January 6-9, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 4 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
USA
DATELINE Filipina reportedly trafficked into forced labor sues host family FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Lawsuit puts a spotlight on forced servitude, anti-trafficking advocates call for further awareness on the issue
A FILIPINA immigrant, who for nearly three years was allegedly forced into involuntary servitude and suffered unfair wages and extreme verbal abuse, has led a lawsuit against her host family in a case that highlights modern slavery and human trafficking. Edelynne Bergado, a single mother of two from the rural Pangasinan province in the Philippines, said she was brought to the United States in 2014 by Marlon and NelleAnn Velonza who promised her a green card and a well-paying job.
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Seema Verma, administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has said that the agency’s regulations were “taking doctors away from what matters most: patients.” Photo by Pete Marovich for Kaiser Health News
Trump admin relaxes financial penalties against nursing homes THE Trump administration — reversing guidelines put in place under President Barack Obama — is scaling back the use of fines against nursing homes that harm residents or place them in grave risk of injury. The shift in the Medicare program’s penalty protocols was requested by the nursing home industry. The American Health Care Association, the industry’s main trade group, has complained that under Obama inspectors focused excessively on catching wrongdoing rather than helping nursing homes improve. “It is critical that we have relief,” Mark Parkinson, the group’s president, wrote in a letter to then-President-elect Donald Trump in De-
Pimentel: Shift to federalism not made to extend Duterte’s term by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE proposed shift to a federal form of government is not designed to prolong Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s term beyond 2022, said Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. In a radio interview on Friday, January 5, Pimentel debunked speculations that Duterte’s term, as well as those of other incumbent officials, would be extended once
the government shifts to federalism. The Senate president took note that the ruling Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-LABAN) party has long been advocating federalism since 1982, when then-Davao City Mayor Duterte was still out of “radar.” “Hindi ito for Duterte. 1982 pa e federalism na ang advocacy ng PDP-Laban. Wala pa sa radar, sa national level si President Duterte. So we’re doing this for Duterte? Malabo po
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Senate Pres. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel
Philstar.com photo
Poll: Trump 2nd most favorable world leader for Filipinos by AJPRESS UNITED STATES President Donald Trump is the second most favorable world leader for Filipinos next to Pope Francis, according to the Gallup International Association’s (GIA) 41st Annual Global End of Year Survey. Results of the survey showed that 72 percent of seven out of 10 Filipinos have a “favorable” opinion on the U.S. leader, while only 23 percent viewed him negatively. Overall, Trump obtained a net score of +49 in the Philippines. Trump, however, failed to hold a positive image worldwide after receiving a net score of -27. Poll results showed that 58 percent of the 53,769 respondents in 55 countries view Trump unfavorably, while only 31 percent viewed him positively. In a statement, GIA noted that Trump is less favorable compared to his predecessor, former U.S. President Barack Obama. “Two years ago, just before he left office almost three in five (59 percent) of those polled throughout 65 countries around the world held a favourable view of U.S. President Barack Obama. This year and having been in office for just over a year, President Trump does not poll so favourably,” GIA said. It also noted that Trump is the “only political leader where a majority hold an unfavourable view of him.” Trump, who assumed the presidency in January last year, has expressed support for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial campaign against illegal drugs, unlike Obama who had issued calls for a stop to the alleged campaign-related killings. Trump also visited Manila last November to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit and other related
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MOBBED. President Rodrigo Duterte greets Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials who joined Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (left) as they paid a courtesy call on at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao City on Wednesday, January 3, 2018. Malacañang photo by Karl Roman Alonzo
Palace: Both rich, poor to benefit from TRAIN THE administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte maintained that the rich and the poor would “both benefit” from the newly enacted Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act. This is in contrast to IBON Foundation’s recent claim that TRAIN is “scourge, not a gift” to Filipino people. While admitting that the effects of exercising TRAIN include an increase in the price of some com-
modities, Malacañang insisted that such hikes will be “minimal” and “temporary,” and will taper off over time. “Contrary to the claim of IBON Foundation, the rich and the poor would both benefit from the newly enacted (TRAIN Act),” Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement on Thursday, January 4. “TRAIN is often criticized for its perceived negative impact on the poor; mainly, implementing TRAIN
will lead to higher prices. While adjusting excise taxes would raise prices of some commodities faced by consumers, we assure everyone that it will be minimal and it will be temporary,” he added. Based on the estimates made by the Department of Finance (DOF), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Roque noted that there is only an expected of around 0.4 to
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VP seeks transparency in ballot box retrieval CA upholds decision tossing $2-billion claim of Marcos human rights victims
by AJPRESS
by AJPRESS
PHILIPPINE Vice President Maria “Leni” Leonor Robredo has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to allow both her camp and that of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to witness the inventory and transport of ballot boxes in connection with their electoral case. In a resolution dated December 5, 2017, the SC, sitting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), Robredo, through her lawyers Romulo Macalintal and Maria Bernadette Sardillo, filed a motion for clarification regarding the resolution issued by the tribunal.
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THE Court of Appeals (CA) this week upheld its earlier decision dismissing a petition filed by a human rights group seeking an about $2 billion worth of compensation to human rights victims during the term of late strongman Ferdinand Marcos. The CA’s former Twelfth Division on Wednesday, January 3 said it has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by retired Judge Priscilla Mijares, forAtty. Romulo Macalintal and Vice Pres. Leni Robredo
Philstar.com photo
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Martial law victims line up during the first distribution of monetary compensation at the UP Diliman in Quezon City on May 8, 2017. Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos
A January 6-9, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL
Poll: Trump 2nd most favorable...
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highest level of favorability among meetings. other world leaders with a net On the other hand, Pope Francis score of +38. recorded the highest level of favorNext to Pope Francis and Trump ability in the predominantly Catho- is Russian President Vladimir Pulic Philippines, having a net score tin, who earned a net score of +20 +80 in the country. in the Philippines. According to Figures showed that 87 percent the survey, 47 percent of Filipinos of Filipinos have positive opinion have positive view of the Russian on the Pontiff, while only around president, while only 27 percent seven percent viewed him nega- see him negatively. tively. Putin ranked third most favorPope Francis also recorded the able worldwide, with 47 percent
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From the Front Page favorable and 27 percent unfavorable. “President Putin polls favourably in most regions of the world except the U.S. (14 percent) and EU-Europe (28 percent), but still higher than the 20 percent favorability for President Trump,” GIA said. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping garnered a -1 net score in the Philippines, with only 35 percent of Filipinos hold favorable view of him while 36 percent hold unfavorable view. Worldwide, Xi garnered a net score of +6. Under the Duterte administration, the Philippines is enjoying closer ties with China after years of of apparent icy relationship due to territorial dispute in South China Sea. The Duterte administration is also forging closer ties with Russia. (AJPress)
VP seeks... PAGE A1 t But in a motion for clarification dated January 3, Robredo, through her lawyers Romulo Macalintal and Bernadette Sardillo, asked the court to allow both hers and Marcos’ representatives to witness the retrieval process of the documents. Robredo’s camp pointed out that based on SC’s resolution, both parties “will not be able to verify the completeness of the ballot boxes and the correctness of the items being collected and retrieved.” The transfer of ballot boxes, election documents and paraphernalia were scheduled from January 23 to 26. Last month, Macalintal disclosed that the “revision” of the contested ballots in Camarines Sur is slated for the second week of February. This will be followed by revisions in two other pilot provinces Iloilo and Negros Oriental—which were tagged by Marcos in his poll protest as the “best provinces” where he could prove the irregularities in the vice presidential race. The revision stage is the third part of an electoral protest, in which the questioned ballot boxes will be opened and votes will be recounted and tallied. In his poll protest, Marcos accused Robredo of benefiting from “massive electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities” during the vice presidential election in 2016. Marcos lost the vice presidential post to Robredo with only around 263,473 votes. n
Pimentel: Shift to federalism... PAGE A1 t yata ‘yun (It’s not for Duterte. PDP-Laban has been advocating federalism since 1992, when Duterte is still out radar, on the national level… That’s unlikely),” Pimentel told DZMM. Pimentel currently serves as PDP-Laban’s president, while Duterte is the party’s chairman. In contrast to claims of whom he labeled as “alarmists,” Pimentel remarked that a federal form of government would actually cut the chief executive’s power. “In a federal form of government, you are creating other centers of power. Kaya nga ako bilib sa presidente natin (That’s why I admire him). He is willing to let go of some of his powers,” he said. Pimentel explained that under federalism, there will be “11 centers of power” in the regions plus one center of power headed by an elected president—unlike in the country’s present unitary form of the government where all executive powers belong solely to the president. While the proposal has yet to be finalized, Pimentel admitted that PDP-Laban is suggesting “a quite long” period for the transition, citing a possible length of eight to ten years. He clarified, however, that incumbent officials will enjoy term extensions due to the transition. “Walang extension ng term (There will be no extension of
terms),” he stressed, adding that “Walang (There’s no) hold over, hindi (it’s not) necessary.” But on Wednesday, January 3, Pimentel said that Duterte may extend his term beyond 2022 “if necessary” and “if he is amenable to it” during the country’s possible transition to federalism. Duterte term extension ‘out of the question’ In a statement, Malacañang assured the public that Duterte “has no wish to extend his term.” Rather than extending his term, Palace spokesperson Harry Roque said that Duterte prefers to step down ahead of the expiration of his tenure should the push for a federal form of government succeed. “If the Constitution can be amended, to provide for federalism and to provide for provisions that would strengthen public accountability, he has said, he is willing to cut short his term. So the idea of prolonging his term is out of the question,” Roque said in a briefing on Wednesday, January 3. The Palace official also made it clear that the midterm elections in 2019 will push through “unless and until the Constitution is amended and ratified by the people.” But for Senator Leila De Lima, Malacañang’s assurance should not be trusted. “Sino’ng niloloko nila, at ilang beses na silang nanloloko? Ilang beses na ’yung iba ’yung sinasabi, iba ’yung ginagawa? Iba
sinasabi sa isang araw, tapos binabawi the next day or a few days later? (Who are they trying to fool? How many times have they said something, but did another? They say one thing today, and take it back the next or a few days later),” said the senator, who is also a top critic of the administration. She further urged Filipinos remain vigilant, saying that Duterte and his supporters are using the federalism campaign to prolong their stay in the office. “Huwag po nating papayagan ’yan, ’yung maitim na balak nila. ’Yung no-el, ’yung federalism, na ’yung pinakahangad lang naman nila ay nand’yan sila sa p’westo, sa kapangyarihan, nang marami pang taon. (Let us not allow their evil plan to succeed. They just want to use the noelections, federalism scenario to stay in office, to stay in power, for many more years),” De Lima said in a media interview on Friday, January 5. Earlier this week, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez floated the idea of the possible cancellation of midterm elections in 2019 if the proposed shift to federalism gets approved this year. Noting that the senators have different term expirations, the House speaker also remarked that it is only practical to extend their terms until 2022 for a transitory period. He stressed, however, that the matter depends on the decision that will be made by the constituent assembly. n
Palace: Both rich, poor to benefit... PAGE A1 t 0.7 percentage point increase in inflation during the first year of implementation of TRAIN. Apart from providing higher take-home pay to wage earners, Roque further pointed out that TRAIN would result to “more jobs, better infrastructure, and more efficient delivery of services from massive investment in infrastructure and on people.” “These investments would increase the productive capacity of the economy, thereby creating more and better jobs and result in high-quality education,
better health services, and adequate social protection so that everyone, especially the poor, is accorded with equal economic opportunities towards prosperity,” he explained. In a recent statement posted on its official website, IBON Foundation accused the Duterte administration of “exaggerat[ing] how lower income taxes will benefit Filipinos, and downplayed how the country’s poorest will be burdened by higher prices on basic goods and services without getting any tax exemptions.” IBON executive director Son-
ny Africa pointed out that the higher taxes imposed on sugarsweetened drinks, oil products and gasoline, among others, will result in more expensive commodities that only worsen the burden of poor Filipinos. “TRAIN is a scourge, not a gift, to the people,” Africa said. “Though Filipino families certainly deserve income tax cuts to cope with rising costs of living, it is misleading to claim ‘6.8 million’ benefiting from TRAIN because this figure includes millions of minimum wage earners already exempted by law.” (AJPress)
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FROM THE FRONT PAGE
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 6-9, 2018
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CA upholds decision tossing... PAGE A1 t
PHILIPPINE SUNRISE. Among the featured images in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA’s) Best Earth-from-Space Photos by Astronauts in 2017 is sunrise on the Philippine Sea. The gallery, which features 18 photos, shows dazzling views of our home planet from space. Photo courtesy of NASA
Filipina reportedly trafficked into forced labor... PAGE A1 t However, from April 2014 to January 2017, she was reportedly “kept against her will” by the Velonzas and worked 14hour days, seven days a week in the Velonzas home in the Los Angeles northeastern neighborhood of Eagle Rock, according to the complaint filed on Dec. 19, 2017. For nearly three years, the Velonzas allegedly forced Bergado to cook, clean, care for the Velonzas’ two children and perform other domestic duties. Additionally, the Velonzas also forced Bergado to work for Etta’s International Cosmetics, a business run by Nelle-Ann Velonza which specializes in skin and facial bleaching. According to the complaint, Bergado was responsible for preparing the products sold by Etta’s; she was reportedly even instructed by Mrs. Velonza to purchase other brands of similar skin products and replace the label with an Etta’s label to appear that it was manufactured by her company. Notably, Mrs. Velonza also used Bergado as a “guinea pig” to test the skincare products — most of which were created by mixing household cleaning products like detergent and hydrogen peroxide — they were selling. As a result, Bergado suffered from painful, irritated skin burns, the complaint said.
Throughout her captivity under the Velonzas, Bergado was verbally assaulted and harshly mistreated, according to the complaint. They often made her work seven days a week and was not allowed days off, even if she was sick. They also forbade her from speaking to her daughters, even confiscating her cell phone in July 2014. The strict rules in place — that further isolated Bargado — prohibited her from speaking to people outside of the home; and, she was often not allowed to leave the apartment by herself. Additionally, the Velonzas had a video monitoring system that made sure she didn’t leave the house when they were gone. Although they had promised Bergado a well-paying job once they got to California, she was paid about $200 for her first three months; afterwards, they didn’t pay her at all. After a particularly heated argument with Mrs. Velonza, which left Bergado “very frightened,” she sought help from a friend on Facebook, who reported Bergado’s story to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. On Jan. 12, 2017, Bergado was rescued by the Los Angeles Police Department, who recommended various health and legal providers to help her with her transition after the three years she spent in forced servitude. Still suffering from residual
emotional and physical trauma, she is now suing the Velonzas — along with Mrs. Velonza’s brother Nelson Orqueza and sister Josephine Cadaoas who knew about Bergado’s captivity but didn’t help her — for monetary compensation for years of unpaid wages as well as the intense trauma she endured. Like many individuals seeking work in in the U.S., once she knew her situation was definitely not what she was promised, she wanted a way out. But due to threats and coercion by the Velonzas, Bergado didn’t see a way out. “I think that’s common with a lot of ppl who are in human trafficking situations that they recognize they’re being mistreated and they do want to leave but because of the fear and coercion and inundation that traffickers often use, they are often unable to do so, even if they desperately want to,” Christopher Lapinig, Skadden Fellow in the Impact Litigation Unit at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles, shared with the Asian Journal. Advancing Justice - LA, along with law firm Jenner & Block LLP, filed the lawsuit on behalf of Bergado last December. Per federal law, human trafficking includes “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion,
mer Human Rights Commission Chairman Loretta Ann Rosales, movie director Joel Lamangan, Hilda Narciso, and Mariano Dimaranan due to lack of merit. In its ruling on the motion for reconsideration, the CA said it found “no new or substantial matter that would warrant a reversal or modification” of its July 7, 2017 decision affirming an earlier Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) decision. Last year, the Makati City RTC dismissed a petition seeking the enforcement of a 1995 United States district court decision which awarded human-rights victims during the late dictator’s regime $2 billion worth of compensation for damages. The Makati City RTC’s concluded that the U.S. District Court in Hawaii was not binding because it lacks jurisdiction over the class suit docketed as Class Action No. MDL 840. In May 1991, 10 Filipino citizens initiated MDL 840 on behalf of the 10,000 human rights victims during the late dictator’s regime. They were Celsa Hilao, Josefina Hilao Forcadilla, Arturo Revilla, Jr., Rodolfo Benosa, Danila Fuente, Renato Pineda, Adora Faye de Vera, Domiciano Amparo, Christopher Sorio, and Jose Duran. But in its July decision, the CA said that the 10 Filipino citizens who initiated MDL 840 failed to prove that they were “truly and legally authorized by the other purported claimants.” It also said that the Hawaii court violated the right to due process of both the unnamed claimants and the respondent Marcos estate, making the U.S. court’s decision not binding. “It boggles the mind how the for the purpose of subjecting that person to involuntary servitude, forced labor, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery,” according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline website. While human trafficking is popularly discussed in the context of sex trafficking, it is a wide-ranging concept that includes a myriad of industries, noted Lapinig, who works closely with Filipinos who are survivors of trafficking. “There are certain industries and certain types of work where [human trafficking] is really common, and it can happen in any industry or any type of job that is
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final judgment could be enforced when the supposed claimants were not even identified… it gave no opportunity for the Marcos Estate to confront each and every claimant,” the CA decision read. It added that the classification of the claimants into three categories – torture, summary execution and disappearance victims – cannot be joined into a class suit since “no two persons can suffer the same nature and degree of injury or damage.” The classification of claim-
ants, the CA further noted, was an obvious recognition that “no common question of law and fact exists between/among the claimants.” “In other words, each claimant in MDL 840 had a right, if any, only to the damage that such individual may have suffered, and not one of them had any right to or can claim any interest in the damage or injury which another suffered. Hence, MDL 840 was not and should not have been brought as a class suit,” the CA said. ■
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A January 6-9, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL
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What to know about CA’s marijuana legalization Fil-Ams react to new rules
by Rae
In this 2005 photo, heroin user Denise Williams (center) and friend Momma Candy learn how to administer naloxone from DOPE trainer Kelly Johnson (left). Williams was saved by the drug that reverses the effects of opiates and wanted to help others. Photo courtesy of Kaiser Health News
Drug overdose deaths plateau in California, soar nationally EvEn as the opioid crisis fueled overdose deaths across the nation, the number of Californians who succumbed to these and other drugs has remained stable, new federal data show. Deaths from opiates, cocaine and methamphetamines shot up by 35 percent in the United States between the year ending in May 2015 and that ending in May 2017, according to a Kaiser Health news analysis of statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But in California and several other Western states, there were no significant changes in the number of deaths, and some states even saw small reductions. In Utah and Oregon, the number of deaths dropped by 3 percent. In Wyoming, it fell 36 percent. About 4,600 Californians died in each of the two years that were compared, according to the data. One likely factor, experts say, is that fentanyl, a potent and deadly form of synthetic opioid, has not saturated the market in California and other Western states the way it has in parts of the East Coast and Midwest — at least not yet. “States that are seeing relatively little fentanyl in their sup-
ply, their overdose rates are more or less remaining flat,” said Leo Beletsky, associate professor of law and health sciences at northeastern University. But states that have been flooded by fentanyl are seeing overdose rates rise, he said. Fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, is being mixed with heroin and other street drugs in some regions of the country, sometimes without the knowledge of drug users. Even small amounts can lead to a deadly overdose. Fentanyl killed rock legend Prince in April 2016. Pennsylvania and Florida saw massive increases in overdose deaths — 83 percent and 85 percent respectively in the two years compared. Lindsay LaSalle, senior staff attorney for the Drug Policy Alliance, which advocates for less criminalization of drug use, said some states with stable death rates not only have less fentanyl, but they have adopted policies to protect the health of drug users. “California has for many decades embraced harm-reduction strategies” that may be limiting drug deaths, LaSalle said. These include needle exchang-
es that provide drug users with information about how to avoid overdoses, and programs that distribute the overdose reversal drug naloxone to opiate-dependent people, she said. In Washington state, where overdose deaths increased by 5 percent, more treatment options and investments in housing and employment may have diverted people from drug abuse and avoided more deaths, she said. Most other states rely primarily on law enforcement to control drug use, LaSalle added. Since november 2015, 25 states have passed laws that increase penalties related to the sale and distribution of fentanyl, according to the alliance. Florida implemented a law last year that allows drug dealers to be charged with murder for selling fentanyl that causes a death. However, the criminal justice approach “really has not shown to be effective in the long term,” Beletsky said. The CDC cautioned that the statistics for the year ending in May 2017 are provisional and could underestimate the problem. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.
ann VaRona
AJPress
AS of Monday, January 1, Californians were officially allowed to participate in the recreational use of marijuana without the need of a medical marijuana card. Proposition 64 — which was passed back in november 2016 by a 15-percent margin — has come into effect, making California the sixth and largest state in the U.S. to legalize recreational marijuana use, following Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Washington D.C, and Alaska. The full implementation comes 20 years after California became the first to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. For many Californians, the rollout meant enduring long lines outside dispensaries Monday in celebration. Cristina Espiritu, 40, of Anaheim told the Asian Journal that the legalization also means an opportunity for open dialogue which is one of her business’ goals. She’s the founder of the 420 Foodie Club, an online community and resource for those who like to cook with cannabis — think a marijuana-infused Tastemade or Food network. Being Filipina, food played a big part in her life, and including cannabis was just another way she said brought people together. She hopes her business changes the perception of marijuana which she attributed to unregulated cannabis, or “dirty weed,” through cannabis-laced cuisines that are not “pot brownies.” “now, you see a lot of craft products and organic products,” said Espiritu whose site includes recipes for cannabis-infused poutine, pesto, banana bread, and even a number of Filipino dishes. Multi-billion dollar industry The outlook of the expanding California cannabis industry may indicate similar views by those in the business. According to cannabis industry-tracking firm BDS Analytics, sales are expected to hit $3.7 billion in 2018, and possibly $5.1 billion in 2019 as dispensaries go online. Business World compared the numbers to California’s beer sales which hit $5 billion last year, according to IBIS World. Approximately $40 billion and over 400,000 jobs in the U.S. is further projected by 2021, reported consulting firm Arcview. But the numbers don’t come without concerns, according to Espiritu, who has a joint JD/MBA from Penn State University. “They bring both positive and negative things to the table, depending on what part of the issue you’re at,” she said about the new
Proposition 64 — which was passed back in November 2016 by a 15-percent margin — has come into effect, making California the sixth and largest state in the U.S. to legalize recreational marijuana use, following Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Washington D.C, and Alaska. Inquirer.net photo
California regulations. Main concerns for those on the business end are financial as the new regulations also mean new sets of licenses and taxes. For one thing, there’s finding a proper kitchen that allows cannabis cooking — Espiritu shared that un-infused and infused food can’t be together. Manufacturers are also prohibited from manufacturing cannabis products that include perishable items for retail sale. For organizers who often hold cannabis-centered food events, a license priced at $5,000 a year to host up to 10 events is required, according to an article by the LA Times. Cities may also ask for additional fees or even ban an event, the article added. “I understand that they’re there to instill health and safety to the consumers, but for small businesses, it’s cost prohibitive,” said Espiritu, forecasting that many of the smaller businesses in the next couple years will find themselves having to either rethink their business models to survive or die. As for moving past the stigma, the issue may not be so big a deal for some in the Fil-Am community — at least according to Espiritu and 23-year-old Fil-Am James Macatangay. This comes despite the fact that the issue of drug use has taken center stage in the Philippines since the election of country’s president Rodrigo Duterte. Macatangay, who was born in nevada but moved to California where he now works as a microbiology lab technician in the cannabis industry, said that those around him have generally not been against it. “It’s often [an] ‘I don’t care what you do as long as it doesn’t hurt me’ attitude,” Macatangay told this writer on Quora, a questionand-answer site. “I’ve only met a handful who actually fell for the Reefer Madness.” Espiritu, who grew up in the Philippines before moving to the
U.S. at the age of 15, shared similar comments. “I get a mixed bag, but what’s surprising to me is I see a lot more acceptance as the dialogue becomes more known,” said Espiritu. “People fear what they don’t know most of the time, so I think a lot of people, especially the older generation — if you give them information or testimonials, a lot of them are actually willing to try it.” Since coming into office, Duterte’s notorious war on drugs has been campaigned as waging against drug users, with crystal meth, or “shabu” as it is nationally called, being a common choice of drug. But when it comes to marijuana use — medicinal, that is — Duterte has to many people’s surprise showed support, calling it “effective” during his 2016 campaign. “I will not deprive Filipinos of the benefits of medicinal marijuana, but I must have a clear definition of what is and it must be approved by the FDA [the Philippines’ Food and Drug Association],” said Duterte who continues to crack down on recreational use. Future of medical marijuana in the PH Just last year, the Philippines House of Representatives committee unanimously approved the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act (House Bill 180) which was created to allow marijuana use for medicinal purposes. If passed, the Philippines could be the first country in Southeast Asian to legalize medical marijuana. But there’s still a chance it won’t happen, as big names like Philippine Senate Majority Leader vicente Sotto III, and institutions like the University of the Philippines-Manila strongly oppose its legalization. The main arguments by those opposed to marijuana use remain
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Trump admin relaxes financial penalties...
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7136 Haskell Ave., Suite 302 Van Nuys, CA 91406
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cember 2016. Since 2013, nearly 6,500 nursing homes — 4 of every 10 — have been cited at least once for a serious violation, federal records show. Medicare has fined two-thirds of those homes. Common citations include failing to protect residents from avoidable accidents, neglect, mistreatment and bedsores. The new guidelines discourage regulators from levying fines in some situations, even when they have resulted in a resident’s death. The guidelines will also probably result in lower fines for many facilities. The change in policy aligns with Trump’s promise to reduce bureaucracy, regulation and government intervention in business. Dr. Kate Goodrich, director of clinical standards and quality at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), said in a statement that unnecessary regulation was the main concern that health care providers raised with officials. “Rather than spending quality time with their patients, the providers are spending time complying with regulations that get in the way of caring for their patients and doesn’t increase the quality of care they provide,” Goodrich said. But advocates for nursing-home residents say the revised penalties are weakening a valuable patientsafety tool. “They’ve pretty much emasculated enforcement, which was already weak,” said Toby Edelman, a senior attorney at the Center for Medicare Advocacy. Medicare has different ways of applying penalties. It can impose a specific fine for a particular violation. It can assess a fine for each day that a nursing home was in violation. Or it can deny payments for new admissions. The average fine in recent years has been $33,453, but 531 nursing homes amassed combined federal fines above $100,000, records show. In 2016, Congress increased the fines to factor in several years of inflation that had not been accounted for previously. The new rules have been instituted gradually throughout the year. In October, CMS discouraged its regional offices from levying
fines, even in the most serious health violations, if the error was a “one-time mistake.” The centers said that intentional disregard for residents’ health and safety or systemic errors should still merit fines. A July memo from CMS discouraged the directors of state agencies that survey nursing homes from issuing daily fines for violations that began before an inspection, favoring one-time fines instead. Daily fines remain the recommended approach for major violations discovered during an inspection. Dr. David Gifford, the American Health Care Association’s senior vice president for quality, said daily fines were intended to prompt quick remedies but were pointless when applied to past errors that had already been fixed by the time inspectors discovered them. “What was happening is you were seeing massive fines accumulating because they were applying them on a per-day basis retrospectively,” Gifford said. But the change means that some nursing homes could be sheltered from fines above the maximum per-instance fine of $20,965, even for egregious mistakes. In September 2016, for instance, health inspectors faulted Lincoln Manor, a nursing home in Decatur, Ill., for failing to monitor and treat the wound of a patient whose implanted pain-medication pump gradually slipped over eight days through a ruptured suture and protruded from her abdomen. The patient died. CMS fined Lincoln Manor $282,954, including $10,091 a day for 28 days, from the time the nursing home noticed the problem with the wound until supervisors had retrained nurses to avoid similar errors. An administrative law judge called the penalties “quite modest” given the “appalling” care. The fines were issued before the new guidelines took effect; if the agency had issued a one-time fine, the maximum would have been less than $21,000. Lincoln Manor closed in September. Its owner could not be reached for comment, and his lawyer did not respond to an interview request. Advocates for nursing home
residents say that relaxing penalties threatens to undo progress at deterring wrongdoing. Janet Wells, a consultant for California Advocates for nursing Home Reform, said the changes come as “some egregious violations and injuries to residents are being penalized — finally — at a level that gets the industry’s attention and isn’t just the cost of doing business.” In november, the Trump administration exempted nursing homes that violate eight new safety rules from penalties for 18 months. Homes must still follow the rules, which are intended, among other things, to reduce the overuse of psychotropic drugs and to ensure that every home has adequate resources to assist residents with major psychological problems. Rodney Whitlock, a health policy consultant and former Republican Senate staffer, said health inspectors “are out there looking for opportunities to show that the nursing homes are not living up to some extremely tight standards.” He said while the motivation for tough regulation was understandable, “the fines don’t make it easier to hire people and doesn’t make it easier to stay in business.” In June, CMS rescinded another Obama administration action that banned nursing homes from preemptively requiring residents to submit to arbitration to settle disputes rather than going to court. “We publish nearly 11,000 pages of regulation every year,” the agency’s administrator, Seema verma, said in a speech in October. That paperwork is “taking doctors away from what matters most: patients.” Janine Finck-Boyle, director of health regulations and policy at LeadingAge, a group of nonprofit nursing homes and other entities that care for older people, said the group’s members had been struggling to cope with regulations. “If you’re a 50-bed rural facility out West or in the Dakotas,” she said, “you don’t have the resources to get everything done from A to Z.” (Jordan Rau/Kaiser Health News) This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.
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Dateline USa
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 6-9, 2018
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Fierce snowstorm disrupts travel, knocks out power in US Northeast
HIGH-GRADE DRUGS. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives making inventory of the packs of high-grade cocaine washed ashore in Sorsogon. Chief Supt. Antonio Gardiola Jr., PNP–Bicol regional director, presented to members of the media on Friday, January 5, the 25 packs of cocaine weighing one kilo each that a villager found on the shoreline of Juag Lagoon, Barangay Calintaan in Matnog, Sorsogon on January 3. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) estimated the packs of cocaine to be worth P125-million valued at P5 million each. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rhaydz Barcia
Filipina reportedly trafficked into forced labor... PAGE A3 t not sex-related. It’s a pretty expansive category,” he said. Moreover, those who are trafficked into domestic servitude — many of whom come from overseas, like Bergado — aren’t fully aware of the laws in place that protect them from the types of abuse and negligence they may endure under their captors, Lapinig said. “The nature of domestic work makes it easier for traffickers to keep the trafficking victim hidden away and isolated throughout society and isolated from information about what our person’s rights are and the status of the law,” he noted. “So, that isolation as the nature of being a domestic worker makes people working as domestic worker much more vulnerable to the types of coercion that traffickers often use to keep their victims in place.” Protections against human trafficking In recent years, U.S. federal law has doubled down on its approach to eradicate human trafficking of all kinds. Passed in 2000, Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) was the first comprehensive federal law to tackle human trafficking in the U.S. The law includes prevention, protection and prosecution. He also noted that there’s a special visa available for those who have survived from trafficking called the T-Visa that allows undocumented victims of trafficking to bring over any spouses and unmarried children from their homelands; if eligible, this visa could get them a green card and a guaranteed pathway to citizenship. But survivors are encouraged to report their stories immediately and seek legal help. In some cases, trafficking victims only approach law enforcement or seek legal counsel years after; by then, some evidence may not be avail-
able to bring together a case. “If we want to end human trafficking, I believe it is important for us to hold traffickers accountable, whether through criminal prosecutions or lawsuits that result in monetary damages,” Lapinig said. “But it’s hard to do that unless survivors of trafficking realize that they are survivors of trafficking and to seek legal help as soon as they escape.” The Bergado case parallels a story in The Atlantic, “My Family’s Slave,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Alex Tizon. Tizon, who passed away in March 2017, wrote an emotional first-hand account of how his family had kept a slave, Eudocia Tomas Pulido, for more than 50 years. Though Tizon and his siblings adored Pulido (whom they affectionately called “Lola”), he shared how his parents unremorsefully abused Pulido, didn’t pay her and forbade her from seeing her family back in the Philippines. “I had enough interior dialogue going on. I was no better than my parents. I could have done more to free Lola. To make her life better. Why didn’t I?” Tizon wrote. “I could have turned in my parents, I suppose. It would have blown up my family in an instant.” That story, which went viral, raised questions on the issue of modern slavery and domestic servitude, specifically. According to the September 2017 report by the International Labor Organization (ILO), there are an estimated 40 million victims of modern slavery; of those 40 million, about 25 million are engaged in forced labor while around 15 million are coerced into arranged marriages. While forced labor — which usually entails abuse of many forms, underpayment or lack of payment and overworking — is illegal in the United States, many victims who are immigrants are unaware of the laws that uphold their rights as workers. Lapinig emphasized the impor-
What to know about CA’s... PAGE A4 t its effects on health including addiction, memory loss, reducing learning functions, cancer, and cardiovascular and lung problems. Sites like WebMD and MayoClinic.org continue to report on the effects of marijuana on health, but generally, say that more study is needed to make definite conclusions. “I don’t think we can definitively say it is safe,” Jeanette Marie Tetrault, MD, FACP of Yale University School of Medicine said in a WebMD article. Espiritu though, joins those who advocate its medicinal use. She shared that many of the people she’s been working with are Filipino caretakers whose patients take cannabis for pain medication. Tinctures allow cannabis to be sprinkled onto salad dressing or in lemonade, she shared. As California welcomes the full implementation, here’s what is worth knowing. Legal vs. illegal Under Proposition 64, also known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, adults 21 years old or older can now legally consume or purchase up to an ounce of marijuana bud, or eight grams of concentrated cannabis from any licensed dispensary without a medical marijuana card. Californians may also legally grow up to six marijuana plants in their home, but plants must be in a locked area and out of sight from a public place. Businesses, employers, and property owners may prohibit marijuana use or possession on their premises. Smoking marijuana is still illegal in public spaces and generally anywhere tobacco smoking is prohibited. Those caught can be slapped with a fine of up to $100, a change from being charged with possession. Prohibited areas include anywhere within 1,000 feet of a school, day-care, youth center, or any other area where children are present — the fine increases up to $250 if caught in such areas.
And as the lighted signs on freeways reading “Drive high, get a DUI“ suggest, driving under the influence of marijuana is also illegal and dangerous. This includes driving boats and aircrafts. Not exactly legal everywhere in CA It is important to note that consuming marijuana is also still federally illegal. That means aside from having to keep it in California, marijuana also cannot be brought onto federal lands which include national parks, national wild refuges, federal prisons, military reservations, and any other areas owned by the federal government. Local governments within California can also implement bans on marijuana activity, which Kern County did, for example. Furthermore, employers are still allowed to enforce drug-free workplaces and conduct drug tests. Taxes, and cash-only purchases Now that marijuana is legal in California, marijuana consumers can expect a state excise tax of 15 percent on retail marijuana sales, and state cultivation taxes on marijuana of $9.25 per ounce of flowers and $2.75 per ounce of leaves. Those with medical marijuana cards are exempt from some taxation. Purchasing marijuana will also be cash only. Again, as selling marijuana is still federally illegal, related transactions will not be dealt with by banks. Criminal reclassification According to a survey published last fall by drug law reform advocate group Drug Policy Alliance, over 2,100 people in California have been incarcerated for marijuana-only offenses in 2015. In the last decade, the group reported that nearly half a million marijuana arrests were made in California in the last decade. With the law change, those serving time for marijuana-related offenses may petition a judge to possibly resentence their case or get their sentence reduced, or even get out of jail. Records may also be reclassified or wiped clean.. n
tance of being aware of the labor laws in the country in which a worker is placed so as to recognize signs of human trafficking in their place of work. “My hope is that more victims of human trafficking get the message of what trafficking is so they can self-identify themselves as survivors of human trafficking and seek out whatever legal or social services that will help them rebuild their lives,” Lapinig said. If you or someone you know may be a victim of trafficking, visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline,www.humantraffickinghotline.org or call 1-888373-7888 to learn more. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
WASHINGTON - An intense “bomb cyclone” pummeled the US East Coast on Thursday, January 4, with high winds and heavy snowfalls, leaving thousands of flights cancelled, schools and offices closed, and millions of Americans bracing for power shortages. Snow plows and salt trucks rumbled down streets and highways as the powerful winter storm that has hammered the South swept across the Northeast, cloaking much of the region in a white haze. More than 44,000 Americans were left without electricity, at least 8 million people are under blizzard warnings, and 58 million are in the path of this bitter winter storm, according to a CNN report. Most of them were in the states of Virginia and North Carolina, where more than 31,000 people had no power. Nearly 10,000 have lost power in the Boston area, while in New York City, more than 3,500 people are without power. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said Thursday three people have died in the snow storm. A cold snap gripping a large part of the country had already been blamed for a dozen earlier deaths. U.S. forecasters called the ongoing winter storm a “bomb cyclone” for its rapid and rare drop in atmospheric pressure. The storm is crawling up the
northeastern American Thursday morning with a threat of winds gusting as high as 60 mph and a bone-chilling blast of Arctic air. Through Thursday, parts of New York could see five to nine inches of snow, Philadelphia three to six inches and Washington one to two inches. In New England, Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, could get eight to 12 inches, while Portland, Maine, could see 10 to 15 inches, the US National Weather Service said. The service also said Atlantic City could record up to 18 inches of snow, Delaware beach towns were facing the prospect of a foot of snow and travel has become “very dangerous to impossible” in the highly populated Hampton Roads region of Virginia, which could receive up to 12 inches of snow in places. More than 3,000 flights were cancelled on Thursday, with airports in New York and New Jersey; Boston reporting the most cancellations, according to FlightAware, an aviation tracking website. The agency that runs New York City-area airports says all flights have been suspended temporarily at JFK and LaGuardia airports due to wind and whiteout conditions. At Newark Liberty airport in New Jersey, airlines had cancelled 867 flights as of noon Thursday, 73 percent of normal
flight activity. The winter storm that is slamming U.S. East Coast also led to more than 200 flight cancellation in the midwestern city of Chicago. According to Chicago Department of Aviation, by 9:30 a.m. local time, Chicago O’Hare International Airport had cancelled more than 180 flights and the Midway Airport, more than 50 flights. In Washington D.C., the federal government delayed opening offices on Thursday as blowing snow swirled in the capital. The Office of Personnel Management informed that nonemergency federal workers could report two hours late, work remotely, or take an unscheduled leave. Power firms have warned of possible fuel shortages to come since heating units in homes and commercial buildings running furiously to fend off the deep freeze. Some experts said the extreme weather was a result of climate change. “It is often difficult for public to link global warming to living environment, because the process between the two are nonlinear,” Yifang Zhu, associate director of Center for Clean Air and professor of Department of Environmental Health Sciences at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), told Xinhua.
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Dateline USa
A January 6-9, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL
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Ancajas to defend title vs Gonzalez in US debut by Dino
Maragay Philstar.com
IBF junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas will be making his U.S. debut next month, defending his title against Mexico’s Israel Gonzalez at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas on February 3. This will be the 26-year-old Ancajas’ fourth title defense and the boxer’s first bout as a Top Rank fighter, having recently
signed a two-year contract with the Bob Arum-led promotional firm. “I am thrilled to have Mr. Arum and Top Rank promoting my career in the United States. As a Filipino boxer there is no higher honor than to have Mr. Arum and Top Rank Boxing promoting you,” said Ancajas in a Top Rank news release. The Manny Pacquiao protégé is coming off a masterful sixround destruction of Irish Jamie Conlan in Belfast last Novem-
IBF junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas
ber and hopes to showcase his wares in a major market. Prior to that, he has posted impressive victories over Jose Alfredo Rodriguez in Macau and Teiru Kinoshita in Brisbane, Australia. Pacquiao believes Anjacas is destined for greater things. “Jerwin Ancajas, the IBF junior bantamweight world champion and MP Promotions’ first world title holder, is an exciting fighter who has not reached his full potential,” said Pacquiao. Arum, for his part, has branded Ancajas (28-1-1, with 19 KOs) as “the next Pacquiao,” saying the boxer boasts a similar exciting fighting style to the Filipino icon. “I have had the opportunity to be ringside for Jerwin’s fights in Australia and in Macau and I see a lot of similarities to his co-promoter Manny Pacquiao,” said the veteran promoter.
Philstar.com photo by Wendell Rupert Alinea
“Jerwin has a killer instinct inside the ring and he is a great finisher. Just look at his record. Jerwin has only gone the distance once in his last 14 fights!” added Arum. The Cavite City-based Ancajas will be testing his mettle against Gonzalez, a Top 10 contender who sports a record of 20-1, with 8 KOs. The fight will be the co-main event to the Gilberto Ramirez-Habib Ahmend WBO super middleweight title showdown. The card will be televised on ESPN in the US, giving Ancajas a chance to shine in front of a big audience. And the Filipino rising star vowed to make the most out of the oppurtunity. “I look forward to following in the footsteps of my idol and promoter Manny Pacquiao. I want to be a champion for a long time,” said Anjacas. n
DEVOTION. A girl kisses the image of the Black Nazarene at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. Thousands of devotees have started flocking to the church in Quiapo days before the Nazarene’s feast on Tuesday, January 9. ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.
Kobe Paras leads Gilas prospects for 2023 FIBA World Cup by nelson
Beltran Philstar.com
FIVE years to the country’s hosting of the 19th edition of the FIBA World Cup, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has started identifying possible candidates for the national team that will slug it out with the world’s best before the home fans. Seven-foot-2 16-year-old giant Kai Sotto, 6-foot-11 18year-old Ariel John Edu, athletic wingman Kobe Paras and Ateneo standouts Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Nieto and Isaac Go banner what Gilas coach Chot Reyes called “23 for 23.”
Cage patron Manny V. Pangilinan, SBP president Al Panlilio, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, Gilas team manager Butch Antonio and Reyes, in a meeting at Shangri-La at the Fort Thursday night, listed down 23 players who could well be bright prospects for the 2023 World Cup. Included in the roster are five players playing college ball abroad — Cal State Northridge’s Paras, Arizona State U’s Remy Martin, California State U’s Dwight Ramos, Llandover College’s Edu and Wake For-
Kobe Paras
est’s Troy Rike. Nieto and Martin lead the guard roster that includes San Beda’s Robert Lee Bolick, Lyceum’s Jaymar Perez, and UP’s Juan Gomez de Liano and Andres Paul Desiderio. Early candidates at wing spots are Ravena, Paras, Ramos, Rodolfo Alejandrino III and Joshua Sinclair of National U, Kenneth James Tuffin and Arvin Dave Tolentino of FEU, Javee Mocon of San Beda and Jeo Ambohot of Letran. And aside from Sotto, Edu, 6-8 Go and 6-8 Rike, the other big men are 6-7 Abu Jahal Trat-
Philstar.com photo
ter of La Salle, 6-7 Carl Vincent Tamayo of National U, 6-9 Kenmark Carino of San Beda and 66 Will Allen Gozum of Mapua. The oldest in the whole group are Perez and Tratter at 24. Martin, De Liano, Ramos, Sinclair, Sotto, Edu, Tamayo, Carino and Gozum are all 19 or below. Reyes, however, clarified that the list is “by no means final.” The Gilas chief and his staff would observe the development and progress of these young players. “They’re not going to hold practices this early. It’s more of tracking their career and games,” said Barrios. “And it doesn’t mean the current Gilas players are automatically out of the 2023 team. If they’re still on top of their games, of course they would be considered,” Barrios also said. “MVP just wants forward planning in the same way gusto na niyang pagisipan ang operations of our hosting,” Barrios added. The Gilas coaches would also be in the lookout for other talents who would come out in the course of the country’s preparation for the biggest sporting event to happen in the Philippines in years. Then there could already be the new Gilas naturalized player since Andray Blatche is 37 by the 2023 World Cup. Part of SBP’s national team program is to have a pool of two to three naturalized players to alternately play for Gilas in various international tourneys. n
Fierce snowstorm disrupts travel... PAGE A5 t “Global warming doesn’t just mean warming,” said Zhu. “It means the average temperature on Earth, including the ocean and the atmosphere, is increasing year by year.” While the globe is becoming hotter on average, this temperature increase can have paradoxical effects, such as more extreme snowstorms, she said. “Extreme weather is one of the impacts of global warming.
As the planet warms, many already-dry areas are becoming even drier. Many extremely cold areas are becoming even colder. Hurricanes in Texas is becoming more intense.” Many governors or local leaders have declared emergencies, and blizzard warnings were in effect in Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Virginia. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for
all of downstate New York. The advancing storm first landed in the southern United States on Wednesday. Three cars on an Amtrak train carrying more than 300 passengers from Miami to New York derailed Wednesday night in snow-covered Savannah, Georgia. No injuries were reported. The “bomb cyclone” storm is expected to continue to affect eastern North America into the weekend. (PNA)
FIRST TRADING DAY. Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) President Ramon Monzon (third from left) rings the ceremonial bell as other PSE officials – Omelita Tiangco, Director Amor Iliscupidez, COO Roel Refran and Director Alejandro Yu — blow horns to mark the year’s first trading day. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada
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Dateline PhiliPPines
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CA blocks Mary Jane Veloso’s testimony in case vs recruiters
Paolo Duterte announced his resignation on Christmas Day during a special session of the Davao City Council intended for the declaration of the city under a state of calamity. Philstar.com photo
MANILA — Convicted drug mule Mary Jane Veloso has yet to tell her story in court, as the Court of Appeals granted her alleged recruiters’ appeal to bar a local judge from observing the deposition of her testimony. In an 18-page decision dated Dec. 13, 2017, the former 11th Division of the CA granted the petition for certiorari and prohibition filed by the lawyers of Maria Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao, Veloso’s alleged recruiters. The ruling likewise reversed and set aside the decision of the Nueva Ecija Regional Trial Court Branch
88 that allowed Judge Anarica Castillo-Reyes to observe Veloso’s deposition in Indonesia. Earlier, Reyes’ sala allowed the Philippine consulate in Indonesia to take Veloso’s testimony through deposition in Wirongunan Penitentiary, where she is detained in Indonesia. The judge should also be present to observe the deposition. A deposition is a witness’s testimony taken outside court. The CA agreed that allowing such is “violative of their right to confront the witnesses or to meet them face to face guaranteed
Duterte accepts Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo’s resignation by Christina
Mendez
Philstar.com
MANILA — President Duterte on Friday, January 5 accepted the resignation of his son Paolo Duterte as Davao City vice mayor following the latter’s spat with his daughter and reports of his alleged involvement in the drug smuggling at the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the announcement 10 days after the younger Duterte tendered his resignation. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has written the younger Duterte to inform him that his resignation has been accepted by the President. Resignation from posts of officials of highly-urbanized cities need the approval of the President. “We refer to your letter tendering your resignation as vice mayor of Davao City. On behalf of the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, this is to inform you that your resignation is hereby accepted, effective immediately,” Medialdea said in a one-page memo to Paolo dated Jan. 5. “Thank you and best regards,” the official added. Davao Mayor Sara Duterte and DILG officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy were notified about the President’s decision. Incidentally, Cuy has been replaced by Undersecretary Eduardo Año. Paolo announced his resigna-
tion on Christmas Day during a special session of the Davao City Council intended for the declaration of the city under a state of calamity. Paolo then submitted his resignation letter to Malacañang on December 27, 2017. Paolo said he was resigning from office because of certain problems in his failed first marriage as well as his much-publicized quarrel with his eldest daughter, Isabelle. The city’s third district councilor Bernard Al-ag, who garnered the most number of votes in the May 2016 local elections, is reportedly replacing Paolo as vice mayor. President Duterte earlier said he is leaving it to his son Paolo to do what was right and let the people decide on his resignation from post following his public squabble with his daughter. Duterte said he had talked with Paolo the other day about his decision to resign. As a father, the President said he advised his son to simply do what he think is right. According to Duterte, Paolo has taken into consideration his squabble with Isabelle and also his involvement in the Bureau of Customs mess. Isabelle recently got into the limelight after her pre-debut pictorials inside Malacañang went viral and caused a stir since she and her fashion stylists used the
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Mary Jane Veloso, a mother of two, claimed that she was duped into carrying a suitcase lined with heroin into Indonesia. She was sentenced to death by the government of Indonesia. Following an appeal from then-President Benigno Aquino III and surrender of her alleged recruiters in the Philippines, she was granted a last-minute reprieve before her scheduled execution on April 29, 2015. Phistar.com photo
under Section 14 (2) of the 1987 Constitution.” Sergio and Lacanilao are represented by the Public Attorney’s Office, while lawyer Edre Olalia of the National Union of People’s Lawyers represents Veloso. He is also a private prosecutor in the case against the alleged illegal recruiters.
The appellate court also noted that “[g]enerally, the examination of witnesses must be done orally before a judge in open court.” It said “the requirement is the safest and the most satisfactory method of investigating facts as it enables the judge to test the witness’ credibility through his man-
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OpiniOn
Features
Self-serving agenda
PREVIOUS attempts to amend the Constitution should have imparted one indelible lesson to its proponents: the surest way to kill Charter change is to inject a self-serving element into the initiative. And always, that self-serving element has been a term extension, whether for the president or lawmakers who play a direct role in Cha-cha. Some lawmakers who floated the idea of a term extension earlier this week have since soft-pedaled. Malacañang officials also said any term extension for President Rodrigo Duterte is “out of the question.” But the seeds of suspicion have been planted in the public mind, making federalism an even tougher sell. The shift to a federal form of government is presented as the principal objective in the latest Cha-cha effort. It is a foreign concept to many Filipinos, and with the possibility of the shift leading to a term extension for elective officials, public resistance is bound to be reinforced. In recent years, resistance to Cha-cha softened due to the emphasis of proponents on lifting economic restrictions that deter investments and job generation. Restrictions on foreign ownership and control over their businesses are seen
as major reasons for pulling down the country’s competitiveness in attracting foreign direct investments. Lifting economic restrictions can be done by merely amending certain provisions in the Constitution. Lawmakers previously said this could be possible even through a congressional act. The current Cha-cha effort, however, has since shifted its focus to changing the form of government. This requires a full rewriting of the Constitution, which entails a more complex mode of Cha-cha. Regardless of the focus or the mode chosen for Cha-cha, the final say will come from the people in a referendum to ratify the changes. Anything that smacks of a self-serving agenda on the part of Cha-cha proponents is certain to erode public support. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
A majority of Americans now favor the legalization of marijuana
The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS SINCe January 1, 2018 — the state with the biggest Filipino population in the United States — has been selling recreational marijuana after voters in California legalized the practice in a November 2016 ballot measure. Recreational marijuana has already been legalized in seven other states and the District of Columbia, while 29 states — plus the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico — have legalized the drug for medical purposes. However, in as far as federal laws are concerned, marijuana remains illegal. And so when California started implementing the Golden State voters’ mandate to allow the sale and
recreational use of marijuana this week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions this week announced that the Justice Department may step up the enforcement of this federal law, even in cities and states where the voters have legalized marijuana. After years of research about the benefits vs. risks of marijuana, more Americans are now supporting the legalization of cannabis (marijuana). Here are the findings of a recent Pew Research study on this issue: “About six-in-ten Americans (61 percent) say the use of marijuana should be legalized, reflecting a steady increase over the past decade, according to a Pew Research Center survey. The survey, conducted in October, finds that the share of U.S. adults who support marijuana legalization is little changed from about a year ago – when 57 percent favored it – but it
is nearly double what it was in 2000 (31 percent). As in the past, there are wide generational and partisan differences on the views of marijuana legalization. A majority of millennials (70 percent), Gen Xers (66 percent) and Baby Boomers (56 percent) say the use of marijuana should be legal. Only among the Silent Generation does a greater share oppose (58 percent) than favor (35 percent) marijuana legalization.” Other countries where marijuana is legal Newsweek has reported on the status of the legalization of marijuana in other countries of the world and the conditions that are followed: “In Australia, Greece, Croatia, Israel, Poland, Mexico, Finland, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Macedonia and Italy, consumers need prescriptions for one of just a few medical conditions. Laws leave some
room for research purposes, which makes cannabis technically legal for some to grow, but there are still strict enforcements in place to criminalize most usage. Oftentimes it’s legal for people to possess marijuana, but not legal for anybody to cultivate or sell the drug, leaving a gray area that lowers the rate of arrests for possession but doesn’t allow for most other steps of the process. “In Chile, the Latin American country with the highest per capita marijuana use, all public production and consumption cannabis is illegal, but Chilean Congress is debating a bill that would make it legal to grow up to six plants in a private home for ‘medical, recreational, or spiritual reasons.’ “In Denmark, marijuana is illegal unless you happen to be in Freetown, a neighborhood in Copenhagen that declared cannabis consumption and sales
legal. The Danish police don’t enforce federal laws in this neighborhood, that has become known as the ‘green light district.’ Spain has a similar situation, that leaves a loophole for marijuana to be sold in certain private clubs and in private homes, but it’s not technically legal to sell or transport anywhere. South Africa has similar laws on consumption in private. “Germany allows marijuana use with a medical prescription, and if you consume marijuana without one, it’s considered ‘self-harm’ rather than a crime. In Colombia, medical marijuana is allowed and some consumption and cultivation in private is permitted. “In India and the United States, legalization varies greatly state-by-state. Puerto Rico allows medical prescriptions but only in forms that cannot be smoked.
“Uruguay, the Netherlands and Jamaica are some of the most accepting nations when it comes to marijuana consumption. In Uruguay, marijuana is fully legalized for both medical and recreational purposes, and Jamaica allows Rastafarians to grow and use cannabis, and anybody can cultivate up to five plants for personal use, though it’s illegal for public use. Possession is legal in ‘coffeeshops’ in the Netherlands, where it can be sold and consumed. Peru is the latest Latin American nation to legalize marijuana in some form.” Do you favor the legalization of marijuana? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
The Washington Post, Pentagon Suggested New Year’s resolutions Street Papers and Katharine Graham Talk
Rhizomes
PRoSy abaRquezDelacRuz, J.D. “Few individuals have plumbed the depths of their rage, hatred, terror, jealousy, and despair or the scope of their wisdom and power of their compassion, yet these currents run beneath the surface of #awareness in each of us, like great rivers on the floor of an ocean.” – Gary Zukav, Jan.5, 2018 I ReMeMBeR a friend who shared how her husband died, shooting himself in their joint residence. I did not have the words to comfort her, only my living presence. Only to discover that some of my friends are really angels on earth, as one said, “Take her to my concert tonight, it is a benefit for the Suicide Prevention Association.” I was dumbfounded, as I simply had one question to the heavens: How do I bring comfort to her when I have no idea on how to help her? At the concert, the organizer revealed her angst at having a “permanent shadow” accompany her family at all times. I remembered ernest Hemingway and how his surviving family members must have felt, carrying that shadow wherever they went. Only to learn recently that Phil
Graham, also committed suicide in his home in Glen Welby. He was the former publisher and president of the Washington Post, who run the paper for 17 years, and who said: “Journalism is the first draft of history” in 1957. How did his wife, Katharine Graham, pick up the pieces, to leave behind her rage, and to emerge the person of grace and strength, and one who with a strategic vision for her country, America? Women coming of age I watched “The Post” (a movie) and I could not quite adjust my feelings towards how indecisive Katharine Graham (owner/publisher of the Washington Post) was yet, meticulously adept in asking questions of her inner circle, but clueless in realizing that she has the authority to make the final decision. She was depicted as ambivalent and evasive of conflict, which she admitted in her personal memoirs. Then, portions of the Pentagon Papers were delivered to the Washington Post’s assignment editor and thousands of pages were given by Daniel ellsberg to the Post. She made a crucial strategic decision of publishing the Pentagon Papers, which catapulted the Post into a credible source of news, facts, evidence and true to its mission as a newspaper. The Washington Post became a key resource for national news. Russ Wiggins wrote a personal note to the staff: “Philip L. Graham has left in our daily care and custody an honest and a
conscientious newspaper which I know that all of you are eager to maintain as a daily memorial to his own genius and integrity. And now we must take up the duties he laid upon us, with a heavy heart, but nonetheless with a high hope that we may succeed in doing what he would have us do.” I am presently reading Katharine’s Pulitzer Prize-winning memoirs and how she evolved from being supportive of Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson’s actions in Vietnam and later, developed her personal opposition towards the war, given her eldest son’s personal letters to her, while deployed as a soldier in Vietnam. He wrote about the senseless violence towards an ill-defined cause and really did not quite advance the national security interests of the United States. The Post continued to report on the Vietnam War, and the 500,000 U.S. soldiers deployed there. It then grew its editorial department in 1966-1969, when the Post added 50 positions and its budget grew from $2.25 million to $7 million in 1969. Katharine is depicted in the film, “The Post,” as nervously taking a stand to publish the Pentagon Papers and closely monitoring the backlash and at the same time, experienced the solidarity of the newspapers around the U.S., who followed the Post’s lead and published the “verboten” Pentagon Papers. Katharine rationalized her decision in keeping with the newspaper’s mission
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THe election of President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 raised hopes of a clean, corruption-free government that was also progressive and dynamic (unlike the passive and pass-the-buck tenure of President Benigno Aquino III). In America, the election of President Donald Trump was met with consternation by those who knew him to be the quintessential snake oil salesman. Yet, even the cynics hoped that, somehow, Trump would make good on his vow to “drain the swamp” in Washington DC. Now comes 2018 and one year into Duterte and Trump’s governance. Both in the Philippines and in the U.S., hopes have been dashed and the consternation remains. The situation may, in fact, have become worse. 2018 also marks my 30th year writing a column for Business World, the leading business daily in Manila. The very first line of my initial piece read, “Masturbate it!” — a phrase considered out of place in such a venerable business paper. But the late Letty Martillo-Locsin, managing editor, pushed the envelope to the edge by translating that into Tagalog: “Salsalin mo!” The piece, entitled, “Oh, for the good old tabloid days,” recounted one of the first lessons taught to me as a cub reporter in one of Manila’s tabloids, which were notorious for fake (or masturbated) news. I noted that in 1988, at the time that I began writing for Business World, fake news was being regularly dispensed, even by ostensibly reputable broadsheets. And this was well before Trump made the hyperbole and outright lying the
GReG b. Macabenta SOP of his presidency, and long before Duterte’s bloggers and trolls invaded social media. According to my friends in Manila, the occupants of Malacañang and the legislature routinely flaunt their vulgarity and immorality, drug smuggling continues even in Duterte’s bailiwick of Davao, bureaucratic incompetence is the rule, and corruption has become worse, with kickbacks on public works projects breaching 60 percent. The 10 percenters of the postwar years are now the stuff of ancient history. Worse yet, postings on social media indicate that self-righteousness may have become outdated and synonymous with hypocrisy and pretense. In the face of these, a friend has suggested, in all seriousness, that 2018 calls for a different set of new year’s resolutions. Firstly, he said, it is useless to expect politicians to change. Diogenes would have better luck finding an honest man than stumbling upon a politician who does not “supplement” legitimate earnings with illicit sources, whether knowingly or unknowingly — the latter being a euphemism for a bagman doing the collecting. “Thus,” he concluded, “Resolution Number One is: If you can’t beat them, join them!”
He even related a bit of trivia. According to him, the original expression was, not surprisingly, mouthed by a politician, Sen. James Watson of Indiana. Watson believed that compromise was inevitable in legislative negotiations and it was futile to buck that harsh reality — thus, “If you can’t lick ‘em, jine ‘em!” Quid pro quo. Recently, I wrote about a relative in the province who had been landing public works contracts by parting with 60 percent of the official bid. everyone, from the provincial governor and the congressmen down to the clerks in the disbursing office, “joined” in the partitioning. The alternative was having no project at all or not being able to collect payment for a contract. Years ago, a former provincial board member in Western Visayas recounted to me why he had resigned from his elective post (luckily his wife was a doctor who had found a job in Chicago). First of all, his official pay was measly and could not cover his living expenses, much less satisfy the unending requests from his constituents for pampalibing (burial money),pambili ng gamot (for medicine), pangkasal (wedding money) and pangmatrikula (for tuition). Secondly, he had become a pariah among fellow board members and with the governor for being walang pakikisama (no team spirit). But worst of all, no one believed he was not on the take. In the Philippines, people assume that politicians steal, extort or can be bribed. “Second resolution,” my friend
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OpiniOn & Features
The Washington Post, Pentagon Papers... PAGE A8 t
and putting the nation’s interests before the papers. It peeked my curiosity to keep reading about Katharine and how she evolved to strengthen her resolve, her convictions, and even her own stance, amidst being surrounded, influenced, criticized meanly, and strongly pressured by strong men around her, including Pres. Johnson. The impact of a woman’s decision: The Washington Post and New York Times’ U.S. Supreme Court decision It is a life that she allowed other folks to guide her, but also her own inner convictions to stand by her own decisions. For example, it took tremendous courage for her to set a precedent of publishing the Pentagon Papers, then, joined in a lawsuit with the New York Times, and wait nervously for the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, 6-3, written by Justice Hugo Black, excerpted here in part: “In the First Amendment, the Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to fulfill its essential role in our democracy. The press was to serve the governed, not the governors. The Government’s power to censor the press was abolished so that the press would remain forever free to censure the Government. The press was
protected so that it could bare the secrets of government and inform the people. Only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose deception in government. “And paramount among the responsibilities of a free press is the duty to prevent any part of the government from deceiving the people and sending them off to distant lands to die of foreign fevers and foreign shot and shell. In my view, far from deserving condemnation for their courageous reporting, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and other newspapers should be commended for serving the purpose that the Founding Fathers saw so clearly. In revealing the workings of government that led to the Vietnam war, the newspapers nobly did precisely that which the Founders hoped and trusted they would do. “The Government’s case here is based on premises entirely different from those that guided the Framers of the First Amendment. The Solicitor General has carefully and emphatically stated: “Now, Mr. Justice [BLACK], your construction of . . . [the First Amendment] is well known, and I certainly respect it. You say that no law means no law, and that should be obvious. I can only [p718] say, Mr. Justice, that to me it is equally obvious that “no
law” does not mean “no law,” and I would seek to persuade the Court that that is true. . . . [T]here are other parts of the Constitution that grant powers and responsibilities to the Executive, and . . . the First Amendment was not intended to make it impossible for the Executive to function or to protect the security of the United States.[n3] “And the Government argues in its brief that, in spite of the First Amendment,[t]he authority of the Executive Department to protect the nation against publication of information whose disclosure would endanger the national security stems from two interrelated sources: the constitutional power of the President over the conduct of foreign affairs and his authority as Commander-in-Chief.[n4] “In other words, we are asked to hold that, despite the First Amendment’s emphatic command, the Executive Branch, the Congress, and the Judiciary can make laws enjoining publication of current news and abridging freedom of the press in the name of “national security.” The Government does not even attempt to rely on any act of Congress. Instead, it makes the bold and dangerously far-reaching contention that the courts should take it upon themselves to “make” a law abridging free-
Suggested New Year’s... PAGE A8 t
continued, “What are [they] in power for? Use it!” He was actually echoing that immortal statement attributed to the late Senate President Jose Avelino of Samar back in the 1940’s. But then, at the time, the epitome of corruption and abuse of power were an expensive presidential bed and a gold-plated bedpan (arinola), purchased by President Elpidio Quirino. They were actually described in a Manila Times article as costing the “gargantuan” sum of P500. Compare that to the P6.5 billion reportedly at stake in the drug smuggling scandal linking Paolo Duterte, son of the president. Senate hearings have pretended to look into these allegations but nothing has come out of the inquiries. Naturally. What are the Dutertes in power for? The use of power takes on other forms in the Duterte government. Against a backdrop of
killings, many of them reportedly EJK (extra-judicial), with some victims liquidated on mere suspicion of drug use, Duterte himself has acknowledged using fentanyl, an opioid described as 25 to 50 times stronger than heroin and 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. Fentanyl is reported to have been the cause of death of the pop singer, Prince. According to one news account, in the U.S., fentanyl has overtaken heroin in many regions. “It started out as an opioid epidemic, then heroin, but now it’s a fentanyl epidemic,” Maura Healy, the attorney general of Massachusetts, told the New York Times in an interview. In a report by ABS-CBN. Duterte admitted using fentanyl to relieve a recurring pain due to an injury he suffered in a motorcycle accident some years ago. The news account read, “In a speech in Davao City, Duterte
admitted that he took more than the required dosage of the pain reliever because apart from easing his burden, it also made him feel like he was ‘on cloud nine.’” That’s the “high” that drug users experience after a hit. In other words, Duterte is a drug user. But what makes him different from the thousands killed by the police and the vigilantes? Duterte is in power and, to paraphrase Avelino, What is he in power for? “Third resolution,” my friend went on, “Weather-weather lamang iyan. If not now, when? If not us, who?” My friend concluded that those of us living in the U.S. were so much luckier, not having Duterte as president. My response was heavy with irony and sarcasm: “Oh yeah? You forget that America now has Trump.” (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)
dom of the press in the name of equity, presidential power and national security, even when the representatives of the people in Congress have adhered to the command of the First Amendment and refused to make such a law.[n5] See concurring opinion of MR. JUSTICE DOUGLAS, [p719] post at 721-722. To find that the President has “inherent power” to halt the publication of news by resort to the courts would wipe out the First Amendment and destroy the fundamental liberty and security of the very people the Government hopes to make “secure.” No one can read the history of the adoption of the First Amendment without being convinced beyond any doubt that it was injunctions like those sought here that Madison and his collaborators intended to outlaw in this Nation for all time. “The word ‘security’ is a broad, vague generality whose contours should not be invoked to abrogate the fundamental law embodied in the First Amendment. The guarding of military and diplomatic secrets at the expense of informed representative government provides no real security for our Republic. The Framers of the First Amendment, fully aware of both the
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 6-9, 2018 need to defend a new nation and the abuses of the English and Colonial governments, sought to give this new society strength and security by providing that freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly should not be abridged. This thought was eloquently expressed in 1937 by Mr. Chief Justice Hughes — great man and great Chief Justice that he was — when the Court held a man could not be punished for attending a meeting run by Communists.” “The greater the importance of safeguarding the community from incitements to the overthrow of our institutions by force and violence, the more imperative is the need to preserve inviolate the constitutional rights of free speech, free press and free [p720] assembly in order to maintain the opportunity for free political discussion, to the end that government may be responsive to the will of the people and that changes, if desired, may be obtained by peaceful means. Therein lies the security of the Republic, the very foundation of constitutional government.[n6]“ Would you, as sworn U.S. citizens, register and vote, and guide by your votes, our elected leaders to sustain their adher-
A
ence to truth, uncensored news publications, and responsible use of power at any levels (executive, legislative, judicial)? Or would you blindly succumb to protecting your perceived economic station in life and by your vote, improperly believe to protect that status? How would you act as guardians of this U.S.based democracy with integrity and adherence to truth and social justice? Katharine Graham was not trained to be a CEO nor trained to be a publisher. She watched from the sidelines and did not have an opportunity to hold a full-time job, until her husband died. Yet, she made the most visible, credibility-sustaining decisions for her newspaper, the Washington Post, displaying her personal courage, “the scope of her wisdom and power of compassion,” and love for this country’s democratic freedoms. Through that national exposé, it initiated a national debate to purge our nation from its involvement in an unjust war in Vietnam, which to the end, had 58,220 U.S. military fatal casualties, between 200,000 to 250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers dead
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A10 January 6-9, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL
Dateline PhiliPPines
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Ex-AFP chief Eduardo Año gets DILG Catalino Cuy appointed Drugs Board chief
by Christina
Mendez
Philstar.com
Palawan was joined by other world-class destinations on the list such as the Maldives, Egremni or Egremnoi in Greece and Crater Lake in Oregon, among others. Philstar.com photo
Palawan waters among world’s bluest by Catherine
talavera Philstar.com
MANILA — Palawan was named among 13 places to see the bluest water in the world by international travel magazine Travel+Leisure. “The sparsely-populated archipelago is made up of junglefilled islands surrounded by stunning teal waters teeming with fish and coral reefs and an incredible array of lagoons, coves and secret beaches,” Travel+Leisure said. Travel+Leisure cited El Nido and Linapacan as places people should visit when they are in Palawan. “Explore the waters of El Nido, where tropical fish swarm around the coral reefs, go diving in the
azure ocean off of Linapacan Island, or bravely swim through the world’s longest underground navigable river,” Travel+Leisure said. Palawan was joined by other world-class destinations on the list such as The Maldives, Egremni or Egremnoi in Greece and Crater Lake in Oregon, among others. Travel+Leisure recently included four Palawan beach-destinations in its list of 365 beaches to visit in 2018. Seven Commandos and Payong-Payong in El Nido were recognized for the lush greenery surrounding them. Travel+Leisure also pointed out the high cliffs found in Payong-payong as another attractive factor of the beach.
Also in Palawan are the Hidden Beach, which is secluded among high rocks, and Linapacan Island. “Linapacan Island, in the Philippines, has overwater bungalows and waters in colors of blue you’ve only dreamed about,” Travel+Leisure said. Palawan has been getting recognition among global tourists in recent years, with readers of Travel+Leisure voting Palawan as the World’s Best Island in 2016 and 2017. Similarly, readers of Conde Nast Traveler named El Nido, along with Boracay and Cebu, as the top best islands outside of the U.S. in 2017. The travel magazine ranked El Nido fourth in the top 20 best beaches in the world in 2017. n
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has pushed through with his plan to appoint retired Armed Forces chief Eduardo Año as head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) but only as officer-in-charge, replacing Catalino Cuy who was named chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB). Before Año’s retirement in October last year, the President had announced he wanted the then military chief to be DILG secretary. But this was deferred following Malacañang’s review of Republic Act 6975 or the DILG Act of 1990, which states that “no retired or resigned military officer or police official may be appointed as secretary within one year from the date of his retirement or resignation.” Año was appointed undersecretary instead as Duterte wanted him to oversee the military operations in Marawi City as well as the implementation of martial law in Mindanao. Meanwhile, Cuy replaced Dionisio Santiago, who was fired by Duterte last November for making comments about the drug war before the media instead of discussing his concerns with the President. In particular, Santiago criticized
and 1.1 million North Vietnamese and Viet Cong casualties. By far, the most casualties were incurred in World War II, battle deaths and civilians of all countries to have been 56.4 million. (Source: Britannica.com) In examining your own lives, have you faced choices where you placed truth above lies, love of country first over your pocketbook, harmony over personal grudges and deep anger?
What legacy are we building by our personal actions? To this day, Katharine Graham’s personal decisions of courage and commitment to the mission of truthful news information inspire me and I dare say, a multitude of women on how to use feminine power in the workplace — to uplift the truth!
PAGE A7 t
ner and deportment while testifying.” The appellate court said that it is “not oblivious of the sad and unfortunate fate that befell Mary Jane.” Veloso, a mother of two, claims that she was duped into carrying a suitcase lined with heroin into Indonesia. She was sentenced to death by the government of Indonesia. for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Following an appeal from Pres-
*** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press
Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.
expect him to perform well in his new post as he did at the DILG. Sen. Panfilo Lacson said he can speak highly of Cuy based on his official dealings with him as chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, and former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP). “I knew him (Cuy) as a professional and efficient police official,” the senator said. As DILG undersecretary and later OIC, Cuy “performed very well and I see no reason why he can’t handle DDB with the same effectiveness,” he said. Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, who was former DDB chairman, said he also hopes Cuy would do his job well given the magnitude of the country’s drug problem. (Emmanuel Tupas, Paolo Romero/Philstar.com)
CA blocks Mary Jane Veloso’s testimony...
The Washington Post, Pentagon Papers... PAGE A9 t
Armed Forces Chief Gen. Eduardo Año and DILG Secretary Catalino Cuy Philstar.com photo
the mega drug rehabilitation center that a Chinese donor built in Nueva Ecija, calling it a mistake because of its distant location, when family and community support is needed for drug users to get rehabilitated. “This is a new challenge,” Cuy, a former police general, said in a text message when asked to comment on his appointment. He refused to answer other questions, including his plans for the board. Cuy will also serve as permanent member of the DDB until July 4 of this year. Cuy became OIC of the DILG after the President axed then secretary Ismael Sueno in April of last year due to loss of trust and confidence. Senators welcomed Cuy’s appointment to the DDB, saying they
ident Benigno Aquino III and surrender of her alleged recruiters in the Philippines, she was granted a last-minute reprieve before her scheduled execution on April 29, 2015. “However, the circumstances in this case call for the application of Rule 119, which categorically states that the conditional examination of a prosecution witness shall be made before the court where the case is pending in light of the constitutionally en-
shrined right of the petitioners to meet the witnesses face to face or the right of confrontation and cross-examination,” the Court added. In granting the appeal of Veloso’s recruiters, the Court held: “Verily, the first and fundamental duty of the Court is to apply the law.” Sergio and Lacanilao are currently facing human trafficking charges and in police custody. n
Duterte accepts Davao City Vice Mayor... PAGE A7 t
emblem of the Office of the President and the Philippine flag as backdrops. Duterte also hinted that the incident between Paolo and his teenage daughter, that triggered the father and daughter’s heated exchange in social media, may have
been the last straw that prompted the vice mayor to resign. Paolo earlier also blamed his failed relationship with Isabelle’s mother as a reason for his woes, as well as the issues at the BOC. Meanwhile, presidential legal adviser Salvador Panelo described Paolo’s character as simi-
lar to his father, who is sensitive to the people’s opinions. While he is not privy to whether Paolo’s resignation has been approved, Panelo said the President’s son is smart enough as a politician to determine his next step in politics. (Edith Regalado)
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 6-9, 2018
SHOWBIZ&STYLE
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Journal Celebrity predictions for 2018 BB Gandanghari reveals struggle to reach
‘overwhelming and elusive’ Hollywood dream
by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
What will the Dog bow-wow this year? It’s time once again to dust off the Crystal Ball and shuffle the tarot cards and check what the heavenly stars have in store for earthbound stars. In hindsight, I just realized that this New Year hula-hula is a decades-old “tradition� and I’m glad to say that the annual batting average is, blush-blush-blush, 99.99 percent. as I’ve been confessing year in and year out since the mid-’70s (yes, that long, long time ago!), it’s easy to predict the fates of showbiz denizens. all you have to do is review movie columns (such as this one), check the social media and, woe of woes, review your tapes of the late unlamented showbiz talk shows (like “Startalk� and “the Buzz�). anyway, now that you have (hopefully) rung out the old and rung in the new, swept away the negative (remember, if you sow hate, expect to reap hate even from people that you have loved and lost, sob and sigh!) and swept in the positive (which attracts good karma), sit back and relax and see what the Year of the Dog (photo, top, which starts next month, according to the Chinese Calendar) bow-wows for the stars who make yours and our lives a bit more exciting through the 12 months of the every year. The wide-awake items John Lloyd Cruz and Ellen adarna will get married at a beach wedding (probably in the vicinity of a five-star hotel in Ellen’s native Cebu) anytime soon. By then, they can freely and officially make the much-awaited important announcement (confirmation), if you know what I mean. heart Evangelista and husband Sen. Chiz Escudero will finally buckle down to working on their first joint venture — yes, a baby — especially since heart’s
by katRina
HaLLaRe Inquirer.net
It’S a long road for BB Gandanghari, but it’s worth the wait. On Instagram, she shared in an open letter on Wednesday, January 3, that her 2017 was all about chasing her dream of building a name for herself in hollywood. the older sibling of action star Robin Padilla revealed that she was feeling optimistic about starting a career even if she was struggling financially. She even planned that she would give herself a three-month period to be Philstar.com photos signed by a top agency.
Ellen Adarna and John Lloyd Cruz
“I was WRONG, of course. agency hunting as I used to call it, proved to be very challenging,â€? Gandanghari realized. having already her resume by the start of the year, it was not until June that she passed it out to agencies and had to update her headshot every now and then while doing small jobs. “Survival mode, I used to remind myself every time I would feel weak and out during this process. La living is far from cheap‌ double job/ shift I’ve [realized] is the only way to go. I did just that,â€? BB Gandanghari Photo from Instagram/@gandangharibb PAGE B2
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Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez
GMa soap “My Korean Jagiya� is ending and she will have more free time. Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati will have another baby boy in two months time or even earlier, and Kuya Zion will happily welcome his little brother. the release of Mark Bautista’s tell-all memoir, “Beyond My Mark�, might have to be postponed because some parties insist on going over the manuscript. It’s called pre-censorship, isn’t it? Otherwise, a tRO (temporary Restraining Order) would be served on the book being published by Viva Publishing. although the aPt company of antonio “Mr. t� tuviera is deadset on producing the second movie of alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, the non-loversonly-friends might stay apart for a while (as they are now on “Eat,
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Bulaga!�, with alden at the studio and Maine with the “Lolas in Juan For all/all For Juan�). Willie Revillame will make a surprise announcement about a major revamp of his “Wowowin� show. heads have rolled (out) and new (pretty) heads will roll (in). Stay tuned. Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes might put on hold their plan to have another baby this year because they are tied down with projects. the stork can wait. Dingdong is preparing for something in 2019. Sadly, the universe might turn a bit bleaker for Pia Wurtzbach and Marlon Stockinger if temptation succeeds in luring them to keep their eyes away from each other and on other “attractions.� But love (if strong and true) will prevail. PAGE B2
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B January 6-9, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL
EntErtainmEnt
Liza Soberano needs no beauty title or crown by Arlo
Custodio ManilaTimes.net
Soon after TC Candler’s annual “The 100 Most Beautiful Faces” list got posted on YouTube, and the internet went abuzz with the news that it is Filipino-American Kapamilya actress Liza Soberano as this year’s number one, her discoverer and manager ogie Diaz posted on Facebook his own take of the accolade. “Ang daming nagtutulak sa yo na sumali ka sa Bb. Pilipinas, dahil malaki ang chance mo sa Ms. Universe… ngayong nakuha mo na ang #1 as ‘the most beautiful face’ in the world… anak, para ka na ring nanalo sa Ms. Universe. Choosy pa ba? (Many [people]had been pushing you to join Bb. Pilipinas since they see you have a big chance to become Ms. Universe… Now that you obtained the #1 [spot]as ‘the most beautiful face’ in the world… my daughter, it’s the same as if you won Ms. Universe. Can you remain choosy?) Congratulations! #ProudManager” The comedian-father-showbiz writer cum talent manager’s post generated more than 5,500 likes and 374 shares, and netizens mostly agreed with the notion that Soberano need not join a beauty contest anymore as she’s already crowned the most beautiful among mortals in this dispensation. not only has the Philippine media took note of the distinction bestowed upon Soberano, but foreign media as well, notably Taiwan news and United Kingdom’s Coventry Telegraph among others. Past winners on top of the list of Most Beautiful Faces of the Year since it began are models, actresses and singers. Michelle Pfeiffer was the first Most Beautiful Face of The Year in 1990. She was followed by Meg Ryan in 1991, only to take back the distinction successively in 1992 and 1993. Isabelle Huppert topped the list in 1994, then by Sophie Marceau for two years in 1995 and 1996. nicole Kidman was accorded the distinction in 1997, followed by Gwyneth Paltrow in 1998, Andrea Corr in 1999 and Jennifer Connelly in 2000. nicole Kidman made a comeback in 2001, Andrea Corr in 2002, Jennifer Connelly in 2003, then Lindsay Lohan topped the list in 2004. Keira Knightley won it two years in a row in 2005 and 2006, then Kate Beckinsale topped the list in
Liza Soberano Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano
2007, followed by natalie Portman in 2008, Rose Byrne in 2009, and Camilla Belle in 2010. The new decade was started by Emma Watson in 2011, then Emilia Clarke in 2012, Marion Cotillard in 2013, and Korean singer nana ruled for two years in 2014 and 2015. In 2016, the Most Beautiful Face of the Year was Jourdan Dunn. Those who make it to the list three times are elevated to the Hall of Fame. Soberano placed sixth in 2015 and second last year. Behind her this year are Thylane Blondeau at no.2, Tzuyu at no.3, Sarah Gadon at no. 4, nana at no. 5 and last year’s no. 1 is no. 6 this year. Dipping into entrepreneurship Born to a Filipino father and an American mother in California, Hope Elizabeth Hanley Soberano was raised by her paternal grandparents when her parents separated and moved to Manila. She was only 10 years old when she lived with her father and relatives. She was doing print ads until she was introduced to ogie Diaz at the age of 13. Starting with the fantasy-drama-comedy anthology “Wansapanataym,” she next essayed minor roles in the afternoon series “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo” and the Daniel Padilla-Kathryn Bernardo movie “Must Be… Love” then in “She’s The one” starring Bea Alonzo, Dingdong Dantes and Enrique Gil. She made a mark as Padilla’s other love interest in the primetime series “Got To Believe” and became sensational as strawberry farmer Maria Agnes Calay in “Forevermore” which created the LizQuen loveteam with Enrique Gil. More movies and “Dolce
Amore” and Soberano and Gil became the latest sensational stars in Philippine show business, with their last film “My Ex And Whys” grossing P31.5 million on first day. She was signed up to do “Darna,” as replacement to the injured Angel Locsin, and earned raves for portraying Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach in “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” Even before Candler chose her as 2017’s Most Beautiful Face, Soberano has been considered by the local media as one of the most beautiful faces to have ever graced Philippine movie and TV screens, which she humbly countered, “I appreciated it, but sometimes that’s all they notice. I don’t want to them to remember me because I’m pretty.” She stressed that she’d rather be recognized for her confidence and courage to take new roles in her career … and business acumen on the side. Before 2017 ended, she entered the wellness industry through her own Hope Hand and Foot Wellness Center located along Tomas Morato in Quezon City, just a few meters away from her home studio. She revealed that it was her aunt who inspired her to get into the business. Talking about her venture, she shared her own wellness ritual by using a lot of essential and organic oils to pamper her hands and feet to boost her body and spirit. “Wellness impacts more than meets the eye. It is all about making us feel better holistically, from head to toe, body to soul,” the “Ultimate Crush ng Bayan” said. “I am a great believer that wellness is essential in making us the best version that we can be. Hope Hand and Foot Wellness Center is the first manifestation of the Hope Wellness brand. We want this to be the go-to place for everyone and anyone who wants to feel better. Hope is open to people of all ages, genders and walks of life,” the world’s prettiest woman added. She quoted economist Paul Zane Pilner who said that the health and wellness industry is predicted to become the next trillion-dollar industry worldwide, underscored by the trend that spas and wellness centers have become a lifestyle for many people around the world. “By putting up Hope Hand and Foot Wellness Center, we do not only encourage people to have their own proper wellness ritual but we are also aggressively taking PAGE B5
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Celeste Legaspi is Entertainer of the Year again after 38 years by Arlo
Custodio ManilaTimes.net
ARTISTS in the live circuit had their share of honors when their hard work were recognized by the Aliw Awards Foundation in a musically energized ceremonies at the Mabuhay Pavilion of the Manila Hotel. Celebrating the foundation’s 40th anniversary, trophies were handed at the 30th Annual Aliw Awards with new additions to its roster of achievers for the year. Biggest winner of them all was iconic singer-recording artiststage actress Celeste Legaspi who took the Entertainer of the Year plum, plus Lifetime Achievement Award and Best Actress (nonMusical Play) as Leticia in “Virgin Labfest 13’s Si Dr. Dolly Dalisay At Ang Mga Ladybugs.” It was the second time for the daughter of national Artist Cesar Legaspi after 38 years to be bestowed the Entertainer of the Year distinction having been declared the third winner in 1979. Singing “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal” in the finale, Legaspi thanked Aliw Awards for the triple distinction and also made a fitting pitch for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2017 entry, “Ang Larawan,” which she co-produced with friends. Incidentally, the movie adaptation of the nick Joaquin classic was proclaimed Best Picture on December 27 during the Gabi ng Parangal, making Legaspi a multiple-awardee across entertainment genres. Another notable winner was filmmaker Joel Lamangan, who
Celeste Legaspi
ManilaTimes.net photo
was elevated to the Hall of Fame as Aliw Awards Best Actor. Many people don’t know but Lamangan already won three Best Actor trophies for his live performances as early as 1981 for “Ang Buhay ni Galileo,” which he recently reprised; “Macbeth,” “Everybody Loves Them Filipinos” and “Fake.” He also won Best Stage Director (Musical) for “Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag.” others elevated to the Hall of Fame were Pinky Amador as Best Actress. She performed “La Vien En Rose” in its original French lyrics, then in English and Filipino by Pete Lacaba; lawyer-actor-producer-director Vince Tañada for Best Stage Direction for “Ako Si ninoy” in 2009, “Enzo, Santo” in 2010 and “Katips” in 2016; Ateneo
de Manila University’s resident artist-director Ricky Abad for Best Director; and Rockin’ 60s as Best Group Lounge Performers. The Lifetime Achievement Awards were handed to dancerchoreographer-actress Geleen Eugenio, singer-recording artist Claire dela Fuente, singer Jun Polistico, Spirit of ’67 singing group who were already elevated to the Hall of Fame in 2006, and McDonald’s founding chairman George Yang for his love for classical music and sponsoring scholarships through the Klassical Music Foundation. Yang’s award was received for him by Andrew Fernando. Awardees who were not able to come were Hajji Alejandro and onofre Pagsanghan. In a short chat with The Manila Times, Aliw Awards Foundation founding chairman and current president Alice Reyes said they plan to bring the award to the regional level this year so as to recognize the abundant Filipino talent in the provinces. The 2017 Board of Judges was composed of Reyes, Rod Cornejo, Harlene Bautista, Joy Belmonte, Consoliza Laguardia, Wanda TulfoTeo, Rema Manzano and Dero Pedero. The Screening Committee was co-chaired by Sonny Valencia and Frank Rivera with members Dennis Aguilar, Arthur Casanova, Aristeo Garcia, njel de Mesa, Joey nombres, Philip Panganiban, Jan Reyes, Tess Tan and Art Tapalla. Hosting the show was Garie Concepcion who was awarded Best Female Host.
MayWard, McLisse star as Manga characters LoVE teams MayWard, consisting of Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber, and McLisse, composed of McCoy de Leon and Elisse Joson, debut as graphic novel characters in ABS-CBn Publishing’s double-cover “mangaserye” “He’s My oppastar” and “Vlogger Girl Problems,” respectively. Two of today’s rising love teams are cartooned by manga artists in a series of books that puts a spin on traditional ways of storytelling. Manga is a style of Japanese comics and graphic novels for readers of all ages. Much like in real life, Maymay is the ever energetic Macy in “He’s My oppastar,” who is a solid fangirl of K-Pop group Miniluv. Macy is suddenly both overwhelmed with excitement and confusion when her new classmate Eddie (Edward) looks suspiciously like her “oppa” Red, lead vocalist of Miniluv. She is now more than determined to uncover the nonchalant student’s secrets. Is he her “oppa” superstar? Meanwhile, in “Vlogger Girl Problems,” Elisse is depicted as
McCoy de Leon and Elisse Joson, also known as McLisse; and Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber, also known as MayWard. Photos from ABS-CBN
up and coming influencer Elaine, who blogs about beauty and lifestyle. It changes her life when she is held up for her camera, and a mysterious guy (McCoy) rescues her. As she gets into trouble more often, the same person shows up and saves her. naming him “Mr. Blue,” Elaine also notices
glimpses of him in all her videos. She then sets on an online/offline quest to find her knight in shining armor. Both manga stories are connected and in the same setting. The lives of Macy, Eddie, Elaine and Mr. Blue intertwine in the coming books. (Philstar.com)
BB Gandanghari reveals struggle to reach... PAGE B1 Gandanghari said. It was also during this time that she realized the “sad and unfortunate reality” of discrimination due to her gender. “It is at this time too, that
discrimination as a transgender on job opportunities is not just a hearsay, but a sad and unfortunate reality, as I urgently sought employment to support a life, a DREAM,” she admitted. After the longest time, her
Photo from Instagram/@gandangharibb
struggles soon changed to relief as she snagged a deal with The Brogan Agency in the fall of 2017. “The great white ‘Hollywood’ way is finally within sight,” she exclaimed. “So far, I have auditioned to some of the top network shows that I never thought I would ever have the chance to do so and went as far as being on hold for a role, I’m proud to say,” Gandanghari added with pride. Ending her post, she said that she will remember her year when she finally “came into terms with my whole being” and saw the light at the end of “this long and dark tunnel.” Previously, her younger brother revealed that Gandanghari was trying to make both ends meet by being an Uber driver, but gave the assurance that she was doing well.
Celebrity predictions for... PAGE B1 Even if Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola have been vocal in shouting to the whole wideworld that th ere’s “forever” between them, seconded by Luis’ mom Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos, wedding bells won’t ring for them this year — unless they prove this manghuhula wrong. What about inseparable sweethearts Angel Locsin and neil Arce who, like Angel’s ex Luis, have been titillating showbiz-watchers with their very public romance? next question, please! The blind corner Unless a timely damage control is enforced, a top actor might be scandalized by the announcement of a woman (now in Canada) that she is his “abandoned” legal wife. The musical-chairs game will continue as stars (some of them near have-beens) switch loyalty between the major networks Kapuso and Kapamilya. An executive of a big network will announce her retirement.
Angel Locsin and Neil Arce
Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes
Being a haligi (strong post) of the company, she is hard to replace. Those close to him have long known his sexual preference and a certain actor will make the hard/painful decision of finally “outing” himself. Do whatever will make you happy, right? A popular loveteam will split up. Short but not-so-sweet prediction. A young actress will get pregnant out of wedlock but will not marry the “culprit.” A major change will happen at a big network. How many heads will roll?
A not-so-young love team (real-life sweethearts) will stop pretending (putting up a front) that all’s hunky-dory between them and face the hurting truth that they are not meant for each other…especially since a juicy offer is being dangled before her by a producer. Career or love? She chooses career. A controversy will rock the “beauty” business. So what else is new? A well-loved lady producer will pass on the “baton” of her empire to her eldest daughter. oops! A not-so-blind item…that!
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 6-9, 2018
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Kapuso love teams take the lead in 2018 by Lhar Santiago ManilaTimes.net
KAPUSO love teams seem to be taking center stage at the GMA camp as 2018 enters. The hottest team-ups of GMA are not wanting in project. The reunited Derbie of Derrick Monasterio and Barbie Forteza have their big romantic movie shot in Italy and to be shown first quarter of the coming year. The movie is just one of the projects that they will do. GMA is also cooking-up another big television project for the two former tween stars. Not to be outdone is the loveteam of Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid as they headline one of the new primetime offerings of GMA for 2018. “Sherlock, Jr.” is Ruru’s first title role and he Fraud Waiver Denial turned around to Approval with No Fraud Waiver Required, on this Sunday’s CITIZEN PINOY! Wilma entered the U.S. on a C-1 “transit” visa, on her way to work in Guantanamo, Cuba. She remained in the U.S., married a U.S. citizen, and just can’t contain his happiness. filed for adjustment of status. A “consultant” gave her hope and said he would take care of Wilma’s papers. Unfortunately, the consultant This is also some sort of reunion altered Wilma’s documents and put down false information (that she entered on a visitor’s visa), to cover up that she actually entered on a C-1 for The Gabru loveteam after it transit visa. Her case ended up being denied because of fraud! was rumored that “Encantadia” Wilma then consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, who took over the case, and filed an appeal with the Administrative Appeals was their last project together. Office (AAO) in Washington, DC. Atty Gurfinkel convinced them that Wilma committed no fraud, and was eligible for a green card, despite her Ruru and Gabbi both got busy entry on a transit visa. Watch how Atty. Gurfinkel’s determination won the day for Wilma, when her name was cleared, and she got her green with separate projects since then card with no fraud waiver required, on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. which fanned the fire even more. (Advertising Supplement) Until the network announced that Gabru will star together in a new series which is Sherlock, Jr. Crossing over from 2017 to 2018 is the Biguel loveteam of Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix. Their team-up is said to be one of the strongest. Their ongoing series “Kambal Karibal” is doing so well at the ratings game, giving it’s competitor a tough time. DALY CITY — TFC’s weekly Biguel however humbly believes program and “passport to imthat the story and the execution of migration information,” Citizen the scenes have big roles on the Pinoy, won the Television Joursuccess of their primetime soap. nalism Award – Best Regular TV They are, of course, very thankProgram Category in the 2017 ful that Kambal Karibal is rating Migration Advocacy and Media high and it rates more as the story (MAM) Awards this December. progresses. Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, What’s good with the three leading U.S. immigration attorKapuso premiere loveteams is ney and host of Citizen Pinoy, that they have very good working expressed his gratitude during relationship. Derrick and Barbie’s the awards ceremony held at friendship has passed the fire, so the Philippine International to speak. The friendship which Convention Center in Manila, started when they were doing the Philippines during International
‘Citizen Pinoy’ is honored at the Migration Advocacy and Media Awards for advocating the cause of Filipinos overseas
Migrants Day, December 18, 2017. Atty. Gurfinkel said that he is “really humbled and honored about the award because it represents the recognition of the Filipino Overseas Worker and the sacrifices they have made, especially those in America where they leave their families behind, wondering if or when they will ever see their families again.” Citizen Pinoy (CP) is a weekly program that airs on ABSCBN International’s TFC. The show specializes in helping the Filipino community deal with immigration issues and legal problems in North America. Atty. Gurfinkel further expounds that the goal of CP was to explain about (immigration) procedures, featuring success stories, to give Filipinos pag-asa (hope). Every success story of Citizen Pinoy is filled with heart-wrenching and heart-warming stories of separation, sacrifice and salvation. Other episodes take on the Q & A format to better answer the concerns of viewers. The MAM Awards was conceived in 2011 by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) to honor December as the Month of Overseas Filipinos, and to celebrate International Migrants Day in the Philippines every December 18. The panel of judges for the MAM Awards is headed by CFO Interim OIC Maria Regina Angela Galias, with members from the different migration and media institutions, which include Phil-
ABS-CBN International/The Filipino Channel’s (TFC) weekly program, Citizen Pinoy, hosted by leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, won for Best Regular TV Show on Migration at the 2017 Migration Advocacy and Media Awards. Photo courtesy of Sam Simbulan
Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid
Philippine Migrants’ Rights Watch President Carmelita Nuqui (left) and Commission on Filipinos Overseas Officer in Charge (OIC) Ma. Regina Galias (right) award TFC representatives (from left to right) Segment Head for ABS-CBN Asia Pacific Eric Martin Santos; “Citizen Pinoy” host Atty. Michael Gurfinkel and campaign TV commercial “Papa’s Boy” producer Francis Bryan Lua for their back-to-back wins.
ippine Migrants Rights Watch, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Presidential Communications Operations Office, Philippine Information Agency, Film Development Council of the Philippines, and National Press Club of the Philippines. Galias shared: “Media has become a very strong force in society right now. So, we’re happy that through the MAM awards we are able to locate and find out about the advocacies of media outside the Philippines – to really share the good news of what’s happening outside and not only bad news about OFs.
This is Citizen Pinoy’s second win. The show won its first Best Regular TV Program on Migration award in 2011.
Let’s change the narrative of migration.” The CFO selected 10 winners from among entries submitted from around the world, each telling stories that advocate for the rights of the overseas Filipino, across various media platforms. Galias said she appreciates how the entries from around the world depict stories of empowerment. “I like how the various entries show how our overseas Filipinos are able to contribute and help their fellowmen wherever they are. And then there are people like Atty. Gurfinkel, who may not be Filipino by blood, but are willing to help Filipinos through their own advocacies.” Atty. Gurfinkel happily expressed, “this is such a wonderful job I have because what I do brings families together and helps the people achieve their American dream.” Citizen Pinoy airs nationwide in the U.S. and Canada on TFC on Sundays at 6:15 P.M. (PST) with replays the following Sundays at 2:00 A.M. (PST). The program also airs in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The board of judges including Philippine Migrants’ Rights Watch President Carmelita Nuqui (center) and Commission on Filipinos Overseas OIC Ma. Regina Galias (right) award leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (2nd from right), “Citizen Pinoy’s” second win from the CFO Migration Advocacy and Media Awards
Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali
youth-oriented show, “Tween Hearts” has remained even after they did separate projects. Both Derrick and Barbie have proven that they can carry shows separately. Derrick’s weekly comedyfantasy series “Tsuperhero” was a hit among kids and teenagers. Barbie, on the other hand, holds the record of leading the cast of the longest running afternoon soap, “The Stepsisters.” Their team-up also proved to be strong on primetime when they did “Anna Karenina” which ruled the ratings on its time slot. And now that they are together again, the two top young stars are happily excited because they work together well. They are so comfortable with each other that they can even tell their secret to each other. They have finished their shoot in Italy of “Almost A Love Story” under the direction of Louie Ignacio who swears the chemistry between Derrick and Barbie us still there. “They have very strong chemistry. They look very good together on screen. Even during the shoot, kitang-kita. I think it has something to do with the way they regard and treat each other. They have this genuine concern for each other, they were taking care of each other while we were shooting and they are very sincere. I think that’s where the chemistry comes from,” said Direk Louie. In the case of Gabru, the two admitted that they almost drifted apart especially when rumors started circulating that Encantadia would be their last project together. Even if they are together in the weekly Sunday show “Sunday Pinasaya,” the spark was just nowhere. They would just do their segments together treating it as part of their job. Affected by the rumors? “Perhaps,” Ruru
GMA photos
admitted. Upon starting the taping for Sherlock, Jr., Gabbi and Ruru tried to rekindle the kind of relationship they had when they were doing “Let The Love Begin” but it seems that there was a thin wall between them. The fire was missing! Until they went to Palawan for a three-day commercial shoot for a clothing brand they were endorsing. It was there that they had a heart-to-heart talk. They talked about their careers, about the two of them. They realized that there was actually no communication between them. They admitted that they were so near yet so far. That was when they resolved that they would bring back their kind of relationship. They would be more caring toward each other and that’s what the public, especially their fans, are seeing now with Gabbi and Ruru. Separation is something strange for Bianca and Miguel, not in their vocabulary as a loveteam. They are always together in projects. After starring in “Mulawin” with Derrick, they were given another primetime series which has proven successful. Fans talk about it. Social media is abuzz with it. The high ratings proves how strong the show is. Bianca’s character Crisanta’s suffering at the hands of ill-willed Cheska, portrayed by GMA newcomer Kyline Alcantara, has become more pronounced and big credit also goes to Kyline’s effective performance as the villainess. GMA has indeed found the perfect young villainess in Kyline. Watching her, one will notice that she really knows her character like the back of her hand. When she raises her eyebrows, when she pouts her lips, when she starts rolling her eyes, one knows that she is a mean character. Now the viewers know why she is dubbed as la nueva contravida.
B January 6-9, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOurnaL
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS What is food poisoning? Food poisoning is a variety of illnesses caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, toxins or chemicals. this is more common during holidays and summertime. the symptoms usually include diarrhea, abdominal pains and vomiting. Diarrhea and vomiting could be so severe as to cause extreme dehydration, which, if untreated and unabated, could be fatal. how does bacterial contamination occur? raw food may have bacteria in it or may be contaminated by unsanitary handling. these bacteria then grow and multiply, and when the “infected” food is eaten, the growth and multiplication of the bacteria continue in the stomach or bowel, producing symptoms of food poisoning. this leads to abdominal pains, diarrhea, and vomiting, which are part of the body’s defensive ways of getting rid of the offending bacteria. the most common bacteria causing food poisoning is Listeria salmonella, usually from poultry or infected eggs, specifically, duck eggs), Clostridia (contamination by dirt or flies), and shigella and Escherichia coli (fecal contamination of food and/or water). What about toxins? Food that is kept in a warm place, or improperly preserved, can produce chemicals called toxins. One of the commonest is the staphylococci toxin from staphylococci bacteria that can be transmitted by a food careless handler with a boil or infected wound full of the staph bacteria. Botulism (due to Clostridium Botulinum), from badly tinned or bottled food, is not very common but can be fatal. When the contaminated food is ingested, severe gastrointestinal symptoms may occur. Which chemical poisons are found in food? there are some common food items that contain natural chemical poisons. some fungi are very poisonous even when eaten in tiny quantities, causing irregular heartbeat, coma or even death. the green areas on potatoes which have been exposed to the
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Food contamination light, uncooked kidney beans, some nuts, etc. contain poisonous chemicals, which can cause symptoms of food poisoning if inadequately cooked. Not properly washing fruits and vegetables that are contaminated with pesticides can also cause food poisoning. some mushrooms are poisonous and not edible. What bacteria grows on cooked rice? Bacillus cereus thrives and multiples in cooked rice and can cause food poisoning. the bacteria produce a chemical toxin which is very resistant and not destroyed even by high temperatures. the best way to prevent this is by refrigerating leftover rice, which should be consumed within 48 hours. the symptoms of food poisoning usually start fairly suddenly with abdominal pains, frequently cramping in nature and soon followed by diarrhea. the pains can be persistent for a few days and become worst before an episode of diarrhea or vomiting. throwing up may cease after a few hours but diarrhea may continue for days. if the illness is due to bacterial contamination, the symptoms appear about 12-24 hours after ingestion, but if it is due to toxins, the onset of symptoms comes rapidly, usually within minutes after eating the contaminated food. severe Botulism begins after about 12 hours with vomiting, abdominal cramps, and may culminate in paralysis and coma. Is food poisoning dangerous? Obviously, yes, as discussed above. in young children and among the elderly, dehydration is the main danger. Vomiting and diarrhea can result in a rapid loss of body fluids and electrolytes. this can disrupt the very delicate chemical balance in the body and, if not treated early, can lead to coma and even death. Botulinum and staph toxins are in themselves dangerous, and the poisoning can be fatal, if not managed in a timely and proper fashion. how do we prevent food poisoning? Good environmental and personal hygiene, proper food preparation, handling and storage, avoidance of questionable food (fruit or potato salad and dishes sautéed with tomato that have been exposed for more than an hour at a party or picnic under
hot weather, mussels and other shelled foods that remain closed after cooking, poultry or meats (hamburgers, etc) that are not thoroughly cooked, and can goods that are of questionable freshness, that are “expired,” or with bulging top, are some basic preventive measures that can be taken to prevent food poisoning. the prudent practice and common sense dictum is: “if in doubt, discard.” What is the mainstay of therapy? this depends on the cause of the food poisoning: bacteria, toxin or chemical. But basically, oral and/or intravenous fluid replacement is the key to prevent further dehydration from fluid and electrolyte loss from diarrhea and vomiting, which could be lifethreatening. Young children and the elderly can become very ill fast, since they succumb rapidly to dehydration, so medical consultation, or even hospitalization, may be needed early. Antibiotics may be given where indicated to clear up the infection, but as a rule, they are usually not used because they may sometimes worsen the condition. Fortunately, most of the food poisoning cases respond well to fluid replacement. Possible botulism patients should be hospitalized without delay. the stomach may be pumped out and botulism anti-toxin may be given to counteract paralysis. those who are very ill may need ventilator support in the iCU. An antidote may be needed for fungal food poisoning. All the evaluation and decision of the management are best handled by the attending physician. After surviving the acute stage, the patient is expected to recover fully with an excellent prognosis. However, just like most other illnesses, food poisoning is best prevented. in the majority of situations, this is within our power. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com
What they say about Rachelle Ann in Hamilton by BaBy
Gil Philstar.com
tHErE was no doubt that rachelle Ann Go would do very well in the London production of the musical “Hamilton.” After all, producer Cameron Mackintosh and director thomas Kail would never have trusted her with the role of Eliza schuyler if they had no trust in her capabilities. Besides, rachelle Ann is not only talented. As we have seen these past 10 years starting with her early days as a singing champion, she is also a hard worker who sets goals and makes sure she reaches them. i remember how without any theater experience she tackled Ariel in “the Little Mermaid” and came out on top. Determined to get into the West End revival of “Miss saigon,” she made a selfie video and sent it to London. When asked what she wanted to do next, she said Fantine in “Les Miserables” and got that, too. From there she spent a few months as Gigi on Broadway and then returned to the West End for the female lead in the phenomenal “Hamilton.” the show tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers and George Washington’s right hand man. He was born out of wedlock in a Caribbean island, deserted by his father and then orphaned by his mother at an early age. He turned his life around to become one of the great minds that formed the beginnings of the America we know today. Until a few years ago, Hamilton was mostly known as the face on the $10 bill. But then the brilliant Lin Manuel Miranda turned his life into a grand musical that cleverly fused r&B, hip- hop, jazz and Broadway sounds to resounding success. “Hamilton” remains
With Rachel John and Christine Allende.
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What’s IN and OUT in 2018 By Monet
Lu
First of all, Happy New Year to everyone. When the year ends, another one begins. As we bid adieu to 2017, it is good to look forward to what 2018 has in store for us. Here’s a list to get us started in that direction. Society and politics One thing i realized when it comes to social issues is that after a while (of fighting and rallying for it), one day, it’ll present itself in a different light and we’d see it in all its glory (or lack thereof). such can be said about racial equality which is iN this year. Finally, eyes are enlightened and that is something to be optimistic about. in the meantime, kneeling during the National Anthem will have to remain in, despite it being out among certain white football fans. Leaks from the White House is out but books about former White House staffers are in. thanks to the president, national monuments and parks are out, especially if President Obama was the one who preserved them. in nature, global warming is in as well as solar eclipses. Entertainment & celebrities With Disney’s announcement about wanting to buy 20th Century Fox, it’s just plain obvious that “Mickey Mouse” is so in this year. Welcome back, Disney! stranger things’ Millie Bobby Brown is out (of pre-puberty, at least. Oh, how fast they grow). But storm reid from Disney’s “A Wrinkle in time” is in. in movie theaters, Wonder Woman is in, and i don’t even wonder why (wonder – see what i did there?). Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins proved through their “Wonder Woman” movie, that audiences will flock to a strong, well-written female hero. As for the rest of the Justice League, sad to say they’re out – at least for now until they come up with a sequel (and it better be good!). science fiction in general is on the outs. Fashion and beauty if 2016 was the year for stripes, then 2018 would be the year for tartans or checkered prints to make a comeback. Jackets, oversized shirts or even a pair of trousers are in as well as taking on patterns with checkered utilitarian pieces paired with art inspired garments. 2017 and 2016 were all about Korean cosmetics. this year, we will see the return of Japanese
makeup and cosmetics that offer a more natural-looking color palette. there is fascination in 2018 for labels like shiseido, Kanebo and Kate tokyo. Clear and polished skin is the focus for beauty looks in 2018. With Japanese cosmetic companies being masters at perfecting complexion and combating age, wrinkles and age spots can now disappear as fast as a ninja could. speaking of age-defying tools, cosmetic enhancements that are non-invasive are being introduced to the market and embraced by many, especially this year. Not only are they non-invasive, these procedures take up less time. two of the leading non-invasive procedures that help rejuvenate and restore youth to one’s appearance are Ulthera and thermage. Ulthera utilizes ultrasound to heat the deep tissues resulting in firmer and younger-looking skin. similarly, thermage uses radiofrequency heat to tighten the skin. Both treatments have minimal to zero downtime and may also be used for other parts of the body that need firming or lifting. Makeup direction for 2018 is straightforward. Achieve polished skin, well-groomed brows and punctuate the look with a glossy red lip. Food Who would not want to know what’s on and off the menu in 2018? i would love to know what’s trendy in the “fridge department”. it is time to take a hiatus from your favorite burger joint because HUGE burgers, novelty milkshakes and fried chicken are
off the menu for 2018, replaced by lighter salads and vegetablebased dishes. Food experts are predicting this year will see a move away from high-fat, meat-based feasts in favor of native and plant-based ingredients. Matt Moran said 2018 is the year that’s all about “conscious” eating. “Consciousness about sustainability and consciousness about waste,” said Moran, who said the ABC docu-series War On Waste made a huge impact on the urban food scene. “People are far more aware of things like waste and where their food is coming from and they will make the effort to support smaller growers and producers in a way that we have never seen before.” And there it is - a preview of what to expect this year! Although, i still think that we are entitled to our choices and can still decide on a different fashion statement (from what i just described) these are mere predictions and should not, in any way be taken as dogmatic statement. Plus, burgers are pieces of heaven. it wouldn’t be a great year without them, don’t you think? *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
Will Smith reveals he visited PH incognito by MJ
Marfori ManilaTimes.net
Rachelle Ann Go and Jamael Westman as Eliza and Alexander Hamilton. Photos by Matthew Murphy
Broadway’s hottest ticket. “Hamilton” opened in London last Dec. 21 and is now reaping unanimously glowing reviews from the critics. Everybody is agog about the astounding cast led by the young Jamael Westman in the title role. And truly most heartening is the fact that rachelle Ann is also getting her share. tufayel Ahmed of Newsweek minces no words about his admiration: “Hamilton’s” standout actor though is rachelle Ann Go who gives a mesmerizing performance as Eliza Hamilton. Go shows powerful range, from an innocent naivety when we first meet Eliza to a woman more pained and tragic by the musical’s end. if Go doesn’t walk away with an Olivier Award (the London equivalent of the tony) in 2018, it would be a great injustice. Marianka swain of Broadway World says: rachelle Ann Go lends gorgeously rich voice to Hamilton’s long-suffering wife Eliza, who somehow finds the dignity and power denied to women. From Laura Hardy of the inde-
pendent: it is a cold-hearted audience member not left devastated by rachel John as Angelique or the performance by rachelle Ann Go as Hamilton’s wife. Adam Bloodworth of Metro co.UK: the show ends with the virtuous tale of Eliza, Hamilton’s widow, who lived 50 years after Hamilton and continued his work. she is played candidly and spiritedly by rachelle Ann Go, who pointing out into the newly-rebuilt Victoria Palace theatre Auditorium, longs to be by Hamilton’s side. susannah Clapp of The Guardian: Christine Allado, rachelle Ann Go and rachel John belt out full-throttle the destiny of America’s women in the manner of Destiny’s Child. Michael Bellington of The Guardian: rachelle Ann Go lends Hamilton’s wife with the poignancy of the neglected… tony Peters of Radio Times: there are superb performances from rachelle Ann Go as Hamilton’s wife Eliza…. Mikey smith of The Mirror: rachelle Ann Go playing Hamilton’s long suffering wife Eliza, has the audience in floods of tears with heartbreaking showstopper “Burn.” this is only the beginning. there will be more reviews and rachelle Ann can deservedly bask in the glory of all the excellent notices she has been getting and will surely continue to get. An Olivier would be very nice. But no matter what happens, she already makes us Filipinos very proud. And not to forget. Playing the other schuyler sister plus also Hamilton’s mistress Maria reynolds is another local girl, Christine Allado. she is also doing very well. Let us rejoice. two local girls playing major roles in the greatest musical of our time. Filipinos as theater actors have indeed truly arrived.
it was a merry time indeed leading up to Christmas Day as in the Know got to spend the holiday in tokyo, Japan to hang out with Hollywood superstar Will smith himself. it was for the biggest Netflix movie to date, “Bright,” with a budget amounting to more than a hundred million dollars, according to Will. the multi-genre actor was easily put on the top of our friendliest superstar list as he managed to charm the uber quiet Japanese press and entertain our quirks on the red carpet while calling him “Papa Will.” He even showed us how he’s getting more techie by the day since he just joined instagram two weeks ago. Bright, which came on December 22, is set in an alternate present-day Los Angeles and is a sci-fi action-thriller directed by David Ayer (“suicide squad,” “End of Watch,” writer of “training Day”). it follows two cops of very different backgrounds— Ward, a human played by Will, and Jakoby, an orc played by Joel Edgerton—who embark on a routine patrol night that will ultimately alter the future as their world knows it. Battling both their own personal differences as well as an onslaught of enemies, they must work together to protect a thought-to-be-forgotten relic, which in the wrong hands could destroy everything. the storyline may be simple but it showcases the issue on racism through dark humorous lines and the hierarchy of the characters. i also learned a lot while doing this because the elves are at the top of society, us humans are at the middle and the orcs are looked down upon. this movie also teaches us to accept people from all walks of life and not judge,” Will shared. Joel, who went through three to four hours of makeup each taping day, also felt like he was looked down upon, “whenever i was wearing the character i could feel people pity me and i would remind them that, hey, i am alright!” the bad-ass villain elf Leilah played by swedish Noomi ra-
‘Bright’ cast (from left) David Ayer, Will Smith, Noomi Rapace and Joel Edgerton. ManilaTimes.net photos
The author with Smith and Edgerton
pace also told us that her closeto-perfect character was hard to achieve but very empowering. “i had to train mixed martial arts and flow like water in the fight scenes and learn a new language but it was major and to be given opportunities to play these roles in Hollywood nowadays is the reason i stay and do this,” she shared. With the ever-growing issue of Netflix streaming versus cinema viewing, Will shared his insights on the matter. “i am curious if this film streaming on television could capture the emotion of the viewer and give the same experience as the one on cinema. But Netflix is very good for us actors and producers since studios would not be doing or would not give a budget for this kind of storyline and production,” he explained. On a lighter note, during our
numerous chats with him from the red carpet to the sit down, Will shared that he vacationed in the Philippines already. “Yes, it was like a year and a half ago. Jeff had a gig and we crossed paths so when i knew he was going i went with him for three days and just relaxed. But you know i would love to promote a film in the Philippines one day,” he told in the Know. For those of you who do not know Jeff, he was Will’s rap partner in West Philadelphia back in the ‘80s while they were starting out. He said he went incognito for security reasons, which of course, we totally understand. As for Ayers, he was based in subic for sometime while serving in the Us Navy. “i remember how happy the people were and i ate a lot of pansit!” he reminisced with a chuckle.
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 6-9, 2018
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EVA ranks in AirlineRatings’ World’s Safest Airlines for 2018 Website’s experts use strict 7-star safety criteria for ratings
Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza
GMA photos
Maine Mendoza back on TV in time for Alden Richards’ birthday by Deni
Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com
AFTER a month of taking a break from show business, actress and TV host Maine Mendoza is back on noontime show “Eat Bulaga!” on January 1, in time for the birthday of her love team partner, Alden Richards, on January 2. Since returning from a monthlong vacation with her siblings in Florida, USA, Maine has appeared on “Eat Bulaga’s Juan for All, All for Juan” segment. She was then jokingly asked by one of the show’s host, Sen. Tito Sotto, if she still knows how to speak Filipino after the trip. On Twitter, the hashtags “WelcomeBack MAINE” and “AldenRichardsAt26” became among the top-trending on January 1 and 2, signaling that fans of Alden and Maine’s AlDub love team have been eagerly waiting for the couple’s 2018 reunion. In a recent interview with the press, Alden confirmed that he and Maine are doing a new movie, dispelling rumors that he and Maine are not in good terms and that AlDub will be abolished. In his Twitter account, Alden told fans that he will entertain them in a theme park as his 26th anniversary treat. He, however, has not revealed how he and Maine would celebrate his birthday, though he has told the press in an interview last December that
he will have a birthday special on “Eat Bulaga!” It can be recalled that Maine took a showbiz hiatus shortly after she posted an open letter to her fans on Twitter. In a previous interview with Pilipino Star Ngayon, AlDub’s “Eat Bulaga!” co-host Vic Sotto clarified that Maine was on vacation to spend Christmas and New Year in the United States and she was not suspended from the show because of the open letter. While some fans called Maine “selfish” for the letter, she has been praised by other celebrities for the move. Stars like Ai Ai delas Alas, Christine Bersola-Babao, Gabbi Garcia and even Vice Ganda of “It’s Showtime!” called Maine “brave” for posting the lengthy letter. Since the letter, among Maine’s New Year’s resolutions is to become even braver this 2018. In her latest Instagram post, she narrated how she enjoyed skydiving in Miami and among the things in her 2018 bucket list is to skydive alone. “Funny thing, I almost cried while sitting inside the aircraft– incredibly nervous and happy– because DAMN I cannot believe I am actually doing this!” she exclaimed. Will this New Year spark a new start for AlDub or will they finally part ways?
Liza Soberano needs no beauty... PAGE B2
part in what is described as the business of the future,” Soberano further said. She also mentioned that as much as her time would allow it, she would want to be very handson in managing the operations of her budding enterprise. “I made sure that I am actively involved from conceptualization to the actual construction of this place down to the services that we offer,” she stressed. The center offers not just the basic manicure and pedicure but special packages such as Boss Lady, Sugar Spice and Everything Nice, Age is Just a Number, Hope Signature Wellness Package, The Pro-Active Package, The Chill Chic, and the Little Prince/Little Princess Package. It’s not far from possibility that Soberano could be entrenched as one of the most successful artist-
Liza Soberano Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano
turned-entrepreneurs not just in the country but the whole globe as well. Despite her busy schedule, she is bent to finish her Online Business Management Course at the Southville International School affiliated with foreign universities.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – For the fifth year in a row, EVA Air has earned a coveted spot among AirlineRatings.com’s World’s Safest Airlines for 2018. AirlineRatings joins other global industry and government organizations that consistently recognize EVA for upholding high standards and making safety a top priority.Travelers can learn more about EVA’s relentless focus on safety, get an overview of its quality services and find out where it flies at www.evaair.com. Airlineratings.com is a one-stop airline safety and product rating and review website for carriers worldwide.The standards it used for its 2018 safety evaluations represent best airline practices established by aviation governing bodies, associations and governments, in addition to analysis of safety performance over the past 10 years. AirlineRatings.com’s editors and content curators are recognized worldwide for their expertise and deep knowledge of the aviation industry. After monitoring 409 airlines, they identified the world’s 20 safest airlines. Each these airlines has earned AirlineRatings’ maximum seven-star safety rating and met its high standards.* “Our editors have been repeatedly impressed by EVA Air’s attention to detail and its consistent safety record,” said AirlineRatings. com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas. “Airlines that concentrate on safety also usually offer the best inflight product.” For more than a quarter of a
*AirlineRatings uses seven criteria for its airline safety for its analyses. Each of its top-20-safest airlines has: 1. Completed an IATA (International Air Transport Association) Operational Safety Audit, ie, earned IOSA Certification. 2. Met the European Union’s high standards of aircraft maintenance and regulatory oversight and is not listed on the EU Blacklist. 3. Maintained a fatality-free record for the past 10 years. 4. Served the United States from
a country that upholds Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) aircraft operations and maintenance requirements. 5. Originated in a country that fulfills all eight International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety parameters. 6. Never been grounded by any governing aviation safety authority. 7. Operates a fleet of Boeing, Airbus and McDonnell Douglas aircraft and does not use any Russian-built aircraft.
century, EVA has been uncompromising in its focus on maintenance, repair, upkeep, employee training and service. EVA is one of only nine airlines worldwide to earn SKYTRAX’s 5-Star rating for the highest global quality. In its annual World Airline Awards, SKYTRAX has also singled out EVA for Best Business Class Comfort Amenities and Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness. TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, honored EVA with two distinctions, “Top 10 Major Airline
in Asia Pacific” and “Best Airline – Taiwan.” SKYTRAX,Travel + Leisure and AirlineRatings.com have ranked it among the world’s Top-10 Best International Airlines multiple times. AirlineRatings recognized EVA’s Premium Economy and Economy Class services in the top-10 “best for economy plus and economy class travel for 2015 and 2016.” In addition, SKYTRAX has scored EVA as the Best Airline Transpacific and, based on traveler feed-
back, as the world’s third Most Loved Airline. Based on evaluations by the Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre (JACDEC), EVA has been recognized among the world’s 10 safest airlines by Aero International Magazine 11 times. And it has demonstrated zero-defects in IATA’s Operational Safety Audits (IOSA), performed every two years since 2005. EVA steadily renews and upgrades its fleet by replacing older aircraft and introducing new, advanced models, including Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A321200s. It will begin taking delivery of its first environmentally conscious, fuel-efficient, exceptionally comfortable Boeing 787 Dreamliners this year and plans to operate them on medium-range routes and some long-haul flights. EVA Air EVA Air, a Star Alliance member, was established in 1989 as Taiwan’s first privately owned international airline. It is part of the respected Evergreen Group and a sister company to global containershipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of more than 70 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to close to 60 international destinationsthroughout Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America. With just one easy stop in Taipei, travelers can connect onward to every major city in Asia, including 17 destinations in China. Travelers can learn more about EVA and book, buy and reserve seats at www.evaair.com. (Advertising Supplement)
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COMMUNITY Journal
Your Immigration Solution NaNcy Miller THE year has gone quickly and much of the news for immigrants has been harsh. Non-citizens, and their families, are understandably facing the coming year with trepidation. But, we are a country of laws and the laws that provide avenues for relief for immigrants still exists. Some laws may change so those who are eligible for benefits for themselves or family members are advised to apply for them now. Here are a few possibilities. The provisional waiver program is one of the most powerful tools for fixing previously unfixable immigration situations. Before this program came into place, persons who entered the country without inspection or as crewmen, or as fiancés but did not marry the fiancé petitioner faced an untenable choice. They could remain here without papers, even if they had options to become legal or they could leave the country and consular process while applying for an unlawful presence waiver of the 10-year bar. The process could take 6 months or more and there was no guarantee the waiver application would be approved. Under the provisional waiver program, the applicant applies and stays in the U.S. until the waiver is approved. The program has been rumored as a target of the Trump Administration and could be on the chopping block in the future. While immigration law deadlines are important and it cannot be stressed strongly enough that those deadlines should be complied with, an opportunity is not always lost when a deadline has been missed. For example, people who get green cards on the basis of their recent marriage to a U.S. citizen receive a conditional resident card that expires in two years. They must apply to “remove the conditions” before the card expires and if this is not done the conditional resident is subject to removal from the
Resolve to solve your immigration problem in 2018 United States. In a recent case, however, RMZD attorneys were able to shepherd to a successful conclusion the application for a client whose conditional residence expired over a decade ago, proving that she married her now-deceased husband in good faith and merits permanent resident status. This client’s brandnew green card shows she has been a permanent resident since 2002—the date she became a conditional resident—which means she is eligible to apply for naturalization right away. Her journey to the verge of citizenship shows that it pays to consult a knowledgeable immigration attorney. Not every old case can be brought back to life, but doing nothing could be the worst mistake you ever make. It is true that an outstanding order of deportation makes obtaining a green card in the U.S. virtually impossible. But what if you could lawfully get rid of your deportation order? Believe it or not, that is indeed possible for many people. There are many people who have viable paths to a green card, but do not take any action because they mistakenly believe that nothing can be done since they have deportation orders. That is just not true! Yes, the deportation order is an obstacle, but it may very well be possible to overcome this obstacle and be granted permanent resident status. Talk to an immigration attorney today about a “motion to reopen” in your case. Criminal convictions can seriously jeopardize a non-citizen’s ability to remain lawfully in the United States but even here, there is hope. Waivers for grounds of inadmissibility or removability can result in an alien being able to obtain or retain their green card. They may even be eligible for citizenship. Positive changes have come down from appellate courts in recent years. Additionally, changes in California law
have allowed those convicted of crimes to apply for post-conviction relief that, if granted, neutralizes the negative effects of the conviction. As a result, even those who have previously been told there is no hope may have hope. That is one good reason to check in with an experienced “crimmigration” lawyer to see if the changes benefit you. In 2017, USCIS raised the bar for nonimmigrant workers such as H-1Bs and L-1As through heightened scrutiny over these petitions. Boilerplate Request for Evidence notices were routinely issued even on thoroughly prepared petitions. Small companies continued to face increasing difficulty when sponsoring their foreign workers. (Remember, an executive or manager from overseas companies coming to the U.S. to establish a small subsidiary would be eligible for a new office L-1A visa.) For 2018, business people with immigration needs are strongly recommended to consult with an experienced attorney to evaluate their options given the lengthy waiting time for EB5 category and the toughening up of US’s immigration policies. The United States is still the land of opportunity; make that opportunity yours in 2018! From our family to yours – Happy New Year. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com website: www.rreeves.com *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.
(Advertising Supplement)
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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon DO you need help with debt problems but are too embarrassed to even talk about them? Perhaps you’re under a lot of stress due to your finances but don’t even know where to turn for help. As a bankruptcy attorney, over the years I have met a lot of people who were simply too embarrassed to seek help with their debt problems. Of course, this is perfectly understandable. After all, financial matters are often too personal that we don’t even share this kind of information with our family or closest friends. The problem with this, however, is that instead of being able to find a solution, trying to deal with things on your own usually doesn’t get you anywhere. So you remain stuck where you are and can’t move forward. Oftentimes I meet people who tell me that on the outside, everything looks like they are going
Community Journal
To people who have debt problems but are too embarrassed to seek help
just great. At least that’s what everyone thinks. They have good jobs, live in nice homes, they drive fancy cars and they own expensive things. These people look financially successful in the eyes of the world. But unbeknownst to everyone, these people are harboring a deep secret: Nobody knows that everything that they have was purchased on credit and they could hardly afford to make the payments each month!!! These people are in debt to their eyeballs and no one has the slightest clue. At the end of a long day, these people can’t even get a good night’s sleep because they are worried sick about how their next paycheck will cover all their bills. They get this sick feeling in their stomach just thinking about the pile of bills on their kitchen table that they haven’t been able to pay. The world thinks that they are
financially successful so how can they let anyone down? They need to keep up with the image that the world has of them and they don’t want to disappoint anyone. So day after day, they continue to live with this “secret” that nobody knows. Deep inside, it’s driving them crazy. These days, people no longer “keep up with the Joneses”. Instead, they try to keep up with what they see on TV. Do you remember those credit card commercials where they show all these happy people, having fun and they seem to not have a care in the world? In our society, we are often brainwashed into believing that the more credit you have and the more money you borrow, the happier you will become and the better your life will be. So we go for the bait and before we know it, we have fallen into the debt trap.
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Can the family court deny a custodial mom’s enforcement of a child support order against dad? In this case, grandparents were actually taking care of child
IN the case of In re Marriage of Wilson, the Mother was attempting to enforce child support arrears against the Father for the period in which the child was not living with the Mother but instead was living with the Grandparents. The Father filed a request for an order in court, seeking a stay of enforcement of the child support arrears on the ground he had overpaid Mother; equitable set-aside of the child support arrearages on the ground Minor had lived with Grandparents since she was two years old; credit for child support charged during the time Minor lived with Grandparents; and set-aside of interest on arrearages. In re Marriage of Wilson, 4 Cal . App. 5th 1011, 1014, 208 Cal . Rptr. 3d 779, 780, 2016 Cal . App. LEXIS 910, *3-4. The trial court denied Father’s request because Father did not support child in his home. In appeal, the appellate court held that a family court had to consider whether it would be inequitable to allow a
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS minor’s mother to enforce some or all of the child support arrears incurred during a certain period the minor lived with her paternal grandparents during that period and that her father had contributed to her support by providing money to the grandparents, and there was no evidence in the record that, during the period at issue, the mother provided any support for the minor.In re Marriage of Wilson, 4 Cal . App. 5th 1011, 1011, 208 Cal . Rptr. 3d 779, 779, 2016 Cal . App. LEXIS 910, *1 Fam. Code, § 3651, provides that, with certain exceptions, a support order may not be modified or terminated as to an amount
that accrued before the date of the filing of the notice of motion or order to show cause to modify or terminate. However, it is within the court’s equitable power to deny enforcement of the arrears on equitable grounds under certain circumstances. However, it is within the court’s equitable power to deny enforcement of the arrears on equitable grounds under certain circumstances. (Jackson v. Jackson (1975) 51 Cal.App.3d 363, 366–367 [124 Cal. Rptr. 101] (Jackson).)In re Marriage of Wilson, 4 Cal . App. 5th 1011, 1016, 208 Cal . Rptr. 3d 779, 782, 2016 Cal . App. LEXIS 910, *8 The appellate court found merit, in the peculiar circumstances of the case, in the father’s position that the trial court’s discretion to deny enforcement of a support order is not limited to circumstances in which the obligor parent cares for a child in his or her own home, but is broad enough to embrace a situation in which neither parent is raising
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Overview of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act REPUBLICANS hail the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as their biggest legislative achievement under President Trump. It’s the first major tax overhaul since the days of fellow Republican Ronald Reagan. The new tax law causes wide implications. It affects your decision to buy or rent a home or your decision to send your kids to private or public schools. It even influences when a couple decides to get a divorce or the amount of estate tax to be paid when one dies. 1. This is the first significant reform of the U.S. tax code since 1986: Republicans have been complaining of the tax code becoming more complicated with each passing year, until this year. 2. But it’s politics as usual in our good old USA: Republicans argue that the middle class will see benefits from the business tax cuts in the form of more jobs and higher wages while Democrats maintain that the tax cuts are simply a windfall to wealthy Americans like Trump. 3. Sorry, but you won’t be able to file your tax return on a postcard: Contrary to what President Trump said that H&R Block would go out of business after tax reform because filing taxes would become so simple that Americans could file on a postcard, that will not happen. It’s hard to blame Trump though for failing to deliver that post card promise because the final version came out of the woodwork from both sides of the aisle with
The Prophetic Voice
Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA
fellow Republicans and Democrats alike. 4. Changes were made to both individual and corporate tax rates: Six of individual brackets are reduced while the corporate is drastically reduced. 5. Tax reform will increase deficits by $1.46 trillion over the next decade. 6. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates every income group will receive an average tax cut. According to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, families making between: • $50,000 and $75,000 will get average tax cuts of $890, • $100,000 and $200,000 would get average tax cuts of $2,260, • $1 million would get average tax cuts of nearly $70,000. 7. None of this will affect your 2017 taxes: We don’t have to worry about these changes when we file 2017 tax returns in 2018. Most provisions take effect in 2018 for the 2019 filing season. In a nutshell, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: • Lowers individual tax rates, including trimming the top bracket from 39.6% to 37%. • Doubles the standard deduc-
tion which will help taxpayers without home mortgage deductions. • Doubles the tax credit for children, which will benefit lower-income families. • Limits mortgage interest to loans of $750,000 (down from $1 million under old law) • Caps state and local tax deductions at $10,000 (currently unlimited) • Abolishes the Affordable Care Act’s penalty for Americans who don’t purchase health insurance. • Exempts larger inheritances from the estate tax as it doubles thresholds to $11 million for individuals ($22 million for married couples). • Reduces the corporate tax rate to 21 percent from 35 percent. • Introduces a 20% deduction for pass-through businesses such as partnerships, S corporations and LLCs. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Live the moment
and wonders in this world. It’s having a Marian heart—always grateful for God’s blessings and being humble in accepting God’s ReVeRend plan in our lives. It’s trusting in Rodel G. BAlAGtAS God’s providence and protection every moment of our lives, A FEW days before Christmas, in good times and bad tines. It’s I asked my niece, Ann, to suggest living a life of generosity to those to me another phrase for “having around us. I put this wisdom to practice a deep sense of awe” that I can as I traveled to the Philippines use in my preaching. She answered, “It’s living after Christmas with some of my the moment, Uncle.” I took her siblings, nephews and nieces. suggestion as I preached this I enjoyed every moment with theme to people during the Sim- them and took advantage of the bang Gabi Masses, and, indeed, occasional opportunity to be with people found these words very them. I marveled at my young nieces and nephew’s energy, meaningful. Live the moment! This, my enthusiasm, and zest. I thanked friends, is my advice to you as God for their health and opporyou enter the new year. It’s the at- tunities to learn about their partitude of living in the present and ents’ birthplace. This visit to the Philippines paying attention to God’s graces
with them was special because we were not only on a holiday trip, but we were also there to do outreach to poor children in an orphanage in our hometown of Pampanga, and our adopted village in Taytay, Rizal. My niece Lauren named our outreach, “Project Heart Work,” to convey the message that what we were doing were real acts of kindness and generosity to the needy and destitute. My nieces and nephew raised money to give 150 backpacks to needy children filled with school supplies, a dental kit, and other goodies from the states. We also gave Christmas baskets full of canned goods, rice and some fresh food to hundreds of families. Living the moment is taking time to put the Gospel to life,
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 6-9, 2018
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How personal injuries may Client with nondischargeable judgment of $80K needs Chapter 13 relief affect employee rights Q: I WAS severely injured in a recent car accident while returning to work on an errand. I had to undergo multiple surgeries. I missed several weeks of work and will need more time off for treatments. I am afraid to tell my employer about my need for more time off because I might be fired. What can I do? A: You need to notify the employer immediately about the need for more treatments related to your injuries or medical condition. In this way, you are protected from any adverse action that may be taken against you at work. Once notified of your medical condition or the need for more treatments related to a medical condition, the employer is obligated by law to engage you in a timely, good faith interactive process to determine if reasonable accommodation can be made. There are several instances where an employee’s personal injuries (whether these injuries happened at work or outside work) lead to violations of the employee’s rights. Consider the following situations: The employer denied the employee’s request to take time off to undergo treatments. Employers with 5 or more employees are prohibited from denying the right to use medical leave, or for disciplining, discharging, demoting, suspending, or discriminating against an employee for using such leave for themselves (or to attend to an ill family member). The employer denied the
Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights ATTY. C. JOE SAYAS, JR. employee’s request for reasonable accommodation. The employer must engage in a timely, good faith interactive process to determine if reasonable accommodation can be made for a disabled employee to accommodate restrictions. Sometimes, granting an additional shortterm extension of an approved leave may constitute reasonable accommodation. After filing a request for family or medical leave (or after filing a worker’s compensation claim), the employee experiences an adverse employment action, such as demotion, decrease in pay, decrease of work hours, loss of benefits, assignment to unfavorable tasks, suspension, or termination. Such actions contradict California law. The employer retaliates against the employee for filing a worker compensation claim or some other claim by withholding the payment of all the employee’s wages due on the last day of employment. In California the employer must immediately pay all compensation due, and ensure that the employee receives the payment. After the employee requests intermittent leave or comes back from leave, the employee experiences an adverse employment action such as being
assigned to unfavorable assignments, given difficult-toachieve deadlines, being written up, demoted, stripped of supervisory responsibilities, laid-off, or fired. The employee is fired for “excessive absences” even though the employee provided doctor’s notes for these absences. Employees who have been seriously injured face difficult challenges, including having to miss work in order to get treatments. These efforts to get the employees’ health back in order to rejoin the workforce is protected by law. If the employee was let go based on a disability or medical condition, the employee can sue for wrongful termination. The employee may be entitled to the following: reinstatement, back pay, loss of earnings, damages for emotional distress, attorneys’ fees and costs, and punitive damages in certain instances. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.] (Advertising Supplement)
To people who have debt problems... PAGE C2 t
The truth of the matter is that “more” is not necessarily better if we are never satisfied with whatever we have. The truly financially wealthy people of this world know that it is not what you make that counts but it is what you get to keep. If you want to be wealthy someday, you need to understand that the key to wealth is spending less, not more, of what you earn. If your finances are out of control, you need to do something
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about this situation- the sooner the better. Don’t let yourself drown in debt and ruin your future. If you need to get a fresh financial start by eliminating debts or at least consolidating your bills, remember that we also have bankruptcy laws that can help you get out of the financial mess that you may be in. Don’t be discouraged. It’s not the end of the world. If you have made mistakes in the past, well, who hasn’t? You don’t need to face debt problems alone. Help
is available but you need to take action. For a free attorney consultation, please call Toll-Free 1866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)
Live the moment...
especially by paying attention to the needs of the poor. It’s bringing joy to the less fortunate, knowing that God calls us to love generously and to care deeply. Indeed, it’s being conscious of our responsibility to share our resources with other people. Living the moment is consciously showing our care, concern, and affection to our loved ones because life is too short to miss any opportunity to do this. It’s being present to them and being sensitive to their longings
and wants. Living the moment is living a life of purpose, planting seeds of kindness, and leaving a legacy of service to God, fellow men and women. For those of us seniors who had spent years of service to God and country, it’s forming our youth to seek the fulfilling values of giving and serving. Let’s always live the moment in this new year! Let’s keep marveling at God’s actions in our lives, be more conscious of his power, and always respond to him in love and generosity. Amen.
*** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
People and Events
Four questions to ask yourself as you plan for retirement DECIDING when to start receiving your retirement benefits from Social Security is a decision that only you can make, and you should make that decision with as much information as possible. There are a lot of important questions to answer. Should you claim benefits earlier and get a smaller monthly payment for more years? Or should you wait and get a bigger monthly amount over a shorter period? There are no right or wrong answers, but we encourage you to consider these four important questions as you plan for your financially secure retirement: How much money will I need to live comfortably in retirement? Anticipate what your expenses will be in retirement, including things like mortgage payments or rent, utilities, healthcare insurance and related costs, food, personal care, car payments and maintenance, entertainment, hobbies, travel, and credit card or other debt. Also, consider whether you’ll need to provide for your spouse, children, or grandchildren. What will my monthly Social Security retirement benefit be? The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 2018 is $1,404 (up from $1,377 in 2017). The average monthly Social Security benefit for a disabled worker in 2018 is $1,197 (up from $1,173 in 2017). As a reminder, eligibility for retirement benefits still requires 40 credits (usually about 10 years of work). The Social Security Act
details how the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is calculated. You can read more about the COLA at www.socialsecurity. gov/cola. The best way to get an estimate of your retirement benefit is with a my Social Security account. Get yours today at www. socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Will I have other income to supplement my Social Security benefits? Secure your financial future with a retirement portfolio that includes savings, investments, and possibly a pension plan. If you’re willing and able, you may choose to increase your income by working past retirement age. Social Security replaces a percentage of a worker’s pre-retirement income based on your lifetime earnings. The amount of your average wages that Social Security retirement benefits replaces varies depending on your earnings and when you choose to start benefits. If you start benefits at age 67, this percentage ranges from as much as 75 percent for very low earners, to about 40 percent for medium earners, to about 27 percent for high earners. If you start benefits after age 67, these percentages would be higher. If you start benefits earlier, these percentages would be lower. Most financial advisors say you will need about 70 percent of pre-retirement income to live comfortably in retirement, including your Social Security benefits, investments, and other savings. How long do I expect my retirement to last?
Anticipate the length of your retirement, keeping in mind that many American workers will live much longer than the “average” retiree. Consider your health, family longevity, and lifestyle. Your Social Security retirement benefits will provide continuous income for as long as you live, protecting you even if your other sources of income run out. Discover your life expectancy with our online calculator at www.socialsecurity. gov/OACT/population/longevity. No one can predict the future perfectly, but careful planning and preparation will help you to make a well-informed decision about when to start receiving your Social Security benefits. If you’ve contributed enough to the Social Security system through FICA payroll taxes, you can receive your full retirement benefit at age 66 or 67 depending on when you were born. You may also claim it sooner, starting at age 62, at a permanently reduced rate. Or you may wait until after your full retirement age, increasing your benefit amount by up to 8 percent per full year to age 70. Social Security is with you through life’s journey, and we’re here to help you prepare for a financially secure future for you and your family. We invite you to use our online retirement planners at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/. To learn more about all of our programs, please join us at www. socialsecurity.gov. (By Eric Phillips / Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Sacramento, CA)
THE client is 50 and operates a business. There is a state court judgment against him for $80K. Is this judgment dischargeable in bankruptcy? The answer is: If the judgment is for breach of contract only, the $80,000 is dischargeable. If the judgment is affirmative for FRAUD, then the $80,000 fraud judgment is not dischargeable. In this case, client accepted $80,000 in cash, which was wired to him by the plaintiff. The deal was that client would use the $80,000 to buy a brand new Tesla and ship the car to plaintiff’s country. Plaintiff was a foreigner who did not live here. In his defense in state court, the client said that the plaintiff owed him commissions for previous transactions. However, at the state court trial, the client failed to offer sufficient evidence that the plaintiff owed him anything. The client never bought the Tesla so the plaintiff wants his $80,000 back and sued the client for breach of contract and fraud. Well obviously, there’s something amiss when one receives $80,000 in cash to buy a car but doesn’t buy the car despite representing to the guy who gave him the money that he was
Debt Relief
ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG
going to use the money to buy him a brand new shiny Tesla. I mean, the client should have sold him the London Bridge and the bridge to Alaska too for a little bit more of cash, right? When you give somebody $80,000 to buy a car that you could have bought yourself, that says something about yourself right? So, the State court judgment found that client defrauded plaintiff of his $80,000 since he misrepresented to the plaintiff that he was going to buy the Tesla but never did. If there is a fraud judgment, that judgment is not dischargeable. Otherwise, people would be able to perpetrate a fraud on others to get their money then, discharge their liability for stealing the money in bankruptcy. Even our beloved POTUS, Mr. Trump, would agree that money fraudulently obtained should not be dischargeable in bankruptcy even if it were fake
news resulting from Russian collusion that never happened. Since the judgment is not dischargeable, the client cannot get Chapter 7 relief. The only thing that the client can do is file for Chapter 13 so he can pay off the $80,000 over five years without interest. Chapter 13 will protect client’s house from judgment creditor’s forced sale of his house to satisfy the judgment. The Chapter 13 will require a plan payment of $1,400 more or less monthly, and after 60 months, the judgment would be fully paid off. This is a lot better than having the judgment accrue legal interest of 10 percent a year, that would make the $80,000 double in about six or seven years since the interest is compounded. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally.
*** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.
Can the family court deny a custodial... PAGE C2 t
the child at home. The record did not foreclose a conclusion that the father’s obligation to support the minor during the relevant period was discharged, in whole or in part, through the grandparents’ care of the minor on his behalf and through the payments he made to them during the period for which the mother sought arrears. Moreover, there was no evidence in the record that, during the periods at issue, when the minor lived with the grandparents, the mother provided any support for the minor. If the mother was seeking child support arrears for times that she neither cared for the minor nor provided for her financially, enforcement of the arrears might well be nothing more than a windfall to the mother, bearing no relation to any support or care the minor actually received during her childhood. In re Marriage of Wilson, 4 Cal . App. 5th 1011, 1011, 208 Cal . Rptr. 3d 779, 779,
2016 Cal . App. LEXIS 910, *1 The appellate court agreed with father’s contention that the family court’s discretion to deny enforcement of a support order is not limited to circumstances in which the obligor parent cares for a child in his or her own home, but is broad enough to embrace a situation in which neither parent is raising the child at home. In re Marriage of Wilson, 4 Cal . App. 5th 1011, 1011, 208 Cal . Rptr. 3d 779, 779, 2016 Cal . App. LEXIS 910, *1. The bottom line, parents that owe substantial arrears in child support may have a defense against enforcement under In re Marriage of Wilson if the child was not actually living with the custodial parent but was instead living with the Grandparent and where the non-custodial parent is actually paying the Grandparent for the support of the child. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as
legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is n ot a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
C4 JANUARY 6-9, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles to hold outreach missions in National City and Las Vegas A team from the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles will conduct a Consular Outreach Mission in National City, California from Jan. 20-21 and Jan. 27-28 in Las Vegas. The following consular services will be rendered: 1. Renewal and/ or first-time applications for Electronic Passport (ePassport). No lost passport applications will be accepted. 2. Applications for the retention and re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship pursuant to Republic Act 9225 or Dual Citizenship Law. Oathtaking will be scheduled on the same day for qualified applicants. Applicants are advised to wear appropriate clothing for the occasion. 3. Applications for Report of Marriage & Birth, Notarization will be accepted but these will be processed in Los Angeles and returned to the applicant by mail. 4. Registration for Overseas Voting (OV) for the 2019 National Elections for Senators and Party List Representatives. National City In National City, it will be held at Council of Philippine American Organizations (COPAO) at 832 E Ave, National City, CA 91950 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. All submissions/applications must be coursed through philippineoutreach.sandiego@gmail. com for this particular outreach only. Your application will not be pre-processed if you submitted: by mail or email before the positing of the Consulate’s notice on Dec. 19, 2017; Through thirdparty facilitators. The Consulate General is not affiliated with any travel agency, law office or any other commercial establishments offering to facilitate online applications for a fee; After January 5, 2018 or until the maximum
number of applicants is reached, whichever comes first; and An application for lost passport. The final list of applicants with the confirmed appointment schedule will be posted on the Consulate General’s website (www.philippineconsulatela.org) on or before January 12, 2018. No walk-in applicants will be accepted. Las Vegas The Consular Outreach in Las Vegas will be held at 3900 Paradise Road, Suite 181, Las Vegas, NV 89169 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to 1 to 5 p.m. The consular outreach mission is being undertaken in cooperation with the Las Vegas Philippine American Lions Club. All submissions/applications must be coursed through the email (lasvegas.outreach@ philippineconsulatela.org) for this particular outreach only. Your application will not be pre-processed if you submitted: By mail or email before the posting of this notice on December 27, 2017; To the outreach email (lasvegas.outreach@philippineconsulatela.org) with incomplete requirements. Please check the Consulate’s website (www.philippineconsulatela.org) for the complete list of requirements; Through third party facilitators. CONSULAR SERVICE
The Consulate General is not affiliated with any travel agency, law office or any other commercial establishments offering to facilitate online applications for a fee; After January 12, 2018 or until the maximum number of applicants is reached, whichever comes first; and an application for lost passport. The final list of applicants with the confirmed appointment schedule will be posted on the Consulate General’s website (www.philippineconsulatela.org) on or before January 19, 2018. No walk-in applicants will be accepted. Fees Fees must be paid in person at the scheduled appointment. The Consulate General will only accept payments in cash, postal money order or cashier’s check. Personal checks will not be accepted. Payments should be paid directly to the collecting officer/ cashier of the Consulate General onsite during the outreach program and inside the venue only. Please be informed that the Consulate General has not authorized other people or entities to collect fees for all consular services rendered. FEE
ePassport
$60 per passport
Dual Citizenship
$50 per applicant Possible additional fees: $25 per derivative dual citizen $25 for Affidavit of Explanation
Report of Birth/Marriage
$25 per reported birth/marriage Possible additional fees: $25 each for required affidavit or certification to be notarized or recorded by the Consulate General
Notarization
Calendar of Events across
$25 per document to be notarized
America
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5 reasons to clean out your financial garage
IT’S amazing how much stuff piles up in a family garage over the years. The stacks get higher every year because, presumably, the items within them hold value. It becomes harder to throw anything away. While ignoring all those old bicycles, cleaning supplies, and other odds and ends in your garage may not change your life, the same cannot be said for ignoring all the financial clutter accumulating in your bank accounts, 401(k)s, IRAs and other investment storage units. Eventually, your money, your investments and your financial plans need a good cleaning and reorganizing. “Financial products, investments and plans have a shelf life,” says Mark Fried, president of TFG Wealth Management (www.tfgwealth.com) and author of “Road Rules for Retirement.” “You have to be aware of that and focus on it. The reason they have a shelf life is because your life changes – you have kids, lose jobs, have parents to take care of, or you make a lot more money. Like items in an overstuffed garage, some things in your financial garage might be outdated – or need to be found and updated.” Fried lists five areas to reorganize in your financial garage: • Your basic financial plan. When younger, some people purchase a plan but put it aside.
“For folks who have actually done one, they had it done probably because the person was trying to sell them something,” Fried says. “Now it’s sitting in the back of the garage under the car wax they don’t use anymore. If you have a retirement plan, you‘ve got to re-evaluate it and make sure it’s something you can use and depend on.” • Old investments. Investments that seemed to make sense years before should be re-evaluated. “You need to know why your money is where it is,’ Fried says. “Why did you buy that partnership, or why did you buy this stock or this mutual fund? Now you’re at a different stage of life, and the reason you had for buying it then isn’t valid now.” • Missing money. As in a garage, things go missing. The workforce of the 21st century is highly mobile, changing jobs on a regular basis. Every time you change a job there is a 401(k) or pension that has to be tracked. “Now there’s an evolution of software packages where you can put in all of your information so you don’t lose track of your investments or retirement accounts,” Fried says. “You can easily track your old employer plans.” • All insurance. Policies for life insurance, health, auto and homeowners all are worth a careful review. Fried points out that these reviews can lead to
money savings. For example: empty nesters may want to restructure their auto policy since the kids aren’t driving the parents’ cars anymore; or a whole life insurance policy could be tweaked to bring more value. “A good insurance agent is reviewing your policies every year,” Fried says. • Estate Plan. Wills may need updating. “A lot of people have a will, but they did it when their kids were very young, and now the kids are 27 and 31,” Fried says. “The estate laws change. The power of attorney language could be out of date, or maybe you have gotten divorced and not changed the beneficiary. It’s got to all be coordinated.” “You’ve collected all this stuff over the years,” Fried says, “and you need to see what serves a purpose and what does not.” About the author of “Road Rules for Retirement”: Mark Fried, president of TFG Wealth Management, LLC (www.tfgwealth.com), is the author of Road Rules for Retirement. He is an Investment Advisor Representative, a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and an insurance professional. Fried has been a contributor to several publications, including Forbes, Morningstar and The Wall Street Journal. He has been a guest on Fox Business and NBC, and cohosted the PBS special How to Select a Financial Advisor.
US citizenship classes in LA GETTING ready for your citizenship exam? Stop by the community room of the Vernon - Leon H. Washington Jr. Memorial Branch Library and join us every Saturday starting this January 6 to February 24 for our citizenship class! There will be classes on Jan. 6, 13, 20, and 27 and Feb. 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Vernon Leon H. Washington Central Avenue., Los Angeles, tion, please call (323) 234-9106 Jr. Memorial Branch Library is located at 4504 S. CA 90011. For more informa- or visit www.lapl.org.
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Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague celebration in Los Angeles The Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Friday, January 12 at 7 p.m. The history of the Infant Jesus of Prague started in the 17th century when a statue of the Infant Jesus was brought into Bohemia (now Czech Republic) and eventually was given to the Discalced Carmelites in Prague. Since then, the statue has remained in Prague and has drawn many devotees worldwide to go and honor the Holy Child. Many graces, blessings, favors and miraculous healings have been received by many who petitioned before the Infant Jesus. You are invited to a Special Mass Celebration of the Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels with Bishop Joseph V. Brennan as main celebrant. The special celebration features the relic of the holy robes that the Infant Jesus wears at the shrine in Prague, Czech Republic and it is brought to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for the third time by the Holy Trinity Ministry. Now that the Divine Child of Prague comes to touch our hearts, participants have the unique and holy opportunity to touch his holy robe. Bring your Infant Jesus Statue to touch the Holy Robe of the Infant Jesus of Prague.
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31st anniversary of the Feast of Santo Niño in Los Angeles Santo Niño Cruzada USA, with the participations of the Filipino Catholics Choir of St. Paul the Apostle Church, The Saint Junipero Serra Province Knights of Columbus and The Southern California Sinulog Dance Co., is inviting everyone to attend the holy mass of its 31st year anniversary celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño, the Divine Infant Jesus, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 3:30pm. The main celebrant is Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik to be concelebrated by various priests from different parishes. We also offer this mass to honor the late Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who returned to our Creator on October 18, 2017 in Cebu, Philippines. The Santo Niño image that we use to celebrate the annual feast was given by Cardinal Vidal to Los Angeles Archbishop Emeritus Roger Cardinal Mahony and Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik several years ago. For more information, please contact any of the following officers and members: Romy and Tess Esturas (213) 387-6982; Tess and Rey Edpao (818) 469-7292; Carmen Estrada (213) 413-2881; Fe Montano (323) 218-1587; Ester Paredes (213) 864-1149; Lilia Figuracion (626) 394-2661; Fe Reyes (213) 413-5286; Cherry Guerrero (323) 747-6508; Cherry Nicodemus (323) 304-6195; Vicky Samia (818) 851-2262; Tessie Cruz (213) 361-0937; Purita Prather (626) 798-4674; Lourdes Cronin (310) 880-6069; Maria Oclarino (213) 427-0353; Jun Panlaqui (213) 413-2881; Flora Ferrer (323) 556-4855.
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Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA There will be an immigration forum on Thursday, January 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brookhurst Community Center (2271 Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801). RSVP is a MUST to attend. No registration fee required. Please contact (714) 657-7460 or admin@globallawcenters.com. The immigration forum is about employment-based immigration information regarding FAST TRACK Work Visas ( H-1B1, TN, E-3), green card by marriage, family-based immigration employment sponsorship for green card and work visas after graduation. Candidates with H-1B, TN, F-1, OPT & other visas issues are encouraged to attend for a FREE immigration consultation & immigration assistance. As you have already seen there are many changes happening in the field of immigration with regards to the new executive administration and their agenda. Global Law Centers strives to inform the immigrant community of its rights and make sure it is knowledgeable about what immigration processes might be available. The forum will also update everyone about new and recent changes which may affect immigrants and their families.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
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& Filing family petitions before
Immigration Corner
Trump ends ‘Chain Migration’
ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ PRES. Trump wants to eliminate “chain migration,” which allows people to petition extended family members, such as brothers and sisters, married children, adult (over 21) children, and even parents. The only familybased petitions that would remain would be for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens or green card holders. The president further wants to replace our current immigration system with a merit-based system, that prioritizes skills and economic contributions over family connections. In other words, the president wants to cut back on family petitions, and focus more on a point system for skilled employment-based green cards. Right now, these are only proposals, and not yet law. However, if a person can file these familybased petitions, they should seri-
ously consider doing so while it is still possible. I fully realize that some petitions, such as brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, can take up to 30 years. Other family-based petitions can take 10 or more years. But it is possible the waiting time could be shorter eventually, and if you don’t file the petitions while you’re able to, and if these proposals become law, you will lose the opportunity to do so in the future. The same consideration should be given in connection with unskilled jobs, such as caregivers, as President Trump believes low-skilled immigration has suppressed wages of U.S. workers, fueled unemployment, and has strained federal resources. Again, if there is an opportunity to petition a caregiver, or be petitioned as a caregiver, a person should seriously consider that while it is still available. I know times are tough and pathways to legalization are becoming more difficult. That
is why you should consult with an attorney, who can advise you of possible avenues and options available to you, while they still exist, and before Pres. Trump eliminates them. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
PH economy seen to grow at least 7% MANILA — An economic growth of at least seven percent is possible for the Philippines this year as the new tax reform law takes effect and government’s aggressive infra spending program rolls out, top economists said on Friday, January 5. Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of at least seven percent is doable this year with the implementation of Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.
He said the first package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program should be complemented by the planned tariffication on rice and massive infrastructure projects under the ambitious Build Build Build program of the Duterte administration. “Low inflation is an indication that the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong. Solid fundamentals backed by TRAIN 1 implementation, rice sector reform and the Build Build Build policy will push the country’s growth to seven
to eight percent this year and sustain manageable inflation,” he said. For its part, First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) said the domestic economy is expected to grow between seven to 7.5 percent this year, underpinned by strong private consumption as more disposable income are placed on the hands of a young population and higher government spending on infrastructure projects. FMIC also expects the econPAGE D2
Business Quote of the Week “If you’ve got an idea, start today. There’s no better time than now to get going. That doesn’t mean quit your job and jump into your idea 100% from day one, but there’s always small progress that can be made to start the movement.” - Kevin Systrom, co-founder of Instagram
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How the TRAIN law will affect OFW remittances Competition agency clears Family Mart sale MANILA — Are remittances from overseas Filipino workers affected by the tax reform law? Last December 19, 2017,, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act into law, which aims to generate revenue to fund a multibillion-dollar infrastructure program that is central to the government’s economic agenda. The TRAIN law is the first package of the administration’s much-awaited Comprehensive Tax Reform Program. The tax reform program will increase take-home pay for most wage earners, compensating for the projected foregone revenue through higher excise taxes, including documentary stamps tax. The Bureau of Internal Revenue defines DST as “a tax on documents, instruments, loan agreements and papers evidencing the acceptance, assignment, sale or transfer of an obligation, right or property incident thereto.” Higher DST on money transfers to the Philippines Section 57 of the TRAIN law doubled the DST imposed on each P200 (or the Philippine equivalent of such value, if expressed in foreign currency) worth of transactions involving the transfer of money to the Philippines from 30 centavos to 60 centavos. The TRAIN act’s Section 57 amended Section 181 of the National Internal Revenue Code. But even before this tax rate adjustment was made, the BIR in 2012 issued Revenue Regula-
by Jordeene
Sheex Lagare ManilaTimes.net
ANTI-trust regulators have given Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy the green light to purchase the local operations of FamilyMart via listed Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. In a January 3 decision, the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) ruled that Phoenix Petroleum’s acquisition of shares in Philippine FamilyMart CVS, Inc. (PFM) would “not result in a substantial lessening of competition in the relevant market.” The PCC also said that the parties involved had “no ability or incentive … to engage in foreclosure post-acquisition” and that “sufficient competitive constraints … remain from other market participants”. The deal, which Phoenix disclosed in October last year, marks Uy’s expansion into the convenience store business. Phoenix Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that both personal and cash said it would complement its retail remittances rose in the first 10 months of 2017 due to sustained demand for skilled Filipinos fuel business comprising over 500 abroad. Philstar.com photo stations nationwide. tions No. 11-2012, which spells of remittances to avail the DST Terms of the acquisition have out that remittances of all OFWs exemption. not been disclosed. Approval by If the remittances were sent are exempt from paying DST upon showing “valid proof of entitle- through a bank and withdrawn through an automatic teller mament.” Such proofs include Overseas chine, or sent through “non-bank Employment Certificate, valid money transfer agents,” the BIR Overseas Workers Welfare Admin- said it is the responsibility of the istration membership certificate, OFW to show the valid proof of or electronic receipt issued by the entitlement when making arAS the Philippines under PresiPhilippine Overseas Employment rangement for his/her remittance dent Rodrigo Duterte strengthtransfers. Administration. ened ties with its neighbors, it had Latest data from the central secured $1.26 billion in funding In addition to the original copy, a duplicate copy or certified true bank showed both personal and commitments from Japan last year copy of the “valid proof of entitle- cash remittances rose in the first mainly for infrastructure projects, ment” must be secured by the 10 months of 2017 due to sus- the Department of Finance said. OFW from the POEA or OWWA, tained demand for skilled FilipiThe grants and soft loans and must be used by the recipient nos abroad. (Philstar.com)
the PCC, an independent quasijudicial body mandated under the Philippine Competition Act to promote and maintain market competition by regulating anticompetitive conduct, is required for mergers and acquisitions worth at least P1 billion. Sought for comment, Phoenix Petroleum’s vice president Raymond Zorilla said the oil company was “elated by the decision of the Commission.” “With this we can further expand Phoenix Petroleum’s business by entering the convenience store retailing market that will allow us to offer quality products within the public’s immediate reach,” Zorilla added. Phoenix Petroleum told the local bourse in October that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with SIAL CVS Retailers, Inc. and Japanese firms FamilyMart Co., Ltd. and Itochu Corp. to acquire 100 percent of PFM. FamilyMart, Japan’s secondlargest convenience store chain, opened its first Philippine store in 2013 as the Ayala and Tantoco families sought to challenge the
dominance of the 7-Eleven and Mini-Stop chains that are respectively run by Philippine Seven Corp. and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. Since then, it has opened more 100 stores in Metro Manila and Cebu and was targeting a 500strong network by 2018. Strong competition, however, led to the closure of unprofitable outlets and latest reports put its current lineup at around 70. There were reports in the latter part of 2017 that the Ayalas and Tantocos had offered the business to prospective investors, prompting disclosures that SIAL was “exploring various options to strengthen and grow” FamilyMart in the country. Uy is keen on expanding his empire as he intends to conduct more initial public offerings (IPO) this year under holding firm Udenna Corp. “[W]e’ve made one company public—our Chelsea Logistics Group— [in 2017]and by next year (3018), we plan to do more listings,” Uy told reporters in December.
Japanese funding commitments for PH projects hit $1.26 billion pledged by the Japanese government in 2017 formed part of the 1 trillion yen (about $8.8 billion) in investments and official development assistance earlier committed by Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the DOF said in statement. In October last year, 18 letters of intent were signed by 20 Japanese firms for $6 billion in new investments in the following sectors: agribusiness, business process management, information and communication technology, infrastructure, iron and steel, manufacturing, mineral processing, power, renewable energy, retail, shipbuilding, and transportation. On the sidelines of the 31st Asean Summit in November, Abe and President Duterte witnessed the signing of several deals worth 132.33 billion yen ($1.18 billion). One of the deals signed was the exchange of notes for a 104.5billion yen (about $929.1 million) loan representing the initial tranche of a loan for the first phase
of the Metro Manila subway project that would link Quezon City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Also, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III and Japan International Cooperation Agency chief representative to the Philippines Susumu Ito signed a 15.93-billion yen (about $142-million) loan deal for the Cavite industrial area flood risk management project. The Philippines and Japan also signed a 9.399-billion yen ($89 million) loan for the third phase of the arterial road bypass project in Bulacan and the 2.5-billion yen (about $22.2-million) grant for the nonproject grant aid for the economic and social development program, which the DOF said would benefit the Philippine Coast Guard’s antiterrorism efforts and the rehabilitation program for Marawi City.” Dominguez said the President’s pivot toward Asia led to various funding and investment opportunities for the Philippines in 2017. (Ben O. De Vera/Inquirer.net)
Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of at least 7 percent is doable this year with the implementation of Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. Philstar.com photo
PH economy seen...
PAGE D1 omy to have grown 6.9 percent in 2017, with the industry sector growing 8.5 percent and services growing at 6.8 percent. Inflation is expected to have settled at 3.2 percent. Key officials of the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group said a rebound in exports, stable OFW remittance inflows and BPO revenues, and the re-energizing of the tourism industry would also give GDP a boost this year. “We expect the growth of the Philippine economy to accelerate this year. All engines of growth are up and running at a faster pace. The country’s economy will remain as the best performing in ASEAN, we are experiencing a demographic sweet spot that will continue to push consumption expenditure, there’s a revival in manufacturing, and the country’s external position is strong,” said FMIC president Francis Arjonillo during the 2018 Economic and Capital Markets Briefing. “With the recent passage of the TRAIN Law, the government’s Build Build Build program is anticipated to be full steam ahead, which will surely drive economic expansion further,” he added. TRAIN lowers personal income taxes but imposes higher tax on fuel, automobiles, sugary beverages and tobacco. Revenues from the first package of the tax reform agenda would be used to fund the administration’s ambitious infrastructure program as well as social services that would blunt the effects of higher tax on consumer goods. Combined with the expected rise in world oil prices this year, FMIC said this is expected to drive up inflation to a range of 3.5 to four percent this year. Officials, however, expect this would be manageable as it is still within
the central bank’s target of two to four percent. University of Asia and the Pacific economist Victor Abola said TRAIN would generally cause a 0.6 percent rise in domestic inflation this year. As the law is fully implemented in the coming years, inflation is seen to rise to between seven to eight percent by 2022. With the expected surge in the consumption of goods and services alongside higher take-home pay, FMIC sees the industry sector growing at a faster pace of 8.7 percent in 2018 and the services sector at 7.1 percent. Infrastructure spending as a percentage of the GDP is seen growing 6.1 percent this year from 5.3 percent last year. FMIC sees government spending in infrastructure rising to 7.4 percent of GDP by 2022. “Infrastructure spending is crucial for faster growth this year,” he said. On the external front, exports are expected to continue to grow in line with improvements in the global economy led by upticks in the US, European Union and japan — all of which are major traditional markets for Philippine goods. FMIC said the peso will remain under pressure as the US economy continues to recover, leading to the strengthening of the dollar. Because of this, the local currency is expected to trade weaker at 52.50 against the dollar. Abola said that while this would hurt imports, this would not cause a major problem for the economy as most imports are capital goods for manufacturing. A weaker peso is also beneficial to exports and domestic consumption because of huge OFW remittance inflows. (Philstar. com)
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Philippines being groomed as MICE destination by catherine
taLavera Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippines has the potential to attract foreign travellers as a destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition (MICe) , according to a leading property analyst. Santos Knight Frank chairman and chief executive officer Rick Santos told The STAR the Philippines has been seeing increased demand for conferences in recent years. “The Philippines tends to be one of the most cost-effective destinations for some hotels and that kind of MICe activities,” he said,
emphasizing that the hotel sector needs to improve its marketing and promotions to the global market in order to sell the country Santos said the country’s MICe industry is not only attracting neighboring countries in the ASeAN region, but is also appealing to the global market due to the lower costs it offers. “It attracts a global appeal just like BPOs. It’s cheaper to come here for hotels and conferences and activities,” he said. He said the demand for MICe facilities is not exclusive to conference, but also includes entertainment events such as rock concerts
and sports events. While the country is already a attracting a fair share of demand for the MICe industry, Santos said the sector needs to further improve its marketing and promotions to be able to attract a larger share of the global market. “I think there is a huge potential in the entertainment industry here and people here like to go to rock concerts and especially basketball and emerging sports like rugby and soccer,” Santos explained. “The more exposure we get, the more we will be able to build up our national game (for MICe),” he added.
Investments in logistics to drive ‘Build Build Build’ by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
MANILA — The Department of Finance (DOF) has urged corporate giants in the logistics industry to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMes) take advantage of the benefits of state-of-theart distribution network. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government needs the full support of the private sector in investing in
infrastructure projects such as the logistics facility that Fast Logistics has just built for Unilever Philippines in Cabuyao, Laguna. He explained the Duterte administration has anchored its strategy of rapid economic expansion on an ambitious Build Build Build infrastructure program to pull down the cost of transporting goods, improve linkages across the archipelago, encourage efficient agriculture and clear the
way to inclusive growth. “We need the enthusiasm of the private sector to make the investments that will make expenditure for new infra worthwhile. We need thousands of small and medium enterprises that will complete the supply chain of larger industries. We need facilities that will help aggregate rural produce and deliver efficiently to the cities,” he said. PAGE D5
Peso seen to weaken this year Espenilla says Fed tightening may prompt outflows in 2018 by Daxim
L. Lucas
Inquirer.net
THe Philippines should brace itself for more capital outflows this year—which will likely exert downward pressure on the peso— as the continuing recovery in the U.S. prompts fund managers to repatriate their investments back to the world’s largest economy. The adverse effects of this expected departure of so-called “hot money” would normally be countered by raising domestic interest rates to keep local investments attractive to investors, but Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor espenilla Jr. said he wanted to keep rates as low as possible for as long as they could to help the economy grow. “The flows are reversing because the US economy is recovering,” he said in an exclusive interview with the Inquirer about the country’s prospects in 2018. “The big challenge for all is the uncertainty about the pace and magnitude of normalization (of U.S. monetary policy). That’s the common problem of all econo-
mies.” These dual—and conflicting —priorities of mitigating the expected outflows while helping the local economy grow is expected to demand from espenilla a delicate balancing act going into his seventh month as the country’s central bank governor. “The United States is just beginning its tightening cycle and there’s still a lot of hot money floating around the system,” he said, explaining that excess liquidity that the central bank had to grapple with over the last few years has “not yet” returned to the United States. The Philippine economy grew 6.9 percent in the third quarter of 2017 and is expected to end that year at a pace of anywhere between 6.5-7.5 percent—a rate that must be sustained to ease the burden on one out of five Filipinos still living below the poverty line. “The challenge is that we have to keep preparing for the worst case but, at the same time, we shouldn’t stifle the economy from growing,” espenilla said, while
dousing persistent talk about the local economy overheating. “The Philippine economy is like a car that we want to drive to a destination,” he said. “If we want to get there at a certain speed, of course the engine will heat up. We’re behind, and we have to step on the gas. But there are gauges we monitor to ensure that the engine doesn’t overheat.” The BSP chief noted that the government’s economic team had, so far, successfully managed the country’s pace of growth while keeping the prices of goods and services in check. Meanwhile, he said outflows that had pushed the balance-of-payments position to a deficit was due to accelerating investments in neglected sectors—a situation mitigated by the reduction in the country’s external debt in recent years. espenilla declined to disclose estimates about how much dollar outflows the country should expect over the near to medium term, but pointed to one indicator closely watched by the central bank.
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An analyst claims that a new industry player that would compete against the country’s two dominant telecom firms is needed to bring down costs and increase internet speed. Inquirer.net photo
3rd telco can drive PH economic growth, says analyst by Ma. Lisbet
esMaeL Manilatimes.net
The expected entry of China Telecom as the Philippines’ third telecommunications player can lower the cost of telecom services and boost the country’s economy, an analyst said. In a phone interview, Summit Securities Inc. President harry Liu said a new industry player that would compete against the country’s two dominant telecom firms is needed to bring down costs and increase internet speed. Noting that neighboring countries have inexpensive yet quality broadband access, he said it was about time for the Philippines to
explore ways to better serve its people. Cheaper and better internet access can drive economic growth as broadband penetration in the country will increase and endusers will become more active in cyberspace, he added. In December, National Telecommunications Commission chief Gamaliel Cordoba said that “[f]or every percentage increase in your internet penetration and speed, there’s also a corresponding increase in GDP (gross domestic product). According to the World Bank, every 10-percentage-point improvement in broadband pen-
etration increases a developing country’s GDP by 1.3 percent. Liu said PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom have to boost their network services, because the one doing the better job at it would benefit more. PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan disclosed in December his company’s plan to allot more than P50 billion in capital expenditures (capex) to improve its network, while Globe CeO ernest Cu said in October his company may keep its capex at P43.7 billion. Globe spent its capex last year on expanding its mobile data network and deploying long-term evolution (LTe) cell sites.
Investments in logistics to drive ‘Build Build... PAGE D3 he pointed out there is a need to foster the chains of integration to produce more coherent economic growth. The state-of-the art warehouse was built and fully engineered by Fast Logistics to speed up the sorting and distribution of Unilever products and was designed to accommodate various transport vehicles needed to ensure fast delivery. “This great facility is a perfect example of how the private sector could help fill the gaps in our national logistics system. The
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quicker we are able to deliver the goods, the faster our economy can grow. In the end, the better we will be in bringing down poverty incidence and building a more hopeful future for our people,” Dominguez said. he said inefficient infrastructure adds to production costs and diminishes competitiveness, leads to high food prices for urban consumers and worsens poverty. The infrastructure gap, Dominguez said, has been exacerbated by the country’s archipelagic nature, which has led to the uneven development of island economies, and aggravated by the concentration of
economic activities and congestion in large urban centers. he said the Philippines would need “a thousand more facilities” like the one built by Fast Logistics for Unilever and other companies to transform the country into a “truly modern economy.” “The country’s logistics system has fallen behind those of our progressive neighbors in the region. One may speak of an infrastructure gap between our neighbors and us. This is the result of many years of underinvestment in infra as we struggled with working down our foreign debt,” he said.
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