MANILA, May 4 (Mabuhay) – Senator Francis Escudero on Wednesday tagged the adminis-tration as the lone entity capable of cheating in the May 9 elections, but expressed belief that President Benigno Aquino III would not al-low it to happen.

“Ang may kakayahan lang mandaya, administrasyon. Walang iba,” Escudero said at a press con-ference at the Senate when asked if he thinks administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II is capable of rigging the polls.

When pressed if he thinks Aqui-no and Roxas would allow cheating to mar the elections, Escudero, who is running for vice president, only vouched for the President’s

character.“Hindi ako close kay Secretary

Roxas. Kaya ko lamang magsalita sa pagkakakilala ko kay Pangu-long Aquino. Ang sagot ko ay hindi at umaasa ako na hindi at hindi siya nagbago,” he said.

Roxas, on the other hand, dis-missed Escudero’s statement, saying it is not based on facts.

“Itong mga paratang ay mga salita ito ng mga wala namang pinanghahawakang pruweba,” Roxas told reporters in a separate media briefi ng.

Roxas also questioned the tim-ing of Escudero’s statement, noting that he could have raised concerns on the conduct of the presidential

Friday - Thursday, May 6 - 12, 2016

WhatJulia said

on the ‘real score’

withCoco

See Page 5W W W . U S A S I A N P O S T . C O M

Vol. 5 No. 32 LOS ANGELES A BALITA MEDIA PUBLICATION

See CHEATING, page 11

“Ngayon naka-full alert status na ang PNP base sa direktiba ni PNP chief Director General Ricar-do Marquez,” PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent wilben May-or told radio dzBB in an interview.

Under a full alert status, all leaves of police personnel are cancelled and all policemen are required to be in their stations and ready for deployment.

Mayor said even policemen who are in “schooling” and those who

are supposed to be attending sem-inars have been recalled.

“Stop trainings, seminars lahat dahil balik sila sa mga yunit nila para ma-maximize ang kanilang deployment,” he said.

He also said that the PNP has started accounting for the reserve forces from the national down to the regional level.

He said the reserve forces will be deployed in case additional police

Only 17 out of the 66 national candidates attended the signing of the Truthful, Responsible, Upright, Transparent, & Honest (TRUTH) covenant spearheaded by the Archdiocese of Manila and its radio network, Radio Veritas, on Monday (May 2, 2016). According to Fr. Anton Pascual, Radio Veritas president, they have sent invitations to each of the candidates running for the presidential, vice presidential and senatorial seats but many of them were not available as they were in their respective campaign sorties. Left and middle photos show Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Vice President Jejomar Binay signing the peace covenant for the May 9 elections at the Manila Cathedral. (PNA photos by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA, May 2 (Mabuhay) – Presidential candidates Vice Pres-ident Jejomar Binay and former Interior secretary Mar Roxas as well as 15 senatorial candidates on Monday vowed to push for truthful and honest elections on May 9.

The candidates signed the cov-enant for a Truthful, Responsible, Upright, Transparent & Honest (T.R.U.T.H.) Elections at Manila

Cathedral in Intramuros after the 9 a.m. Mass presided by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.

The signing was witnessed by Cardinal Tagle, Bishop Leopoldo Matulak of the Military Ordi-nariate, Commission on Elections chairman Andres Bautista, among others.

In signing the covenant, the can-

didates, as leaders of the country, pledged to support and promote the right of every Filipino to vote and advocate truthful, responsible, upright, transparent, and honest elections.

They also pledged to support campaigns that aims to motivate the Filipino people to take respon-sibility for the country by partici-

MANILA, Apr 29 (Mabuhay) – The National Bureau of In-vestigation (NBI) has arrested the second suspected hacker of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) website.

The suspect was identifi ed as 23-year-old Jonel de Asis and was arrested in his Muntinlupa City home Thursday night by

MANILA, May 2 (Mabuhay) – Atty. Salvador Panelo on Monday belied the claim of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV that his client, Davao City Mayor presidential hopeful Rodrigo Duterte, ever possessed P211 million is his deposit account at the Bank of the Philippine Is-lands (BPI) Julia Vargas Branch in Pasig City.

“I have addressed the bank to issue the necessary documents. Based on the records of the bank, walang P211 million sa kanyang deposit mula pa noong ito’y binuk-san niya at hanggang ngayon,”

Panelo said.Panelo is representing Duterte’s

camp in a face-off with Trillanes at the bank.

The lawyer said he was au-thorized by Duterte to open his bank account and release a bank certifi cation that the PDP-Laban standard-bearer never amassed P211 million.

Panelo dared Trillanes to issue a sworn statement regarding his allegations and if the senator, who is also a vice presidential hopeful, believes his evidence against Dute-

Turnover of the BRP Gregorio Velasquez held in San Diego

Los Angeles, 28 April 2016, Con-sul General Leo Herrera-Lim rep-resented the Philippine Govern-ment at the Handover, Christening and Commissioning Ceremonies of the BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR 702) held at the 52nd US Naval Base in San Diego, California on 27 April 2016.

The simple ceremonies were at-tended by Department of Defense Undersecretary Jesus C. Milan;

Commander US 3rd Fleet V/Adm Nora Tyson; Scripps Institution of Oceanography Director Dr. Margaret Leinen; Philippine Fleet Deputy Commander Commodore Narciso Vingson; Commander Sealift Amphibious Force Commo-dore Rene Medina; BRP Velasque Commanding Offi cer Commander Edwin Nera and Defense Attaché Eric Calip.

Consul General Herrera-Lim in his remarks, highlighted the signif-icance of the handover of the vessel during the year that we celebrate

MANILA, Apr 29 (Mabuhay) – Renato Corona, notable lawyer, member of the Cabinet and former chief justice, passed away Friday morning, the Supreme Court (SC) announced. He was 67.

Corona’s family confi rmed that he died of cardiac arrest at 1:48 a.m.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno “has directed that the fl ag in the SC and all courts nationwide be fl own at half mast to mourn the passing of the former CJ,” the SC Public Information Offi ce (PIO) said.

Corona’s remains will be brought to the Heritage Park in Taguig where a public viewing will be held on Saturday.

Before his death, the ousted chief justice was diagnosed with diabetes, and had undergone heart bypass surgery twice.

Corona served the government in various capacities. He was in

PHL FULL ALERT FOR MAY 9 POLLSMANILA, Apr 30 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine National

Police (PNP) on Saturday placed its forces nationwide on full alert status for the May 9 local and national elections.

NBI nabs 2nd Comelec website hacker

Chiz: Only admin capable of cheating in May polls

Lawyer claims Duterte never amassed P211M at BPI Julia Vargas branch

PHL gets fi rst US Navy research vessel

Disgraced former Chief Justice Corona dies

VP Binay, Roxas, Senate bets sign covenant for TRUTH

See P211M AT BPI, page 11

See US NAVY VESSEL, page 11

See CORONA DIES, page 11See COVENANT, page 11

See FULL ALERT, page 11See HACKER, page 11

Top Calabarzon police offi cials perform the “mock automated voting” with their shaded ballots and are thrilled with the subsequent release of the voter’s receipt during the Regional Joint Security Control Center Conference for Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) 2016 at Camp Vicente Lim Multi-Purpose Center in Barangay Mayapa, Calamba City on Tuesday (April 26, 2016). (PNA photo by Saul E. Pa-a)

Visit www.usasianpost.com Friday - Thursday, May 6 - 12, 2016 THE US ASIAN POST2

MANILA, Apr 30 (Mabu-hay) – Administration stan-dard bearer Mar Roxas is elated over the results of the latest ABS-CBN survey by Pulse Asia showing him in a statistical tie at second place with erstwhile frontrunner Senator Grace Poe.

In the survey conducted from April 19 to 24 among 4,000 respondents, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte sustained his lead with 33% voter support.

But Roxas now joined Poe at second place, with 20% and 22%, respectively, overtaking Vice President Jejomar Binay who got 18%.

“Sinabi nila noon, wala tayong pag-asa. Sinabi nila noon, walang mangyayari kina Mar at Leni. Naniwa-la sila na mabubura nila

ang mga tagumpay natin; na maipapalimot nila sa atin kung sino tayo bilang Pilipino,” Roxas said in a statement Saturday.

Roxas’ numbers saw an increase by two percentage points from the last Pulso ng Bayan survey conducted from April 12 to 17.

Both Duterte and Binay, on the other hand, dropped 1% from the previous sur-vey while Poe’s rating was unchanged.

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago was still at 2%.

Roxas’ running mate, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, also saw a three-point improvement from the previous survey, from 23% to 26%.

Senator Ferdinand “Bong-bong” Marcos sustained his

lead in the vice presidential race with 31% support, up two points from the last poll.

Robredo, however, re-mained at second place, still ahead of erstwhile frontrun-ner Senator Francis Escu-dero, who was down to 18% from his previous 20%.

Senators Alan Peter Cayateno got 15%, Antonio Trillanes 3%, and Gringo Honasan 2%.

According to Roxas, the improvement in his and Ro-bredo’s numbers only show that voters do not believe the accusations being thrown against them.

“Napatunayan natin: Hindi tayo magpapadala sa lahat ng paninira, pan-loloko, at pagsisinungaling nila laban sa atin,” the Lib-eral Party (LP) candidate

Korina Sanchez-Roxas (right) delivers her message during the Pasay City Leaders’ Assembly for the Team Daang Matuwid led by her husband, Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and his running mate, Congresswoman Leni Robredo, on Sunday (May 1, 2016) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. (PNA photo by Gil S. Calinga)

said.He expressed gratitude

to all those who believe in him and Robredo and also expressed confidence that their tandem will emerge victorious in the May 9 elec-

tions.“Sa lahat ng nangan-

gampanya at tumutulong sa atin, I have more to ask of you. Please do not stop. Let us continue knocking on doors, making phone

calls, talking to anyone and everyone we meet. Huwag kayong matakot.

We are fi ghting the good fight. We are fighting the fi ght of our lives,” said Rox-as. (MNS)

Roxas elated over rise in latest ABS-CBN survey

MANILA, May 2 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday met with Iglesia ni Cristo Ex-ecutive Minister Eduardo Manalo to share his “vision” after his term, and to make “usual appeals and politi-cal appeals” just a week before the May 9 presidential elections.

In an interview, Aquino said he also paid a visit to Manalo to thank the religious group for its support during his six-year administration.

“First, nagpapasalamat muna ako dahil talaga namang nadama natin ang suporta throughout the administration and even before I have been in offi ce,” Aquino said.

“Tapos parang sharing also the vision of sana what happens after I step down from offi ce, usual appeals and political appeals,” he added.

“As usual maganda ang pagkatanggap sa atin ni Ka Eduardo, I have no complaints but to say thanks for all the support,” Aquino said of the meeting held at the Iglesia’s Central Offi ce in Quezon City.

Aquino has endorsed the candidacies of Liberal Party (LP) candidates Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Leni Ro-bredo, both of whom have already previously met with Iglesia leaders.

The Iglesia ni Cristo is believed to be a solid voting bloc during elections. In 2010, it backed the Aquino-Rox-as tandem. (MNS)

MANILA, May 2 (Mabu-hay) – Senator Jinggoy Es-trada, detained in connec-tion with the pork barrel scam, has asked the San-diganbayan to allow him to leave his detention on May 9, election day, so that he can cast his vote in San Juan City.

In a two-page motion dated April 28, Estrada, through his legal counsel, asked the court’s Fifth Di-vision to stay at his polling precinct at Xavier School in San Juan City for two hours or from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 9 in order to cast his vote.

“On the matter of his right to vote, it is every citi-zen’s duty and constitutional right to vote. Not only it is a right and duty but failure to exercise said right can lead to disenfranchisement of his right of suffrage,” Estrada’s motion read.

Estrada said there is no

polling precinct at the Phil-ippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center where he is currently detained.

The senator further point-ed out that while deten-tion prisoners at the PNP Custodial Center would be allowed to vote on May 9, voting there will be limited to national positions only.

“ A c c u s e d - m o v a n t ’ s daughter is running for a local position at San Juan and he would like to exercise his right of suffrage at his voter’s precinct at Xavier School to be able to vote for the national and local posi-tions,” his motion said.

Estrada’s daughter Janel-la Ejercito is running for vice mayor of San Juan.

Estrada promised to shoulder all the expenses that the PNP Custodial Cen-ter will incur for escorting him to and from San Juan.

The son of former Presi-dent and incumbent Manila

mayor Joseph Estrada is detained for plunder and graft charges in connection with his alleged involvement in the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam.

Meanwhile, in the same motion, Estrada also asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to undergo a medical check-up “as soon as possi-ble” at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan or at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital in Sam-paloc, Manila.

Estrada said he has been experiencing pain on his right shoulder for almost a month now, “unrelieved by rest and medications”.

He said his private phy-sician, Dr. Raymond Nuñez, who visited him at his deten-tion, recommended that he undergoes X-ray and Mag-netic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests of his shoulders “to determine the cause of his pain.”

“Considering accused’s health issues, there is need for him to undergo imme-diate X-RAY and MRI of his right shoulder as rec-ommended by Dr. Nuñez,” Estrada’s motion said.

Estrada reminded the anti-graft court that it has earlier allowed him on sev-eral occasions to undergo therapy sessions at Cardinal Santos Medical Center due to his frozen shoulder.

Estrada had earl ier claimed that the PNP Cus-todial Center does not have an MRI apparatus and oth-er testing equipment to address his shoulder pain condition.

Meanwhile, in a brief hearing Monday morning, the prosecution was given only until Tuesday to file its comment or opposition on Estrada’s motion, after which the motion is deemed submitted for resolution. (MNS)

Aquino talks of ‘vision’ after term, ‘political appeals’ with Iglesia ni Cristo’s Manalo

Jinggoy seeks furlough to vote in San Juan, undergo shoulder check-up

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, May 6 - 12, 2016 Visit www.usasianpost.com 3

MANILA, May 2 (Mabu-hay) – Action star Robin Pa-dilla said Monday he would withdraw all his money from Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to protest what he described as a political hack job against presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte.

Padilla, a vocal support-er of Duterte, fl ogged Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV for accusing the tough-talking mayor of hiding P211 million in a secret account at BPI’s Julia Vargas branch.

The hidden wealth allega-tion threatens to slow Dute-rte’s march to Malacañang. The Davao City mayor, who has vowed a “bloody” war on crime, holds a considerable lead one week before the elections.

“Pulitika ito, isang mali-naw na pulitika ito,” Padilla said of Trillanes, a vice pres-idential candidate who is supporting Duterte’s closest rival, Sen. Grace Poe.

“Meron tayong batas na dapat sinusunod. Dapat

si Sen. Trillanes, sinasabi niyang isang senador, hin-di niya dapat sinasabi na walang rule of law... Mag-wiwithdraw muna ako,” he told reporters.

Padilla did not say how much money he would with-draw from the Ayala-owned bank.

Trillanes has refused to say where he got the infor-mation on Duterte’s bank ac-count. The mayor admitted to owning the account but said it contained much less.

Duterte has authorized his lawyer, Salvador Panelo, to open his BPI Julia Vargas account in front of Trillanes before noon on Monday.

BPI said there was no breach in client confiden-tiality protocols despite Trilllanes’ revelation. It also asked clients of its Julia Vargas branch to transact in other branches on Monday to avoid heavy traffi c that will likely be caused by Trillanes and Panelo’s confrontation. (MNS)

MANILA, May 2 (Mabu-hay) – The Anti Money Laundering Council (AMLC) wants an asset preservation order on the money surren-dered by casino junket oper-ator Kam Sin “Kim” Wong extended for 20 days.

A m o u n t i n g t o $830,595.50, the money is part of the $81 million stolen by hackers from the Bangla-desh Bank’s account with the Federal Reserve Bank

of New York.The AMLC through the

Offi ce of the Solicitor Gen-eral sought to extend the fi rst preservation order, due on May 19-20, for the entire hearing of the civil forfeiture case fi led by AMLC against Wong. The Chinese-born casino junket operator’s will comment on the issue on Wednesday.

According to Wong’s law-yer, a civil forfeiture case

usually takes two months to resolve

Wong assured that he would cooperate fully with the government in the mon-ey laundering scheme that is under investigation by the Senate blue ribbon com-mittee. The Bangladesh gov-ernment must fi le a formal request with the Philippine government to claim the money back.

Supposedly, another P250

million is still with Wong’s and AMLC said it seeking to have the money returned as well.

Wong has surrendered various amount to the AMC, including $4.6 million that was transferred to Solaire, P36 million that went to Mi-das Hotel, and P200 million that he supposedly loaned to one of the high rollers that benefi tted from the stolen funds. (MNS)

Thousands of job seekers wait for the processing of their applications for various career opportunities during the Job and Career Fair organized jointly by the Department of Labor and Employment-Calabarzon, the City Government of Dasmarinas and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in line with the commemoration of Labor Day with the theme “Kinabukasan ay Sigurado sa Disenteng Trabaho” at the SM City Dasmarinas in Cavite on Sunday (May 1, 2016). (PNA photo by Gil S. Calinga)

MANILA, Apr 29 (Mabu-hay) – Administration vice presidential candidate and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo on Friday released a signed waiver allowing the Ombudsman to look into her bank accounts.

On her Twitter account, Robredo posted an “affi davit of transparency” she signed on Thursday, the same day administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II presented to the media his signed bank secrecy waiver.

“Naniniwala ako na dapat malinaw sa publiko ang yaman ng mga naglil-ingkod sa gobyerno,” the affi davit states.

“Bilang isang kandidato sa darating na halalan, ako’y naniniwala na dapat wala akong anumang itina-tago sa publiko,” it added.

Transparency on the can-didates’ financial records have become an issue in the past days following Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s al-legation that survey front-runner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte had been untruthful in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

Duterte has since denied the allegation.

Several other candidates running for national posi-tions have also waived their bank secrecy rights. (MNS)

MANILA, Apr 29 (Mabu-hay) – Government em-ployees will receive a 14th month pay on May 15, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Friday.

This is a mid-year bonus equivalent to a month’s basic salary, in line with Exec-utive Order (EO) No. 201 signed by President Benigno S.C Aquino III in February.

A Budget Circular issued by Budget Secretary Floren-cio “Butch” Abad on Thurs-day, specifi ed the employees who would get their 14th month pay next month.

All government employ-ees ( civilian and military) will be given additional bonuses.

Covered by Budget Circu-lar No. 2016-3 are all posi-tions for civilian personnel, whether regular, casual, or

contractual in nature, ap-pointive or elective, full-time or part-time.

“Eight in every 10 civilian personnel will receive their mid-year bonus in full, or tax-free under Republic Act 10653, which provides that gross benefi ts such as the 13th month pay and other benefits not exceed-ing P82,000 shall be tax exempt,” Abad said in a separate statement Friday.

“These means the major-ity of civilian personnel will take home their mid-year bonus in full. They are the 970,943 civilian employees belonging to Salary Grades 1 to 16,” he added.

Also included are military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the Department of National Defense and uni-formed personnel of the

Philippine National Police, Philippine Public Safety College, Bureau of Fire Pro-tection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology of the Department of Inte-rior and Local Government.

Uniformed personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard and National Mapping and Resource Information Au-thority will also receive additional bonuses.

The DBM said an employ-ee must have rendered at least a total or an aggregate of four months of service from July 1, 2015 to May 15, 2016 to get a bonus.

They must also have ob-tained at least a satisfac-tory performance rating in the immediately preceding period, and must still be in active service as of May 15.

However, employees of government-owned and

-controlled companies are not covered by the circular as they are classifi ed under the Compensation and Po-sition Classifi cation System under E.O. 203 which the President signed last month.

“The amounts required for the grant of FY 2016 Mid-Year Bonus to personnel of National Government Agen-cies (NGAs) shall be charged against the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefi ts Fund,” the circular read.

“The DBM shall issue the corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation to cover the Mid-Year Bonus of agency personnel to be given not earlier than May 15 of the current year, subject to the provisions of National Bud-get Circular No. 561 dated January 4, 2016 on the re-lease of funds,” it added.(MNS)

By Michaela del CallarMANILA, May 2 (PNA) -- The Philippine government

on Monday said it is pleased with the safe release of 10 Indonesian sailors abducted by the Abu Sayyaf last March 26 as it assured foreign governments that it continues to work for the freedom of their nationals still being held by the militants.

“While intensifi ed operations continue on the ground, the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) maintains close coordination with concerned foreign governments in ensuring the safe return of all the remaining hostages,” a Foreign Affairs statement said.

The Indonesians were seized at sea in March, spark-ing a regional maritime security concern.

They were released on Sunday afternoon and were dropped off in front of the house of Sulu province gov-ernor.

It was not known if ransom was paid.The Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf, which has been

listed as a terrorist organization by the Philippines and United States, is notorious for beheading its hostages. It was also responsible for several terrorist attacks in the country and kidnapping of foreigners in the Southern Philippines.

The Abu Sayyaf on April 25 beheaded one of their two Canadian hostages after their US$ 6.5-million ransom demand was not met.

John Ridsel, 68, was executed by his captors, hours after the April 25 deadline for their demand to pay the ransom for each of the foreign hostages in their custody passed. His head, wrapped in a plastic bag, was dropped by two men on motorcycle near the Jolo city hall in Sulu.

MANILA, Apr 30 (Mabu-hay) – Commission on Elec-tions (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista on Satur-day said voters can bring “kodigo” to polling precincts on May 9.

“In fact, iyon ang ating iminumungkahi. Bibilis iyan kung may dalang kodigo... listahan ng inyong iboboto,” Bautista said, also clarifying that he preferred calling the piece of paper a prepared list of candidates to vote for instead of kodigo or a “cheat sheet.”

The poll chief also said that supporters of candi-dates may distribute sample ballots.

“Puwede po iyan pero may distansya kung saan puwe-deng ipamigay ang sample ballots na iyan,” he said.

MANILA, May 2 (Mabu-hay) – The United National-ist Alliance has not received confi rmation of the Remulla family’s shift of support to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Gringo Hona-san said Monday, but noted he understands a possible change of allegiance of the party’s allies from Cavite.

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla met with Duterte on Friday for a closed-door meeting, fueling specula-tions that Remulla had in-deed defected to the camp of the tough-talking mayor.

Remulla is a known ally of UNA standard bearer Jejomar Binay.

In an interview, Honasan said the offi cial line of the UNA and the VP is: “We have no official confirma-

tion or information to that effect.”

“Let me put this in per-spective, all politics is local, would you fault the local candidates if they decide on anything, on any informa-tion, that will enhance their candidacy or winnability? That’s the law of nature,” he said.

Honasan believes that the shifting of politicians’ allegiances are due to the ab-sence of real political parties in the Philippines.

The senator is also not bothered about UNA losing allies in Cebu and Cavite. Earlier, UNA’s ally One Cebu Party, citing differ-ences with Binay’s camp, abandoned the vice-presi-dent and shifted its support to Duterte.

“(VP Binay) did not lose two provinces, he lost cer-tain personalities. When you lost the support of certain personalities, that does not guarantee that you lost the support of the entire prov-ince,” said Honasan.

Honasan said, UNA’s campaign has covered 70% of the provinces in the coun-try. He is also not bothered by his low ranking in the vice presidential surveys, which currently stands at 2%. (MNS)

AMLC seeks to extend asset preservation order on money surrendered by Wong

DBM: Gov’t employees to receive 14th month pay

Comelec chief says ‘kodigo’ allowed in voting precincts

Gringo on defections: Binay lost personalities

Duterte supporter Robin Padilla threatens to close BPI account

VP bet Leni Robredo signs waiver on bank accounts

PHL govt pleased with safe release of Indon hostages

Protesters marking Labor Day clash with anti-riot police on Sunday near the US embassy in Manila. The protesters marched to the US embassy after a brief program on Mendiola Bridge where they urged the government to increase wages and put an end to contractualization.(MNS photo)

Visit www.usasianpost.com Friday - Thursday, May 6 - 12, 2016 THE US ASIAN POST4

OPINIONMANILA, May 2 (PNA) – Compared to the fi rst two automat-

ed polls held in 2010 and 2013, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Monday that it is more prepared to conduct the forthcoming polls.

“I believe that when we compare our preparations to the prepa-rations of the Comelec in 2010 and 2013, I can say that we are better prepared now for our elections,” said Comelec Chairman Juan Andres Bautista in an interview during the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) of vote counting machines (VCMs) at the Araullo High School in Manila.

He reported that they are performing better in terms of pre-paring for the May 9 elections based on their Key Performance Indicators checklist.

The poll body chief noted the record-breaking completion of the printing and verifi cation of the offi cial ballots by the National Printing Offi ce (NPO) in 49 days.

Bautista said they are set to complete the deployment of the offi cial ballots while all the VCMs have been deployed in the seven regional hubs, namely: La Union, Laguna, Albay, Cebu, Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Oriental, and South Cotabato.

Aside from the VCMs to be used in all polling precincts, the poll body also deployed to the regional hubs a total of 5,000 re-placement VCMs.

Meanwhile, the Comelec–National Capital Region (NCR) held the FTS in the cities of Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, and Pasig.

Comelec–NCR Director Atty. Temie Lambino said FTS will also be conducted in other cities of Metro Manila until May 5.

A total of 17 VCMs have been successfully tested and sealed by the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) at the Araullo High School.

After the VCM has undergone the FTS, it will only be opened on Election Day at the start of the voting. (PNA)

MANILA, May 2 (Mabuhay) – The lawyer of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said that they have asked the Bank of the Philippine Island’s branch in Makati City to disclose the amount in the presidential candidate’s accounts.

In an interview outside the BPI Julia Vargas branch after his meeting with vice-presidential candidate Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Panelo told reporters that offi cers of the bank are asking seven days to reply to their request.

Panelo said that after presenting the special power of attorney from Duterte, he asked the bank for a certifi cation of the amount of deposits in Duterte’s accounts.

“Naghamon si Trillanes na buksan. Tinanggap ang hamon. Pero ang sabi ng bangko, pag-aaralan muna dahil may legal issues,” he said.

He added that the bank’s offi cers explained to Trillanes during their meeting inside the BPI branch that the request could not be immediately granted because of certain protocols.

During the interview, Panelo said he had proven after their meeting that Trillanes’ accusations that Duterte have billions in bank deposits is a fl uke.

“Hindi lang ito kuwentong kutsero, kuwentong barbero pa,” the lawyer said.

Trillanes had accused Duterte of having P2.4 billion in bank deposits.

The senator challenged Duterte to meet and ask the BPI Julia Vargas branch in Pasig City to open his bank accounts.

Trillanes called Duterte a coward for failing to issue a waiver to open of his bank accounts.

He said he had brought an affi davit as required by Duterte, but the presidential candidate still could not produce a waiver and instead Panelo asked the bank for a copy of the account balances of the bank accounts.

Trillanes said Duterte’s camp also declined to provide the transaction history of the bank accounts.

Panelo, meanwhile, downplayed the affidavit brought by Trillanes.

“Tinanong ko si Trillanes ‘Totoo bang tao si Joseph de Mesa?’ Pero hindi niya masabi kung totoo ‘yon,” Panelo told reporters.

Trillanes cited in his affi davit that De Mesa was his source of information on Duterte’s alleged millions. (MNS)

By Ronald O. ReyesTACLOBAN CITY, May 2 (PNA) - “Do I feel emo-

tional about it? I suppose, there is.” Senator Ferdi-nand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, namesake and only son of the late Philippine strongman Ferdinand Marcos, waxed emotion when asked if his political journey into the country’s second top position is personally a sentimental one, this also as latest survey results showed his winnability in the vice-presidential race for May 9 national elections this year.

“Yes. There is also. It’s been 30 years since 1986. I’ts been a long time, all the joy, all the tears, all kinds of emotions have already been felt. And today, what I am doing is none other than to continue the legacy of my father, of my parents,” said the 58-year-old Marcos shortly before his candidacy was launched in his mother’s bailiwick in Tacloban city, also known as ground zero in 2013 super typhoon Yolanda which killed over 6,000 people in the city.

Leyte, with a population of 1.5 million, is the home province of his widow mother Imelda Romualdez-Mar-cos, who is also a congresswoman in Ilocos Norte.

“I am just continuing the legacy of service that was left behind by my family that is part of the Marcoses,” he said.

According to Marcos, they are brought into this world to serve.

Asked if there is something he wanted to rewrite in terms of the dark historical aftermath of his family when his father declared martial law and clamped down human rights in the country for 14 years, Mar-cos said there is nothing to be rewritten.

Under then president Marcos, his government was tagged for kleptocracy and profl igacy while millions of its citizens were buried in poverty.

A bloodless people power uprising dubbed as “EDSA” in 1986 thrown the Marcos family and their cronies out of the country, yet in just few years they were able to slowly reclaim their ways into the politi-cal arena of the country with no less than his mother and sister being elected into public offi ces. The late dictator however died when they returned from exile few years after and his remains have remained un-buried due to the protesting Filipinos.

The billions of pesos allegedly looted during the military regime of his father remains dangling in the courts. While the over 75,730 victims and claimants for tortures, abuses and extra-judicial killings during Martial law have yet to claim the Php 10 billion al-lotted to them as reparation which will be taken from Marcos’s ill-gotten wealth recovered by the govern-ment from their Switzerland deposits.

Marcos said that the past cannot be rewritten and that what be rewritten is the present and the future.

“That is why in this campaign I have chosen not to join this muck wreaking, this name calling, shouting. What I have tried to do is to present to the people a program of government, a program for the future, of program to make the Philippines a better place to live, to improve our status in international commu-nity. That is what the people are waiting for, that is what the people are asking for. And I believe we are being voted into offi ce to help the people,” Marcos told the press.

Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, Marcos’ cousin also came to the rescue on the various allega-tions hurled into the candidacy of his cousin and to the Marcos family in general, while asking the media to ferret for the truth.

“Let’s help put things in proper perspective. Why is Bongbong is answering all these issues that are being thrown to him. Let’s remember that Pres. Marcos left the Philippines against his will. He wanted to return to the Philippines and he was not allowed to return. He wanted to face his accusers and he should face his accusers, he should have been allowed,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez then expressed his resentment on the government on the circumstances of Marcoses return-ing to the country, saying that “we should have es-tablished already laws, rights that no institution can remove of Filipinos” for returning to their homeland.

“I do not know why these rights that are built in as a Filipino, we allow institutions to remove them. That’s defi nitely abuse of power. Then now they are twisting the facts. I am saddened by this. ”

Meanwhile, President Benigno Aquino III — son of the late President Corazon Aquino, who was guid-ing fi gure in overthrowing the Marcoses in February 1986 - said he would do everything to stop the return of Marcos family into power.

“I will make this country great again. Their slogans

are the same. Maybe their plans are the same and if there is anything I can do, that will not come to pass. I don’t want a repeat of the problems we went through especially from 1972 to 1986,” Aquino told reporters in Manila.

Aquino’s handpicked candidate for the vice-presi-dency is also tied with Marcos in survey results.

Alarmed ChurchFather Amado Picardal, executive secretary of the

Philippine bishops’ Commission for Basic Ecclesial Communities, is also worried in the sudden surge of Marcos in the polls.

“I view with alarm the possibility of Bongbong become vice-president, especially if Duterte is elected president. I believe it is an insult to the memory of EDSA and all that we have fought for to depose a dictator. Bongbong, the unrepentant son of the dicta-tor is making a come back using the money that his family stole from the Filipino people,” Picardal said in an interview while also comparing Marcos to the tough-talking and alleged Davao city vigilante kill-ing mastermind mayor and presidential forerunner Rodrigo Duterte.

“He expects to take over if Duterte fails to elimi-nate criminality within three to six months. Duterte promised to give Marcos a hero’s burial at the Libin-gan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery). Marcos was Duterte’s idol and he regards him as a great president. Being a victim of martial law, a Duterte-Marcos Re-gime is great shame for the Philippines. It will show that we as a people have short memories, lacking in conscience, a stupid and foolish people,” he added.

The Redemptorist priest admitted that he too was arrested, tortured and imprisoned for 7 months during the military regime of the late President Marcos.

The Catholic Church, through the late Cardinal Jaime Sin, was at the forefront in overthrowing the Marcoses and restoring democracy in the country in 1986.

EDSA lessons not institutionalizedMeanwhile, academician and former Akbayan

party-list legislator Walden Bello said that Bongbong Marcos ascendancy into power is “worrisome,” while calling him a “false prophet.”

Bello, who also suffered abuses during martial law and is now running as senator, also blamed the educational system and post-EDSA Republic for its failure to institutionalize the lessons of the Marcos military rule. According to Bello, the disappointment of the people after EDSA, particularly the young ones, made Marcos appealing to them.

“I think the failure to educate took place among all the sectors. The failure or disappointment with the lack of real democracy taking place is shared by poor and middle class. I am worried about that. It will show two things. That the lessons of the martial law period especially the atrocities committed by the Marcos government have not been fully learned by these generations of Filipinos after the martial law and EDSA period. We assumed only that people could recognize that it was a dark period in our history,” he said.

“No special efforts in education to revise curricula on what actually happened on the record of atrocities. The post-1986 period, people were really learning for real democracy to take place, unfortunately it was hijacked by traditional politicians, so instead of real democracy I think what we have we have are ruling families keeping political power, sharing among themselves. Yes there is fi erce competition among dynasties, yet in fact real democratization of power has not taken place. The disappointment that we don’t have an economy that offers future to our young,” Bello added in an interview.

Bello also maintained that Marcos network is “around and quite strong.”

“We would have a danger in lapsing back into that kind of rule or misrule that we had under Marcos, the dictator, if we give Bongbong a change to the vice-presidency in which he would just be a heart-beat away from the presidency. This is so worrisome because he has not apologize or recognize that there were tremendous human rights abuses during that period. At least the one thing he can do is to say, ‘Yes, these took place,’” Bello added.

He said that another reason why the young Marcos should not be voted into offi ce is that he has been party to making sure that the Marcos billions that have been stashed away in different parts around the world, the Filipinos have not been able to claim it because of all the legal obstacles that they put there.

MANILA, Apr 30 (Mabuhay) – President Benig-no Aquino III expressed his admiration to Filipino workers on the eve of Labor Day 2016, but failed to mention anything on wages.

In his message for Labor Day (May 1), Aquino said, “Saludo ang ating sambayanan sa mga mang-gagawang Pilipinong nagpupunyagi para sa kanilang pamilya at pangarap. Idinaraos natin ang Araw ng Paggawa bilang pasasalamat sa alay ninyong husay, dangal, at lakas sa ating bayan.”

He also praised the workers for their cooperation in maintaining industrial peace and for facing the challenges for global competitiveness.

“Dinulog ng samahang manggagawa ang panawa-gan natin para sa tapat na pakikipag-ugnayan at kapayapaan para sa industriya. Tinanggap ng mga mamamayan ang hamon ng nagbabagong mukha ng teknolohiya, at pinatunayang handa ang Pilipinong makipagsabayan sa pandaigdigang merkado,” he added.

Workers accross the country expect the President to say something on their clamor for a pay hike, but

Aquino’s Labor Day message missed it.Meanwhile, research group IBON Foundation said

Saturday that a P750 minimum wage is doable only if the 36,699 establishments with employment of 20 and above would let go of 30% of their clean annual profi ts.

IBON said that in 2012 these establishments raked in P1.6 trillion in total profi ts and 30% of this is only P475 billion, which would go directly to the workers’ pockets.

Also, it said that wage hike is necessary to improve workers’ welfare and is good for the economy as a whole.

Moreover, it said the government can ensure special support for small producers in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) This includes immediately providing cheap and easy credit, giving marketing support, nurturing locally-integrated supply chains, and improving their scientifi c and technological capabilities.

MSMEs will also benefi t from increased worker demand for their goods and services for the domestic market. (MNS)

Comelec more prepared now compared to the fi rst two automated polls

Duterte lawyer: Up to BPI to open account

PHL elections see return of former dictator’s son to power

Aquino salutes workers, but mum on wages

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, May 6 - 12, 2016 Visit www.usasianpost.com 5

For singer-actor Sam Mil-by, young actress Julia Mon-tes is mature enough to be a “wife material.”

Milby descr ibed his 21-year-old “Doble Kara” co-star as a “family woman.”

“She’s very much more mature than her age. I see how she is in terms of every aspect of her life—I see how she is in terms of her family. She’s a family woman, and she’s conservative in the right way. She’s wife mate-rial,” he said.

When asked about his plans of starting his own family, Milby said he is still

waiting for the right time, adding that his personal deadline is within the next three to four years.

“Pag dating sa personal

life, I’m trying to keep it more personal. At ngayon, lahat ng kaibigan ko, like John Prats, may bagong member na family nila. ‘Yong mga kaibigan ko at mga ka-edad ko, they’re all having families na,” he said.

Despite that, the 31-year-old said he does not feel any pressure to settle down. “Alam ko na darating din ‘yong time ko,” he quipped.

Milby has been linked with Filipina-British model Mari Jasmine, but the actor refused to give further de-tails about their relationship “to keep it private.”(MNS)

“Doble Kara” star Julia Montes has continued to evade questions about the real score between her and “Ang Probinsyano” star Coco Martin.

“Lalaki po dapat ang sa-sagot,” she said.

She added, however, that she and Martin, 34, current-ly share a “special connec-tion.”

“Super iba lang ‘yong communication namin,” she said. “May usapan naman po kami. Nag-uusap naman po kami.”

Last year, she bought a house in the same village as Martin.

According to Montes, the multi-awarded actor has also taught her many things not just about showbiz, but also about life.

“Opo ang dami po, ma-pa-personal, mapa-work, mapa … lahat halos siguro. And napakabuti po kasi ni-yang tao so alam ko nasabi ko na ‘to dati na wala siyang masamang tinapay. Ayun napakabuti niyang tao,” she said.

She added as well that Martin’s good looks and per-sonality can easily attract any woman.

“Syempre, grabe naman. Gwapo naman talaga si Coco, lahat naman halos ng babae sino ba naming di magkakagusto sa kan-ya,” she said. “Kahit sinong babae, wala kang masasabi na masama about kay Coco.”

Their strong foundation, she said, also made her feel

more comfortable working with Martin—his leading man in the phenomenal hit series “Walang Hanggan.”

“Siguro, iba yung nag-start yung friendship namin, ‘yong foundation namin yung strong. Kasi kapag sino yung mapagkakatiwa-

laan ko and relax ako and komportable ako, siya tala-ga,” she said.

“Kasi sa kanya ako relax and nakilala ko kasi yung buong Coco Martin or Rodel Nacianceno na talagang hindi showbiz, Pilipinong lalake.” (MNS)

Matteo Guidicelli once again denied that he and girlfriend Sarah Geronimo are now engaged.

In an interview after a press conference announc-ing the second season of his show “Single/Single,” Guidicelli reiterated that it is not true that he already proposed to Geronimo.

“There were rumors that came out that we were en-gaged and people were tex-ting me congratulations. But no, we’re not. We are not engaged,” Guidicelli told reporters.

The actor also denied he is living in with Geronimo.

“We are not living in together. It’s not true,” he said, adding that Geronimo doesn’t own a condominium unit.

But asked if he and Geronimo are ready to settle down, the actor said: “If it

will happen, it will happen. I’m praying that things will go well. We’ll see.”

Guidicelli pointed out that they both still have a lot of things to do. Apart from “Single/Single,” the actor is also part of the primetime series “Dolce Amore.”

That’s why he and Geron-imo try to spend time to-

gether whenever they can. Just recently, the two were spotted at the International Balloon Festival in Lubao, Pampanga.

In the interview, Guidi-celli also quickly dismissed speculations about possibly falling for his “Single/Sin-gle” co-star Shaina Mag-dayao.

“I haven’t analyzed it because my head is full of Sarah. My head, (my heart), my everything,” Guidicelli said.

In fact, he said was “nev-er” tempted to cheat even if he is paired with other beau-tiful actresses. “Araw-araw may [nakakasama] tayong magandang babae, pero isang babae lang ‘yung nasa puso natin,” he assured.

“Single/Single,” Cinema One’s fi rst breakthrough se-ries, will return for a second season on May 15.(MNS)

What Julia said on ‘real score’ with Coco

Julia Montes

Sam Milby describes Julia Montes as ‘wife material’

Sam Milby

Matteo assures fans: ‘My head is full of Sarah’

Matteo Guidicelli

Visit www.usasianpost.com Friday - Thursday, May 6 - 12, 2016 THE US ASIAN POST6

By Perla G. LenaILOILO CITY, May 2

(PNA) – President Benigno C. Aquino III will lead the national launching ceremo-ny of the expanded human papillomavirus (HPV) vac-cination program in this city on Tuesday.

The President is also expected to join the grand rally of the Liberal Party at the Plazoleta Gay after the launching program of the Department of Health (DOH) national program at the Sarabia Manor Hotel here.

During the launching, the Chief Executive will be briefed by DOH Secretary Janette Garin of various programs that are imple-

mented by the health de-partment nationwide.

A ceremonial vaccination will be administered to a nine-year-old grade school pupil of the Baluarte Ele-mentary School.

Dr. Clementia Bondoc, president of the Municipal Health Offi cers Association of the Philippines-Iloilo, will also give her testimony with regard the programs of the DOH.

Atty. Janet Mesa, region-al director of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in Monday’s briefi ng, said that the human papillo-mavirus is a group of 150 related viruses, some of which can cause cancer, particularly cervical cancer.

She explained that it can be administered to children nine to 13 years old, that’s why a nine-year-old child was selected for the cere-monial vaccination.

The World Health Orga-nization (WHO) said that early adolescence is the best time to get vaccinated because they have no ex-posure to the virus yet. In that age group, the body also mounts the highest immune response to the vaccination.

To recall, since August last year, the DOH also made available free an-ti-cervical cancer vaccina-tion to students in public schools in Iloilo and Negros Occidental. (PNA)

By Leilani S. JunioMANILA, May 2 (PNA)

-- The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed Monday that the 20-year-old Korean, who was reported to be in-fected with Zika virus after taking a vacation in a tourist spot in the Philippines, is the country’s third case doc-umented so far.

DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin said the Korean na-tional belongs to the “second exported case” category.

“It’s the second exported case and the third confi rmed case. So we have one in Cebu (15-year old male in 2012 with no travel history to Zi-ka-infected countries), and the other one is an Ameri-can,” said Garin in an inter-view with reporters.

The American was con-fi rmed positive with Zika vi-rus after staying four weeks in the country on January of this year. Despite the ad-mission, Garin said there is no room for “panic” as all of the documented Zika infec-tions in the country were all assessed as “self-limiting”, or mild and therefore should not be a cause for fear while at the same time should not be complacent about it.

She further said that since the Zika virus infection ac-quired in the country was categorized as self-limiting, the man was already healed from all the symptoms or had been healed already. Zika infection, which is caused by Zika virus, is characterized by fever, rash, and conjuncti-vitis, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and vomiting.

It was disclosed that the American patient, together with his sibling, had a va-cation in a tourist destina-tion in the Philippines on

April 10 to 14, and exhibited symptoms of the disease few days later. The young man manifested colds on April 20, followed by rashes on April 22, and fever, sore throat and muscle pain on April 26.

“The virus was seen in his urine samples on April 27 and the case was reported to the DOH on April 28,” the DOH chief said.

She said the patient dis-closed that there were only two countries that he went through prior to the detection of the Zika virus infection—Philippines and Korea.

While Zika virus-carrying mosquitoes, aedes aegypti, have always been present in the Philippines, experts said there is no such type of mosquito or a counterpart in Korea and therefore the possibility that it was ac-quired in the country has more weight to believe for the purpose of documentation.

Zika cases are being docu-mented and reported as part of the monitoring of the cases reported.

“All of them (those that were tested) turned out well,” Garin said, noting that the kind of infection which has been documented in the Phil-ippines was “relative only but not exactly the same” as the one in other countries, particularly in Brazil.

Meanwhile, the DOH of-fi cial is hopeful that tourism in the country will not be affected and will not be a cause for tourists to be dis-couraged from coming here as she assured that the virus contracted by the patient is not a serious type and does not even require hospitaliza-tion at all.

She further said that the confi rmed case just support

earlier assumption that Zika is really in the Philippines since the carrier – Aedes Aegypty, is also present here.

“But it’s not the type that causes microcephaly or Guil-lain-Barré Syndrome,” she stressed. Garin said the DOH continues with its aggressive testing of patients for Zika infection.

Aside from the 800 indi-viduals tested in the Phil-ippines after an American national was reported by US Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, she said that more than 600 addition-al patients were tested in the country recently to allay fears and prove that the virus was self-limiting.

“All the testing yielded negative results,” she added.

The testing kits were all provided by the US CDC upon the request of the Phil-ippine government through the DOH.

She said that with the presence of mosquitoes that have the capabilities to transmit zika, dengue, chikungunya, and other diseases that can be brought by mosquito bites, the ag-gressive campaign on clean-liness, strategies in the pre-vention or proliferation of mosquitoes, and preventive mechanism should not be forgotten and always be remembered at practice at all times.

Under the 4S campaign of DOH, they are emphasizing Searching and destroying mosquito breeding places, using of Self-protection mea-sures, Seeking early consul-tation for fever lasting more than two days, and Saying yes to fogging when there is an impending outbreak. (PNA)

LONDON, May 2 (PNA/Xinhua) – Researchers have found a new type of drug that could benefi t men with aggressive prostate cancer, a drug-resistant disease that is diffi cult to treat as it does not respond to hormone treatment, according to the website of the Institute of Cancer Research.

In a study on mice done by researchers at the Lon-don-based institute, Hsp90 inhibitors were found to strip cancer cells of de-

fenses against hormone treatments, which makes the drugs particularly prom-ising for treating drug-resis-tant cancers, the research team said.

Professor Paul Workman, chief executive of the re-search institute, said it was an exciting discovery.

“We call Hsp90 inhibitors ‘network drugs’ because they tackle several of the signals that are hijacked in cancer all at once, across a network rather than just a

single signalling pathway,” he said.

“These drugs can hit cancer harder than those targeting only one protein, and look promising for pre-venting or overcoming drug resistance,” he added

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affect-ing men over the age of 50 in the United Kingdom.

About one in eight men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. (PNA/Xinhua)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, May 2 (PNA) – The provincial government of South Cotabato has stepped up its border surveillance and operations against ma-laria as it awaits the dec-laration of the entire area as free from the mosqui-to-borne disease.

Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., chief of the South Cotaba-to Integrated Provincial Health Offi ce (IPHO), said Monday they have scheduled another round of border operations later this month to ensure that the province will remain clear of endemic malaria cases.

He said the operations will cover communities with-in the province’s boundaries with Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

“We are regularly mon-itoring our border areas to prevent the possible emer-gence of new malaria cases,” Aturdido said.

The IPHO and the De-partment of Health (DOH) have not recorded a single indigenous case of malaria in any part of the province since 2012.

According to the DOH, a province may be declared as malaria-free if it sustains zero incidence of indigenous case of the disease for fi ve consecutive years.

Such declarations are made by the DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO), which has been sup-porting the national govern-ment’s malaria eradication program.

Aturdido said a team from

the DOH central offi ce visit-ed the province last month to assess the local govern-ment’s malaria program and validate its results.

He said another group from the WHO will visit the area later this month to eval-uate the sustainability of the province’s malaria program. “These are part of the pro-cesses for the province’s declaration as a malaria-free area,” the offi cial said. Jose Barroquillo, IPHO’s malaria focal person, said they are currently working on vari-ous strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of their malaria program.

“Our convergence efforts are focused on the sustain-ability of the program in line with the total elimination of malaria,” he said.

SEOUL, May 2 (PNA/Xinhua) – Reckitt Benckiser Korea, better known as its brand name Oxy, on Monday apologized to South Koreans for using toxic chemical in humidifi er sterilizer for about 10 years in the midst of ongoing prosecution in-vestigations into suspected concealment of fatality.

Ata Safdar, chief exec-utive of the British firm Oxy’s South Korean unit,

told a press conference that he offers a heartfelt apology on behalf of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser and his compa-ny will make every effort to assure the victims have necessary support and fair compensation.

The chief executive said he also represents head-quarters in the United King-dom. It marked the fi rst time since the release of Oxy ster-ilizers in question 15 years

ago that the company made an offi cial apology.

The company began using polyhexamethylene guani-dine (PHMG), which is fatal to humans when inhaling, in its sterilizers from 2001.

It had used the toxic chemical for about 10 years despite repeated complaints from consumers that the usage of humidifi er sterilizer caused pulmonary problems and even deaths.

John Jacob Fillarca and Janice Olalia, two of the benefi ciaries of the new oral polio vaccine (OPV) during the National Switch Day at Divine Word College Gymnasium in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on Wednesday (April 27, 2016). The Department of Health (DOH) switched to one dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine in its routine immunization schedule in addition with three doses of bivalent OPV as a crucial step in eliminating all forms of polio disease. (PNA photo by Roland Nablo)

DOH confi rms 3rd Zika case documented in PHL

Aquino to lead launch of expanded HPV vaccination program in Iloilo City

New drugs ‘promising’ for treating drug-resistant prostate cancer

South Cotabato steps up border operations vs malaria

Oxy apologizes to S.Koreans for usage of toxic chemical in humidifi er sterilizer

bers in your favorite poodle skirt, or your James Dean jackets.

The family ’s history dates back to 1730’s, when a young Spanish-Mexican trader named Carlos Agus-tin Maniquiz arrived in San Bartolome, now Tartaro, San Miguel, Bulacan, and started a family with a local lady named Juana Puno. Together, this union pro-

duced five sons. With the exception of the youngest son Agustin, who died at an early age and had no known descendants, the family are all descendants of the four older sons (Dionisio, Alejan-dro, Miguel and Santiago). The family’s genealogical chart has now expanded to 10 generations.

The 7 previous reunions were all successful and

well-attended by family members coming from all over the US, and as far as New Zealand, England, Canada, Dubai and the Phil-ippines.

Family members interest-ed in attending this event may preregister by contact-ing Corry M Painter at (925) 577-9939, or Tess Zamora Manikis at (209)815-0985. See you all there!

Members of the Organizing Committee: L to R: Michael Maniquis, Lourdes Maniquis Contreras, Corry Maniquis Painter, Tess Zamora Manikis, Veronica B Maniquis, Luisa Maniquis, Joselyn Maniquis, and Juanito Maniquis, Jr.

8th Maniquiz,Maniquis, Maniquez, Manikis family reunion

Members of the Maniquiz/Maniquis/Maniquez/Mani-kis family are scheduled to get together for their 8th biennial family reunion on May 28, 2016 at the Gold Coast Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Hosted by the Santiago clan, the program of activities starts with registration at 11:00 am, followed by a delicious Asian lunch buffet. Rewind to the 1950’s and 1960’s era, and enjoy an afternoon of dancing, games, prizes, and family talent shows, while reconnecting and sharing stories with the family mem-

FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATIONVISIT OUR WEBSITE

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, May 6 - 12, 2016 Visit www.usasianpost.com 7

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Esteemed members of the government, private sector, and the academe gath-ered at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced Inter-national Studies (SAIS) for a symposium entitled “Phil-ippines 2016: Governance, Growth, Development and Security” on 28 April 2016.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, in his keynote address, described the Phil-ippines’ path towards good governance, growth, and development as challeng-ing, fulfi lling, and dynamic, crediting the country’s eco-nomic transformation to the good governance program of the Aquino Administration and economic policies cen-tered on inclusive growth.

Ambassador Cuisia also cited the deepening Phil-ippines-US relations along the defense and security, people-to-people and eco-nomic tracks as an avenue of continued cooperation for the next administration.

“The Philippines is com-mitted to be a proactive, re-liable and responsible ally of the US, but more impor-tantly, a strong Philippines is critical to the stability of South East Asia, and I do look forward to the Philip-pines continuing along its current path,” Ambassador Cuisia said.

During the 1st panel on Governance, Growth and Development, Motoo Kon-ishi, former World Bank Country Director for the Philippines emphasized the importance of addressing

corruption and improving governance, protecting the population from climate change and environmental disasters and having peace in eliminating extreme poverty. The Aquino Ad-ministration has actively pursued these three objec-tives, according to Konishi.

“Fighting poverty and eliminating poverty means that you have to know each poor, who they are and where they live, and your investments need to be tar-geted to those people. Fast growth doesn’t eliminate poverty, you have to choose your policies carefully,” Konishi said.

“The Aquino Adminis-tration focused on pro-poor policies,” Konishi further added, stating that the Philippine experience will be a highlight of the World Bank’s fl agship World De-velopment Report this year.

“The Filipino people are looking forward to more changes and to the con-tinuation of reforms that the Aquino Administration started,” USAID’s Gloria Steele stressed, highlight-ing the accomplishments of the Aquino Administra-tion in competitiveness, transparency, corruption, tourism, infrastructure, education, and health.

“Growth needs to be geographically dispersed throughout the country,” Steele noted on what more needs to be done, citing improvements in airport in-frastructure and quality en-ergy regulations as the two components of growth that

the next administration can improve and focus on.

Matthew Bohn of the Millennium Challenge Cor-poration lauded the first compact with the Philip-pines, which supported poverty reduction, inclusive growth, and elimination of corruption, as being one of MCC’s best compacts. He also expressed confi dence that despite the challenges ahead, the Philippines will be able to sustain its growth and development largely because of the ground work that the Aquino adminis-tration has set in place. “The Aquino Administra-tion has successfully put down deep and important roots for creating the con-ditions for (sustained) eco-nomic growth,” Bohn said.

The second panel discus-sion on Security and Peace focused mainly on internal and external security chal-lenges.

Professor Zachary Abuza of the National War College described the moderniza-tion of the Philippine air force, military and marine forces, the deepening de-fense relations with the United States through the Enhanced Defense Cooper-ation Agreement (EDCA), and Balikatan exercises as some of the major accom-plishments of the Aquino Administration.

However, peace and se-curity challenges remain in Mindanao, one of which is the coercive capacities of political dynasties and political families through the use of private armies.

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. delivers his welcome address at the symposium entitled “Philippines 2016: Governance, Growth, Development and Security,” held at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) on 28 April 2016.

“For any lasting peace to happen in Mindanao, you have to eliminate the private armies,” Professor Patricio Abinales of the University of Hawaii at Manoa said.

Professor Abinales also linked the private armies with the pervasive presence of the illicit sector, stating that the presence of illicit trade in Mindanao cannot be weakened without fi rst

eliminating the private armies.

“Uni lateral naming doesn’t change the status of a territory, sea or land,” Professor Ruth Wedgwood of Johns Hopkins SAIS said, switching the discus-sion from internal to exter-nal security challenges.

Referring to the impend-ing decision of the Arbitral Tribunal, Professor Wedg-wood further stated that

“China will be put in a very diffi cult position to defy it” considering the interest of ASEAN member countries in the case.

The last part of the sym-posium was a keynote ad-dress delivered by Senator Richard Lugar, speaking on the hallmarks of the Aquino Administration and the strong ties between the Philippines and the United States.

Johns Hopkins sympo refl ects on PHL in 2016 and beyond

WASHINGTON, DC — “Through all the shifts of policy and politics over the years, both in our country and in the Philippines, one thing has provided a lasting foundation for US-Philip-pine relations. That is the strong bonds between our two peoples.”

The Honorable Richard Lugar, former Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, ended his Keynote Address with that personal testimony to the strength of modern Philip-pines-US relations. He was speaking at the symposium entitled “Philippines 2016: Governance, Growth, Devel-opment and Security,” which was held in Washington, D.C. on 28 April 2016 to re-fl ect on the accomplishments of the Aquino Administra-tion, as well as the opportu-

nities and challenges for the Philippines, as the country prepares to elect a new Pres-ident on May 9.

Senator Lugar’s speech provided a personal per-spective on the Philippines, including its 30-year transi-tion since the EDSA Revolu-tion of 1986, recent progress under the Aquino Adminis-tration, along with what he perceives to lie ahead for the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and the United States.

He spoke of his role in leading the US election ob-server delegation to Manila in 1986, and the challenging process of re-framing Amer-ican policy towards former President Marcos and the Philippines in the lead up to the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. He de-scribed as “far too simplistic”

the idea at that time within the US government that Philippine policy was only a choice between Marcos and the Communists who might take over.

“One of its many flaws was that it ignored the fun-damental attachment of the Filipino people to democratic values. We had seen that in the 1984 national assembly elections.

I saw that as I toured the country on Election Day in 1986. I met many cou-rageous people who had risked threats of violence and intimidation to come to the polls. And certainly the world saw it when TV cam-eras broadcast around the world the huge crowds, up to a million people, that at-tended Cory Aquino’s rallies after the balloting,” Senator Lugar explained.

Sen. Lugar extols strong, longstanding PHL-US ties

,May 15 is Pentecost Sun-day. On this day, Christians will commemorate the Mir-acle of Tongues when the Holy Spirit, taking the form of tongues of fi re, descended upon the apostles enabling them to proclaim the Gospel in different languages.

An exceptional parish in many ways- a Pilgrimage Church for the Holy Year of Mercy - the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church in Walnut, California is celebrating this occasion with a full weekend affair on May 13 to 15, 2016. The leaders and volunteers of SLR, under the most ca-pable guidance and direction of Fr. Tony Astudillo, have put together meaningful and exciting activities for parish-ioners and friends to enjoy.

A Mass followed by a Vol-

unteer Appreciation Dinner commences the three-day event at 6:30

The following day, Sat-urday, will begin with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus. The fun-fi lled day with then continue with the Pals & Paws Fun Run where regis-trants, led by Father Tony himself, will run (or walk) miles around the church grounds for a cause. This year, funds raised will be used to continue repairs of SLR’s Vellucci Hall.

Other highlights of Sat-urday’s festivities is a Food Sale that will feature afford-able and delicious delicacies, as well as a Plant Sale. There will also be a Praise and Worship Program from 12:00 to 3:00 pm led by

SLR’s ministries.To crown the entire cele-

bration, Archdiocese of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop, David G. O’Connell, DD will preside a Multilingual Com-munity Mass at 11:00 AM on Sunday, May 15. This will be meaningfully concelebrated by a number of invited clergy members of different

“We are a l l looking forward to this occasion. This feast day holds a spe-cial meaning to us as a multi-ethnic, multicultural faith community. For when we hear God’s voice and message through the accents of others, or see His face among the varied ethnicities that surround us - that, my beloved brothers and sisters, is Pentecost,” says Father Tony emphatically.

Pentecost Feast at St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church in Walnut on May 13 to 15

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MOTORING WASHINGTON, May 2, 2016 – Gas

prices are at their highest levels in more than six months, and the national average has remained above $2 per gallon for 40 consecutive days. Today’s average price of $2. 22 represents an increase of eight cents per gallon on the week, and prices are up 16 cents per gallon on the month. Ample gaso-line supplies and relatively lower crude oil costs are helping to sustain year-over-year savings, with today’s price discounted by 39 cents per gallon versus a year ago.

Gasoline demand continues to break seasonal records as low prices motivate people to drive more. Additionally, crude oil costs are also increasing and recently reached new 2016 highs. Increased demand and more expensive oil costs have helped to push gas prices higher in many parts of the country over the past few weeks, and prices may move even higher leading into the busy summer driving season.

The average price at the pump for the month of April was $2.10 per gallon, which is the lowest average for this month since 2009. Only 20 percent of U.S. stations are still selling gas for less than $2 per gallon and pump prices are moving due to growth in fuel demand, which is up 5.6 percent ver-sus a year ago, according to the latest data

from the U.S. EIA. Gas prices have increased by 52 cents per gallon after hitting a 2016 low in mid-February.

Four states are posting averages below $2 per gallon, which is nine fewer states than last week’s report. Retail averages have historically fl uctuated during this time of year, and although the overall price at the pump is beginning to trend higher, gas pric-es during this year’s summer driving should remain noticeably discounted in comparison to previous years.

The national average price of diesel has been cheaper than gasoline for the past fi ve days, and diesel may remain less ex-pensive than gasoline for the remainder of the summer. In recent years it has been rare for diesel to be cheaper than gasoline. The last time the national average price of diesel was less than gasoline for a signifi cant period was in the summer of 2009, when the average was cheaper for 48 days in a row. It is possible that diesel will remain cheaper than gasoline for the next 3-4 months due to abundant supplies and seasonal factors impacting both gasoline and diesel.

Quick StatsThe nation’s top five most expensive

markets are: California ($2. 80), Hawaii ($2. 58), Nevada ($2.48), Alaska ($2.42) and

Washington ($2.42).The nation’s top fi ve least expensive mar-

kets are: Oklahoma ($1.96), Texas ($1.98), Missouri ($1.99), Kansas ($1.99) and Mis-sissippi ($2.00).

The most common price at the pump is $1.999 per gallon.

Consumer AttitudesThe lower price environment for gas

prices has not only led to drivers taking to the roads at record levels, but is also shift-ing attitudes about various price points. Attitudes towards gas prices have changed signifi cantly over the past few years, accord-ing to a new survey by AAA:

Half of U.S. drivers now believe gas is “too high” at $2.50 per gallon. This fi gure has dropped signifi cantly in relationship to the price of gas. As recently as 2014, half of Americans believed gas was “too high” at $3.30 per gallon, while last year half of Americans believed it was “too high” at $3 per gallon. Only nine percent of U.S. sta-tions are selling gas for more than $2.50 per gallon today.

More than 35 percent of Americans be-lieve that gas is “too high” based on today’s average price, even though gas prices are at the lowest levels since 2009. The vast majority of Americans also do not believe that gas is “cheap” today.

West CoastGas prices on the West Coast remain

some of the highest in the nation, led by California ($2.80) and Hawaii ($2.58), which are the only two states with averages above $2.50 per gallon. Regional neighbors Neva-da ($2.48), Alaska ($2.42) and Washington ($2.42) join in the rankings as the top fi ve most expensive markets. Six out of ten of the nation’s top 10 most expensive retail markets are located in this region.

ORLANDO, Fla. , April 21, 2016 – As families across the country eagerly await the end of school and the beginning of summer, millions of Americans are making plans to travel with loved ones this year. According to a recent AAA survey, more than one-third of Americans (35 percent) are planning to take a family vacation of 50 miles or more away from home involving two or more immediate family members in the next 12 months.

AAA estimates that U.S. drivers have saved nearly $12 billion on gas so far this year compared to the same period in 2015, and drivers this summer should pay the lowest gas prices in 12 years. These lower gas prices have helped motivate Americans to drive at record levels, and prompted many families to take road trips this year. Fifty-fi ve percent of Americans say they are more likely to take a road trip this year due to lower gas prices.

Additional ResourcesRoad trips (69 percent), national parks

(49 percent) and theme parks (42 percent) are the most popular types of vacations for families planning to travel in the next year. Vacations to international destinations (26 percent) and cruises (19 percent) round out the top fi ve most popular vacation options for traveling families.

“Two-thirds of Americans say spending quality time as a family is the most import-ant part of taking a family vacation,” said Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president of Travel and Publishing. “Whether it’s a cross-country road trip or a dream vacation to a far-off destination, travel offers busy families an excellent opportunity to share experiences and connect with each other in meaningful ways.”

AAA Travel experts offer tips for families planning vacations this year:

Road Trips: AAA recommends travelers map out a route in advance to make the most of their road trip. Drivers should plan frequent stops, about every 100 miles or two hours, to remain alert. Tools such as AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner, in desktop and app versions, can help families fi nd AAA Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, gas prices and plan fun stops along the way.

Gas prices climb to six-month high

AAA: More than one-third of Americans will take a family vacation this year

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, May 6 - 12, 2016 Visit www.usasianpost.com 9

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FAMILY FEATURES

Berry season means colors, tastes and aromas that are sure to please. With a variety

of gorgeous fresh fruits at your fingertips, why not whip up a fabulous fruit pie or

tart to surprise family or share with friends? From family dinners to spur-of-the-

moment picnics, pies are easy to make and easy for family and friends to appreciate.

To save time in the kitchen, start with Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts for a flaky, tender base.

Just unroll it into your favorite pie plate or tart pan, spoon in a delicious fruit filling, bake and

enjoy. Pillsbury has updated the packaging with a fresh, contemporary look and features a

recipe for Perfect Apple Pie. For more delicious recipes, visit www.pillsbury.com/pie.

Lemon Raspberry Pie 8 servings Prep time: 45 minutesStart to finish: 3 hours 45 minutes

Crust 1 Pillsbury refrigerated pie

crust (from 14.1-ounce box), softened as directed on box

1 teaspoon flour2 tablespoons finely

chopped pecans

Filling 1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons margarine or butter

1 egg yolk, beaten 1/4 to 1/3 cup lemon juice

Topping 2 3-ounce packages cream

cheese, softened 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

1 8-ounce carton frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 tablespoon milk 3 cups fresh raspberries or

frozen raspberries without syrup, thawed, dried on paper towels

Mint sprigs, if desired

Heat oven to 450°F. Prepare crustaccording to package directions forunfilled one-crust pie using 9-inchpie pan. Press pecans into bottom of pie crust-lined pan. Generouslyprick crust with fork. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until light goldenbrown. Cool completely.

In small saucepan, combinesugar and cornstarch; blend well.Stir in water, margarine and eggyolk. Cook over medium heat untilmixture boils and thickens, stirringconstantly. Boil 1 minute. Removefrom heat. Stir in lemon juice. Pourinto cooled crust. Refrigerate 1 hour.

In small bowl, beat cream cheese,powdered sugar and lemon extractuntil smooth. Beat in whippedtopping at low speed until wellblended. Add milk; mix untilsmooth and of spreading consis -tency. Spread thin layer of toppingmixture around edge of crust.Reserve 4 raspberries for garnish.Arrange remaining rasp berries over top of filling. Spread remain -ing topping over raspberries.Garnish with mint sprigs andreserved raspberries. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving. Store inrefrigerator.

Make Crusts Extra SpecialWhen making a top crustfor pies, these tips canhelp you make them lookextra special.

Glossy Upper Crust:Brush the dough withslightly beaten eggwhite (if desired,sprinkle with sugar,too) before baking.

Sweet Glazed Top:Brush the top pastrywith a small amount of water, and sprinklewith granulated orcoarse sugar beforebaking.

Pretty Cutouts:Cut shapes from thetop crust with a canapécutter or a knife beforeplacing the top crustover the filling. Withwater or beaten egg,moisten the back ofeach cutout and set thedesign, moistened sidedown, on the crust.

Perfect Apple Pie8 servingsPrep time: 30 minutesReady in: 3 hours

Crust1 box (14.1 ounces) Pillsbury

refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box

Filling6 cups thinly sliced, peeled

apples (6 medium)3/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Heat oven to 425°F. Place 1 piecrust in ungreased 9-inch glass pieplate. Press firmly against side andbottom.

In large bowl, gently mix fillingingredients; spoon into crust-linedpie plate. Top with second crust.Wrap excess top crust under bottomcrust edge, pressing edges togetherto seal; flute. Cut slits or shapes inseveral places in top crust.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or untilapples are tender and crust is goldenbrown. Cover edge of crust with 2- to 3-inch-wide strips of foil afterfirst 15 to 20 minutes of baking toprevent excessive browning. Coolon cooling rack at least 2 hoursbefore serving.

Tip: Two cans (21 ounces each)apple pie filling can be substitutedfor the filling.

Fresh Berry Cream Tart8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Start to finish: 2 hours 55 minutes

Crust1 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust

(from 14.1-ounce box), softened as directed on box

Filling1 8-ounce package cream cheese,

softened 1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon orange-flavored liqueur or orange juice

4 cups assorted fresh whole berries (small strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries)

1/3 cup red currant jelly, melted

Heat oven to 450°F. Prepare pie crust asdirected on package for one-crust baked shellusing 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom.Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until light goldenbrown. Cool completely.

In small bowl, combine cream cheese, sugarand liqueur; beat until smooth and wellblended. Spread cream cheese mixture evenlyin cooled baked shell. Top with berries; brushberries with melted jelly to glaze. Refrigerateat least 2 hours before serving. Store inrefrigerator.

Lemon Raspberry Pie

Perfect Apple Pie

Fresh Berry Cream Tart

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, May 6 - 12, 2016 Visit www.usasianpost.com 11

CHEATINGFrom page 1

P211M AT BPIFrom page 1

elections through a Senate investigation.

“Bakit ngayon nalang lumalabas ‘yan? Itong schedule ng 2016 election ay matagal nang alam. Lahat ng paghahanda, dumaan sa pagsusuri ng ating kongreso at ng ating Senado,” he said.

Roxas noted that seven senators are running for higher positions, includ-ing presidential candidates Senators Grace Poe, who is Escudero’s running mate, and Miriam Defensor San-tiago.

The o ther f i ve a re vice-presidential candi-dates, including Escude-ro, and Senators Alan Pe-ter Cayetano, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., Gringo Honasan, and Anto-nio Trillanes IV.

“Ni isa sa kanila, walang sinabi itong nakaraang mga taon na ito,” Roxas said.

“Al l seven of them, walang sinabi, walang imik, wala kang nadinig

rte was true.“Ayaw niyang maglagda

ng isang sinumpaang salay-say dahil puwedeng siyang idemanda,” Panelo said.

Trillanes should be the one to prove the existence of the money, not Duterte, since bank secrecy laws pro-hibit banks and its person-nel to reveal account details of its clients, according to the laywer.

“Mayroong batas na nag-sasabing hindi puwedeng mag-reveal ang bangko na anumang impormasyon kaugnay sa deposito ng isang kliyente. Nakalagay din sa batas na nagbabaw-al sa isang empleyado na maglabas ng impormasyon

sa deposito sapagkat sila ay idedemanda sa ilalim ng batas,” Panelo said.

A waiver of bank secrecy law and other documents will belie the allegations against Duterte, the lawyer noted.

“Si Mayor Duterte ay walang itinatagong pera na ganyang kalaking halaga sapagkat kung mayroon hindi siya mag-authorize ng kahit na sinong tao na buk-san at iladlad sa publiko na mayroon siyang tinatago,” Panelo said.

The lawyer noted the fo-cus now is on the BPI Julia Vargas account and not on the BPI Greenhills and BDO Unibank Davao City where Duterte allegedly also has accounts.

FULL ALERTFrom page 1

HACKERFrom page 1

COVENANTFrom page 1

CORONA DIESFrom page 1

US NAVY VESSELFrom page 1

troops are needed in certain areas.

Mayor said they have started to gradually deploy additional police personnel to areas that have been in-cluded in the election watch-list.

Provinces included in the election watchlist are Abra, Pangasinan, Mas-bate, Negros Oriental, La-nao Del Sur, Maguindanao and Western Samar.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), mean-while, will be placed on heightened alert status by next week, military spokes-person Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a separate radio dzBB interview.

“Ang ating alert status ngayon ay nasa normal pa... Magha-heightened alert na

tayo sa susunod na linggong darating,” Padilla said.

Meanwhile, he said the AFP has intensifi ed its mon-itoring of possible threat groups as part of its security preparation for the local and national elections.

Padilla added that as part of the military’s security arrangement with the PNP, the AFP’s forces will not be deployed in cities where there are enough number of policemen during the elections.

“Ang aming puwersa ay hindi humihimpil sa mga siyudad kundi sa mga lugar kung saan manipis lang ang hanay ng kapulisan,” he said.

He also clarifi ed that the AFP only has a supporting role in the security prepa-rations for the upcoming elections. (MNS)

virtue of a search warrant.De Asis, just like the

fi rst Comelec website hack-er 23-year-old Paul Loui Biteng, has admitted to the crime.

In his admission, De Asis told the NBI that he only wanted to prove that the poll body’s website has weak safeguards and is suscepti-ble to hacking.

NBI Cybercrime Divi-sion’s Atty. Ronaldo Aguto said that they had diffi culty in tracking down De Asis.

Comelec chairman An-dres Bautista and NBI Di-rector Virgilio Mendez talk-ed to De Asis in a closed-door meeting.

Bautista then told report-ers that De Asis admitted that he was the “master-mind” of the hacking of the Comelec website where they were able to get 340-giga-byte worth of data.

Seized from De Asis were his mobile phone and per-sonal computer.

NBI said that they are still looking for a third sus-pect. (MNS)

the 70th anniversary of dip-lomatic relations between the Philippines and the US and as we renew our mutual com-mitment to our shared values of democracy, furtherance of scientifi c research and the preservation of our way of life. Vice Admiral Tyson in her remarks, highlighted the strong relationship between the Philippines and the Unit-ed States, particularly their Armed Forces, and the Mutu-al Defense Treaty continues to be the bedrock of the two countries’ relationship.

Commodore Vingson, in his keynote speech, high-lighted the signifi cance to the Philippine Navy of the newly acquired vessel in terms of carrying out its mandate. He also gave the historic orders on the assumption by CDR

Edwin Nera of the Command of BRP Velasquez and the Setting of the First Watch.

The BRP Velasquez, an oceanographic research ship was acquired by the Philip-pines under the US Excess Defense Articles (EDA). The new vessel is named after National Scientist and emi-nent UP Professor Gregorio Velasquez. The BRP Velas-quez has 9 offi cers and 20 crew members led by CDR. Edwin M. Nera.

The U.S. Navy transferred ownership of Research Vessel (R/V) Melville to the Philip-pine Navy under the U.S. Department of Defense’s excess defense articles pro-gram to help augment the Republic of the Philippines oceanographic research and study capabilities.

Melville, named for George Melville, an explorer and rear admiral in the United States Navy, was launched from La Jolla, California, in 1968. Since then, it has served the Office of Naval Research, been operated by Scripps Institute of Oceanog-raphy, and also played a role in the 1976 fi lm King Kong. Melville will the Philippine Navy’s first dedicated re-search vessel. “The Philip-pines is and will remain a vital strategic ally in the region for the foreseeable fu-ture, and I am proud to play a part in that relationship,” said Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. “Today, we not only transfer a platform that will enhance the Philippines’ environmen-tal research and law enforce-ment capabilities but will also contribute to the securi-ty and stability of the region.”With the signing of handover paperwork between Tyson and the Honorable Leo Her-rera-Lim, Consul General of the Philippines in Los An-geles, the vessel transferred ownership to the Philippine Navy.

pating in polls. “We also exert great effort and exhaust all means to encourage every Fil-ipino to responsibly exercise their right to suffrage,” the covenant read.

The cand ida tes a l so pledged to avoid resorting to the politics of personalities and patronage, to refrain from using guns, goons, and gold. “We pledge to strongly ad-monish our relatives, friends, followers, and supporters to desist from using violence, deceit, fraud, and other un-fair and dishonest practices,” they said. They also vowed to uphold the credibility and the integrity of the remaining campaign period and election process and the dignity of the Filipino people and the Con-stitution and support TRUTH on May 9 elections.

“We will always remember that we are God’s steward on earth and must therefore promote at all times a safe, clean, and wholesome envi-ronment and an unequivocal respect and reverence for life,” the signed covenant further states.

the Cabinet of two presidents, Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Ma-capagal Arroyo, before being appointed to the bench as the associate justice and, eventu-ally, chief justice of the Su-preme Court. The former chief justice had a sterling record as a student. He graduated with honors from the Ateneo de Manila Grade School and High School. He earned his

bachelor’s degree from the Ateneo de Manila Universi-ty, where he also served as editor-in-chief of The Guidon, the university student pub-lication. Corona obtained his law degree from the Ateneo Law School in 1974. Having married right after college, Corona was working in the Of-fi ce of the Executive Secretary while attending night classes in law school. He fi nished fi fth in his class.

sa kanila. Tapos ngayon, dudungisan nila ‘yung ma-linis na halalan na sinisikap nating mangyari,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a sepa-rate interview in Quezon, Poe appeared to have tak-en a swipe at Roxas when she mentioned the sudden emergence of surveys from virtually unknown entities.

“Di ba merong isang nag-sasabing kandidato, noon pa man mananalo daw siya, mananalo siya, but napa-ka-kampante? At ngayon nakikita natin meron din silang sariling survey nila na nilabas na hindi naman natin kilala ‘yung kumpanya na nagpapakita na lamang na siya,” she said without mentioning any names.

The Liberal Party said the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey showing Roxas edging out Poe by a point in the presidential race only confi rms the trend of D’Strafford, Exponent M, and TNS surveys that he is “on track to win” in the upcoming elections.

Visit www.usasianpost.com Friday - Thursday, May 6 - 12, 2016 THE US ASIAN POST12

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10 TO CHOOSE FROM

Mitsubishi’s stylish and renowned Lancer compact sports sedan enters 2016 with a number of key design and feature improvements to set it apart from the pack. Exterior enhancements include fresh new front end exterior design, new alloy wheel designs and brand new exte-rior paint colors.

New value-oriented models have been added to the Lancer line-up for the new model year, including a reconfigured Lancer ES and new SEL trim level, both available with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the brand’s exceptional All Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system, which provides enhanced perfor-mance and tractability. Additionally, the entry-level Lancer ES model now boasts the most comprehensive standard equip-ment and features package ever included and all CVT models come equipped with a new generation CVT8 that improves both performance and fuel economy.

The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer comes equipped with the following standard features:

InteriorNew front center consoleNew interior seating fabricFUSE Hands-Free Link System® with

Bluetooth® technology and USB portAM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with

140-watt speakersColor LCD multi-information displaySoft-touch instrument panel and door

trim6-way adjustable driver’s seatAutomatic air condition climate controlSteering wheel mounted audio, cruise

control and Bluetooth® switchesCruise controlPower windows with driver’s automat-

ic down/up featurePower door locks

Remote keyless entry with panic fea-ture

60/40 split folding rear seatTilt-adjustable steering columnRemote trunk and fuel lid release leverHigh-contrast gauge metersExteriorNew front fascia/chrome grilleAutomatic on/off headlightsFog lightsHeated side view mirrors with turn

indicatorsLED daytime running lights (DRLs)Auto-off halogen headlightsSide air damsColor-keyed outer door handlesColors: New Diamond White Pearl,

New Alloy Silver, Tarmac Black, Octane Blue, Rally Red, Mercury Gray

SafetyAdvanced seven (7) air bag SRS sys-

tem including driver’s side knee air bag, dual-stage front air bags with occupant seat position sensors, front seat mounted side-impact air bags and front and rear curtain side air bags

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL)

Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemEngine immobilizer anti-theft security

alarm systemMitsubishi Motors’ patented Rein-

forced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety cell body construction

WarrantyFully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile

new vehicle limited warranty10-year/100,000 mile powertrain lim-

ited warranty7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion

perforation limited warranty

5-year/unlimited mile roadside assis-tance

Bold New ExteriorThe 2016 Lancer features a fresh and

bold new signature design for the front fascia/grille section.

Additional updates for the 2016 Lancer include 16” or all-new 18” alloy wheels, new LED daytime running lights (DRLs), a new chrome beltline trim and a choice of two new paint colors: New Diamond White Pearl and Alloy Silver, in all models.

Revitalized InteriorThe Lancer receives a number of key

design and/or feature improvements to its interior for the new model year. All

models now feature a redesigned front center console complete with a conve-nient USB port as well as an improved new display audio system. The optional navigation system has been redesigned and includes a new reconfi gured display screen. The Lancer ES and SE models now come standard with improved fabric seats and gloss black trim.

Next-Generation Continuous-ly-Variable Transmission (CVT)

Consumers choosing to upgrade their 2016 Lancer model’s powertrain will ex-perience improved fuel effi ciency, smooth-er operation, reduced noise and better acceleration and shift performance from Mitsubishi’s latest generation continu-ously-variable transmission (CVT). The next-generation CVT transmission is a standard feature on the 2016 Lancer ES, SE and SEL AWC models that include Mitsubishi’s outstanding and highly ca-pable All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system.

Increased Standards and Value Mitsubishi vehicles have a well-de-

served reputation in the eyes of automo-tive consumers for delivering exceptional reliability, safety and value for decades in the North American marketplace. For the 2016 model year, Mitsubishi adds to its reputation with the introduction of the value-priced Lancer ES – the most com-prehensive standard equipment package to ever be included on an entry-level Mitsubishi Lancer.

The 2016 Lancer ES now features 16-in. alloy wheels, FUSE Hands-Free Link System® for voice-activated audio and cell phone controls, automatic air condition climate control, color LCD multi-infomation display and fog lights with LED daytime running lights (DRLs).

In addition to the standard equipment package, the 2016 Lancer ES is now avail-able with a new Sun & Sound package (CVT only) that includes a power glass sunroof, rearview camera, a 6.1” display audio system with HD Radio®, SIRI-USXM® satellite radio with 3-month sub-scription and a 710-watt Rockford Fos-gate® premium sound system with nine speakers including 10-in. dual-voice coil subwoofer with Punch Control®, DTS® Neural Surround, PremiDIA-WIDE sur-round, and Dolby® Volume.

Mitsubishi’s Standard of Safety/Warranty Excellence

An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick” for sev-en straight model years (2009 through 2015), every 2016 Lancer model comes standard with a long list of safety fea-tures/technologies in every vehicle. These items include anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL); Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); a seven (7) air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) including driver’s knee air bag, dual-stage front air bags, front seat mounted side-impact air bags and front and rear curtain side air bags and Mitsubishi Motors advanced Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety body construction system that absorbs energy to help provide protection to the vehicle’s occupants.

Additional piece of mind is offered by the brand’s industry-leading war-ranty that includes a fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty; 10-year/100,000 mile power-train limited warranty; 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty and a 5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance.

Schedule a Test drive on the vehicle of your choice at Puente Hills Mitsubishi . Call Alex at 1-866-400-1067 and test drive a Mitsubishi vehicle today! Puente Hills Mitsubishi is located at 17665 Cas-tleton St., City of Industry. sole.

Jay Santos II with his new 2015 Lancer GT with Alex Jacinto of Puente Hills Mitsubishi.

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer: bold new styling and increased value