WASHINGTON — Two leading House lawmak-

ers — one Republican and one Democrat — declared efforts to overhaul the nation’s bro-ken immigration system all but dead for the year, the result of hardening Tea Party oppo-sition and growing mistrust of President Obama among con-gressional Republicans.The grim prospect for an im-migration compromise comes a year after the Senate passed a comprehensive immigra-tion bill with broad bipartisan

support that included both en-hanced border security and a path to citizenship for the es-timated 11 million immigrants in the country illegally. Pres-sure now shifts to the White House to address the situation through executive action.Delivering an emotional and defiant speech on the House floor Wednesday, Representa-tive Luis V. Gutiérrez, an Il-linois Democrat who has long been an outspoken and opti-mistic voice for an immigration deal,

MANILA -- The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday

declared unconstitutional the acts committed by the execu-tive branch in implementing the controversial Disburse-ment Acceleration Program (DAP) and related issuances.Voting 13-0 during its regu-lar en banc session yester-day, the SC voided the use of unprogrammed funds by the executive branch despite the absence of a certification by the National Treasurer that the revenue collections exceeded the revenue targets for non-compliance with the conditions provided for in the General Appropriations Act.In a briefing document is-sued to media, the SC par-

tially granted the petitions for certiorari and prohibition filed by the petitioners and declared the following acts and practices under the DAP, National Budget Circular No. 541, and related executive is-suances as unconstitutional. An SC insider explained that while the word “partially granted” was used in the rul-ing, the SC has declared the whole DAP as unconstitu-tional. “The word ‘partially grant-ed’ was used because other prayers of the petitioners, like disclosure of documents, were not granted because they were moot already,” the insider stressed.

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Obama slams House for inaction on immigration

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President Barack Obama, accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, pauses while making a statement about immigra-tion reform, Monday, June 30, 2014, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington.

WASHINGTON -- President Obama an-grily conceded Monday that Congress

will not overhaul immigration laws this year and announced that he will redirect immigra-tion enforcement efforts to the border.The action — intended to help stem a recent influx of minors crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally — could also pave the way for Obama to enact measures to slow or post-pone the deportations of hundreds of thou-sands of undocumented immigrants who have lived in the country for years. Speaking from the White House Rose Gar-den, Obama said he will pursue executive ac-tions by the end of summer to “fix as much

of our immigration system as we can. If Con-gress will not do their job, at least we can do ours.” Obama did not provide specifics in his re-marks. But advocates who met with the presi-dent said Obama told them he would build off a 2012 decision to defer the deportations of young people brought to the country il-legally as children. Democrats and activists have called on him to dramatically expand that program, and Obama has ordered aides to review his legal options. Obama vowed to take action after House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) told him last week that there would not be an immigra-

tion vote in the House this year. The presi-dent, pointing to a bipartisan Senate deal on immigration approved in 2013, chided House Republicans as bowing to extremist pressures in their party rather than pursuing changes backed by most Americans. “Our country and our economy would be stronger today if House Republicans had al-lowed a simple yes-or-no vote on this bill or, for that matter, any bill,” Obama said, rais-ing his voice. “Instead they’ve proven again and again that they’re unwilling to stand up to the tea party in order to do what’s best for the country. And the worst part about it is, a bunch

Vows to solve border crisis by executive action

Bleak prospects for immigration reform

Groups want Aquino’s head after SC ruling

MANILA — With the Supreme Court’s decision against Dis-bursement Acceleration Pro-gram (DAP), various groups are now calling for President Be-nigno Aquino’s head as well as those responsible for DAP. “It is a blow to presidential lump sum and discretionary spending or presidential pork

under [President Benigno] Aquino [III]. The big challenge now is accountability. We will pursue this for sure. Aquino and [Budget Secretary Butch] Abad should be answerable to the people,” Bayan Secretary-Gen-eral Renato Reyes Jr. told (Cont. on Page 10 )

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UNCONSTITUTIONALSC strikes down parts of

Aquino’s pork plan

NEWS ANALYSIS

The magistrates of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno enter the hall.

THEFT OF FREE NEWSPAPER IS A CRIME IN THIS STATE.

CONGRESSMAN HONDA CALLS SECTIONS OF JAPANESE KONO STATEMENT REPORT “UNACCEPTABLE”

Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA17), along with 17 of his fellow representatives from both parties, on Friday sent a letter to Kenichiro Sasae, the Ambassador of Japan to the United States, calling the timing and contents of the Japanese government report on the Kono Statement about the sexual enslavement of over 200,000 women by the Japanese Army during World War II, the so-called Comfort Women, “regrettable and unfortunate.” The letter also calls the report’s findings that suggest that this enslavement has not been confirmed, “unacceptable.”

The Kono Statement, issued by the Japa-nese government in 1993, acknowledged the Japanese Army’s sexual enslavement of women, but did not offer a formal apology. This new report investigated the circum-stances of the crafting of that statement. In the letter, the Congressman writes, “the timing and the contents of the report de-stabilizes the ‘Comfort Women’ issue and draws unnecessary attention away from the plight of the survivors themselves. The ‘Comfort Women’ are dying by the day, and they deserve every measure of dignity and respect. It is a matter of fundamental

women’s rights and human rights.” Congressman Honda has been a leader on the Comfort Woman issue since his days as a member of the California State Assem-bly. In 2007, he introduced H.Res. 121, which called on the Government of Japan to acknowledge, accept historical respon-sibility, and unequivocally apologize to surviving women. In addition, the Resolu-tion called on the Government of Japan to educate the current and future generations about these horrible crimes. Meantime, Congressman Mike Honda will be the guest speaker at a special natu-

ralization ceremony for 80 of America’s newest citizens at the Great America amusement park in Santa Clara. The event will take place on July 3rd at 9am, just pri-or to the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. “From our founding, and at our core, America has always been a nation of immi-grants who have made great contributions to our culture, economy, and way of life,” Congressman Honda said. “I look forward to being a part of this naturalization cer-emony, and welcoming our newest citizens to be part of the fabric of our union.

Podiatrist Charged with Multiple Felonies for Illegal Drug Prescription

Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E. O’Malley announced today that her of-fice has charged San Leandro Podiatrist Dr. Tan Nguyen, 62, with felony counts related to the unlawful prescription of controlled narcotics. A joint law enforcement inves-tigation between the Alameda County Dis-trict Attorney’s Office, the Department of Health and Human Services, the FBI, and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office re-vealed that Nguyen wrote more than 5,000 controlled substance prescriptions between June of 2013 and June of 2014 – mainly for hydrocodone (Vicodin/Norco, an addictive narcotic pain killer), oxycodone (a highly addictive narcotic pain killer), carisoprodol (muscle relaxer) and diazepam (anti-anxi-ety medication). During the investigation, undercover law enforcement agents posed as patients and visited Nguyen to request prescriptions for medication. The defendant prescribed nar-cotics without ever examining the patient, asking any health related questions, or ob-

taining a medical history. “Medical professionals who unlawfully supply prescriptions to controlled sub-stances will be identified and prosecuted. Through their illegal and irresponsible ac-tions, professionals such as this defendant put the community at risk. Prescription drug abuse is a public safety and public health issue,” states DA O’Malley. “These drugs are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse, which can lead to addiction, ac-cidental poisoning, or other grave conse-quences. Rates of prescription drug abuse and addiction in Alameda County as well as around the state and nation are alarm-ingly high, as are the numbers of tragic accidental overdoses due to these drugs. I applaud our federal, state and local part-ners for their attention and dedication this investigation.” In 2008, Nguyen was convicted of a vio-lation of section 11153 of the Health and Safety code for selling illegal narcotics prescriptions.

PAGE 2June 12, 2014 - June 18, 2014 The San Francisco PostLOCAL

Jollibee plans to acquire US brandMANILA -- Jollibee Foods Corp. plans to ac-quire a major brand in the United States to sup-port global expansion, its chairman said Friday.“Of course the Philippines is our main market. We have presence in China and US. We like to have more play in the US market. Probably we are looking at certain acquisition in the US market,” Jollibee chairman and chief executive Tony Tan Caktiong told reporters at the side-lines of the stockholders’ meeting.Tan Caktiong said the company viewed the US, along with China, as the biggest consumer mar-kets in the world.“We want to focus on these two [markets],” Tan Caktiong said. He said there was no timeline for the US acquisition yet. “We’re looking at what’s available, how big

they are. Maybe, we can look for a joint venture partner,” he said.Jollibee also owns the Hong Zhuang Yuan res-taurant in China, which recorded a double-digit sales growth in 2013. It also owns Chinese noo-dle restaurant San Pin Wang.The Jollibee brand alone is now in eight coun-tries outside the Philippines including Vietnam, Brunei, Hong Kong, Singapore, USA, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.The company opened its first store in Virginia in April 2013, bringing its total store network in the US to 29.Chowking USA also has 20 stores in the US. Chowking, a brand owned by Jollibee, is also present in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman.

BUSINESS

Golden Gate Bridge to get suicide nettingSAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco’s fa-mous Golden Gate Bridge is to get suicide netting to try and stop people jumping to their death from the iconic landmark, an of-ficial said.More than 1,400 people have fallen to their deaths from the bridge since it was opened in 1937, including a record 46 suicides in 2013, said Denis Mul-ligan, general manager of the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation Dis-trict.Mulligan said various options had been con-sidered, adding: “Of all the alternatives, this has the least visual im-pact. If you drive across the bridge you will not see it.“At the two vista points at the two ends you will notice it, because you will look out straight at it, along the length of the bridge,” he said, adding that: “On the sidewalk you will not notice it, unless you’re leaning way over the side.”He said the world-famous bridge’s manag-ers had been considering options for about a decade.

“Several decades ago people didn’t have an understanding about suicide … they didn’t talk about it. Our board today reflects our society, today we talk about suicide,” he said.He added: “In the last several years, many

families who have lost young children and teen-agers on the bridge have come and talked to our board about what it meant to them and their fami-lies and their children’s friends.“I think that has had an impact,” he said.The Golden Gate’s man-agement authority agreed to pay part of the $76 mil-lion funding for the Gold-en Gate Bridge Physical

Suicide Deterrent System Project.The rest will be funded by the federal and state authorities, said Mulligan.Construction of the system, which will pro-vide netting extending 20 feet (six meters) on either side of the bridge, is due to be completed by 2018, he told AFP.The netting will be suspended 20 feet below the sidewalks which run along either side of the bridge, which is 1.7 miles long — mak-ing the total length of netting 3.5 miles long.

Filipinos rally to save Daly City hospitalDALY CITY, California – Filipino nurses and other hospital staff members gathered outside Seton Hos-pital in Daly City for a candlelight vigil to demon-strate their concern about the future of a hospital chain.Under the Daughters of Charity Health System, Se-ton Hospital has been a key health provider for Fili-pino Americans in Daly City for decades.But now, they are looking for buyers for its six hos-pitals.Union members said the health system has been los-ing roughly $10 million per month since January 2014.The rally urged the healthcare system to select re-sponsible bidders so they can continue to serve their patients, majority of whom are Filipino-Americans.Vilma Casamina, a 12-year CNA at Seaton Coast-side, said: “We do have a bidder in place and it’s the Blue Wolf and we would like the Daughters of Charity to consider that because they are willing to purchase the system as a whole instead of being in-dividually bought. If we consider to have Prime, it will not help keep the system together and our jobs are not really secured.”Blue Wolf Capital has committed to the union’s two requests of buying all six hospitals to ensure jobs and health coverage in the communities and the commitment to continue the flow of money towards the retirement of the workers.The union is against the other bidder, Prime Health-care, because it is reportedly under federal investiga-tion for Medicare malpractice.Richard Gutierrez has been working for Seton Coast-

side for six years as a physical therapist. He saw the vigil as a success in letting bidders know that Seton is a big part of the Filipino American community.“A lot of people were born here, have had family members that were sick here, and were taken cared of by staff like us. Filipino Americans that try to take care of our community have dedication and show our hard work as Filipino Americans,” said Gutierrez.Mary Coady, the director of marketing and com-munications for Seton Medical Center and Seton Coastside, reassured hospital staff and the commu-nity.In a statement, Coady said: “Daughters of Charity Health System continues to pursue the sale of our hospitals, including Seton and Seton Coastside. We are pleased with the level of interest in purchasing our hospitals. To the maximum extent possible, the Daughters of Charity are committed to ensuring that our legacy of compassionate care is put into the hands of an organization that will continue to pro-vide essential health care services in the community, preserve jobs, and assure that all members of the community have access to affordable, high-quality health care for years to come.”While there is no timetable for Daughters of Charity to select a bidder, hospital staff members said the sooner the better.“We hope they act quickly,” said Casamina. “Ac-cording to Daughters of Charity they want to pursue and have this done by the end of the year but if we could get an answer more quickly I think it’s going to help everyone be at peace.”

PAGE 3July 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014The San Francisco Post NATIONAL

How to keep your home out of foreclosureDid you receive a Notice of Default on

your home? Are you denied a Loan Modification? If this is your situation then your home is in danger of being foreclosed and you must have a plan of action to keep your home. Below are some of the ways you can do to help you keep your home while your financial situation is in trouble. 1. If you have two loans on your house and it is underwater, the second loan probably has no equity and its lender would not be able foreclose if you have been late in payments even for years. If this is your case, then your payment priority is to the first loan because this is the lender that is in position to foreclose your home. 2. If your available money is not enough even for the first loan of your house, you have to analyze your financial position. If you have plenty of credit card debts, you can eliminate those debts by filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. By this time your credit score is already very low and filing bankruptcy will pull it down just a few points. However after your discharge from bank-ruptcy you can immediately rebuild your credit. Debt settle-ment or debt consolidation will not solve your problem because it is a process that will take three to five years with your credit keep going down. Debt settlement is a waste of money and almost everyone who paid large sums of money for debt settle-ment ended up filing bankruptcy. After filing bankruptcy you can rebuild your credit within three years. You can buy again real property after three years. Credit cards and auto loans will be offered to you within months after your discharge from bank-ruptcy.3. You should review all your expenses and eliminate whatever expenses that can be dispensed with or eliminated. 4. You should try again to modify your loan even if you have been denied before. After your bankruptcy discharge, your fi-nancial situation will improve a lot because you have no more unsecured debts and you will have a better chance of getting approval. I have clients who were previously denied for loan modification because of large unsecured debts but after their discharge from Chapter 7 bankruptcy, their financial situation improved and they were now approved for loan modification.5. In addition, your chance for loan modification application is improved with the settlement by the U. S. government of its lawsuit against the banks. The top five banks agreed to set aside $17 billion to modify your loan and possibly reduce the princi-pal amount by about $20,000 on the average if your house is underwater. You may also be able to refinance your mortgage is you are current in your payment.6. If you received a Notice of Trustee Sale, you can stop the

sale by filing bankruptcy before the Trustee Sale date. If you have filed a Chapter 7 before and you were already discharged, you can file

a Chapter 13 even immediately after your discharge in Chap-ter7. The purpose of filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy is to stop the Trustee Sale and to offer a payment plan for your secured debts such as your house and autos. With the automatic stay from the Court, creditors are prohibited from selling your house until the court approves your payment plan. While you are in Chapter 13 proceedings you can continue to apply for loan modification.7. If you are a victim of mortgage fraud, you can litigate your case. A Temporary Restraining Order from the court will stop the foreclosure of your house.Warning: This is not a legal advice and you should seek an at-torney about your specific circumstances.

Bankruptcy Basics1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for 10 years, not filing bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most your debts are paid.2. If you are being sued by your creditors, most money judg-ment can be eliminated in bankruptcy.3. Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement.4. Chapter 7 will eliminate all unsecured debts. If you are near retirement age, you must eliminate most of your debts.5. Bankruptcy will stop foreclosure actions. If your trustee sale date is 10 days before, you can still file for bankruptcy.6. If your salary is being garnished, you have a court case about debts or you are being harassed by creditors, bank-ruptcy can stop garnishment, court cases, harassing creditors and eliminate the debt.7. Bankruptcy is cheaper, faster and safer than debt settle-ment which has no guaranteed success. 8. Preserve your health, eliminate stress and live a happy life by eliminating your debts which is the root of all problems.

Crispin Caday Lozano is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the National Association of Consumers Bankruptcy Attor-neys. He specializes in immigration law and bankruptcy law. He earned his Juris Doctor at Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, California. He is also a Certified Public Accountant, and a Bachelor of Business Administration Cum Laude graduate.

By Atty. Crispin C. Lozano

BANKRUPTCY Q&A

WASHINGTON – The White House is preparing an executive order offering transgender federal workers formal pro-tection from discrimination at work, Pres-ident Barack Obama announced Monday. At least two other measures already pre-vent the federal government from firing people for being transgender, so Obama’s announcement is largely symbolic. Still, advocates hailed the move as a powerful act of recognition for transgender Ameri-cans by the first American president to even utter the word “transgender” in a speech. “The majority of Fortune 500 companies already have nondiscrimination policies to protect their employees because it’s the right thing to do and because many say it helps to retain and attract the best talent. And I agree. So if Congress won’t act, I will,” Obama told a supportive crowd in the East Room of the White House dur-ing a reception marking Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. The Human Rights Campaign, the na-tion’s largest LGBT rights group, praised Obama’s announcement as a “crucial and historic measure.” “Each and every American worker should be judged based on the work they do, and never because of a fundamental aspect of who they are like their gender

identity,” said HRC President Chad Grif-fin. Obama in 2009 signed a presidential memorandum saying the federal gov-ernment shouldn’t discriminate against workers for reasons unrelated to their job performance. While it didn’t refer to transgender people specifically, the memo was perceived as offering blanket protection to workers whose gender iden-tity doesn’t correspond with their gender at birth. And in a major ruling last year, the Equal Employment Opportunity Com-mission, a federal law enforcement agency, said that the section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that bars discrimina-tion based on gender also applies to gen-der identity.The White House declined to provide any details about the executive order that Obama has directed his staff to pre-pare for his signature. But LGBT rights groups said the order will likely mirror one that President Bill Clinton signed in 1998 that barred the federal govern-ment from firing workers for being gay and lesbian. Activists said they expected Obama’s executive order would include language specifically referring to gender identity, enshrining those protections in a more formal manner.

Obama to expand safeguards for transgender workers

WASHINGTON -- One year into congressional efforts to overhaul US immigration reform, the nation’s 11 mil-lion undocumented migrants are no closer to legal status, with a swelling humanitarian border crisis only high-lighting the system’s dysfunction. Reform efforts are dead in gridlocked Washington, and fingers of blame are pointing every which way.Republican opponents of President Barack Obama say his administration has failed to seal the porous US-Mex-ico border. Democrats accuse House Republicans of sabotaging the US Senate’s bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill, which passed with great fanfare one year ago Friday. That first serious attempt at immigration reform since 1986 imposed a series of tough conditions, including a quasi-militarization of the border and a boost in quotas for skilled-worker visas. But Republicans who control the House of Represen-tatives ultimately shelved the proposal, spooked at the thought of offending their conservative constituents by legalizing millions of immigrants, especially after Hispanic-Americans voted for Obama in droves in 2008 and 2012. Now, the steady increase of minors, illicitly smuggled from Central America and across Mexico into the United States, has further inflamed an already fiery debate. Democrats warned this week that lawmakers have until their August recess to work out a legislative solution, or the White House will begin to act on its own. “We’re at the end of the line,” said Senate Foreign Rela-tions Committee chairman Robert Menendez, an archi-tect of last year’s bill. “We’re not bluffing by setting a legislative deadline for them to act.” Caught in the middle of the row is House Speaker John Boehner, who has voiced his desire for an overhaul but has appeared straightjacketed by the conservative wing of his party.

Border crisis highlights US immigration reform

failureBROWNSVILLE, Texas — President Barack Obama will seek more than $2 billion to re-spond to the flood of immigrants illegally entering the US through the Rio Grande Val-ley area of Texas and ask for new powers to deal with r e t u r n i n g immig ran t children ap-p rehended while travel-ing without their par-ents, a White House official said.With Obama looking to Congress for help with what he has called an “urgent humanitarian situa-tion,” House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi visited a Border Patrol facility in Texas that held unaccompa-nied children. More than 52,000 unaccompanied children, most from Central America, have been apprehended entering the US il-legally since October. “The fact is these are children — children and families,” Pelosi said. “We have a moral responsi-bility to address this in a digni-fied way.” Obama plans to make the re-quests of Congress in a letter to be sent Monday, the White

House official said. Details of the emergency appropriation, including the exact amount and how it will be spent, will come after lawmakers return from their

holiday recess on July 7, said the official, who was not autho-rized to speak by name and discussed the re-quests on condi-tion of anonym-ity. Obama will also ask that the Department of Homeland Se-

curity be granted the authority to apply “fast track” procedures to the screening and deportation of all immigrant children trav-eling without their parents and that stricter penalties be applied to those who smuggle children across the border, the official said. Obama’s requests were first reported by The New York Times. Pelosi said she holds little hope that Congress will pass compre-hensive immigration reform this year but that politics should be set aside. She did not elaborate on what had dampened her optimism in this midterm election year. Speaker of the House John Boehner’s of-fice did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Obama to seek $2 billion for border control

President Obama

July 4 rallies to press grant of TPS for PH NEW YORK— Filipino American leaders are calling on Fili-pino American communities across the country to stage “picnic rallies” on July 4, which is commemorated by both countries as “Filipino-American Friendship Day.” On this day, Filipinos and Filipino Americans in several U.S. cities, Saipan and Guam will gather for their traditional July 4th picnics. But in addition to their festive activities, they will also use the occasion to call attention to a critical issue related to Typhoon Haiyan: Temporary Protected Status or TPS for some 200,000 Filipino nationals in the U.S. TPS will help Filipinos here as well as the hundreds of thousands of victims of super typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Those here will be given employment authorizations and travel permits. With these, they will be able to significantly assist the Philippine typhoon vic-tims — financially and otherwise. “A grant of full TPS is an urgent and appropriate humanitar-ian response to the catastrophic consequences of the strongest storm in history,” says Loida Nicolas Lewis of New York, na-tional chair of the U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance or US-

P4GG. “TPS status would allow Filipino nationals currently in the United States to help their families back home rebuild their lives. Thus, there is a compelling need to provide them with legal protections. It has been seven months since the Aquino government asked the Obama Administration for TPS. We are calling on President Obama to please direct Homeland Security to grant TPS now.” In Washington, D.C., community organizers plan to display a huge banner in front of the White House. “President Obama is expected to make an appearance on the South Lawn later in the early evening to greet people attending July 4th festivities and to watch the fireworks,” says Eric Lachica of the American Coali-tion for Filipino Veterans or ACFV. “We want Obama to see our T.P.S. Philippines banner to urge him to kindly act to help our desperate Pinoys in the shadows.” Adds NaFFAA National Chairman Ed Navarra: “The Presi-dent’s action will be an important and symbolic affirmation of the spirit of US-Philippine Friendship. We hope he will see the historic significance of this humanitarian gesture.”

The 2016 presiden-

tial election has the mak-ing of battle for supremacy among the dy-nastic politi-cal families. And whoever wins would preside over a dysfunctional

– to say the least -- government that is still rocking from the fallout of the pork barrel scam that has brought down some of the most prominent political dynasties. Which makes one wonder where the hell the coun-try is going? The massive corruption scandal that was unwittingly exposed by a certain Benhur Luy, a cousin of the alleged mastermind of the $10-billion pork barrel scam, Janet Lim Napoles, has put virtually all of the lawmakers suspect of plunder or malver-sation of public funds. Surmise it to say, what we’re seeing here is just the tip of the iceberg. Indeed, it did not surprise anyone when the so-called “Napolist” was released showing the names of 20 senators and more than 120 congressmen. Nowhere in the world did a wholesale corruption of this magnitude ever happen.

Self-promotion One of the best practitioners of the “art of compassion” is Vice President Jejo-mar “Jojo” Binay. As P-Noy’s appointed “Housing Czar,” Binay uses his office to promote his political ambitions. When-ever there is a calamity like flood and earthquake, Binay is there giving out re-lief goods to the disaster victims. There is nothing wrong with that. But what is ques-tionable is the way he promotes himself by printing his name and title on the goods that are being distributed. The goods are funded by government money, not from Binay’s personal funds. Promoting one’s self using government money has been around for decades. This is being done through the pork barrel sys-tem. Basically, the concept works as fol-lows: Congress appropriates money to lump sum budget items requested by the Executive Branch (Office of the President), which are then allotted to projects benefit-ting the people. The concept works per-

fectly up to this point. But what happens next is massive corruption that involves legislators, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) from the Office of the President, non-government organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), vendors and contractors, legislative staff who serve as buffers to protect their boss-es, and fixers and operators who make sure that the scam works.

Plunder Now that Enrile, Estrada, and Revilla have been charged of plunder, the question that begs to be asked is: Would the graft court Sandiganbayan convict them? Given the pathetic record of the San-diganbayan in prosecuting the sequestered Marcos properties, it makes one wonder if the graft court has the temerity to convict “Tanda,” “Pogi” and “Sexy” -- Enrile, Re-villa, and Estrada, respectively? It is inter-esting to note that these three stellar mem-bers of the Philippine Senate have proven electoral track records and political power, which could play a hand on how the cases against them would progress in the politi-cally charged judicial system. Having said that, whoever is the next president of the country could influence the outcome of these cases, which many believe are politically motivated, which brings to fore the question: If Binay wins, how will his presidency influence the out-come of these high-powered cases? If so, Binay would be faced with a dilemma: where does his loyalty lie? Family ties or political alliance? While Binay’s political upbringing has its roots in Cory Aquino’s revolutionary gov-ernment, his political capital grew out of his strategic alliance with Erap Estrada and Enrile. The question is: Is Binay going to sever his family’s umbilical cord to the Aquinos? It is interesting to note that the Aquinos surreptitiously supported the vice presi-dential candidacy of Binay vs. Mar Roxas, P-Noy’s running mate. That’s the kind of bonding Binay has with the Aquinos, which makes one wonder: Would P-Noy support – secretly – Binay vs. the Liberal Party’s standard-bearer? At the end of the day, Binay has to make a choice. And this time around, there is no Solomonic solution to Binay’s dilemma. (PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

PERRY SCOPEBy

Perry Diaz

Binay’s dilemma

PAGE 4July 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014 The San Francisco PostOPINION

The failed, yet much bally-

hooed Compre-hensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) passed quietly into the night last Mon-day, its death cheered by both farmers and land-lords. The farmers, who

were supposed to be its beneficiaries, would not mourn the agrarian reform program’s death because, in the words of Kilusang Mag-bubukid ng Pilipinas chair and party list Rep. Rafael Mariano, it was a “total failure.” The program failed to address the problems of landlessness and poverty in the rural areas be-cause it was obviously a mere deception on the part of the landlord-dominated govern-ment in cahoots with the big landowners. The landlords, who were supposed to cease control of the lands they do not till, are only too happy that they now don’t have to resort to all sorts of deceptions to survive the program. The government, as usual, says the program

was a huge success and that it will continue distributing lands to the poor although the CARP has expired. And to justify the contin-ued existence of the Department of Agrarian Reform that was created supposedly to imple-ment the program and the law (Comperensive Agrarian Reform Law or CARL), the DAR was tasked to monitor the completion of the unfinished land turnover to farmers. The country’s latest attempt to distribute lands to the farmers and end the centuries- old feudal system in the Philippines was doomed from the start and could not address peas-ant poverty and landlessness because, in the words of IBON Foundation’s Sonny Africa, “it was never meant to.” Citing statistics from the Census and DAR, Africa said that after 26 years, “rural poverty continues to be widespread and millions of peasants still remain landless.” Africa said CARP is “not about free land distribution to the tiller, which is the core of a genuine land reform program.” Instead, he said, CARP seeks to provide landlord com-pensation and require peasant beneficiaries to pay for land that they have been tilling for generations. Land reform under CARP is es-sentially a land transaction between landlords and peasants with the government acting as the middleman, he said. “The revised CARP scope represents a con-cession to big private landed interests. The tar-get was adjusted downwards to accommodate CARP exemptions. CARP allows landlords to retain five hectares of land and an additional three hectares for each of the heirs. PD No. 27 had a retention limit of seven hectares each. Landlords used these as a loophole, hurriedly subdividing their landholdings and coming out with multiple titles within the limits. Yet the scope of exemptions even broadened far beyond just retention limits,” Africa reported. Another noted economist, UP Professor Dr. Raul V. Fabella, said that the program was an utter failure, and instead of solving rural pov-erty and spur growth, CARP has left the coun-try “with a huge new set of social and eco-nomic problems that would not have existed without CARP.” Among the major flaws of the program cited by Fabella was the arbitrary five-hectare ceil-ing on land ownership, which, he said, virtu-ally guarantees individual farms will be too small to be profitable. The failed program only created, Dr. Fabella said, an entire new class of underprivileged citizens – “the landed poor.” The CARP was the country’s latest failed for-ay into agrarian reform. Numerous laws have been passed for this lofty goal -- the Agricultur-al Tenancy Act of 1954, the Land Reform Act of 1955, the Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963, the Agrarian Reform Code of 1971, Pres-idential Decree No. 27 in 1972; and recently, Republic Act (RA) 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) of 1988. All these have failed. But that should not stop our leaders from pursuing agrarian reform because it is the key to fighting rural poverty and to spurring economic growth in the coun-tryside, a necessary ingredient to the inclusive growth that President Aquino says he would focus on in the last two years of his adminis-tration. Congress can pass another agrarian re-form law, hopefully learning from the mistakes of the past, but the national leadership should exercise political will to implement genuine agrarian reform. It is worthy to note that CARP was born dur-ing the time of Cory Aquino, whose family is one of the biggest landowners in the country, and died during the term of the scion of that haciendero clan. That should give us a hint of why it was doomed to failure.(valabelgas@aol.com)

The death and resurrection of agrarian reform

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MANILA —A two-year-old Depart-ment of Budget and Management memorandum shows President Aquino exercising discretion over P31.962 bil-lion in what his critics have described as presidential pork barrel.The seven-page document dated June 27, 2012 showed the President approv-ing Budget Secretary Florencio Abad’s request that the DBM be granted “om-nibus authority to consolidate” and “re-align” government savings that year.Mr. Aquino also allowed Abad to with-draw unobligated balances” of national government agencies “for slow-mov-ing projects” in 2012 so they could also be realigned.“These measures will allow us to maxi-mize the use of available allotments to fund and undertake other priority expenditures of the national govern-ment,” Abad wrote.“Furthermore, these will allow us to meet our fiscal targets without neces-sarily impacting on our budget deficit cap this year.”But the President placed a note saying that the P31.962 billion in additional projects Abad had listed was still “sub-ject to further discussions.”Topping the list were “national road projects” in Tarlac, the President’s province, worth P2 billion. To “com-plete the rehabilitation and paving of all arterial secondary national roads and bridges” in the province, the gov-ernment would have to spend more than the original estimate of P1.1 bil-lion, the document stated.Sought for comment, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares described the President’s note as “damning because it

shows that he had sole discretion over where the money should go.”“It falls under the definition of pork barrel where discretion on how pub-lic funds would be spent rests on one person and that’s the President in this case,” he told the Philippine Daily In-quirer in a phone interview.That the President called for “further discussions” on the additional projects “makes him the holder of P31.962 bil-lion worth of pork barrel.”Abad’s memorandum came eight months after the President had autho-rized the DBM to “pool savings to fund the Disbursement Acceleration Plan [DAP].”“It is understood that in the utilization of the pooled savings, the DBM se-cures the approval/confirmation of the President,” Abad wrote.“Furthermore, it is assured that the pro-posed realignments shall be within the authorized expenditure level.”Colmenares said the Abad memo repre-sented the President’s “written instruc-tion” for the DBM to go ahead with the DAP, which the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional last Tuesday.Included in Abad’s list of additional projects to be funded by DAP money were “other priority local projects na-tionwide” to the tune of P8.295 billion.Also listed was P1.4 billion for the re-habilitation and extension of Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2, and P1.96 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of rural health units.A total of P1.337 billion was also set aside supposedly to create jobs for 93,587 youth.

DBM memo shows Aquino exercised discretion over P31.9B

BAGHDAD -- Iraqi troops backed by helicopter gunships launched an operation to take back the northern city of Tikrit from Sunni militants on Saturday, while heavy clashes erupted between govern-ment forces and insurgents south of the capital Baghdad. The push on Tikrit began before dawn in an operation that includes commandos, tanks and helicop-ters, as well as pro-government Sunni fighters and Shiite volun-teers, military officials said. Tikrit residents reported clashes on the outskirts of the city and to the south, but the extent of the fighting was unclear.After watching much of Iraq slip out of government hands in recent weeks in a lightning offensive across the country by insurgents led by the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS), the military sought to portray the push as a significant step that puts the army back on the attack. Jawad al-Bolani, a security of-ficial in the Salahuddin Operation Command, said the immediate ob-jective was to retake control of Ti-krit, the hometown of former dic-tator Saddam Hussein one of two major cities to fall to the militants along with Mosul. He said there was no concrete timeline for the operation to conclude. Helicopter gunships conducted airstrikes before dawn on insur-

gents who were attacking troops at a university campus on Tikrit’s northern outskirts, Iraqi military spokesman Lt. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi said. There was no im-mediate word on casualties. Government troops established a bridgehead on the sprawling cam-pus early Friday after being ferried in by helicopter.Slow progress A senior security official said there were sporadic clashes around the University of Tikrit, as well as south of the city. Iraqi forc-es, which are moving north toward Tikrit from the shrine city of Sa-marra, are making slow progress, he said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media. Tikrit residents reached by tele-phone confirmed that air raids took place at the university around dawn Saturday. They reported fighting between the Islamic State and Iraqi forces to the southeast as well, but said militants are still in control of the city and patrol-ling the streets. Some residents described black smoke rising from a presidential palace complex located along the edge of the Ti-gris River after army helicopters opened fire on the compound. They spoke on condition of ano-nymity out of concern for their safety.

PAGE 5June 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014The San Francisco Post WORLD BRIEF

SEOUL—North Korea Monday pro-posed that the two Koreas halt hostile military activities starting later this week -- an apparent show of its desire for peace before a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.The surprise s u g g e s -tion from the North’s top military body, the National De-fence Com-mission, was reported by the official KCNA news agency.It was made hours after the nation confirmed its second missile test in recent days.The commission said the North was ready to suspend all acts of verbal provocation and slander from Friday, and urged the South to reciprocate.Pyongyang also called for an end to live-fire drills and other hostile mili-tary activities near the disputed sea border in the Yellow Sea from Friday.The maritime border is a frequent flashpoint. There have been no direct military clashes there since 2010 but the two sides intermittently fire warn-ing shots or engage in live-fire drills.

The North also urged the South to scrap its annual joint military exercis-es with the United States slated for Au-gust, to create a favourable mood for this year’s Asian Games in the South

K o r e a n city of Incheon.P y o n g -yang has promised to send a thle tes to the games, to be held f r o m Septem-ber 19 to October 4.Xi is v i s i t ing Seoul on

Thursday and Friday for talks with President Park Geun-Hye before go-ing on to Pyongyang.China is North Korea’s sole major ally and key economic benefactor, and the fact that Xi is visiting Seoul first has been seen by some as a deliberate snub.Despite its leverage an increasingly frustrated China has failed to persuade the North to curb its nuclear weapons programme and to stop raising re-gional tensions through missile and atomic tests.

Thai junta to pack assembly with military

brassBANGKOK -- Thailand’s army rulers will ap-point a national assembly stacked with military officers to pick an interim government leader, officials said late on Thursday, as they seek to retain their influence over the kingdom’s politi-cal transition. In the first real hint of the shape the politically fraught country’s next administration may take, army sources told Agence France-Presse that the military will select the 200 assembly members and that the junta itself will not be dissolved.“We have learned our lesson. By pushing power in other people’s hands, they may not do what we expect them to do,” said an official under the condition of anonymity. The kingdom’s generals are keen to avoid ced-ing as much power to the interim government as they did following the last coup in 2006. Earlier this month, junta chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha said the regime would set up an interim government by September to oversee political reforms, including crafting a new con-stitution, followed by elections in about a year’s time. Pro-coup demonstrators have called for re-forms that would rid the country of the influence of the Shinawatra family, whose political parties continually win during elections but are loathed by much of the country’s powerful elite. The junta—formally known as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)—has now finished drafting an interim constitution, accord-ing to the military official. The comments were confirmed by another army source who also requested anonymity. “The interim constitution is complete . . . The NCPO’s powers will remain—different from the 2006 coup when the military lost power af-ter es–tablishing an interim govern–ment,” the source said. The officials did not specify the exact balance of power between the junta and the planned in-terim government. Opposition from overseas The remarks came as a Thai opposition alliance, which was set up to counter the nation’s coup-making junta, said on Thursday it would establish an official base in a Western country by next month. Thailand’s junta has muz-zled dissent, summoning and detaining hundreds of people, the majority linked with the deposed govern–ment of ex-premier Yin-gluck Shina–watra and her administration’s “Red Shirt” supporters.

North Korean proposes ceasefire with South

Poroshenko ends Ukraine ceasefire, says gov’t will attack rebelsKIEV – Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Tuesday gov-ernment forces would renew offen-sive operations against rebels and “free our lands”, hours after a cease-fire to allow for peace talks with the pro-Russian separatists had expired. Poroshenko, who accuses Rus-sia of fanning violence in eastern Ukraine, dismissed Moscow’s of-fers to defuse the crisis, and blamed the rebels for failing to keep to the truce or follow a peace plan he had outlined. “We will attack and free our lands.

The decision not to continue the ceasefire is our answer to terrorists, militants and marauders,” he said in a televised statement delivered in front of the blue-and-yellow Ukrai-nian flag. The announcement came after a four-way phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ger-man and French leaders aimed at helping end the crisis in Ukraine’s Russian-speaking east where gov-ernment forces have been battling rebels since April. Poroshenko had extended a gov-

ernment ceasefire last week until 10 p.m. (1900 GMT) on Monday to allow for peace talks with the so-called contact group involving sepa-ratist leaders, a former Ukrainian president, a senior representative of the OSCE rights and security body and Moscow’s ambassador to Kiev. “The unique chance to implement the peace plan was not realised. It happened because of the criminal actions of the militants. They pub-licly declared their unwillingness to support the peace plan as a whole and in particular the ceasefire,” Po-

roshenko said. Moscow could face more penal-ties from the European Union on top of existing asset freezes and visa bans unless pro-Russian rebels act to wind down the crisis in the Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk provinces. Before his announcement, Porosh-enko had met with security chiefs, some of whom had called against a ceasefire extension because of mili-tary losses and fears that the rebels were using it as an opportunity to regroup and rearm.

TAX CORNER

Some natural disasters are more common in the summer. But major events like hurri-canes, tornadoes and fires can strike any time. It’s a good idea to plan for what to do in case of a disaster. You can help make your recovery easier by keeping your tax and financial records safe. Here are some basic steps you can take now to prepare:

1. Backup Records Electroni-cally. Many people receive bank statements by email. This is a good way to secure your records. You can also scan tax records and insurance policies onto an electronic format. You

can use an external hard drive, CD or DVD to store important records. Be sure you back up your files and keep them in a safe place. If a disaster strikes your home, it may also affect a wide area. If that happens you may not be able to retrieve your records.

2. Document Valuables. Take photos or videos of the con-tents of your home or business. These visual records can help you prove the value of your lost items. They may help with insurance claims or casualty loss deductions on your tax return. You should store them with a friend or relative who lives out of the area.

3. Update Emergency Plans. Review your emergency plans every year. Update them when your situation changes. Make sure you have a way to get severe weather information. Have a plan for what to do if threatening weather approach-es.

4. Get Copies of Tax Returns or Transcripts. Visit IRS.gov to get Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, to replace lost or destroyed tax returns. If you just need information from your return, you can or-der a free transcript online or by calling 800-908-9946. You can also file Form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Indi-vidual Tax Return Transcript or Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.

5. Count on the IRS. If you fall victim to a disaster, know that the IRS stands ready to help. You can call the IRS di-saster hotline at 866-562-5227 for special help with disaster-related tax issues.

Al Maglan is a CPA licensed in California and Nevada. You can contact him @ 510 432 7438. You may e-mail tax questions at amaglan@aol.com or taxsaver-spro@gmail.com.

Keep Your Records Safe in Case Disaster Strikes

by: Alvin C. Maglan, CPA

Iraqi forces take back northern city

This undated picture released from North Ko-rea’s official Korean Central News Agency on June 30, 2014 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (left) observing a tactical rocket fir-ing drill by the Korean People’s Army Strategic Force at an undisclosed place in North Korea.

China twits US envoy on sea mapMANILA -- A Chinese embassy official on Monday warned the United States to stay out of the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines and after the US envoy commented that China’s 10-days line was inconsistent with international law. In a statement, Chinese Embassy in Manila spokesman Zhang Hua criticized Goldberg’s recent com-ments on China’s new maps de-tailing its 10-dash line claims and reminded him that Washington was not a “concerned party” in the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and that it should promote peace “rather than the opposite”. “The United States is not a party concerned in the dispute in the South China Sea,” Zhang said. “Is is our hope that it (US) could do more to promote peace and stabil-

ity in the Asia-Pacific, rather than the opposite.” In his speech during the Philip-pine Constitution Association meeting where he was the special guest, Goldberg said that China’s 10-dash line map was not based on land features and is therefore “in-constant” with international law. Goldberg also called on claimant countries to resolve their disputes through tribunals or arbitration un-der the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Zhang slammed Goldberg’s re-mark and reminded him that the US Congress has yet to ratify the Unclos, which was signed by Chi-na, the Philippines and 163 other countries. The Unclos provides for the de-limitation of countries’ territorial waters, exclusive economic zones and continental shelves.

MANILA -- Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala are currently under investigation over their alleged involvement in the P10-billion pork barrel scam. Malacañang bared this on Sunday when it said it is supporting the effort of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in examining evidence implicating its two close allies in the al-leged misuse of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). Both Abad and Alcala were former congressmen be-fore they were appointed to the Cabinet by Presi-dent Aquino. Presidential Spokes-man Edwin Lacierda said the examination of the affidavits implicating Abad and Alcala to the scam is being done as the administra-tion is “colorblind.” Yes, we support that vetting process and

it is… The investigation process, evalua-tion process of DOJ under the leadership of Secretary Leila de Lima is colorblind so, we support the process,” Lacierda said in an interview with government radio dzRB. Abad and Alcala were included in the list of past and present lawmakers who alleg-

edly benefited in the racket involving the diversion of PDAF to bogus non-govern-mental organizations. The list was made by suspected pork barrel scam master-mind Janet Lim Napoles. Lacierda said it takes time to complete the vetting process on statements that should be supported with documentary evidence. “Remember, and I’ve men-tioned this time and again, that in the past, even the af-

fidavits of Benhur Luy and the other whis-tleblowers, it took some time for the DOJ to evaluate and investigate,” he said.

The San Francisco PostPAGE 6July 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014 HOMELAND

Miriam Santiago ‘I got lung cancer’MANILA —Senator Miriam Defensor-Santia-go disclosed on Wednesday that she is suffer-ing from lung cancer.“Ladies and gentlemen, allow me introduce myself to you as the only sena-tor who has been diagnosed with lung cancer,” Santiago said at a press conference she held at the Senate. “I have come so you can see me personally before cancer ravages my body,” she said. Santiago, 69, said she was di-agnosed with stage four cancer of the left lung last week, but said it was not spreading. The former trial court judge said her condition makes “it hard for me to breathe.” “I don’t know what the reac-tions of my enemies are. May-be they will be happy because on one hand I might die and then they could get rid of me. But on the other hand I might survive and then I will get rid of them,” the feisty senator said.Asked how she reacted when she first learned about her condition, Santiago said: “I was very excited. I’m not kidding.” “I said: Yes! I got cancer!” said the senator who has been known for her acerbic wit.Santiago said she would receive treatment by

taking “magic tablet” once a day. “So I hope to be able to see you in six weeks, fully-cured of cancer,” she said. Santiago, who has been regularly on sick

leave from the Senate due to chronic fatigue syndrome, said her cancer was not im-mediately detected by her doctors “because apparently my lung was already get-ting filled with fluid, with water that’s why it’s already blurred…” “They actually took nearly two cups of blood from my lungs,” she said. Asked about the reaction of her husband Narciso, San-tiago said: “Well, my husband said: Go to the United States, and I said, are you thinking

you’re lucky. Ano ka sinswerte?” And when she told the bad news to her 91-year-old mother, the senator said her mom simply said: “Well, everyone has to go sometime…” “’I’m not afraid of cancer, there’s nothing I’m afraid of. Because what can I do? God never asked us for our opinion,” she said. Early last month, Santiago stepped down as judge of the International Criminal Court, cit-ing her precarious health condition.

DAVAO CITY — Militant lawmakers belonging to the Bayan Muna party-list doubted President Aquino’s claim of good faith behind his administration’s “inven-tion” of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). Rep. Neri Colmenares said Aquino “knew right from the start that DAP is unconstitu-tional.” “President Aquino knows that DAP, which is basically an impoundment of bud-get funds and realigning these to nonexis-tent projects, is wrong,” Colmenares said in an emailed statement to the media. He said when the President was still

senator, he filed Senate Bill 3121 “which sought to declare then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s ‘impoundment of the budget without congressional approval’ il-legal. Colmenares said Aquino might have for-gotten it when he approved DAP when he became president. “He did not ask for congressional approv-al for his DAP so he actually continued the practice of President Arroyo when he be-came president,” he said. Rep. Carlos Zarate said DAP was in fact “a form of budgetary dictatorship” and was unconstitutional.

Aquino knew DAP was illegal—Bayan Muna

How Napoles would have turned state witnessMANILA - Detained businesswoman Ja-net Lim Napoles would have had the op-portunity of becoming a state witness if the Sandiganbayan accepted prosecu-tors’ amendments to plunder charges filed against those implicated in the pork barrel scam, a lawyer said Tuesday.Atty. Marichu Lambino, one of the private prosecutors in the plunder case of former President Joseph Estrada, said proposed amendments in the pork barrel scam case would have reduced Napoles’ role from a principal accused to just being an accom-plice.

Lambino told ANC’s “Beyond Politics” that the Office of the Ombudsman should explain the intent of the proposed amend-ments on charges against senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla, and Jinggoy Estrada -- which were either rejected by the anti-graft court or were withdrawn.She said the prosecution’s proposed amendments made it appear that Napoles didn’t gain a single centavo from the pork barrel scam.Lambino said Napoles could be allowed to turn state witness if the court allowed the prosecution’s amendments.

Abad & Alcala

Abad, Alcala probed over ‘pork’ scam

MANILA — President Benigno Aquino III finally explained on Tuesday why he did not accept the nomination of Nora Aunor for Na-tional Artist for Film. In a televised interview with me-dia, Aquino cited Aunor’s drug case as the reason for her exclusion in the newest list of National Artists. Aquino believes that individuals who are proclaimed as National Artists are those who have contrib-uted greatly to the Filipino race and those who can be considered as role models. “Ang naging problema ko lang doon, alam naman nating lahat, na-convict po siya sa drugs. Na-convict at naparusahan. Ang tanong ngayon dito, kapag ginawa ba nat-ing National Artist, may mensahe ba akong maliwanag na sinasabi sa sambayanan?” Aquino asked at the sidelines of the Philippine Air Force anniversary rites in Pampanga. The President said proclaiming Aunor as a National Artist could send the wrong message that illegal drugs are accepted in the Philip-pines. “Ayaw kong magkaroon ng men-

sahe na kung minsan ay pwede yung ilegal na droga or acceptable. Dapat yung mensahe, it is always bad and illegal drugs do nobody any good,” Aquino said. “I cannot emphasize that message enough and at the same time, raise Ms. Nora Aunor as the National Art-ist,” he added.Aquino said if he accepted Aunor’s nomination, some people will also question his decision. The President said he respects the work and achievements of the Phil-ippine cinema’s “Superstar.” “Ginagalang ko siya, kinikilala ko yung kanyang trabaho at mga obra, pero ang problema ko, mukhang mas mataas ang prayoridad na mali-wanang na mensahe, yung droga, zero-tolerance tayo dito at mali all the time,” he said. Late last month, Malacañang named six outstanding Filipinos as National Artists. They are Alice Reyes for dance, Francisco Coching (posthumous) for visual arts, Cirilo Bautista for literature, Francisco Fe-liciano and Ramon Santos for music and Jose Maria Zaragoza for archi-tecture, design and allied arts.

Drug case disqualified Nora as Nat’l Artist -- Aquino

MANILA — Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would not serve as Pampanga represen-tative for 90 days pending her trial for graft over the botched NBN-ZTE deal in 2007. The resolution, penned by the Associ-ate Justice Gregory Ong of the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division, also indicates that Arroyo’s pay and benefits as congress-woman will not be granted under Repub-lic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. “Accused Ma. Gloria M. Macapagal Ar-royo is ordered suspended from office pendente lite and said accused is hereby directed to desist from performing and/or exercising the functions and duties, as well as receiving and/or enjoying the sala-ries, benefits and privileges of her present public position or any other public office [she] may now or hereafter be holding,”

the resolution said. The court also ordered Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte to enforce the suspen-sion order and notify the Sandiganbayan within five days on the action. The former president was tagged in the Philippine National Broadband Network or NBN controversy in 2007 when allega-tions of corruption arose in the awarding of $329 million construction contract to Chinese telecommunications firm ZTE for the government’s nationwide broadband project. Arroyo is under hospital arrest at the Vet-erans’ Memorial Hospital in Manila. The former president was ordered arrested on Nov. 18, 2011 on charges of electoral fraud. She was allowed to post bail in July 2012, but arrested again in October of the same year over the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office fund scam.

Sandiganbayan suspends Arroyofrom Congress

Jardeleza to Sereno: I will not be bulliedMANILA - Saying he has nothing to lose anymore at this stage in his legal career, Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza vowed to demand for a fair proceeding in his bid for the lone vacancy at the Supreme Court (SC). Jardeleza was summoned by the Judi-cial and Bar Council (JBC) on Monday to square off with Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, the council’s ex-officio chairperson, who has raised an issue on Jardeleza’s integrity. Citing a petition he filed with the high court en banc questioning Sereno’s action, and urging the high court to disallow the Chief Justice from casting her vote on the lone vacancy, Jardeleza called on the JBC to suspend the scheduled voting on Mon-day. “I will give this my all. I know how to push back. I will push back. At this point in my life, I will not be bullied. Ngayon pa!” he said. “Strong words I use, for no words can do justice to the anger I feel at the intemperate and inhuman attack made on my reputa-tion. The attach strikes at the heard of my innermost being. I am therefore entitled to mince no words in my defense,” he added.ACCUSER CANNOT BE JUDGE AT THE SAME TIME Sereno asked for an executive session to confront Jardeleza with her accusations. Her issues have not been disclosed to the public. The chief magistrate’s move came after

the conduct of public interviews and the tedious process of screening undertaken by the JBC. It also turns out that there is no formal complaint against Jardeleza. It was Sereno herself who raised an issue with his appli-cation. Jardeleza said this runs counter to the very rules of the JBC, as well as basic constitu-tional guarantees of due process and jus-tice. “First, a process that requires the accuser to file her opposition in writing and under oath. Why under solemn oath? To deter perjury, and to give the party wrongly ac-cused legal remedies to restore reputation. Because talk is cheap, this process forces the accuser to walk the talk,” he said. “Second, a process that gives the nomi-nees a period of five days to answer. It as a bedrock principle of our constitutional system that an accused is given an oppor-tunity to be heard, and a chance to prepare a meaningful defense.” “Third, a process that gives the nominee a right to cross examine his accuser... [c]ross examination will unmask bias, motive, self interest, pettiness, personal grudge, insta-bility and ill-will. Cross examination will also unmask the outright lie and the willful falsehood.” “Fourth, a process which requires that the sworn statement in writing be made of the public record, and that the cross examina-tion be conducted in public. In other words, a process that is transparent,” he said.

If you obtained an immigrant visa as single son or daughter of a Lawful

Permanent Resident or a U. S. citizen but you are actually married at the time of your entry to the U. S., you commit-ted a misrepresentation of material fact in obtaining a visa because you did not disclose your marital status at the time of the interview and/or at the time you entered the United States. Even if you are actually single at the time of the interview but you get married the day before entering the U. S. you still com-mitted a misrepresentation. Although you have a document which is your green card, your actual status is that of a person not in possession of a valid visa. An alien not in possession of a valid visa is inadmissible and deport-able. If you applied for naturalization the USCIS will likely find it out. Your naturalization application will be de-nied and you will be sent to an Immi-gration Judge for removal proceedings.

Question: Mario was petitioned by Jose, his father who is a Law-

ful Permanent Resident in 1985. His father became a U.S. citizen in 1993. Mario got married to Linda in 1988. Mario and Linda have a child born in 1989 named Cindy. In 1991, Mario was interviewed at the U. S. Embassy, Manila for an immigrant visa. He de-clared that he was single and has no child. Based on this declaration he was given a visa and entered the U. S. in 1992. Mario married Linda again in 1993 and filed an immigrant visa pe-tition for his wife and daughter. The petition was denied because the USCIS discovered his prior marriage to Linda in 1988 and he committed a misrepre-sentation of material fact by not dis-closing his marriage to Linda in 1988 and the existence of his daughter. Ma-rio received a Notice to Appear to the Immigration Court. What is Mario’s immigration status?

Answer: Mario committed a fraud or misrepresentation of material

fact in obtaining a visa at the U.S. Em-bassy. By entering the U.S. without disclosing his marriage and children is again a misrepresentation to the U.S. Immigration Officer. These two acts of misrepresentation made Mario inad-missible and deportable.

Question: What is the relief avail-able to Mario?

Answer: Mario may request the im-

migration court for a waiver of the misrepre-sentation. To avail of this waiver Ma-rio must have a parent or son or daugh-ter who is Lawful Permanent Resident or U.S. citizen.

Note: This is not a legal advice. You should seek the advice of an experi-enced immigration attorney about your circumstances. Our Law Firm has suc-cessfully represented clients who en-tered as single but actually married at the time of entry to obtain a waiver of misrepresentation.

SUCCESS STORIES

1. On June 11, 2014, we received an approval from USCIS of green card under Violence Against Women Act.2. On May 12. 2014, we received an approval from USCIS of green card under the same sex marriage law and the corresponding waiver of certain misrepresentation.3. On April 21, 2014, we received an approval of green card after the denial was appealed to the Board of Immigra-tion Appeals.4. On March 31, 2014, we received an approval of green card for a client un-der Violence Against Women Act.5. On March 25, 2014, we received an-other approval from the Immigration Court for waiver of misrepresentation for a client who entered the U.S. as single but actually married.6. On January 24, 2014, we received another approval for waiver of mis-representation from the Immigration Court for an alien who entered as sin-gle but actually married.7. On January 14, 2014, we received an approval from USCIS of a green card under law on Registry for a person who has been in the U.S. since before 1972. 8. On January 6, 2014, we received an approval of waiver of misrepresenta-tion from Immigration Judge for a cli-ent who entered as single but actually married.9. On November 21, 2013, we re-ceived an approval from USCIS for adjustment of status under SAME SEX MARRIAGE.10. On November 14, 2013, we re-ceived an approval of adjustment of status from Immigration Judge for a

client who was origi-nally denied adjust-ment by USCIS.11. On November

4, 2013, we received an approval of waiver of misrepresentation from the Immigration Judge for a client who entered the U.S. as single but actually married.12. On October 24, 2013, we received an approval by an Immigration Judge on the review of I-751 Application to Remove Condition on Residence that was previously denied by USCIS.13. On October 2, 2013, we received an approval of adjustment of status based on SAME SEX MARRIAGE.14. On June 3, 2013, we received an approval from USCIS of a petition that continued despite the death of the peti-

tioner under Public law 111-83.

Crispin Caday Lozano is an active member of the State Bar of California, the Ameri-can Immigration Lawyers Association and the National Association of Consumers Bankruptcy Attorneys. He specializes in immigration law and bankruptcy law. He earned his Juris Doctor at Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, California. He is also a Certified Public Accountant, a Real Estate Broker and a Bachelor of Business Administration Cum Laude graduate. He has offices in San Francisco, Hayward, San Jose, and Cer-ritos, California. You can contact him at 1-877-456-9266. Email questions to crispinlozano@gmail.com/. Visit our web-site at www.crispinlozanolaw.com.

Is there a relief available for those who obtained a green card as single but actually married at time of entry to the U.S.?

By Atty. Crispin C. Lozano

PAGE 7July 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014The San Francisco Post IMMIGRATION

PAGE 8July 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014 The San Francisco Post

PAF acquiring more planes, helicopters in major upgrade

CLARK, Pampanga – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is undergoing a major upgrade to regain its reputation as a modern and re-liable force. At the 67th anniversary of the PAF in this former American air base, President Be-nigno S. Aquino III vowed on Monday to modernize the capability of the country’s air power, citing the planned acquisition of more aircraft to boost border patrol capa-bilities. “Target nating bumili ng walong combat utility helicopters, dalawang long-range patrol aircraft, anim na close-air support aircraft, mga radar system, at iba pang kagamitang magpapaunlad sa inyong ka-kayahan [We intend to purchase eight com-bat utility helicopters, two long-range pa-trol aircraft, nine close-air support aircraft, radar system and other equipment that will boost your capability],” the President said during the 67th anniversary of the Air Force here. Two of the 12 FA-50 lead-in fighter train-er jets from South Korea will also be deliv-ered next year, according to the President. The delivery of these planes will be com-pleted in 2017, he added. “Sa paglapag ng sarili nating FA-50 sa ating bakuran, muli nating magagawang ipagtanggol ang ating teritoryo sa mas epe-ktibong paraan. Kaakibat ng lahat ng ito ang pagsigurong hindi kailanman mawawala ang kakayahan nating magpalipad ng mga fighter jet, at magpatupad ng nararapat na command and control structure para sa mga operasyon nito [With the arrival of our own FA-50, we can effectively protect our terri-tory. Given all these, we will never lose our capability to fly fighter jets and implement the proper command and control structure for these operations],” he said. The President recalled that the PAF used to be regarded as a modern and reliable air power until its wings were apparently clipped due to many decades of neglect. “Nakakalungkot nga pong isipin ang es-tado ng Air Force na ating dinatnan: Ang dating tinitingala bilang isa sa pinakamal-

akas na hukbong himpapawid sa Asya, tila hindi na nakaka-take-off dahil sa maram-ing dekada ng katiwalian, panlalamang, at kakulangan ng pansin [The condition of the Air Force I inherited was saddening. From an air force revered as one of the strongest air forces in Asia, it has not been able to take off due to many decades of corruption, abuse and lack of attention],” he said. Aquino noted that some pilots in the past were even forced to buy their flying suits in Dau, Pampanga, or Quiapo, Manila, since the government was not able to allocate funds. The President pledged that such neglect of the PAF would not happen during his term.He said the nation now has three C130 planes from just one a few years ago.He said 18 basic trainer aircraft, eight So-kol combat utility helicopters, 20 MD-520 MG helicopters, and four 21 UH-1 helicop-ters have already been acquired. He said he expects the 17 new UH-1 helicopters to be delivered this year. The President hailed the Air Force for its dedication and service to the people, par-ticularly during the Zamboanga crisis, de-spite challenges. Aquino particularly cited the men and women of the Air Force for their profes-sionalism and courage to protect and de-fend the nation. “Sampu ng sambayanan, narito ako upang ipaabot ang pasasalamat sa inyong di-matatawarang serbisyo sa Pilipino. Si-nasabi ko po sa inyong lahat: Keep it up, PAF,” he said. Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, Air Force commanding general, took pride in PAF’s capability and the gains made by his command. With the theme “PAF at 67: Soaring high for peace, freedom, and development,” Delgado also said that PAF shall continue to uphold peace and freedom no matter how tough or frequent the challenge may be. This, amid simmering tension in the West Philippine Sea due to territorial dis-putes with China.

PAGE 9July 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014

The San Francisco Post

PAGE 10July 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014 The San Francisco PostHEALTH & FITNESS

We all do it! Constantly, looking for that magic number to go down on the scale.

You eat right and train consistently but the number on the scale still won’t budge. You get frustrated and lose motivation. Is this you? Don’t worry your not the only one that is a slave on the scale. What you need to do is get rid of that scale and focus on the image you see in the mirror. That is your biggest indicator regarding your progress!

Here are 5 things you should consider why the scale sometimes lie:1. Increase in blood - as you exercise consis-tently, your body will produce more blood into your system. The blood vessels in your muscles dilate and the blood flow is greater. More blood volume means an increase in weight.2. Water - our body is made up of over 60% water. Your weight will fluctuate on a daily ba-sis depending on the amount of water in your body. You either retain too much water or your dehydrated.3. Salt - do you monitor your sodium intake? You pay attention to your caloric intake but disregard to the amount of sodium you take in. According to a Harvard study, a person should take in about 1500 mg a day. Even less, as you grow older. The more sodium you take in, your body will retain more water.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2009/No-vember/sodium-salt-and-you

4. I love carbs - you just had a treat meal. A bowl of pasta and a doughnut or 2 or 3. lol! Do you turn into a Pillsbury dough boy the next day? Well, that’s the extra glycogen in your body. Extra carbs means an increase in weight.5.#2 - Do you go everyday? I know its disgust-ing but it plays a great deal with regards to your fluctuating body weight. That’s why its impor-tant that you take in the daily allowance of fiber. You need to flush it out of your system. So, don’t get frustrated why the scale has not gone down. Stick to eating right and exercise regularly. Remember, weight loss is just a by product of healthy and fit lifestyle. Don’t be a slave to that scale!

About the contributor:John Pangan is a Certified Personal Trainer, Champion Natu-ral Bodybuilder and the co-found-er of Bfitandlive website. For more diet and ex-cercise tips, email john@bfitandlive.com. Download the bFitandLive Freebook at www.bfitfreebook.com.

Drink up! Water that is

While Obama was one of the last to acknowledge that immigration legislation was going nowhere this year, the collapse of perhaps his big-gest second-term priority represented a low point for him. For more than a year, White House officials have held out hope that House Republicans would pass an overhaul of immigra-tion laws, driven by pressure from business interests and a political de-sire to win Latino votes.But GOP leaders blame Obama for failing to adequately protect the bor-der and for using executive authority to circumvent Congress — a com-plaint exacerbated Monday by his decision to go it alone on immigra-tion. Boehner has announced plans to sue Obama over his use of executive actions, and the Supreme Court ruled last week that the president acted unconstitutionally by appointing sev-eral high-level aides without Senate approval.“Speaker Boehner told the president exactly what he has been telling him: The American people and their elect-ed officials don’t trust him to enforce the law as written,” said Boehner spokesman Michael Steel. “Until that changes, it is going to be difficult to make progress on this issue.”Obama is likely to face intense pres-sure from immigration activists who believe the president has waited far too long to take executive action to slow deportations. Seeking to blunt that pressure, the president on Mon-day spent an hour with a group of about 20 leading advocates to discuss

options.“He made it sound like it will be one set

of executive actions and it will come soon. That’s music to our ears,” said Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice, who attended the meeting. “He steered clear of details but spoke convincingly enough. He basically said, ‘I will not be able to do all of what you think I should do,’ but he also made it clear he’s not playing small ball.”Obama had delayed an internal re-view of deportation enforcement policies at the Department of Home-land Security until the end of summer in hopes that the House GOP would move forward on comprehensive im-migration legislation.

The president’s review probably will focus on how far the administration can go in expanding a 2012 program focused on immigrants brought to the United States as children, which has allowed more than 500,000 undocu-mented people to live and work in the country.Advocates have called on Obama to expand the program to cover more of the nation’s estimated 11 million to 12 million undocumented immi-grants. United We Dream — an or-ganization of young undocumented immigrants known as “dreamers” — has urged Obama to offer admin-istrative relief to the undocumented parents of “dreamers” and U.S. citi-zens, which could total up to 5 mil-lion people.“Part of me says it’s about time,” Lo-rella Praeli, director of advocacy and

policy for the group. “We’re excited. We’ve been ready for this stage of the campaign for a long time. Noth-ing changes for us. We’ve been push-ing this administration to go big and to lead our community and to deliver on some of the promises that were made long ago.”At the same time, the president was careful to frame any actions he might take as being aimed at better secur-ing the border. The administration informed Congress on Monday that it intends to request more than $2 bil-lion to stem an influx of women and children from Central America that has overwhelmed border patrol sta-tions in Texas.More than 52,000 unaccompanied children and 39,000 women with children have been apprehended at the border this year — a significant increase from previous years. Most of them have come from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Republi-cans say weak enforcement has con-tributed to the problem.The administration also is prepar-ing to ask Congress for statutory authority to more quickly deport the children. That decision has alarmed human rights advocates who say they are at risk of being returned to dan-gerous communities.During a conference call earlier Monday, some advocates said they would not accept a policy in which the White House toughens its stance on the children at the border while providing enforcement relief for adults who have lived in the country for a long time.

(Cont. from page 1... OBAMA SLAMS)took a cue from the World Cup craze and handed his Republican col-leagues a “red card” — used in soc-cer to signal a player’s ejection — as he declared any chance of compro-mise over for the year.“You’re done, you’re done, leave the field,” Mr. Gutiérrez said. “Too many flagrant offenses and unfair attacks and too little action. You are out. Hit the showers. It’s the red card.” On the Republican side, Represen-tative Robert W. Goodlatte of Virgin-ia offered a similarly bleak assess-ment and twice called the chances of pushing immigration legislation through Congress this year “exceed-ingly difficult.”At a breakfast for reporters on Thurs-day organized by The Christian Sci-ence Monitor, Mr. Goodlatte, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, called for “enforce-ment of the law first,” and said the Republican-controlled House, which has long rejected the Senate bill in favor of a step-by-step approach, did not trust Mr. Obama to enforce the existing immigration laws.“Until the president shows leader-ship on enforcement, it is very dif-ficult to bring the parties together to talk about passing laws,” Mr. Good-latte said. “We’re not going to be able to get to addressing immigration issues when the president is both act-ing unilaterally and failing to enforce the law.”Many Republicans and Tea Par-ty groups were outraged by Mr. Obama’s 2012 decision to use his executive authority to halt the depor-tation of young immigrants brought to the country illegally as children, as well as his State of the Union

promise this past January to use his “pen and phone” to counter congressional inaction.

In a sign of the growing distrust, Speaker John A. Boehner on Wednesday declared his plans to in-troduce legislation next month that would allow the House to sue the President over his use of executive actions.The recent flood of tens of thousands of unaccompanied children from Central America to the Mexico-Texas border has also strained rela-tions across the aisle. Democrats point to the crisis as another reason to act on immigration immediately; Republicans say the surge of minors is another byproduct of Mr. Obama’s failure to enforce the law. “Speaker Boehner supports efforts to fix our broken immigration system, particularly in light of the humanitar-ian crisis at our southern border, but it’s tough to make progress when the American people simply don’t trust President Obama to enforce the law as written,” said Michael Steel, a Boehner spokesman.The surprise loss of Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia, the House majority leader, to a Tea Party chal-lenger in a primary this month has further discouraged House Republi-cans from moving on an immigration deal before the midterm elections in November. Mr. Cantor’s challenger, David Brat, ran on an anti-immigra-tion platform.Nonetheless, Democratic leaders from both the Senate and House held out a sliver of hope in a news conference Thursday that they could pressure House Republicans into bringing some immigration legisla-tion to the floor for a vote before the monthlong August recess.“We demand, we plead, we ask on behalf of the overwhelming majority

of the American people, bring this comprehensive immigration bill to the floor, and do it now,” said Rep-resentative Steny H. Hoyer of Mary-land, the Democratic whip.But Democrats as well as immigra-tion advocates also made clear that if immigration overhaul dies in Congress this year, they believe the blame falls squarely on their Repub-lican colleagues.“We think the chances of immigra-tion reform moving in this Congress are virtually nil and the next chance we’ll have to revisit this issue is in 2017,” said Frank Sharry, the execu-tive director of Åmerica’s Voice, a pro-immigration group. He added that the group was stepping up ef-forts to persuade Mr. Obama to stop at least some deportations through his executive authority.He, like other immigration activ-ists, predicted that Republicans would face long-term political con-sequences: “This is going to be one of the factors that is going to lead to an electoral tsunami in 2016 that will not only help Demo-crats take the White House and the Senate, but to also to have a shot at retaking the House,” Mr. Sharry said.Inside the White House, officials are divided on whether to aban-don efforts for passage of an im-migration overhaul or continue to have Mr. Obama pressure Repub-licans in the House to take up the issue this summer.Many others believe that Repub-licans are not going to budge. Some are urging the president to act unilaterally to reduce those deportations that are breaking up families who have been in this country for years.

(Cont. from page 1... BLEAK )

Melasma, age spots, brown spots ,freckles, lentigenes,

these are some of the pigmentation that can be found in our skin. Our skin gets color from a pigment called melanin. Specials cells in the skin called melanocytes makes melanin. When these cells becomes damaged or becomes unhealthy, it affects the melanin production. Some pigmentation affect just patches of skin or even the entire body. If your body makes a little of melanin, your skin gets lighter , one of the example is people with vitiligo. Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of light skin. If it’s not treated, it can spread on the entire body. If you body makes too much mel-anin, your skin gets darker. Preg-nancy, Menopause, Addison’s dis-ease, women who are taking birth control pills, thyroid problems and sun exposure are all susceptible to develop hyperpigmentation. One of the example of hyperpigmenta-tion is MELASMA. Melasma is thought to be the stimulation of melanocytes or pigment producing cells by the female sex hormones called estro-gen and progesterone to produce more melanin pigments when ex-posed to the sun. The symptoms of melasma are dark, irregular, well demarcated hyperpigmented mac-ules to patches commonly found

on the nose, upper cheek, lips, up-per lip and forehead. Women with a light brown skin who are living in regions with intense sun expo-sure are particularly susceptible to develop this condition.

Treatment of Melasma There are certain treatments that can help lighten hyperpigmenta-tion:- By using topical depigmenting agents such as hydroquinone and tretinoin - Series of Chemical peels- Using azelaic acid- Laser and IPL- Dermabrasion (light to deep) ex-foliation- Bioroller treatments- Antioxidant treatments such as glutathione treatments

IN ALL THESE TREATMENTS, it is always best to consult a SKIN CARE SPECIALIST in order to determine which treatment is right for you. Do not try to experiment at home because it might just ag-gravate the condition. A thorough analysis should be done in order to determine which type of pig-mentation and what treatment will be used to lighten the pigmenta-tion. A combination of treatment is sometimes recommended to achieve the best result. At Flawless Faces Skin Care, we offer free consultation using

our advanced technology skin analyzer that would determine any blemishes or any skin problems from the outer layer of the skin up to the dermis.- The effects of the treatments are gradual and strict avoidance of sunlight is recommended.. The use of Sunscreen is a must to prevent any further pigmentation. Apply-ing a medical prescription strength SPF30 or above every 2 hours is best to minimize pigmentation on the skin.

About the contributor: Abby Odiamar-Paclibar BSPT,LE is the CEO and Licensed Medical Esthetician Wound Care Special-ist. Visit her at FLAWLESS SKIN CARE. Check her website at flaw-lessfacesspa.com.

MELASMA, AGE SPOTS ---WHAT CAN WE DO???

told reporters. Bayan, together with other groups

trooped, to the Supreme Court Tuesday morning to await the Supreme Court’s announcement on whether DAP is ille-gal or not. Bayan is one of the petition-ers in this case. Kabataan partylist said the high court’s ruling on DAP “is a solid ground for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust, both of which are impeachable offense.” The Scrap Pork Network through lawyer Argee Guevarra said Malaca-ñang’s silence on the high court’s DAP ruling is a sign of guilt. “The Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling on DAP is consistent with its declaration of the unconstitutionality of PDAF (Priority Development As-sistance Fund) and should be consid-ered a milestone in the fight against the pork barrel system,” Guevarra said. “The Palace ‘no comment’ on this de-velopment should be considered by the public as a tacit admission of guilt over the President’s and DBM (Department of Budget and Management) Secretary Abad’s involvement in government’s novel mechanism for malversation to generate funds to bribe senators during the impeachment of Chief Justice [Re-nato] Corona,” he added.

(Cont. from page 1... GROUPS WANT)

AROUND TOWN PAGE 11July 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014The San Francisco Post

San Francisco, Calif.—Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) received a grade of “A-” for its 2013 supplier diversity efforts from The Greenlining Institute. The grade, recently released in the organization’s 2014 Supplier Diversity Report Card, is the highest the utility has received from the Berkeley, Calif.-based policy, research, organizing and leadership group that works for racial and economic justice. “We’re proud to receive this recognition from The Greenlining Insti-tute,” said PG&E President Chris Johns. “Our supplier diversity program reflects our customer base, which is one of the most diverse in the na-tion. We’ve developed partnerships that have allowed many businesses to grow, hire and strengthen California’s economy. Those relationships have helped us to better serve our customers and improve the safety, reli-ability and affordability of the gas and electricity we deliver.” In its report card, Greenlining commended the utility for “improv-ing from last year (“B+” in 2012) and increasing its contract spending in every category.” The institute also said, “Overall, PG&E’s absolute Minority Business Enterprise contracting dollar spending (a record $1.5 billion) continues to impress us.” The organization commended PG&E’s efforts in spending with Afri-can American enterprises (7.87 percent, “A-”). Greenlining also recog-nized PG&E’s spending with Native American enterprises (3.32 percent, “A+”) for surpassing the group’s percentage of California’s population. The utility was also acknowledged for the 7.75 percent spend with wom-an-owned businesses as it “surpassed our previous high-water mark for this category.” Greenlining’s report card scored 12 companies on their supplier diver-

sity performance in California. PG&E’s grade placed the utility within the top five. Greenlining used three criteria in grading the companies: 1. Progress from previous years as demonstrated through percentage spent on diverse contracts;2.Performance in relation to industry peers;3. Progress relative to the California Public Utilities Commission’s over-all goals of 15 percent of procurement from minority-owned businesses, five percent from woman-owned businesses and 1.5 percent from dis-abled veteran-owned businesses. PG&E has been committed to supporting a diverse supply chain for more than three decades. The company has developed one of the state’s leading supplier diversity programs, which has resulted in an 11-year trend of consecutive year-over-year growth in diverse spending. In 2013, PG&E spent $2.3 bil-lion with diverse suppliers, ac-counting for 42.1 percent of its total procurement budget and an increase of $265.2 million from 2012. PG&E’s Supplier Diversity program has received additional honors in 2014:· On May 21, PG&E Director of Supplier Diversity and Sustain-ability Joan Kerr received the

first Corporate Trailblazer Award from the National Minority Supplier Development Council.·In April, PG&E was named as the top utility in the nation for diversity by DiversityInc.· In March, PG&E was selected as one of 2014’s “Top-50 Organiza-tions for Multicultural Business Opportunities” by DiversityBusiness.com. The company also made the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council’s 2013 list of “America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Busi-ness Enterprises.” PG&E’s Supplier Diversity website contains more information about the program. The site also provides details on how to become a certified diverse supplier.

PG&E GETS HIGH MARK FOR SUPPLIER DIVERSITY IN GREENLINING INSTITUTE REPORT CARD

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VIOLINIST PAR EXCELLENCE. Renowned Violinist Savannah, daugther of Rommel and Jennifer San Pedro performed at the UC Davis Countdown to the Centennial shared her talents at the San Jose INC function hall and wowed the crowed. Hre she is flanked by Len Casino of Arbor Dental Group, Thelma & Don Orozco, proud grandparents Santi & Lita San Pedro of Stockton, mom Jennifer and violinist Savannah.

MILESTONE. Mayor Chuck Reed and Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen of the City San Jose, capital of the Silicon Valley together with the entire city council presented a Plaque of Commendation to the Iglesia Ni Cristo of San Jose. The INC was represented by their Resident Minister Brother Noel Gasmen, who received the award together with fellow minister Brother IC Cruz and Head Deacons Brother Brian Avery, Brother Nar Adriano and Brother Abe Gorgonio. Not in photo are Henry Lubong and JB Baltazar who were also there to witness the event.

MY SISTER’S CAFE staff and president Darrel Woo behind the counter.

With ex-actly a

month to go before the Igle-sia Ni Cristo’s (Church of Christ) Cen-tennial Cel-ebration on July 27, 2014, let us all look back at the prepara t ions made by mem-

bers of the Church in anticipation of their 100 years. The INC Centennial celebra-tion is something that members from all over the world have widely anticipated. First and foremost to their minds is the glorification of the creator, Our Father in heaven. At the forefront of their celebration is their Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V Manalo. He has lined up celebrations from all over the world that dates back to last year or 1 whole year of celebration and praises to our Father in heaven. The Centennial celebration was ob-served by at least 2 ecclesiastical district of the church who currently comprises more than 100. The celebration kicked off in Cebu City, Philippines simultane-ously with Eastern Canada last July of 2013. This was followed by Districts from Batangas, Philippines and Southern Midwest in the United States in August 2013. September 2013 brought the cel-

ebration to the Province of Quezon, Phil-ippines and in the Northern Midwest. By October 2013, the celebration moved to the District of Pangasinan to-gether with the District of Southern Eu-rope. November was at Bataan Province, Philippines and Northern Europe while in December of 2013 was held at Bulacan, Philippines and Southeastern Seaboard. The year 2014 saw it at the Province of Cavite, Philippines and Northeastern Seaboard and then the following month February was held at Zambales, Philip-pines and Australia-Oceania. For the month of March it shifted to Nueva Ecija, Philippines and Pacific Northwest while April was held in the District of Laguna, Philippines and in Hawaii-Pacific. In May 2014 Countdown to the Centennial was held at Tarlac, Philippines and in Southern California. The final leg of the celebration was held in Pampanga, Philippines and in the Dis-trict of Northern California at University of California Davis Campus. For July, the celebration will now focus entirely in the Philippines and will be for the in-auguration of the Philippine Arena. The Philippine Arena was built by the Iglesia NI Cristo and is regarded as the biggest domed arena in the world with a seating capacity of about 55,000. For members of the Iglesia NI Cristo all of this due to the tireless efforts of the Church Administration led by Brother Eduardo V Manalo all for the Glory of God.

Looking Back: INC’s Centennial Celebration

LET’S HAVE COFFEEBy

Don Augusto Orozco

The acts declared as unconstitu-tional were:a. The withdrawal of unobligated allotments from implementing agencies, and the declaration of the withdrawn unobligated allot-ments and unreleased appropria-tions as savings prior to the end of the fiscal year and without complying with the statutory definition of savings contained in the General Appropriations Acts.b. The cross-border transfers of savings of the Executive to aug-ment the appropriations of other offices outside the executive.c. The funding of projects, activi-ties and programs that were not covered by any appropriationin the General Appropriations Act.“The court further declares void the use of unprogrammed funds despite the absence of a certifica-

tion by the Na-t i o n a l

Treasurer that the revenue col-lections exceeded the revenue targets for non-compliance with the conditions provided in the relevant General Appropriations Acts,” read the dispositive rul-ing of the High Court, which was penned by SC Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin.In a press conference, SC Spokes-man Theodore Te said the magis-trates held that the respondents led by President Aquino violated Section 25 (5) Article VI of the Constitution and the doctrine of separation of powers in imple-menting DAP, National Budget Circular No. 541 and other re-lated issuances. Article VI, Section 25 (5) of the Constitution authorizes the Presi-dent and heads of other branches

of government and constitutional commissions to augment any item in GAA for their respec-tive offices from savings in other items of their respective appro-priations. Te said Associate Justice Pres-bitero Velasco Jr., who is on of-ficial leave, left his vote on the issue with Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno. Only SC Asso-ciate Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro inhibited from the case. “Subject to the views expressed by some justices in their sepa-rate opinions, the Court en banc voting unanimously…partially granted the petitions for certiorari and prohibition challenging the Disbrusement Acceleration Pro-gram…,” Te said. Sen. Miriam Defensor Santia-go praised the SC decision and stressed that such a ruling is “ba-sically a no brainer.”

(Cont. from page 1... UNCONSTITUTIONAL)

PAGE 12July 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014 SPORTS The San Francisco Post

NOT yet a household name in his mother’s home country, Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson made waves after being selected in the National Basketball Association Draft on Friday.The 22-year-old Clarkson, whose mother is a Filipina, was selected 46th overall in the draft by the Los

Angeles Lakers after the storied franchise purchased the pick from the Washington Wizards for under $2 Million.The 6’5” Clarkson was a standout at Missouri, where he averaged 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season for the squad as a junior.A native of San Antonio and a second team All-SEC selection the past year, Clarkson got the nod of the Lakers as he reportedly had good workouts with them the past few weeks. He will now join the rebuilding squad after follow-ing the path of No. 7 pick Julius Randle.Should Clarkson break into the Lakers’ line-up, he will be added to the team’s backcourt, which is composed of superstar Kobe Bry-ant and aging Steve Nash.The capable combo-guard became the third Filipino-American in the history of the NBA Draft to be selected following Raymond

Townsend and Ricardo Brown’s selections in the late 1970s.Townsend was picked in the 1978 Draft 22nd overall by Golden State. He played in the league for three seasons with the Warriors and with the Pacers with a career average of 4.8 points per game. Brown was selected 59th overall

by Houston the next year in 1979 but was unable to crack an NBA roster.The 6’5” C l a r k s o n p o s s e s s e s nice size for a point guard. He was consid-ered as one of the top guards in the United States at getting to the basket and finish-ing in the

last collegiate season. He also has a 6’8’’ wingspan that will prove advantageous at his position.The good news for Clarkson is that he has a good chance of making the roster of the Lakers as a reserve guard capable of playing multiple positions. The Lakers obviously have tons of holes to fill in their line-up, especially at the backcourt with Nash’s age and with the free agency of Jordan Farmar.Initially, Clarkson was expected to be drafted late in the first round by scouts and analysts before his stock dropped.With the addition of a power play-er in Randle and a capable spitfire in Clarkson, the Lakers had a good night in the Draft. Clarkson has been compared to Philadelphia Sixers’ rising star Michael Carter-Williams for his shiftiness and versatility at playing both guard positions. That makes him one of the most intriguing picks in the Draft.

FilAm player headed to Lakers

Missouri standout Jordan Clarkson (right) is the third Fil-Am to be drafted in the NBA following Raymond Townsend in 1978 and/ Ricardo Brown the following year. Should Clark-son break into the Lakers’ line-up, he will be added to the team’s backcourt, which is composed of superstar Kobe Bry-ant (left) and aging Steve Nash.

RETIREMENT

So’s chances of winning Edmonton crown dimGrandmaster Wesley So could only muster a draw in the penulti-mate round of Edmonton Chess Festival in Edmonton, Alberta, diminishing his chances of win-ning the title in his first attempt.So drew against GM Irina Krush of the US in 80 moves of an English Opening. So has 6.5 points, while Krush has 3.5.In solo lead is GM Vassily Ivanchuk with 7 points. The Ukrainian smashed IM Richard Wang of Canada in 33 moves of an Old Benoni. Another round 8 winner was American GM Samuel Shank-land who dismantled IM Raja Panjwani of Canada in 49 moves of a Sicilian Maroczy Bind. The American has 5.5 points, while Panjwani has 4.5 points.

So can still take the title if he wins

over FM Dale Haessel of Canada in the last round, and Ivanchuk loses

to Shankland. So and Ivanchuk will then finish with 7.5 points each. The winner will then be settled through a tie break. GM Anton Kovalyov of Can ada crushed his compatriot FM Vladimir Pechenkin in 48 moves of Dutch System. Kovalyov has now 4.5 points, while Pechenkin remains at 3 points. The game between Canadians FM Dale Haessel and FM-elect Alex Yam ended in a draw af-ter 23 moves of Dutch System. Haessel has 1 point, while has 1.5 points. Other pairings in the last round are Panjwani vs. Kovalyov, Yam vs. Wang, and Pechenkin

vs. Krush.

MANILA -- Even at age 62, Eugene Torre remains a livewire foe.The victory gave Torre a check of P100,000 and a strong chance of being named to the Philippine team to the World Chess Olympiad that will be played in Tromso, Norway, in August.The National Chess Federation of the Philippine staged the event as a way to determine who deserves playing in the Olympiad. Super-GM Wesley So and two others are already secured of their spots and the NCFP says two more will be named soon.The stint of So under the Philippine banner remains in doubt since he has been very vocal against the current leadership but NCFP of-

ficials is leaving the door open for the world No. 15 to lead the Philippine team.A veteran of 21 Olympiad stints stretching back to the 1970s, Torre wound up earning 23 points, half a point better than fellow GM John Paul Gomez with 22.5. Placing third was Bersamina with 19.5 and sharing fourth to seventh with identical 18 were GMs Darwin Laylo and Joey Antonio, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia and woman IM Janelle Mae Frayna.GM Rogelio Barcenilla ended up with 16.5, while GM Richard Bitoon and IM Oliver Dimakiling finished with 15 apiece in the 11-round affair.

Torre boosts Olympic bid with victory

If you believe in going all the way or not going at all, there’s a day to celebrate

your extreme ways. July 26 is All or Noth-ing Day. Not a day for the undecided, All or Nothing Day is dedicated to the idea of making decisions and plunging in. Wheth-er it’s overcoming an agonizing fear, try-ing something you’ve always wanted to try, or making a big decision and seeing it through, All or Nothing Day is your chance to make it happen. All or Nothing Day is a great day to think about your retirement—whether it’s right in front of you or looming on the horizon. When is the right time for you to retire? Choosing when to retire is an important decision, but it’s also a personal choice and one you should carefully consider. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Social Se-curity offers a list of factors to consider in the publication, When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits, available at www.so-cialsecurity.gov/pubs. If you’re a young or middle-aged worker, you still have time to ponder that decision. But don’t wait to begin saving for your re-tirement. Start saving now and go in all the way. The more you save, the more comfort-able your retirement can be. And remem-ber, Social Security retirement benefits were not intended to be your sole source of retirement income and planning early will make for a comfortable retirement. Social Security provides two top-rated online tools to help you plan for your re-tirement. First is the Retirement Estima-tor, which gives you immediate and per-sonalized retirement benefit estimates. The Retirement Estimator is convenient and secure, and lets you create “what if” sce-narios. For instance, you can change your “stop work” dates or expected future earn-ings to create and compare different retire-ment options. If you have a few minutes, you have time to check it out at www.so-

cialsecurity.gov/estimator. Another great tool is your own my Social Security account. Here you can get instant estimates of your future benefits and verify that your earnings history is correct with your own, free my Social Security account. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and join the millions of people who have already created their accounts to help plan for retirement. You can get Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but if you retire before your full retirement age (currently age 66, but gradually increasing to age 67), your benefits will be reduced, based on your age. If you retire at age 62, your ben-efit would be about 25 percent lower than what it would be if you waited until you reach full retirement age. Find out your full retirement age by using our Retirement Age Calculator at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ageincrease.htm. You may choose to keep working even beyond your full retire-ment age. If you do, you can increase your future Social Security benefits—up until age 70. There is one more way that choosing to keep working can increase your benefits. If you receive benefits, and if your latest year of earnings turns out to be one of your highest years, we refigure your benefit and pay you any increase due. For example, in December 2014, you should get an in-crease for your 2013 earnings if those earnings raised your benefit. The increase would be retroactive to January 2014. Applying for Social Security retirement doesn’t have to be an “all or nothing” de-cision. Whether you want to retire at age 62, your full retirement age, or even later, you can apply when you feel like it. When you’re ready to take that plunge, you can apply online for retirement benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov.

RETIREMENT IS A BIG DECISION

Finals MVP Leonard, Lowry to visit PH, face GilasMANILA — More NBA stars are to fly in for the “Gilas Last Home Stand” set on July 22-23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, as announced by business tycoon Manny V. Pang-ilinan Tuesday morning. Newly-minted Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors’ chief playmak-er Kyle Lowry lead the second batch of basketball stars brought in to give Gilas Pilipinas a tough tuneup before

the 2014 Fiba World Cup in Spain.“Excited to greet the 1st of July [with] news that Nick Johnson, Kyle Lowry, & FINALS MVP Kawhi Leonard joining us for PLDT’s #Gi-lasLastHOMEStand,” Pangilinan posted on his Twitter account. The 23-year-old Leonard, versatile guard Lowry and Houston Rock-ets reserve Nick Johnson will join Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Grif-fin, Portland Trailblazers’ Damian

Lillard, Brooklyn Nets’ Paul Pierce and Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan in one team coached by former pro John Lucas. Leonard led the well-oiled Spurs to the championship recently that end-ed the Miami Heat’s two-year reign while Lowry, along with DeRozan, steered the Raptors into the second round of the playoffs.

by Rob PepperSocial Security Bay Area Public Affairs Specialist

PAGE 13July 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014The San Francisco Post SHOWBIZ

Kris on Bistek: I truly loved him“TRUE love graciously lets go.”This was TV host Kris Aquino’s message as she fi-nally opened up about her failed relationship with Quezon City Mayor Her-bert Bautista. Speaking on “The Buzz” on Sunday, Aquino admit-ted she got hurt when she watched Bautista’s “Ban-dila” interview where he admitted that he no longer wants to get back with her. Bautista was placed on the hot seat in Bandila’s “Yes or No” segment last June 6 regarding the real story behind his relationship with Aquino. He was asked a series of questions on the topic, and why the relationship abruptly came to an end last April.Baustista was first grilled on whether the two were ever in a relationship. He quickly answered yes but was clearly taken aback when host Karen Davila followed up with: “Mahal mo ba si Kris Aquino?” The mayor tried to dodge the question, saying he will let the segment’s allotted time to run out before

answering yes or no. But after seeing that the hosts were adamant for an answer, Bautista replied: “Oo.”

The former actor was then prodded further on whether he would like to get back together with the actress or if he would ever court Aquino again, to which he answered “no” to both. On Sunday, Aquino said she “tried to keep quiet” about the issue -- a difficult task consider-ing that she has two daily talk shows, “Kris TV” and “Aquino & Abunda Tonight,” plus “The Buzz” on Sundays. “Ironic nga na siya naman ang unang nagsalita when ako ‘yung expected ng lahat na

mag-overshare,” Aquino noted. “I did keep quiet for one very human reason. I got hurt for that very same reason because I truly loved him.” “In a perfect world, the love you give the person you love will be the same type of love that he will give you. At magiging tama ang timing niyong dalawa na lahat ng mga mahal niyo, lahat ng mga taong mahala-ga at may responsibilidad kayo sa kanila, handa na rin silang intindihin kayo,” she added.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and TV host Kris Aquino.

Rhian focused on acting and racingMANILA - Rhian Ramos has no qualms about getting deglamorized to make her portrayal of her role in the latest GMA 7 primetime series My Destiny as real as real can be. In My Destiny, the Kapuso actress plays Joy dela Rosa, the bubbly, younger sister of Grace (played by Carla Abellana) whose dreams of becoming a beau-ty queen are cut short when she is diagnosed with leukemia. Grace is willing to give Joy whatever it is that will make her comfortable and happy. They meet Lucas (Tom Rodriguez) in two separate occasions and both excitedly con-fide in each other about the guy who makes their hearts beat faster, not knowing that they are talking about the same man. “It’s not even a question of accepting (the project),” says Rhian on portraying a termi-nally-ill character. “I’ve been asking for a role where I would have to be deglamorized and look different, which will happen in the middle of the show.” Right after her last acting appearance in Gen-esis last December, Rhian recalls asking for a role whose storyline doesn’t mainly revolve around a guy. “We love our love stories, yes…but this one (in My Destiny), I’m really taking

my role seriously because I’ve noticed, every time I see a show, the way it’s being done here, everything is glamorous, no matter what.”She cites as an example the glaring mistake of

being “all made-up” even if it’s uncalled for in a scene. “Parang, oh nasagasaan ng kotse si gan-yan…tapos pag-tingin mo, naka-(eye)lashes.” That’s why upon accepting the project, the first thing she re-quested was her character’s look because, “I want it to look the way Hollywood does it, you know, when they have the role, they be-come the person — ‘yung tipong nagpapapayat or nag-iiba talaga depending on the role. And I think this country needs that, too. We deserve that kind of effort put into our own entertainment.”

As part of her preparation for her role, Rhian took time out to know more about the illness through her best friend who got leukemia. “We talked about it, basically I asked him things, the thoughts that had gone through his mind, how he felt at certain times and at certain stages. And whenever I am with direk Joyce (Bernal) and my acting coach Jay, we do nothing but talk about my character and really dig deep.” This is the third time for direk Joyce and Rhi-an to be working together after doing Stairway to Heaven and Genesis. The latter shares that they have a harmonious working relationship on the set, especially with her “family” in the story. Lorna Tolentino and Al Tantay play her and Carla’s parents.

Rhian Ramos

Julia Barretto: 90 percent Marjorie; 10 percent Dennis

Julia Barretto may be mum on the issue involving her change of name from Baldivia (her father Den-nis Padilla’s surname) to Barretto. But the Yahoo Celebrity Awards 2014 Emerging Female Star nominee is clear about which side of the family exerts a stronger influence on her. “I’m 10 percent my dad sa pagka-kulit, pagka-sporty at (pagiging) boyish. I’m 90 percent my mom (Mar-jorie Barretto),” Julia said on board the Yahoo bus parked near the “ASAP” studio last Sunday, June 29. That 10 percent may be small. But that doesn’t mean Julia doesn’t appre-ciate the bits of advice her dad gave her, especially when she was a tween who needed his presence in her photo shoots as a budding commercial endorser. Julia remembers Dad teaching her to “take care of people who love you and the fans who support you and your dreams.” She would also advise her young fans to love their dad because “he’s gonna protect you from all the boys out there and treat you like a princess.”

A dad, she adds, is someone you can feel safe with, recalling the time when Dennis made her feel better after he protected her from an accident she figured

in. But mom is different. Ju-lia describes Marjorie as her best friend, someone she can bare her soul to. “I can say anything to her. There are times when I am really sad. I need not say anything when I see her. She listens to me without judgment.”Julia singles Marjorie out as her source of strength when the going gets tough. “I draw strength from my family, especially my mom, and my fans.”Marjorie must be proud. Dennis has yet to say his piece, though. Their daughter knows people – especially bashers – will judge her. But Julia woild rather think positive.“Bashers are normal in the business. You just don’t mind them because these are people who distract you from doing your best.” Such fighting words is the

trademark of a Barretto – which is what Julia, as she herself admits, is, deep down inside of her.

Julia Barretto

ACTRESS KC Concepcion continued to be eva-sive about the real score between her and Paulo Avelino even after a pic-ture of them together in Baguio City last week made the rounds online.Last Friday, “The Buzz” caught up with the ac-tress, who just came from a meeting of her upcom-ing show which will soon be aired on ABS-CBN.Still excited about her new project, Concepcion generously granted “The Buzz” an interview where she talked about her up-coming show.“I am proud to say that yes, malapit niyo na akong makita sa ABS-CBN and meron akong future show na tinatrabaho ngayon,” she said.Concepcion, however, was not able to escape questions about her love life when asked if her new project is the sole reason why she returned to

the Philippines.“For now kasi work ang priority ko. Work hard,

play hard,” she said.Concepcion has been staying in New York City where she is taking up an acting course. The long distance was one of the factors cited by Avelino in a past interview affecting their “relationship.”“Kasi excited ako sa bago kong show. Parang kailangan humi-nahon muna siya (her love life) and magfo-focus muna ako ulit sa show na gagawin ko,” she said.Two weeks ago, Avelino said on national television that his special relationship with Con-cepcion hasn’t taken off but is definitely not yet over.

Avelino first admitted dating Concepcion in No-vember last year, weeks after he confirmed his sep-aration from former girlfriend, actress LJ Reyes, with whom he has a son.

KC, Paulo spotted together in Baguio

Claudine, Raymart all smiles in family photoThe photos appeared to be taken during Sabina’s belated 10th birthday celebra-tion. She even tagged Santiago in one of her posts. The estranged couple, who have recently figured in a bit-ter separation, have reached an agreement on the custody of their children after a hearing be-fore the Marikina Regional Trial Court. Barretto has accused Santiago of domestic abuse. Santiago, meanwhile, has claimed that

Barretto used drugs and was mentally ill. Barretto and Santiago got married twice, once in 2004 in a civil rite held in Isabela and another one in a Christian cer-emony held in Tagaytay City on March 27, 2006. The two separated in 2013, but rumors of their split have started circulating since 2011. In May, Barretto claimed dur-ing a television interview that her marriage with Santiago was “fake.”Raymart & Claudine

Paolo Avelino and KC Concepcion

Batangas Governor Vilma Santos on Tues-day laughed off the flak she got from the Instagram followers of Kris Aquino for what the critics deemed a grammatically-flawed mes-sage she sent her along with a box of “ensaymada.”“Hi Kris…I am being bashed be-cause of your [Instagram] post. Hahaha. I guess mara-mi pa akong dapat matu-tunan. I take all of these as constructive criticisms. Tao lang; nag-kakamali. Sa mga bashers…Salamat po..Again, thanks for believing in me. Until next time…,” Santos told Aquino in a text message. The presidential sister posted the text message on her Instagram account.Aquino also posted her reply to Santos’ message, apologizing on behalf of her fol-lowers.“I’m sorry Ate Vi. I did not think about the wrong spelling because what mattered to me was your kindness [and] the thought behind the card,” Aquino replied.In the caption of the composite image,

Aquino praised Santos for her “bravery, sense of humor, wisdom and humility.”“Hindi [s’ya] pikon kasi nga alam [n’ya] that her life is good (She is not overly sen-

sitive because she knows that her life is good). Her example will continue to in-spire me for the rest of my life,” Aquino said.On Monday, Aquino posted a photo of the box of ensay-mada that San-tos sent her. The box of pas-

tries came with a note from Santos that read, “Dearest Kris, Thank you sooo much for believing in me! I truely appreciate it friend…Life is short…Enjoy it—You are so bless. God is good! Smile. I love you!”Many of Aquino’s followers bashed the two for different reasons—the actress-gov-ernor for her “wrong spelling and gram-mar,” and the host-actress for posting the message even if she had already possibly noticed the flaws in the syntax.Other followers of Aquino, however, de-fended the two, saying that the mistakes were “not a big deal.”

Vilma Santos thanks grammar police

PAGE 14July 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014 CLASSIFIED The San Francisco Post

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HOROSCOPEAries March 20 - April 18An increased understanding of distant cul-tures as well as curiosity about the people who live there could spur you on to further learning about those places, Aries. Taurus April 19 - May 19Some vivid, intense dreams might reveal a lot about you and your motivations, which could in-crease your self-awareness and make everything easier for you. The drive to succeed in material and spiritual matters is likely to play a powerful role in everything you do today. Gemini May 20 - June 19The desire for travel might hit you today, per-haps to visit a friend who lives far away, and you could set the wheels in motion to make it happen. Social events could take up your evening, Gemini, and you might meet some interesting people.Cancer June 20 - July 21Today you might hear about opportunities to increase your income, Cancer, either through your current employment, a new job, or perhaps a project of your own. You’re likely to channel a great deal of energy and inspiration to this end. Leo July 22 - August 21All your relationships could be enhanced today by your increased sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others, Leo. You may provide a sympathetic ear to melancholy friends, help someone resolve problems, or both.Virgo August 22 - September 21Expect to find yourself ministering to the needs of colleagues and family members today, Virgo. People around you might need to draw upon your insights into human na-ture in order to understand themselves and

others. Libra September 22 - October 21Today you might feel especially intellectually and creatively inspired, and you could discuss your ideas with others. The process of communication could open new doors in your mind and result in some fascinating insights concerning whatever you’re pursuing at this time.Scorpio October 22 - November 20A close friend or member of your household could be having money problems, Scorpio, and want to draw on your good business sense in order to understand the situation and find ways to put it right.Sagittarius November 21 - December 20Heightened intuition and ESP could lead to some interesting conversations with others who are blown away by your insights into their thoughts, feelings, and desires. You could also be feeling more expressive than usual, Sagittarius.Capricorn December 21 - January 18A higher level of intuition and inspiration than is usual for you could enhance your artistic talents, Capricorn. By day’s end, you might have spent most of your free time alone yet be very satisfied with the results. Aquarius January 19 - February 17Moving ahead is today’s key phrase, Aquari-us. You should be feeling very optimistic and excited about goals that you’ve set for your-self. You’re probably confident that you’ll reach them and all will go well.Pisces February 18 - March 19Inspiration is the keyword for the day, Pisces. You may be feeling highly motivated to move on with what others consider impossible dreams. “Impossible” has never stopped you before, and you aren’t likely to let it stop you today.

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SUDOKU

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TOYOTA CITY, Japan —Toyota Motor Corporation has revealed the exterior design and Japan pricing of its hydrogen fuel cell sedan, first un-veiled as a concept at the Tokyo Mo-tor Show last year. The car will launch in Japan before April 2015, and preparations are un-derway for launches in the U.S. and European markets in the summer of 2015, a company statement said. In Japan, the fuel cell sedan will go on sale at Toyota and Toyopet deal-erships, priced at approximately 7 million yen Initially, sales will be limited to regions1 where hydro-gen refueling infrastructure is being developed. U.S. and Europe prices have not yet been decided. More de-tailed information, such as specifica-tions, exact prices and sales targets, will be announced later, toyota said. Toyota has been developing fuel cell vehicles in-house for more than 20 years. Toyota’s fuel cell system includes a proprietary FC Stack, which generates electricity from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and high-pressure hy-drogen tanks. In 2002, Toyota began leasing the “Toyota FCHV”, a fuel cell SUV, on a limited basis in Japan and the U.S. Significant improvements have been made to the FC system since 2002. The fuel cell sedan Toyota re-vealed today, for example, features

performance similar to a gasoline en-gine vehicle, with a cruising range2 of approximately 700 km (according to Toyota measurements taken un-der the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tour-ism’s JC08 test cycle) and a refueling time of roughly three minutes. When driven, it emits only the water vapor produced by the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Fuel cell vehicles contribute to the diversification of automobile fuels, emit no CO2 or environmentally

harmful substances during operation, and offer the convenience of gaso-line-powered cars. Toyota believes they have a great deal of potential, and are ideal environment-friendly vehicles for promoting a sustainable mobility society. Toyota companies are also engag-ing in other hydrogen-related initia-tives, such as developing and testing fuel cells for use in homes, and de-veloping fuel cell forklifts and fuel cell buses.

Toyota bares hydrogen fuel cell car

PAGE 15July 3, 2014 - July 9, 2014The San Francisco Post AUTOMOTIVE

Volt owners want more room, longer range

DETROIT -- Chevrolet Volt customers are telling Gen-eral Motors they want three things in the next version of the range-extended electric car: a fifth seat, a longer elec-tric driving range and a lower price. Larry Nitz, GM’s execu-tive director of hybrid and electric powertrain engineer-ing, said GM is working on the next generation of the Volt, expected in 2016, but he wouldn’t say how the car will evolve. The 2014 Volt’s sticker price is $34,995, in-cluding shipping but before tax and other incentives. Since the Volt debuted in late 2010, GM has been r e g u l a r l y quizzing cus-tomers about the gasoline-electric car’s r e a l - w o r l d performance. A recent study of 300 Volts in use in California

showed that 63 percent of all driving is done in electric mode, 15 percent of driv-ers are exceeding the car’s rated 40-mile electric range, and Volt owners who charge regularly go about 970 miles between fill-ups. They visit the gas station about once a month. GM is readying a turbo-charged 1.0-liter engine for its small cars, but it won’t say whether the new smaller and lighter three-cylinder en-gine will replace the Volt’s current 1.4-liter four-cylin-der. GM also is working on improving the performance of the Volt’s batteries.

Bongbong, Miriam seen as other presidential betsMANILA -- After Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes IV set their sights on the presidency in 2016, other potential presidential candidates emerged in Senators Miriam-Santiago and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The announcement of Santiago, who said in March it was time to elect the country’s third female president, spurred speculations that she’ll announce her candidacy in 2016, but Malacañang shrugged off the speculations and said it had no reason to have any ill will against the outspoken senator. But Santiago announced earlier this month that while she was elected judge of the International Criminal Court in December 2011, she had to step down because of her health. Santiago has been

diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syn-drome. Marcos, on the other hand, said he is keeping his options open on running for president, but much remains to be done for the remainder of his term as senator and there’s no time nor space in his work to be discussing or planning for 2016. “Of course, when 2016 comes, I will be a candidate,” Marcos told reporters in the regular “Kapihan sa Senado,” but when asked if he would run for higher office, he said: “It’s not yet time to talk about it. It’s still too early since there are still many things to do.” Marcos, a member of the Nacionalista Party, said he does not believe there is a right or correct time to decide to run for president.

“For example, in August 2009, Sena-tor (Noynoy) Aquino was not even a candidate. In May 2010, he was the President. It was so fast. So you can’t decide on the basis of what’s happen-ing today... Many things might happen so you might be making the wrong de-cision because things change,” he said. While he recognized that running for a higher office needs long preparations, he said the campaign would not like be for two years. “I still believe it’s not yet time. It’s still too far,” said Marcos, belying claims that the NP has already asked its members to decide on what position they will seek in the coming elections. Marcos said the party only aimed to dis cuss the scope of the NP’s involve-

ment in the 2016. “We talked about what the NP is go-ing to do, its positioning and alliances, whether there will still be a coalition with Liberal Party,” he said, hinting that the real discussions on the party ticket will likely take place during the last quarter of the year. “The decision was that the NP would definitely be involved in the 2016 elec-tions. Just because Sen. Manny Villar is no longer a candidate, it does not mean that the NP will stop functioning as a political party,” he said. “We still need to talk to our members, find out what they are thinking and as-sess the political situation for all our candidates,” he said.

PAGE 16June 26, 2014 - July 2, 2014 The San Francisco Post