7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 1/15

Palace to China: Xiao xin yi dian (Be a little carefulwith your statements)By Norman Bordadora

Philippine Daily Inquirer 3:52 pm | Wednesday, July 4th, 2012share285 55

Secretary Edwin Lacierda. Inquirer file photoMANILA, Philippines —It was Malacañang‘s turn on Wednesday to tell off Chinese authorities over President Aquino‘s recent remark that he was considering asking the US to deploy surveillance planesover the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea.―Xiao xin yi dian (Be a little careful with your statements),‖ said Secretary Edwin Lacierda, apparentlyaddressing the Chinese, in the day‘s news briefing. Lacierda, President Aquino‘s spokesman, was asked for Malacañang‘s reaction to the People‘s Daily‘saccusation that the Philippines was trying to stir tensions over the West Philippine Sea. The newspaper isperceived to be the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party.The newspaper‘s remarks came after Aquino told Reuters of the country‘s option to engage theassistance of US surveillance to monitor activities in the disputed areas in western Philippines.―The transcript would show the context in which the statement was made by the President …. We do notview it as a provocative statement,‖ Lacierda said. Secretary Ricky Carandang of the Presidential Communications Group has said the request for the US todeploy surveillance planes was just an option and that the matter has yet to be decided on by thePresident.

Santiago asked: When will you quit?Comelec pressed for time, wants early decision by senator By Jerome Aning Philippine Daily Inquirer 2:20 am | Wednesday, July 4th, 2012share172 112

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. FILE PHOTO/SENATE POOLCommission on Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. hopes Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago willdecide whether or not to resign her position before the end of the year so he can finalize the number of senatorial slots that will be up for grabs in next year‘s midterm poll. Brillantes, in an interview, said it would be better if Santiago quit before the deadline of the filing of thecertificates of candidacy in October so that Comelec could open a 13th slot for senator in the May 2013

elections and reconfigure the electronic counting machines.The Precinct Count Optical Scan machines need to be reconfigured, he explained. ―We have to dictatehow many (circles) the people will have to shade because if you shade 13 when you‘re supposed toshade only 12, your vote will be nullified. That‘s why it‘s important that we know whether it‘s 12 or 13 inthe configuration,‖ Brillantes said. Should Santiago resign, the Comelec chief said the senatorial candidate who would place 13th in theelections next year would serve the remainder of Santiago‘s term until 2016. ―My appeal to her is…I think she should resign before October 5 so by that time we will know whether or not we will say, ‗shade 13‘ or ‗shade 12‘ on the ballot,‖ he told reporters.

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 2/15

Senator Santiago was elected earlier this year as a judge of the 18-member International Criminal Courtbased in The Hague, Netherlands. She had postponed taking her oath.―I‘ll just call her and talk to her; anyway, she‘s my friend. She said she will write and I‘m still waiting for her letter. There‘s no letter yet so I‘ll just call her,‖ Brillantes said. The Comelec chief said Santiago could also opt to resign by December this year, when the configurationof Precinct Count Optical Scan machines would be finalized.―She can still resign until December because we will do the configuration of the machines by January,‖ hesaid.Otherwise, if there‘s a vacancy, the Senate must pass a resolution and then call for a special election for the remaining three years. But if Santiago leaves for The Hague early, the vacancy can be included in theMay elections next year, Brillantes said.In a previous interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Santiago said she could not tell for sure whenshe would join the International Criminal Court in The Hague.She said the matter would depend on when the position would become vacant, citing an ICC policy that asitting judge would have to finish all his cases even after his term has already expired.Santiago said the ICC had asked her and other incoming judges to stay put in the meantime. She saidshe would likely stay at the Senate for the remainder of the year. With a report from Christian Esguerra

De Lima: I’m no administration stooge By Marlon Ramos Philippine Daily Inquirer 2:14 am | Wednesday, July 4th, 2012share74 23

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOShe won‘t budge. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday denied she would be an administration stooge should

President Benigno Aquino appoint her to succeed ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona.De Lima also stood firm on her decision to undergo screening of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) for the coveted post.Rejecting the call of House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II for her and acting Chief Justice AntonioCarpio to withdraw, she said it was her ―individual decision‖ to accept her nomination as top magistrate. ―I was able to prove my independence when I (headed) an independent constitutional body and I can dothat again,‖ De Lima told reporters, referring to her stint as chair of the Commission on Human Rightsfrom 2008 to 2010.De Lima maintained that an individual‘s capacity to keep his or her principles ―is on the character of theperson.‖ She also clarified that she wa s not being presumptuous about her chances of becoming the country‘s firstfemale Chief Justice.

Alternative ―I‘m just offering myself as an alternative to the insiders (and) to the other contenders,‖ she said. ―Let‘s just see if the JBC would consider me as fit enough for that post and if short-listed, if the President wouldalso think that I‘m worthy of that post.‖ Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte on Tuesday insisted there had been no change in thePresident‘s preference that De Lima remain in her current post.―However, we wish to reiterate that there is still the screening process that all the nominees would have toundergo. And, barring any short list, we would not be inclined to comment on either of the nominees untilthe screening proces s is finished,‖ Valte said.

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 3/15

Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles claimed that De Lima‘s aspiring for the post bolstered suspicions thatthe judiciary had lost its independence.Inflexible yardstick ―The whole thing is in bad taste,‖ the outspoken Arguelles said, adding that Corona‘s impeachment leftthe judiciary vulnerable to Malacañang‘s machinations. ―I don‘t think (the judiciary) will be free, whoever will be the Chief Justice.‖ On Tuesday, Albay Representative Edcel Lagman added his voice to those opposing the nomination of De Lima and Carpio.―What were perceived as the negative factors which rooted out Corona must be the same factors whichmust weed out potential errant nominees,‖ Lagman said. ―The standards of not being beholden to the appointing power, i mpartiality, credibility and independencemust constitute the same inflexible yardstick by which the President ought to measure the next Chief Justice,‖ he added. The buck stops here Lagman said the President should cross out ―any nominee who participated in the trial of Corona either asprosecutor, judge or witness, or one who is perceived to have coveted the position of chief magistrate.‖ De Lima was a prosecution witness in Corona‘s impeachment trial, while Carpio was accused by Coronaof lusting after his post.Lagman said the public who followed the Corona trial would be eager to know the President‘s choicesince he rallied his allies in the House of Representatives to impeach Corona and he was vocal inlobbying for his conviction in the Senate.―The buck stops with (Aquino) as the appointing authority,‖ Lagman said. With reports from Norman Bordadora and Gil C. Cabacungan Originally posted: 3:21 pm | Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

Supreme Court orders JBC to comment onChavez’s petition By Marlon Ramos Philippine Daily Inquirer 2:04 am | Wednesday, July 4th, 2012share93 4

Francisco Chavez. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOThe Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to comment on the petitionby former Solicitor General Francisco Chavez seeking to stop the search for the next Chief Justice.In an en banc resolution, the court gave the JBC until July 11 to reply to Chavez‘s petition, which urgedthe court to issue a temporary restraining order to prohibit the council from conducting the selectionprocess for the replacement of ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona.The court also ordered Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr., Senator Francis Escudero and the Office of

the Solicitor General to submit their own comments. Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo-deCastro, Arturo Brion, Roberto Abad and Ma. Lourdes Sereno inhibited themselves from the deliberationsbecause they had accepted their nomination to the Chief Justice post.In his petition, Chavez said the JBC‘s practice of allowing a senator and a congressman to sit in thecou ncil at the same time was ―patently unconstitutional‖ and an ―antipodean departure‖ from theconstitutional provision on its composition.Valid concern Lawyer Jose Mejia, a regular JBC member who represents the academe, welcomed Chavez‘s move.

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 4/15

―It might be for the benefit of everybody to clarify that once and for all. I think it‘s a valid concern,‖ Mejiasaid over the phone. ―We, in the JBC, just follow what the existing rules are and what our practice is. Nowthat Chavez brought that up to the Supreme Cour t, maybe it will clear the air with respect to that issue.‖ He said the JBC was set to release the long list of nominees on July 9. Individuals who want to file their opposition to the nomination of any of the aspirants may submit their letter to the JBC until July 19.Mejia said the JBC would exclude the names of nurse Jocelyn Esquivel and dismissed Malabon RegionalTrial Court Judge Florentino Floro from the list for their failure to meet the minimum requirements set bythe Constitution for members of the bench.He said 24 of the 71 nominees had confirmed their intention to join the screening process.

Eating, planting vegetables secret to long life, saysDOHBy Jocelyn R. Uy Philippine Daily Inquirer 1:58 am | Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

share77 49

INQUIRER FILE PHOTOWant to live longer? Plant vegetables.To mark Nutrition Month this July, the Department of Health is urging all Filipino households andcommunities to plant vegetable gardens in their backyards and other open spaces not only to curbmalnutrition among children but to stop the high incidence of noncommunicable diseases in the country.The DOH cited food consumption surveys by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) thatshowed Filipinos were eating only two servings of vegetables, or about 110 grams, a day from the 145-gram daily intake recorded in 1978.It also highlighted FNRI data that showed only 67.7 percent of Filipino households had vegetable gardensor fruit trees in their backyards.

―The data is alarming considering that low fruit and vegetable intake is among the top 10 risk fa ctors for global mortality based on a World Health Organization report,‖ said the DOH. The WHO report attributed 1.7 million deaths globally per year to low fruit and vegetable intake.

According to health experts, one serving should be equivalent to a cup of raw leafy vegetables or half acup of raw or cooked non-leafy vegetables.

Assistant Secretary Maria Bernardita Flores, executive director of the DOH‘s National Nutrition Council(NNC), urged Filipinos to plant vegetables ―in all possible places.‖ She said vegetables can grow even in urban areas using the latest technologies like container gardeningor hydroponics, where plants are grown in water.Most common NCDs Underscoring the importance of vegetables in one‘s daily diet, the DOH said Filipinos, espec ially children,should eat more of the green leafy stuff as they contain vitamins and minerals that help combat

noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.NCDs or lifestyle-related diseases are the top leading causes of death in the Philippines. These diseasesare linked to four ―most common but preventable‖ risk factors: An unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity,smoking and alcohol use.To promote vegetable consumption among students, the DOH has partnered with the Department of Education which recently issued a memorandum urging public schools to plant vegetable gardens incelebration of Nutrition Month.Flores said vegetables were good sources of Vitamin A and iron nutrients important to boosting a child‘simmune system and development.

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 5/15

Infants 6 months old and above should be served pureed, mashed or finely cut green leafy and yellowvegetables mixed with rice porridge (lugaw) to complement breast milk, she said.Ideal daily intake Flores said the NNC was concerned about data showing that infants 6-11 months old were fed only twograms of vegetables a day while 1-year-olds were given eight grams.Oncologists or cancer doctors have said the ideal daily intake of vegetables and fruits is at least fiveservings, where a serving is as big as a fist.―We encourage everyone to consume three or more servings of vegetables each day. Let us also eat our indigenous vegetables such as malunggay, saluyot, kangkong, kamote tops and ampalaya,‖ said Flores.

Fewer Filipinos went hungry in last 3 months,survey saysPhilippine Daily Inquirer 1:49 am | Wednesday, July 4th, 2012share36 9

INQUIRER FILE PHOTOFewer Filipino families said they experienced hunger in the second quarter of the year, according to thelatest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.Results of the survey, conducted May 24-27 and first published in BusinessWorld, showed that 18.4percent, or an estimated 3.8 million households, went hungry in the last quarter compared to the record-high 23.8 percent, or 4.8 million households, recorded in the previous quarter.In the survey, SWS asked 1,200 respondents nationwide: In the last three months, did it happen evenonce that your family experienced hunger and did not have anything to eat?Those who answered ―yes‖ were further asked: Did it happen only once, a few times, often or always? Classifying hunger SWS classified ―moderate hunger‖ as experiencing hunger ―only once‖ or ―a few times,‖ while goi ng

hungry ―often‖ or ―always‖ was categorized as experiencing ―severe hunger.‖ The numbers that experienced moderate hunger nationwide declined from 18 percent in March (3.7million) to 13.7 percent (2.8 million) in May.Severe hunger remained almost unchanged nationwide from 5.8 percent (1.2 million) in March to 4.8percent (974,000 households).SWS used face-to-face interviews for the survey, which had a margin of error of plus or minus 3percentage points for national percentages and plus or minus 6 percentage points for area percentages.By location, overall hunger decreased in Metro Manila and the balance of Luzon, but rose in the Visayas.In Mindanao, it was statistically the same, given the margin of error.In Metro Manila, overall hunger fell from 24.3 percent in March to 16 percent in May, the lowest sinceJune 2011 when overall hunger was at 13 percent.Overall hunger

Moderate hunger in Metro Manila declined from 16.3 percent to 12.7 percent, while severe hunger dippedfrom 8 percent to 3.3 percent.Overall hunger in the balance of Luzon also decreased significantly from 28 percent in March to 14.3percent in May.Those who experienced moderate hunger in the balance of Luzon fell from 22 percent to 8.7 percent,while severe hunger was unchanged from 6 percent in March to 5.7 percent in May.On the other hand, those who experienced hunger in the Visayas rose from 10.3 percent in March to 17.3percent in May. Moderate hunger rose in the region from 7.7 percent to 15 percent.

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 6/15

Those who went hungry in Mindanao increased from 26.7 percent to 28.3 percent. Moderate hunger inthe region was almost unchanged from 20 percent to 22.3 percent, while severe hunger was alsounchanged from 6.7 percent to 6 percent.Hunger also declined among the self-rated poor and food-poor. Among households that consideredthemselves poor, those who said they went hungry went down from 32.4 percent in March to 26 percentin May. Hunger among families that considered themselves food-poor decreased from 37.3 percent to31.8 percent.Moderate hunger declined among the self-rated poor (from 23.2 percent to 19 percent) and the self-ratedfood-poor (from 26.8 percent to 22.1 percent).Severe hunger among the self-rated poor went down from 9.2 percent to 7 percent but was almostunchanged among the self-rated food-poor (from 10.5 percent to 9.7 percent). Inquirer Research

Peso gained 4.33% vs dollar in first 6 monthsBy: Michelle V. Remo Philippine Daily Inquirer 11:33 pm | Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

share35 1 The peso appreciated the most against the dollar in the first half compared with other key currencies inthe region in what the central bank credited to the Philippines‘ favorable economic performance. Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said this development reflected howfund owners favored peso-denominated assets even as prospects for the global economy remaineduncertain.Documents from the BSP showed that the peso appreciated by 4.33 percent against the greenback sincethe start of the year to July 2, the strongest movement during the period among a basket of major currencies in Asia and the Pacific.―The peso appreciation has reflected the positive development in the Philippine economy, particularly theimproved fiscal position [of the national government] as well as the external liquidity of the economy,‖Tetangco said.

In the same period, the Malaysian ringgit appreciated by 0.4 percent against the dollar, the Thailand bahtby 0.44 percent, the Australian dollar by 1.42 percent, the Singapore dollar by 2.7 percent and the NewZealand dollar by 4.18 percent.The yen depreciated against the dollar by 2.44 percent, the Indonesian rupiah by 2.82 percent and theIndian rupee by 4.34 percent.The Philippines‘ declining debt burden—outstanding debts as a proportion of the country‘s grossdomestic product —has indicated the state‘s improvin g ability to service its liabilities to creditors and bondinvestors, Tetangco said.He said the country‘s comfortable external liquidity, measured by its reserves of foreign currencies,indicated that government and private-sector borrowers from the Philippines were capable of servicingtheir debts to foreign creditors and bond holders.―Our economic indicators will continue to provide fundamental support to the peso,‖ Tetangco said. He

said there was a likelihood the peso would remain relatively strong throughout the year as investorsrespond to the country‘s favorable economic fundamentals.

PH to ban OFW deployment to 15 countriesBy Philip C. Tubeza Philippine Daily Inquirer 8:07 pm | Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 7/15

share434 282 MANILA, Philippines – The government will ban the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to 15countries for failing to meet the safety requirements of the amended Migrant Workers and OverseasFilipino Act, the head of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said Tuesday.POEA chief Hans Leo Cacdac made the announcement on Tuesday as he emphasized that the Vaticanand Monaco were not among the list of countries considered ―unsafe‖ for OFW deployment. ―The deployment will be stopped (for the 15 countries) once the GBR (POEA governing board resolution)takes effect 15 days after publication,‖ Cacdac s aid in an interview.In its resolution on June 28, the POEA governing board said that OFW deployment will not be allowed tothose countries that were not included in the list of countries deemed complaint with the safetyrequirements of the Migrants Act.The 15 countries were Afghanistan, Chad, Cuba, Democratic People‘s Republic of Korea/North Korea,Eritrea, Haiti, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Palestine, Somalia, Uzbekistan, and Zimbabwe.The Philippines already has an existing deployment ban to Lebanon and Afghanistan due to safetyconcerns for OFWs working there.Cacdac said that the government was also reviewing the certifications for Libya and Iraq. The governmenthad previously lifted the deployment ban to Libya and to Kurdistan, the northern region of Iraq, but theDFA has decided to review again the security situation in both countries.―With respect to Iraq and Libya, there‘s a review especially Libya. Iraq is still subject to a security alertlevel so there‘s still a total deployment ban for Iraq except for Kurdistan,‖ Cacdac said. ―In Libya, deployment is ongoing so while we are awaiting the review of the DFA, the status quo willcontinue,‖ he added. Cacdac reiterated that the Vatican and Monaco were not among those countries that Manila consideredas unsafe for OFW deployment.He said the POEA was just waiting for the DFA to issue the certifications for the two European countries.Under the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act, the DFA has to certify countries to determine if they had enough protection for OFWs and this certification should be approved by the POEA board.To be certified as safe, a country should have ―existing labor and social laws protecting the rights of workers; is a signatory to and/or a ratifier of multilateral conventions, declarations or resolutions relatingto the protection of workers; and has concluded a bilateral agreement or arrangement with thegovernment on the protection of the rights of OFWs.‖ When asked when the DFA would issue those certifications, considering that the amended Migrants Actbecame law two years ago, Cacdac said: ―Well, that is something that the post has to look into but it hasnothing to do with the Vatican or Monaco being unsafe.‖ ―They still have no certification for now. Meaning, t hey are not definitely in the list of noncompliantcountries because we await their certifications,‖ he said. ―And of course, deployment will continue (for the two countries). There are only a few. In the Vatican,there‘s none but for Monaco we have a few … four or five rehires in a year,‖ Cacdac added. In its resolution on June 28, the POEA board also approved the certification of 32 countries – includingSyria, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait — that were earlier deemed ―partially compliant‖ as ―compliant‖ countries after Congress allowed the move while DFA negotiates agreements with these countries to improve OFWsafety.―The list of compliant countries pertains to labor and employment conditions for OFWs. This does notaffect the outstanding deployment ban to Syria on account of the security situation there,‖ Cacdac said.

Tigers oust Energy, face Meralco in KOPetron Blaze brings in Italian league veteran By Musong R. Castillo Philippine Daily Inquirer

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 8/15

11:00 pm | Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012share54 1

BARAKO Bull’s Celino Cruz sneaks in a pass off Powerade’s Omar Sneed in last night’s game that was still beingplayed at presstime. AUGUST DELA CRUZGAME TODAY (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

6:45 p.m. —Meralco vs PoweradePOWERADE did something it has never done before in its resurgence as a legitimate PBA force thisseason, and that is win a tight game without Gary David in the stretch.With their leading local scorer sidelined in the last three quarters, the Tigers pulled out a 99-95 win over Barako Bull last night to live another day in the Governors‘ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Josh Vanlandingham ably filled in for David, shooting all of his 18 points after their team leader hit thebench, and Omar Sneed flirted with a triple-double as the Tigers advanced to another KO match againstMeralco today.Sneed tossed in 24 points, had 15 rebounds, eight assists, five steals and a block.―His absence is a big thing, but we barely felt it because his production was ably filled by our benchplayers,‖ coach Bo Perasol said of David, who left the game due to a foot injury.

An 11-0 run early in the third quarter had the Tigers peeling away from a 54-all game and they rode it all

the way to the end with Vanlandingham hitting some clutch three pointers and Sneed doing almosteverything.Though the Tigers were in command from there, the Energy didn‘t stop trying, coming to within 89 -95 onlyfor game officials to do a boo-boo by failing to call a three-second violation on Sneed in one crucial play.Sneed lay in the shaded lane for more than five seconds, and JV Casio escaped with a lay-up that gavethe Tigers a 97-89 lead going into the final 1:42.Six players scored twin digits for Perasol, counting David‘s 13 which he shot all in the first period. Meanwhile, Petron brought in yesterday Italian league veteran Paul Marigney as a possible replacementfor the hurting Eddi Basden.Marigney, however, will have to prove he can play defense before he will be able to suit up. Waiting in thewings are Anthony Grundy and Anthony Johnson.The scores:

POWERADE 99 —Sneed 24, Vanlandingham 18, David 13, Anthony 10, Guevarra 10, Casio 10,Lingganay 7, Salvador 4, Belasco 2, Tugade 1, Adducul 0.BARAKO BULL 95—Hickerson 20, Seigle 20, Kramer 14, Miller 10, Tubid 9, Pennisi 8, Cruz 7, Allado 7,Vergara 0, Salvacion 0.Quarters: 28-26, 52-52, 79-70, 99-95

Spain’s Queen Sofia is in town By Jerry E. Esplanada Philippine Daily Inquirer 3:31 am | Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012share1054 164

Queen Sofia of Spain, center, smiles upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to begin her five-dayvisit Monday July 2, 2012, in Manila. Queen Sofia is on her fifth visit to this former Spanish colony for talks withtop Philippine officials including President Benigno Aquino III. The Queen is met at the airport by SpainishAmbassador to the Philippines Jorge Domecq, left, Social Works Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, right, andDeputy Philippine Air Force Chief Maj. Gen. Renato Lorenzo Sanchez. AP PHOTO/BULLIT MARQUEZQueen Sofia of Spain is in town for a four-day visit that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) hasdescribed ―as a positive reflection of the Philippines‘ long-standing and special partnership with Spain,most especially in the area of development cooperation.‖

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 9/15

The queen, an official guest of the Philippine government, flew in Monday afternoon ―to inspect variousdevelopment projects funded by the Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarollo,‖or AECID, the DFA said.Queen Sofia arrived at 4:50 p.m. on Emirates Airlines Flight 332.Her visit, which would include a seven- hour stop in Albay province on Wednesday, is a ―reaffirmation of Spain‘s commitment toward addressing the myriad of developments and challe nges (faced by) thePhilippines and the rest of the world today,‖ the DFA said. Spain‘s official development aid to Manila totaled nearly 29 million euros in grants and loans in 2011, theDFA said.―The implemented programs and projects are aligned with th e development priorities of the Aquinoadministration, particularly in the areas of democratic governance and citizen‘s participation, basic socialneeds, environment, culture, peace building and the prevention of conflicts,‖ the DFA noted. Queen Sofia is scheduled to visit AECID projects in Manila and nearby provinces and meet with officialsof implementing agencies and beneficiary sectors.Her itinerary includes a visit to the National Library, National Museum and the University of Santo Tomas,the DFA said.The queen will cap her trip with a private audience with President Benigno Aquino who is hosting abanquet to honor her and her delegation which includes Spain‘s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs JesusGracia Aldaz and General Jose Cabrera Garcia, chief of the Secretariat of the Royal Household of Her Majesty.First European royalty In Albay, everything is set for the Wednesday visit of its first European royal.―It‘s all systems go for Queen Sofia‘s visit on Wednesday,‖ said Albay Governor Joey Salceda , whoadded that she was the second high ranking foreign dignitary to visit Albay after Pope John Paul II touredthe province in 1981.In February 1981, Pope John Paul II visited Legazpi City as part of his tour of selected places across thecountry.During his three-hour visit, the Pope celebrated Mass on the grounds of Saint Gregory the GreatCathedral.Salceda said Queen Sofia would meet with Albay mayors who received foreign development assistancefrom Spain through the AECID during her seven-hour visit.Disaster preparedness Through the AECID, Spain has been donating to Albay for its projects on disaster preparedness,prevention and management, which have made the province a model in the field of disaster risk reduction,according to the governor.

After arrival honors by local and national government officials at the Legazpi City airport, Queen Sofia willbe accompanied by Salceda, Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal and other local and national officials toPeñaranda Park for the unveiling of the life-sized statue of Jose Maria Peñaranda, the first Spanishofficial to serve as Albay governor from 1834 to 1843.The queen will then proceed to the Albay provincial capitol building to greet well-wishers.She will also visit Camalig North Central School and evacuation center, Josefina Belmonte DuranMemorial District Hospital in Ligao City and the Climate Change Academy on the Bicol University campusin Legazpi.Through financing from AECID, Camalig North Central School was renovated as an evacuation shelter for some 60,000 people affected by calamities, the governor said.The agency also donated an ambulance and health equipment to Josefina Duran Memorial DistrictHospital and funded the hospital‘s training center so it would become the centerpiece of Albay‘s healthemergency program.Solid waste management

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 10/15

According to Salceda, Queen Sofia will be briefed at the Academy of Climate Change on the AECID-funded solid waste management program and on the progress of four UN joint programs on climatechange, nutrition, water and employment in Albay.The AECID has given a grant of 18 million euros (P958 million) to the United Nations programs for theachievement of the Millennium Development Goals of Albay between 2008 and 2012. With a report from Mar S. Arguelles, Inquirer Southern Luzon

US vets seek repair of abandoned Philippinecemetery

Associated Press 8:50 pm | Wednesday, July 4th, 2012share7 1

The Clark Veterans Cemetery, which was blanketed by ashfall from the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, at thesprawling Clark Economic Zone, in Dau, Pampanga. American war veterans in the Philippines are urging the USCongress to pass a bill that would require Washington to repair and maintain the cemetery. AP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — American war veterans in the Philippines are urging the US Congress to pass a billthat would require Washington to repair and maintain a cemetery north of Manila where the graves of thousands of American servicemen and dependents have been covered in ash since a gigantic 1991volcanic eruption.The head of an American veterans‘ group, Retired Army 1st Sergeant John Gilbert, said Wednesday thatthe neglect of Clark Veterans Cemetery north of Manila is a disgrace to the memory of more than 8,000US servicemen and their dependents who are buried there.The cemetery has been covered in ash and weeds since the eruption of Mount Pinatubo forced the US

Air Force to abandon Clark Air Force Base. US veterans have struggled to maintain the cemetery throughdonations.

Toshiba fined in US antitrust case Agence France-Presse 7:07 am | Wednesday, July 4th, 2012share18 6

Models pose with Japanese electronics company Toshiba's 55-inch sized glasses-free 3D television called the"Regza 55X3', which has "Quad Full High Definition" (QFHD) with a 3,840 x 2,160-pixel LCD display and whichshows 2D and 3D high definition images, during a preview at Asia's largest electronics trade show CEATEC(Cutting-Edge IT & Electronics Comprehensive Exhibition) in Chiba City, suburban Tokyo, on October 3, 2011.AFP/Yoshikazu TSUNOSAN FRANCISCO — Japanese electronics giant Toshiba said Tuesday a jury has ordered it to pay $87million in a price-fixing case on LCD displays, but that it ultimately may not end up paying damages.

A company statement said the US District Court jury in San Francisco ordered the fine ―due to allegedantitrust practices in the LCD business.‖ But it added that ―given credits for settlements by other defendants, Toshiba expects that it will not haveto pay any damages as a result of this verdict, even after trebling under US antitrust laws.‖ The case stems from a class action suit filed in 2007 by purchasers of LCD panels and related productsin the United States.―Toshiba has consistently maintained that there was no illegal activity on its part in the LCD business inthe United States, and Toshiba continues to hold that view,‖ the statement said.

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 11/15

Toshiba added that it ―believes that the jury‘s verdict is in error as to the fin ding of wrongdoing onToshiba‘s part. Toshiba plans to pursue all available legal avenues to correct that finding.‖ Several other companies have been charged in the case, and Taiwan‘s AU Optronics was among thosefound guilty.LCD screens are used in computers, laptops, televisions, smartphones and other gadgets.Rival LCD makers met in secret in karaoke bars, tea rooms, and hotel conference rooms in Taiwan to setprices rather than letting market forces prevail, according to US officials.

Allado on collis ion course with PBA over ‘gamefixing’ allegations INQUIRER.net 5:41 pm | Wednesday, July 4th, 2012share92 1

MANILA, Philippines — Outspoken Barako Bull forward Don Allado didn‘t like how his team lost Tuesday

night, and made sure the PBA knew about it.But PBA Commissioner Chito Salud didn‘t like Allado‘s allegations either and said the Barako Bull player was ―way out of line‖.

Allado lashed out at the league and claimed t hat the PBA games were ―fixed,‖ as he was immenselyupset over the officiating in the Energy‘s 95 -99 setback to Powerade which eliminated them from thesemifinals.―I can accept losing to teams, but I can‘t accept losing because of the referees,‖ posted Al lado(@alotofDON). ―Very disappointed in the PBA. You didn‘t have to suspend the refs, you did what you toldthem to.‖ ―I am bitter about losing. Not to Powerade, but to [the] PBA. In my opinion, this league has little credibilityleft.‖ With the game going down-the-wire, the Barako Bull coaching staff went livid over what they thought was

a non- call on Powerade import Omar Sneed, who fell on his back inside the shaded area, wasn‘t able toget up –but wasn‘t called for a three -second violation – which resulted to a JV Casio basket that stretchedthe Tigers‘ lead to eight, 97 -89, with 1:46 left.―I feel for the [Barako Republic] management. They put in time, effort and resources to form a competitiveteam like this only to be wasted by [the] PBA,‖ Allado went on to say.But apart from his tirade on the referees, Allado also had strong words to say about the PBA — whichcaught the attention of many on Twitter.―I‘m the guy that says what others can‘t. PBA games are fixed. They control who‘s in and who‘s out. It‘s adisgrace to be in this league.‖ The tweets maligning the PBA have reached the the league‘s front office and commissioner Chito Saludwon‘t let Allado get away with it. ―He is certainly way out of line. He is indicting not just the game officials, but the entire organization and

membership of the league, his co- players and team officials alike.‖ said Salud in a statement. ―This is a serious accusation, and I do not intend to take it lightly,‖ Salud added. One of Allado‘s followers suggested he dele te the tweet before it reaches the PBA, which could lead tosanctions and fins, but Allado seemed unfazed.―[@yuri_ph: tnx pare] But I hope they sanction me. I will expose them all,‖ Allado tweeted.

As of posting time, Allado has neither apologized nor retracted his statements but has deleted the tweets.―He is certainly way out of line. He is indicting not just the game officials, but the entire organization andmembership of the league, his co- players and team officials alike.‖ said Salud in a statement. ―This is a serious accusation, and I do not intend to take it lightly,‖ Salud added.

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 12/15

One of Allado‘s followers suggested he delete the tweet before it reaches the PBA, which could lead tosanctions and fins, but Allado seemed unfazed.―[@yuri_ph: tnx pare] But I hope they sanction me. I will expose them all,‖ Allado tweeted.

As of posting time, Allado has neither apologized nor retracted his statements but has deleted the tweets.

Donaire all set for title fightBy Marc Anthony Reyes Philippine Daily Inquirer 10:53 pm | Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012share50 13

Nonito Donaire. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOLOS ANGELES —Nonito Donaire Jr. plunged into another workout by the palm tree-lined park of Manhattan Beach Monday afternoon, less than a day after wrapping up what he termed as his ―toughesttraining camp ever.‖

He flashed his lean, toned body —not ―monstrous‖ as his nutritio nist Victor Conte described, butnoticeably bulkier than before —as he hit mitts and shadow-boxed at the yard of the Marriott, where he willstay before his world super bantamweight title unification fight against South African Jeffrey Mathebula onSaturday (Sunday morning in Manila).―He is a tough opponent, he‘s tall and he‘s got the belt,‖ said Donaire, who wrapped up his training campunder Robert Garcia in San Mateo, some 500 kilometers from here.Garcia said they expect Mathebula to fire on all cylinders in the hopes of replicating the same surpriseJosesito Lopez pulled off over highly favored Victor Ortiz.Lopez, a replacement opponent, broke the former junior welterweight‘s jaw and forced him to surrender after nine rounds at Staples Center here.But without giving away their strategy for the fight, Garcia said they have equipped Donaire with enoughweapons to shield him from disaster.

Donaire, the WBO champ with a record of 28-1-0 with 18 knockouts, said he has been putting on muscleseven before his eight-week camp. Hoping to summon the support of the large Filipino community here, heis set to have a fans‘ day on Thursday at the Carson City hall. ―There‘s a lot of Filipinos here and I hope to give them a show they will appreciate,‖ said Donaire. Tic ketshave reportedly been selling like hotcakes at $100, $50 and $25.Donaire and his family migrated to San Leandro, some 600 km from Home Depot Center here where thefight will be held. The bout is the co-mainer of a card that also features former champion Kelly Pavlik of Ohio and Will Rosinski of New York.Mathebula, the IBF champion who at 5-foot- 10 will be the Filipino Flash‘s tallest and biggest opponent todate, is expected to hit town and meet the media Tuesday in the open workout at Fortune Gym on SunsetBoulevard.

At 26-1-3 with 14 KOs, Mathebula remains the underdog in the fight, having lost two of his last six fights.

Dubbed as the Marvelous Mongoose, Mathebula is also marking his first fight in the United States andsecond outside his country.Mathebula is an Olympian and is a good friend of Moruti Mthalane, whom Donaire felled in the sixth roundof their IBO/IBF flyweight title fight in 2008 in Mandalay Bay.

Meralco overpowers Powerade, 94-86

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 13/15

By Mark Giongco INQUIRER.net 9:53 pm | Wednesday, July 4th, 2012shareNew 0

Mario West vs JV Casio and Rommel Adducul. PBA IMAGES/Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Meralco turned the lights out on Powerade‘s campaign, 94 -86, Wednesday nightto complete the semifinals cast in the PBA Governors‘ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Import Mario West and Mac Cardona combined for 50 points for the Bolts.Gary David, who missed the last three quarters of the Tigers win over Barako Bull Tuesday night due to afoot injury, made up for lost time and had 22 points, 15 of which came in the first period.The Bolts looked well on their way to an easy win as they led by 13, 76-63, on a rare four-point play byMark Macapagal in the opening minutes of the fourth period.Meralco though, saw its lead dwindle down to four, 90-86, on a basket by Omar Sneed.But back-to-back baskets by West and Cardona finally put the Tigers away.West finished with 26 points while Cardona had 24.Reynel Hugnatan added 14 points and the other veteran banger Asi Taulava collected six points, 12rebounds, four steals and three blocks.

Powerade swingman Josh Vanlandingham, who came through with 18 points on four-of-eight shootingfrom three last night, failed to score a single point.JV Casio, Sean Anthony and Rey Guevarra who had 10 points each the last time out, failed to hit double-digit scoring.

MERALCO TABS LAST TICKET TO SEMIS Published on July 4, 2012

MERALCO finally realized a coveted goal in its relatively young PBA existence but only after

overcoming a mighty stand by a hobbled Powerade crew.

The Bolts scored a hard-earned 94-86 victory over the Tigers Wednesday to advance to the semifinalround of the Govenors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Mario West 26 points and Macmac Cardona 24 in leading the Bolts' sustained charge in the second half

and into their first-ever semis stint in their six-conference existence in the league.

"The hardest is always the breakthrough," said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio, whose team lost the

chance to make it outright following a 79-81 loss to Barako Bull last Sunday.

"We were not able to nail it against Barako, but we'll not let it get away again," he added.

Omar Sneed had gamehighs of 29 points and 15 rebounds but Gary David was the only other double digit

scorer for Powerade, which officially wound up the season-ending conference at seventh.

There is going to little time for celebration for Meralco, however, as it immediately starts the

five-game semis against Barangay Ginebra Friday with a 4-5 win-loss slate as against the Kings' 5-4.

"We're familiar with the things that are required of us, which is nothing less than a sweep or at

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 14/15

leat 4-of-5," said Gregorio, the latter referring to the incentive of playing off for the second

finals slot given toa team which wins four of five games.

Already bothered by a suspected arthritis on his left foot, David was further stymied by West to

just a 6-for-20 field shooting, although he did finish with 22 points.

Much like what Powerade did in its 99-95 win over Barako Bull just the day before, Meralco took

control with a big third quarter surge before fending off the Tigers' protracted uprisings in the

end.

West, Cardona and Reynel Hugnatan were at the forefront of the Bolts' drive to a 67-54 spread, with

Asi Taulava taking care of the boards and even pulling off two blocks on Sneed in one sequence.

Playing back-to-back must-win games in as many days seemed to have taken its toll on Powerade as it

could not muster the needed energy that would have gotten it over the hump after drawing within

86-90, still 1:32 left.

Meralco, on the other hand, took care of its own end of the business with West scoring on an

off-balanced drive and Cardona hooking in a twinner that gave the Bolts a safe 94-86 spread, only

36.5 ticks remaining.

The lack of another inside presence could have helped, but Rabeh Al-Hussaini again did not see

action due to his own sore foot.

The Tigers dominated the boards, 51-42, but the Bolts were able to score on a total 42 points off

fastbreaks and turnovers.

David could not duplicate his hot start that boosted Powerade to a 25-18 lead after the first

quarter while Cardona and West waxed hot as the game progressed, yet the Tigers held on for a 45-44

edge at the half.

Casio made it possible, beating the shotclock with a long triple following a midcourt jump ball.

Concentrating mostly on stifling David, West got his offensive going only in the second quarter

where he scattered nine points, including a free throw that gave Meralco the upper hand 44-42.

Along the way, West effectively cuffed David to just a a 1-for-7 field shooting in the same quarter.

His injured left foot shot full of painkillers David went a perfect 4-for-4 from the field – all

from beyond the arc – for 15 points in the game's first six minutes and also played some defense

on Cardona.(NC)

The scores:

7/31/2019 news july 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/news-july-4 15/15

MERALCO 94 - West 26, Cardona 24, Hugnatan 14, Mercado 10, Reyes 6, Taulava 6, Macapagal 4, Ross 2,

Artadi 2, Bulawan 0.

POWERADE 86 - Sneed 29, David 22, Casio 9, Salvador 7, Anthony 6, Guevarra 4, Tugade 4, Adducul 3,

Belasco 2, Martinez 0, Lingganay 0, Vanlandingham 0.

Quarters: 18-25, 44-45, 69-60, 94-86

Report: Gordon agrees to max deal with SunsPosted Jul 3 2012 11:59PM - Updated Jul 4 2012 7:48AMPHOENIX (AP) -- Restricted free agent guard Eric Gordon has agreed to a four-year deal with the Phoenix Sunsworth about $58 million, a person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press . The New Orleans Hornets havethe right to match the deal and keep Gordon.Gordon was in Phoenix on Tuesday, meeting with the Suns' front office. The agreement to the offer sheet was

confirmed by a person who spoke on condition of anonymity because free agent acquisitions can't be revealedpublicly until next week, according to NBA rules.The Suns also have had meetings this week with forward Michael Beasley and guard Goran Dragic as they preparefor life after Steve Nash.There have been several sign-and-trade speculations regarding Nash, who is an unrestricted free agent who seemsever more unlikely to return to Phoenix.The agreement with Gordon first was reported Tuesday night by The Arizona Republic and ESPN.Gordon, given a huge welcome by Suns employees, told the Republic after his meeting with the Suns that "Phoenix iswhere my heart is now" and he hoped the Hornets would not match the offer. The Suns can sign Gordon to the offer sheet on July 11 and New Orleans would have three days to match.Gordon, 23, played the first of his four NBA season with the Los Angeles Clippers after being the seventh pick overallout of Indiana in 2008. He came to the Hornets before the start of last season as part of the trade that sent Chris Paulto the Clippers.The sharpshooter has a career scoring average of 18.2 points per game, topped by 22.3 in 2010-11. He missed allbut nine games of last season with an injury to his right knee that required arthroscopic surgery.The meetings with Beasley and Dragic, a former Sun traded by Phoenix to Houston, highlight the team's search for astarting point guard ahead of first-round draft pick Kendall Hunter.While Nash is a free agent, the only way several would-be suitors, including the New York Knicks and Los AngelesLakers, would only be able to afford him would be to arrange a sign-and-trade deal with Phoenix.Nash reportedly has received a lucrative offer to go to his native Canada and play for the Toronto Raptors.