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JANUARY 17-23, 2020 Volume 13 - No. 11 • 16 Pages
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DATELINE City of Oxnard welcomes first Fil-Am police commander FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
THE city of Oxnard, California now has its first Filipino American police commander. M a r c Amon, who has been with the Oxnard Police Department for the past 24 years, moved up the ranks on Saturday, January 11. He will be in charge of the East District of the city. He oversaw the department’s crime reduction unit in his previous post as a sergeant. A lifelong resident of Oxnard, Amon began his career with the police department in 1996 as a patrol officer after seeing family friends becoming officers across Southern California. “I had no idea what I wanted to do as a cop but I loved the idea of becoming one of the good guys in my hometown,” Amon told the Asian Journal in an interview. “I find it funny
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In its 8 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs observed “short-lived dark gray ash plumes” at 6:17 am and 6:21 am with the heights of 500 meters THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and and 800 meters, respectively. This eruption Seismology (Philvocs) on Thursday, January dispersed ash southwest to west of the main 16, said that the Taal Volcano’s threat remains crater. imminent despite its weakened activity. “Activity in the past 24 hours has generally by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
waned to weak emission of steam-laden plumes 700 meters high that dispersed ash to the southwest,” the state seismologists said. There has been a total of 566 volcanic earthquakes since 1 p.m. on Sunday. Of these, 172 registered magnitudes 1.2 to 4.1 and were felt
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While Philippines welcomes China Coast Guard, another ship loiters near Ayungin Shoal by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com
VIRAY
MANILA — As the Philippine Coast Guard officially welcomed its Chinese counterpart on Tuesday, January 14, another China Coast Guard (CCG) ship has been located monitoring
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Vegas AAPI organizations gear up for 2020 census outreach PH shows highest global support for Trump, poll finds by AJPRESS
LAS VEGAS — With Census Day approaching on April 1, local Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations are beginning to encourage community members to fill out the questionnaire. The 2020 Census will mark the first time U.S. residents can respond online in addition to the traditional phone or
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DESPITE low ratings from individuals around the world, support for U.S. President Donald Trump remains its highest in the Philippines, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. Results from the nonpartisan fact tank’s latest survey found that 77% of Filipinos said they are confident that Trump
would do the “right thing” concerning world affairs, while 19% believed otherwise. The Philippines showed the most positive review for the U.S. president among 32 other countries surveyed, which collectively displayed little support for him. A median of 64% respondents say they do
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PH shows highest global... not have confidence in Trump, while only 29% say they do. Participants were also asked about a variety of policy decisions under the Trump administration, such as his U.S.-Mexico border wall proposal and increasing tariffs. “A median of 68% across the nations polled say they disapprove of the U.S. increasing tariffs on imported goods; a median of 66% oppose the Trump administration’s withdrawal from international climate agreements; and 60% disapprove of Trump’s proposal to build a wall on the border with Mexico,” the survey said. In terms of immigration, 55% of respondents said they disapproved of the administration’s plans to reduce the number of immigrants coming into the U.S. Other countries that showed high confidence in the U.S. president were Israel (71%), Kenya (65%), Nigeria (58%) and India (56%). Though the ratings for Trump are low in most nations, the view of the U.S. remains largely favorable at 54% compared to
38% unfavorable, the survey found. Ratings were positive in the Philippines, Poland, South Korea and Israel where “in each about eight-in-ten say they view the U.S. favorably,” Pew found. The countries that had the most negative views of the U.S. were Germany, Russia, Turkey and Mexico. “In some countries, views of the U.S. have become more positive since 2018. This increase in favorable views of the U.S. is especially prevalent among those who favor rightwing populist parties or place themselves on the right end of the ideological spectrum,” Pew said. A similar survey was last conducted in 2017 — the year Trump was inaugurated — which found that 22% had confidence the president would do the right thing in international affairs. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has previously said that the Philippines and U.S. continue to share amicable ties, even with certain American lawmakers criticizing PH President Rodrigo Duterte’s human rights record and the latest U.S. Sen-
FROM THE FRONT PAGE ate resolution to put sanctions on local government officials involved in the arrest and detention of opposition Senator Leila De Lima. The Philippines also continues to view the U.S. as its most dependable, according to a Pew survey from December 2019. “Trump is generally more popular among people on the political right. In 18 nations, those who place themselves on the right side of the ideological spectrum express more confidence in the U.S. president,” the think tank noted. Trump and President Rodrigo Duterte have shown support for one another, with the former congratulating the latter for an “unbelievable job on the drug problem” in the country. Philippine respondents also rated Russian President Vladimir Putin positively with 61% confidence and Chinese President Xi Jinping with 58%. The Pew survey released this week was conducted across 33 countries from May 18 to October 2, 2019 using face-to-face interviews among 36,923 respondents. (AJPress)
at Intensities I to V. From 5 p.m. on Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday, 103 volcanic earthquakes were recorded, 14 of which were magnitudes 1.4 to 4 and felt at Intensities I to III. “Such intense seismic activity likely signifies continuous magmatic intrusion beneath the Taal edifice, which may lead to further eruptive activity,” Phivolcs said. Meanwhile, sulfur dioxide emission from the volcano was measured at an average of 4,186 tonnes/day on Wednesday. Phivolcs maintained that residents near the Taal Volcano must stay on guard “against the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall.” “At this stage, we’re not ruling out the possibility of a hazardous eruption yet, but
we’re also now looking at the possibility that there may be a lull for a considerable period of time,” Maria Antonia Bornas, chief of the Phivolcs Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division, said Thursday morning. ”The situation is a bit tricky right now,” she added. Cavite under state of calamity The province of Cavite on Wednesday, January 15, declared a state of calamity due to the effects of the Taal volcano eruption. According to Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, there have been no reported deaths in the province and there is “very little damage to property...outside of the ashfall,” but the funds are needed for evacuees from neighboring Batangas. He said that P15 million has been allocated mainly
to “support the evacuation centers” located in Alfonso and Tagaytay City. There will also be evacuation centers opening in Dasmariñas City on Thursday. “We have put care packages consisting of rice, canned goods, infant formula, diapers, and medicines,” Remulla said. “Our provincial hospital staff have been deployed to assist all the evacuees,” he added. Cavite has taken in around 15,000 people from Batangas. Under a state of calamity, the local government would be able to tap emergency funds for relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, recovery and other works or services to mitigate the effects of the disaster and stabilize the situation in the disaster stricken areas. n
While Philippines welcomes China Coast Guard... Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. Ryan Martinson, assistant professor at China Maritime Studies Institute, posted a photo of the track of a CCG ship near the shoal, where Filipino troops are stationed. “Meanwhile, a China Coast Guard ship steams back and forth, menacing Philippine Marines posted at Second Thomas Shoal,” Martinson posted on Twitter. Martinson added that the ship operating near Ayungin Shoal is part of the same unit
where the CCG ship visiting the Philippines belongs to. CCG Vessel 5204 docked at the port of Manila Monday afternoon for a five-day goodwill visit. On Tuesday morning, the PCG led by Adm. Joel Garcia held a welcome ceremony for CCG Director General Maj. Gen. Wang Zhongcai. Last year, the Department of National Defense reported to the House of Representatives that CCG ships have been in close proximity to Ayungin Shoal since January 2019. The DND also reported an incident wherein a CCG ship
blocked the route of three Philippine civilian vessels on a resupply mission to grounded BRP Sierra Madre on the shoal. The CCG vessel with bow number 3305 came as close as 1,600 yards to the Philippine boats, according to the DND. Following this report, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin ordered the filing of a diplomatic protest over the entry of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Ayungin Shoal is less than 20 nautical miles from Mischief Reef, one of China’s artificial islands in the Spratlys. n
‘Heartbreaking’ situation for ‘under-reported’ evacuees — int’l humanitarian group by FRANCO LUNA Philstar.com
Vegas AAPI organizations gear up for... mail options. During a roundtable hosted by Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) on Saturday, January 11, University of Las Vegas, Nevada students and representatives from SEIU Local 1107, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and AAPI media shared concerns community members are having about the census and posed questions to census field staffers. Titus acknowledged that AAPIs are the fastest-growing bloc in Nevada, but that many fear how their information will be used so it’s up to trusted individuals to reassure others how the results will determine the amount of funding the community receives. Based on the five-year American Community Survey from 2013 to 2017, there are 203,606 Asians and 15,583 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in Clark County alone. “We’ve got to be sure that people aren’t hidden anywhere. Often times, people are much more willing to give what they think is their personal information to somebody that they trust, some-
body from their community,” Titus said. The census, which is done every 10 years, will become available in March 2020. The questionnaire will ask questions, such as how many people live in each home and sex, age, and race of each resident. Field takers will start visiting residents from mid-May to August if they haven’t responded through any of the three options. The official counts are scheduled to be delivered to the president by December. The data results determine what portion of over $700 billion in federal funding each state will receive annually and how many congressional seats each gets. In 2016, Nevada received $6.2 billion through 55 federal spending programs based on data from the 2010 census, such as Medicaid, SNAP benefits, Section 8 housing vouchers, and child care programs. “One person always counts. It makes a difference. That’s what we have to remember,” said Maria Teresa Delgado, a partnership specialist from the Los Angeles Regional Census Center. Language barriers have
hindered various groups from participating in past rounds, however, the 2020 form will be available in five Asian languages, including Tagalog, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Language guides are also accessible in a total of 59 non-English languages. “If one person is not counted, one individual costs $2,000 and that’s for 10 years. It’s not much but you still make a difference,” Delgado said. She added that children are often underrepresented in the census so it’s important to count them too, and that includes Infants who were born before April 1. This week, the Census Bureau kicked off of a $500million public education and outreach campaign to reach U.S. households with the message ‘Shape your future. Start here.’ The bureau aims to tell U.S. residents that the census is easy, safe and important. “The responses that everyone submits in the questionnaire, they are confidential. All census employees took an oath that we cannot share any information with any agency — the FBI, ICE or local police. Everything is confidential,” said Delgado. n
THE dire situation facing a number of the evacuation centers for those displaced by the effects of Taal Volcano’s recent eruption could potentially have serious effects on some 21,000 children seeking refuge there, an international child welfare organization said on Wednesday, January 15. Rampant ashfall following Taal Volcano’s eruptions continues to disrupt the lives of many as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recorded on Wednesday morning a new high of 12,486 families— 53,019 people—who were affected by volcanic unrest. In three of these evacuation centers, though, Save the Children Philippines in an assessment sent to Philstar. com outlined a number of main concerns on the conditions of child evacuees, namely sanitation, food, protection and health. According to the humanitarian organization, whose team conducted an assessment of three centers, evacuees “showed signs of distress” as the circumstances they faced included insufficient toilets, a pronounced lack of space and privacy and an urgent need for psychosocial support for children. “Children are not just little adults; they require specific support to meet their emotional and psychological needs.
Infants, toddlers, and children require special care and supplies during and after natural disasters,” Alberto Muyot, CEO for Save the Children Philippines, said. “Unless this support is provided quickly, children are likely to suffer long-term developmental, physical and psychological setbacks.” The group expressed concern, too, that the fundraisers and donation drives from private entities were almost solely sustaining evacuees but could soon run dry. An evacuation center in the Bauan Cockpit in Barangay Manghinao, Bauan, was described by the organization as having a “heart-breaking situation” amid the inflow of some 870 families seeking temporary shelter. “There are at least 80 children staying in this cockpit-turned-evacuation center. There’s a one-month old, two-month old who is suffering from cough,” the report read. The Batangas Provincial Sports Complex in Barangay Bolbok was not much better. In the makeshift evacuation center, Save the Children observed that “[m]ore than 4,000 individuals are taking temporary refuge” while “[e]vacuees [were] overflowing; those didn’t find space inside opted to stay outside the stadium. “Small children are suffering from respiratory diseases such as coughs and colds due to close proximity to so many other people. With over 200
volcanic earthquakes reported since Sunday, families have no idea when or even if they will be able to return to their homes. This uncertainty can be devastating for children,” Jerome Balinton, humanitarian manager for the Save the Children Philippines, said. Exactly 10,000 families—totaling 43,681 persons—were seeking temporary shelter in 217 evacuation centers in the region, a bulletin by the NDRRMC said. But Save the Children in an earlier statement also said the NDRRMC and other government organizations could potentially be under-reporting the actual number of those displaced. “The reported figures don’t count yet those affected residents who are staying with their friends and relatives,” they said in a previous statement. “The population of Agoncillo alone in 2015 is 38,000, and the local government unit said the entire municipality was evacuated.” The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in a report also said that there were around 459,300 living in the danger zone. “[T]here are other residents displaced from Laurel (with 39,999 population in 2015; San Nicolas with 22,623 population in 2015; and Talisay with 45,301 population in 2015; Lemery with 93,157 population in 2015,” Save the Children added in their assessment. n
City of Oxnard welcomes first Fil-Am... that a lot of people are apprehensive about being a police officer where they grew up but I always ask, ‘Why would you ever want to do this anywhere else?’ This is where your family and friends live. Aren’t they the ones you want to protect and serve the most?’” He has been in various roles since joining, such as SWAT operator, field training officer, trauma support team member and hostage negotiator. He was promoted to senior officer in 2008 and then sergeant a year after, a position he’s held before his new role as commander. Amon oversaw the neighborhood policing team and field training program before moving to the personnel and training unit and then the crime reduction unit. Under his leadership, the recruitment team sent the largest classes
to the police academy in the department’s history, according to the OPD. About 60 miles north of Los Angeles, Oxnard is home to over 206,000 residents, with Filipinos being the majority Asian American group at 5% of the population, according to the last census. There are about 25,000 Fil-Ams overall in Ventura County. “Being a commander in my city will hopefully strengthen my department’s relationship with the Fil-Am community. I hope they feel a little more connected and develop more trust in how [the] OPD is continuously trying to work with everyone to make Oxnard a better place to live,” Amon said. Fil-Ams currently make up 3% of Oxnard’s 227-member police force. “Filipinos, Asians, and Pacific Islanders don’t typically
gravitate toward law enforcement or public safety as career options, so it is up to those of us already serving within to recruit and mentor the next generation,” Amon noted. Outside of the department, he is a member of the Filipino American Law Enforcement Officers (FALEO) Association and the Filipino American Council of Ventura County. He said he uses those platforms to help other Fil-Ams see the benefits of a career in law enforcement. “Policing is a truly noble profession and it will always play a major role in society. Filipino and Asian communities are growing rapidly in many parts of the country and just like every other culture, we need proportionate leadership representation to shape those communities,” Amon said. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)
OPINION
Enhancing disaster preparedness IN some lakefront towns of Batangas, visibility was zero after Taal Volcano exploded on Sunday, ejecting a massive plume of ash. The volcanic particles were borne by the wind to much of Batangas and Cavite, parts of Laguna and all the way to Metro Manila. The last time the country saw such an enormous amount of ashfall was when Mt. Pinatubo woke up from hundreds of years of sleep and erupted in June 1991. The eruption of what most people didn’t even know was a volcano altered weather patterns around the planet and Pinatubo’s ash cloud reached as far as Vietnam. Pinatubo led to improvements in the country’s preparedness for volcanic eruptions. Volcanic warning protocols have become better coordinated with evacuation and other emergency responses undertaken by local government units. Health officials now have on hand water purification tablets for distribution to areas where water supply
FEATURES
has become contaminated by volcanic debris. As experts have pointed out, however, the latest activity in Taal is showing areas where there is still room for improvement in preparedness for volcanic eruptions. Evacuation centers remain inadequate. The zero visibility due to the ashfall shows the need for fog lamps, to prevent accidents and improve relief assistance. Traumatized residents need more counselors for mental health. Despite the clear danger, there were still people in the high-risk zones who showed strong reluctance to abandon their homes. One of the reasons was that they would have to abandon livestock and pets, which are not allowed in evacuation centers. In other countries, there are evacuation areas and special shelters even for animals where their owners can continue caring for can be extremely distressing for the owners. them during disasters. People breed livestock Wildlife also need protection from natural for livelihood, and keep pets for personal well- calamities. being. Being forced to abandon the animals Every calamity should lead to better mea-
Editorial
sures for preparedness, resilience, emergency response and disaster mitigation. Taal Volcano should open opportunities for enhancing disaster response capability. (Philstar.com)
Siding with US in Iran-US conflict is premature Beware: That fake news can be a crime set up Commentary
REYNALDO O. ARCILLA PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte aka Digong’s statement that the Philippines would side with the United States if violence erupts and Filipinos get hurt is a bit unclear, if not premature. What if Filipinos are hurt or killed due to U.S. military action like bombing Iranian or Iraqi targets where overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are located? Whose side do we choose then? I believe it is also ill-advised
for Digong to say that he would allow transit through the Philippines of U.S. troops and warships for refueling and getting provisions during an Iran-U.S. armed conflict. “I said that’s normal. We allow ships of…the gray ships of other nations to park here and get some… ‘yung provisionings nila (their provisionings),” he said. Normal, yes, but not when they are gray ships of nations that are at war with another country, especially where we have a good number of OFWs. He added that this was in honor of the country’s defense ties with the U.S., meaning the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. Huh?! Surely, he does not
have to be reminded that the U.S. did not honor its commitment in that treaty insofar as our dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea is concerned. Besides, it doesn’t seem logical that the U.S. would use the Philippines for transiting troops and replenishing fuel and provisions. There are U.S. bases much closer to Iran and Iraq where it can do those things, like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, not to mention its military bases in Western Europe. In short, I agree wholeheartedly with Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III that the Philippines should remain neu-
Commentary
JAIRUS BONDOC NEWS fakers went wild online this week as Taal Volcano erupted. Their dark motives varied. Don’t fall victim. Via phone messaging spread a dramatic photo of a crater aflame with black plume billowing out, supposedly taken from a helicopter of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. In truth it was a pickup of a Jan. 2009 online post, of the Santiaguito lava dome
formed by the explosion of Santa Maria volcano, Guatemala. Whoever mislabeled it as Taal must have wanted to impress his circle that, in reflected glory, he has contacts inside the prestigious Phivolcs. Or, he found malicious glee in his prowess at instant but false research. Falling for and forwarding the image, many did aid his calculation. It was like the previous week’s hot resends of “Drone footage of Soleimani’s assassination,” complete with sound effects of a walkie-talkie conversation. Many who passed it around may still not know it’s from a 2014 iOS videogame “AC-130 Gunship Simulator: Special Ops Squadron.”
Also via SMS spread a bogus “NDRRMC Update #1” purporting that Taal’s Alert Level had been raised to 5. Meaning, as Phivolcs earlier announced, volcanic tsunami could occur within the caldera. The longish “bulletin” enumerated threatened lakeshore towns, which were in fact already being evacuated by civilian officials and soldiers. One giveaway of the falsity was a reference to “Laguna de Bay and Manila de Bay,” a frequent geographic confusion – Laguna de Bay means Lake of Bay town; Manila Bay, not Manila de Bay, is the seascape named after the national capital but also
Pinoy ang census. ‘Pag kasali tayong lahat, mas malakas at tumpak ang 2020 Census.
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
Palace says deployment ban in Kuwait will stay ‘Slug it out’ in court, DOJ dares De Lima by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
MALACAÑANG on Thursday, January 16, said that the total deployment ban to Kuwait will remain until the provisions of the labor agreement ensuring the Filipino workers’ safety there are strictly enforced by the host country. “Until such time (that) the terms of the MOA [memorandum of agreement] are incorporated in each labor contract between the employer and the employee, the ban remains,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said, referring to the MOA signed by the Philippines and the Kuwaiti governments in 2018 to protect Filipino workers in the Gulf state. Under the agreement, the employer shall provide the worker with food, housing, clothing, and registering him
or her in the health insurance system. The employer will also not be allowed to keep the worker’s passport and other personal identification as well as confiscate the workers’ cellphones and other means of communication with their families and government. “If you will not impose what we’ve agreed upon, our ban will continue,” Panelo added. On Wednesday, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) approved the total ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait following the death of Filipina domestic worker Jeanelyn Villavende, who was allegedly killed in December 2019 by her Kuwaiti employers. According to POEA, the National Bureau of Investigation’s findings revealed that Villavende was sexually
abused before her employers beat her to death in Kuwait. The deployment ban would cover all newly hired workers — domestic workers, skilled workers, and professionals. Only those who are categorized as balik-manggagawa (employees who took time off for vacation and holidays) are exempted from the ban. As of June 2019, more than 200,000 Filipinos are working in Kuwait, with the majority of them as domestic workers, the government data said. Meanwhile, the data from the Kuwaiti government and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration revealed that over 1,600 welfare cases such as maltreatment, health problems, sexual abuse, harassment, and rape that involve OFWs have been recorded in the Gulf State from January to November 2019. n
move.” President Rodrigo Duterte earlier called Robredo a “colossal blunder” after her report said the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign was a “massive failure.” Robredo stressed that the opening parts of her report outlined that the creation of ICAD was a correct measure but suggested that the Dangerous Drugs Board be made the lead in the ICAD instead of the PDEA to maximize it. “Ano yung political doon? Nagsusuggest ako ng mga paraan kung papaano yung ICAD gawing mas responsive. Sinasabi ko nga, tama yung ICAD, maayos yung pagka-form nito (What was political about that? I suggested ways to make ICAD more responsive. I’m reiterating, the ICAD is right, its creation was good),” she said. Robredo also urged the different ICAD agencies to agree on the numbers that they present to the public after the Philippine National Police claimed that the data she cited in her report were unofficial estimates. This despite the information coming from the national police agency in the first place. “Iba iba yung datos ng
mga ahensiya. Mga ahensya kayo ng gobyerno, puwede magkasundo muna kayo (The data from the agencies are conflicting. You’re all agencies of the government, can you please agree among yourselves first)?” she said. She added, “Yung mga pag-aaral na ginawa ko, galing din naman sa mga ahensya. Sapat na para makapagambag ako tungkol sa mga rekomendasyon (The probe I did, [the information] were from the agencies. They were enough for me to share my recommendations).” Robredo also lamented being fired from her position as ICAD co-chair. “I didn’t waste my 18 days. I wish I was given more chances and time so I could’ve done more,” she said. On October 31, 2019, Robredo was appointed as ICAD co-chair to help PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino in curbing the drug menace. She was fired two weeks later due to alleged “missteps,” such as meeting with foreign personalities and groups that have prejudged the drug war and failing to present new measures to stop the drug proliferation in the country. n
Following criticism, Robredo defends drug war report anew by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
PHILIPPINE Vice President Leni Robredo defended the drug war report based on her findings as former co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) after receiving flak from administration allies. “If they dismiss it as a mere political [attack], it just means they did not read the report,” she said on her radio show on Sunday, January 12. In her 40-page report, Robredo detailed how the administration failed to curb the illegal drug supply and address the country’s drug problem. She also cited figures from government agencies, revealing that less than 1% of shabu out of the estimated total consumption in the country had been seized by the government in the past three years. Malacañang, in response, said the vice president was “just trying to be relevant” with her report. Meanwhile, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Aaron Aquino and Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said her report was a “mere political
by TETCH
TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net
MANILA — “Slug it out,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday, January 15, said challenging Sen. Leila De Lima to avail of all legal remedies to prove that her case was just a form of political persecution. De Lima has been detained since February 2017 at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center. She is facing illegal drug charges in three regional trial courts in Muntinlupa. U.S. Senators have called on De Lima’s immediate release. But, Guevarra said she cannot be released because she is currently facing trial. The detained senator has quested her indictment that went up to the Supreme Court. A staunch critic of Duterte, the senator and her supporters believed that she was being persecuted for her stand against the government. “If you believe that the
charges against you are not true then slug it out, fight it out, file a demurrer to evidence. If you want to file a petition for bail, so there are so many legal remedies available to her,” Guevarra told De Lima. “If that is her position, why has not she applied for bail Why is it that other people, even foreigners will be asking for her freedom now, temporary or permanently. But she herself has not applied for bail. So what could be the reason for that? We can only
guess about the possible reasons. It’s up to you to think why she hasn’t filed a petition for bail,” he added. Guevarra said the U.S. government should exercise “some prudence and circumspection.” “I’m talking about the U.S. State Department. They will realize that where is the wrongful imprisonment, wrongful detention here? Everything was followed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of the Philippines,” he added. n
Siding with US in Iran-US conflict... tral in the Iran-U.S. quarrel. US prevented Iran FM from addressing Security Council Last week, I wondered why the United Nations Security Council had not taken up the U.S.-Iran crisis even after Iran rained ballistic missiles on two air bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq. It turned out that the reason the council had not done so was because the UN denied entry to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif to address the council in New York. Under the agreement between the world body and the U.S., the latter is obligated to allow the entry of members’ representatives to attend UN meetings. What the U.S. did, according to UN sources, however, was to simply ignore the Iranian request for its foreign minister to enter the U.S. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, when asked why Zarif was denied a visa, flippantly said that the U.S. State Department does not respond to visa matters. As a result, the council could not be convened to deliberate on the issue. It has not been able to do so up to this writing. Fortunately, after exchanges of threats and counterthreats, both Iran and the U.S. appear to have decided not to escalate their dispute. But I do not think the world is out of the woods yet, so to speak. ‘Tweeterboy’ Locsin on Suleimani In a Philippine Star report dated Jan. 6. 2020, Foreign Secretary Teodoro “Tweeterboy” Locsin Jr. said that Iran’s top military commander Qassem Suleimani, who was assassinated by the US, was not a terrorist. This was contrary to the U.S.’ assertion that Suleimani was a known terrorist for leading militant groups that killed hundreds of Americans. Locsin said Suleimani was a “great” general. “He was a soldier, not a terrorist. He was a general, possibly one of the best in modern times, and never lost a battle so far as I know,” he tweeted. “He was a soldier and soldiers die as he did, in battle, by assassination by any means to stop his brilliance from carrying the day, day in, day out on any battlefield. Honor the enemy, honor yourself,” he added. Locsin’s comments on Suleimani most probably did not please the U.S.. But the U.S. knows that deep down, he remains a Washington admirer and a member of the Yellow horde.
I just hope that the Philippine National Police (PNP), which has started profiling groups that “may sympathize with the death of Suleimani to thwart possible retaliation,” does not include Locsin in its list. “There are also security concerns, kasi syempre merong sympathetic either by race or ideology, so the PNP is profiling possible threats, possible groups who may take advantage or who might sympathize,” PNP Officer in Charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa said in a press briefing last week. Locsin’s behavior “‘Pag pikon ka, talo. (If you’re short-tempered, you lost).” That’s how, for one, I would describe Locsin’s behavior toward the group of Filipinos demonstrating at the Department of Foreign Affairs last weekend. Media and other quarters described his behavior as arrogant, undiplomatic, unprofessional, inexcusable and unbecoming. I call it juvenile. Digong to visit Kuwait?! “Duterte visit to Kuwait still a go” — story in the Philippine Daily Inquirer datelined Jan. 6, 2020. What?! Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong’ Go, who still doubles as Digong’s Man Friday and sometimes as spokesman, said: “He (Duterte) plans to go [to Kuwait] this quarter or sometime March or April because after the agreement with Kuwait in 2018, the relations of our two countries have been good as well as the conditions of the OFWs there.” What is intriguing is Go’s statement, as reported by the Philippine Star, that the Kuwaiti government has granted many requests made by the government. Pray tell, what are those? On the other hand, Digong himself said he was not keen on having a deployment ban to Kuwait as justice was being done in the case of the murder of OFW Jeanelyn Villavende. “The situation is quite different. We do not see apathy there. And the police authorities in Kuwait acted swiftly, and they have arrested the spouses,” he said on TV last week. “There were arrests made and there’s an investigation going on. Apparently, justice is being done,” he added. Last Saturday, however, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd said he wanted a permanent deployment ban of Filipino workers to Kuwait after he received a “fake and dishonest” autopsy result from
Kuwaiti authorities on the death of Villavende. (The NBI autopsy later revealed that the poor victim was also sexually abused.) “Wala na tayong ipadadala doon. Mga walang kuwenta ‘yang mga Kuwaiti na ‘yan. Biro mo ‘yong ginawa nila sa ating kababayan. ‘Pag ikuwento ko sa inyo, baka pati [kayo] magwewelga na. Masyado nilang inapi ang ating kababayan (We will not send anyone there anymore. Those Kuwaitis are worthless. Imagine what they did to our countrymen. If I tell you, even you will protest. They abused our countrymen),” said Bello. “We will not allow injustice done to our OFW. We will see to it that the culprits will answer for their crimes,” he added. What does Digong have to say now? Go on alleged P40-M donation Last week, this space referred to a news report that Go, tagged as a bilyonaryo by no less than Digong, donated P40 million for the construction of a new town hall for Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya. The good senator had since clarified that the report was incorrect. He said that he merely promised to help the vice governor of the province and the mayor of Kayapa raise the funds necessary for building a town hall to replace the 70year-old dilapidated one. Perhaps Go would be welladvised to inform the public of the result of his fundraising efforts in due course. *** Reminder This is to remind President Digong of his campaign promise to rid the country of foreign troops and military bases. He only has two-and-a-half years left before his term ends. The longer he waits, the more difficult it would be for him to accomplish this noble objective. It would be his greatest legacy. History will single him out for freeing the Philippines from U.S. neocolonialism, achieving true independence and paving the way to greater economic progress. *** From an internet friend: Funny quotes: When I die, I want to go peacefully like my grandfather did — in his sleep. Not yelling and screaming like the passengers in his car. – Will Ferrell I don’t think my wife likes me very much. When I had a heart attack, she wrote for an ambulance. – Frank Carson. (Inquirer.net)
DOJ recommends charges vs ex-PNP chief Albayalde over ‘ninja cops’ by JOMAR
CANLAS ManilaTimes.net
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the indictment of former Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde and 13 others over the drug raid in Pampanga involving the controversial “Ninja Cops” seven years ago. The DOJ panel of prosecutors found probable cause to charge Albayalde for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for allegedly “persuading, inducing or influencing another public officer to perform an act constituting violation of rules and regulations in connection with the official duties of the latter, and causing undue injury to any party, including the government”. The DOJ cited Albayalde’s failure to implement an order which sought to penalize police officers involved in the drug operation on Nov. 29, 2013. The panel also recommended
the indictment of P/Supt. Raymundo Baloyo, P/Insp. Joven Bagnot De Guzman Jr. ,SPO1 Jules Manlago, SPO1 Donald Roque, SPO1 Ronald Santos, SPO1 Rommel Vital , SPO1 Alcindor Tinio and several others. They were charged for misappropriation, misapplication or failure to account for the confiscated and seized illegal drugs, planting of evidence, delaying and bungling prosecution of drugs cases, qualified bribery, and graft and corruption. The DOJ panel also found that Baloyo and his men misdeclared the illegal drugs in their possession by claiming that they seized only 36.60 kilograms of shabu when the actual amount recovered was 200 kilos. The group also declared that it obtained P300,000 worth of illegal drugs when the real amount was P10 million. The actual volume of drugs
and amount of money seized during the operation were contained in the affidavit of P/S Insp. De Guzman and nine other respondents who failed to declare the Toyota Fortuner that was seized during the operation. The findings against Albayalde will be endorsed to the Office of the Ombudsman, which has primary jurisdiction over the case. Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Alexander Suarez, headed the special panel of prosecutors. Albayalde, who was Pampanga provincial director at the time, resigned from his post, and was placed on floating status four months after the incident. Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP chief, said the evidence against Albayalde was “as far as it could go, as shown even during the Senate inquiry.” (Bernadette Tamayo/ManilaTimes.net)
Beware: That fake news can be a crime... abutting four provinces. Another slip was that seawaters allegedly were rising not only in far off Bauan and Balayan Bays but also in Tagaytay City up in the ridge overlooking Taal. Still, notwithstanding the fact that there’s no sea beside hilltop Tagaytay, nearby residents panicked. The digital dis-informant achieved his aim of sowing public hysteria. Phivolcs had to dispel the distracting wrong report, with the help of busy local officials and newsmen. There were other news manipulators. One politico sought to grab headlines by falsely accusing Phivolcs of failure to alert the public about Taal’s activity. In fact since Mar. 2019 state volcanologists had been reporting on that volcano’s act-up, as they did on five others. Just because the politico wasn’t paying attention doesn’t mean there were no updates. Another lawmaker publicized his leading — actually interloping in — the emergency work of executive agencies. Premature electioneering. It gets worse. Another SMS spread a warning to “turn off your cell phone tonight, 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.” Volcanic tremors supposedly will emit “strong radiation from cosmic rays, nuclei-atomic ... Ibinalita ni Kuya Kim at sa BBC News Cable ... Delikado at baka
nakamamatay daw. Huwag itabi sa pagtulog ang CP. And please paki forward din sa iba for their information – from Phivolcs.” It was plainly a hoax. Yet spreaders must have been taken in by the scientific mumbo-jumbo, laced with the name-drops of ABSCBN celebrity weather-caster “Kuya Kim” Atienza and very credible BBC News. A quick check showed that the item had spread and been denied by ABS-CBN as far back as 2014. BBC in turn had reported in 2010 how people in Ghana were duped by the digital rumor. That same rumor spread by SMS in America in 2008, in relation to Mars’ orbit close to Earth. It was a setup for crime, said Coolbuster.net. Cyber-scammers went about announcing serious accidents befalling certain targets. Relatives and friends could not verify with the victims because the latter’s gadgets were off. Confused and distraught, they gave in to inducements of “urgent” bank transfers or phone loads. Similar to the old “dugo-dugo” voice calls, the modus could have duped Filipinos this time. That fake news can prelude cyber-fraud is expected in this age of digital truth distortion. It thrives on people’s readiness to believe, as discussed by Malcolm Gladwell in “Talking to Strangers.” Legislation
has been attempted in many lands, but wide scopes have only served to curtail free speech. Ferdinand Marcos had criminalized rumor-mongering during his dictatorship, yet used the trick for his own plunderous purposes. Authoritarians today accuse political foes and media critics of fake news, yet themselves employ big-lies tactics like Hitler and Stalin, recapped Peter Pomerantsev in “This Is Not Propaganda.” If only info-tech instantly can identify and take down fake news, and expose and punish the perpetrators. But the best antidote is digital education and constant vigilance. People must learn to discern reliable news sources and outfits. Good news nonetheless prevailed. By Monday, Uratex Foundation headed by Naty Cheng had rushed two truckloads of foam mattresses and t-shirts to evacuees in Batangas. Two other deliveries of 400 pieces each are set today, plus more as soon as sewn. Lamoiyan Corp.’s philanthropic CEO Cecilio Pedro rushed in thousands of packs of Hapee toothpaste and brushes. Tzu Chi Philippines will follow through with work-for-pay rehab, as in past disasters. Countless other citizens swiftly pitched in to aid countrymen forced to flee their homes. (Philstar.com)
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: I petitioned my married son in 1998 while he was still in the Philippines. He later came to the U.S. on a visitor’s visa and overstayed. We are now receiving notices from the National Visa Center (NVC) advising his priority date is current, his visa is available, and he needs to apply for his visa. I think we should just ignore these notices and not reply, since he is already in the U.S. Also, I’m afraid the NVC will come after him and put him in deportation. What should I do? Should I just ignore the NVC notices? Very truly yours, RD Dear RD: You should NOT ignore notices from NVC. If a person or his representative does not respond to NVC notices within one year of receipt, the NVC could terminate the case under section 203(g) of
NVC will shred your case if you don’t respond the Immigration and Nationality Act. This results in the case or petition effectively being shred, and the priority date is lost. A new petition would need to be filed with a new priority date. Visas are similar to having a reservation on a particular flight. If you have your reservation and seat, then you board the flight to your destination. However, if the airline makes the boarding announcement and starts boarding the flight, but you do not check in, then the airline would cancel your reservation and give your seat to a standby passenger. Even if you later show up at the airport after the flight has departed, you’re out of luck. You didn’t check in, so your reservation was canceled. The NVC works the same way: they notify you that your visa is available (similar to a boarding announcement) and gives you one year to “check in.” If you don’t, your registration is canceled. This is true even if the applicant is in the
U.S. and does not intend to have their case processed at the U.S. Embassy. The NVC still needs to be notified. Recently, I encountered a case where a mother had petitioned her adult son who was in the U.S. and out of status. The priority date became current, and she received notices from the NVC, but purposely did not respond because she was afraid it would endanger her son. As a result, the petition and case were terminated. While there are provisions for having a case reinstated being afraid to respond is not a justification or beyond a person’s control. If a person is receiving notices from the NVC, and they have questions about how to proceed, I suggest they seek the advice of an immigration attorney. In this mother’s case, she decided she knew the law by herself and did not respond. But she messed up her son’s case: the case was terminated and the priority date was lost.
On This Side of the World, a new song cycle in concert ONE of the musicals supported by the community last year, On This Side of the World, is back for two performances on Feb. 3 and 4 at 7:30pm at the Greenwich House Theater (27 Barrow Street). The concert is a part of Prospect Theater Company’s special IGNITE Series Concert presentation of Filipino composer Paulo K Tiról’s new song cycle for the musical. “We’re reuniting the same amazing cast as the workshop production last May ‘19, and there will be a few new songs. I’m absolutely excited that an established theatre company has picked up the show, is highlighting Pinoy artists and stories, and helping move it forward,” Tirol said. On this Side of the World is a collection of songs capturing voices from the Filipino immigrant experience in
the United States. These are songs that talk about various topics, from stories of overseas workers, young lovers, and gossipy church ladies to snapshots of undocumented immigrants, millennial princesses, and first-generation Americans.
Tiról’s wistful, joyous song cycle is a vibrant mosaic of love and loss, humor and heartache, yearning and faith eight thousand miles from home. The company includes Albert Guerzon (Escape to
BAHALA NA MOTHER TOOK HER TIME IN PETITIONING HER MAKULIT DAUGHTER. Nanay Rosita (2nd from right) went to the U.S. in 1984, leaving behind her children. It was in 1994 when she finally got her green card, and she was able to get all her children, except for Apet (left) who aged out at that time. Nanay became busy juggling two jobs, so she kept putting off the petition for Apet, even when Apet kept hounding her mother. At Apet’s urging, Nanay finally reached out to leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) in 2005 to consult and sign up, but it took Nanay another two years before she completed the forms and sent the necessary documents. Meanwhile, Apet was anxious and wanted to expedite the process, so she wrote to the National Visa Center (NVC) without the knowledge of the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, when the visa was not even available, creating confusion with the NVC. After follow-ups and monitoring by Atty. Gurfinkel and his team, they were able to reunite Apet and Nanay Rosita in the US, and were also able to bring in Apet’s daughters, Tracy and Nicole (2nd from left). Watch this family reunion, years in the making, on a brand-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
Fight for dear life
MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA
“I’ve noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born.” —Ronald Reagan
I STAUNCHLY believe that the gift of life is from God and that life begins at the moment of conception. For me, there can be no equivocation on this issue. That is why, the decision by the state of Virginia to uphold late term abortion up to the moment of birth is, in my opinion, the most heinous and barbaric of all evils during the present time. This must be challenged and erased from the face of the earth. Abortion is nothing less than the murder of innocents — a most grievous offense against the Holy Spirit from whom ALL LIFE emanates. It is the duty of all who hold human life sacred to fight for it and uphold moral laws that guarantee the life of future generations. This moral issue far transcends any earthly concerns. The economy, the war on terror, national security, taxes, energy independence — all these are important issues. And PRAISE THE LORD, all these are being dealt with after decades of corrupt and feckless leadership. In due time, all of our earthly concerns will come to pass. The issue of abortion IS fundamental to our humanity and must take center stage. The amoral and immoral left of the political spectrum are pushing climate change as their focus and political
mantra. Climate has been changing for 4.5 billion years. These hucksters just found a way to push a globalist agenda getting their hands on trillions of dollars in a world where nationalism, patriotism and the right to worship are sidelined so that an elite few can rule the world based on the flimsy phenomenon of climate change. Most of the media have been paid to push this nonsense. Climate change is nothing more than the rebranded new idolatry making it the be-all and end-all of life as we know it on planet earth. Don’t be deceived. Abortion strikes at the root of our essence as human beings. This is a call to fight for the unborn — the most defenseless of all creatures, a call to preserve the life of thinking, feeling, spiritual beings in human form. Estimates of the number of abortions in this country alone have reached the 50 million mark, the population of a small country. Worldwide, the figures could be staggering. I would enjoin those among you who also believe that protecting the life of the unborn is of supreme importance to the well being of this nation and of the world to pray like you’ve never prayed before, because so much is at stake. For those who can take action, there are thousands of
pro-life groups that are doing all they can to fight this evil. We are up against a powerful enemy. Note one so-called actress just recently in an event ascribed her decision to abort her child as one of the reasons she got her meaningless award and questionable success in that cesspool of amoral swamp called Hollywood. The consequences of doing nothing and allowing the horrible evil of abortion to continue unchallenged, unabated are dire. Sometimes, we feel that by ourselves alone, we are powerless to stop this horror from being indelibly imprinted into the fabric of modern life. But persist in prayer. Together as one voice, countless silent prayers sent heavenward by millions among us who believe in the power of prayer and trust in God’s divine mercy are being heard. Miracles rain down upon the earth. So here is one bold prediction. Human life will not only survive but thrive. Abortion will be no more. Even as we speak, there are and will be for an untold number of generations yet to come, bumper crops of humans born to bless the earth with meaningful lives pleasing to God. ***
On This Side of the World... Margaritaville, Honeymoon in Vegas); Joanne Javien (Secret Garden at the Arden Theatre, Miss Saigon); Jaygee Macapugay (Soft Power, School of Rock, Prospect’s Honor); Diane Phelan (Here Lies Love, LCT’s The King & I, Prospect’s Honor); Michael Protacio, (Out of The Eclipse, Cry Love); and Kevin Schuering (LCT’s The King & I National Tour, Disney’s Aladdin at Chicago Shakes). Directed by Noam Shapiro and music directed by Ian Miller, On this Side of the World was developed and originally presented by Three Hares, in association with Access Theater. The concert is line produced by Rachel Nortz and the stage manager is Elizabeth Ann
Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS ERECTILE dysfunction, the inability to have and maintain an erection effective for penetration and successful sex, is very common among men with diabetes. The lack of libido is also seen among diabetic women. The damage to the blood vessel and nerves caused by diabetes, especially those with poorly controlled blood sugar level, is the reason for lack or loss of libido among these individuals. The drug factor Other causes of erectile dysfunction include medications for the treatment of blood pressure and heart disease, anxiety and stress, and some other psychological conditions, like depression. These medications are known to lower libido and erection. Even financial dilemma could cause sexual dysfunction among men and women. Having low libido and the inability to consummate sexual intimacy could be very frustrating and devastating to people. It could ruin relationships, marriages, and lives. Don’t despair However, there are remedies and strategies available today that could help. The very first one is living a healthy lifestyle. This includes a healthy diet of fish, chicken, less or no red meat, a lot of vegetables, legumes, some fruits and nuts. Abstaining from tobacco (it constricts blood penile blood vessels too, besides coronary arteries of the heart) and/or illicit drugs (including marijuana), avoidance of alcohol, daily exercise (even walking, briskly or paced according to tolerance), and stress management can be great help. These are within your personal control, and discipline and resolve
Diabetes and sex drive are certainly vital here. A positive attitude and outlook in life could make a tremendous difference in the solution of this sexual dilemma. The next is to consult your physician, who will interview you in great detail about your personal life, behavior, habits, compliance with medications for diabetes, heart disease, etc., conduct a thorough physical examination and do some blood tests. This comprehensive workup will provide your physician with an important diagnostic impression, which will guide him or her as to what to prescribe for you. Talking to your medical counselor is a must. For inner peace In the management of this condition, the primary physician might recommend consultation with a psychiatrist, who millions of normal businessmen and other professionals seek to reduce anxiety and stress and prevent nervous breakdown, burnout, depression, and physical illnesses. Seeing a psychiatrist today, unlike a century ago, is no longer restricted to people who are “crazy.” Today, it is part of a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention, whenever needed as part of stress management, for inner peace. More complicated for women Among women, the lack or absence of libido (sexual desire) is more complicated than low hormonal level (in men, it is low T, or testosterone). A consultation with an OB-Gyne expert is strongly recommended. The use of vaginal lubricants has been most helpful in some women. Since men have to do the penetration, the treatment of erectile dysfunction might also help some women in achieving sexual gratification. Women with more complicated issues could benefit from
further medical consultation. The management As far as erectile dysfunction is concerned, the following strategies are available today: The ED magic pills: Sildenafil (Viagra), Verdenafil (Levitra, Staxybn), Tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca), Avanafil (Stendra) dilate (open up) blood vessels and allow them to fill up with blood to cause engorgement, rigidity, firmness, and erectness, effective for penetration and sustained and successful act and ejaculation. Persons taking nitroglycerin and other heart artery vasodilators must NOT take any of these ED pills, as the combination could lead to severe fall in blood pressure and death. Talk to your physician before taking any new medications he did not prescribe, including herbals or supplements. There is also a type of suppository which could be inserted into the tip of the penis before sexual activity, or a solution to inject at the base of the penis to induce erection which could be used, under your physician’s guidance. Then, there is the vacuum suction device, a penis pump that draws blood into your penis to cause an erection. Also marketed is a band to be placed around the base of the penis to prevent blood from leaving the penis, causing it to engorge. If the pills, the pump, all other measures fail, physicians might recommend penile implant, a surgical procedure to insert a semi-rigid or inflatable penile implant, controlled by a “button” to inflate to cause rigidity for sex, or deflate after sex. For either men or women, obesity (or being overweight) lowers libido besides sexual performance. Dieting and physical exercises, on the other hand, improves sexual
NVC will shred your case if you don’t...
Goodman. This event is part of Prospect’s ongoing IGNITE Concert Series, which showcases compelling new musical theater works in concert settings.
For tickets ($35) and information, please visit www. ProspectTheater.org or call 212-352-3101. Mention “MABUHAY” and get 20% ($28 instead of $35) off until January 27.
On a separate but related issue, if your priority date is current, but you have not received notices from the NVC, you may also want to consult with an attorney, just in case NVC notices giving you one year to respond are being sent to a different or wrong address. I’ve also encountered many cases where the case was terminated because the person did not respond within one year since obviously notices were sent to a different address.
Ai-Ai: From ‘Tanging Ina’ to ‘D Ninang’ How Zaijian learned to love acting By I ZA I GLESIAS
By HONEY
ORIO-ESCULLAR Philstar.com
ManilaTimes.net
PHILIPPINE Comedy Queen Ai-Ai de las Alas starts the new year back on the big screen with her trademark brand of tickling funny bones while touching hearts. It can be recalled that de las Alas cemented her repute as the country’s top comedienne with the blockbuster movie “Tanging Ina” in 2003. Such a hit she was in the story of a thrice widowed mom who moves heaven and earth to support her brood that the late Wenn Deramas title became one of the most successful Filipino film franchises since the 2000s. For 2020, however, everyone’s Tanging Ina is taking on a new role, which in Filipino culture is equally important — that of a godmother, ergo the title “D’ Ninang.” According to director GB Sampedro,“D’ Ninang” — which will serve as Regal Entertainment’s opening salvo for the new decade — was specifically written with de las Alas in mind. “Sa pag-ka-cast namin sa project na ito, we considered ‘yung mga past projects ni Ms. Ai, but we made sure na iba din ‘yung character at atake na gagawin niya. This
movie kasi is tailor made for her so hindi na kami naghanap ng ibang artista for the main role. From the beginning — the conceptualization, the scriptwriting — talagang si Ms. A na talaga ang gusto naming gumawa nito,” Sampedro elaborated at the movie’s grand media conference. Female Robin Hood D’ Ninang is a heartwarming story about Filipino family values, human relationships and one woman’s struggle to keep the goodness in her heart despite the hardships of life. Its ultimate message is that a person can always change for the bet-
ter. Believe it or not, all these themes come to life in the movie as the Comedy Queen portrays a pickpocket with a big heart. As Ninang Ditas, she is a female Robin Hood and uses her thieving to help her community. “That’s why they call me ‘ninang’ — godmother ako ng lahat,” de las Alas quipped. As she goes about her “work” Ninang Ditas takes on a couple proteges (Angel Guardian and Kiray Celis) and gets them into her unconventional way of living. Everything changes, how-
Jo Koy: No joke incorporating Pinoy culture into comedy act By RATZIEL
SAN JUAN Philstar.com
FILIPINO American funnyman Jo Koy has made the Pinoy in him a staple of his stand-up comedy act. From his Filipino mom and other relatives, to Filipino culture and idiosyncrasies, hilarious stories about these subjects have not only resonated with Filipinos, but have also found him non-Filipino fans from all over the world, gained especially through his hit Netflix specials Jo Koy: Live From Seattle (2017) and Jo Koy: Comin’ In Hot (2019). But did you know that it took years for Jo Koy — Joseph Glenn Herbert in real life — to create comedy out of his being Filipino? “It wasn’t that I didn’t want to talk about it. I just didn’t know how to talk about it and make it funny. So, one important thing that I always want to do is make sure that it is funny. How to, you know, involve my mom and our relationship
and talk about Filipino people in a funny way, without making fun of them, or how to tell their story and make it relatable. And that takes a while,” the 48-year-old comedian, who’s in the country for his Just Kidding World Tour, told The STAR in a phone interview on Tuesday. “That alone is already hard, no matter what you’re up to. Just trying to take real life and inserting into the comedy, it’s already hard, you know, and trying to get the mass to relate to a specific ethnicity is even harder. It took me awhile to figure it out.” How did he finally get to incorporate Pinoy culture into his routine? “The one that really took off, where I really understood what was happening, was when my mom played Nintendo Wii with my son on Christmas,” Jo Koy shared, referring to one of his most popular jokes, titled Mom and Wii, featuring his mom Josie from his 2009 Comedy Central special Don’t Make Him Angry.
He recalled just observing his mother and son playing, and finding out how competitive she could get. “Then I went onstage and impersonated her playing it. That joke just took off and it ended up being one of the biggest jokes of my first special, and that’s when I knew how to talk about my mom and what stories to talk about.” Another hit everywhere he performs is the skit about his growing-up years when “my mom cured everything with Vicks Vapor Rub” that “I should have died nine times as a kid.” “It was huge! So, I think any situation that my mom is involved, they love it!” he said. Apart from his mom whom he swears loves his every joke about her, a favorite subject of his comedy is his teen son Joseph Herbert Jr. “He’s here with me,” he said. “He loves it here, he thinks it’s the best. He can’t get enough of it. He loves the places we’re staying
ZAIJAN Jaranilla is all grown-up. Yet people are used to calling him Santino, his character in the 2009 TV series “May Bukas Pa.” Zaijian doesn’t mind at all. “May Bukas Pa” is close to his heart because it was his biggest break. He was initially not inclined towards acting. “Syempre nakatulong ‘yun sa ‘kin, nakatulong po sa family ko. I admit that at first, hindi ko talaga gusto yung acting. But when my supporters told me that I was doing good and (after hearing) all those positive reviews, I told myself, ‘Ah sige ipagpapatuloy ko na ‘to,” recalled Zaijian. “I learned to love my job later on. I love what I’m doing now kasi nabigyan ko ng magandang buhay yung family ko. And every time I am given projects, I make sure that I give my best. Ina-apply ko din sa personal na buhay, that is to be professional not only at work but also (in how I deal with) the people I encounter every day.” For his latest acting assign-
ment, Zaijian portrays a challenging character that struggles with depression in “Story Of My Life,” his first digital series now streaming on iWant. The Kapamilya actor said he can’t help feeling the pressure every time he is given a new project and for this one, he has to prepare for the role by watching movies that tackle issues about depression. “It is a totally different role from the ones I did before. Kaya medyo nahirapan din po ako kasi hin-
di pa ako nakaka-experience ng depression.” Zaijian added he has been getting positive feedback from people who were able to watch the series after it premiered last Dec. 27. “Siguro relatable naman po siya. I’ve been receiving a lot of positive feedback on my IG na sobrang na-inspire sila, na naintindihan nila yung kwento and I’m so happy that they can relate to it,” he told select members of the press after a special screening held last Jan. 10 at ABS-CBN’s Preview Room. Zaijian plays the troubled and sensitive loner named Rex who is neglected by his mother and lives under the shadow of his brother. His experiences lead him to make drastic decisions that will affect the lives of the people around him. The iWant original series, which also stars Tart Carlos, Raul Montessa, Vance Larena, Belle Mariano and Alyanna Angeles, aims to shed light on what teens are going through and encourage understanding, compassion and empathy towards the feelings of others.
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Leadership, creativity and prosperity: What the Year of the Metal Rat really means BY
TO most people in the western world, rats have a bad reputation. They’re scrappy, dirty vermin who have been recognized as little furry vessels of disease; it was known that rats were responsible for the spread of bubonic plague in the 14th century that killed nearly half of Europe’s population. English-speaking cultures have even commandeered the word “rat” to refer to unscrupulous, disloyal people. But in Chinese culture, especially in the context of the zodiac, the rat is a highly regarded creature that symbolizes wealth and opportunity. Rats are seen as resourceful, clever creatures who know what they want and do whatever it takes to get it. This coming Lunar New Year will welcome the year of the metal Rat, the first of the 12 zodiac animals. Those born in the years of the Rat — e.g. 1912, 1924, 1236, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020 — are said to be gregarious opportunists who thrive in leadership positions.
KLARIZE MEDENILLA/ AJPress
The Chinese zodiac animals exist within five Heavenly branches which represent the five elements of nature: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. 2020 is the year of the metal Rat, and folks born during this year are said to reliable members of the community who can not only endure moments of misfortune, but spin them in their favor. The specification of metal also signals that this will be a good year in the production of many industries like automobiles, information technology, cosmetics and health. Legend has it that the order of the zodiac animals was determined through a competition hosted by the Jade Emperor, the ruler of Heaven, Earth and Hell. According to the myth, the emperor chose 12 animals and had them participate in a great race to the emperor’s palace, and whoever got their first would be the first categorized in the zodi-
ac. One version of the story purports the Rat and Cat being best friends before the race. Together they schemed to race alongside each other and ride atop the Ox who would’ve been too oblivious to notice the two creatures using him as a vehicle. But during the race, the rat, ever the opportunist, sprinted forward, sending the Cat flying off the Ox and into a nearby river; this has been said to explain the animosity felines have towards rats, mice and other small rodents. As the Ox neared the finish line, the Rat lunged ahead and crossed the finish line first. Much like western astrology, there are compatibility pairings within the Chinese zodiac system. Those born in the Rat are best matched with those born in
the years of the Snake, Rooster, Ox, Pig, Rabbit, Goat, Dog and Tiger. Alternatively, the myth suggests avoiding those born in the year of the Horse as they are said to be the opposite sign of the Rat. Once the Lunar New Year arrives on January 25, experts in the Chinese zodiac recommend consuming nuts, cheeses and other foods rats enjoy. They also recommend dressing in the finest clothing and jewelry to mirror the Rat’s love for decadence. Most importantly, the Year of the Rat signals a brand new start to the zodiac, and it promises great productivity and creative energy for all.
How the Philippines celebrates Lunar New Year By RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE Lunar New Year signifies not only the beginning of a new year in the Chinese calendar, but also the start of the Spring season. Unlike the fixed new year of the Gregorian calendar commonly celebrated on January 1st, the date of the Lunar New Year varies, determined by the appearance of the new moon — which is why it’s called the Lunar New Year, as it’s based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar. The Lunar New Year is one of the most important and celebrated holidays in China as well as across the world where there are diaspora Chinese communities. And while the Chinese community in the Philippines only makes up 5% of the country’s total population, the Lunar New Year is still one of the most awaited events here. How Filipinos celebrate Lunar New Year: Traditions and superstitions Most Filipinos flock to Binondo in Manila for the Lunar New Year. Founded in the 16th century, Binondo is considered as the oldest Chinatown in the world. Because of this, it becomes the center of all Lunar New Year celebrations in the Philippines, with the area festooned with Chinese lanterns and various red decorations. Spectators crowd the streets of Chinatown to watch the Parades of Dragons and Lions, a colorful and dynamic performance accompanied by the loud banging of drums and cymbals. The dragon, in China, is believed to represent great power, auspiciousness, and strength. During the parade, it is usually controlled by eight to 10 dancers. Meanwhile, the lion represents safety and luck.
It is commonly carried by two dancers with one of them in charge of the head, making the lion’s ears wiggle and its eyes blink. The color red is prevalent during the festivities as it is a special color in Chinese culture, signifying energy, happiness, and good luck. Most people wear red clothing as it represents vitality as well as strength. Elders also hand out red envelopes (Ang Pao) to children. These envelopes contain money, and giving them is believed to bring good luck and long life to both the giver and receiver. The Lunar New Year won’t be complete without setting off fireworks and firecrackers, or generally just making noise. Doing this is supposed to drive away bad spirits, bad luck, and the mythical beast called Nian. Filipinos commonly use horns and cooking pots to create noise. Chinese families also gather to have their New Year’s Eve dinner where they usually serve tikoy (year cake), which is made from sticky rice and symbolizes unity among family members; noodles for long life and represent the eater’s life; fish and dumplings which are believed to signify good fortune. Families also prepare 12 different round fruits as they are believed to bring luck and fortune to them. The New Year’s Eve dinner is perhaps the most important dinner for Chinese families — that’s why it’s necessary for all the members of the family to be present for it. During the Lunar New Year, people across the globe greet with either Gong Xi Fa Cai, which means “you attain greater wealth,” or Kung Hei Fat Choi, which means “congratulations and be prosperous.”
Julia set to make showbiz return this year By RYAN
ARCADIO Inquirer.net
JULIA Montes will be returning to show biz this year, after staying away from the limelight for the past several months. Montes’ comeback was revealed by Erickson Raymundo of Cornerstone Entertainment Inc., her talent agency on Wednesday, Jan. 15, as seen on his Instagram page on the same day. Raymundo stated that 2020 will be a “busy year” for Montes, adding that she already has projects lined up. However, he did not give any details regarding her future engagements. “Exciting months ahead!” Raymundo said.
Many fans expressed their joy over Montes’ return to show biz, while her fellow actress Bea Alonzo was also surprised at the announcement. “Wow!!!!! welcome back @ montesjulia08,” she said. Montes then thanked Alonzo, whom she fondly called “ate (big sister),” for the warm welcome. Meanwhile, Montes’ talent agency posted a photo of the actress back in their office, stating that 2020 is an “exciting year” for the Daytime Drama Queen. Deo Edrinal, head of Dreamscape Entertainment, also marked the Montes’ return to showbiz as he uploaded a photo of him with the actress on his Instagram
page today, Jan. 16. “Sometimes, some people are just worth the wait,” he said. “[W]elcome back!” Montes flew to Germany last year to spend time with her biological father. Following her flight out of the country, rumors that she was pregnant with Coco Martin’s child began circulating. However, her management has since denied the speculations. Months after she left the Philippines, Montes was spotted by fans in Greenhills, San Juan City, last October. The actress’ latest showbiz project was the 2018 TV drama series “Asintado,” which she starred in alongside Shaina Magdayao and Paulo Avelino.
How Zaijian learned to love... “I learned na hindi lahat ng tao ay okey pakisamahan. You should know how to deal with other people because you don’t know what they’re going through. So be nice to everybody,” said Zaijian who revealed that there was a time in his life when he experienced being rejected. It was disappointing, he said, but thankfully he was able to manage it. “Playing video games” was also his
outlet. Zaijian also knows how to handle himself when it comes to expressing his feelings through social media because he prefers to keep his personal life private. In fact, his girlfriend is non-showbiz. “Hindi po siguro ako kagaya nung ibang teenager that whenever they express what they feel or see around us, pino-post na nila. I don’t do that kaya naman walang masyadong nakikialam sa
buhay ko,” said Zaijian who also knows fully well how people would instantly give comments on things or issues they feel are unfavorable to them. “Parang konting kibot mo lang ma-i-issue ka na. We are only human and it’s normal to commit mistakes and lose our patience. But then sa tinagaltagal ko naman na dito sa showbiz hindi pa naman ako na-i-issue kaya I’m thankful po.”
mamayabang pero pareho kami ni Ditas na mapagbigay. At lapitin ako sa community kapag kailangan ng tulong,” de las Alas, who is known for her charity works, especially for the church, shared. “Sanay na ako maging ina or ninang sa iba. Kahit nga yung mga ibang tagahanga ko, kahit mas matanda sila, tinatawag ako na ‘Mama.’ Kaya minsan sabi ko, ‘Kuya, mas matanda ka pa sa akin ah.’ Sasabihin nila sa akin, ‘Hayaan mo na, basta Mama kita.’ Ako naman ‘Okay tayo diyan brad,’” she laughed. “Siguro dahil sa lakas ng mother instincts ko, parang sa akin ang happy, happy ko pag nanay ako sa bawat isa,” de las Alas added. Real life ‘Ninang’ Actually, D’ Ninang has already lived up to her latest moniker when she stood as godmother to no less than 12 babies at the Binyagang Bayan in Quiapo Church on
January 12. The Mass baptism served as the launch of a church campaign dubbed “Holy Birth Day,” which seeks to raise awareness among new parents on the importance of baptism among Catholics. “Nag-text ‘yung best friend ko na pari parang meron libreng pa binyag sa Quiapo. Ginawa akong ninang ng mga bibinyagan. Sponsored siya ng Radio Veritas. So kinuha nila akong ninang sa mga taong hindi ko kilala,” joked de las Alas. Though entirely coincidental, the comedian said she thinks it should help drum up interest for “D’ Ninang.” Promising everyone a good time at the movies, she said, “Hindi ko inexpect na ganoon pala siya nakakatawa. Simple lang siya, may puso at napapanahon din ‘yung story. Nakakatuwa pa, ‘yung mga bagets na kasama dito talagang binuhos nila yung galing nila sa pelikula.”
Ai-Ai: From ‘Tanging Ina’...
ever, when she is suddenly reunited with her long-lost daughter Mikhai (Kisses Delavin), who decides to live with her. Unaware of her mom’s unlawful ways, Mikhai talks about plans to pursue a career on the other side of the fence. “As Ninang, ako yung lider ng mga magnanakaw sa grupo namin. Tapos dumating sa buhay ko yung anak ko at doon iikot yung story — kung paano maging isa, paano maging isang magnanakaw, lahat nandoon. Pero pang pamilya ito, ibang klaseng istorya. Nakakatuwa kasi hindi siya corny, maganda yung batuhan ng mga comedic lines namin,” detailed de las Alas. According to 55-year-old actress, even while Ditas is a crook, she discovered unexpected similarities between them. “Hindi naman sa pag-
Jo Koy: No joke incorporating... at and the food we’re eating. It’s been fun. I bring him to specific shows but this one was really, really important because we’re shooting a special for Netflix and I want him to see that and I want him to be a part of it. More importantly, I want him to see what my childhood was, where dad was a kid.” Jo Koy used to live in Cubao, Quezon City. “I got family all over the place,” he said, while recalling childhood years in the Philippines from when he was five until age 11 when his family moved to the States. “Oh, I remember everything. All the sari-sari stores. I remember running up and down with my cousins, and having a good time out here. It was always the best,” added Jo, who was spotted filming at Farmer’s Market in Cubao last week as part of a new Netflix special. Meanwhile, bringing his comedy to Netflix “changed the game” for him. But it wouldn’t have happened had he not poured his life savings into producing Jo Koy: Live From Seattle. “One hundred percent, all of (my life savings). Netflix said no, and we went ahead anyway and shot it, and let them say yes when they watched it. When they watched it, they bought it right
away! But if I didn’t make it, if I didn’t produce that special, I wouldn’t have been on Netflix — ever!” Comin’ In Hot, his followup to Live From Seattle, took his act all the way to the top and “made it what it is now.” It was paid for by Netflix due to the success of Live From Seattle. Told that his success has made many a Filipino proud, he responded that it’s a dream come true. And for Filipino audiences to patronize him through sold-out shows such as his Mall of Asia Arena gig yesterday (according to concert promoter MMI Live), “it means everything to me!” Jo Koy, who did five shows the previous time he was here in 2017, added, “It’s what I’ve always dreamt about, and to be able to do it in a giant venue in Manila, where my mom is from, it means so much to me to embrace the culture like this, and have people out here proud of me for the representation. Also putting us out there, and (having people) laugh with us rather than making fun of us, we’re enjoying our culture the right way.” It’s not lost on Jo Koy that he has arrived in the country at a “crazy time,” what with the Taal Volcano eruption and ashfall situation. In
fact, his Just Kidding show in Cebu was affected by the airport shutdown and cancelled flights, and moved from Jan. 14 to tomorrow, Jan. 17. Since he believes comedy can do something good especially during times of tragedy, so, “Of course, I’m always going to talk about situations that happen during my stay here. I’ve never experienced something like this before, the whole world finding out that the Taal volcano erupted and here I am... just a weird experience, you know. I can’t wait to share that onstage.” And no, he no longer feels stage jitters. “Oh my god, no! I enjoy no matter what situation I’m in, it could be an open mic, an empty bar, it could be anything, or it could be a soldout arena, whatever. It’s the same excitement that I get no matter what stage I walk into, I just enjoy stand-up, I love it!” Jo Koy also has some advice for aspiring comedians: “To any upcoming Filipino out there, especially those living in the Philippines, just watch my specials and know that it’s possible and remember that people said no to me, too, and I still had to make it happen. Just do it, stay focus and keep that dream alive, it’s going to come true. Hard work pays off — always.”
Diabetes and sex drive desire and prowess in bed. Metformin wonders Talking about diabetes mellitus type 2, the most popular first-line of a drug is metformin. It does not lower blood sugar level like insulin does. Metformin works by fighting (reducing) our body cell-resistance to our own insulin produced by our own pancreas and also control the sugar released by the liver to the bloodstream. When our cells are resistant to insulin (not allowing insulin to go into the cell), we develop slow metabolism and retain sugar and fats in our body, leading to overweight and high cholesterol level. Metformin increases the sensitivity of the cells to insulin, enabling insulin to enter our cells and do its job for sugar metabolism and energy formation. While we normally produce insulin (endogenous) within us for sugar metabolism, it needs to be able to go into our body cells in order to function and aid in glucose metabolism and produce energy for our bodily needs. When the
cells are resistant to insulin (unable to enter our cells), then our blood sugar is not metabolized and not used, so our glucose level goes up. This is what pre-diabetes or diabetes type 2 is. The other type of diabetes is when the pancreas is unable to produce endogenous insulin and the person is dependent on exogenous (prescribed) insulin injections for life. Metformin alone cannot solve this problem of the absence of insulin production. Metformin was discovered in 1922. Human research on metformin use started in the 1950s by Jean Sterne, a French physician. It was marketed as a medication in France in 1957 and in the United States in 1995. Metformin has been found to be safe with relatively mild side effects in some people and none or temporary in the majority of users. Metformin also helps prevent type 2 diabetes for those at high risk (heredity) of developing it. Metformin is usually prescribed when dieting and exercise alone are unable to control blood sugar levels.
Unlike some other medications for glucose control, metformin does not cause weight gain. Long term use of metformin has not been shown to cause kidney damage. Those with poor kidney function might lead to a build-up of metformin in the body, unable to excrete the drug efficiently, causing lactic acidosis. Physicians monitor this situation so it is prudent for patients to make regular medical visits Studies have suggested that those on metformin have a lower risk for cancer. There are even suggestions in recent studies that metformin improves longevity. Larger independent studies are needed to confirm this marvelous potential.