Aquino-Binay break looms VP slams DAP, treatment of Arroyo President Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay UNA: ‘Oplan: Nognog’ LP plot against Binay MANILA -- The United Nationalist Alliance on Monday bared an elaborate plot called Operation Plan Stop Nognog 2016 allegedly hatched by Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes IV to prevent Vice President Jejomar Binay from becoming the next president. UNA, Binay’s party, said the demolition plot was funded by billionaire businessman Salvador Zamora, who is believed to be a big financier of Roxas, the presumptive standard bearer of the ruling Liberal Party in 2016. UNA’s interim secretary general JV Bautista identified Roxas as the mastermind behind the conspiracy. “This is a well-funded, well-financed, well-organized conspiracy, the principal aim of which is to destroy the chances of Vice President Binay to become the next President in 2016,” Bautista said. or 36 percent of respondents said that he has failed to carry out “tuwid na daan.” The survey also revealed that three out of 10 Filipinos or 34 percent of survey participants are ambivalent on the matter. The survey showed that pluralities in Metro Manila (36 percent) and Luzon (45 percent) think that Aquino was unable to execute his “tuwid na daan” policy. Meanwhile, a big plurality (Please turn to Page 9) (Please turn to Page 7) (Please turn to Page 8) gloves Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima, who like the Vice President is alleged to have amassed unexplained wealth. It was a combative Vice President who spoke at the 5th MCLE (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education) Accredited National Convention of Public Attorneys at the Manila Hotel. He blasted not only the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee investigating the corruption allegations against him but also moves by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate him. Binay took exception to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s statement that she was investigating him upon the request of the Senate, saying the blue ribbon subcommittee had not even completed its inquiry. “The cat is out of the bag. It is all part of the script that really, by all means, this is their operation— Operation Anybody but Binay,” the Vice President said during the (Please turn to Page 6) ...but Aquino patches up feud, for now MANILA – All appears to be well between President Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay a few hours after the latter slammed for the first time on Tuesday certain decisions of the President, as Binay faced an investigation and possible impeachment charges initiated by administration officials and allies. Aquino and Binay talked for almost three hours on the night of Oct. 14 at the President’s official residence in a meeting arranged by mutual friends, according to a source privy to the meeting. On Wednesday night, Binay confirmed reports that he and Aquino met and talked on Tuesday night but tried to downplay the meeting. “Secret,” Binay initially told reporters, when asked about the meeting. He then confirmed that they did talk. Binay spoke to reporters before he gave a keynote speech at the 2014 NCR Developers’ Forum at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Mandaluyong City. He declined to say what he and Only 29% of Pinoys see straight path fulfillment MANILA —Only three in 10 Filipinos believe that President Benigno Aquino III has delivered on his promise of “tuwid na daan” (straight path) brand of governance, according to a survey released Monday by pollster Pulse Asia. In a nationwide survey conducted from September 8-15, it was revealed that 29 percent of the 1,200 adult respondents believe that Aquino was able to fulfill his promise. Meanwhile, four in 10 Filipinos MANILA – Vice President Jejomar Binay appears to be moving to cut his ties with President Aquino as he slams for the first time the latter’s controversial decisions, like allowing the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) that the Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional. Binay, 71, also took a swing at the way the Aquino administration was allegedly mistreating former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo while handling with kid The USS Peliliu (above), docked in Subic, is where Pfc Joseph Scott Pemberton (inset, left) is in custody as suspect in the murder of transgender Jennifer Laude (inset, right). PH to seek custody of US Marine in transgender slay MANILA - The Philippines is seeking custody of a US Marine detained on a US Navy amphibious assault vessel by his superiors for the murder a Filipino transgender he met in a bar during a furlough in Olongapo City Saturday night. The body of Jeffrey Laude, 26, also known as Jennifer, was found by a staff of Celzone Lodge less than an hour after the victim checked into a room with an unidentified blonde male, who turned out to be Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton of the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFACOM) executive director Eduardo Oban said the Philippines would insist on getting custody of Pemberton because Laude’s murder was an “extraordinary case.” “That’s why we are asserting Philippine jurisdiction over this case. We’ll request for custody,” (Please turn to Page 10) Abu Sayyaf threatens to kill German hostages Story on Page 7 2 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com October 16-22, 2014 3 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com October 16-22, 2014 4 www.thephilippinetribune.com VIEWS & COMMENTARY PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE October 16-22, 2014 ‘Bosses’ have spoken twice: No more! GUEST EDITORIAL New job for the President WHAT shall we to do with President Benigno Aquino III when his term expires in June 2016? His supporters suggest we amend the Constitution to give him a second term but a critical appreciation of the President’s last four years dictates that he is simply not worth the trouble. Notwithstanding this administration’s claims that the economy is moving forward, most Filipinos continue to struggle to survive day to day, national poverty statistics show. Even the middle class must put up with an upsurge in crime and deteriorating public services. The so-called anti-corruption campaign stops at the doorstep of the President’s allies, while persecuting his political rivals. Do we really want or need six more years of this? Is Mr. Aquino really worth the trouble and expense—not a trivial consideration—of amending the Constitution to lift term limits and holding a national plebiscite? We think not. Another silly notion is that he should slide down to the vice presidency as a way to ensure that the so-called reform program that he set in place will not be undone. We can see at least two glaring problems with this proposal. First, it insults the intelligence of the voters, who are being asked to believe that only one man can ensure that these so-called reforms are kept intact. Second, the nature of these reforms are suspect, when the President himself, without the benefit of an investigation, continues to shield his closest allies from charges of corruption. A role that former presidents often take is that of an elder statesman, who may be called from time to time to advise the government in power on matters of national import or in times of crisis. From what we’ve seen of his demeanor and behavior, however, Mr. Aquino possesses neither the wisdom nor the stature to perform this role adequately. And his poor record in addressing the needs of super typhoon Yolanda survivors almost a year after it flattened Eastern Visayas suggests it is not to Mr. Aquino that we should look for advice on how to deal with a national crisis. Of course, Mr. Aquino could also opt to run for a lower elective office to protect himself from the legal challenges that are certain to follow, once the cloak of presidential immunity from suit is lifted. But this is a tactic that has had mixed results, at best. Mr. Aquino can ask his predecessor, whom he has detained since 2011. So what is left for Mr. Aquino? Perhaps the job that suits him best after the presidency is apologist for the next administration—assuming the ruling Liberals are not booted from office as they so richly deserve to be. As a spokesman for the next president, Mr. Aquino would have the advantage of being able to lie without skipping a beat, certainly a requirement of any effective administration spokesman. He would also be loyal to a fault. We need look no further for proof of this than his constant and stubborn—and some would say, ill-considered--defense of his good friend, the national police chief, who admitted to a Senate panel that he accepted special discounts worth millions of pesos while he was in public office, in (Please turn to Page 7) GOOD NEWS appeared to have emerged from the Bali Democratic Forum in Indonesia where President Aquino was reported to have abandoned any possibility of staying beyond his six-year term that ends in 2016. “Aquino abandons term extension bid,” said the banner story of Manila Bulletin last week. I read into the news but nowhere did I find a quote from Aquino that says he was categorically abandoning hopes of a second term. I found a copy of the speech and still found nothing about term extension. O b v i o u s l y, t h e w r i t e r interpreted the speech wrongly, because right after his speech, Aquino told Malacanang reporters who accompanied him in the Bali forum that Filipinos may yet change their mind and agree to amend the Constitution so he can run again as president. The Bulletin banner was a clear case of quoting something out of context. In the speech, Aquino was talking of a leader’s temptation to consider an authoritarian method when he said that he had reflected on the idea, but the lack of consent from his bosses prompted him to abandon any such thoughts. He was not referring to proposals of amending the Constitution to allow him to run for a second term. “As leaders, all of us here have our share of frustrations, borne of the many factors that sometimes hinder the realization of our vision. This breeds the temptation to consider an authoritarian method, as this might promise immediate gains,” Aquino said. “Sitting down and reflecting the Constitution and getting the people to approve the changes in a plebiscite in the remaining 18 years before the 2016 presidential elections. Why would he bother calculating the possibilities if he weren’t? Hopefully, the latest survey results released by Pulse Asia would finally awaken him to the reality that his “bosses,” the people,” no longer wanted him to continue ruling after June 30, 2016 even if the Constitution were amended. The survey, released on Monday, showed that only three in 10 Filipinos believe that President Benigno Aquino III has delivered on his promise of “daang matuwid” (straight path) brand of governance. The nationwide survey, conducted from September 8-15, revealed that only 29 percent of the 1,200 adult respondents believe that Aquino was able to fulfill his promise. On the other hand, 36 percent of the respondents said that he has failed to carry out “daang matuwid.” The survey also revealed that 34 percent of survey participants were (Please turn to Page 6) Purisima’s bad karma WHEN President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino forced thenPhilippine National Police (PNP) Director General Nicanor Bartolome into retirement prior to the 2013 mid-term elections, little did he know that Bartolome’s replacement would also be pressured to retire early in 2014. Yes, the current PNP Chief Alan Purisima is being eased out to make way for his would-be successor to take over in time for the 2016 presidential elections. That was the same reason why Bartolome was pushed out the door; that is, to make way for Deputy Director General Purisima to take over police matters at the soonest to prepare for the May 2013 elections, which makes one wonder: Why was it necessary to elevate Purisima to the top job Philippine Tribune 18012 Pioneer Blvd. #E, Artesia, CA 90701 Tel. (562) 865-5620 • Fax (562) 865-6332 www.thephilippinetribune.com e-mail: [email protected] AILEEN GALON -- General Manager VAL G. ABELGAS BOBBY CRISOSTOMO MEH GUEVARRA DAISY MAE ORTIZ CERES VILLANUEVA RODERICK DE LA PENA BUSINESS AID NETWORK on this idea, however, we realize that with the lack of consensus and consent from the people, such a mode which offers quick and short-term gains, may be detrimental to society in the long run,” the President said. Obviously, Aquino was not at all referring to the second term plan because right after saying that, he told a press conference he was still hoping to get the nod of the people. “There is still the 18 percent undecided, but what if I get about 13 percent (in favor of term extension)? That means an absolute majority. And that’s not hard to get,” Aquino told the reporters. He was referring to the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey showing 62 percent of Filipinos against changing some provisions in the Constitution to remove term limits for officials and allow him to seek the presidency in 2016. The same poll showed that 38 percent of the respondents were in favor of political Charter change and 18 percent were undecided. Evidently, Aquino is still intent on a second term despite the survey results and despite the near improbability of amending Editor Chief Photographer Art Director Marketing Director Account Executive Account Executive IT Specialist The Philippine Tribune is published by the PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE INC. Views and opinions expressed herein by writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, management and staff of Philippine Tribune. when P-Noy could have allowed Bartolome to stay on the job until the ban on appointments during the election season had passed, which was just a few weeks after Election Day. Why the rush? Could it be because of Purisima’s close personal relationship with P-Noy while Bartolome’s relationship with P-Noy was purely professional? It is interesting to note that Purisima’s ties with the Aquinos go back to the time of P-Noy’s late mother and then-President Cory Aquino, whom Purisima served as a member of the Presidential Security Group (PSG). Friend and protector But what sealed the strong bond between P-Noy and Purisima was when P-Noy’s vehicle was ambushed near Malacañang on August 28, 1987. It was said that Purisima was part of P-Noy’s security convoy when it was ambushed by rightwing rebels led by then-Colonel (and nowSenator) Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan. Five bullets hit and wounded P-Noy, but three of his bodyguards were killed. And who would have been the “best” replacement for Bartolome but someone whose ties to him were as tight as the Gordian knot? But “best” didn’t necessarily mean possessing unmatched qualifications and unquestioned integrity. When Purisima started his stint as PNP Chief, he seemed to be doing just fine and staying out of trouble. But barely a year on the job, allegations of irregularities and corruption surfaced. And when pictures of his “vacation house” in Nueva Ecija made it to the front page of major newspapers, all hell broke loose! Immediately, Purisima’s friend and protector -- P-Noy -- came to his rescue and vouched for his character, saying that Purisima is “not capricious” despite the socalled “White House” inside the PNP compound where he resides and the pompous “vacation house” in San Leandro, Nueva Ecija and his fleet of expensive cars that he purportedly purchased at a discount. Built on a 4.7-hectare estate, Purisima’s “vacation house” includes a separate pavilion, separate four-car garage with quarters, a huge swimming pool, and luxurious features and (Please turn to Page 8) 5 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE FROM THE MAILBOX No to school bond measure Dear Editor, I am a 20-year resident of our beautiful city of Cerritos with one child. And also a State retiree. As indicated in my speech on July 8 before ABC School District Board members, I am opposed to the $195 million bond measure moved forward by the majority of the ABC Board members. Although I favor upgrading the facilities of the school district, funding should be provided by the State and Federal governments or by grants from philanthropists. We should find alternatives. We are already overburdened by too much property taxes and other taxes like income tax, utility tax, payroll tax, sales tax and other fees. We are levied for many public services in the form of property taxes like Metro Water District, Community College, Unified Schools, Trauma Emergency Services, etc. I remember vividly that a half percent increase in sales and use tax was approved by statewide voters last November primarily for California schools as espoused by Gov. Jerry Brown. What happened to that? Also the lottery was instituted in California with the intent that schools will benefit. What happened to that? Retirees like me will be financially impacted by this new bond measure. We are still paying the 1997 bond measure amounting to $59 million that will be paid off 20 years from now. I am paying $119 a year for this. The money from this bond measure was also used to upgrade the facilities of the schools. What happened to that? Our economic situation nowadays will not warrant more expenditures from us. We are slowly recovering but still reeling from too much taxes and business fees and regulations. I’m sure the business sector will also be impacted by the bond measure in the district. During the days of yore, students in some countries hold their classes under the canopy of trees and dilapidated buildings but some students became successful in their careers and some became careers professionals, presidents, prime ministers and ambassadors of their countries. My own father, who come from humble beginning who had to walk 12 kilometers twice a week of back country roads in the Philippines, attended public schools with decrepit facilities but rose to become a successful trial lawyer, town councilor, college professor and government prosecutor of tax evaders. He also attended several international conferences as Philippine representative. My 31-year-old son graduated from the ABC School system in 2001 and went on to obtain his masteral and doctorate degrees, not because of improved facilities in Cerritos or in the school district but with his strong motivation to excel in college and graduate school. He learned how to swim at 6 years old at the CPE Swimming Pool but not in his school. The analogy that like our own home, we have to repair our plumbing system or roof when there are leaks, maintain our lawn when something is amiss, etc. But we cannot repair the homes of our neighbors because we can only afford to repair our own home. We need more public hearings on this and more information. Not to rush things. We should be more transparent. Furthermore, this is not a race card issue. This is an issue of affordability and survival issue of retirees like me. A case in point: In November 2012, I had a house extension of 250 square feet for a den with a building permit from the Cerritos City Hall. Before that, I was only paying $4,099 a year. After the construction, I paid $4,685 in property tax. If the bond measure is passed, I might be paying an additional $350 a year based on a $700,000 value of my home if the basis for assessment is $50 for every $100,000 Don’t ram this bond measure through our throat. Sincerely, Dan E. Nino [email protected] TO ADVERTISE, PLEASE CALL (562) 865-5620 October 16-22, 2014 www.thephilippinetribune.com How to worship God THE concept of worship is a dominant theme of the Bible. In the book of Genesis, you find God created Adam and Eve for fellowship and worship. A short time later, you read and learn of Cain and Abel bringing offerings to the Lord as an acts of worship. At least 13 other times in the book of Genesis, you find someone either building an altar to the Lord or making an offering to the Lord. Revelation 5:1114 you see in all of history the culmination or the highest point in eternal worship of the living God. From Genesis to Revelation, worship is presented as the ultimate priority for Christians of all time. God is simply to be worshipped, but He is to be worshipped in a certain way. In the Bible, the tabernacle was designed expressly for worship. God gives a detailed description of the place where He was to be worshipped. He also gave specific instructions about the way He wants to be worshipped. The question is… 1: What is worship? Worship means you recognize God’s holiness and His divine status. It also means to bow down. The idea of worship is to come before God with a heart of love, respect, It’s not to be the result of fear or coercion, nor because of what you think He might give us in return. Worship is a consuming desire to give to God all your life, all you have. Perhaps the best illustration of worship in the Bible is found in Isaiah 6:1-9. Here you find at least four elements that must always be present for true worship to take place. These four elements are describe in Isaiah 6:1-9. What are they? The confession of sin; the cleansing of sin; the commitment to God’s will and commission to go and tell about Jesus. Now let’s look at... 2: How to worship God. Without question the most significant passage on the “how to worship” is in John 4:20-24. It records the conversation between ALL FOR JESUS the woman of Samaria and our Lord Jesus Christ. The subject of worship comes up when she said in John 4:20 “Our fathers worshipped on this mountain and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” Jesus response is a clear statement on how we should worship God. Jesus uses the word “worship” seven times in John 4:21-24. And so, it is essential we understand what our Lord is saying in this passage. A Samaritan woman tried to True worshippers will worship in spirit and in truth. debate the Lord Jesus on the best time, place, and style of worship. And Jesus replied, these external issues are irrelevant. The Bible says, “Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please Him.” Jesus told the Samaritan woman, “True worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. To “worship in truth” means worship God as He is truly revealed in the Bible. 3: How to worship in spirit. The word “spirit” in John 4:24 refer to human spirit, the inner spiritual being. Worship is not just a matter of being in the right place at the right time with the right music, even though these may aid in worship. Worship begins on the inside, in the spirit. In Psalm 51:16-17 David knows God is not interested in external sacrifices, but in “a broken spirit and contrite heart: or repentant heart. To worship in spirit, we must come to God humbly with broken spirit, and with an attitude of repentance for our sins and shortcomings. Such a person, God will never turn away. And how do you get your heart and mind in an attitude that allows you to worship in spirit? Friend, you must remember, worship is an overflow of love that is always triggered by acknowledging God and His attributes. Thinking God can be described by the familiar word called meditation. Spiritual worship is the result of meditation. Meditation is the key to worship. It’s being able to concentrate and to meditate on God. You should concentrate on a great specific truth about God, and then, meditate on that truth, until it captivates your whole thinking. And what are some of the things about God that you can meditate upon to initiate worship? Well, you can meditate on His forgiveness (Psalm 103:24). You can meditate on His greatness (Psalm 104:1-3). You can meditate on God’s giving of His Son on the cross (John 3:16). You can meditate in His being with us through difficult times (Isaiah 43:2). And you can meditate in His care for us. (1Peter 5:7). As you meditate upon God’s love, care, forgiveness, etc. you can’t help but worship Him sincerely and enthusiastically in (Please turn to Page 9) 6 www.thephilippinetribune.com October 16-22, 2014 Aquino-Binay break looms Santiago asks: What PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE (From Page 1) open forum. From hurling corruption allegations against him in the Senate inquiry, the next plan against him, Binay said, was to impeach him given De Lima’s statement that he can be investigated and that he can face impeachment. But the Vice President said he would not allow this to happen. “I have fought many times. There were many instances that the law was broken, and I will not allow this. The only reason I can be removed from office, among others, would be for the violation of the Constitution during my term as Vice President. That is very clear,” he said. Binay said he could not understand why the DOJ was prioritizing him in its investigation when it was still in the midst of investigating the pork barrel controversy and the DAP. A p p a r e n t l y, i t w a s t h e alleged impeachment moves by administration officials and allies that broke Binay’s silence over controversial issues that Aquino was facing. Replying to a question whether he would treat his enemies the same way he was being treated now should he become President, Binay said he wanted to be a “unifying” President who would subject his political foes to a truth commission, for instance. Then he said that he had “no love lost” for Arroyo, who is detained in a hospital as she awaits the outcome of many cases filed against her by the Aquino administration. Binay said Arroyo made his life difficult when she tried to suspend him from office many times. “Is the way they are treating Arroyo fair?” he said, asking why the court seemed not to act on her petition for bail after the prosecution had presented its case against her. “She is no ordinary person because she became President. And she is sick. Is that fair?” he added in Filipino. Binay then turned his ire on Aquino’s pet program, the illegal DAP. He said “there was no such animal” despite what Malacañang said of the program, which pooled savings from agencies for spending to jumpstart the economy. “What is their defense? The end justifies the means. That DAP was used for various things. I think it’s high time our lawyers come in where there is a violation of law,” Binay said. Binay then said that the Aquino administration was implementing “selective justice,” noting how the opposition seems to be its target. He said that after the administration detained Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla for their alleged misuse of pork barrel funds, it stopped there, no longer pursuing others. Likewise, Binay said Budget Secretary Florencio Abad had refused to submit documents to legislators on the DAP spending. B inay then took ai m at Purisima, saying that until now, no case had been filed by the administration against the PNP chief, who recently was questioned about his house in Nueva Ecija province and his luxury vehicles. “The allegations against Jojo Binay come from one person,” he said in Filipino, referring to former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado. Mercado has accused Binay in the Senate of rigging the bidding for infrastructure projects of Makati City when he was still mayor and of accepting kickbacks from favored contractors. Binay said one of the things that angered him were people who didn’t have a strong sense of gratitude. “I fed this witness with my hand. He even cried before me,” the Vice President said of his former vice mayor. Binay did not spare the media, saying that with the controversies against him, media should air both sides. “If they want to destroy you, they’ll come out only with negative things,” he said in Filipino. During the open forum, Binay vowed he would not appear at the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee hearings for the way it was handling the inquiry. “I won’t dignify that kind of proceeding by attending it. Ladies and gentlemen, I am the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines.” During his speech, Binay said he was again being “prosecuted and persecuted by politicians, who seemed to be fueled more by personal ambition than a search for truth.” is Binay afraid of? MANILA —Just what is Vice President Jejomar Binay afraid of? In a speech dubbed as “The Curious case of the taciturn Vice-President,” during the Women’s Celebration of Life and Faith Convention held at the Philippine Christian University along Taft Avenue on Wednesday, Manila, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago hit Binay anew for his continued refusal to appear before the Senate and answer all the allegations hurled against him. “Assuming that senators are already convinced that he is guilty, still Binay cannot evade the jurisdiction of the Senate,” the senator said, pointing out that no less than the Constitution provides for the power of the Senate to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation. “If the VP has truth to tell, what is he afraid of? His tormentor cannot use the Senate hearing to humiliate or otherwise prosecute him because the Constitution requires senators to respect the rights of persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries.” “Hence, I do not approve of this curious tendency to be so taciturn, in the face of such damaging charges against his moral character,” Santiago added. Sen. Miriam Santiago She said that it appears that the Vice President is already content in defending himself by delivering speeches accusing his enemies of lying but the senator said that was not sufficient, citing previous cases where the Supreme Court said that silence is almost always construed as implied admission of the truth. “ W i t h all these accusations aired on news media and particularly in the social media, the silence of Mr. Binay and his lawyer to present counter evidence is alarming,” Santiago said. Binay has been accused of, among other things, allegedly receiving kickbacks when he was still the mayor of Makati City, and for allegedly using dummies to his unexplained wealth. ‘Bosses’ have spoken... (From Page 4) undecided, which could probably be interpreted more towards “no” rather than “yes.” One would think this time, Malacanang would finally listen to the “bosses.” But no, it rejected the survey and said the results were “wrong”! Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda instead asked why Pulse Asia conducted such a survey only now. “That is not correct,” Lacierda said in a press briefing. “Perhaps you should ask the people from Pulse Asia. The ‘tuwid na daan’ has been an ongoing campaign for the past four years. Why is it that they conducted the survey only now?” Would it matter if the people believed one or two years ago that Aquino fulfilled his promise of curbing corruption and following the straight path? The point is the people now believe that Aquino failed to fulfill his promise. In fact, his many promises. How many more surveys before Aquino and his cohorts finally come to the realization that the people had enough of his administration’s hypocrisy and lack of vision? ([email protected]) 7 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE Sayyaf threatens to kill hostages Forces German to sit in grave dug for them ZAMBOANGA CITY— Viktor Stefan Okonek, a 71-yearold German doctor being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf terrorists, on Wednesday said he had been sitting in a “deep hole” with 10 other men since Tuesday. “They told me this is my grave. They pushed me inside this hole and I am sitting here with 10 men since [Tuesday night],” Okonek told Radio Mindanao Network’s Alarma 900 here. “I’m here in a hole. It’s a big hole 3 meters (10 ft) [by] 5 meters,” Okonek said. “ … I hope I will still get out of here … but I have not seen anyone from the government to get into the situation that tries to get us out.” The terrorists have been demanding P250 million ($5.6 million) for the release of Okonek and a German woman companion, Henrite Dieter, and for Germany to withdraw support from the multination action against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Abu Rami, spokesman of Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron, New job... (From Page 4) a blatant violation of all notions of good governance. This was not some unverified allegation; this was an admission by the police chief himself on national television. That Mr. Aquino has not only kept the police chief on, but sings praises to him points clearly to his future as a spin doctor for the next administration—but only if he manages not to make a complete wreck of his own credibility in his remaining two years. We know this is a tall order, but it is no stranger than the notion that we would happily amend the basic law of the land simply to keep him in office. – Manila Standard Today October 16-22, 2014 www.thephilippinetribune.com This photo provided by the Abu Sayyaf shows German scientist Viktor Stefan Okonek, 71, with an assault rifle pointed at his head at the terrorist group’s hideout somewhere in Sulu province. said his group would execute the doctor at 3 p.m. on Friday if the ransom had not been paid by then. The ultimatum remains on Friday, Rami said on the phone, adding that Okonek would be buried in the grave if negotiations would go awry. “We will bury him if the ransom demand is not met and Germany does not withdraw its support for the air strikes in Iraq and Syria,” he said. Okonek and Dieter, 42, were seized by the Abu Sayyaf in April when their yacht broke down in Palawan province en route to Sabah in eastern Malaysia. They are being held on Jolo Island, hotbed of the al-Qaida-linked terrorist group. Okonek has been separated from Dieter, Rami said. “We don’t want her to see the actual execution,” he added. “They told me on Friday they would kill me,” the doctor said in the radio interview. It was the second time the German has spoken to commercial radio since last Friday’s deadline passed. Rami said a video of Okonek’s execution would be posted after Friday. Okonek said he was getting very weak because there was not enough food and 10 gunmen were watching over him 24 hours a day. In a video provided by the kidnappers, Okonek can be heard crying while being physically abused. Some gunmen also slapped him. Rami said local contacts identified with Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima had been trying to negotiate for the release of the captives. But he said the Abu Sayyaf only wanted to talk to representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs. An Inquirer source said Purisima went to Sulu province on Tuesday and tried to establish contacts with the Abu Sayyaf through local politicians. However, Chief Supt. Noel de los Reyes, police director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, denied the information. ...but Aquino patches... (From Page 1) the President talked about. But he volunteered that he told the President that he never thought Aquino was among those who are part of the alleged demolition job against him. “Ganoon ang tiwala ko sa kaniya (That’s how much I trust him),” he said. Asked whether he remained an ally of the President, Binay said he was not only an ally “but because of that meeting, our friendship only became stronger.” “No, it was a friendly talk. You should know the President. Yun si Presidente especially kung kaibigan, walang pulitika, walang problema. Kaibigan, kaibigan, How are you ba yun?” he said, when asked whether his meeting with Aquino cleared up things between them. Asked whether he discussed with the President his complaint on why the Department of Justice was investigating him on corruption allegations, Binay said it was not a subject of their talk. “ Wa l a , h i n d i n a m i n pinagusapan (We did not talk about it),” he said. He described the meeting as “cordial and jovial,” noting that there was much laughter as they talked about old age. Asked whether he initiated the meeting, he shot back whether that was important as long as that the meeting happened. Binay seemed to backtrack on his statements questioning the mistreatment of former President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo. “Salitang abogado ’yun (That’s lawyer talk),” the Vice President said, adding he did not talk about the merits of the case but only questioned the bail that Arroyo was seeking. “There never was a mention of the merits of the case but it was only on the question of the pending motion that I believed should be acted upon,” he said. The Inquirer source said the two officials met from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. which ended with both men “in high spirits” and laughing as Binay left Bahay Pangarap. “The meeting cleared up a lot of things,” the source told the Inquirer. The “gist” of the meeting had to do with Binay’s outburst on Tuesday at the PAO forum, according to the source. “They had a heart-to-heart talk of what’s going on. There was no resolution to it. But there’s an understanding of where they’re coming from,” the source said. The source said Binay spoke of the context of what he said at the forum, which he made in reply to a question by a lawyer. “He had no intention of hitting the President,” the source said of Binay. The Vice President “remains an ally of the President … and more importantly, he continues to be a real friend of the Aquino family,” said Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, Binay’s spokesman. Remulla issued the statement in the wake of what he said was “media speculation of a break between Vice President Binay and President Aquino.” But an ally of the President said Binay should quit the Cabinet so he could get more elbow room to take a swing at the administration. “Definitely, he (Binay) must get out of the Cabinet first so he can say whatever he wants to his heart’s content,” Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice said, echoing his privilege speech four months ago egging the Vice President to show his “true colors” and make up his mind whether he was for the administration or the opposition. “But knowing his (Binay) lack of delicadeza, I am sure he will not. He will surely regret losing out on the freebies given to a member of the Cabinet,” said Erice, a member of the ruling Liberal Party (LP). 8 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE October 16-22, 2014 www.thephilippinetribune.com UNA: ‘Oplan: Nognog’ LP plot... (From Page 1) Quarantine officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport monitor passengers for the possible entry of people infected with the deadly Ebola virus. Ebola-ready PH doubted MANILA -- Fears of an Ebola crisis in the country heightened on Tuesday as the medical community and health workers d o u b t e d t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s preparedness for the disease that the World Health Organization described as the “most severe acute health emergency in modern times.” Physicians and health workers expressed their fears as the government said it will repatriate Filipinos who want to leave Ebola-stricken countries in November, ahead of the annual influx of thousands of Filipinos from overseas for the Christmas holidays. The influx will start this year with the arrival of about 150 Filipino peacekeepers, consisting of 112 soldiers and 28 policemen, from Ebola-hit Liberia on Nov. 10. The fears were aired after WHO warned that the country is “vulnerable” to the deadly virus due to its migrant population and President Benigno Aquino III also agreed that a local Ebola outbreak is a “paramount concern” for the government because there are 10 million Filipino workers overseas. But physicians are concerned that even the United States Centers for Disease Control are now rethinking their safety protocols after US residents developed Ebola outside of West Africa where the latest outbreak started in December 2013. “We need clarity of ideas. We need a protocol and a checklist. We need to train people because we have not encountered Ebola in our lifetime,” physician Anthony Leachon, president of the Philippine College of Physicians, said in a television interview. Leachon noted that only a few local centers are equipped to handle Ebola cases and he feared that even the local medical community may not be ready to handle the disease in addition to the lack of reliable safety gear for hazardous materials. “This is a modern disease. We don’t have a vaccine for that. Even the CDC, WHO are grasping for information that we can actually convey,” Leachon noted. He said President Benigno Aquino III was not part of the plot, however. “This conspiracy goes up only to Mar Roxas,” he said. Bautista said the allegations being raised at the Senate subcommittee were part of Oplan Stop Nognog 2016. “Nognog is the derisive name used by LP operatives to refer to Binay because of his dark skin,” Bautista noted. The LP’s Roxas, and Cayetano and Trillanes of the Nacionalista Party, are all vying for the highest post but Binay, a frontrunner in the opinion polls, stands in their way. A high-ranking official of the NP said Zamora, including his brothers banker Manuel Zamora and House Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora were funding the operations of the LP and NP against Binay. UNA said the helicopter, which former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado said he used to take aerial photos and videos of Sunchamp Agri-Tourism Park in Rosario, Batangas, is owned by financier of Roxas. Speaking in a morning television program, Bautista said the helicopter, a Eurocopter EC130B-4, is owned by Salvador Zamora, who has interests in mining and said to be one of Roxas’ principal financiers; and Eric Gutierrez, Zamora’s partner. Gutierrez is also a mining business partner of Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, an LP stalwart, Bautista said. Erice confirmed that Gutierrez was his partner in SR Metals, Inc., a mining company. According to an NP source, Manuel and Ronaldo Zamora were the NP’s finance managers and Ronaldo was political strategist in the 2010 presidential polls. But Erice denied having anything to do with the chopper and said the helicopter that he and Gutierrez owned was not used to spy on the 350-hectare farm, which Trillanes alleged was really owned by Binay. Binay has denied the accusation, saying that Sunchamp was owned by businessman Antonio Tiu. Erice said the other owner of the Eurocopter was Isabela Rep. Rodito Albano, but the congressman denied his colleague’s assertion. “I don’t own or co-own a chopper. Yes, it is owned by Buddy Zamora,” Albano said. “Buddy and I are best friends. I borrow that chopper from him from time to time. But Buddy was not aware that that chopper was used to spy on the farm,” Albano told the Manila Standard. Albano explained that since Gutierrez was a partner of Buddy Zamora, he could use it if his own ride, a company chopper he co-owned with Erice, was not available. “Among the chopper owners, there is this thing called timesharing so they could use each o t h e r ’s c h o p p e r w h e n e v e r available. But Buddy Zamora was not aware at the time that it was for spying,” said Albano, who claimed to be a distant relative of the vice president. Albano also confirmed that Buddy Zamora and Roxas knew each other. “Yes, they are friends, too. I was the one who introduced them,” Albano said. But Albano said he does not believe Roxas needed funding. “The Aranetas and Roxases are a moneyed family. They don’t need any Zamora,” he said. “Zamora is not the financier of Mar Roxas. The family of Mar I think is wealthier than Zamora. Gutierrez is my business partner. Our company has a chopper but JV is lying. It was not used by Mercado’s group,” Erice said. Purisima’s bad... (From Page 4) amenities. Purisima claimed that his property was valued at P3.7 million as declared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN); however, his complainants say that the property’s actual price could be more than P50 million. The question is: How did Purisima amass such wealth when his salary was only P107,000 a month? In spite of P-Noy’s defense of Purisima, some powerful people want his head chopped. And these are people who belong to P-Noy’s Liberal Party (LP). They want him to retire early to accommodate another member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1981 to which Purisima belongs, which begs the question: Why do they want to get rid of Purisima one and a half years before the 2016 elections? Could it be that his incompetence and expensive lifestyle might hurt the LP during the campaign that they want him out of the limelight? Scandals galore One of the scandals that is eroding the people’s confidence in the PNP is the widespread “hulidap” cases where an increasing number of police officers are involved in kidnapping for ransom activities. Purisima is perceived to be too lax in stopping these criminal activities in the police force. Another scandal was the controversial renovation of the “White House,” which is Purisima’s residence inside Camp Crame. What is being questioned was the source of the P25 million Purisima used to upgrade the White House. He claimed that three donors contributed “building materials” while some sources said that Purisima’s fellow Masons donated the money. But what is not being discussed today is: Who are the government officials – from the President down to the Barangay captains -- who are receiving jueteng payolas? One President who had received jueteng payola was former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada who was exposed by his former “bagman,” ex-governor Chavit Singson. In the early days of P-Noy’s presidency, allegations of jueteng payolas were made against thenDeputy Secretary of Interior and Local Government Rico Puno. The payolas were supposedly for P-Noy; however, Malacañang denied the allegations and that was the end of the controversy. But one thing that happened in P-Noy’s administration was that jueteng thrived. And according to many anti-jueteng activists, the PNP can stop jueteng in a day! But the order must come from the PNP Chief. While previous PNP chiefs were involved in scandals and controversies over the years, the degree to which they’re linked to criminal activities varies. But in the case of Purisima, in the short time that he’s been PNP Chief, he had waded into the murky waters of corruption. As of today, he’s facing three plunder and graft charges over his luxurious “vacation house” in Nueva Ecija, the questionable renovation of the controversial “White House” inside Camp Crame, and a scandalous deal with a courier service. However, like his predecessors, Purisima would most likely beat the charges against him, which begs the question: How do corrupt PNP officers pay for their betrayal of the public’s trust? As someone once said, “Nothing escapes the Law of Karma. You get from the world what you give to the world.” And thus far, Purisima has gotten a lot from the world but has yet to give back. That’s bad karma. ([email protected]) 9 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com October 16-22, 2014 AFP Medical Center chief relieved over supply case MANILA -- Armed Forces Chief Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said Tuesday he had relieved Brig. Gen. Normando T. Sta. Ana Jr., the head of the AFP Medical Center who is being probed for allegedly using P80 million to buy medical supplies without a public bidding. “There was a complaint file before the Office of the Ombudsman,” Catapang told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo. “I asked the TJAG [The Judge Advocate General] and the office said there is a prima facie evidence, so I ordered him relieved from his position as he might bungle the ongoing investigation. Earlier, AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc confirmed Sta. Ana’s relief but did not elaborate as he had yet to get more instructions from Catapang. Catapang on Monday ordered an investigation of Sta. Ana’s case, basing his order on an alleged irregular purchase of medical supplies worth P80 million involving the head of the AFP Medical Center and three other officials. Catapang based his order on a two-page complaint that certain Renato Villafuerte submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman. AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. did not respond to questions sent to his mobile phone about the “parallel probe” ordered by Catapang on Monday. Sta. Ana is said to be an adopted member of the Philippine Military How to worship... (From Page 5) spirit. Not only must we know how to worship in “spirit” but also we must know… 4: How to worship in truth. Worship is not just an emotional experience; it must be based on truth. According to John 17:17 it says, the truth is the Word of God. If you are to worship God in truth, (the Word of God is truth) then you must worship Him, out of your understanding of the Bible. If your worship is based on the truth of God’s Word, it will have substance and will be acceptable to God. According to the following truths from the Bible, how are you to worship Him? I must worship Him in faith (Hebrews 11:6). I must open my mind and heart to His divine searchlight (Psalm 139:23-24). I must be sorry of my sins (Psalm 34:18). I must worship humbly (James 4:10). And I must worship Him with thanksgiving and praise (Psalm 100:4 ). When the Word of God permeates our lives, our worship of Him will be regulated and will conform to God’s divine standard. The great teaching chapter on the subject of worship is in Psalm 95. Every Christian, every believer, every disciple of Jesus Christ should use Psalm 95 as a resource on how to worship, but space will not permit us to examine it now. Friend, only when you worship in spirit and in truth that you will be the kind of person the Lord Jesus seek. John 4:23 says, it’s only the true, worshippers that the Father seeks If you want to learn more, you’re cordially invited to join us in one of our meetings. Be a support partner of All for Jesus Ministries as well. In the meantime pray this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. My sin deserves judgment but I need mercy. I open my heart now to you. I turn from my sin. I take my place at your feet. My blessed Redeemer, I give you my heart. Come into me and be my Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus’ name, amen.” Come and visit us soon. WORSHIP AND BIBLE STUDY SCHEDULE: Sunday @ 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday @ 7:00 p.m. Email us at all4jesus@ ca.rr.com or call us any time at 562-896-0107 and let us know you’re coming. Our meeting place: 10356 Monterey Street, Bellflower, CA 90706. Academy Class of 1981 of which Catapang is a member. There is talk that Col. Joseph Acosta, the AFP Medical Corps chief, is being eyed to replace Sta. Ana. Also set to be given marching orders to get out from the AFPMC so they would not influence the ongoing investigation are special disbursing officer Lt. Colonel Florencio Ritchie I. Capulong, Management and Fiscal Office chief Major Neil D. Bugarin, and acting ACS for Logistics Colonel Rogelio S. Del Rio. It was learned that the “parallel investigation” by the AFP headquarters had been going on for more than two weeks, but the military continued to keep secret the composition of the investigating body. Only 29%... (From Page 1) of Visayans (43 percent) are ambivalent on the issue while 43 percent of Mindanao residents believe that the “tuwid na daan” promise was fulfilled by Aquino. Pulse Asia said that the duration of the survey coincided with reports of the request of Aquino for emergency powers to address the impending power shortage in 2015, Aquino’s expression of trust to embattled PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima amid calls demanding his resignation, and the transmittal of the draft Bangsamoro Law to Congress. The survey has a ± 3% error margin and pegged at 95% confidence level. The Training Squadron of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces consisting of three vessels docks at Pier 15 for a goodwill visit on Monday. Japanese warships in PH MANILA – Rising Sun flags once again flap in Philippine sea breeze, this time bringing camaraderie and unity. On Monday, three Japanese ships from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) arrived at the South Harbor of Manila for a four-day goodwill visit that would end on Thursday. Rear Admiral Hideki Yuasa led the three warships of the Japanese Training Squadron to promote camaraderie and strengthen the ties between the bilateral relations of the Philippine Navy and the JMSDF, Lieutenant Commander Marineth Domingo, Philippine Navy Public Affairs Chief, said. “Goodwill visits like these aim to strengthen the bilateral relation with our foreign counterpart, specifically the Japanese Navy,” Domingo said. “This will be a good venue in collaborating the JMSDF in promoting peace and stability within the maritime region.” Captain Tetsuya Morita was the skipper of JS Kashima while Commander Ryoko Kazuma and Commander Kenji Kawauchi were the skippers of JS Setoyuki and JS Asagiri respectively. Commodore Primitivo Gopo, Naval Reserve Command Commander, led the welcome ceremonies for the Japanese visitors. Domingo said the visit would include a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park, courtesy calls, a Japanese-hosted reception at the Kashima, sports events, expertise discussion and a Philippinehosted reception. 10 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE Sabotage raps pushed against gov’t execs over MRT troubles MANILA - Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo recommended yesterday the filing of economic sabotage and other charges against concerned government officials for the spate of accidents at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). Castelo, chairman of the House committee on Metro Manila development, strongly opposed the proposal of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to shut down the MRT for maintenance work. He said the series of accidents and breakdowns at the MRT-3 was caused by negligence and disregard for public interest by the concerned officials from the government and the private sector. “Heads should roll. Nobody should be exempt from liability because of omission. Negligence and incompetence at the expense of the public should have its price. The public, first and foremost, should be protected and recompensed,” Castelo said. He said the APT-Global, the maintenance provider contracted by the DOTC, “mishandled ADVERTISE WITH THE PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE. (562) 865-5620 October 16-22, 2014 www.thephilippinetribune.com President Aquino points to a Philippine STAR story on the problems of the MRT-3 during a meeting with the Cabinet yesterday. The President has expressed concern over the daily negative reports about the MRT-3. Looking on is Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. the maintenance of the MRT-3 and deserves to face economic sabotage charges.” The lawmaker said his panel is set to undertake an inquiry into the state of MRT-3 as well as the possible liability of APT-Global. Castelo declined to name the DOTC, MRT-3 and APTGlobal officials who may be held accountable. “The maintenance was only sourced out to one company and we are now moving in Congress to have APT-Global blacklisted because time and again it failed to perform adequately the operation of the MRT,” he said. Lawmakers had earlier warned of more accidents and breakdowns at the MRT-3 as APT-Global has admitted that it has depleted its store of stock rails, which were handed over by Sumitomo, the previous maintenance provider. Castelo warned against shutting down the MRT-3, saying ”it could bring untold miseries for workers who depend on the cheap mode of transport, and unfathomable economic losses for business firms.” “However, if technical experts see the necessity of a shutdown in consideration of the maintenance work, then we should strike a balance between what we can afford to do and what we cannot under the circumstances.” “Foremost is the safety of the riding public. Hence, there should be an in-depth study before they close operation. They should offer alternative solutions. Total shutdown without alternative is unacceptable,” he added. PH to seek custody... (From Page 1) Oban said. The US embassy, meanwhile, expressed its “deepest condolences” to the family and friends of Laude. US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, in a statement posted o n h i s Tw i t t e r a c c o u n t @ AMBGoldberg, said: “We will continue to coordinate closely with Philippine law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.” The US embassy in Manila echoed the statement on its Twitter account. While the VFA allows the US to take custody of its erring personnel, it gives the local courts jurisdiction over cases involving US servicemen. “Assuming that the particular serviceman is with US now, it’s with them but it doesn’t prevent us from submitting the government position regarding custody. And the US government in accordance with VFA provisions should take that into full account,” Oban pointed out. The Department of Foreign Affairs also vowed to work on getting custody of Pemberton, but DFA spokesman Charles Jose said there is no guarantee the US would grant their request. “They have primary custody and we’ll request them to give him over to us, to waive custody, meaning we’ll take custody. So we’ll request and it’s not a guarantee they’ll grant it, so they may continue to have custody over the suspect,” Jose said in a press briefing. “The case with its various implications is very important to us, so we would like to retain jurisdiction over this case,” he said. Pemberton was part of the 3,500-member US contingent in the Philippines engaged in joint military exercises, which ended last week. At Malacañang, President Aquino ordered authorities to do everything they could to serve justice to Laude, but conceded the US could choose to keep the suspect under its custody under the VFA. “Of course as Chief Executive of the country, (the President) takes this matter seriously and he wants the government to do what is necessary – this is what the VFA Commission is working on,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing. He said Aquino had spoken with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario regarding the matter. Coloma said Oban gave assurance “the Philippine and US governments have agreed on the importance of a thorough investigation so that the ends of justice will be served.” Coloma also said it would be up to the Philippine National Police to discuss the details of the incident. He said the PNP is coordinating with the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) in its inquiry into the matter. “The VFA contains specific provisions on the legal processes to ensure that justice will prevail. The Philippine government is firmly committed to attain this objective,” he added. 11 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com HOMELAND NEWS BRIEFS Comelec chief faces disbarment MANILA -- A complaint for disbarment has been filed before the Supreme Court against Commission on Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. for allegedly favoring a former client in an election case. In a six-page complaint filed last week, Reynaldo Ordanes asked the SC to disbar Brillantes for issuing orders last July and September stopping a trial court decision ousting Mayor Elizabeth Vargas of Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. Ordanes, rival of Vargas who was declared real winner in the 2013 polls by Cabanatuan regional trial court Branch 30, stressed that Brillantes used to be the election lawyer of the ousted mayor. He accused Brillantes of gross ignorance of the law and violating section 1, Rule 137 of Rules of Court, which prohibits a judge or judicial officer from handling a case where a party was a former client in the legal practice. “If he arrogates unto himself the authority allocated to other officials, there can be no consequence but confusion in the administration of justice and, in many instances, oppressive disregard of the basic requirements of due process,” the complaint stated. Records showed that Ordanes was proclaimed by Cabanatuan RTC as the winner in the May 2013 mayoral elections after garnering a total of 11,416 votes, or just a margin of 11 over garnered by Vargas. Vargas then sought relief with the Comelec on June 19 to stop the implementation of the local court’s order. Her petition for writ of preliminary injunction was raffled off to the Comelec’s Second Division whose chair, Commissioner Elias Yusoph, went on official leave. Duterte for president pushed MANILA - A former ranking government official on Monday said that the outspoken Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is destined to lead the country come the presidential derby in 2016. Eduardo del Rosario, former National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director, said that while Duterte has initially turned down offers for him to run for the highest post in the land, there is still a chance for him to change his mind. «Ito kasi parang advocacy na ito. There is what we call destiny. Kung talagang destiny ng isang na sya ang mamuno sa ating bayan kahit ayaw n›ya baka sa bandang dulo , ma-encourage siya na tumakbo din,» del Rosario told reporters at the sidelines of the Duterte for 2016 President Movement in Greenhills, San Juan City. Being the mayor›s friend, Del Rosario, who had worked with Duterte for over six years, said the Davao City local chief executive is capable of running the country. «As a friend of Mayor Duterte, I worked with him for more than six years as battalion commander from 2000 to 2003 , as Task Force Davao commander from 2004 to 2006 and as Brigade commander in 2009, I know that Mayor Duterte is capable to become president of our country...Malaki ang kanyang kakayahan at maganda ang kanyang ginagawa. Yan ang kailangan ng ating bayan,» he added. He also noted what Duterte has done in Davao like being able to lower the crime rate in the city and instill discipline among his constituents. Gov’t to enforce Ebola evacuation MANILA- The government will impose voluntary evacuation next month for Filipinos living in Ebola-affected countries, the Department of Foreign Affairs said today. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the government “is undertaking all necessary measures to protect the health and preserve the well-being of our nationals in keeping with the established protocols on managing the Ebola Virus Disease. “ “This includes preparations for raising to 3 the crisis alert level for the Ebola affected countries in West Africa effective mid-November 2014,” Del Rosario said in a statement. The Philippines currently maintains alert level 2 or restriction phase for Filipinos working in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea despite the continuing spike in Ebola cases. A partial deployment ban for Filipinos in the affected countries under alert level 2 is also in place, the Department of Foreign Affairs said, adding that only those Filipinos with existing contracts are allowed to return there. PH resorts, hotels bag awards MANILA - The El Nido Resorts in Palawan, a beach resort in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and seven hotels and serviced apartments in the Philippines won international tourism awards. El Nido Resorts bagged the Asia’s Responsible Tourism Award in the 2014 World Travel Awards held last Oct. 10 at The Oberoi in New Delhi, India. El Nido Resorts bested seven other top tourist destinations in Asia in the category. These are the Alila Manggis in Indonesia, Andaman Discoveries, Orange County Resorts, Rainforest World Music Festival and Six Senses Yao Noi in Thailand; Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia; and Spice Village in Thekkady, India. El Nido Resorts was recognized for giving great importance to sustainability. \Seven hotels and serviced apartments in the Philippines also won in the World Travel Awards. These are Intercontinental Manila (Philippines’ leading business hotel), Fairmore Makati (Philippines’ leading hotel), Seda Hotels (Philippines’ leading hotel group), The Peninsula Suite at The Peninsula Manila (Philippines’ leading hotel suite), Amanpulo (Philippines’ leading resort), Ascott, The Residence (Philippines’ leading serviced apartment brand) and Ascott Makati (Philippines’ leading serviced apartment). October 16-22, 2014 US bars warships from leaving PH MANILA - US Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Locklear has ordered the grounding of US military vessels to keep them from leaving the Philippines until the investigation on the killing of a Filipino transgender allegedly by a US Marine is completed. Eduardo Oban, executive director of the Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFACom), told reporters at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday that Philippine authorities are looking at all possible angles in the killing of 26-year-old Jeffrey Laude. “ T h e r e ’s n o d e f i n i t i v e statement yet as to the identity of the suspect,” Oban said. Thousands of US troops are in the Philippines for PHIBLEX 15, a multinational exercise. The USS Peleliu is on port call in Subic Bay. The DFA and the VFACom, he said, are awaiting the results of the police investigation. “Once the results are out, then we’ll communicate the contents to the proper US authorities and we’ll follow the usual investigative and judicial proceedings as contained in the VFA. We assure everyone that justice will be served,” Oban said. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating the killing of the Filipino transgender in Olongapo but did not categorically say that the suspect is a US serviceman. “I think they’re working along that line,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario told reporters. A Marine Corps Times report said a US Marine is in custody Sunday following the apparent killing of a transgender in the Philippines. The Marine, whose identity has not been released, is being held on board the amphibious assault ship Peleliu while agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service piece together what happened Saturday night at the Celzone Lodge in Olongapo City, according to an internal Navy memo obtained by Marine Corps Times. The Marine is assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. A lawmaker from the Gabriela party-list group yesterday asked the government to ensure justice for the murder victim. Rep. Emmerenciana de Jesus asked the Aquino government to “immediately intervene and swiftly mobilize” the authorities to make sure there will be a proper and thorough investigation into the case. “Gabriela maintains that US military basing in communities abetted by EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) worsens prostitution, trafficking, drugs and spread of diseases, and Aquino needs to listen to demands to scrap the agreement,” she said. She cited the legal injustices that keep cropping up from the EDCA and the VFA, the two agreements that she said the US and the Philippines “railroaded despite their unconstitutionality.” Meanwhile, the killing incident casts a shadow on the start of annual talks between Filipino and American security officials. The Mutual Defense BoardSecurity Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) will begin formal talks today. 12 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE TRAVEL October 16-22, 2014 www.thephilippinetribune.com Jane Stark with childhood friends Helen Xi and Min Zhang of Shanghai, China in Bohol. Destination: Bohol By Jane Stark PRISTINE beaches, amazing dive sites, and unique landscapes are just few of the reasons why the Philippines has become one of the prime tourist destinations in the world. While El Nido and Boracayto draw both local and foreign t o u r i s t s r, t h e r e a r e o t h e r destinations scattered all over the country that are attracting their fair share of travelers and adventurers. Bohol is one of these destinations. Bohol is a tropical island haven in the Visayas, with a coastline skimmed by gentle coves and white beaches. Although not as internationally famous as Boracay, Bohol is well-known paradise for divers and snorkelers. Dolphin watching and whale watching tours are also popular not only with locals but with foreign tourists as well. Bohol is of course most famous for its Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier, the world’s smallest primate. I’ve been to Bohol many times before, during which I’ve viewed the Chocolate Hills at different times of the day and each time could not helped but be amazed at this unexplained geological phenomenon. In the past years I have taken many group tour participants in this place and each time everybody had a good time. A visit to Bohol a year after the devastating magnitude 7.2 earthquake in 2013 is kind of nostalgic, to say the least. Despite missing the top viewing deck in the area, the view of the Chocolate Hills in the town of Carmen remains magnificent and awe-inspiring. To this day, no one has conclusively accounted for the existence of these 1,200 perfectly conical hills. Bohol’s other biggest draw are the Tarsiers, those rodent-like tiny animals with enormous beady eyes. Endemic to Bohol, and some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, Tarsiers are very shy animals and currently classified as endangered. (Please turn to Page 20) 13 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE ENTERTAINMENT October 16-22, 2014 ‘My Husband’s Lover’ nominated for International Emmy award www.thephilippinetribune.com ”MY Husband’s Lover” was nominated for an International E m m y Aw a r d s u n d e r t h e Te l e n o v e l a c a t e g o r y, t h e International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences said in a post on its website. The three other nominees in the telenovela were: – “30 Lives: Maxim Bouchard” from Canada, – “Belmonte” from Portugal, and – “Precious Pearl” from Brazil. The International Emmy Aw a r d s a r e g i v e n b y t h e International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to recognize excellence in television produced outside of the United States. This year’s awards will be presented to the winners on November 24 at the New York Hilton Hotel. “My Husband’s Lover” was the top-rating primetime soap opera in 2013 produced and aired on GMA 7. More than a story about homosexuality, it is a modern day love triangle among a married gay man, his wife and his gay lover. The soap was so popular its lead actors-onscreen lovers Dennis Trillo and Tom Rodriguez, spawned the love team “TomDen”. Piolo Pascual and son Inigo Piolo Pascual’s son makes bid for stardom LAST September 21 on “ASAP,” the big deal was the first public appearance and performance of “Papa” Piolo Pascual with his 17-year-old scion and heir, Iñigo. They did a duet together, and the good news is that young Iñigo was able to adequately keep up with his dad in terms of singing and “projection”—not an easy thing to do for a total newcomer! Of course, Iñigo’s genes and psychic connection with his father had a lot to do with his good showing—and also bode well for his incipient show biz entry, which will be more formally highlighted and affirmed by his introductory role in the new teen flick “Relaks, It’s Just Pag-ibig.” Candidly, Papa Piolo has shared that he really didn’t want his niño bonito to “go show biz” because he’s all too aware—and thus worries—of the pitfalls and “monsters” that are just lying in wait, raring to swallow up and assault clueless newcomers on the yellow brick road to stardom! But, as Iñigo went from 16 to 17, it became clearer that he had a real yen and potential for stellar performance and success. So, “Papa” has finally taken a deep, paternal breath and given his allimportant consent for his scion to pursue and attain his own show biz dream. On Iñigo’s part, being Piolo’s son and obvious successor is both a blessing and a “curse.” On the plus side, it’s opening many doors and other newcomers must be green and even absolutely technicolorlivid with envy! Imagine, he’s still a relatively untested talent and yet he’s being given his first movie on a silver platter? More expectations On the other hand, being Piolo’s heir, a lot is expected of Iñigo, far more than other raw starlets; and if he doesn’t score a bull’s-eye with his first, few show biz appearances, many of the biz’s resident haters and debunkers will loudly bleat, “We told you so—all he has going for him is his socalled show biz lineage and that’s not good enough for a real, welldeserved, stellar career!” That’s why it was a good thing that Iñigo passed muster as a tyro performer last Sept. 21 on “ASAP.” Aside from singing fairly well, he was able to communicate an appealing combination of “frisky and yet shy” traits and attributes that were just right for a 17-year-old like him. In other words, he was a natural, secure enough to just be himself, no need for the usual starlet’s porma, siga and pushy determination to make a great first impression that are such a turnoff—on the big and small screens. Of course, nobody’s perfect, so some negative traits are likely to reveal themselves in the coming weeks and months. But, the key point is, Iñigo lost no points and in fact gained some in his TV baptism of fire. www.thephilippinetribune.com 14 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE October 16-22, 2014 www.thephilippinetribune.com Bea Alonzo’s answered prayers “I’M on the right track,” actress Bea Alonzo said of her flourishing show biz career and smooth love life. Alonzo got good reviews for her performance in the ABSCBN drama series “Sana Bukas Pa ang Kahapon,” which ended last Friday. Her relationship with Kapamilya actor Zanjoe Marudo is the envy of many women her age. “I’ve prayed hard for all of these. I’m happy that I’m finally experiencing them now,” she told the Inquirer. “I prayed for a person who would love me and truly care for me. It’s been a happy three years with Z so far.” The actress said jealousy was never an issue between her and Marudo. “He’s not the jealous type. He’s also very professional when it comes to to work,” she said. “Love scenes may look sensual when you watch them onscreen, but they are really difficult to do. You’re surrounded by a lot of people and you have a technical team close to you, whispering to you what you’re supposed to do. It’s always a weird experience.” Alonzo said she was aware of viewers’ positive reaction to her decision to go daring in “Sana Bukas Pa ang Kahapon,” particularly with regard to her sexy scenes with costar Paulo Avelino. “I’m glad they were accepting. When the show was just starting, I felt the pressure. I felt that the success of the project was dependent on how well I would be able to perform the roles assigned to me,” she said. “But I said to myself, if this wouldn’t work out, I’ll keep trying. Life doesn’t end when a project fails.” The story of “Sana Bukas Pa” revolved around two different women both played by Alonzo— the feisty lawyer Emmanuelle and the kind-hearted heiress of a chocolate company, Rose, who is accused of murdering her own father. Alonzo said she agreed to work on the show because she thought the concept was “truthful and realistic.” “Each character struggled with his or her own issues. My character (Emmanuelle) may be kind but she was doing something bad. Maricar Reyes’ Sasha went through something difficult that forces her to do bad things. They are all gray characters, much Bea Alonzo like people in real life. We’re no saints. I admit to doing bad things sometimes, like getting angry—something which none of you would want to see.” Fighter Alonzo added, “Emmanuelle is more interesting [than Rose] because she fights back when she gets hurt. I enjoyed my scenes as Emmanuelle. It was my first time to portray someone like her. My characters in past projects were all very pure and had no major changes in their personalities.” The actress said she learned a lot on the set, as well: “I see parts of myself in the characters I portray. I think that’s important … that’s the only way for a character to be truthful.” To make her romantic scenes with Avelino convincing, Alonzo said they had to undergo a “sensuality workshop” under actor-director Laurice Guillen. “The stimuli always had to come from Paulo, since his character was trying to seduce me. I just reacted to them the way a normal person would,” Alonzo explained. “We both felt uncomfortable in the beginning. With the help of Direk Jerome (Pobocan), we were able to pull it off.” Asked what kind of chocolate she thought would best describe Avelino, who played a chocolatier in the series, Alonzo replied: “He’s a dark chocolate. He can be sweet and bitter at the same time. This makes him more interesting compared to the plain, sweet type. Those guys can be very boring.” KC hospitalized for dengue ACTRESS KC Concepcion has been diagnosed with dengue. The actress on Sunday night posted a picture of her and “Ikaw Lamang” co-stars Amy AustriaVentura and Alora Sasam on her Instagram account. The picture was taken in her hospital room, with Sasam and Ventura visiting the sick actress. Concepcion wrote that she has been diagnosed with dengue on Saturday. “Hi guys, nag positive ako for Dengue kahapon. Kaya pala ako nagkaka-high fever na on/off these past 2 days. I’m confined sa hospital Pero I know I’ll be ok!!!” the actress wrote in the caption. Concepcion also thanked her visitors, as well as her fans for their prayers. KC Concepcion October 16-22, 2014 15 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com ENTERTAINMENT Hayden Kho opens up Derek says Angelica accepted his apology DEREK Ramsay said his While he said he cannot do right for me to apologize. I can’t about sex, suicide try former girlfriend, Angelica anything about Jolly’s decision stop somebody from filing any HAYDEN Kho, who gained notoriety during a sex video scandal in 2009, admitted that he has stopped having sex. In the Saturday episode of “The Bottomline,” host Boy Abunda asked Kho whether he still enjoys sex and the doctorturned-actor said he has been abstaining from sexual activities for months. However, he believes sex should be pleasurable if it is done “naturally.” “If that happens, when I do that again, I’m sure it’s going to be pleasurable because sex is made to be pleasurable. It’s only when you distort your idea of sex, add things that are not supposed to be there, mga unnatural, it doesn’t become pleasurable anymore,” Kho explained. He also admitted that it was his choice to abstain from sex since he is not yet married. “The design, I think, is sex is for those who are bonded into marriage, and I’m not yet married so I can’t,” he said. Kho also admitted that he tried to kill himself twice in the past after he found it meaningless to live anymore. The first attempt was in 2008, when he found out that someone got hold of the hard drives containing his sex videos. “At that time, I was very proud of myself. Maybe, full of pride of myself. I was mayabang because I was only 26, and I was a doctor, I was a model, and I was making lots of money. And I was, sumisikat na ako, tapos, and I have lots of girls, parang, ‘Wow, this is Panganiban, has accepted his apology after she was dragged into the legal feud involving him and his estranged wife, Mary Christine Jolly. In an interview with ABSCBNnews.com on Thursday night, Ramsay confirmed that he talked to Panganiban and her mother to apologize in relation to the concubinage complaint filed against him and the actress. Hayden Kho the life.’ And then all of a sudden, everything was gonna be taken away from me,” Kho said. “When I found out that they got all the hard drives and the videos and all that, I was afraid of what was going to happen, and I didn’t wanna see that, because that would mean I will lose who I am,” he added. He said he was in a coma for three days after his first suicide attempt. He also revealed that he was placed with psychiatric patients in a hospital. The idea that someone has a copy of the videos made him paranoid, he told Abunda. He also recalled trying to talk to the man who had the video, asking him not to release them for the safety of the women involved. “I remembered before that happened I was making pakiusap to that guy, whose name I wouldn’t mention anymore, ‘Why do you have to do this? Hindi naman ikaw ang kaaway ko, wala naman akong kasalanan sa ’yo. Tsaka paano ‘yung ibang babae? Why?’ Sabi niya, ‘Hindi, this is justice. Ginawa niyo ‘yan, pagbabayaran niyo yan.’” to file a complaint, Ramsay said he felt the need to reach out to Panganiban regarding the issue. “I just want to reach out... I spoke to her and the mom. [Nangyari] Noong isang araw lang po (Tuesday),” he said. “Ayaw ko nang pag-usapan ‘yung sa amin ni Angel. I just want to reach out to her and her family. That’s the right thing to do... Her name is being dragged and it’s just case, they can go ahead and do that. Hindi ko siya mapipigilan,” he added. When asked if Panganiban accepted his apology, he said: “Yeah, yeah.” Ramsay went on to say that he is happy for Panganiban, who is now dating actor John Lloyd Cruz. “I don’t want to get involved in their relationship. I am happy that they are both happy together.” TRIBUNE 16 PHILIPPINE COMMUNITY www.thephilippinetribune.com www.thephilippinetribune.com October 16-22, 2014 Reeza Gervacio beside the poster proclaiming her “Champion of Home” awardee Fil-Am one of 2 CA realtors named ‘Champion of Home’ LOS ANGELES – A multiawarded Filipino-American realtor added another feather on her cap when she was chosen by the California Association of Realtors (CAR) as one of only two realtors for the “Champions of Home” Award for “changing their clients’ lives for the better, raising the standards for others, and led by example.” The award was presented to Fil-Am realtor Reeza Gervacio of Cerritos-based Century 21 Astro during the California Realtor Expo 2014 on Oct. 8 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The other awardee was Lois Gerace of Woodland Hills-based RE/MAX Olson and Associates. California has over 170,000 realtors and only two were chosen this year to receive the prestigious award, which is now on its second year. “These two REALTORS® repeatedly have gone above and beyond in service to their clients and have shown care and compassion in making sure their clients’ dreams of owning a home became a reality,” CAR said in a press statement. “Reeza Gervacio and Lois Gerace are exemplary R E A LT O R S ® w h o p u s h themselves and consistently set higher standards by showing extreme diligence and persistence in serving their clients,” said CAR President Kevin Brown. “They rise above the rest and set an example to others for their dedication and passion, and I’m proud to recognize them as our 2014 Champions of Home.” CAR said: “A 16-year realtor, Gervacio also cares about her profession and the community in which she works. She donates her time to local school career days to talk with young children about the profession she loves. In addition to her sales duties, Reeza also helps train agents in her office in farming, client communications, sphere of influence, and how to expand visibility.” CAR also said giving back to those less fortunate also is important to Gervacio. Every year, Gervacio visits the Holy Trinity Home for Children, an orphanage in Quezon City, and spends time with them, hosting lunch and giving gifts and food items to the children. Carol Rayburn, Gervacio’s broker at Century 21 Astro said: (Please turn to Page 17) 17 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE Fil-Am... (From Page 16) “We need shining lights like Reeza for whom it’s not just about the money, but about the people she serves.” In their nomination letter to the Awards Committee, Rayburn and Lou Rosenkranz, co-owner and broker of Century 21 Astro, cited Gervacio’s numerous accomplishments. “As owners and brokers of Century 21 Astro, we have seen how Reeza evolved from a neophyte real estate agent into one of the top agents of the Century 21 system. In her third year as a Realtor in the year 2000, Reeza earned her first of seven Centurion Awards. In her sixth year in 2003, she amazingly garnered the Grand Centurion Award, the highest possible award attainable in the Century 21 system. And she repeated it two years later in 2005! Reeza also won the Double Centurion Award four times, two of which were during the recession,” they said. Rayburn and Rosenkranz added: ‘What was even more incredible was that she won one of those Double Centurion Awards in 2010, the year she learned she was afflicted with breast cancer. People of less character would have given up their career in the face of that kind of adversity. But Reeza did not sulk, and instead worked as hard as she had ever done -- in between medical procedures and frequent visits to the doctor and the hospital. It was probably the best challenge she had ever had to face in her life and in her career, and she emerged from it with flying colors!” Settlement with AT&T reached SAN FRANCISCO – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris, along with the Attorneys General of the other 49 States and the District of Columbia, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission, today announced a settlement with AT&T Mobility LLC to resolve allegations that AT&T Mobility placed charges for thirdparty services on consumers’ mobile telephone bills that had not been authorized by the consumer, a practice known as “mobile cramming.” The settlement covers “mobile cramming” charges made from January 1, 2009 through the date the FTC federal court order is entered. Under the settlement, AT&T will pay $927,536 to California. In addition, AT&T Mobility is required to provide $80 million in funds to be used to pay refunds to consumers who were victims of cramming. The fund will be administered by the Federal Trade Commission. “Consumers deserve transparency in their billing and a clear description of the services being provided,” Attorney General Harris said. “This settlement holds AT&T accountable for its misleading practices and refunds consumers for unfair billing.” Beginning today and continuing until May 1, 2015, consumers can submit claims under the AT&T Mobility cramming refund program by visiting www.ftc.gov/ att. On the website, consumers can find information about how to obtain a refund. COMMUNITY www.thephilippinetribune.com www.thephilippinetribune.com October 16-22, 2014 Gourmet 99 opens doors to street food lovers ARTESIA - Filipinos in Southern California can now experience the savory taste of Philippine street foods right here in Artesia with the opening of Gourmet 99, a Filipino restaurant specializing in street foods, on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 18929 Norwalk Blvd., Artesia, CA 90701. The restaurant offers many kinds of street foods and “kakanin” to homesick Filipinos raring to enjoy once more the foods that they delighted in while growing up in the Philippines. Some of the street foods that Gourmet 99 will offer are marinated barbecue chicken and pork, isaw or IUD (pork intestines), tenga ng baboy (pig ears), leeg ng manok (chicken neck), grilled balun-balunan (chicken gizzards), sisig (roasted pig’s head, chicken liver, onions, and chili), fish balls, squid balls, chicken balls, and a few others. For those who’d rather not try these unique street foods, other Filipino dishes such as adobo, kare-kare, sinigang, menudo and other popular will be available for sit-down customers. The owners and guests of Gourmet 99 during the blessing of the restaurant in Artesia on Oct. 8. From left (seated): Paz Navalta, Fr. Tom Asia, Aileen Galon, and Atty. Michael Plotkin; (standing): Roxanne Sulio Spencer, Daisy Ortiz, Roderick de la Pena and Diane Tan. 18 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com U.S. & WORLD NEWS October 16-22, 2014 Dallas nurse confirmed as first to contract Ebola in US DALLAS -- The identity of the Dallas health care worker who contracted Ebola after treating a patient who later died of the virus has been confirmed. The family of 26-year-old Nina Pham, a nurse at Dallas’ Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, confirmed the news to WFAA. The family also confirmed the news to USA Today. Pham is the first known person to contract the virus in the United States. Pham had been helping to treat Thomas Eric Duncan, the Liberian man who was diagnosed with Ebola last month. Duncan was the first person to be diagnosed with Ebola in the United States. He died last week. Last week, Texas health officials announced that a hospital worker who treated Duncan had showed symptoms of the virus. They confirmed the diagnosis on Sunday. According to CNN, Pham was wearing protective gear whenever she had contact with Duncan. CDC Director Tom Frieden blamed the Dallas Ebola spread on a breach of protocol. \ He said on Monday that he wouldn’t be surprised if another hospital worker became ill. “Unfortunately, it is possible in the coming days we will see additional cases of Ebola,” Frieden said in a press conference on Sunday. “This is because the health care workers who cared for this individual may have had a breach of the same nature.” Pham is not one of the 48 people who the CDC had already been monitoring for either direct or indirect contact with Duncan before he was brought to the hospital on Sept. 28. She had been self-monitoring, and upon developing symptoms, came in to the hospital, Frieden said Sunday. According to the Dallas Morning News, Pham is a 2012 graduate of Texas Christian University. Friends and family describe her as a “big-hearted, compassionate” person dedicated to her nursing career. Nina Pham Medicare sets annual open enrolment: Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 FINALLY, here we are! Welcome to the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for most medicare recipients. This is the one time opportunity to make changes on your Medicare Advantage or Part D (prescription) plan enrollment from October 15 to ends December 7. During the span of about 54 days, you are encouraged to review, compare, assess, and choose a plan that you honestly believe will be the right one for your health care needs. This is a very important period for people 65 and above. We strongly advise you to set up an appointment with your trusted advisors. That would be us. Yes you read that right. If you wait till near the very end you might lose your chances to change for a much better plan and you will most likely be locked in for one whole year. You don’t want that to happen, do you? One thing that we always recommend is to visit the plan websites. Find out what they are offering in your area. Check out their 2015 summary of benefits. Make sure that your doctors and hospitals are still in their current network. It is also very important to search your prescription drugs to ensure that the plan formulary includes all your drug needs and co-pays are still within reach. Below are a quick glance of the common 2015 Medicare costs. Part A – In-patient hospital care deductible $1,260.00 for day 1 to day 60. Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance for day 21 to 100 will be $157.50 Part B – Monthly premium remains at $104.90 for most people and a $147.00 deductible the same as 2014 premium. Part C – Average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage Plan is up by about 9.5% per month plus Part B premium. Part D – The average premium have raised $1.00 to $32.00 per month for this year. This is offered by private insurance companies. No worries; the above information is for your reference only. This is a reminder that Medicare health coverage is not 100%. It only pays a portion of your health care expenses. There are two ways to get full coverage eliminating higher costs. First is to enroll with a Medicare Supplement also known as MediGap. This is a private insurance plan designed to cover the “gaps” of Medicare Parts A and B. You pay monthly premium plus your Part B. Second is to enroll with Medicare Advantage with Part D Plan (MAPD). You must have both Parts A and B to be eligible. You can join even if you have pre-existing condition except for ESRD. In LA, OC, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego many of these plans are $0.00 premium. It does, however, have a maximum out of pocket cost and some co-pays that varies by plan. Prices on drug tiers have changed on some and charging more if you don’t order in their preferred pharmacy. Just a quick note, about more than a week ago some of you might have called Marylou Casasola, unfortunately she has lost her mobile phone. The phone company has not been successful in recovering her personal files and most importantly, the phone numbers of people whom she have made future appointments with. If you believe you are one of them, we are requesting you to please call Marylou at 323-8933536. We greatly appreciate your understanding and we are very sorry for not being able to get in touch with you in the soonest time possible. Leo Palang (Lic.#0H77362) and Marylou Casasola (Lic.#0G30833) are trusted advisors on Medicare Advantage Plan. We are appointed and certified to represent Medicare health plans in California. Please send email at boomerstown@ gmail.com or call us directly at 323-470-7345 or 323-893-3536. ADVERTISE (562) 865-5620 19 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com US & WORLD NEWS BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Claro R. Perez 3 FHA loan programs for first time homebuyers and those with one-year-old foreclosure, shortsale or bankruptcy BELOW are loan programs for first time buyer with yearly incomes not to exceed $78,500.00 per year. 1/2% down is designed to help low to moderate income for California borrowers only to achieve the dream of home ownership. A. FHA 99.5% Loan Program: This is a purchase loan program insured by FHA for borrower with income limit of $ 78,500.00 per year. Non-occupying and co- signer are not allowed. Home buyer education is required. Property eligibility are single family residence, PUDs, and FHA-approved condos must meet FHA requirement and FMC overlay, two unit properties and manufactured homes. It must be owner occupied and no first time home buyer requirement. May own other property within FHA requirements. No minimum home buyer contribution required. Credit scores 580 minimum credit score requirement. Those with no credit score may also qualify with alternative credit. Two units property requires a minimum of 640 credit score. Manufactured home require 660 minimum credit score. Make home ownership a reality sooner rather than later. B. FHA Back to Work Program: This is a purchase loan program insured by FHA for borrowers who lost their homes as the result of an economic even. This can reduced bankruptcy, foreclosure, short sale, deed in lieu of foreclosure seasoning requirement to as little as one year. Program basis home buyers must have experienced economic even defined as loss of employment and drop of income by 20% or more lasting 6 months or longer before the economic event happened. This is for home purchase loan only. Borrower must demonstrate full recovery from the event including reestablished credit for the most 12 months. It requires completion of housing counseling through a HUD approved counseling agency. Credit score must be 620 and up. No income limits, 3.5% down payment required, must be employed for 2 years and up. Other Programs Offered: This program below requires a financial evaluation to pre-qualify home owners if they are eligible. Credit Repair and enhancement: Will investigate and delete derogatory credit report from the three credit bureau like bankruptcy, collections, late dates, and other negative report its a CRP in house program no third party. Credit repair fee are money back guarantee if CRP can not repair or correct the negative credit report. Second Mortgage Lien Settlement and Modification Program: Can settle a second lien by 10-20% of the total principal balance provided the Ist lien principal balance is greater then the home value making second lien become unsecured lien. Second lien can be modified using the MP2 program to lower interest rates by 2%. Loan Modification: If home owner are experiencing hardship loan modification is available lowering the interest rate by 2%. For Detailed Information please call: Claro R. Perez 626-922-4916 cell and 626-331-8889 business: Financial advocate, President & CEO CRP Business Mortgage solutions Inc. For Credit Repair, Loan Modification, and Settlement. Carlo A. Perez 626-922-4013 Licensed DRE Broker NMLS ID 900304 Division Capital, Inc.for (Please turn to Page 23) October 16-22, 2014 Global Ebola pandemic feared WASHINGTON -- As the Ebola virus spreads in and beyond Africa, it’s raising the possibility of a global pandemic that U.S. intelligence agencies have warned is among the greatest potential threats to global security. As health workers, diplomats and U.S. troops fight to contain and defeat the virus in West Africa, there now are cases in six other countries; a second U.S. case has emerged; and the World Health Organization puts the death toll at more than 4,000 and rising. President Barack Obama has led urgent U.S. calls for the world to do more, saying that current efforts aren’t enough to stop a disease that in the jet age is unconstrained by national or even continental borders. “We live in an extraordinarily interconnected world, and that is why it is so essential that we put full energy into stopping this virus in West Africa,” said Nancy Lindborg, an assistant administrator at the U.S. Agency for International Development who’s leading the aid agency’s Ebola response. “It is essential for the entire world to step forward with the kind of help that can stop this epidemic from spreading further.” In a 2013 analysis of future threats, U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that a pandemic that incapacitated 1 percent of the world’s population—about 70 million people today—would be “one of the most disruptive events possible.” “I have never seen a health event threaten the very survival of societies and governments in already very poor countries,” Margaret Chan, director general of the Geneva-based World Health Putin orders troops away from Ukrainian border MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered thousands of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border to return to their usual bases, according to his spokesman. Dmitry Peskov told Russian news outlets late Saturday in Sochi that Putin had ordered approximately 17,600 troops to return home from Rostov, a southern region that borders east Ukraine, where pro-Russian insurgents have been battling government troops since April. The Kremlin has said that troops stationed in Rostov were participating in drills, but Ukraine and the West have repeatedly accused Russia of fueling the insurgency with arms, expertise, and fighters, and have slapped Moscow with sanctions in response to its moves in the region. Previous Russian claims of troop withdrawals have been countered by NATO. In March, Vladimir Putin Russia announced a troop withdrawal of only one battalion - a unit of about 500 - while NATO insisted that tens of thousands remained near the border. In the spring, the U.S. and NATO said that Russia had deployed about 40,000 troops near the border, though Putin ordered the troops back to their home bases in late May. Organization, said in a statement yesterday that called Ebola’s spread “a crisis for international peace and security.” Obama and other officials cite Ebola as one more sign that an increasingly interdependent world is giving rise to new security threats. A pandemic, whether naturally occurring like Ebola or a synthetically created biological weapon, can paralyze economies, fray societies and destabilize countries. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta estimated in September that in a worst-case scenario, as many as 1.4 million West Africans could be infected by mid-January. A September study by scientists at the WHO and Imperial College London found that cases in Guinea are doubling every two weeks; in Liberia every three weeks; and in Sierra Leone every month. Kurds thwart ISIS advance to Kobane BEIRUT—Kurdish fighters thwarted a bid by Islamic State group jihadists to advance into the centre of the battleground Syrian town of Kobane early on Saturday, a monitoring group said. The attack came after the IS militants overran Kurdish headquarters in the border town on Friday, sparking fears they would cut off the last escape route to neighbouring Turkey for hundreds of mainly elderly civilians still in the town centre. The IS assault sparked 90 minutes of heavy fighting with the town’s Kurdish defenders before the jihadists fell back, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. US-led coalition warplanes also carried out two air strikes on IS targets south and east of the town early Saturday, according to the Britain-based monitoring group, which has a wide network of sources inside Syria. 20 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE Destination: Bohol (From Page 12) But visitors are able to get up close and personal with these cute furry animals in the Tarsier Sanctuary where researchers have successfully reintroduced breeding populations with government funding to expand the protected area. But there is more to Bohol than the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsiers. A Bohol countryside tour will take you on a memorable and fun-filled trip to the island province’s historical and cultural landmarks, a relaxing time on a river cruise, shopping and dining in any of the more popular restaurants in Tagbilaran City. When in Tagbilaran City, take time to visit the Sandugo Blood Compact Site. Sandugo or a blood compact is part of a tribal tradition in Bohol to seal friendship. On March 16, 1565, the Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, chieftain of Bohol, entered into a blood compact or Sandugo. This was considered the first treaty of friendship between the Spaniards and the Filipinos. After a jaunt in Tagbilaran, go southward to cross the bridge to Panglao Island, home to some of the best known beaches in Bohol including Doljo beach, Dumaluan Beach and Alona beach. Around Panglao and the nearby islet of Balicasag are some of the best diving spots in the Philippines. Diving, snorkeling, dolphin watching and island hopping are among the most popular activities in Panglao. These can be easily arranged in any of the resorts in the area. Dauis is another municipality in Panglao island. Here you’ll find the Hinagdanan Cave, a small underground lake surrounded by stalactites. Bohol also takes pride of its many magnificent centuries old churches, among them the Dauis Church, the monumental Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon, and the Saint Peter the Apostle Church in Loboc. Unfortunately, both the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon, the Maribojoc Church COMMUNITY October 16-22, 2014 www.thephilippinetribune.com with its triangular Spanish watch tower, and the Saint Peter the Apostle Church in Loboc were badly damaged by last year’s earthquakes. They are currently undergoing construction. Loboc is also home of the famous Loboc Children Choir, whose angelic voice have brought them to many countries in Asia, Europe and the USA. Make your visit to Loboc more memorable by dining in one of the floating restaurants while taking a cruise on the Loboc river. Eat as much Filipino food as your heart desires and enjoy the live bands or watch the local dancers perform Filipino folk dances. If you are feeling adventurous, you may try a zip-line or take the cable car for an impressive flight across Loboc River. Not to be missed is a visit to the famous Bamboo Hanging Bridge that crosses the Sipatan River in the municipality of Sevilla. Crossing the hanging bridge has become both a tourist attraction and a challenge. Some 40 kilometers northeast of Tagbilaran is another town, which can be reached via a road with numerous hair-pin bends. The trip is quite scary but challenging and exhilarating. The town of Bilar is best known for its Mahogany man-made forest, a dark area of thickly reforested land on the way to the Chocolate Hills. Bilar is also being developed as an eco-tourism destination. Found within the area is the Raja Sikatuna National Park, a 9,000-hectare nature reserve that offers great tours for trekking, with curious and interesting lime-rock formations, caves, and great opportunities for observing animals and bird watching. And when in Bilar, don’t forget to visit the Simply Butterflies Conservation Center, where you can see many types of native butterflies, hand grown in the center. Bohol as a tourist destination has lots to offer that at times tourists have a difficult time deciding which places to see in their limited time. The service of an experienced travel agent can help you in your decision. Call us at Travel International Group and we will provide you with information. We also have excellent group tour packages that may be very helpful to you. Our number is (310) 327-5143. LA team against methamphetamine to be formed SACRAMENTO – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced that the California Department of Justice will create a new anti-methamphetamine team of Special Agents based in Los Angeles funded by a $1 million federal grant. Transnational criminal organizations have made California the single biggest point of entry for methamphetamine into the United States, with 70% entering through the San Diego Port of Entry. “ Tr a n s n a t i o n a l c r i m i n a l organizations have made California the largest point of entry for methamphetamine into the United States,” Attorney General Harris said. “This funding supports the California Department of Justice’s crackdown on this devastating drug by strengthening our enforcement capabilities.” The California Department of Justice team will be comprised of six Special Agents assigned to investigate illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine in California. The team will work in a coordinated effort with other existing California Department of Justice task forces including The Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT). “The production and use of meth is a serious threat to the health and safety of our communities,” Ronald L. Davis, COPS Office Director said. “I am pleased to make $6 million available to help state law enforcement agencies fight the abuse of this highly addictive drug.” The California Department of Justice currently leads 18 task forces across the state, including LA IMPACT, which is a compilation of numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County. The primary focus of LA IMPACT is to investigate major crimes, with an emphasis on dismantling mid to major level drug trafficking organizations Dr. Shin Liu with State Senate candidate Tony Mendoza and other supporters at the International Street Fair in Artesia. Shin Liu joins Int’l Street Fair in Artesia SHIN LIU and her supporters braved the heat wave on October 4th to campaign for reelection to Cerritos College Board of Trustees at the Artesia International Street Fair and Diversity Festival. From the moment the inaugural event kicked off at 11am, her campaign committee took to fervent campaigning, anchoring themselves next to the Cerritos College Booth by 187th St until 10pm. The normally bustling Indian district was transformed into a vibrant street fair featuring a variety of entertainment that could rival a small county fair. Bungee jumping, a petting zoo, rock climbing, and a music stage were the main attractions for the diverse spectators. Attendees came from far and wide, but a majority were local residents, including Cerritos’ and Artesia’s community leaders. Many of these community leaders came by throughout the day to express their support and pose for photos with Liu. To n y M e n d o z a , f o r m e r Assemblyman and current candidate for State Senate District 32 and LA County Sheriff candidate Jim McDonnell discussed their campaign platforms and exchanged the best of luck. Artesia City Council Member Ali Taj and ABC School District Board Members Sophia Tse and Maynard Law stopped by amid their evening out with their families to offer their enthusiasm and support for Shin Liu. Amongst a bevy of traditional campaign flyers and posters, Shin Liu handed out business cards that also doubled as handheld 3-D glasses, allowing people to view 2-D images on display. The technology attracted many of the children attending the fair, who had to be given a little tutelage on how to use the glasses (closing one eye seems to be instinctive for many). Parents and other members of voting age were informed of Liu’s platform of technology in the classroom and of their options to vote by mail or at a polling place on Tuesday, November 4th. Jasvina Gill (center) with previous honorees p11’s Jasvina Gill receives recognition at SoCal awards ANAHEIM -- Recognized for her prolific contributions as a marketing professional in the building industry, Jasvina Gill, Vice President of p11creative, was presented the prestigious B.J. Stewart Women’s Achievement Award at the SoCal Awards on September 27, 2014. Held at The Grove of Anaheim, the annual awards event is sponsored by the Greater Sales and Marketing Council of the BIA of Southern California. “To be recognized by such a talented and passionate group of women is truly humbling. As I started my career, B.J. Stewart was an icon I looked up to, she was an inspiration.” - Jasvina Gill started her career working in sales for her father, retired homebuilder, Surinder Kahlon. Rising through the ranks, Gill has since proven her love of all things home while giving back in the most generous ways. TO ADVERTISE , PLEASE CALL (562) 865-5620 21 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE October proclaimed Fil-Am Heritage/History Month in Los Angeles LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles City Council, led by Councilmembers Mitch O’Farrell and Jose Huizar, honored the Filipino American community in Los Angeles by presenting a Resolution proclaiming October 2014 as FilipinoAmerican History/Heritage Month on October 10 at the John Ferraro Council Chamber of the City Hall of Los Angeles. Members of the City Council praised the Filipino-American community for its achievements, contributions signifying the 427 years of historical presence in the United States when in 1587, the Manila-built galleon ship Nuestra Seňora de Esperanza landed at Morro Bay California transporting the first Filipinos to visit the United States. Herrera-Lim in his address to the City Council said that the History Month is a celebration of the shared values between Americans and Filipinos. COMMUNITY www.thephilippinetribune.com The recognition of Fil-Am History Month serves to honor the unique relationship that the Philippines has with the US. The celebration of Fil-Am History month is important because it also recognizes the efforts of the thousands of Filipinos working in the Greater Los Angeles Area, in particular the City Hall. O’Farrell, during the presentation of the resolution spoke highly of Filipino labor leaders Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, and a large group of Filipino farm workers and the pivotal role they played in the Delano Grape Strike of 1965, which led to the formation of the United Farm Workers Movement. Herrera-Lim and Linda Granados, President of the Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE), accepted the resolution in behalf of the Filipino-American community in Los Angeles. October 16-22, 2014 Ballet Philippines dancers i n one of the numbers performed at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Ballet PH performs to standing ovation LOS ANGELES –Ballet Philippines performed to a standing ovation on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on in Los Angeles. Ballet Philippines is headed by its president, former Miss Universe Margie Moran-Floirendo. Godinus Executive Producer Becca Godinez and PAE Live Producer Ted Benito produced Ballet Philippines’ performance in the California area. BP is in its 45th season this year and is touring in the United States and Canada to exhibit the world-class talent of the oldest surviving ballet company in Southeast Asia. BP founder, Alice Reyes, was named a National Artist this year. It was Ballet Philippines first performance in the US in 15 years. The BP inaugural performance, which lasted 90 minutes showcasing its best works, was attended by the luminaries of the Filipino-American community, with the likes of Apl.de.ap, Lou Diamond Phillips, Sony Pictures Entertainment Senior Vice President of Worldwide Publicity Fritz Friedman, Nia Peeples, Susan Ruttan, and Janine Tugonon (winner of Miss UniversePhilippines and 1st Runner-Up in Miss Universe 2012). The youngest members of the traveling group, Jemima Reyes, 19, and Monica Gana, 20, have added their own achievements to the international accolades that BP has received this past summer. Reyes received an award at the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Miss., while Gana represented the Philippines in the 26th International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria. Carissa Adea, one of the principal dancers, was awarded a six-month fellowship in New York by the Asian Cultural Council and will be participating in workshops organized by dance companies in the United States. Benito remarked that Ballet Philippines is his first dance production and his first time to witness an entirely Filipino ballet performance. The auditorium reverberated with enthusiastic cheers and applause from the appreciative audience. Many left the auditorium feeling proud of a ballet company that is all-Filipino. The BP performance coincides with the celebration of the Philippine-American Heritage Month. MILF seeks Pope’s backing of Mindanao peace plan Consul General Herrera-Lim with Councilmember Jose Huizar (Council District 14), Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell (Council District 13), and LAFACE President Linda Granados. 30 nabbed in Ferguson protest FERGUSON, Mo. -Pounding rain and tornado watches didn’t deter hundreds of protesters who stayed outside Ferguson police headquarters for more than four hours Monday, the same amount of time that the 18-year-old Michael Brown’s body was left in the street after he was fatally shot by police. Nearly 20 people were arrested during the rally, with some protesters using a bullhorn to read the names of people killed by police nationwide. The rally was led by clergy members during a third straight day of rallies in the St. Louis suburb where Brown was unarmed when he was fatally shot on Aug. 9. Protests have been common since Brown, who was black, was killed by a white police officer. But tensions escalated last week when a white police officer in nearby St. Louis shot and killed 18-year-old Vonderrit Myers Jr., who police say shot at officers before he was killed. DAVAO CITY – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has said it plans to write a letter to Pope Francis asking him to say something in support of the peace process in Mindanao in the course of his visit to the country on Jan. 17, 2015. “ We a r e t h i n k i n g a b o u t writing the Pope to ask him to say something about the need for peace,” said Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF peace panel that signed a comprehensive peace deal with the Philippine government on March 27, 2014. Iqbal said a statement of support for the peace agreement signed between the Philippine government and the MILF would be a morale booster for efforts to hopefully end over four decades of Moro conflict in Mindanao. “I think that the letter will be addressed and will be delivered very soon to the Pope,” Iqbal said in an interview with reporters over the weekend. Civil society groups and international donor agencies have greeted the signing of the peace agreement with great enthusiasm, as it could end the conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced communities in Central Mindanao. After the signing of the comprehensive peace agreement, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, composed of the MILF and government representatives, came up with the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, or the law that governs how the Bangsamoro political entity should be run, which has already been submitted to Congress for deliberation. Once Congress ratifies the document, the BBL will be submitted to a plebiscite to allow the people to decide whether to accept the proposed law or not. Pope Francis will be in Leyte on Jan. 17, 2014, to visit survivors of the Super Typhoon “Yolanda,” a natural calamity, which ravaged huge parts of Central Visayas and claimed over 6,000 lives in November 2013. 22 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com BUSINESS & FINANCE Global wealth soars to $263 trillion, as inequality swells Remittances total $2.05B in August MANILA — Cash sent home by migrant workers continued to rise at a better-than-expected rate in August as demand for Filipino labor remained strong overseas. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed overseas Filipino workers (OFW) sent home $2.05 billion in remittances in August, up 6 p e r c e n t y e a r - o n - y e a r. For January to August, remittances were up 5.8 percent to $15.5 billion. “The increase in remittances was driven largely by the steady increase in transfers from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more,” the BSP said on Wednesday. ADVERTISE WITH THE PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE. IT WORKS! PLEASE CALL (562) 865-5620 GENEVA–Global wealth skyrocketed 8.3 percent over the past year to a record $263 trillion, but the distribution of the riches has also become increasingly unequal, a Credit Suisse report said Tuesday. With the increase from mid2013 to mid-2014, global wealth now stands 20 percent above the peak before the global financial crisis and a full 39 percent above the low seen at the height of the crisis in 2008, according to the Swiss banking giant’s “Global Wealth Report.” “The overall global economy may remain sluggish, but this has not prevented personal wealth from surging ahead during the past year,” the report said. The study, which comprises the wealth holdings of 4.7 billion adults across more than 200 countries, showed that aggregate household wealth has more than doubled since the beginning of the millennium, when it stood at just $117 trillion. And over the next five years, global wealth is expected to balloon by another 40 percent to $369 trillion, it said. Today, each adult globally has an average of $56,000–an alltime high for average net worth, according to the report. But while average net worth has surpassed its pre-crisis high by 7.0 percent, the median wealth has plunged 14 percent since 2007 to $3,641 per adult. The decline in the median–the level at which half of the sample is lower and half higher–indicates that inequality, which remained flat or declined from 2000 to 2007, is once again on the rise, the study said. “The findings show that inequality has tended to rise since 2008, particularly in developing economies,” Markus Stierli of the Credit Suisse Research Institute said. The study said most of the rise in wealth over the past year can be credited to North America, which accounts for 34.7 percent of global household wealth, and Europe, which accounts for 32.4 percent. Both regions showed hikes of about 11 percent. In contrast, Latin America saw little change, while China recorded only a small rise of around 3.5 percent, and India saw its wealth fall one percent, the study said. On a country level, Britain, South Korea and Denmark recorded the largest percentage gains, while Ukraine, Argentina and Indonesia saw the largest losses, it said. Switzerland meanwhile maintained the highest average wealth per adult, at $581,000, followed by Australia, Norway, the United States and Sweden. As a sign of wealth concentration, the number of dollar millionaires globally has shot up 164 percent since 2000 to 34.8 million individuals today — a full 41 percent of them living in the United States, the study showed. Some 128,000 of the world’s millionaires have assets of at least $50 million, with nearly half of them living in the United States and nearly a quarter in Europe. Cagayan to have international airport B AY O M B O N G , N u e v a Vizcaya – Commercial flights are being readied at the newly constructed international airport in Cagayan province, whose operation is expected to accelerate economic and tourism development in northeast Luzon. This came after the Civil Av i a t i o n A u t h o r i t y o f t h e Philippines (CAAP) approved the application of Cagayan North International Airport for P1.67 billion to finance its commercial operation following a series of test runs and inspections of its facilities. One of the airport’s major proponents, Julian Gonzales, officer-in-charge of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), said they received the clearance to operate from CAAP last Oct. 9. CAAP is the only government agency mandated to issue permit or clearance for commercial and private operations of airports and implementing policies on civil aviation to ensure safe, economic and efficient air travel. The airport will be located in Cagayan’s northern Lallo town. October 16-22, 2014 Metro land values still rising in Q2 MANILA - Land values in Metro Manila continued to increase in the second quarter, while office vacancy rates drop amid sustained strong demand, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported on Monday. The central bank, citing data from the Colliers International, said implied land values in the Makati central business district rose 20.4 percent to P366,425 per square meter (sqm.) in the second quarter from the same period a year ago. The latest figure was also 3.6 percent higher than the first quarter rate. At the same time, implied land values in Ortigas Center amounted to P149,365 per sqm. in the second quarter, up 7.9 percent from year-ago levels and higher by two percent from the first quarter. “Land values in the Makati CBD are presently at about 86.2 percent of their 1997 levels in nominal terms, but only about 38.4 percent of their 1997 levels in real terms,” the BSP said. “Likewise, land values in the Ortigas Center were lower than their comparable levels in 1997 in both nominal and real terms by about 76.6 percent and 34.2 percent, respectively,” it said. Nominal figures refer to the actual price in 1997, while real terms are nominal values adjusted for inflation. Meanwhile, the office vacancy rate in the Makati CBD fell to 2.1 percent in the second quarter from the 3.5 percent recorded a year ago and the 4.2 percent seen in the first quarter. 23 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com October 16-22, 2014 Manila port congestion lingers Get FHA 30 years fixed rate as low as 3.5% with no points MAJORITY of the buyers now are going with FHA Loans, so I thought of answering and informing you of some questions that you might ask so you would fully understand how to go with this minimum down payment loan. Q: 580 + Fico, OK A:With automated underwriting approval and no 30 day later payments on any accounts in the past 12 months and 3 compensating factors, strict 31/43 Debt to Income ratio. Q: Chapter 7 BK, what’s the timeframe needed before they are eligible for FHA Mortgage? Chapter 13 Bankruptcy There must be 12 consecutive months of on time payments on all accounts (including utilities, cell phones etc) from the filing of the chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy There must be 24 months of perfect credit from the disposition of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Foreclosure There must be 3 years of perfect credit from the foreclosure. Q: Can you do a cash out refinance to pay off the remaining balance of BK 13? A: Yes, you can cash out up to 85% of the appraised value. Assuming there has been no lates on the BK or the mortgage. Q: If you have an open tax lien and are currently in a payment plan with the IRS, do you have to pay it off at or prior to closing an FHA loan? A: No, the IRS can subordinate their lien to the new mortgage and they do routinely do so. ( Mostly on purchase loans) Q: What’s the maximum number of months left on an installment loan that allow the lender to not include this to your debt to income calculation? A: 10 months. Installment loans are car loans or student loans. However, this does not apply to leased vehicles. Q: Do you have to pay off collections and charged off accounts prior to closing? A: No, FHA does not require it. However, if it’s a Judgement it most probably will need to be paid prior to closing. Q: When do you need to build alternative credit? A: When the borrowers do not have 3 open active trades for 12 months in the report. Q: How is alternative credit built and evaluated? A: Document 12 months of good payment history on rents, utility bills, cell phone, furniture rental, car or insurances, etc. Q: How long does a student loan need to be deferred for you to leave it out of the debt to income ratio calculation? A: 12 months from the expected closing date. Q: Can you use Child Support income? A: Yes, As long as the borrower will be receiving this child support for the next three years verified by court papers. Q: What income documentation are required for a self-employed borrower? A: 2 years of 1040’s and a current YTD Profit and Loss statement. The P&L does not need to be audited unless required by the underwriter. If there is a declining income factor, the underwriter will only average out the recent 12 months of income. Q: If someone has recently returned to the work force after an extended absence ( possibly even for a year… for example: a woman returning to work after have a child and have decided to stay home for a year) do they need to wait for 2 years to re-establish an employment history? A: No, if they are back to work for a minimum of 6 months and can document, prior to leaving the work force, that they had a complete 2 year full time history, the income will be used. Q: Does FHA allow Stated Income Documentation? A: No, there are only local Banks that will allow self employed borrowers to apply for a stated income program, minimum down payment should be around 40%. Q: Who will you be calling for your next FHA or Conventional loan scenario…. A: Ken Go at 562-508-7048 or write to [email protected] I strongly believe that everything is so far going as (Please turn to Page 24) MANILA -- Foreign businessmen have warned of dire consequences in the inflow of foreign direct investments, even higher prices of goods and aggravated condition at the ports in the next few weeks if the port congestion issue will not be resolved soon. In a joint press conference, the foreign chambers of Europe, Japan, US, and Canada and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. and the Truckers Association noted that the current remedial measures have not been effective at helping decongest the Manila ports and warned that congestion may even further aggravate into the pre-Christmas season. “We are of the opinion that today’s serious problems in the supply chains of the Philippines will persist and may even further aggravate within the preChristmas season if the root causes for the port congestions and resulting significant cost increases and delays in moving supplies to the Philippines are not recognized and addressed in a coordinated way,” a joint statement said. Michael Raeuber, president of the European Chamber, even said the full impact of prices of goods will be felt in eight weeks while the cargo volume is expected to get worse in three weeks in light of the preparation for the historical high demand Christmas season. While the Manila port seemed to be back to normalcy following the lifting of the daytime truck ban of the Manila City government, Raeuber described it as a “lull before the storm.” “We are going to feel the full impact in eight weeks, not in December,” warned Raeuber adding that cargo volume will start pouring into the ports in the next three weeks in time for Christmas. A c c o r d i n g t o R a e u b e r, some shipping lines have even suspended calling on Manila ports because of difficulty to load and unload cargoes and also refused to go to Subic following the freeport’s decision to raise rates. Meanwhile, the Batangas port is being congested as well. Both Batangas and Subic have been declared by the government as alternative ports to Manila. “Look at the ships lining up in Batangas port where the operational level is already at 90 percent of capacity,” Raeuber said. Anything above 70 percent utilization will make any port movement difficult, making it inefficient. The port congestion will surely impact on the country’s ability to attract more foreign direct investments, the group said. Henry Schumacher, ECCP vice-president, said the Philippines should have reached by now the $9-billion FDI level against over $4-billion level now. Nobuo Fujisan of the Japanese Chamber said the government has been involved in “too much publicity” to the dismay of Japanese businessmen who felt “betrayed” over the non-delivery of promises. Raeuber cited the port congestion issue in Manila has made international headlines and investors are aware of the situation. The impact on FDI inflow will largely depend on how fast the Philippine government can get a grip on the situation. “If the remedial measures are not that effective then the impact on FDI inflows may be huge,” he said. To r e s o l v e t h e p o r t congestion problem, the group has suggested six remedies for immediate implementation by the government. First, they asked to “ban all bans” noting that while Metro Manila lifted the daytime truck ban, the Metro Manila Development Authority still maintains its own truck ban. The group also asked government to exempt trucks for hire from the franchise requirement of the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board. The group said that 80 to 90 percent cannot meet the planned phase out of trucks of over 15 years of age. Third, the group has moved to abolish the expiration of gate passes/delivery orders for container vans in the port once Customs clearance is done. Fourth, the government is asked to review and regulate through the reactivation of a Shipper’s Council the allowable demurrage and detention charges for containers. The group also requested government to restrain the shuffling of containers from the ports of Manila to the ports of Subic and Batangas. 3 FHA loan... (From Page 19) home purchase and home loans. Fe A. Perez 626-905-2531 cell: Licensed DRE Broker Providence Realty and Mortgage, Inc. for commercial, business loans, and home loan refinance. Office Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday thru FridaySaturday and Sunday by appointment only Business Address: 279 W. Badillo Street, Covina, Ca. 91723 24 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE SPORTS October 16-22, 2014 www.thephilippinetribune.com NU Bulldogs beat FEU for UAAP crown MANILA – The National University Bulldogs clobbered Far Eastern University 75-59 Wednesday night to win the UAAP 77 men’s basketball championship at the Araneta Center. The victory ended NU’s 60year championship drought. The UAAP Finals’ Most Valuable Player, Alfred Aroga, topscored for the Bulldogs with 24 points to go with 18 rebounds. Gelo Alolino finished with 12. The Bulldogs, which won its only championship in 1954, is also the first fourth-seeded team to win the crown. NU’s Cameroonian center Alfred Aroga was named Finals MVP while coach Eric Altamirano was named “Cooach of the Season.” Aroga averaged 16 points and 13 rebounds in the championship series and had game-highs of 24 points and 18 rebounds in the deciding Game 3 where the Bulldogs beat the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 75-59, before a record crowd of over 25,000 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The 6-foot-7 Aroga, playing in his first season, anchored NU’s league-best defense, which also carried the Bulldogs to their first title in 60 years. “I was overwhelmed by the The National University Bulldogs celebrate after title victory. Center Alfred Aroga Coach Eric Altamirano victory,” said Altamirano in an interview after the game that saw the Bulldogs carve out a masterful victory against the Tamaraws, 75-59, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. “I thank God for the opportunity . . . of just being able to finish the game the right way,” he said. Altamirano said despite the fact that the Bulldogs lost a lot of veteran players at the start of the season, the team “found a way to win”. “We found our identity, teamwork in our defense.” “There’s something special about this team. They don’t give up, they refuse to lose, they really love playing for each other,” he said. On Aroga, Altamirano said they were thankful that they were able to get him. “This guy went through a lot of heartaches – from not being able to play last year,” said Altamirano. He said Aroga gave “leadership” to the team and praised the way the Cameroonian handled himself “on and off the court”. A seasoned coach, Altamirano has two PBA championships under his belt: In 1997 for Purefoods Corned Beef Cowboys and in 1998 for the Mobiline Phone Pals. Altamirano started his basketball career in San Beda as a member of the Red Cubs. He later played in the UAAP as a player for the UP Fighting Maroons and became the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1986 when UP won its first and only UAAP championship. He played in the professional basketball league for Alaska, Pepsi, and Shell. So defeats US chess sensation LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Grandmaster Wesley So took the measure of Jeffrey Xiong of the United States, beating the 13-year-old American chess phenomenon in the fourth round of the Millionaire’s Chess Open at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Friday, October 10. Yangyi Yu of China is showing the way with four points, and So is tied for second to sixth places, half a point behind, in the hectic four-day tournament that offers $100,000 to the champion. Exploiting Xiong’s relative inexperience, the 21-year-old So steered the Indian Game into unfamiliar lines to win after 44 moves. Sharing second to sixth places with So is Webster teammate Roby Robson, American Alexander Lenderman, Daniel Naroditsky, also of the US, and Ecuadoran Carlos Matamoros, who is now based in the US. With the black pieces, So faces Lenderman in the pivotal fifth round Saturday. Get FHA... (From Page 23) planned, this is a buyers market and sellers should not be afraid to start to consider moving up by next year. As long as you have your jobs now and are able to pay your mortgages, hang in there. Keep your fingers crossed, if there were no more major bad news to come by year end. We should see a strong beginning for 2015. Call me for your next Real Estate Mortgage needs, Ken at 1st Innovative Finance at 562697-7028 or write to: kennethgo@ vrizon.net. Like us at facebook: go to 1st Innovative Finance. Kobe Paras High-flying Kobe Paras commits to UCLA MANILA — It looks like a Filipino youngster would wear the blue and gold of the Bruins. Kobe Paras, the high-flying son of Filipino basketball legend Benjie Paras, has committed to join the University of California Los Angeles Bruins for his collegiate playing career. “I’m really happy to say that I have committed to UCLA!” Paras posted on his Twitter account Saturday late evening. UCLA coach Steve Alford extended the offer to the younger Paras who now plays for LA Cathedral in the United States. “I am thankful that coach Steve Alford is willing to take a chance on me,” the 6-foot-6 forward said in a statement that the LA Times published. “I am very appreciative to all the coaches that made offers to me for their interest.” Paras, who has to make a name for himself in the Philippines as the son of the only Rookie-Most Valuable Player of the Philippine Basketball Association, now has to walk the same campus that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, strutted in. Manny gets go to play pro ball GENERAL SANTOS CITY-Impressed by the gains achieved by World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao in his initial preparations since pitching camp here for his fight with American Chris Algieri, trainer Freddie Roach has given his prized pupil permission to play for his Team Kia on opening day of the Philippine Basketball Association’s 40th season on Oct.19 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. “Yeah, he asked my permission to play on opening day for the fans, so I told him I’ll allow him to see action for only one minute,” Roach said with a laugh following a rigorous 12-round session Friday at the Pacman Gym here. “What if he exceeds a minute?” one reporter asked Roach. “I myself will take him out. I’m coming with him to Manila, sit on the team bench and act as the head coach with him as my assistant, “ Roach said. “Nah, of course he can play as long as he wishes, if that’s what it will take to make the fans happy. I just told him to take care not to get injured.” Roach added: “Any kind of injury that can postpone or completely cancel his fight can mean the end of his boxing career and all the years he’s been in this profession of choice.” 25 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com October 16-22, 2014 26 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com October 16-22, 2014 27 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com October 16-22, 2014 28 PHILIPPINE TRIBUNE www.thephilippinetribune.com October 16-22, 2014
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