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PHNO-OPINION: TRIBUNE: ANOTHER BIG-TIME BOC SCAM; BILLIONS LOST

TRIBUNE: ANOTHER BIG-TIME BOC SCAM; BILLIONS LOST

[PHOTO - The Port of Manila is the largest seaport in the Philippines, and is the premier international shipping gateway to the country. It is located in the vicinity of Manila Bay.]

MANILA, AUGUST 30, 2011 (TRIBUNE) N.O . N.O.N.S.E.N.S.E Jacinto - More than 2,000 containers disappeared on its way to the Port of Batangas, with government losing billions in forgone revenues, we had written earlier.

But there is again talk that another 1,470 containers have again been diverted from MICP to fake warehouses with government losing several more billions.

How can this happen right under the very noses of the Commissioner of Customs and his officials?

How could they release these 1,470 container vans filled with resins with an estimated value per container of P3 million without paying a single centavo as tax and duty to the government? It is mind boggling how Customs officials can conspire to perpetrate this very big scam.

The scam allegedly occurred when 1,470 container vans loaded with resins were transferred to the Port of Manila from MICP but were diverted by the consignee in connivance with Customs officials to fake and fictitious bonded warehouses instead of arriving at the port of destination which is the Port of Manila.

The 1,470 containers loaded with valuable and highly dutiable goods were allegedly all consigned to only one company, Xurich Corp., which must be filthy rich to import an estimated P5 billion worth of resins. Can you believe that this Xurich Corp. is allegedly a fake one, and yet the BoC headed by Angelito Alvarez was able to accredit the said corporation as an Industry-Specific Bonded Warehouse (ICBW) despite the absence of a mayor's and business permit being submitted to the BoC.

Talk is that the address presented to the BoC which is Unit 206 Joncor Bldg. at 1362 A. Mabini St. Ermita, Manila, turned out to be fictitious as the existing occupant of the said address is a travel agency and not a bonded warehouse, which was what Xurich claimed. It's non-existence at Joncor building was certified by the building administrator stating that no Xurich Corp. ever occupied any room in the building in the last 15 years. Who could be behind this Xurich as its capitalist?

According to Customs regulations on transshipment, the 1,470 containers should have been transfered to the port of destination, which is the Port of Manila, and after paying taxes and duties, the containers are released to Xurich Corp., the purported consignee. However, the containers did not arrive at the Port of Manila, and no taxes and duties were paid to government, as they were diverted to some fictitious bonded warehouses namely, Poly Agro Product Corp.n and Aimway Plastic and Printing Corp., the latter claimed to be member warehouses of Xurich Corp. On several occasions, the diverted containers were intercepted by police operatives somewhere in Karuhatan, Valenzuela and the container vans were detained because they did not possess any documents such as boatnotes, warehousing entry, mission order and no customs guard present.

Worse, the two corporations which purportedly represented themselves as ICBW members of Xurich turned out also to be fictitious as can be shown from their fake addresses and their non-qualification to be considered as ICBW. Aimway Plastic gave its warehouse address as #10 Ulingan West Lawang Bato, Valenzuela, and duly certified by Mercidita Ortega and lawyer Dandal of the Bonded Warehouse Division of BoC, but the Barangay Captain of Lawang Bato certified that there is no Aimway Plastic at that address but a Transwell Engineering Co. that occupies #10 Ulingan West, Lawang Bato. Valenzuela. On the other hand, Poly Agro also gave its address at #26 Isidro Francisco, Balubaran, Valenzuela as duly certified by a certain Ortega and Dandal of BoC Bonded Warehouse Division, but the said address is fake, according to a certification by the Barangay Captain of Balubaran Malinta, Valenzuela, the one occupying #26 Isidro Balubaran is Filzack Industries Packaging Corp. and not Poly Agro.

Also, based on existing Customs regulations, in particular CAO No-1-2009 Section 3.3.5, presuming that Xurich is a legitimate ICBW, Poly Agro and Aimway cannot qualify as licensed client/end user such that they can be transferee of resins as raw materials because only licensed client and end users are allowed and not members as claimed by Poly Agro and Aimway.

What was also questionable in the diversion of these containers is the presence allegedly of a certain Tina Yu who claimed to be a representative of Xurich Corp. She appeared at 8.30 in the morning and presented a mission order to the police when one of the Xurich consigned container was apprehended. It was said to be physically impossible for Tina Yu to have gotten a mission order from the BoC very early early in the morning when offices are still closed unless she has access to the Customs officials 24 hours. What is then the role of Tina Yu in the smuggling caper?

A top official of MICP also did a questionable act amounting to perjury when he refused to issue a warrant of seizure and detention for some apprehended containers consigned to Xurich when requested by the police. Instead he certified that the diversion of containers to Poly Agro and Aimway was legal because the latter are extensions of the port. His act is highly questionable and must be investigated.

Another questionable act by a BoC top official in the Intelligence and Investigation office was his instruction to his subordinates to let go of the diverted containers since he may have been part of the scam. This official, it is said, was only appointed to the top position because he belongs to a very influential religious group, despite the allegation that he is not even a high school graduate and therefore not qualified for the position. It was also alleged by a source that this official claimed in his 201 file that he is a college graduate from the University of the East, however such fact was disclaimed by the university officials, hence he is liable of perjury.

If indeed, a new Commissioner is appointed by the President, I hope he immediately gets into the bottom of this mess at the BoC and prosecute the perpetrators of this criminal act which is bigger than plunder.

THE HEADLINE NEWS REPORT FROM PHILSTAR

BOC seeks NBI's help to track down missing container vans By Evelyn Macairan (The Philippine Star) Updated August 28, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez yesterday said their agency would be coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in solving the case of the 1,910 containers that reportedly went missing while they were en route to the Port of Batangas rom the Port of Manila.

In a statement, Alvarez said he sought the help of the NBI to track down the whereabouts of the missing 1,910 container vans that disappeared as they were being transshipped to Batangas.

Alvarez said NBI director Magtanggol Gatdula suggested an operational plan on how they would be able to identify, locate and apprehend those behind the scheme to divert the containers and illegally remove their contents.

"This is blatant and the smugglers, I'm sure with the help of some Customs bureau people, have shown utter scorn of our laws. This stops right now, and with NBI's help, all those involved should go to jail. This is the tipping point of our campaign against smuggling," Alvarez said.

The 1,910 container vans were reportedly filled with plastic resins, textiles, foodstuff, personal effects, and household products that came from China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia.

The container vans have reportedly been returned to the respective owners, but without the contents.

The BOC earlier said a total of 2,219 containers covered by transshipment permits were processed between January and May this year at both the Manila International Container Port and the Port of Manila.

However, of the 2,219 transshipped containers, the Batangas District Office acknowledged receipt of only 309 containers.

The case of the missing container vans was used by Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros Magsaysay as basis to call for Alvarez's resignation.

She also criticized the BOC's failure to collect over P3 billion in taxes due to the missing container vans.

But Alvarez defended himself, saying that calls for his removal were uncalled for since he was the one who exposed the missing container vans.

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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi

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PHNO-OPINION: MANILA TIMES: LET'S GET THINGS RIGHT AT THE CUSTOMS

MANILA TIMES: LET'S GET THINGS RIGHT AT THE CUSTOMS

MANILA, AUGUST 30, 2011 (MANILA TIMES) Written by : RICARDO SALUDO - LET'S go back to 2009 and imagine if then President Gloria Arroyo kept silent about 2,000 containers disappearing in transit between Manila and Batangas ports, cheating gamblers getting away with P400 million in Pagcor winnings, jueteng running rampant despite a year-old promise to crack down and a close associate accused by name of receiving jueteng payoffs.

Add to the mix the doubling of the Palace intelligence fund to P600 million and Malacañang's looming appointment of OICs to run the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Plus bloating the Conditional Cash Transfer fund to nearly P40 billion, up P17 billion from this year.

And don't forget the mooted deal for joint oil exploration in disputed waters with China—the very thing labeled as treason by some media years ago—as part of a deal for more than $5 billion in Chinese investment.

With all that, one would never hear the end of accusations that the Arroyo Administration was raising a war chest, including doleouts to the poor and China kickbacks, and priming the ARMM for the 2010 elections.

Today, those very things are happening with a different president, and we have silence all around, except for senators and commentators railing against the sale of two used helicopters to the Philippine National Police, allegedly by former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.

What a difference a couple of years make.

We won't get in the way of whatever plans the Aquino Administration has for those big-money goings-on. If bigger-name columnists in higher-circulation papers aren't saying anything, the Palace isn't going to listen to this writer.

Still, in the interest of saving lives, we have to speak up against one thing: the wanton diversion of shipping containers by the thousands.

Forget the lost revenues. This has to stop because the 2,000 lost 40-footers—the worst act of smuggling in Philippine history—could be carrying explosives, firearms, drugs, or disease-infested meat. Not to mention thousands more said to have also been spirited away on the road to ports other than Batangas.

If gunrunners, drug lords, and food smugglers are among the perpetrators of the mega-smuggling scheme, then the damage from the scam and the Customs corruption that allowed it, escalates from a larger budget deficit to a bigger body count from violence, sickness, or overdose.

Plainly, to save lives we have to stop the syndicates and their cohorts in Customs. Thankfully, we've done that before, and the Aquino Administration has in its camp the man who did it back in the 1990s: Guillermo Parayno.

Last year this writer supported the former Customs commissioner to go back to his old job in the Ramos government (see July 7, 2010 column). After all, Parayno was widely applauded for his reforms and computerization at Customs, and was even hired by international development agencies as a consultant on customs reform, advising other countries.

Still, we gave PNoy's choice, incumbent Commissioner Angelito Alvarez, a chance to show his mettle. Now, a year later, all we can say is: we told you so.

It's time to set things right in customs, to save lives, boost revenues, protect local jobs and industries, facilitate trade and investment, and fight corruption, violence, drugs, and disease.

If political debts need to be paid and election funds amassed, do it with jueteng, casinos, intelligence funds, doleouts, and other scheme. But spare the country's gateway ports, and name a chief gatekeeper who will keep the killer cargo out.

Can Parayno do it? Here's what some top names in global ports and cargo handling have said of his 1992-98 stint:

Douglas Tweedle, Director, Customs Technique of the World Customs Organization, visiting in 1997: "When I visited the ports and the airports and the container depot, I was impressed that the environment was also being improved. It's not just being a computer project. New buildings have been refurbished. There is good working environment. The staff are happy to work inside them. Within the Customs area, there's calm efficiency and professionalism."

Bernadette Curry of the U.S. Customs Service: "While on the airplane coming here, I was imagining what customs was like in the Philippines. Frankly, just a basic accounting system for customs duties and excise. So I'm really quite surprised and quite impressed from what I've seen. The system was much more robust than I expected."

Peter Fohler of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD): "Among the developing countries, you rank number one in computerization, and none of these countries even come close to what you have accomplished in two years time."

Local business leaders echoed the praise. The President of the Customs Checkers and Representatives Organization said: "There used to be 52 signatures to release a shipment. Now we can release a shipment with the signatures of only 3 or 4 Customs officers. This is one thing we could say is a miracle."

One can go on and on. But really, President Aquino knows what Parayno can do, having considered and interviewed him for the Customs post last year. He should now give his second choice a chance—and bring Tuwid na Daan to the Bureau of Customs.

Ricardo Saludo heads the Center for Strategy, Enterprise & Intelligence ( ric.saludo@censeisolutions.com)
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PHNO-OPINION: MANILA BULLETIN: PRES. BENIGNO AQUINO III LEAVES TUESDAY FOR HIS 1st STATE VISIT TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

MANILA BULLETIN: PRES. BENIGNO AQUINO III LEAVES TUESDAY FOR HIS 1st STATE VISIT TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

MANILA, AUGUST 30, 2011 (MANILA BULLETIN) President Benigno S. Aquino III is leaving today, August 30, 2011, for his first State Visit to the People's Republic of China.

It will be his 10th foreign trip since he assumed the Presidency on June 30, 2010.

He will return to Manila on September 3, 2011. President Aquino is scheduled to meet with Chinese President H.E. Hu Jintao, who invited the Philippine leader during their meeting in last year's Leaders' Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The President will also meet with Officials and Members of the National People's Congress and Chinese businessmen and the Filipino communities in China. He is scheduled to visit three key Chinese cities – Beijing, Shanghai, and Xiamen.

It will be a nostalgic trip for President Aquino to the Hongjian Park in Fujian province where a Chinese-Philippine memorial is dedicated to his mother, former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. The late President went to Fujian, China, in April 14, 1988, to trace her family's ancestral roots. Don Jose C. Cojuangco, her grandfather, was the son of a Chinese immigrant from Fujian. She was later adopted as "daughter of Hongjian."

The Philippines and China share a long-standing friendship and cooperation in the areas of economics, trade, culture, and education since the two countries forged diplomatic ties on June 9, 1975. The ties have since expanded to include cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, and transportation. There have been also cultural and people-to-people exchanges in tourism, media and sports.

The agreement on tourism is expected to draw millions of Chinese tourists by 2016. There will be talks on how to strengthen cooperation in judicial and legal matters.

The Spratlys may be on the agenda as the two Asian leaders had earlier expressed openness to discussing the issue, in a spirit of seeking a settlement, maintaining peace and stability in the region, exploring and developing resources.

The significance of President Aquino's trip to China may be summed up in the words of the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao, who said that the State Visit "will highlight the wonderful relations between the two countries in many realms: In political confidence and trust, economic cooperation, trade, and people to people exchanges."

We wish President Benigno S. Aquino III and his Delegation bon voyage on their State Visit to the People's Republic of China. We wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors. Mabuhay!

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PHNO-BE: "ACT NOW" TO SAVE GLOBAL RECOVERY, NEW IMF CHIEF URGES

"ACT NOW" TO SAVE GLOBAL RECOVERY, NEW IMF CHIEF URGES

[PHOTO - "Act now" to save global recovery, IMF chief urges]

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING, AUGUST 30, 2011 (REUTERS) By Ann Saphir and Mark Felsenthal - The new head of the IMF on Saturday called on global policymakers to pursue urgent action, including forcing European banks to bulk up their capital, to prevent a descent into a renewed world recession.

"Developments this summer have indicated we are in a dangerous new phase," International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said at a conference for top officials and leading economists from around the globe.

"The stakes are clear; we risk seeing the fragile recovery derailed. So we must act now," she said.

Two years after the end of the worst of the financial crisis, growth in the United States and Europe is sputtering as government debt burdens surge.

Borrowing costs for European banks are rising as lenders balk at providing any but the shortest maturity funds on fears over bank exposure to shaky euro zone sovereign debts. Sharp swings in global financial markets have intensified strains.

Complicating the picture is policymaker indecision on both sides of the Atlantic.

European leaders are fighting over who should pay the bill for taming a raging sovereign debt crisis.

In the United States, lawmakers and President Barack Obama fought a contentious budget battle earlier this summer that resulted in the loss of the nation's coveted "AAA" debt rating from Standard & Poor's.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned here on Friday that the fight had shaken confidence and sapped U.S. growth.

'MANDATORY SUBSTANTIAL RECAPITALIZATION'

Lagarde said the Group of 20 leading economies should use a meeting in November to address the global economy's woes in a convincing fashion, and she used her speech -- her first major policy address since taking the helm at the IMF in July -- to open a new front in dealing with strains at European banks.

She called for a "mandatory substantial recapitalization," through private channels if possible, but otherwise through some form of public, Europe-wide funding, such as the European Financial Stability Facility.

Lagarde also warned advanced economies away from tightening their belts so fast that it imperils recovery.

"Put simply, macroeconomic policies must support growth," the former French economy minister said. On Friday, she made the same point in a phone conversation with U.S. President Barack Obama, in which the White House said they agreed on the need for policies to spur job creation.

"Monetary policy also should remain highly accommodative, as the risk of recession outweighs the risk of inflation," Lagarde said, adding that central banks should stand ready to jump back into unconventional policy actions if needed.

In his speech on Friday, Bernanke stopped short of promising the Fed would resume the bond buying that has been the centerpiece of U.S. monetary policy for the last few years, but he said the central bank would discuss options for further easing, and the need for it, at its next meeting in September.

European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet, who appeared alongside Lagarde, emphasized the need to safeguard price stability as a foundation for healthy growth.

"It is something we consider absolutely essential for confidence," he said.

Lagarde suggested a fractured political process in Europe was contributing to insecurity.

"Europe must recommit credibly to a common vision, and it needs to be built on solid foundations -- including, for example, fiscal rules that actually work," Lagarde said.

Trichet echoed that theme.

"We are ourselves challenged paradoxically not necessarily -- as a group, as an entity -- because our fundamentals are very bad. Our fundamentals are not very bad," he said. "The problem is that we are challenged in our governance."

EUROPEAN BANK STRESS

Lagarde said shoring up European banks was key to "cutting the chains of contagion" in the continent's spreading debt crisis.

European banks have been under pressure to raise more capital after stress tests last month showed a potential vulnerability to losses on European sovereign debt, particularly Greek bonds.

The cost of insuring against bank defaults in Europe -- as indicated by the iTraxx senior financial CDS index -- has soared high above levels seen in early 2009 when the financial crisis was reaching its apex.

Lagarde said individual European countries must also put in place deficit-cutting plans with a "credible finance path" -- including continued support from the ECB.

In the United States, the focus on long-term fiscal consolidation must not ignore the importance of fostering near-term growth, she said.

"After all, who will believe that commitments to cut spending can survive a lengthy stagnation with prolonged high unemployment and social dissatisfaction?" she asked.

Policymakers must also stop the slide in the U.S. housing market, which is dragging on consumer spending and slowing the recovery, Lagarde added. The nation could turn to intervention by government housing finance agencies and more aggressive programs to reduce homeowner debt, she said. (Editing by Padraic Cassidy)

MORE FROM REUTERS

Fed and other regulators need policing: economistBy REUTERS, , Updated: August 27, 2011 10:09 AM

JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming (Reuters) - Global financial regulators are likely to impede growth rather than foster it unless they are better policed, an economist warned policymakers on Saturday.

While regulatory reform since the 2007-09 financial crisis has given added clout to government regulators, the concentration of power is likely to do more harm than good unless the regulators themselves are subject to proper oversight, Brown University economist Ross Levine said in a paper presented at the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank's annual meeting here.

"As more responsibilities are heaped on official regulatory agencies, it is unclear whether they have either the capabilities or the incentives to properly shape the incentives of financial systems," he said in the paper.

A case in point is the Fed itself, which won new authority over large financial institutions in the Wall Street reform legislation passed last year.

Central bank regulators do not lack in integrity, he said, but nevertheless relying on the "moral compass" of regulators does not guarantee they will do the right thing.

"People flow between the Fed and the financial services industry, raising concerns that this 'revolving door' threatens the Fed's independence and its ability to represent the broad interests of the public," Levine said in the paper "And, the daily interactions between regulator and regulated can influence the perspectives of regulators, such that regulators take a narrow, skewed view of regulatory policies."

The Fed has drawn sharp criticism from politicians at home and abroad who say the central bank's super-easy monetary policy is driving down the dollar and pushing up the price of global commodities.

Levine's critique of the Fed is different because it is focused on the bank's regulatory role. It is notable because it paints the world's most influential central bank and other U.S. regulators with the same brush as government financial watchdogs in countries around the world.

Oversight of regulators is critically important for promoting economic prosperity, Levine said, because without effective regulators, the financial system will not operate correctly and will drag on growth.

"This lesson is as applicable today for the United States as it is for countries with less well-developed institutions," he wrote. (Reporting by Ann Saphir; Editing by Dan Grebler)

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PHNO-SPORTS: TENNIS ACE RAFA NADAL CONTEMPLATES MOVING TO GOLF DUE TO CONGENITAL BONE PROBLEM

[PHNO sports extra: US OPENS HAS RESUMED AFTER TYPHOON IRENE, NEWS REPORT BELOW THIS PAGE; also TIGER WOODS will play the Frys.com Open, OCT 6-9 in California as he tries to get his game ready for the Presidents Cup tour. Full sports news report on this page later]
TENNIS ACE RAFA NADAL CONTEMPLATES MOVING TO GOLF DUE TO CONGENITAL BONE PROBLEM

MADRID, AUGUST 30, 2011 (STAR) By AP – Devastated and "without appetite for life," Rafael Nadal contemplated a move into professional golf after a career-threatening injury sidelined him, the 10-time Grand Slam champion has written in his autobiography.

The Spanish player writes in "Rafa" that doctors discovered a rare foot injury in 2005 that had the potential to sideline him for good, prompting thoughts of a future in golf.

In the book, provided to The Associated Press and to be released in the United States on Tuesday, the 25-year-old Nadal describes his toughest on-court battles with Roger Federer at the 2008 Wimbledon final and subsequent Australian Open.

But his off-court problems play a large part in the former top-ranked player's career. The mental toll of his parents' separation hindered his recovery from injuries in 2009, when pride led him to try to defend his French Open title despite his physical problems.

Still, his lowest point seems to have been when doctors discovered a congenital bone problem in the bridge of his left foot soon after a five-set victory over Ivan Ljubicic in Madrid on his toughest indoor surface.

Nadal said that joy was soon replaced by "a state of deepest gloom."

"(The) diagnosis had initially been like a shot to the head," Nadal writes. "The bone still hurts me. It remains under control, just, but we can never drop our guard."

Nadal wept then just as he did after losing the 2007 Wimbledon final to Federer. But he did not cry on the flight from Melbourne in 2009 when his father Sebastian revealed to the recently crowned Australian Open champion that his parents had separated.

"My attitude was bad. I was depressed, lacking in enthusiasm. (My team) knew something had to give," writes Nadal, with the weight of those problems leading to his only defeat in seven appearances at Roland Garros and his subsequent withdrawal from Wimbledon. "My knees were the immediate reason, but I knew the root cause was my state of mind."

Mental toughness – instilled by coach and uncle Toni – is a key theme, especially in his ability to bounce back, including trying for his first victory in three Wimbledon finals against Federer.

Nadal was "gripped with fear," the warrior figure he'd cultivated had "lost his courage" after failing to clinch victory on several match point opportunities against Federer. Nadal credits moments like these for improving his mental stamina, with one chapter even titled "Fear of Winning."

"What I battle hardest to do in a tennis match is to quiet the voices in my head, to shut everything out of my mind ... should a thought of victory suggest itself, crush it," Nadal writes on the opening page before later adding: "I think I have the capacity to accept difficulties and overcome them that is superior to many of my rivals."

Toni's "cruel to be kind" coaching strategy was key in developing him into the "tennis machine" he is, comparing his uncle to a figure descended from 16th-century conquistador Hernan Cortes with a Spartan philosophy of life uncommon to his home island of Mallorca.

"There was no let up from Toni. No mercy," the second-ranked player writes. "I look back at that teenage Rafael and I am proud of him. He set a benchmark of endurance that has served me as an example and as a reminder ... if you want something badly enough, no sacrifice is too great."

Nadal offers interesting insight into his regimen and his family offers some surprising details about the Manacor native in the 250-page memoir, which was written by John Carlin who authored the book that director Clint Eastwood turned into the film Invictus.

Nadal's mother Ana Maria Parera labels him a "scaredy cat" who sleeps with a light on; an obedient and docile child who became the "family mascot" inside a close-knit family that Carlin describes as "something Sicilian ... without the malice or guns."

Perhaps the strangest revelation is Nadal's dislike of animals, especially dogs: "I doubt their intentions."

Of Federer there is mostly respectful reflections of a rival and friend that he calls "a blessed freak of nature" for his talent.

The closest Nadal comes to criticism is when he says Federer mis-hit a shot "the way an ordinary club player might" while recounting the epic All-England final that delivered the first of his two Wimbledon wins.

Of current top-ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has beaten Nadal in five straight finals this year, there is trepidation of a "formidable opponent" who is "one hell of a player, temperamental but hugely talented."

Venus, Federer prevail on opening night
By Matt Fitzgerald
Monday, August 29, 2011

The last time Roger Federer played on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 16-time major champion was stunned by Novak Djokovic in a five set instant classic, blowing two match points en route to a semifinal loss to the Serbian in 2010.

On Monday evening, the Swiss superstar stepped back on the court where he has hoisted five US Open trophies, defeating Santiago Giraldo 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the second round. "I enjoyed it a lot. I'm happy the US Open is up and running," Federer said in an on court interview afterwards. "I don't think I've ever played my best in the first round but it's important to come through them and come up with a good feeling."

Federer's win wasn't as straightforward as the score-line indicates. The World No. 3 raced to a 5-1 lead in the first set, only to see his double break advantage evaporate after a combination of unforced errors on his end and tenacious play from his Colombian opponent. But Federer's experience powered through, as he claimed the fifth break in 10 games to take the first set in 36 minutes.

The second set saw Federer relinquish break advantages twice at 2-0 and 3-1 before settling down to take control of the match. After having a negative winners-to-unforced errors ratio for the majority of the match, the 30-year-old played a clean third set, finishing the encounter with 36 winners and 35 unforced errors. "It was quite up and down, getting used to the conditions," admitted Federer. "He did well playing on this court for the first time and it was a pleasure playing against him."

The victory gave Federer his 224th win at a Grand Slam event, tying him with Andre Agassi for second all-time; Jimmy Connors holds the record with 233 victories. The Swiss will next take on Dudi Sela. The Israeli battled back from two sets down to beat Thomaz Bellucci 4-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-0.

Unseeded in New York for the first time in 14 years, two-time US Open champion Venus Williams made a confident start at Flushing Meadows, opening night session action by defeating Vesna Dolonts 6-4, 6-3 to improve to a 13-0 record in first-round matches at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. "It's always nerve-wracking to play the first match after a layoff in a major. It's not really my first choice at all," said Williams.

"I just tried to rely on experience and, I don't know, just tried to get after it. So I was pleased with the level... I think she did well. I thought she was hitting the corners. Definitely kept me on my toes."

Playing just her fourth tournament in 2011 and first match since a fourth-round loss to Tsvetana Pironkova at Wimbledon, Williams was troubled early by Dolonts, going down a break in the fifth game. The Russian's lead was short-lived though, as Williams broke back in the subsequent game to even the set. Leading 5-4 and holding a second set point on Dolonts' serve, the 31-year-old American hit a resounding backhand return to set up an open court volley, which she closed to take the first set in 40 minutes.

Williams made her move early in the second set, breaking Dolonts in the second game. She maintained her advantage by dictating play from the baseline, overmatching Dolonts with imposing serves and penetrating groundstrokes. Williams closed out the victory on her second match point to notch her 54th win on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the most of any player in history, male or female.

The loss ended a hectic day for Dolonts. With Hurricane Irene delaying flights into all New York City airports over the weekend, the Russian was unable to depart Moscow until 4am EST today and arrived on site 12 hours later, giving her four hours to prepare for the clash against Williams.

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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi

© Copyright, 2009 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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PHNO-SB: KC & PIOLO, TONI & PAUL: A TALE OF 2 LOVERS

KC & PIOLO, TONI & PAUL: A TALE OF 2 LOVERS

MANILA, AUGUST 30, 2011 (BULLETIN) By JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA (PHOTO - Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano (top), KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual)

There are many facets in a relationship and celebrity couples Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano, and KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual present two different faces of how bonds can be tested.

Paul admits jealousy over Toni-Sam team-up

A picture of a happy and secure couple, Soriano publicly admitted that he once got jealous of his girlfriend's former onscreen partner Sam Milby during the course of their four-year relationship.

The admission came up after Milby and Gonzaga's music video for the "If Ever You're in My Arms" remake was shown at one point during his live interview on "The Buzz," Aug. 28.

"I'm so excited with this next one kasi ayaw na ayaw niya i-discuss 'to. Ayaw na ayaw din niya panoorin 'to. Ewan ko, tingnan natin kung maididilat natin 'yang mata mo. Pakita natin sa kanya," Gonzaga said.

When the director laughed while watching said video, Gonzaga—who also served as the interviewer—said, "Ang taray Paul, ha! Tumatawa ka ngayon! Nung una mong pinanood yan…"

This led the director to say, "Hey, Sam Milby's a good-looking guy. As in… who wouldn't get jealous, 'di ba?"

He went on to tell the back story of said incident, which, according to the TV host-actress, happened sometime in 2008.

"I was at home, that was around 12 midnight and then they played this music video [on ABS-CBN before it signed off for the day]," he related.

"Oo, what did you tell me?" Gonzaga quipped, to which Soriano replied, "I believed you guys were in love when I saw that music video!"

Picking up from where Soriano stopped, Gonzaga revealed that her boyfriend called her up to ask, "Am I interrupting your love team? Am I a hindrance to both of you? I'm so sad. I think nakakasagabal ako sa love team niyo."

"Sabi ko, 'Hindi, Paul. You see how good of an actress I am? Pati ikaw napapaniwala ko,'" Gonzaga shared.

"That's right. Well, Sam and Toni… you guys are a very powerful love team. But I believe off-cam we're [a] pretty good love team also," Soriano told her during the interview.

Both Gonzaga and Soriano agreed that there's definitely chemistry between her and Milby in the music video. However, the actress-TV host jokingly said, "Ibigay mo na 'yung chemistry, sa atin na 'yung physics. Iyong-iyo na 'yon! Gusto mo pati biology, iyo na rin! Lahat na, sa'yo na!

"Pero 'yung chemistry talaga, that's something we cannot deny," she stressed, making her beau and the audience laugh.

The couple also regaled the viewers with the story of how they met, prompted when a poster of Gary Valenciano's 2006 concert "Gary V. @ 23" was shown onscreen.

"2006 'yun, October. Concert ni Gary V. 'yun. I remember distinctively sabi ni Tita Angeli [Pangilinan] sa 'kin, 'May gusto ko ipakilala sa'yo. Napakabait na tao. Kahit lamok hindi niya kayang makasakit.' Sabi niyang gano'n, he always has the good intentions para sa isang tao.

"So sabi ko, sige tita. Ta's sabi niya, 'I'd like you to meet Paul.' He came up to me, and I remember distinctly the three words you said to me before you left. You said, 'God bless you,'" Gonzaga related.

Soriano defended himself, "I was speechless. I didn't know what to say," but not without asking his girlfriend, "But what did your heart say?"

"Nakakaloka," Gonzaga reacted.

"You know what, when you said those three words to me and then you walked out, sabi ko, 'Ay, sabi niya 'God…' something blessed my heart that [evening]. There was [an] instant blessing inside of me…

"No, but it took him eight months. I remember. 2006 nagkakilala tayo and then you visited me next year pa, bago ka talaga pormal na nagpahiwatig ng iyong intensyon…" she shared.

Towards the end of the interview, Soriano put Gonzaga on the spot by asking her, "When will you be ready [for marriage]?"

"Because everyone's asking. I'm ready, I'm ready. It's up to Toni. When she's ready, I'm ready. Just let me know, 'di ba? What time, where, when you wanna do it, you wanna get married…" he said.

"Later. Pwede bang later? Later na lang! Pinagmamadali mo ko!" Gonzaga answered.

When the director insisted for her answer, Gonzaga replied, "You know what, I will be ready if Shapes is ready, Dra. Vicki Belo…" rattling off the rest of her sponsors.

KC debunks breakup with Piolo, rift with mom rumors.

After a week of speculations triggered by the cryptic public messages of her mom Sharon Cuneta to her, KC Concepcion has spoken up, belying breaking up with boyfriend of 10 months Piolo Pascual.

In a recorded phone interview aired in the same "The Buzz" episode, Concepcion first explained the reason for her absence on the show and her week-long silence.

"Bago po ang lahat, gusto ko lang pong humingi ng pasensya sa lahat kasi po hindi ako nakapasok ngayon. Halos one week na po kasi akong may sakit. So hindi po ako umiiwas sa issue, nagkataon lang po na nung pumutok 'yung issue eh may sakit na po talaga 'ko," she said.

Concepcion went on to say that she has been aware of talks about her supposed breakup with Piolo.

To this, the TV host-actress said, "Once and for all po gusto kong malaman ninyong lahat na gaya po ng una nating narinig kay PJ, hindi po kami hiwalay. Hindi po kami hiwalay ni Piolo Pascual."

However, while they haven't severed romantic ties, Concepcion admitted, "Yes, meron ho kaming pinagdadaanan ngayon. Pero mapag-uusapan naman po siguro 'yun at maaayos. At mag-uusap din po kami ulit 'pag-uwi niya galing sa Asian tour niya."

"So inuulit ko po na okay kami ni PJ. Hindi po kami hiwalay at 'pag okay na po 'yung pakiramdam ko, kami pa rin po ang magkasama sa Star Magic Ball next week… rineserve na niya ko bilang date niya.

"So sana po matigil na po 'yung issue tungkol sa amin ngayon," she pleaded.

Concepcion also addressed her mother's message for her that was first aired on "TV Patrol" last Wednesday, a part of which went, "I just want whoever it is who will be in my daughter's life will love her and take care of her the way we would. Kasi 'di ko pinalaki 'yan para i-take for granted lang at balewalain."

"Tungkol naman po sa sinabi ng mom ko, totoo po 'yung sinasabi nila na may mother's instinct po talaga 'yung mga nanay. Hindi mo pa po sinasabing may problema ka, alam na nila kahit wala kang sinasabi sa kanila. So nagpapasalamat po ako na naiintindihan ko po siya at naiintindihan niya ako.

"And I'm sure na kahit na sinong mommy or anak eh talagang maiintindihan naman [na] lahat ng sinasabi niya or ginagawa niya eh dahil mahal niya 'ko at anak niya 'ko kaya gusto niya lang masiguro na masaya 'ko," the Mega daughter said.

Concepcion also debunked the rumor purporting that there is misunderstanding between her and her mother.

"Ina-assure ko po kayo na okay na okay po kami ni mama. Masaya naman po ako kapag nakakausap ko siya, kapag nakakasama ko siya," she said.

To prove her point, Concepcion shared that Cuneta even invited her to the cast party of the latter's show, "The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition."

"… naglambing pa nga po siya ng konting desserts at celebration nila 'yun. Nagkandarapa naman po akong magdala ng ni-request niya at kitain po siya nung araw na 'yon," said she.

Concepcion reiterated, "So okay na okay po kami. Siguro concerned lang po siya. At, again, in any relationship po siguro mas hindi normal kapag walang pinagdadaanan or kapag hindi nagkaka-problema. Mas maganda na rin po siguro na meron tayong mga natututunan para mas mapaigi pa 'yung relasyon."

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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi

© Copyright, 2011 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All rights reserved

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PHNO-SB: CLAUDINE SPOILS NEW CHILD CO-STAR IN 'IGLOT'

CLAUDINE SPOILS NEW CHILD CO-STAR IN 'IGLOT'

MANILA, AUGUST 30, 2011 (MALAYA) ETHEL RAMOS ('New child actress Milkcah Wynne Nacion revealed to members of the entertainment press at the presscon of "Iglot," that her Tita Claudine (Barretto) spoils her.')

GROWING Up," the upcoming barkada series set to air on the first Sunday of September on ABS-CBN, reunites Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes, the stars of "Mara Clara," yes, the top series.

The exciting show comes on the heels on the successful exhibition of the duo's first movie together, "Way Back Home," which is still showing in over 100 theaters. Directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng and produced by Star Cinema, "Way Back Home" has been getting good reviews from critics.

"Growing Up" teams up Kathryn and Julia with guys from showbiz families. Kathryn is paired with Daniel Padilla, son of former Regal Baby Karla Estrada and Rommel Padilla, who is the elder brother of action star Robin Padilla. Julia is featured with Diego Loyzaga, action star and drama icon Cesar Montano's only son by former character actress Teresa Loyzaga.

It is the first time that Kathryn and Daniel are working together in a project, while Julia and Diego have already worked together in "Mara Clara."

Both Julia and Diego hope they'll become closer friends after "Growing Up."

"Diego and I promise each other our relationship will not go beyond friendship," said Julia, who is only 16, while Diego's 17. "Besides, ako, I know my priority. I am helping my family.

"Ako lang at ang lola ko ang may trabaho sa amin."

Julia's mom is deaf and blind. Thus, she is tasked to stay home to look after her younger siblings. But despite her mom's condition, Julia proudly credits her mother for being good to them.

Julia learned from her grandmother that her dad, whom she has not seen since birth, is German. Her parents were pen pal and when he came to the country, that's how she was conceived, Julia added with a laugh.

***

"Growing Up" director Lino Cayetano observed that Kathryn and Daniel are ideal as a love team. The two are both hardworking.

He predicts a bright future for the two in showbiz.

Also starring in "Growing Up" are Neil Coleta, Yen Santos, EJ Fallurin and Kiray.

In a feature role is Maricar Reyes, who plays Ms. Ortega, the favorite teacher of her students. When she falls ill, her students decide to help raise funds for her medication.

***

Young actor Jason Abalos says he has remained loveless since he broke up with Bela Padilla.

Although currently being linked to Jewel Mische, Jason denies that he is in a relationship with her. He says the two of them are just good friends.

Jewel, a former Kapuso, was the former girlfriend of Richard Gutierrez. They broke up before she decided to sign up with ABS-CBN.

Jason, on the other hand, was a runner-up of a talent search on the Kapamilya channel.

***

New child actress Milkcah Wynne Nacion revealed to members of the entertainment press at the presscon of "Iglot," that her Tita Claudine (Barretto) spoils her.

"Sa tuwinang may taping kami," Milkcah, who is five, said. "palagi siyang may pasalubong sa akin. Ang bait-bait talaga ni Tita Claudine sa akin."

Claudine and Milkcah play mother and daughter in the new GMA series. But they only discovered this after several years of separation.

Claudine's character had just given birth to her daughter when the volcano in their town erupted. Mother and daughter are injured. Then Claudine's former suitor, played by Luis Alandy, orders his right hand man (Patrick Garcia) to kill the child.

Patrick takes pity on the baby and decides to leave the baby at the doorstep of the house of Idang, played by Celia Rodriguez.

Iglot, a magical egg, was dug out by the precocious Luningning (Milkcah) in their backyard. Soon after, the egg cracks and out comes a fluffy being.

Together, Luningning and Iglot share adventures, some sad, some happy but always life changing and meaningful.

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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi

© Copyright, 2011 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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PHNO-SB: STARWEEK SPECIAL REPORT: A FAMILY FINDS HOPE FOR THEIR FUTURE

STARWEEK SPECIAL REPORT: A FAMILY FINDS HOPE FOR THEIR FUTURE

MANILA, AUGUST 30, 2011 (STARweek) By Azenath L. Formoso (The Philippine Star) PHOTO - A mother's inherent strength is magnified through the inspiration derived from her children. Such is the unwavering strength of Melanie Encabo, 37, from Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City. Melanie is the mother of four children, ages 13, 11, 8 and 3.)

Like many rural poor, Melanie went to Manila in search of greener pastures. "Nagtrabaho ako sa factory para makatulong sa mga magulang ko. Pangarap kong makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa noon. Pero ilang buwan pa lang ako dito, nagka-nobyo na ako. Nagsisisi ako nung una pero masaya ako dahil sa mga anak ko (I worked in a factory to help my parents. I hoped to work abroad. But after a few months in the city, I had a boyfriend. I regretted it then but now I'm hapy because of my children)," Melanie narrated.

Camilo Encabo, her spouse, was only 17 when they got married. They were uncertain about their family's future but they have committed to be good parents no matter what.

"Ang mahalaga sa amin ay nakakapag-aral sila at nakakakain ng maayos (What's important is that they have food and they go to school)," she said.

With the growth of her family, their expenses also grew. Melanie took on different jobs – doing laundry and selling barbecue and snacks. However, it was impossible to sustain a job or a small business because taking care of her young children required undivided attention.

"Ang mga anak ko ang inuuna ko. Mga bata pa sila at kailangan tutok ako sa kanila (I put my children first. They're young and need my full attention)," she said.

Camilo is a construction worker and earns P280 a day. Melanie budgets their income to cover the school needs of the children and food for the family. The children would normally have biscuits as their baon to school. The children lacked notebooks and had only one set of uniform each.

"Sa gabi nilalabhan ko na yung mga uniporme nila para may magamit sila kinabukasan (At night I wash their uniforms so they can use them again the next day)," Melanie narrated.

"Nakakaraos naman kami pero minsan na-ospital yung anak ko. Dahil daw iyon sa potassium-deficiency, sabi ng doktor – kakulangan sa gulay at pagkaing may protina. Dalawang buwan noon ang anak ko sa hospital. Kinailangan naming humingi ng tulong sa mga kapatid ko at biyenan ko (We made do but then my child was hospitalized due to potassium deficiency, lack of vegetables and protein-rich food. He was two months in hospital, so I had to ask help from my siblings and in-laws)," she narrated.

When Melanie was informed last October that she was included in a government program, she was not expecting that it would be a direct help in the form of a cash grant. Her household has become one of the 971 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program in their barangay.

"Akala ko grocery pack kasi malapit na noon ang Pasko. O di kaya'y feeding program kasi laging may ganon dito sa amin. Sobrang nagulat ako na cash ang ibibigay (I thought it was a grocery pack since it was Christmas, or maybe a feeding program which they usually have here. I was surprised when they gave cash)," she gleefully said.

"Iyon ang pinakamasayang Pasko namin. Naiyak ang mga bata sa tuwa kasi binilhan namin sila ng kumpleto at bagong gamit sa school. First time iyon. Kumpleto na ngayon ang kanilang uniporme (That was our happiest Christmas. The children cried with joy when we got them complete things for school – a first. Now they have complete uniforms)," she added.

Melanie's household gets P1,400 per month which they receive on a bi-monthly basis. She now feels secure about her children's health and education. "Yung pangatlo ko hindi na madalas magkasakit kasi may bitamina na siya at regular ko silang pinapa-check-up. Marami akong natutunan sa pagiging isang responsableng magulang sa Pantawid Pamilya (My third child is no longer sickly because he has vitamins and I bring them for regular check-up. I learned a lot about responsible parenting)," she said.

She applies her learnings in the Family Development Sessions by preparing healthy meals for her children, and takes pride that her children are never absent except when calamity strikes.

Melanie's household is aware of the limited time span of getting grants from the government but she feels confident that what she has learned will not be diminished once they graduate from the program.

"Tinutulungan kami ng gobyerno pero tinutulungan din namin ang sarili namin. Pagkatapos ng limang taon, kung meron naman livelihood, gagamitin namin para mapagtapos yung mga anak namin. Kaya din namin tumayo sa aming mga paa. Nagsisikap pa rin kami ng asawa ko kahit pa may tulong mula sa gobyerno (The government helps us but we also help ourselves. After five years, if there is livelihood, we will use that so our children will finish school. We can stand on our own. My husband and I work hard even though we have help from the government)," Melanie said with conviction.

Reprinted with permission from the World Bank-Philippines www.worldbank.org.ph

PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education particularly of children aged 0-14.

Pantawid Pamilya has dual objectives:

* Social Assistance - to provide cash assistance to the poor to alleviate their immediate need (short term poverty alleviation); and * Social Development - to break the intergenerational poverty cycle through investments in human capital.

Pantawid Pamilya helps to fulfill the country's commitment to meet the Millennium Development Goals, namely:

1. Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger 2. Achieve Universal Primary Education 3. Promote Gender Equality 4. Reduce Child Mortality 5. Improve Maternal Health

Targeting System

The poorest households in the municipalities are selected through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) implemented by the DSWD using the Proxy Means Test. This test determines the socio-economic category of the families by looking at certain proxy variables such as ownership of assets, type of housing, education of the household head, livelihood of the family and access to water and sanitation facilities. Eligible Households

1. Residents of the poorest municipalities based on 2003 Small Area Estimates (SAE) of NSCB; 2. Households whose economic condition is equal to or below the provincial poverty threshold. 3. Households that have children 0-14 years old and/or have a pregnant woman at the time of assessment; 4. Households that agree to meet conditions specified in the program.

Set of Co-Responsibilities

To avail of the cash grants beneficiaries should comply with the following conditions:

1. Pregnant women must avail pre- and post-natal care and be attended during childbirth by a trained health professional; 2. Parents must attend Family Development Sessions (FDS); 3. 0-5 year old children must receive regular preventive health check-ups and vaccines; 4. 3-5 year old children must attend day care or pre-school classes at least 85% of the time. 5. 6-14 year old children must enroll in elementary or high school and must attend at least 85% of the time. 6. 6-14 years old children must receive deworming pills twice a year.

Program Coverage

Pantawid Pamilya operates in 80 provinces covering 734 municipalities and 62 key cities. The Pantawid Pamilya targets to cover 2.3 million households by end of 2011.

Targeting System

The poorest households in the municipalities are selected through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) implemented by the DSWD using the Proxy Means Test. This test determines the socio-economic category of the families by looking at certain proxy variables such as ownership of assets, type of housing, education of the household head, livelihood of the family and access to water and sanitation facilities. Eligible Households

1. Residents of the poorest municipalities based on 2003 Small Area Estimates (SAE) of NSCB; 2. Households whose economic condition is equal to or below the provincial poverty threshold. 3. Households that have children 0-14 years old and/or have a pregnant woman at the time of assessment; 4. Households that agree to meet conditions specified in the program.

Set of Co-Responsibilities

To avail of the cash grants beneficiaries should comply with the following conditions:

1. Pregnant women must avail pre- and post-natal care and be attended during childbirth by a trained health professional; 2. Parents must attend Family Development Sessions (FDS); 3. 0-5 year old children must receive regular preventive health check-ups and vaccines; 4. 3-5 year old children must attend day care or pre-school classes at least 85% of the time. 5. 6-14 year old children must enroll in elementary or high school and must attend at least 85% of the time. 6. 6-14 years old children must receive deworming pills twice a year.

Program Coverage

Pantawid Pamilya operates in 80 provinces covering 734 municipalities and 62 key cities.

The Pantawid Pamilya targets to cover 2.3 million households by end of 2011.

From: Department of Social Welfare and Development Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex Quezon City, Philippines 1126 (632) 931 8101 to 931 8107

----------------------------------------------------------

Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi

© Copyright, 2011 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All rights reserved

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