SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

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aittimes.net

02 03OFWs dream for a crime-free PH

Page 07Mall tycoon Henry Sy tops Philippines’ rich list

Thai PM to Aquino: You speak so fast

MANILA: The Philippine economy grew by 5.6 percentin the second quarter from a year ago, slightly belowthe government’s target, officials said Thursday. The fig-ure brings growth in the first six months to 5.3 percent,down from 6.2 percent for the same period a year ago.The economy grew 5 percent in first quarter. EconomicPlanning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the govern-ment is now likely to miss its 2015 full-year growth tar-get of 7 to 8 percent, with 6 to 6.5 percent growth look-ing more realistic.

He called the second-quarter figure “respectable,”saying it reflects a boost in government spending, espe-cially public construction, which grew 20 percent from a24 percent contraction in the first quarter after efforts toaddress spending bottlenecks. Private investment,robust exports, and household consumption also con-tributed to growth. “Despite the GDP number hittingslightly below the government’s target, we recognizethat it is much more important to ensure that thegrowth momentum is sustained,” Balisacan said. —AP

Philippine economy grew 5.6 pct in the second quarter

MANILA: Three Islamic militants were killed after thePhilippine military on Friday launched a second attemptin two weeks to rescue hostages held by the Abu Sayyafrebels, the army said. About 300 Abu Sayyaf fightersretreated after the hour-long firefight in the jungles of theremote southern island of Jolo, said Brigadier-GeneralAlan Arrojado, the military commander in the area.

However the military did not say if any of thehostages were freed or injured in the clashes, or howmany hostage were believed to have been held at therebel camp. Ten Philippine soldiers were wounded inthe fighting, Arrojado added. “The bandits positionedtheir hostages in the back (of the rebel camp), they don’twant another escape,” Captain Antonio Bulao, a militaryspokesman in Jolo, told AFP. Last week two Philippinecoast guard men, who were among 11 hostages held byAbu Sayyaf, escaped during fierce clashes which erupt-ed after elite military forces launched a risky rescueoperation, leaving 15 Abu Sayyaf men dead on Jolo.

Continued on Page 3

Three militants killed in Philippine

military clash

MANILA: The Philippines has asked the US to pro-vide military “assistance” in resupplying and rotat-ing Manila’s forces in the South China Sea becausethey face harassment from regional power China, amilitary spokesman said Thursday.

The request was made the previous day byPhilippine Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in ameeting with Admiral Harry Harris, head of USPacific Command, according to Colonel RestitutoPadilla. “It was a specific request on the part of thesecretary of national defence to Admiral Harris toget their assistance in... resupplying and rotatingtroops,” Padilla told AFP. “ They just took ourrequests and the details still have to be discussed,”Padilla said, adding that the American officer madeno commitment. Padilla said the request pertainedin particular to the “West Philippine Sea”, Manila’s

term for the South China Sea. Harris, who overseesAmerican forces across Asia, met Wednesday withPhilippine President Benigno Aquino. On Thursday,he visited the Philippine military command on thewestern island of Palawan, the closest landmass tothe South China Sea. A Philippine military state-ment said his visit was to familiarise himself with“the situation on the ground”.

In his meetings, Harris had outlined a freshlydrafted Pentagon report highlighting issues in theSouth China Sea, Padilla said earlier. Tensions haverisen in recent years between the Philippines andChina due to conflicting territorial claims overthese waters, including the Spratly islands locatedthere. Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan alsohave claims to parts or all of the South China Sea,which is a vital maritime route, a rich fishing

ground and which may hold vast mineralresources. In asking for US assistance, Padilla saidthe Philippines had faced Chinese harassment, par-ticularly when resupplying and rotating troopsbased on a grounded WWII-era ship on a remoteshoal in the Spratly islands.

China has also recently turned isolated rockyoutcroppings in the South China Sea into artificialislands that can host military facilities. ThePhilippines fears these artificial islands will be usedto isolate Filipino outposts in the Spratlys. Padillaconceded the Philippines, which has one of theweakest militaries in the region, lacked theresources to fully protect its own vessels in the area.The Philippines has been seeking to improve itsdefence relations with the United States and othercountries to counterbalance China’s forces.—AFP

Philippines seeks US ‘assistance’ in South China Sea

MANILA: Members of the religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) shout slogans during a protest against the JusticeDepartment, yesterday in the suburban Mandaluyong city east of Manila, Philippines. The sect members, who earlier camped outfor two days in Manila, are accusing Justice Secretary Leila De Lima of harassing the congregation by ordering an investigation intowhat it said false allegations by its expelled members. —AP

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 2

By Ben Garcia

KUWAIT: Filipinos in Kuwait displayed theirsupport to the shy, but most sought afterpolitician from Davao City, Mayor RodrigoDuterte.

The group supporting Duterte gathered atthe seaside at the back of the Holy FamilyCathedral in Kuwait City to send a strong

message of support and convince MayorDuterte to run in the May 2016 presidentialrace.

“We are here to assure our support toMayor Duterte and call for his candidacy. Wewant him to know that we are one and unitedhere in Kuwait and we want him to be ournext leader!” said Eric Cajes, who is the actingspokesperson and organizer for the group.

Tough guy“ We want the tough guy to take the

helm because he has no records of corrup-tion. In fact, Davao is enjoying ‘The SafestCity on Earth’ title (fifth in the world interms of peace and order) because MayorDuterte worked hard for it and we want tosee that style executed in the whole archi-pelago. We want the workaholic and bril-

liant Mayor,” Eric added.The group stated they want Duterte to

once and for all declare his candidacy in theupcoming elections, as the campaign peri-od nears and set to start after filing certifi-cate of candidacy in October. However, untilnow, Duterte is yet to announce his deci-sion despite the growing and strong clamorfrom supporters all over the world!”

OFWs dream for a crime-free PHCalls for Duterte to run as president

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 3

Three militants ...Continued from Page 1

The militants have since split into smaller groups, each holdingsome hostages, Bulao added. The military rescue attempt cameafter the decapitated remains of a 12th hostage, Rodolfo Boligao,were found on a deserted Jolo highway.

Impoverished Jolo is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, aloose band of several hundred armed men set up in the 1990swith seed money from the Al-Qaeda network of Osama Bin Laden.

The group engages in kidnappings to finance operations, oftentargeting foreigners and sometimes beheading captives if ran-soms are not paid. It has also been blamed for the worst bombattacks in the country, including the firebombing of a ferry offManila Bay in 2004 that killed more than 100 people.—AFP

MANILA: Others have noticed it, but none has dared drawPresident Aquino’s attention to it.

Until yesterday, when visiting Thai Prime Minister PrayutChan-o-cha, in a state luncheon at Malacanang, told his host,to laughter from the crowd, “You speak so fast.”

Journalists who heard the comment agreed and said finally,after five years, someone had the guts to tell the President thatindeed he was delivering his public speeches and statementstoo fast.

Earlier, the Thai leader said “sorry for taking time” in deliver-ing his speech, referring to his statement after the bilateral andexpanded bilateral meetings with the President and his offi-cials, respectively.

The prime minister was here for a two-day official visit. Hearrived Thursday night and left yesterday afternoon. He wasaccompanied by his wife, Naraporn Chan-o-cha, and his dele-

gation.For his part, the President said he hoped he did not mispro-

nounce anything when he acknowledged the Thai officialswho were with Chan-o-cha.

“I’m trying to practice a little,” he said.Aquino recognized the Thai prime minister for coming to

the country in December of 2012 as chief of the Royal ThaiArmy, leading a delegation of officials who expressed willing-ness to lend assistance to recovery operations in the aftermathof Typhoon Pablo.

This came just a few days after Chan-o-cha personallyturned over $30,000 to Philippine embassy representatives inThailand as assistance to the typhoon victims.

“We would feel your country’s generosity and solidarityagain, in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and of the oth-er calamities we have had to overcome. In the same vein,

Thailand PM to Aquino: You speak so fastwhen many areas of Thailand were ravaged by severe floodingin 2011, the Philippines also extended financial assistance tothe victims,” Aquino said.

Same same“These expressions of support are but contemporary mani-

festations of the long history between our peoples. I am told,for instance, that lively trade between our countries predatesthe 1600s,” Aquino said.

“Today, Thais and Filipinos are often mistaken for each oth-er. In the streets of Bangkok, our people are often told,‘Philippine-Thai same-same.’ We see this even in our cultures.Our people are known for their friendly and cheerful natures,and their hospitality,” he said.

The President said Filipinos and Thais even have similarpreferences in terms of cuisine. —The Philippine Star

MANILA: Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha (L) reads a statement as Philippine President Benigno Aquino (R)looks on at a press conference at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on Friday. Prayut is here on a two-day visit. —AFP

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 4

KUWAIT: The Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers(Kuwait Chapter) organized recently a technical seminar fortheir officers and members. The seminar presented byEngineer Antonio Garo Jr was held at the Royal Indian

Restaurant in Fahaheel under the subject ‘Pipeline Rules ofThumb’. Introduction to Project Management was presentedby Ranganathan PMP, BE, the Project Control Manager fromFirst Kuwaiti Trading. Also in attendance and addressed the

gathering were Engr Leandro Serafin, RME, Engr JeffersonLuague, RME, Engr Renaldo Viloria, RME, Engr Jonil Puracan,PME, Engr Marc Pepe Montebon, Engr Benito Bulawan, PME,and Engr Ryan Glenn Alaba, RME.

PSME organizes ‘technical seminar’

MANILA: Former President and now Mayor Joseph Estrada, right, joins the ritual byChinese Buddhist monks in the commemoration of the botched bus hostage-takingoperation at Manila’s Rizal Park that killed eight Hong Kong tourists five years agoThursday, Aug. 27, 2015 in Manila, Philippines. A tourist bus with 21 tourists wascommandeered by a suspended police officer Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza onAug. 23, 2010 in a 15-hour standoff and rescue operation by police resulted in thekilling of eight Hong Kong tourists and the hostage-taker. —AP

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 5

By Ben Garcia

KUWAIT: Jayson Lo, an entrepreneur by heart and famous moti-vational speaker from Manila wowed Filipinos in Kuwait during ashort speaking engagement here organized by the RobinsonsLand Corporation at Swiss-Belhotel Plaza. As Jayson spokeabout his experiences in direct selling, manufacturing, tradingand owning restaurants, Jayson shared that his objective in shar-ing was to effect change among his ‘kababayans’ (compatriots)working abroad. Jayson wish that through his inspiring words,he will be able to help others achieve their fullest potential.

WHY factorsIn the seminar, Jayson admitted to have once been bankrupt,

but eventually recovered after recognizing his ‘WHY’ factors, which

he explained is the most important in the journey to success.Jayson advised OFWs to recognize their why’s, save money, investand add more income. He said the secret to success is ‘stay in love’and invest their money in the business they value and completelyunderstand.

Believe in the PhilippinesHe also urge Filipinos to believe in their country’s potentials as

record shows the Philippines is in the verge of economic take-off. “The Philippines’ growth is now next to giant China. We are

experiencing an economic boom, so this is the best time to invest,”he said. In the program, Jayson was introduced by Marc Antonio,International Sales Representative of Robinsons Land Corporationwho also presented their products as best among real estate com-panies in the Philippines.

‘Invest in a business you love and understand’Motivational speaker Jayson Lo speaks to Filipinos in Kuwait

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 6

TulaGreetings

Kapuso viewers in the countryand across continents havebeen captured by “AlDub”,

this year’s most phenomenal loveteam from the first ever Kalyeseryeof Eat Bulaga.

Eat Bulaga is the longest run-ning noontime show in thePhilippines, and is aired locally onGMA-7 and internationally on GMAPinoy TV.

“Siguro po dahil it’s a fresh loveteam on TV,” shares Kapuso Primeleading man and one-half of theAlDub love team, Alden Richards,on why their tandem clicked withthe viewers. “Our story is some-thing different at nakakapagbigay-saya sa viewers,” he continues.

Meanwhile, Maine Mendoza,also known as Yaya Dub, was invit-ed on Eat Bulaga because of herfunny and expressive dubsmashvideos. She plays yaya to WallyBayola’s Lola Nidora character, kick-starting Eat Bulaga’s most-awaited

afternoon segment.Despite all the fun moments,

Alden and Yaya Dub have nevermet, both in character and in reallife. Alden says he will be very excit-ed when that time comes. “I will bevery happy. ‘Yon na ang tamangpanahon na sinasabi ni Lola Nidora.It’s worth the wait!” However, heshares that he will be surprised ifthey accidentally meet somewhereelse. “Baka mapa-dubsmash akobigla ng God Gave Me You!” he says,referencing the pair’s theme song.

Alden thanks the brains behindthe program, as well as the AlDubsupporters, and owes them the suc-cess of the segment. “Marami pongtao ang part nito eh, from the staff,to our bosses from EB, and also toour followers who’ve been support-ing us since day 1. Kung hindi podahil sa kanilang lahat, hindi po itomagiging successful,” he says.

When asked about what he doesto maintain the momentum of fun

and excitement, he answers,“Secret!” AlDub followers will justhave to wait and watch what hap-pens next.

The Kalyeserye couple definitelyhas more to offer, from thrillingmoments between Alden and YayaDub to Lola Nidora’s life lessons,AlDub nation, as the pair’s fans pro-claim themselves, must stay in theknow, and find out how these twowould finally meet.

Alden, also referred to as the“Pambansang Dimples” by his fans,is a mainstay on GMA’s newestcomedy-musical variety programSunday PinaSaya. Exploring otherkinds of arts aside acting, he recent-ly inked an exclusive recording con-tract with GMA records, and isalmost finished with the album.Featuring two original tracks and afew remakes of popular songs,Alden’s upcoming album is defi-nitely something fans should lookforward to.

Alden Richards on AlDub: ‘It’s a fresh love team on TV’

Ang aking evercutest and dearest love of my life...Ralph Elijah Happy Birthday toyou! You are my everything and will always be and no one could ever question myunconditional love to you and your bro Rajeev kapalit man sariling buhay at kali-gayahan! I love you anak happy 6th birthday to you!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015 7

MANILA: Proper ty, retai l and bank ingtycoon Henry Sy whose conglomerate ownsthe chain of SM Supermalls in his countryand China has retained the t it le of thePhilippines’ richest person for the eighthconsecutive year, with his net worth up $1.7billion from last year to $14.4 billion.

Forbes Philippines, which puts togetherthe list, said Thursday that the value of Sy’spubl ic ly t raded conglomerates SMInvestments rose 17 percent and SM PrimeHoldings 20 percent over the past year. Hiscompanies announced record income from

banking and retail businesses and two newmall partnerships in 2014. Sy also has astake in privately owned power supplierNational Grid Corp.

John Gokongwei Jr. of JG Summit con-glomerate that owns SM’s rival, mall chainRobinsons, is the second richest with a networth of $5.5 billion. Forbes said he movedup three spots after his company’s stocksrose 30 percent , boosted by revenuegrowth in its petrochemical business andinvestments in Meralco, the Philippineslargest power distributor. JG Summit also

has interests in food and beverage, airlines,telecoms, property development, banking,retail, and hotels.

Forbes compiles the net wealth of thePhilippines’ richest based on stock pricesand exchange rates, with the value of pri-vate companies based on similar compa-nies that are publicly traded.

Alliance Global’s Andrew Tan climbeda notch to the third place despite a dropin his net worth to $4.5 billion from thep r e v i o u s $ 5 . 1 b i l l i o n . H i s c o m p a n y ’sstock price is 11 percent lower due to a

drop in income from its resort and casinooperations.

Lucio Tan of LT Group whose businessesinclude stakes in beverages, tobacco, dis-tilled spirits, banking and property wasfourth with a net worth of $4.3 billion. Tan isalso chairman of Philippine Airlines.

Fi f th was International ContainerTerminal Services’ Enrique Razon Jr., who isworth $4.1 billion.

Rounding out the top 10 are are GeorgeTy, the Abotiz Family, Jaime Zobel de Ayala,David Consunji, and Tony Tan Caktiong.—AP

Mall tycoon Henry Sy tops Philippines’ rich list

NBA star says he wants to play for Philippine national teamMANILA: Rising NBA star Jordan Clarkson saidThursday he is eager to play for thePhilippines’ national basketball team despitecitizenship concerns from the InternationalBasketball Federation (FIBA).

“I want to assure my Filipino brothers andsisters that, if given the chance and every-thing can be worked out, I sincerely wish toplay for Gilas and contribute to the total teameffort for flag and country,” Clarkson said in astatement released by the BasketballAssociation of the Philippines (SBP).

Clarkson, whose mother hails from thePhilippines, is visiting the basketball-crazySoutheast Asian nation and has joined thenational team, Gilas Pilipinas, for practice.

The 23-year old, who plays guard for theLos Angeles Lakers, said that he was in thecountry to familiarise himself with the nation-al team and would even accompany themwhen they play at the 2015 Jones Cup basket-ball tournament in Taiwan.

The basketball association’s executive

director Sonny Barrios said he was hopefulthey could clear all the requirements of FIBA,the International Basketball Federation, intime to get Clarkson to play for Gilas in Chinain September at the Asia qualifying round forthe Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics.

“He is simply stating his willingness, he isnot stating that he will play,” Barrios clarified.

Barrios told AFP that the association wasrushing to submit the documents that wouldallow Clarkson to play as a Filipino for GilasPilipinas in the Olympic qualifier.

The deadline for naming the Philippineteam for the qualifier is September 8 butBarrios said they would have to submitClarkson’s documents even sooner. “We haveto submit it ASAP so they will still have time toevaluate. I am racing against time,” he said.

FIBA rules allow one naturalised player oneach national team but the Philippinesalready has a naturalised player in its squad,former Brooklyn Nets centre AndrayBlatche.—AFP

Sy Gokongwei

MANILA: Ramon Magsaysay awardee Indian SanjivChaturvedi, an anti-corruption campaigner, smiles as heposes for photographers at the Ramon MagsaysayCenter in Manila, Philippines on Thursday. Chaturvediand a fellow countryman who recycles clothes for thepoor are among this year’s recipients of the Philippines’Ramon Magsaysay Award, often regarded as Asia’sequivalent of the Nobel Prize. —AP

KUWAIT: A formal awards ceremony will be held for the Ambassador Rene Villa’s Cup organized by the Filipino Badminton Committee (FBC). The distribution of prizes and awards is set on Sept4 at 12 noon at the Kuwait Disabled Sports Club in Hawally, Ibn Khaldoun Street at the presence of Ambassador Rene Villa. FBC is also inviting all badminton enthusiasts to join the FBC One DayTournament on the same day from 8am until 5pm at the same venue. For more information contact Tel 97197268.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

Page 7

NBA star sayshe wants to

play forPhilippine

national team

FBC Ambassador’s Cup concludes