Hon. Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Hon. Kazumi Ota, and Hon. Toyofumi Yoshida.

SECRETARY Albert F. del Rosario received a delegation of parliamentarians from Japan’s House of Representatives led by Hon. Mikio Shimoji of the Japan Innovation Party on August 11 and exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional and international developments. They noted the strong and vibrant ties between the Philippines

and apan. hey also affirmed the importance of the rule of law, peaceful settlement of disputes, and maritime security in the region. Hon. Shimoji was joined by other members of the Japan Innovation Party, namely Hon. Yoichiro Aoyagi, on. a umi Ota on. oyofumi Yoshida, Hon. Hirofumi Yoshimura, and Hon. Go Shinohara. n Philippine Embassy Philippines / August 12, 2015

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June 2015

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MANNY PACQUIAO: ‘I THOUGHT I WON THE FIGHT’

AFTER 12-round war with undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao admitted that he was surprised at the outcome as he e pected to win the megafight between two of this generation’s greatest fighters. t s a good fight. thought won the fight. e didn t do nothing Pacquiao said as he was inter iewed in the ring. e always mo ed outside. got him many times with solid punches. belie e won the fight. Pacquiao was pressed during the interview on why he wasn’t able to fight his usual way in the contest. he official ompubo stats showed

him connecting on only 81 of his 429 punches (19%) while Mayweather landed of his . e s mo ing around. t s not easy to throw a lot of punches if he’s moving around. ut if he stayed can throw a lot of punches. e added though that he was not bothered by Mayweather’s size and strength in this one. can handle his power. e s not strong like (Antonio) Margarito or other opponents li e iguel otto li e that. e s not bigger than me. t s not the si e. i e doesn t matter. e been fighting bigger than him. o problem.

MANILA - Manny Pacquiao’s life story, with its inspiring triumph over adversity after each fall, has been mirrored yet again in his fight with Floyd Mayweather, despite his loss by unanimous decision. hus ran the common thread of officials reacting to the outcome of the fight. Malacanang Palace, in a statement released by ecretary erminio oloma r. on behalf of President

Aquino, said: “Filipinos can hold their heads up high: our national pride, ongressman anny Pacquiao did us all proud when he stood his ground against one of the best boxers of our time loyd ayweather. “President Aquino reiterates his thanks to Manny for serving as an inspiration to every Filipino in overcoming the daily challenges in the pursuit of a better life and future.

n InterAksyon.com / May 3, 2015 / 1:31 PM

Pacquiao’s good fight inspires Filipinos, say Philippine officials

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nd then reiterating his pre fight unsolicited advice for the Filipino boxing icon to devote more time to his family while he is still healthy,, r. quino e pressed hope that “Manny may now be able to devote more time with his family and that he is able to maintain good health that

will serve him in good stead in all his future endea ors. Other officials reactions had similar themes of thanking Pacquiao for inspiring ilipinos a araw na ito, ipinakita ni Manny na tayong mga Pilipino ay handang humarap at bumangon sa anumang pagsubo .

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DINGDONG, MARIAN ‘WILL BE GRATEFUL’ WHETHER FIRST BABY IS A BOY OR A GIRL KAGAYA ng lahat ng soon-to-be parents, excited narin sina Marian Rivera at Dingdong Dantes na malaman ang kasarian ng kanilang unang baby. Ayon sa ulat ni Nelson Canlas sa “24 Oras” nitong Martes, nagtungo na sa OB-gynecologist si Marian kasama ang kaniyang asawa nitong Lunes upang malaman kung boy o girl ba ang kanilang panganay. Gayunpaman, tila binibitin pa ng kanilang coming baby ang kniyang mga magulang dahil hindi pa raw makumpirma ang kasarian nito. Kuwento ng aktres, “Akala naming makikita

na namin. Kasi pag may nakikita, biglang magtatago siya. Ibubuka niya ulit, magtatago uli siya.” Madalas naman binibiro si Marian na dahil tila lalo siyang gumaganda, baka babae ang kaniyang dinadala. Natatawang sagot niya, “Iba ang pakiramdam ko! Pero baka mali ako. Tignan natin.” Sa kabila nito, magpapasalamat raw sila sa Panginoon at magiging masayang mga magulang sina Dingdong at Marian anuman ang maging kasarian ng kanilang panganay.

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Modern structures blend with heritage sites elsewhere - but laws are in place: Palafox MANILA - Modern buildings are being built near heritage sites all over the world, but the “visual corridors” are regulated before the structures are built because these countries have laws and strict guidelines in place, noted urban and environment planner Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr. said Thursday. In the Philippines, he said, the problem of bashers of the “Pambansang Photobomber,” as critics have called the high-rise Torre de Manila one kilometer away from the

Rizal Monument at Luneta, is that it was built in the absence of a similar law that bars its erection. The matter was conceded recently by complainants in Supreme Court hearings on a petition seeking to tear it down for marring the background view of the hero’s monument. Palafox told the Rotary Club of Manila where he was guest speaker Thursday that all over the world, modern buildings and skyscrapers are rising alongside or near heritage sites

InterAksyon.com file photo of the Rizal monument, with the Torre de Manila in background, a kilometer away. Some photos, depending on the angle and other photographic variables, do not show the high rise in background.

and no one complains. The progress of cities cannot be stopped, he added; neither can property owners be arbitrarily prevented from seeking to enforce their rights to maximize the potential of their assets. “All the money in the world, and you cannot control development. Also, all land owners will always make sure they can maximize the potentials of their property,” said Palafox. Still, he said, “there is a way to integrate and blend height and heritage through urban planning. One of the principles of urban planning underscores balance.” The noted architect who has overseen projects in 38 countries said the countries successful in blending modern buildings and heritage sites are those that have long ago enacted strict laws governing the so-called “protected view” or “protected vista” of historical sites. One of the best examples is London, which has specific regulations on the erection of buildings because it had earlier drawn up a list of heritage sites that are entitled to have a “protected view” - or which cannot ever be marred by newly built structures, and had this list covered by a law.

Besides having the pre-enacted list of covered heritage sites, London has corresponding detailed maps that are shown to architects applying for permits; the maps indicate which views should not be marred by any visual obstacle; the topography of the city is also factored in, Palafox explained. “Even skyscrapers are built beside heritage buildings in London, but before building permits are given, maps of the visual corridors are shown to the developers; so they know beforehand that they cannot block the view of the St. Paul’s Cathedral,” for example, he said. Like London, the cities of Vancouver and San Francisco have a similar setup, he added. He also cited as example a place in Barcelona where a monument of the noted explorer Christopher Columbus is, as with Rizal in the Luneta, also facing the sea; and buildings were erected behind it, but no one complained, because existing regulations were followed. In Manila’s case, he explained, the problem is that no such laws are yet in place; and this lies at the root of the furor triggered by the 49-story Torre de Manila, erected a kilometer away

behind the iconic Rizal monument by developer DMCI. “The best practice in London is that the visual corridors are approved and published before the building is constructed - not after,” stressed Palafox. In London, long before a building is erected, the parameters are made very clear to developers - what view they should avoid blocking, because this has already been well studied by the city planners. The problem with the Philippines is that people want to prohibit a building after it is built, while rushing to enact a law to bar it, he said. At the same Rotary forum, exManila mayor Alfredo Lim said that when his office granted a permit to DMCI in 2012, the developer had followed all rules. And, Lim stressed, there is really no law as yet prohibiting the erection of a structure behind the Rizal Monument. He thinks a way can be found to blend modern and historical sites in Manila. If people do not want tall buildings behind the Rizal monument, one option is to have a reclamation area on Manila Bay, across the monument, where the buildings can be built, said Lim. n Beverly Natividad / News5 / InterAksyon.com /

August 13, 2015 / 4:41 PM

Comelec junks fix-PCOS option, to lease new OMR machines from Smartmatic for P7.9B

MANILA - The Commission on Elections unanimously decided Thursday to lease 93,000 all-new optical mark reader machines from the consortium Smartmatic-Total Information Management (TIM) Corporation for the 2016 election at a cost of P7.9 billion. with the decision, it junked all other options to refurbish, partly or entirely, the batch of 81,000 PCOS units it leased, then bought, from the same supplier. The precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines will remain warehoused, and could be refurbished for the next, or 2019 elections, officials said. “The Commission believes this is the most viable, practical and safest option to pursue in our effort to ensure the credibility of the 2016 elections,” Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said in a news briefing, referring to the decision to simply lease brand-new OMRs and junking for the meantime all

options to put in operational use the PCOS units bought in 2013. Immediately after the press conference, Bautista refused to take questions, telling reporters that anyway, “there’s a lot of material there [press kits given out] for the media to chew on.” A reporter pitched a question, but was just met with a smile from the chairman. The Comelec decision was announced a day after Smartmatic-TIM Corp., which leased, then sold to Comelec, the PCOS machines used in the 2010 and 2013 polls, said it will definitely “take no part” in the refurbishment of the 81,897 units now warehoused. “Fixing them now is cutting it too close to deadline and could cause glitches compromising the 2016 elections,” Smartmatic had said Wednesday. Speaking at the Kapihansa Manila Bay Media Forum at the Luneta Hotel in Manila, Smartmatic president for Asia

Pacific Cesar Flores said: “We won’t take part in any refurbishment of 100 percent of the PCOS machines because there is no time to do it before the elections.” “A small quantity” of the total batch of over 80,000 units “might be done, but again when is the decision going to be made and what are the conditions to this process?” He described it as “such a risky timeline,” for which “we won’t take a chance.” Instead of refurbishing the PCOS machines that it sold, Smartmatic prodded the poll body to instead buy or lease brand-new optical mark readers (OMRs) from it, saying the latter had superior features to PCOS. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. remarked that the Comelec decision “is in fulfillment of its constitutional mandate to ensure the conduct of orderly and credible elections.

Smartmatic representatives Cesar Flores and Marlon Garcia at Senate hearing.

“We note that, according to Chairman Andres Bautista, this decision took into account timely delivery, adequate time for testing the new machines, and the need to address problems encountered in the past two elections.” Citizen vigilance and support, said Coloma, will go a long way toward enabling the Comelec to fulfill its mandate. The National Citizens Movement for

Free Elections expressed hope that Comelec would ensure the whole exercise using OMRs would be compliant with the requirements of the poll automation law; while the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) expressed relilef. But the watchdog AES Watch was dismayed by the turn of events. n Jet Villa / InterAksyon.com / News5 / August 13, 2015 / 2:31 PM

LTFRB expects all Valisno buses to be impounded by Friday THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Thursday afternoon said that it is expecting all Valisno Express Liner buses to be impounded on Friday. “Kanina pong pagsilbi natin ng suspension order ay tinanggap naman ng maayos ng Valisno. Ang nadatnan lang po nila na mga bus na nakaimpound nakagarahe na ay 26. Pero iyong iba pa ay nakabiyahe na kahapon

bago pa mangyari ang aksidente,” LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said in an interview on GMA News TV’s “Quick Response Team”. He explained that the bus company has units traveling to provinces like Tagbilaran in Bohol and Iloilo. “Binigyan na po natin ng kautusan ang dispatcher kanina na pabalikin na lahata ng mga bus pero huwag magsasakay at ilagay ang mga

malalaking karatula sa sign board nila na for LTFRB and LTO [Land ransportation Office inspection he added. Earlier Thursday, LTFRB issued a 30-day preventive suspension order on the company s entire eet hours after one of its units figured in an accident that left at least four people dead and 16 others injured in Quezon City. n Trisha

Macas / JDS, GMA News / August 13, 2015 / 7:28 PM

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

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Eastmincom spokesman resigns, apologizes for lumad ‘traﬃcking’ ﬁasco

“based on the assessment made by” the UN expert during the exit brief he gave security officials in amp guinaldo. He said the “description of Haran umads as traffic ed persons was the assessment of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command and not of” Beyani and that, because of this, Eastmincom chief Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad “has approved … my resignation as spokesperson.”

The press release prompted a response from Beyani’s media liaison, Graham Fox, who called it a “gross misrepresentation.” Following this, the military released an audio recording of eyani s briefing as proof that its claim about what Beyani said was accurate. On Thursday, Beyani himself issued a statement of clarification in which he blasted the military for its “unacceptable” claim. At the same time, however, Gubat, in his statement, said the Eastmincom “maintains that Dr.Beyani in his exit briefing described that the ndigenous People in Haran are manipulated” and would take “the said observation constructively as guide in pursuing its mandate of protecting the Indigenous

Militiaman stabs detachment commander in Apayao LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A militiaman Melandres told police a number of and took Melandres to the Conner District stabbed his Army detachment commander in Conner town, Apayao Wednesday, police said. The Conner police reported receiving a mobile phone call from Sergeant Hermogenes Yanba Melandres Jr., commander of the 77th Infantry Battalion’s CAA (Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit-Active Auxiliary) detachment in Barangay Calafug, reporting that he had been stabbed by Cafgu member Marlon Gungob Gundan, 39.

militiamen were drinking inside the detachment when Gundan challenged him to a fight around 3:30 p.m. When the detachment commander tried to pacify the militiaman, an argument and a tussle ensured during which the soldier was stabbed in the thigh, police officer Greg Ammiyao said. However, Melandres did not explain why the militiamen were drinking inside the military outpost and if this was allowed. Responding policemen arrested Gundran

Hospital for treatment, Superintendent Cherry M. Fajardo said. n Arthur L. Allad-iw / Northern Dispatch (special to InterAksyon.com) / August 13, 2015 / 1:16 PM

Pinoys in Qatar can now receive passports by mail

Filipinos in Qatar will soon have the option of having their passports delivered to their doorstep after the Philippine Embassy in Doha and the Qatar Postal Services Company (QPost) signed an agreement last Monday. “This service will make passport application more convenient for Filipinos in Qatar,” Ambassador Wildredo Santos told Gulf Times on Tuesday. “It will have more working space for conducting other official business transactions.”

For a minimal fee of QR25 per passport, QPost will deliver the passport to the OFW’s home or office. Part of the reason behind the move was to lessen foot traffic and decongest the embassy, where Filipinos renew their passports and other documents for their continued stay in the peninsular Arab country. Data from the Qatar Statistics Authority said Filipinos made up 11 percent or 250,000 of at least 1.9 million people living Qatar in 2014. — Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / August 12, 2015 / 1:53 PM

Smoking e-gamer guns down security guard in Cavite

AN electronic gaming patron was caught on CCTV video shooting and killing a security guard in Dasmariñas, Cavite, a report from GMA’s “24 Oras” said Thursday. he report identified the suspect as ar in Camaña who remains at-large. He reportedly has previously been banned from similar e-games establishments for alleged bad behavior. The footage initially showed security guard Joel Lugasan approaching the suspect after the latter started smoking in a non-smoking area. The suspect ignored the guard and went to

another room. The guard then followed him and again asked him to stop smoking. A heated exchange followed. The suspect was then seen turning his back on the guard, pulling out a gun, and shooting the watchman twice. The customers of the establishment panicked and rushed outside as the suspect blended with the crowd. The family of the victim is seeking justice for Lugasan who has been a security guard for three years. n Andrei Medina / NB, GMA News / August 13,

2015 / 8:30 PM

Peoples from the manipulation of unscrupulous individuals and organizations and help alleviate their sufferings and achieve the selfdetermination they are working for.” However, Beyani, in his statement hursday also clarified what he meant by using the word “manipulated.” “My reference to their (lumad) being ‘manipulated’ related to the attempt to forcibly move them out of the UCCP facility without proper and adequate consultation with them,” Beyani said, referring to the violent attempt on June 23 to evict the Haran refugees and return them to the communities they ed after these and e en tribal schools were occupied by the military and after attempts to forcibly conscript them into the Alamara militia. READ THE FULL EASTMINCOM STATEMENT: E P clarifies statement This pertains to the press release dated 07 August 2015 entitled “Lumad in Haran are Manipulated: Not E acuees but ictims of raffic ing. The description of Haran Lumads as traffic ed persons was the assessment of the AFPs Eastern Mindanao Command and not of the UN Special Rapporteur Cheloka Beyani. The effect of the statement was not intentional. I, the Spokesperson of the Eastern

Mindanao Command, Colonel Eduardo B Gubat INF (GSC) PA, humbly apologizes to UN Rapporteur Cheloka Beyani for such oversight and for the inconvenience it has brought to the UN Rapporteur. By reason of such statement, Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad, AFP, Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP has approved of my resignation as spokesperson. However, the Eastern Mindanao Command maintains that Dr. Beyani in his e it briefing described that the Indigenous People in Haran are manipulated. The Command takes the said observation constructively as guide in pursuing its mandate of protecting the Indigenous Peoples from the manipulation of unscrupulous individuals and organizations and help alleviate their sufferings and achieve the self determination they are working for. COL EDUARDO B GUBAT (INF) PA Spokesperson, Eastern Mindanao Command Mobile Nr: 09173005950 Email: eastmincom.pio2014@gmail.com CPT ALBERTO C CABER (INF) PA hief Public nformation Office Mobile Nr: 0917-6308-501 Email add: caber.ac@gmail.com and eastmincom.pio2014@gmail.com n

InterAksyon.com / August 13, 2015 / 3:02 PM

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MANILA -- The spokesman of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command has resigned and apologized for the issuance of a press release that United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Chaloka Beyani called a “gross distortion of my views” on the plight of lumad refugees in Davao City. Army Colonel Eduardo Gubat issued a statement saying he “humbly apologizes” to Beyani for what he called an “oversight” and the “the inconvenience it has brought” to the UN expert in the statement’s claim that hundreds of Manobo at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines Haran Mission House were “manipulated, not evacuees but ictims of traffic ing supposedly

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Netizenslistwaystolickquorum woes as solon posts empty hall pix on FB ‘MGA BOSS’ ON QUORUM

MANILA - While generally displeased with the lack of quorum at the House of Representatives for the past two weeks, Facebook users who weighed in on the matter pitched solutions to keep the lawmakers glued to their seats during session days, after a party-list solon posted a photo of an empty, cavernous hall on FB, as he called attention to fi e straight days of no quorum From simple measures such as the “no work, no pay” scheme to radical proposals such as the abolition of the chamber, and a high-tech idea of using biometrics to check the congressmen’s attendance, today’s netizens showed they are keeping an eye on their lawmakers. The reactions stemmed from an FB post by Buhay partylist Representative Lito Atienza on August 5, after another no-quorum session day at the House. The embarrassing spectacle rows and rows of empty chairs - was captured in a photo posted on the Atienza FB. The implication was not lost on

President Aquino’s “bosses” (his term for the people): that just after his triumphant appearance at a jampacked ongress for his final O last uly 27, most of the congressmen have not been seen or heard from. or its last fi e session days the House has failed to muster a quorum in plenary, sidelining the scheduled continuation of the deliberation of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the delivery of the so-called CounterO tate of the ation ddress by the members of the minority bloc. A quorum is achieved if 50 percent plus one of the total House membership is present in plenary, or 147 lawmakers. There are presently 291 House members. The House holds plenary sessions from Monday to Wednesday, starting at 4 p.m. The mornings are allotted for committee hearings on pending bills and resolutions. Many lawmakers return to their districts during weekends. In his post, Atienza said, “Kayo pong mga kaibigan ko dito sa Facebook

Buhay Party List. Rep. Lito Atienza stands at the podium staring at a giant screen showing rows and rows of empty chairs. He is one of those who have repeatedly drawn attention to the chamber’s quorum problem. His FB post inviting people to share their views drew some interesting proposals. Photo From Lito Atienza Facebook Account

at lahat ng ating mga kababayan sa buong bansa, kapag late sa trabaho may kaltas sa sweldo di ba, pag absent, walang sweldo, at kapag laging absent ay matatanggal sa trabaho. Bakit ganito na ang nagging sistema sa Kongreso, okay maging late at okay maging absent araw-araw tapos tuloy-tuloy ang sweldo at pondo. Mga kaibigan at mga kababayan, tulungan niyo akong baguhin ang ganitong bulok na sistema sa ating gobyerno! Kung gusto nating maging disiplinado at maunlad ang ating bansa, tulungan ninyo ako na ayusin muna ang mga nagging bulok na kaugalian sa ating gobyerno dahil kung maayos ang mga pinuno natin, magiging maayos rin ang mga kaugalian at programa ng ating bansa. Ano pong mga suggestions ninyo para ito ay mabago natin?” Here are some of the comments to the post: JhunFabro: madali lang ang solusyon jan O E E O O O P O E E O O E O PO O ewan ko lang kung hindi magsipasok yan! Reggie Cruz: all of hame para malaman ang mga pala absent ng malaman ng mga constituents nila at di na sila iboto pang ulit. Marcelina Vicedo: Batas n magpaparusa sa mga pala absent n mambabatas... Eman Leonor: Good pm po sir mayor cong. ito. uggestion me lang po sa ating mga pala-absent na congressman na kapag absent sila ng 10 percent ng total attendance, ang penalty ay disqualification to hold public office. Jessie Faigmane: dapat pong ihayag sa diaryo at ipahayag sa tv kung

sino ang mga laging absent, at dapat ipatupad din ang dapat sa mga absent na walang dahilan. Ariel Berja: mag biometric din. Bawas sweldo sa late at absent. Para parehas Joseph Perez: Madali lang, buwagin ang two houses of congress at gawing isa na lang. Halos parehas lng nmn kayo ng trabaho Joseph Jose Bobby Ochoa: tama po cong. kung hindi mo rn lng mapagsisilbihan ang taong bayan ng lahat ng oras at puso mo ay wag mo ng pasukin maawa sana sila sa mga maralita na nag aambag din ng kanilang mga taxes. dapat po siguro may limit at penalties ang mga absent o kaya maging dahilan ng pagkatanggal sa serbisyo. Perennial problem. Quorum problems have perennially hounded the House since the previous congresses. In an earlier interview, a ority eader eptali on ales said the leadership could only appeal to their colleagues to show up during session. Quoting a May 2009 blog post of then abataan partylist epresentati e Raymond Palatino, the lack of quorum was raised in plenary by ue a Vizacaya Representative Carlos Padilla “Padilla expressed his disappointment that House sessions do not start on time (4pm) because many members are late in entering the plenary. If members cannot attend sessions on time, Padilla proposed to amend the rules so that the Lower Congress can start its sessions at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.,” Palatino wrote. he late al ador Escudero then congressman of orsogon noted that it

ta es more than an hour to finish the roll call. “He has an interesting suggestion: redefine the meaning of quorum. Instead of the standard 50 percent + Escudero wanted quorum to mean 50 + 1 so that there will always be a quorum in the House,” Palatino said in his blog. he former abataan lawma er recalled that then Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora took part in the discussion by inquiring about the electronic biometric system proposed by former pea er ose e enecia. This would have allowed the House secretariat to quickly determine the number of solons present in the plenary. “I was surprised by the reply of the Majority Leader. He said the e-voting test failed. Rep. Antonio Cerilles was abbergasted as well. e as ed hy did we pay for something we didn’t test?’” Palatino said. The biometric electronic voting system was supposed to be ready in February 2008, but the project did not push through. he pea er of the ouse then was ose de enecia. The House reportedly spent P15 million for the project that would introduce e-voting in the system in plenary. Under the project, members of the House will be required to register their biometric data to be able to use the new system. he fingerprint acti ated e-voting interface gadgets was supposed to be installed on the desks of lawmakers. It will come with laptop computers for each House member. n

Lira Dalangin-Fernandez / InterAksyon.com / August 7, 2015 / 4:05 PM

UK probers link Pinay to ex-PM’s child abuse case Alleged illegal recruiter arrested by victims inside POEA compound

A Filipina twice convicted for keeping a brothel in the United Kingdom is now being linked to sex abuse allegation involving a former British Prime Minister that is currently being investigated by a police watchdog, reports said. A report on The Times said Myra LingLing Forde, 67, operated a brothel out of her terraced home a mile away from the home of the late Sir Edward Heath, a Conservative prime minister known for taking Britain into the European Economic Community. A separate report on The Independent said Forde was identified by sources close to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into Wiltshire Police’s handling of the allegations against Heath. The report said charges were dropped against Forde in the 1990s after she threatened to expose Heath as a pedophile. The alleged coverup spurred the Independent Police Complaints

Commission inquiry and a call for Heath’s victims to come forward, The Guardian said in a report. Despite her threats, however, Forde was convicted in 1995 for running a brothel full of underage call girls. A report on The Independent said Forde admitted during her trial in 1995 that she started her illegal business due to unpaid mortgages. She reportedly recruited underage girls for her home-operated brothel, the Oriental Massage Parlour, and taught them how “to talk to clients on the phone and have sex in front of porn films.” Though she denied the allegations made by two minor girls under her employ, she was convicted of controlling prostitutes and jailed. She was once again convicted of inciting prostitution in 2009, four years after Heath’s death. Forde had disappeared since The Telegraph reported that she had been in Kilburn, north London a few weeks ago. n Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / August 5, 2015 /

3:18 PM

AN alleged illegal recruiter was arrested within the premises of the Philippine O erseas Employment dministration POE after se en jobseekers found out that he had given them fraudulent documents. n a statement POE dministrator ans eo . acdac said the applicants had a certain ornelio raniel olina arrested after he gave them fake ew ealand wor isas before their supposed pre-departure orientation seminar P O in andaluyong ity.

The applicants immediately reported Molina to the agency’s Anti-Illegal Recruitment division, which coordinated with the police to take in Molina. According to the applicants, Molina promised them employment in ew Zealand through the direct hire scheme in exchange for P35,000 and P40,000 in placement and medical examination fees. The recruiter then took the original copies of their passports and police clearance O birth certificate

marriage contract and certificate of employment at the POE offices for processing and visa stamping. Cacdac did not elaborate how long it took the applicants to detect that something was wrong. he POE had earlier issued 10 reminders for overseas-bound Filipinos, reiterating the need to find employment through licensed recruitment agencies to avoid illegal recruiters. n Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / August 7, 2015 / 4:47PM

Palace assures assistance to OFWs in Taiwan

MALACAÑANG on Sunday said the government is continuously monitoring the situation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan, where typhoon Soudelor hit over the weekend. In a radio interview, Communications Secretary Hermino Coloma, Jr. also said assistance is ready to be given to OFWs, and that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is on top of the situation.

“Sinusubaybayan po ng ating pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng Department of Foreign Affairs ang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan na naninirahan o nagtatrabaho sa Taiwan kung saan ay dumating ‘yung malakas na bagyong Hanna [Soudelor],” Coloma said. “Ang sa atin pong mga ulat ay wala pa namang ibinibigay na pahayag hinggil sa casualties sa hanay ng ating mga

kababayan. Sa kabila ‘non ay masinsin po nating sinusubaybayan ‘yung sitwasyon at handa naman pong maghatid ng tulong ang ating pamahalaan. Mayroon po tayong tanggapan sa Taiwan na tumututok sa sitwasyon doon,” he added. Reports say the typhoon left at least six people dead and four others missing in Taiwan. n Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez / BM, GMA News / August 9, 2015 / 1:44 PM

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August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

Abad says only 2 lump sums in 2016 budget, but Serge sees pork; Binay camp scores P300-B ‘savings’

MANILA – Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad on Thursday admitted to the enate committee on finance there are lump sum items in the P3-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2016, but said there are only a couple of them. On the second day of briefings by the Development Budget Coordinating ouncil bad identified the lump sum items as the Contingency Fund and Calamity Fund controlled by President Benigno Aquino III, which includes the Yolanda Rehabilitation Fund. he figure of the total special purpose funds may be correct but the assertion that the President has full discretion over them is not correct,” Abad said, adding that there are mainly two items for which details cannot be provides – the P19-billion calamity fund and P4-billion contingency fund. “The contingency fund is also like a calamity fund, in the sense that there are really no details because we cannot anticipate the contingencies for which the contingency fund can be deployed later, subject to an endorsement coming from the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council). In that sense, there is no discretion (on the part of the President),” Abad explained. However, Senator Sergio Osmeña disputed the claim of Senate President Franklin Drilon that there is no pork barrel through lump sum items in the P3.002-trillion proposed 2016 budget, under the Special Purpose Funds (SPF) as cited by Finance panel chair Senator Loren Legarda.

Pork barrel disaggregated: Serge O. In truth, these so-called pork

barrel funds, previously known as Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), have been earmarked and disaggregated among various items, said Osmeña. “What they did was, they disaggregated it....(now) it becomes a very legitimate, legal pork barrel,” Osmeña said in an interview after attending the second briefing by President Aquino’s economic managers, or DBCC members, on the 2016 NEP. “In their eyes, (there are only two to three lump-sum appropriations)

because in their eyes they have already earmarked the expenditure of the other lump sum (items),” the senator pointed out. Osmeña was referring to Abad’s explanation after Legarda sought a clarification on the alleged por barrel in the budget, particularly the P434.3billion “special purpose fund” that are without any details in the NEP, and is said to be under the “sole discretion of the President.” Drilon, in taking up the issue, noted the improbability of itemizing the said funds or even disaggregating such allocations, including those intended for the Yolanda reconstruction and rehabilitation. “This is lump sum and certainly it is e tremely difficult to itemi e this because you’ll never know what the calamities are,” he said. “It (Yolanda) happened more than two years ago. I am sure that there are, at this point already specific pro ects which can be pointed to, for purposes of this P19 billion. We can already submit to the public where are these projects going, in order to dispel all of these unfounded allegations that these are lump sum. So they will see that indeed there is no disaggregation; I mean, there is no lump sum, if we can do that,” Drilon, addressing Abad said. The DBM chief assured the senators in turn they could provide the committee the listing.

P200-M LGU aid fund, also lump sum. The allocation for the local

government units (LGUs), a P200million “support fund,” was also described as another lump-sum item. “That is provided there because there are local governments who seek the help of the President for some special projects that they have. It’s in the Treasury. There is a guideline that is released every time the budget is approved on how you can tap into that including a menu,” the DBM chief said. He added that the same item carries the provision intended to fund the death benefits for barangay officials.

How about P303-B savings in 2014?

Earlier on Wednesday, the camp of Vice President Jejomar C. Binay expressed concern that the P303billion government savings from the 2014 national budget will be used by the Liberal Party to prop up the

presidential bid of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas. Lawyer Rico Quicho, spokesperson for political affairs, said it is perplexing that the Aquino administration asked Congress for P2.4 trillion in 2014 but did not release 13 percent, or P303 billion. “Secretary Butch Abad has said in an interview this will be released in the second half of this year. Why? We cannot help but think that the ‘savings’ will be used to fund the campaign of LP presidential candidate Mar Roxas,” Quicho said. Quicho found it suspicious that an “administration that came up with the unconstitutional Development Acceleration Program (DAP) to allegedly accelerate implementation of programs and fast track development, actually failed to release substantial amounts for important development projects.” “Why didn’t they ‘accelerate’ the release of funds last year? And why release the funds in the second half of this year? Palpak na, kahina-hinala pa ang ginagawa,” (They are not only utterly incompetent. What they are doing is also highly suspicious),” he said. “The failure to release funds to the Department of Education (P2.2 billion); Department of Public Works and Highways (P26.3 billion); Department of Agriculture (P2.6 billion); Department of Agrarian Reform (P5.8 billion); and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (P1.9 billion) affected services for millions of Filipinos,” Quicho asserted. At the joint congressional oversight committee on public expenditures last June, Quicho recalled, Abad and other economic managers admitted that the backlog in the release of funds or “underspending” in general has crimped the country’s economic growth during. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) also revealed recently that the economy grew by a mere 5.2 percent during the first quarter of its slowest since 2012. “This administration keeps harping on its alleged economic achievements but the real numbers show that the economy has slowed down. More

Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, InterAksyon.com file photo.

importantly, it failed to improve the lives of the poor, only the rich,” he said. “Ironically, it failed to use resources for major projects for which it asked funding for. The funds were there. he pro ects ha e been identified. Why delay the release in the last part of 2015 and add the 303 billion peso savings to the P2.56-trillion budget for this year?” Quicho asked. Abad’s reasons for not releasing the funds of major government agencies are “just that: reasons,” he said. “You cannot tell us Filipinos who are taxed year in, year out and in so many different ways that funds were not released for projects to improve services for us because you have so many problems you failed to solve,” he added. Abad earlier said the sluggish spending is mainly due to the “structural weaknesses within national government agencies and government owned-or-controlled corporations (GOCCs), (42 percent); peculiar problems of small agencies (30 percent); savings generated from lower interest payments and net lending (14 percent); others reasons beyond the control of the agencies (12 percent); refocusing of efforts to Yolanda rehabilitation and recovery (1 percent); and unutilized funds due to the Supreme Court decision on the Priority Development Assistance Fund and the Disbursement Acceleration program (DAP), (1 percent).” Given these alleged problems, Quicho said Abad and the economic managers should have looked for ways to solve the problems immediately. “It is unbelievable that Secretary Abad suddenly thought of setting up a meeting between economic managers and the President to look for ways to deal with the underspending only recently. Why did he not solve each

problem as it arose? Why the delayed reaction? “Quicho asked. He added, “The words underspending and savings are a misnomer. They did not underspend or save at all. What happened was they did not release the funds to the government agencies and thus, they hindered growth. Palpak. Classrooms were not built. Road repairs were delayed. Ang dami pang hindi nagawa dahil hindi nila ni-release ang pondo. Hindi naman sila nagtipid talaga, hindi lang nila ni-release sa tamang panahon ang kailangang pondo. Ngayon, i-rerelease nila sa second half of this year? Kahina-hinala talaga.” (A lot has not been done because they did not release funds. It was not that they saved funds, they just did not release the funds at the proper time. And now, they will release said funds during the second half of the this year? This is dubious.” “Ganun din sa Department of Education. Ibibigay daw ang P20 billion na galing sa savings para sa construction ng classrooms. Sana last year pa nila ginawa ito kung nakita nila na mas kailangan pala,” Quicho said. (The same goes for the Department of Education. They say they will be giving P20 billion of the ‘savings’ for the construction of classrooms. They should have done this last year if they knew these classrooms were needed last year.)

‘Unused funds to go to DILG, DOTC’.

Quicho noted the unused funds from budgets of different agencies will also go to the Department of Interior and Local Government at P16 billion allegedly for government employees’ pension, the Department of Transportation and Communications at P20.7 billion, and the Department of Agriculture at P13 billion for the construction and repair of irrigation facilities and new farm-tomarket roads. Quicho said, “Billions of pesos will go to DOTC which was formerly headed by Mar Roxas and to DILG which Mar Roxas still controls. He resigned but he is still there. The President said he is still looking for a replacement and that he may as o as to finish a lot of things that are being done.’ That does not make sense at all. It just fuels suspicions that the P is indeed filling up its campaign war chest.” n Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / August 13, 2015 / 5:55 PM

OFWs in Hong Kong join clamor for wage, food allowance hikes DOMESTIC helpers, including Filipinos, in Hong Kong are clamoring for increases in minimum allowable wage (MAW) and food allowance. Claiming they need wage and allowance increases to live a decent life in the territory, foreign domestic workers are asking a raise in MAW from HK$ 4,010 (P23,690) to HK$

4,500 (P26,585), and food allowance from HK$964 (P5,695.29) to HK$1,600 (9452.76). About 40 members of the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body (ACMB) trooped to the Labor Department’s office at Central on Aug. 7 to submit a petition, GMA News stringer in Hong Kong said. Dolores Balladares Pelaez of the

United Filipinos in Hong Kong, one of the member organizations of ACMB, told GMA News they submitted the appeal in time for the Labor Department’s annual review of wages in the territory. “Everyday we have to spend, and during our day off, we have to spend at least 40 to 59 Hong Kong dollars a meal so that we can eat decently. If we are

going to compute that with what we are receiving at the moment, HK$ 4,110 is not enough,” Pelaez said. She added that even employees and other salary earners have been asking the Hong Kong government for pay increases. Hong Kong granted HK$100 increase for FDH’s MAW and HK$44 for food allowance, respectively in October 2014.

Citing an Oxfam study, Pelaez a person in Hong Kong needs HK$ 1,600 a month to eat decent and nutritious food. “If locals here spend that much for their food monthly, domestic helpers should also be given that budget,” she said. n LBG, GMA News / August 9, 2015 / 9:30 AM

August 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 16 • UK & Europe Edition

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www.hello-philippines.com

BOXING

Bob Arum open to Pacquiao fight against Amir Khan HALL of Fame promoter Bob Arum is open to making the prospective showdown between his top pri efighter anny Pacquiao and former world light welterweight champion mir han a reality. han has been trying to tal his way to a big money fight with loyd ayweather for months only to get snubbed by the brash merican fighter who pic ed ndre erto for his opponent in his final

ring appearance on September 12 eptember P time . “This kid Amir Khan keeps shooting his mouth off about anny Pacquiao. can arrange for han to fight Pacquiao rum told he elegraph. “Amir Khan has been begging ayweather for a fight and now he can get a ma or fight. m not a hard guy to deal with. m not going to mess them around.

Pacquiao has been out of action for three months since losing to ayweather in as egas where he injured his right shoulder during the fight. till in reco ery rum says the ilipino ring icon won t be bac inside the ring this year but proposes Pacquiao han to ta e place in the iddle East ne t year. anny s not going to fight this year he ll fight early ne t year and

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in a telephone interview on “State of the Nation with Jessica Soho” hours after the decision. Pacquiao said that China already had plenty of opportunity to host events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, while the Philippines had not yet had the chance to stage events of that magnitude. “Dapat mapagbigyan din ang Pilipinas na magkaroon ng chance na ma-host ang ganiyan kalaking event,” said Pacquiao, who also moonlights as a playing coach in the PBA apart from his duties as a boxer and a congressman.

Despite his disappointment, Pacquiao was heartened by the support generated by the campaign from Filipino fans, who took to social media to express their support. “At least nakita nila yung effort natin, sa lahat ng Pilipino,” he said. Pacquiao remained positive that another opportunity for the Philippines will come up in the future. “Maybe next time. This is not the right time. God has a good plan for us. His plan is higher than our plan,” he said. n JST, GMA News / August 7, 2015 / 9:30 PM

FIBA aware of ‘uncertainty’ surrounding formation of Gilas team, MVP says

WHEN the Philippine delegation made its final presentation to the nternational as etball ederation entral oard in its bid for the hosting rights to the as etball orld up they carried with them a battle cry of outpouring support from bas etball cra y ilipino fans P O . But even as their hashtag trended on social media with Pinoys around the world e pressing their hope faith and enthusiasm about the prospect of bringing the biggest international tournament to the Philippines for the first time in o er years the panel might not ha e been entirely con inced. pea ing to s head of news and current affairs uchi ru alde on her tele ision show ea syon amahang as etbol ng Pilipinas P head anuel . Pangilinan admitted that the world s go erning body in bas etball had questions about the country s ability to send its most competitive team to international competition.

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JM Siasat / JST, GMA News / August 11, 2015 / 4:50 PM

Disappointed Pacquiao on PHL’s FIBA loss: ‘I feel really bad’

MANNY Pacquiao couldn’t hide his disappointment when the Philippines lost its bid to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2019. The Filipino ring icon was part of the Philippine delegation that traveled to Tokyo, Japan to make a final pitch before the international basketball federation’s Central Committee on Friday. FIBA’s top brass gave the nod to China, which had touted its track record of hosting large-scale international sporting events. “I feel really bad kasi dapat mabigyan ng chance ang Pilipinas,” Pacquiao said

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probably in the iddle East. egas is a possibility but more li ely in the iddle East. t won t be in ubai but it will be in the iddle East. f not we ll do it in egas said rum. here s two different groups in the iddle East wanting to host the fight . d li e to do Pacquiao against mir han but they ll ta e anny against any decent guy. n

“Unang-una dapat malaman ng P that eeps close watch on the Philippines on the important basketball nations that make up the 170 countries that form this international bas etball federation. Kaya yung mga nangyayari dito, nari report yun sa Geneva sa headquarters because open naman yan, the internet is an open architecture Pangilinan said. “Kaya itong recent na medyo uncertainty about our ilas team for sia qualifying for the Olympics alam nila nangyayari. Prior to the announcement of the ilas Pilipinas pool composed of players from the P national team coach Tab Baldwin encountered some difficulty in securing commitments from players he wanted on board. Baldwin had wanted to meet with the P s team owners regarding their support for the formation of the national team but only a few of them were available to meet with the veteran international coach. “Doon sa Q&A, hindi naman derecho

yung question sa akin sa panel natin pero yung question nanggaling sa isang Amerikano, looks like galing siya sa NBA – tinanong niya sa akin r. Pangilinan how can you assure us you re sending the most competiti e team to sia the P president shared. “Ang isinagot ko, inilagay ko sa 2019, sabi kong ganun, ‘Since your format for the competition for 2019 has changed, we will ha e to change the way we form our national team. Ayaw kong sagutin yung kasi nga, gusto kong i emphasi e na alam nila he added. P belie es that the country needs to come together and put on a united front especially with the scrutiny it now receives from the international body. “Kasi nga nung na suspend tayo. hey want to ma e sure that Philippine bas etball is united. Kasi Russia was having issues, sinuspinde nila ussia. Yung Japan nagkakagulo, sinuspinde nila apan. Kung pinupuna nila yung mga yun definitely pinupuna

tayo kasi we re one of the fa orite countries he said. n the Philippines was suspended by due to squabbles from within the country s bas etball leadership. he Philippines was pre ented from competing in sanctioned events, settling on participation in invitational events such as the illiam ones up and the ultan s up in runei.

or Pangilinan the opinion that some people from the outside looking in ha e formed about Philippine bas etball must become a concern. “Nakita mo yung pasaring na yun galing sa isang Amerikano, may laman yung tanong niya. Ayaw ko namang makipag debate tungkol sa kaya inilagay ko na lang sa he said. n Rey Joble / InterAksyon.com / August 13, 2015 / 3:01 PM

Marc Pingris absent from Gilas practice on Thursday; Moala Tautuaa joins national training pool FANS and members of the media anticipating the first appearance of Marc Pingris went home disappointed after the Star Hotshots forward was a no-show at the Philippine national men’s basketball team’s practice session on Thursday. Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin told sportswriters last Tuesday that Pingris and PBA rookie hopeful Moala Tautuaa were expected to join the national training pool as it resumed practice after a one-day break but only the Fil-Tongan showed up, giving the squad a much-need extra body in training.

Baldwin refused to comment on Pingris’ absence at the Gilas practice session. Prior to leaving for France, Pingris made known his intention to return to the Gilas program, saying he would help out in whatever capacity. “Sabi ko kay Coach, kung gusto niya mag-pa-practice pa rin ako. Maski practice player tutulong ako,” Pingris had said. But Pingris, who was included in the initial 16-man pool the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas requested from the PBA along with June Mar Fajardo and LA Tenorio, still has not made an appearance.

Baldwin, though, was glad to see Tautuaa joining the group, especially with veterans Asi Taulava and Sonny Thoss playing with little relief due to their dwindling numbers in the frontcourt caused by injuries to key players. “It’s fantastic seeing him out there. Like I’ve said, Asi and Sonny were happy and I’m really happy for them,” Baldwin said. The coach sees plenty of potential in the 6-foot-7 Fil-Tongan, who is being groomed to be an alternative to naturalized player Andray Blatche in tournaments the former

NBA player would be unavailable. Tautuaa is of Filipino descent but is only eligible to play for the national team in the spot allotted for a naturalized player due to the FIBA rule requiring players to secure a passport from the country they wish to represent by the age of 16. “He did a really good job tonight. Our training tonight is designed to review him and get him up to speed and learn things very quickly,” Baldwin said. n Rey Joble / InterAksyon.com / August 14, 2015

/ 2:20 AM

sport

Disappointed Bob Arum open Marc Pingris absent from FIBA aware of Pacquiao on PHL’s to Pacquiao Gilas practice on Thursday; ‘uncertainty’ Moala Tautuaa joins surrounding formation FIBA loss- ‘I feel fight against national training pool of Gilas team, MVP says Amir Khan really bad’ Story on page 39

Story on page 39

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©AFP

Story on page 39

Why China, not Philippines, is chosen to host 2019 FIBA World Cup, according to MVP THE ability of China to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup even “next week” cost the Philippines its chance to win the rights for the prestigious tournament, according to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan. Pangilinan, who led the country’s presentation before the FIBA board in Tokyo, Japan last week, said China is a “safe choice” as host of the Basketball World Cup as it already has infrastructure in place. The economic giant previously hosted the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 Asian Games, among others, while it was also chosen as host of the 2022 Winter Olympics. “Sa presentation ng China, sabi nila they’re ready to do this next week. Ready na sila eh tayo hindi pa tayo ready dahil ‘yung arena sa Cebu hindi pa gawa at tsaka yung Araneta Coliseum, kailangan ma-i-renovate. Kaya we’re not ready until

2019, so mas safe ang China,” Pangilinan said in an interview with News5 chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes. China boasted no less than eight cities which are capable of hosting the games, with all of them having the world-class venues, posh hotels and high-speed trains that will cater to the thousands of participants and fans attending the event. In contrast, the Philippines proposed four venues but only two of them are currently built and pass the FIBA standards — the Philippine Arena in Bulacan and the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. ports officials ha e earlier said that the SMART-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City would need major renovations to host a big event such as the FIBA World Cup. The soon-to-be-built SM Seaside City Arena in Cebu won’t be completed until 2017. n Rey Joble / InterAksyon.com / August 13, 2015 / 8:40 PM