February 28-March 2, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 18 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages
USA
DATELINE Supreme Court rejects review of federal judge’s order on DACA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
PH tells UN Human Rights Council: Drug war aims to save lives by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
Ruling allows current DACA recipients to renew applications until further notice ADVOCATES for undocumented youth have just scored themselves another win this week in the months-long battle with the federal government. In a further breakthrough in favor of recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the United States Supreme Court on Monday, February 26 said it wouldn’t be hearing the Trump administration challenge to a federal judge’s ruling that allowed DACA to keep running. That means that the March 5 deadline that the administration put into place no longer applies. Moreover, the more than 700,000 undocumented youth who are enrolled in DACA may still apply to renew their status. The Supreme Court’s ruling was largely ex-
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California mayors seek $1.5 billion to combat homelessness
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano speaks before the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday, February 27. DFA photo
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STRENGTHENING PH SECURITY FORCES. President Rodrigo Duterte chats with Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa following the ceremonial shoot during the inauguration of the Armscor Shooting Range Davao Branch in Davao City on Monday, February 26. The president reiterated his commitment to further enhance the armed capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP to avert any future threats and challenges to national security. In line with the continuing modernization program of the government, Duterte announced that the Philippines would be receiving some 5,000 firearms from a “friendly country” in the coming days. Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano
PH flag color motif of 32nd People Power anniversary by DANA
SIOSON
AJPress
COLORS blue, red, and white dominated the People Power monument in Quezon City on Sunday, February 25, where top government officials and Filipinos from all walks of life gathered to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY. Confetti falls down during the 32nd anniversary has veered away from the usual celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolt on Sunday, February 25 at the People Power yellow motif for the commemoramonument in Quezon City. This year’s commemoration has the theme “EDSA 2018: Effecting tion of the bloodless revolution Inquirer.net photo by Nino Jesus Orbeta
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PH to place markers at Benham Rise made the remark on Monday at the sidelines of the Senate inquiry into exploration studies at PhilipTHE Philippine government pine Rise, also known as Benhm is set to deploy before June 12, Rise, and West Philippine Sea, as Independence Day, at least 10 well as the state of maritime re“sovereign markers” to assert the search by Filipino scientists. “If you’re going to put up a rig country’s claim on the Philippine there just to say that’s our PhilRise. National Security Adviser Sec- ippine Rise, you might have to retary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. spend P6 billion. So, why not put by BERNADETTE
E. TAMAYO
ManilaTimes.net
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by AJPRESS
MAYORS from 11 of the most populous cities in California have banded together to introduce a bill that would allocate $1.5 billion of state funds to address the growing homeless crisis across the state. The bill, AB 3171, would also require cities to match the states’ contribution, establishing a $3 billion fund that would be spent on affordable housing, temporary shelters, outreach and support services for the homeless. In the last few years, homelessness has
Change Towards Strengthened Democracy.”
termination, to make our people safe and secure from all threats, terrorism, corruption and criminality,” Cayetano added. The top diplomat also urged the 47-member body to “engage and act and not merely name and shame.” While re-affirming the government’s readiness and cooperation in submitting itself to investigations, Cayetano called on the UNHRC to not “weaponize” and “politicize” the human rights
Trump admires PH drug policy, says report UNITED States President Donald Trump often muses about killing drug dealers as a way to address narcotics problem in the country, American news website Axios reported Sunday, February 25. Among Trump’s inspirations is apparently the current situation in the Philippines, where the government is waging a bloody war that has led to deaths of thousands of suspected drug personalities. Unnamed sources, who supposedly have spoken to Trump about the subject, revealed that the U.S. leader admires the drug policies of countries like the Philippines and China. “He (Trump) often jokes about killing drug dealers. He’ll say, ‘You know the Chinese and Filipinos don’t have drug problem. They just kill them,’” a senior administration offi-
Bipartisan group of city leaders back legislation that would help eradicate “the single greatest threat” to the state
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war is meant to “save lives.” This is what the Philippines’ top diplomat told the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday, February 27 as he defended the antiillegal drugs campaign, which was heavily criticized by human rights groups due to the mounting death toll of suspected drug
personalities. During the High Level Segment of the 37th Session of the UNHRC in Geneva, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano underscored that the Philippine government launched the drug war “to save lives, to preserve families, to protect communities and stop the country from sliding into a narco state.” “As a sovereign nation, we deserve respect and even support for our right to life and liberty, our sovereign right to self-de-
up sovereign markers instead?” Esperon said in an interview. He said the buoys would cost the government P120 million and were being assembled by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). He also said that the commercial development of marine wealth in the Philippine Rise “should be opened for MSR (marine science
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FVR: Learn the lessons of EDSA by ROMINA
CABRERA/Philstar.com
FORMER President Fidel Ramos has urged Filipinos to practice unity, solidarity and teamwork amid trying times. On the 32nd anniversary of EDSA People Power Sunday, February 25, Ramos reminded the crowd that the 1986 revolution was just the “beginning of change,” not the endpoint for the lives of Filipinos. “We are just beginning. The outcome, which is a better future for all Filipinos, must be done by all succeeding presidential administrations,” the former president told the crowd. Amid the supposed crackdown on dissenters, Ramos urged the administration to “embrace the opposition” and learn the lessons of EDSA, the four-day uprising that led to the peaceful ouster of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos. “Don’t forget what we learned at EDSA and what is still going on is the unity of the Filipinos for a better future,” he added. Ramos urged Filipinos to work as one community, not as Dabawenyos, Tagalogs or other localities. National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman Rene Escalante echoed Ramos’ statements, adding that President Duterte doesn’t want fights with any sector, opposition or pro-ad-
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THAT’S THE SPIRIT. As the crowd whoops it up in arguably the least attended celebration of the 1986 bloodless revolt on Sunday, February 25 at the People Power Monument, former President Fidel V. Ramos bends his knees before the cameras but skips the reenactment of his signature EDSA victory leap. Inquirer.net photo by Nino Jesus Orbeta
A February 28-March 2, 2018 • La MIDWeeK aSIaN JOurNaL
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From the Front Page PH flag color motif of 32nd People Power... PAGE A1 that toppled the dictatorship of late President Ferdinand Marcos and restored the country’s democracy in 1986. NHCP chairman and People Power Commission head Rene Escalante explained that color yellow—which symbolizes the EDSA revolution and democracy in the Philippines—was avoided to promote non-partisan celebration and to highlight the unity among Filipinos. Yellow is also associated with the Liberal Party (LP), which is currently at odds with the camp of President Rodrigo Duterte. “If you recall, in EDSA, it was about unity. So we really avoided color coding and used the colors of the flag this time,” said Escalante. The NHCP also urged Filipinos to be vigilant against disinformation. “We should be more discerning in what we see and hear. There are a lot of documentation on EDSA to avoid highly partisan accounts of Edsa and for us to see its true
meaning, which is unity,” EDSA added. The government has allotted a P2.5 million budget for this year’s commemoration. Among the top officials who attended the event were former President Fidel Ramos, Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Martin Diño, and Labor Undersecretary Jacinto Paras. Duterte, on the other hand, was at his hometown in Davao City. ‘Not fake news’ Malacañang on Monday, February 26 stressed that the 1986 EDSA revolution was not a product of fake news. “According to the law, it is not fake news. According to the law, we honor the EDSA revolution having declared it as a public holiday,” Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque said, as he noted that the government has been allocating funds for its commemoration, Roque
He further emphasized, “We still recognize and we will always recognize EDSA not only as an important historical event, but it was the first bloodless people power revolution in the whole entire planet Earth, and it remains significant.” Roque made the statement following an online poll conducted by Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson asking the public whether the 1986 People Power Revolution was a product of fake news. Uson, a Duterte supporter, posted In her Facebook page a poll, asking: “Naniniwala ba kayo na ang 1986 EDSA PEOPLE POWER ay isang produkto ng FAKE NEWS(Do you think the 1986 EDSA People Power is a product of fake news)?” Around 84 percent of the nearly 61,800 votes were “yes” while the remaining 16 percent were “no.” The poll garnered some 61,800 votes. Around 84 percent or 51,912 voted “yes.” Only 16 percent or 9,888 said “no.” n
DIFFERENT STROKES. Former President Fidel V. Ramos (3rd from left) and current Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno (4th from left) apparently are in a dancing mood during the anniversary of the People Power revolution, an uprising in 1986 that overthrew then-President Ferdinand Marcos. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
PH tells UN Human Rights Council...
PAGE A1 situation in the Philippines. “When does the quest for human rights become a human wrong? It is when human rights is politicized and weaponized,” Cayetano said. Earlier, Icelandic Foreign Affairs Minister Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson urged the Philippine government to “accept without preconditions or limitations” a visit from UN Special Rapporteur Callamard.
He also asked the Philippine government to “cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner to receive a mission by independent experts to conduct an assessment of the situation in the country without delay.” But Cayetano, in response, asked the UN to not send Callamard or any other official who has “already prejudged” the Duterte administration. “When a UN Special Rapporteur cries out, like the Queen in
Trump admires PH drug... PAGE A1 cial told Axios. Trump also reportedly wants similar laws that would execute all drug dealers in the U.S., even commending Singapore’s mandatory death penalty for drug traffickers. “He (Trump) says, ‘When I ask the prime minister of Singapore do they have a drug problem [the prime minister replies,] ‘No. Death penalty,’” a source told Axios. During Trump’s visit to Manila
in November last year, Malacañang said the U.S. president appeared “sympathetic” when Philippine President Rodrigo talked about the drug problem in the Philippines. Trump had earlier congratulated Duterte for the latter administration’s “unbelievable job” in addressing the drug menace. “Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that,”
Alice in Wonderland, ‘First the judgment, then the trial,’ when she culls evidence only for what might support her prejudgment, he or she loses the moral high ground and is stripped of any credibility,” Cayetano stressed. The top diplomat went on to say, “There are 7.5 billion people in the world; send anyone except one who has already prejudged us, and who, by any measure, cannot be considered independent and, more so, objective.” n Trump told Duterte. Human rights groups have claimed that over 12,000 lives have been lost in Duterte’s drug war and have condemned the Philippine government for allegedly giving police and vigilantes a “license to kill” drug suspects nationwide. But the Philippine government disputed the figure, clarifying that only around 4,000 drug personalities were killed for violently resisting arrest during police operations. The Duterte administration also repeatedly denied that it promotes sanctioned killings. n
PH to place markers... PAGE A1 research) to both Filipino and foreign scientists.” “By doing so, the Philippines also improves its own capabilities to conduct MSR by joining or partnering with foreign scientists. The country could develop capabilities to exploit marine resources, pharmaceuticals, food and others,” Esperon said. The Philippine Rise is said to have huge deposits of solid nodules of methane that could potentially turn the Philippines into a natural gas exporter. It is a seismically active undersea region estimated to cover an area of about 13 million hectares located east of Luzon and is 35 meters underwater, with the shallowest point located off the provinces of Aurora and Isabela. He reiterated that the government had suspended the issuance of permits to foreigners who want to conduct MSR in the area, pending an executive order itemizing the new requirements for the granting of such permits. Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, said the country must find
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (right) is summoned to the Senate to discuss the granting of permits for research expeditions at the Philippine Rise. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
research partners who will follow the country’s rules, during the hearing of the Committee on Science and Technology on the Philippine Rise. “It’s hard to partner with someone who is stubborn. We should find partners who will follow our rules,” said Aquino, who led the Senate hearing. He made the remark amid revelations that in previous years,
FVR: Learn the lessons... PAGE A1
ministration. Ramos called out Duterte on his decision to skip the EDSA rites, and added that the president should have attended the commemoration of one of the most important events in the country’s history. Escalante said the president had work to do and will commemorate the EDSA event in Davao City. Duterte sent his message urging Filipinos to help in strengthening institutions that safeguard their freedom. “May this occasion foster the unity and solidarity as we pursue our hopes and aspirations for our nation,” Duterte said. Duterte said Filipinos, through the historic uprising in 1986, showed the world how “a people’s courage and resolve can alter the course of our nation’s history.” Vice President Leni Robredo, for her part, urged Filipinos to “fight” those who disregard their dignity. “Just like the homily of (Caceres) Archbishop (Rolando) Tirona, he reminds us to fight those who disregard the dignity of every Filipino,” Robredo said during the mass for the EDSA anni-
versary at the St. Jude Thaddeus Parish Church in Naga City. The vice president also stressed that real power lies not in the hands of the government but in every Filipino. She called on Filipinos to relive the spirit of the bloodless revolt every day to prevent the dark past from being repeated. “The reason why the People Power Revolution happened was because of the extreme abuses and disrespect of Filipinos’ rights 32 years ago, we should not allow that to happen again,” Robredo said. “Whenever there are instances of abuse, instances of disrespect to human rights, instances of killings, instances where people’s dignity is disregarded, we should fight back,” she said. Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Marvic Leonen posted his message on Twitter regarding the qualities of a good leader of the nation. “A leader knows that there is a difference between authority and respect. The former is on a piece of paper with all the trappings of tradition and power. Authority based on entitlement does not last forever. Respect is painstakingly earned,” Leonen said. Leonen said a good leader
China violated Philippine sovereign rights when it conducted hydrographic surveys in the Philippine Rise “without required consent” from Manila. Esperon said each of the sovereign markers or buoys would cost P12 million and would be placed near the Benham Bank. He said it would be “impractical” to put up a rig in the area due to huge waves. n must use his authority while respecting constituents. “They (constituents) follow him/her not because he/she has authority but because he/she inspires them to be the best in what they do,” he said. “The great leader not only understands the value of earned respect, the wisdom of impermanence and the inevitability of sacrifice. That is, that there is the right time to let go, step down and allow others to lead,” Leonen pointed out. Leonen added that a great leader should know that occupying power is not permanent. “It is the mark of a great leader who knows that there will be others greater than him or her,” he added.?The SC justice did not name the leader he was pertaining to. Leonen strongly criticized the martial law extension in Mindanao in his strongly worded dissenting opinion to the SC ruling last month. He said the ruling allowing President Duterte’s re-extension of martial law in Mindanao “enables the rise of an emboldened authoritarian.” “Contrary to the text and spirit of the Constitution, the decision in this case provides the environment that enables the rise of an emboldened authoritarian. This PAGE A5
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At some California hospitals, fewer than half of workers get the flu shot by JOcelyn
Wiener Kaiser Health News
HoW well are doctors, nurses and other workers at your local hospital vaccinated against the flu? that depends on the hospital. According to data from the California Department of Public Health, flu vaccination rates among health care staffers at the state’s acute care hospitals range from a low of 37 percent to 100 percent. overall, flu vaccination rates among hospital workers climbed significantly in the past several years — from an average of 63 percent during the 2010-11 influenza season to 83 percent during the 2016-17 season, according to the California Department of Public Health. Vaccination rates for the current season won’t be LAST VISIT. National Artist Napoleon Abueva is honored one last time during necrological rites held at the CCP Main Theater in Pasay City determined until later this year. but that general increase on Saturday. Abueva, the father of Philippine Sculpture, died on February 16 at the age of 88. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma masks some big variations. monrovia memorial Hospital in Los Angeles, Los robles Hospital and medical Center, east Campus and thousand oaks Surgical Center in Ventura each reported that fewer than 40 percent of their health care workers received the with dzmm. by Faye Orellana flu vaccine last year. representa“Kahit sino pa magsabi niya – Inquirer.net tives from those hospitals did not Instik, Americano, Hapon, o kung return repeated calls for comsino diyan – they must produce a Former Senate President Aqment. uilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. told proof para mapaniwalaan ng tao,” on the other end of the speche added. the U.S. intelligence community trum, rady Children’s Hospital According to the Worldwide to provide proof regarding its rein San Diego reported that every port stating that President rodrigo threat Assessment of the U.S. single person working there got Duterte was a threat to democ- intelligence community, Duterte the vaccine. was listed as one of the threats to racy. California’s flu vaccination Pimentel on Sunday, February democracy due to his “signature policies for hospital workers, and campaign against drugs, corrup25, said that not because the rethose of many other states, are far port was released by the United tion, and crime.” from uniform or ironclad. In vari“In the Philippines, President States of America, the report was ous states, health care workers Duterte will continue to wage his Former Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. already true. have legally challenged hospital Inquirer.net photo signature campaign against drugs, “Dapat ipalitaw nila ang kanilang requirements for vaccination on pruweba. Huwag naman basta corruption, and crime. Duterte has ary government,’ and impose nareligious and secular grounds. suggested he could suspend the sinabi ng Amerikano ay totoo na tionwide martial law,” the report yan,” Pimentel said in an interview Constitution, declare a ‘revolution- said. n
Pimentel dares US to prove Duterte a threat to democracy
Airline accidents down in 2017 – IATA
by reicelene JOy ignaciO ManilaTimes.net
AboUt 4.1-billion travelers flew safely on 41.8 million flights in 2017, putting the global all accident rate per one million flights at 1.08, a significant improvement from the 1.68 figure in 2016, according to the International Air transport Association. “2017 was a very good year for aviation safety. We saw improvements in nearly all key metrics,
globally and in most regions. And we are determined to make this very safe industry even safer,” IAtA Director General and Chief executive officer Alexandre de Juniac said in a statement. “In 2017 there were incidents and accidents that we learned from through the investigation process, just as we will learn from the recent tragedies in russia and Iran. Complementing that knowledge are insights
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masks. Hospitals that achieve a 90 percent or higher flu vaccination rate are exempt from these rules, however. In California, state law requires that hospitals offer the vaccine free of charge. many hospitals offer vaccines to personnel in the cafeteria, and during day and night shifts. “the key to getting more people vaccinated is to make it more easily accessible for people,” said Lynn Janssen, chief of the California Department of Public Health’s associated infections branch. She also said many California counties and hospitals have required health care workers to either get the flu vaccine or wear a mask, which can help prevent spreading illness to others. Partly as a result, nearly a third of the state’s hospitals now have flu vaccination rates above PAGE A5
Supreme Court rejects review of over...
pected because the justices rarely we can gain from the millions of hear appeals that ask to bypass flights that operate safety. Data lower court rulings. from these operations are powthe lower court’s ruling that ering the development of predic- remains in effect is that of the tive analytics that will eventually U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th enable us to eliminate the condi- Circuit in San Francisco which on tions that can lead to accidents,” Jan. 9 ordered the federal governDe Juniac said. ment to continue running DACA, the IAtA reported that none as previously reported by the of its member airlines experi- Asian Journal. enced fatal accidents or hull As extensively reported on by losses in 2017 with jet or turbo- the Asian Journal, DACA was put prop equipment. n into effect by former President barack obama in 2012 by way of executive order. Since then, hundreds of thousands of undocumented youth who were brought to the U.S. illegally as young children have been granted work authorization, reprieve from deportation and other benefits. the program gives eligible undocumented youth a two-year permit with the option to renew after it expires. economy experts have expressed that DACA has allowed undocumented youth who were previously prohibited from working to contribute to the American economy. the left-leaning Center for American Progress (CAP) conducted a study in 2017 that ana-
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Infographic by Kaiser Health News
And some unions in California and elsewhere oppose a legal mandate, partly for civil rights reasons. Public health officials themselves have different takes on the legal requirements for hospital workers. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists California and massachusetts among the handful of states where the flu vaccination is mandated for health care workers. but the states’ laws allow health care workers to opt out by signing a form declining the vaccine. For that reason, officials from those two states said they do not actually consider the vaccine mandatory. Colorado law requires hospital health care workers to provide proof of immunization or a doctor’s note providing for a medical exemption, and requires that non-immunized workers wear
lyzed the educational and professional experiences of more than 3,000 DACA recipients. the study found that 91 percent of those under DACA are employed and 69 percent found higher paying jobs that better fit their career aspirations. Notably, if the benefits of DACA remain in place (whether that be through DACA or a permanent solution), they are projected to contribute $460.3 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product over the next ten years. Since President Donald trump announced he was terminating DACA in September 2017, advocates for undocumented youth — commonly referred to as DreAmers — have been scrambling finding a solution for them. “the Supreme Court’s action shows that rescinding DACA was not only legally questionable but also unjust and cruel. but only Congress can provide the permanent solution our [DreAmers] need and deserve,” House minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said on twitter on monday, February 26. Congress has tried and failed to come up with a solution for several months, but monday’s ruling also gives it more time to come
up with a legislative compromise for DreAmers. After the Supreme Court’s decision on monday, the White House said, “the DACA program — which provides work permits and myriad government benefits to illegal immigrants en masse — is clearly unlawful. the district judge’s decision to unilaterally reimpose a program that Congress had explicitly and repeatedly rejected is a usurpation of legislative authority... We look forward to having this case expeditiously heard by the appeals court and, if necessary, the Supreme Court, where we fully expect to prevail.” though the White House has maintained that the original passage of DACA by obama in 2012 was illegal, federal judges have deemed those claims baseless. on tuesday, February 13, Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis of the U.S. District Court for the eastern District of New York was the second judge to block the administration’s termination of DACA. Garaufis called the claim that DACA was illegally passed a “plainly incorrect factual premise” and called the ending of DACA “arbitrary and capricious.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
California mayors seek $1.5 billion...
surged across the state. According to 2017 data from the state, California had 135,000 homeless people (the most of any state), which measures to about a quarter of the nation’s homeless population. Although there was a 15 percent decrease in the homeless population, the state saw a 2.1 percent increase from 2015. the request from the mayoral team — which includes Democrats and republicans — was sent in the form of a letter to California State President Pro tempore Kevin de León and Assembly Speaker Anthony rendon. “Homelessness is the single biggest quality of life challenge we face in our cities, and cities cannot do it alone,” Steinberg said at a press conference at the State Capitol on Wednesday, February 21. “As our partners at the statehouse think about how to direct new resources to combat the problem, we plant a flag to say, ‘Please send a significant amount of this money through cities because we know what works.’ there is no secret ... to what is needed to make an impact on homelessness.” Steinberg is joined by the mayors of San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Long beach, oakland, bakersfield, Anaheim, Santa Ana and Los Angeles. If signed, Ab 3171 would make an impact on the state’s homelessness problem which plagues the greater LA area in particular. “Cities are first responders in this crisis, and we are leveraging every possible resource to get people off the street and into homes. but we need help,” Los Angeles mayor eric Garcetti said in a statement. this bill would provide emergency bridge hous-
ing and services to help people with their most urgent needs so that they can begin rebuilding their lives with the dignity that everyone deserves.” Notorious for its growing homelessness epidemic, LA is home to a quarter of the state’s entire homeless population. If the bill passes, LA would receive $382 million from the state; if the city matches that, it would receive a total of $764 million in homeless service funding, according to data from the LA mayor’s office. the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines homelessness in two categories: unsheltered, those whose primary residences are a public or private space not meant to be sleeping quarters for humans, and sheltered, those who temporarily live in public or private shelters. the LA Homeless Services Authority found that in 2017, the LA County had more than 57,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, which is a 23 percent increase from 2016. more than 4,800 of those individuals are military veterans and more than 8,500 of those individuals are in families. the statistics are staggering and the city has made efforts to alleviate the problem. In 2016, measure HHH passed in the city which called for the $1.2 billion funding for permanent supportive housing for the city’s homeless. Last week, construction on a new seven-story housing complex in Skid row went underway. the complex will include four floors of housing and a three-story medical facility, according to Skid row Housing
trust, which is developing the project. the first project funded by measure HHH began construction in December 2017 in east Hollywood and will provide 122 new units of supportive housing. orange County, in recent years, saw a staggering growth of its homeless population, most notably through encampments along the Santa Ana river trail adjacent to the 57 freeway. In January, homeless advocates filed a lawsuit in federal court in January after the orange County Sheriff’s Department ordered to remove all the encampments in that 2-mile stretch near Angel Stadium which housed between 500 to 1,000 people. though the county has offered the homeless community rides to temporary shelters and storage, advocates on behalf of the homeless have said there aren’t enough shelter units and options appropriate for couples and those suffering from mental illnesses. the lawsuit alleges that orange County and the cities of Anaheim, orange and Costa mesa have not done enough to alleviate the homeless situation in the county and, further, have made it “impossible” for these individuals to occupy public spaces without violating anti-loitering laws. “they were being stopped for no reason other than being homeless. they were receiving citations for unavoidable acts like sleeping outside or carrying luggage,” said brooke Weitzman, an attorney with elder Law and the Disability rights Center, who filed the lawsuit with two private firms. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
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Chief Justice Sereno to go on leave by Dana
SioSon AJPress
CHIEF Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno is expected to take a leave of absence from March 1 to 15. According to Sereno’s spokesperson, lawyer Jojo Lacanilao, the chief justice will take a “wellness leave” to prepare for her impending impeachment trial before the Senate, which was initially scheduled from March 12 to 23. In an interview at the sidelines of the House justice committee’s impeachment hearing against the chief justice, Lacanilao clarified that Sereno was just taking her wellness leave earlier than the original schedule. Lacanilao’s remark contrasts earlier local reports that the Supreme Court (SC) en banc forced Sereno to take an indefinite leave beginning Thursday, March 1. Some justices also reportedly called for her resignation due to loss of confidence. “She has been long scheduled to take a wellness leave in March [12 to 23], but she made a decision to have it a few weeks earlier, starting March [1 to 15], so that she can prepare for her
possible impeachment trial in the Senate,” Lacanilao told reporters. Oriental Mindoro 2nd District Representative Reynaldo Umali, however, belied Lacanilao’s remark, saying that the chief justice was indeed forced by her colleagues in the SC top take an indefinite leave. Umali, who is also the chairman of the House committee on justice, claimed that the “wellness leave” is just a part of Sereno’s camp’s alleged “continuing pattern of lies.”
“Kasinungalingan iyong sinasabing wellness leave (Wellness leave is a lie),” said Umali. “It is indefinite leave and I hate to say it, this was because the en banc forced her into it. So in other words, majority, if not at all, of the en banc forced her to go on a leave,” he added. In a statement, Malacañang noted that Sereno’s decision to take a leave was a “personal matter.” Malacañang then expressed hope that the top magistrate would use her break for reflection. “As the Chief Justice takes her wellness leave, we hope she would take this as an opportunity to reflect on her time and legacy at the Supreme Court and to consider what would be best for the institution which she heads as top magistrate,” Palace spokesperson Harry Roque said. Roque also expressed confidence that “there would be no interruption on the day-to-day operations of the High Court and services would continue unhampered” even if Sereno goes on leave. n
MANILA – The Consultative Committee, formed by President Rodrigo Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution, on Tuesday, February 27, voted for a presidential-federal system of government. The members were provided with the following options: presidential-federal, parliamentary or hybrid of presidential-parliamentary / semi-presidential-parlia-
mentary. Eleven members voted to adopt the presidential-federal structure while seven voted for the hybrid for of government. There were initially nine votes for the presidential-federal system since two members, lawyers Reuben Canoy and Victor Dela Serna, were not present during the session. The members then decided to
conduct a run-off which resulted in 11-7 votes in favor of the presidential-federal form of government. Puno, who chairs the Con-Com, said he finds the hybrid form of government risky. “Undeniable that this hybrid option will be an experiment, a leap to the unknown and I’d like to believe that in designing the PAGE A7
Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno Philstar.com photo
Con-Com votes for presidentialfederal government structure
FVR: Learn the lessons... PAGE A2 is far from the oath to the Constitution that I have taken. I, therefore, dissent,” Leonen said. He believed that the ruling hews to “the same dangerous path” as when the Supreme Court, in the 1970s, upheld martial law under Marcos. “Regardless of the motives of the justices then, it was a Court that was complicit to the suffering or our people. It was a Court
that degenerated into a willing pawn diminished by its fear of the impatience of a dictator. The majority’s decision in this case aligns us towards the same dangerous path,” he said. Even before the EDSA program started, tensions rose briefly as a religious group refused to move out of the People Power Monument before 6 a.m. Police were forced to move their tents out of the way and the
EDSA rites continued as scheduled. A total of 1,500 policemen were deployed to secure the EDSA rites program. After the reenactment of the “salubungan,” Ramos, Army Capt. Michael Asistores and PO3 Christopher Lalan were given the EDSA People Power Commission Award. The Spirit of EDSA Foundation and Good Citizenship Award was also given to Melvin Gaa. (With Helen Flores, Edu Punay) n
EXPANSIVE MATERNITY LEAVE PUSHED. Senator Risa Hontiveros is joined by representatives of health professional associations in expressing support for the proposed Expanded Maternity Leave Law on Monday, February 26, 2018. Hontiveros said that the measure, which is still pending in Congress, would expand the maternity leave for women up to 120 days, and would benefit mothers, newly-born children, and workplaces alike. Senate photo by Joseph Vidal
At some California hospitals... PAGE A4 90 percent. Vaccination rates vary significantly among different categories of hospital workers, however. Hospital employees had an average vaccination rate of 87 percent statewide in 2016-17, while licensed independent practitioners — including some physicians, advance practice nurses and physician assistants who do not receive paychecks from the hospital — had a rate of just 67 percent. The CDC recommends that health workers get one dose of influenza vaccine annually, and cites data showing the vaccine in recent years has been to up 60 percent effective — though it was far less so this year. Dr. Bill Schaffner, an infectious diseases professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn., says there are three principal reasons to get vaccinated: to prevent workers from infecting patients, to keep them healthy in order to care for patients and to spare them a bout with the flu. A 2017 Canadian study, however, suggests that the benefits of health care worker vaccinations have been overstated. In any case, just because experts say health care personnel should get the vaccine doesn’t mean they will choose to do so. “In the studies, and also in our
experience, it turns out — to everyone’s great surprise — that health care workers are human beings,” Schaffner said. “Some are too busy, some don’t think the flu vaccine is worth it, some don’t like shots. Some are not convinced they can’t get flu from the flu vaccine.” (Experts say they can’t.) Because of this, Schaffner said, it’s up to hospital leadership to push staffers to get vaccinated. At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, vaccination rates increased from 70 percent to 90 percent once leaders there effectively made the flu vaccine “mandatory,” he said, requiring noncompliant hospital personnel to present vaccine exemption requests to a hospital committee. Health officials also encourage patients to ask whether their caregivers are vaccinated. Jan Emerson-Shea, spokeswoman for the California Hospital Association, said her organization would like the flu vaccine to be mandatory for all health care personnel. Independent physicians have proven an especially challenging group to motivate, she said, since hospitals hold little sway over them. “I, for the life of me, can’t imagine why a physician wouldn’t want to be vaccinated,” she said. “But they make that choice.” Yet the California Nurses Asso-
ciation strongly opposes making flu vaccines mandatory, said Gerard Brogan, a registered nurse and spokesman for the union. He said the union does recommend that providers get the vaccine, but it objects to making vaccination a condition of employment. He said some employees have religious issues or safety concerns about the vaccines and “we think that should be respected as a civil rights issue,” he said. He also called rules requiring unvaccinated providers to wear a face mask “punitive.” “It’s almost like the scarlet letter to shame you,” he said. He said the masks can frighten patients — a contention made by a New York union as well. In any case, he said, wearing the masks is not especially effective in stopping the spread of flu (although some researchers say otherwise). Instead, he said, employees should be encouraged to wash hands and to stay home when they are sick. Too often, he said, nurses are asked to come in to work when they are ill. He said he was not able to find any nurses willing to discuss their decision not to get the flu shot. n This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially in- dependent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.
A6 FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 2, 2018 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
A continuing revolution
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FEATURES
THREE decades ago, millions of Filipinos took to the streets to seek the seemingly impossible: the ouster of a corrupt conjugal dictatorship. Since then, efforts to nurture the fragile, hard-won democracy have been marred by a long string of corruption scandals and continuing gross human rights violations. The restoration of democracy did not put an end to torture, enforced disappearances and summary executions, including those targeting left-leaning and environmental activists, journalists and legal professionals. Dictator Ferdinand Marcos now rests in peace, as he wished, in a cemetery for heroes. His clan and that of his widow Imelda Romualdez Marcos are back in power. As the nation marks 32 years since the dictatorship collapsed from the miracle of people power, the nation has slipped further in the global Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International. The International Criminal Court has launched a preliminary examination of the human rights situation in the Philippines under President Duterte. From 95th out of 168 countries included in the Corruption Perceptions Index in 2015, the Philippines slipped to 101st out of 176 in 2016, and fell to 111th among 180 countries last year. Transparency International did note that a ma-
jority of countries were moving too slowly in fighting corruption. Instead of comparing the Philippines with those moving slowly, however, the country should aspire to catch up with the better performers in the CPI. There has to be a connection between national prosperity and the absence of corruption. Countries that have consistently ranked high in the CPI are also among the world’s most advanced economies. They also place high in the happiness index, which measures quality of life indicators. Studies have shown the steep economic cost of corruption, with public funds going to the pockets of only a handful of individuals instead of being used for development and poverty alleviation programs. A desire to end the kleptocracy of the Marcos dictatorship as well as the systematic violations of human rights fueled the 1986 people power revolution. Today there are Filipinos who take for granted the hard-won freedoms that they
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
have enjoyed for 32 years now. But democracy, even in advanced economies, is always a work in progress. With recent developments, the nation cannot be reminded often enough that vigilance
is the price of freedom. And the nation cannot afford to forget the lessons of the dictatorship, and the peaceful revolt that put an end to it. (Philstar.com)
An overwhelming majority of Americans want stricter gun laws and a ban on assault rifles ENOUGH! This is the battle cry of Americans The Fil-Am following the massacre of 14 students and Perspective three staff members in Parkland, Florida — one of the worst in U.S. history — and just GEL SANTOS-RELOS another in the series of many mass shootings that have killed students and civilians in just a few years. President Donald Trump and Congress said they wanted to solve this worsening gun violence in the country. However, the tough rhetoric and “thoughts and prayers” have not translated to sensible gun control laws and regulations — thanks but no thanks to the lobbying of the powerful National Rifle Association (NRA) and its hefty campaign contributions to Trump and the Republicans in
Congress. Trump even repealed an Obama-era regulation that would have prevented people with mental illness from buying guns, an initiative the former president did in response to the non-action of Congress to legislate stricter gun laws after the Sandy Hook mass shooting. Trump proposed to strengthen implementation of background checks, and to arm teachers with guns. He initially pushed for increasing the minimum age to buy guns from 18 to 21, but has been deemed to be noncommittal about this since Friday, February 23, and after the open opposition of the NRA to this plan. Trump also vowed to write a law ban-
ning bump stocks if Congress does not do its job — these are accessories that convert semi-automatic weapons to rapid firing machine guns. Great, but why stop there, Mr. President? An AR-15 assault rifle was used by the shooter in the Parkland massacre. Assault rifles have been used by civilians in other mass shootings. Assault rifles were invented to kill people in the war zone, and were not intended to be used by civilians for sports or hunting hobbies. Even the Republican conservative icon and former president Ronald Reagan, with his string ideological conviction to uphold the Second Amendment, did not agree these deadly war weapons should not be used by civilians. What hold does the NRA have on Trump and the Republican lawmakers? Have these elected public officials been
listening to the American people — a big majority of whom- Democrats, Republican, Independents and even responsible gun owners — are demanding for stricter gun laws to solve this fatal epidemic? Poll results Let me share with you the results of two polls that support this call. CNN poll: • 70 percent of Americans now favor stricter gun laws. • A majority of people (57 percent) who live in gun-owning households favor some new restrictions, and 49 percent of Republicans are onboard. • Some specific measures that are broadly popular: 87 percent favor banning felons and those with mental health problems from getting guns; 71 percent favor banning anyone under 21 from buying a firearm; and 63 percent favor a ban on high-capacity magazines.
• The poll also showed that President Trump is at his lowest approval rating — 35 percent — since taking office. USA Today/Suffolk poll: • 61 percent say “tightening gun- control laws and background checks would prevent more mass shootings in the United States.” • 63 percent say semiautomatic weapons should be banned. And 76 percent say people who have been treated for mental illness should be banned from owning guns. • That poll had Trump at 38 percent approval and 60 percent disapproval. *** 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
Different nations, a shared destiny Impressions of a balikbayan
PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. (Part 3 of 3) *Remarks of Hon. Jose de Venecia - Former Speaker, Philippine House of Representatives; Founding Chairman and Chairman of Standing Committee, International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP); Co-Founder, Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA); Chairman, International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP); Special Envoy of the President to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and for Intercultural Dialogue at the ICAPP Special Conference on the Silk Road last February 1-4, 2018; Tehran, Iran. Averting the ‘clash of civilizations’ As other pundits have spoken of the dangers of the “clash of civilizations” in our modern period, Iran’s then President Mohammad Khatami and other scholars introduced the more strategic, more pragmatic idea of a “dialogue among civilizations.” One of the great fruits of dialogue was the nuclear accord of 2015 which provided Iran relief from the U.S., U.N., and multilateral sanctions on energy, financial, shipping and other sectors, for indeed no less than the International Atomic Energy Agency certified that Iran had complied with the Agreement. While sanctions hurt Iran’s economy with the fall of crude oil exports from 2.5-million barrels per day to 1.1-million barrels by mid-2013, further compounded by the drastic fall in oil prices since early 2014, today Iran’s oil exports have returned to nearly
pre-sanctions levels, and economic growth has grown to 7 percent in 2016, even spreading to the non-oil sectors, while Iran had regained access to some $115-billion in new hard currency. Major international aircraft manufacturers have sold new passenger aircraft to Iran’s commercial airlines. We in ICAPP note that as Iran plays a critical role in the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative, the theme of the Conference, even with the 2010-2016 sanctions, major Asian countries continued working with the Iran economy, and growth has began to broaden even to the non-oil sector. Moreover, foreign direct investments in Iran under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Rouhani have soared, growing five-fold to $12.2-billion in 2016. And major foreign investments of some $12.6-billion in petro-chemicals, methanol and LNG plants, are today programmed in Iran’s PARS Region for 2018-2020. Sunni-Shiite Dialogue Excellencies, friends: On the raging Sunni-Shiite issues and the extremist violence in the Arab world, and the emergence of ISIS-ISIL in the battlegrounds of Syria and Iraq and even Libya, one cannot discount the magnitude of the barriers that intense doctrinal separation has raised between the two great schools of Islam and the emergence today of the radical, violent Islamic extremists, ISIS-ISIL. As we in ICAPP earlier advocated before in our letters to Saudi Arabia’s then King Abdullah and Iran’s spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, it would be of great relief to our region and indeed the world, if the two leaders of Islam, Saudi Arabia, representing the Sunnis, and
Iran, representing the Shiites, respectively, could perhaps meet in Mecca and Medina and bring about the beginnings of reconciliation and the end of violence in the lands of Islam, and head off decisively the expansion and internationalization of the extremist groups, ISIS-ISIL. We believe the initiative is most difficult but not impossible. The bloody Catholic-Protestant conflicts in Europe that ran for centuries have long since ended, the latest achievement being the relatively recent “Good Friday” peace agreement that ended the brutal politico-religious Catholic-Protestant wars in Northern Ireland. Revival of 6-Party Talks and Korean Unification Today in Asia, we believe that the lingering conflict and potentially dangerous flashpoint in the Korean Peninsula with North Korea, now nuclear-armed and continuously testing improved nuclear weaponry, and perhaps possibly even missiles launched from submarines, could be resolved peacefully through diplomacy, cooperation and sustained bilateral and/or multilateral dialogue. We urge the revival of the long-postponed Six-Party talks among the U.S., Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, and North Korea which would contribute to enhancing political stability and security not only in the Korean Peninsula but in the Asia Pacific region, and most importantly, hopefully lead to unite the two Koreas, forswear war, and together build a strong, united prosperous nation for the Korean peoples in the first decades of the 21st Century. Most difficult indeed but not impossible. It had been done before in the
case of the two Germanys and the two Vietnams. At some point, with God’s blessing, with strong, enlightened mutual will in sustained, sincere and patient even long-drawn-out negotiations, the inter-Korean family might perhaps emerge someday united in a unique, Federation under common inclusive leadership, and which could lead to a modern prosperous country in Northeast Asia. In pursuit of lasting peace Excellencies, friends: Today, we sadly note the most discouraging ongoing multiple crises in our region: the extremist violence and the wars in Iraq, Syria, although we have seen recent improvement, and new hostilities in Libya, the continuing violence in Afghanistan, the unresolved Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the unending Azerbaijan and Armenia conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the continuing dangers and fear of explosion in the Korean Peninsula, the Buddhist and Muslim Rohingya difficulties in Myanmar, similar problems in Southern Thailand, the maritime tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea, the Muslim and Communist insurgencies in the Philippines, and the other conflict areas in our region. While we are deeply aware of the historical and cultural roots of many of those conflicts—and the enmity and bitter divisions that have grown between rivals—we cannot turn away from the pursuit of peace because the alternative, which is conflict and war, would be immeasurably costly and make all of us losers. A dialogue for peace In the pursuit of the campaign for peace is the latest heartwarming proposal of Iran’s For-
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Commentary
VICTOR SY, CPA, MBA
I LEFT the Philippines for the U.S. 50 years ago and had my last vacation five years ago. Things have changed for the better — especially in the area of discipline — shades of the first few years of the Marcos regime. Here are my impressions from the outside looking in at people’s behaviors under President Duterte’s Administration: 1. People are more disciplined, respectful, and polite - from top government officials to food servers and the common “tao.” Government officials that we met were humble and grounded. Magalang. 2. Our trip started on a positive note as we breezed through customs in a new separate line for “Nothing to Declare.” Goodness gracious! We merely walked through Customs. No hustle, no lagay. 3. Senior discounts! U.S. should follow our lead. 4. I stayed for a month and did not observe anybody litter in the sidewalks. 5. No public spitting either. 6. No stinking garbage in the streets. I think that households are not allowed to bring trash out until just before pickup. Nice. 7. No kids or beggars knocking at car windows asking for “palimos.” 8. No street vendors hawking “yosi” or chewing gum. 9. No homeless people sleeping on public sidewalks.
10. Guns, guns, guns, and more guns. 11. Passengers waiting for taxi, bus and jeepneys line up and queue — you heard that right — commuters actually line up! What a sight to behold. I remember the old days of chaos, of “agawan” when people pushed and shoved each other to board jeepneys and bus. 12. I brought anti-mosquito lotions with deet and citronella. I had two encounters with mosquitos in four weeks of stay. Two. 13. I used lavatories with little water problems. 14. There are no paper tissues inside many CR or “comfort rooms.” 15. Table napkins are so thin and flimsy that they break and fall apart upon use. You end up using more. 16. Skyways in Metro Manila relieve traffic anxiety among tourists and reminds you of driving along freeways in the U.S. 17. Oh yes, driving is chaos. It’s a free for all affair. Crazy. Drivers don’t stop at stop signs. They don’t follow lanes: yet, we witnessed only one accident. Himala. 18. Kalesas are gone. 19. Jeepneys are almost gone. I feel sad to lose these Sarao and Francisco Motors decorative vehicles from surplus origins that graced travel magazines and once symbolized our country. 20. Palays are no longer spread for drying on main highways. I saw some but on the side of the roads. 21. But a traffic menace lingers: Tricycles! These slow moving transports rule roads going to the provinces. And there are plenty of them. They clog highways. Despite a column of
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The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 28-MARch 2, 2018
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DOJ forms panel to probe Aquino, others over Dengvaxia mess by Dana
SioSon AJPress
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has created a new panel that will handle the complaint filed against former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, his two former executives, and other officials in connection with the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine. Through Office Order Number 439, the DOJ formed a fourpanel person that will conduct a preliminary investigation on the criminal complaint filed by Vanguard of the Philippines, Inc. (VCPI) and Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC). Acting Prosecutor General Jorge Catalan Jr. has designated Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rossane Balauag as head of the panel. Other members of the panel FLOWER DANCE. Students from various universities in Baguio City participate in the grand street dancing competition, one of the activities to mark the Panagbenga Festival. On Sunday, February 25, 23 colorful floats will join the flower float parade, the highlight of the annual include Senior Assistant State festival. ManilaTimes.net photo by Thom Picaña Prosecutor Hazel Decena Valdez and Asst. State Prosecutors Consuelo Corazon Pazziuagan and Gino Paolo Santiago. The group of prosecutors is PAGE A5 Under the presidential-federal inclusion of Sabah in the Philip- tasked to determine if there is structure of our executive power, system, the national government pine territory. The country would sufficient evidence to indict we cannot afford a system where would still be led by a president, be divided into 12 federal states Aquino and other respondents we see too many moving parts of vice president along with the ex- including: Northern Luzon, Cen- for multiple homicide and the puzzle which we have yet to ecutive, legislative and judiciary tral Luzon, Southern Luzon, Bicol, physical injuries, malversation capture,” Puno was quoted dur- branches. However, Philippines Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, of public funds, and violations would also have individual federal Western Visayas, Minparom, of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt ing the deliberation. The voting session lasted for states with separate federal legis- Northern Mindanao, Southern Practices Act, and the Government Procurement Reform Act. about eight hours. The commit- lature and local governments like Mindanao, and Bangsamoro. Aside from Aquino, other He suggested that Metro Manila tee would hold another session the United States. Pimentel earlier proposed the will be the “federal capital,” while respondents are former Budon March 5. Sabah could be the 13th federal get Secretary Florencio Abad, state. (Rosette Adel/Philstar.com) former Health Secretary Janet
Con-Com votes for presidential-federal...
Different nations...
PAGE A6 eign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for a dialogue for peace in the Middle East, by itself a facet of Iran’s great proposal in the recent past for a “Dialogue among Civilizations.” Earlier, we spoke of a distant hope that someday, somehow in God’s own chosen time, the most difficult but not impossible ShiiteSunni dialogue, with God’s benediction, may yet come to pass in our time. There was also an episode in recent years when our and ICAPP’s esteemed friend, the late President Rafsanjani visited Saudi Arabia in 2010 and enjoyed positive relations with then Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. The late President Rafsanjani had expressed hopes that Iran and Saudi Arabia would have a close political and religious relationship. He said that “if the two countries are harmonized on regional issues and the Islamic world, seditionists will not be able to induce differences between Muslims.” We are reminded of these moments in recent history as Iran’s Foreign Minister Zarif invokes the possibility of a revival of a dialogue for peace in the lands of Islam. Understanding among the great civilizations Excellencies, friends: On our part, we must say that we must strive relentlessly then to achieve the multicultural understanding which is the only basis for the long-term security of our Asian region and the global community. For understanding among the great civilizations is the only basis for global peace that will endure. Indeed, to this purpose we must mobilize mosques, churches, temples, synagogues—Buddhists, Hindus, Confucians, and
Jews, no less than Christians and Muslims—as well as political parties and the whole of global civil society. And if there are historical grudges that remain, let us bring them out into the open, indeed, into the blazing searchlight of public scrutiny, if you will—so that they may be threshed out by dialogue, reason and compromise. We must create space for alternative faiths A great Western president once said memorably that the 21st Century will be defined by a simple choice that the nations must make—whether to emphasize their ethnic, ideological, and religious differences or their common humanity. But nations can never make the right choice, for as long as their peoples insist that “our faith must reign supreme”—since this claim can be affirmed only by the negation of all other faiths. So we, the political parties in Asia, whether those of the left, the center, or the right must reinterpret our traditions to embrace pluralism in culture and in society. We in ICAPP and in the international organizations represented in our conference must learn to create space for other systems and alternative faiths. After all, every great religion arose from the same wellspring of faith—accepting, for its central belief, God’s direct and decisive intervention in human history—by revealing Himself to humankind. Lastly, we must all accept that peace is much more than the absence of conflict. And, Excellencies, friends, today here in Tehran, we must take to heart the simple truth that peace indeed is a community of sharing; that we all belong to “one great human family under God.” n
Impressions of a...
PAGE A6 vehicles jammed behind them, they stubbornly refuse to yield and move to right lanes for slow traffic. Pasaway. Shades of old Philippines. 22. Subways are the final solution to our traffic woes; all others are temporary bandaid fixes. 23. There are three major sports seasons in the U.S.: basketball, football, and baseball. Here we also have three: basketball, basketball, and basketball. Yes, we are fond of Curry, LeBron, KD, Jordan, and Kobe but corporate sponsors need to reallocate their support to sports where height is not a major factor. 24. Bicycling, weight lifting, Tennis, anyone? Perhaps Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz can get funding to promote weightlifting. Golf champion Jason Day needs another Fil-Am to bolster our stock at the golf course. Asian ladies dominate the international scene. I remember watching a colorful (literally) golfer Jennifer Rosales share a lead at the U.S. Open many moons ago. 25. We salute boxing promoters like ALA, Manny Pacquiao, Salud, Yap, Elorde, Pinol, and Penalosa for supporting local boxers. Our boxers need more lucrative fights in America. They need more world class sparring partners at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Ox-
nard, or Kronk Gym in Detroit. To compete with elite boxers worldwide, our trainers need to shift strategy from head hunting to body punching. It’s harder to win WBA or WBO titles without great body work. (BTW: I offered Rodel Mayol and Romero Duno a choice to shop or watch an NBA game. As expected, they chose to see a Los Angeles Lakers exclusive practice at Staples Center in LA Live). 26. Culinary presentation has improved but bulalo and bagoong rule! Despite health risks, we get stuck in the dark ages. We feast on sodium and fats that lead to high blood pressure, stroke, gout, and diabetes. The Department of Health needs to step up public awareness to improve our eating habits. It’s hard to find restaurants offering vegetables. But Bagoong is all over. Until then, long live Bagoong! Salamat po. *** 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.
Garin and other former and incumbent Department of Health (DOH) officials. Also among the respondents include senior executives of French pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Pasteur and of and Zuellig Pharma. Sanofi is the developer and manufacturer of Dengvaxia, while Zuellig Pharma supplied the vaccine to DOH. Complainants claimed that Aquino and other officials “anomalously and illegally funded and procured the Dengvaxia vaccine and ill-advisedly, thoughtlessly, and imprudently” implemented the dengue immunization program “by unduly influencing or exerting undue pressure on any member of the BAC (bids and awards committee) or any officer or employee of the procuring entity to take a particular action which favors or tends to favor a particular bidder.” More than 830,000 Filipino children were administered Dengvaxia since the government implemented the dengue immunization program in April 2016. The program was suspended last December following an announcement made by Sanofi that the vaccine poses health risk when administered on a person who has not been previously infected with the virus. VACC filed the complaint amid reported deaths and serious illnesses of children admin-
istered with the anti-dengue Dengvaxia vaccine. But according to the current head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Sanofi Pasteur already knew the risks of the vaccine as early as 2015. During the resumption of House hearings into the dengue immunization program on Monday, February 26, FDA Director General Nela Charade Puno claimed Sanofi already knew about the vaccine’s risks when it applied for a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) in Singapore last year. “We visited some of the documents of Singapore. If you will check under publication, they approved Dengvaxia CPR September 2016. But with their publication they already announced that it is not to be used for patients who had not had dengue,” Puno told lawmakers. She continued, “Ibig sabihin, alam na nila December 22, 2015, at dapat sinabi na nila sa Pilipinas na ‘di ito pwede sa mga batang ‘di pa nagkakaroon ng dengue (That means, they already knew on December 22, 2015, and they should have told the Philippines the vaccine cannot be given to children who haven’t had dengue).” It was on December 22, 2015 when FDA allowed Sanofi to commercially sell Dengvaxia in the country. Sanofi only issued the warning on their vaccine more publicly on November 29, 2017. n
A February 28-March 2, 2018 • La MIDWeeK aSIaN JOurNaL
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Recent peso weakness ‘not a major concern’ by Mayvelin
U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net
THE peso’s recent weakness isn’t a major economic concern given the Philippines’ relatively low foreign debt, Londonbased Capital Economics said. The research firm, in a justreleased report, noted that the peso — down by just under 4 percent against the greenback since the start of 2018 — was currently the worst performing emerging market currency. The decline, it added, also comes at a time when the dollar has been depreciating against other currencies —as a result the peso weakened by even more in trade-weighted terms. Nonetheless, “a low level of foreign currency debt in the Philippines means the recent
weakness of the peso is not a major concern,” Capital Economics said. It estimated that the country’s total foreign debt was equivalent to just over 30 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), relatively low compared to other emerging markets. Capital Economics pointed out that countries hit by foreign currency debt crises typically had ratios of around 50 percent of GDP or more. “In fact, despite the cur-
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NLEX opens 2 new Pampanga interchanges by Catherine
talavera Philstar.com
NEW INTERCHANGES: NLEX Corp. opened on Monday, February 26, two new interchanges in the North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, facilitating more efficient mobility for motorists. In photo during the ceremonial drive through are (from left) Mabalacat City Mayor Chrisostomo Garbo, Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. president and chief executive officer Rodrigo Franco and Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and chief executive officer Vince Dizon. Photo by Boy Santos/Philstar.com
NLEX Corp. opened on Mon- TEX), facilitating more efficient day, February 26, two new in- mobility for motorists. terchanges in the North Luzon The new access ramps to Expressway (NLEX) and Subic- SCTEX in Barangay Mabiga, Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCu PAGE B3
BMI research upbeat on PH consumers File photo from ManilaTimes.net
REMITTANCES from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) along with improving labor sector are seen to remain as the main drivers of Philippines’ consumer outlook. “The consumer outlook in the Philippines remains bright on the back of a strong economic performance and rapidly rising incomes, influenced by a tight labor market and sustained remittance inflows,” BMI Research said in a research note dated February 14, 2018. The research unit of Fitch Group forecasts growth of inflows from OFWs to re-
main strong this year. On Thursday, February 22, the BangkoSentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported the 4.3 percent growth of total remittances in 2017 to $28.06 billion from year-ago’s $26.9 billion. The research note explained that inflows from Filipinos working abroad “act as a vital source of secondary income for Filipinos and will continue to buttress levels of household spending over 2018.” “With over 2.5 million Filipinos living and working in the U.S., Philippine households will continue to receive a large share of re-
mittances in USD (U.S. dollar) and therefore depend on the strength of the USD,” it said. The study, however, cited that “Philippine households receiving remittances denominated in USD will see purchasing power fall as the USD depreciates, acting as a drag on essential spending categories such as food and clothing.” Amid this, BMI Research continues to be optimistic on Philippine consumers because of improving labor market. Citing Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
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PH economy seen growing near 7% by Mayvelin
U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net
THE economy is likely to expand further this year on the back of strong household spending and investments among other factors, Wallace Business Forum said. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to move nearer 7 percent in 2018, slightly better than the 6.7 percent posted in 2017, File photo from ManilaTimes.net the consultancy said in a publication. The forecast, however, falls below the government’s 7.0-8.0 per- pines will continue to be among the best performers among the emerging market economies of Asia for the seventh straight year, cent target. Still, Wallace Business Forum said: “This means that the Philipu PAGE B4
B FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2018 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
Business news
DOE seeks more partners for e-vehicle charging stations by danessa
riVera Philstar.com
THE Department of Energy (DOE) is looking for more partners to put up charging stations to support the country’s adoption of electric vehicles (e-vehicles) for public and private use after getting the support of two of the largest oil players. “The DOE supports the modernization of public transport, the introduction of e-vehicles in public transport as well as in private use,” DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said. In putting up charging stations, the energy chief said the country’s two largest oil companies have expressed interest to incorporate charging stations in their respective retail networks. “Shell already committed, Petron also…they are very interested,” Cusi said, noting that the rollout of charging stations is just awaiting a formal timeline for the project. Last year, the DOE formed an Ad-Hoc Technical Working Group (TWG) to determine the suitability of gasoline stations, and possibly in parking areas of
What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA WHAT you need to know when your loved one dies or when you die? What is meant by Final Form 1040, filing of Form 1041 and Form 706? • Final Form 1040: When you die your final year ends with the date of your death. Your Final Form 1040 income tax return is due on April 15 following your date of death. For example if a person die anytime in 2017, final Form 1040 is due no later than April 17, 2018 (April 15 falls on a weekend). The Final Form 1040 must show the word deceased on top of the income tax return. The signature block of the tax return should indicate the date of death. • Where to file the decedent’s income tax return: File the income tax return of the decedent where the executor filer lives.
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7.4M households to get gov’t aid
P2,400 per family to cushion impact of higher taxes on goods, services by Ben
O. de Vera Inquirer.net
“The DOE supports the modernization of public transport, the introduction of evehicles in public transport as well as in private use,” DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said. File photo from Philstar.com
malls, for charging stations in preparation for a wider adoption of e-vehicles in the country. The lack of charging stations in localities have been one the main issues e-vehicle players have raised in pushing for developments in the industry. In partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the DOE is rolling out 3,000 electric
tricycles (e-trikes) – which was stalled due to the steep prices of units – by the middle of this year. BEMAC Electric Transportation Philippines Inc. bagged the $30-million contract in 2016 to produce 3,000 e-trikes but these units have remained in the manufacturer’s warehouse because
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Death of a taxpayer Part 1
For example, the decedent lives in Arizona but the executor filer lives in California, the return will be filed with the IRS Service Center in California where the executor personal representative lives. • Form SS-4 application of employer identification number: The executor will apply for federal identification number to be used to handle income and expenses received and paid after death, inform creditors, investment firms, and to file Form 1041. • Form 56 notice of fiduciary relationship: Form 56 expresses the authority to handle the estate and fiduciary matters. The IRS will treat you as if you are actually the taxpayer if you are a fiduciary. Fiduciary have the responsibility and rights to carry out all action required from a taxpayer. Fiduciaries consist of executors, trustees of trust, guardians, administrators, etc. • Final Form 1040 individual income tax return: All income received and deductions paid
TO mitigate the impact of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act on the poor, the government this year will release P2,400 each to about 7.4 million households within the first quarter, the Department of Finance said Friday, February 23. Under the TRAIN law, indigent families are entitled to receive P200 a month in unconditional cash transfers. In a statement, the DOF said 4.4 million households that will receive cash are existing Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, on top of three million senior citizens who are already receiving their pensions. “The schedule relayed to the DOF by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) show that 4Ps beneficiaries will receive a top-up to their existing conditional cash transfers (CCTs) in February if they are getting their benefits through ATM (automatic teller machine) cards, and in March if they get these over the counter,” Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said. Beneficiaries can claim their cash over the counter at cooperatives, rural banks as well as nongovernment organizations (NGOs). As for the pensioners, they will also begin to get the unconditional cash transfer in March, Chua said. “The DWSD expects all 10 million beneficiary-households— comprising the poorest 50 percent of the population—to receive their unconditional cash transfers by August,” according to Chua. To mitigate the impact of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act on the poor, the government this
before death will be reported in the Final Form 1040 of the decedent. • Form 1041 tax return of estates and trusts: Any income received and expenses paid after death of the taxpayer will be reported on Form 1041. Form 1041must be filed if the domestic estate gross income for the tax year is more than $600 or the domestic estate has a nonresident alien beneficiary. • Form 706 estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax return: To report estate and Immigrant GST tax, you must file Form 706 Living: 101 within 9 months after date of decedent’s death. Use Form 4768 and Beyond application for extension of time to file if you need more time and Monette is unable to file Form 706 by the AdevA MAglAyA due date, for the automatic 6month extension of time to file. ARE you one of those people For portability election to transfer the deceased spouse who seem to be sucker punched unused exemption amount to by the overwhelming number of surviving spouse, the Form 706 things that need to get done in u PAGE B4 a workdaday world? Do you feel overwhelmed by your to do list? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. There’s hope for us all when we remember this statement below: Eighty percent of things don’t matter; twenty percent do. In the late nineteenth century, Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian sociologist introduced the concept of THE 80/20 RULE which states that in any given group, only 20 percent will constitute what is important and the remaining 80 percent will be trivial. This rule is referred to as the “vital few” and the “trivial many”. While this concept was originally meant to be applied to the principles of economics and sociology, the 80/20 rule can be applied to just about anything that involves a list or a group of elements in daily life. Using the Pareto principle will clear your life of overwhelming junk. In a list of goals for instance, using the Pareto principle will force someone to prioritize the top two or three goals that are significant to him. Use this principle when dealing with a list of things to do for the day. Recognizing the few important ones and doing them ahead of the trivial ones will keep you from being sidetracked. Our to-do lists become shorter, more realistic and more manageable. A mountain of tasks can overwhelm. But those who slice and dice can get things done. Many try to get around by nibbling at the small, easy things around the edges, putting off the more important ones for later until time is up and the important ones are left undone. By making it a habit to spot the important ones
year will release P2,400 each to about 7.4 million households within the first quarter, the Department of Finance said Friday. Under the TRAIN law, indigent families are entitled to receive P200 a month in unconditional cash transfers. In a statement, the DOF said 4.4 million households that will receive cash are existing Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, on top of three million senior citizens who are already receiving their pensions. Ac“The schedule relayed to the DOF by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) show that 4Ps beneficiaries will receive a top-up to their existing conditional cash transfers (CCTs) in February if they are getting their benefits through ATM (automatic teller machine) cards, and in March if they get these over the counter,” Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said. Beneficiaries can claim their cash over the counter at cooperatives, rural banks as well as nongovernment organizations (NGOs). As for the pensioners, they will also begin to get the unconditional cash transfer in March, Chua said. “The DWSD expects all 10 million beneficiary-households—comprising the poorest 50 percent of the population—to receive their unconditional cash transfers by August,” according to Chua. The DOF official said another 2.6 million households, who are currently being registered to become beneficiaries of the unconditional cash transfer program under the TRAIN Law, will get their P2,400 in August. “For 2018, the government has allocated P25.67 billion for
DOF Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua Photo by Leo M. Sabangan II/Inquirer.net
unconditional cash transfers under the General Appropriations Act to help low-income households cope with the slight inflationary impact of the TRAIN. Of the P25.67 billion, P24.49 billion is under the account of Land Bank of the Philippines, which will distribute the unconditional cash transfers nationwide via ATM card transfers, over the counter or through conduit systems such as rural banks, NGOs and cooperatives. The remaining P1.18 billion has been allocated to cover the administrative costs of implementing this social protection program,” the DOF said. Next year and in 2020, the cash transfer will be increased to P300 a month or P3,600 for the entire year. Signed by President Duterte in December, the TRAIN law starting Jan. 1 this year jacked up or slapped new excise taxes on oil, cigarettes, sugary drinks and vehicles, among other goods, to compensate for the restructured personal income tax regime that raised the tax-exempt cap to an annual salary of P250,000. According to Chua, “the DOF, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the National Economic and Development Authority estimate inflation to increase by just 0.4-0.7 percentage point during the first year of TRAIN’s implementation, with the impact tapering off over time.” n
Pareto’s 80/20 rule or how to make a molehill out of a mountain
“The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.” — William James first and “slay these dragons” ahead of anything else, there is a certain sense of calm that one acquires even if not everything in the list has been done. The nature of modern life screams for many things to be done all at the same time. With time saving devices purportedly meant to squeeze as much as can be done in our waking hours, expectations can become unrealistic. The stress of trying to do too much too soon can make anyone ill. Stressing and straining kill off our brain cells over time which then cause strokes and many debilitating illnesses to all our body parts, specially in our extremities, like the toes and our fingers and particularly affects our vision. Using the Pareto principle cuts through the muck. Weighing things according to importance may even be more valuable than learning how to multitask. This acquired skill of gauging the value of tasks can add so much to the quality of one’s life freeing up more time to simply enjoy life. The wonderful thing about adopting a “Pareto frame of mind” is that you begin to develop the habit of clear thinking that not only gives you more time, it can also provide you with more space—clutter free. Woohoo!!! If you want to simplify your life, you can look at your possessions and decide which things are important for you to keep and which ones should be sold or given away, thus reclaiming the space for you to enjoy. You can also apply this to the clutter of too many unrelated hopes and dreams that are in that future state of being called the “Someday Isle (I’ll)”. You
can narrow these down to only the important goals and be free of the downright preposterous. The brain also benefits from using the 80/20 rule. In lengthy, circuitous discussions of problems and solutions, having a sharp, incisive mind helps one to get down to the root of the problem quickly, shorten the angst and pain of indecision and come up with the right solution in less time it normally takes to mull over a problem. Einstein must have subscribed to this principle. In his admonition to find simplicity out of clutter, he advises to try not to remember anything that can be looked up in a book. He who was noted for having a poor memory when he was young probably refused to burden his brain with the unimportant thus optimizing its functions and allowing him to plumb the depths of the secrets of the universe. Reserving the full capacity of his towering genius for unraveling the mysteries of time and space and for writing down his profound thoughts about the universe and its Creator, life and living, he exemplifies a life that made a difference at the highest rungs. So repeat this one liner below as your mantra as you do your spring cleaning for the year. Remember it as you approach your sunset years and decide to be clutter free, downsizing and living on less but going full bore on creating amazing memories instead. Eighty percent of things don’t matter; twenty percent do. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
BMI research upbeat on PH... Incoming President Ms. ELLEN SAMSON shall be launching our "Push For Entrepeneurship," an upheaval of our cultural mindset to help Filipinos in America go into business. Join us on MARCH 3, Saturday at 6pm at the Olympic Collection Versailles Ballroom at 11301 Olympic Blvd (corner Sawtelle). For tickets ($65) visit www.faccgla.org
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data, the study noted the decline of unemployment rate to five percent in October 2017, which it said, is one of the lowest levels since 2005. “We forecast unemployment to come in at 7 percent in 2018, remaining stable from 2017,” it said. BMI expects inflation to be
on the uptrend this year following the rise to four percent last January, the upper end of the government’s two to four percent target for 2017-19, from December 2017’s 3.3 percent. It, however, discounts this as a negative to consumption. It explained that “despite a pickup in inflation, consumer
confidence in the Philippines remains high, standing at 94.5 on the MasterCard Index in December 2017, up from 91.6 in December 2016.” “The score is also close to the highest level of 95.2 in June 2016 since the beginnings of records in 1995,” it added. (Philippine News Agency) n
Recent peso weakness ‘not a major... PAGE B1 t
worries about rising inflation, policymakers appear to be welcoming the boost to competitiveness the weak currency is providing to the country’s exporters,” it noted. The research firm said it was important to remember that a weaker currency brings benefits too, most notably by boosting export competitiveness.
Authorities have made developing a competitive manufacturing sector one of their key priorities and a weaker currency should help, it added. The Finance department, meanwhile, said the peso depreciation was far from a sign of structural weakness, even after the balance of payments turned negative. “When the rate was at the lower end of the 40s, the peso was
very strong that there were calls for its depreciation. We got what we have called for,” said Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran. He also stressed that the Philippines’ fundamentals were strong. “At more than $81 billion, our reserves amount to more than 8 months of imports. That is significantly much larger than our reserves prior to the 1997 Asian financial crisis,” Beltran said. n
BUSINESS NEWS
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Senior seeks Chapter 13 protection for fully paid house from $15K in credit card debt THE client is a young senior in his early 60s who took an early retirement last year. He owes $15,000 of credit card debt and nothing else. He has a community property house that is fully paid with a current market value of $500,000. Fortunately for the client, he did not refinance his fully paid house with a mortgage, so the house does not secure any mortgage. Certainly, the client must have been tempted often to get some cash out from a refinance at low interest. Good for him that he did not succumb to that temptation; otherwise, he would still be paying on a new mortgage now. His wife is also taking early retirement next year. I asked why he took an early retirement at 62. He said he doesn’t know how long he is going to live, so he might as well take early retirement so at least he gets his social security now even if its less by 25 percent compared to full age retirement at 66. Since he used to work as a professional for some time, I asked him if he had a pension from the employer. He said no and social security of $1,200 is all that he has now. The problem is that he still owes $15,000 of credit card debt, which he has not been able to pay for six months because of his reduced income from social security. He used to pay about $600 a month to keep them current but he just could not get the principal down from $15,000. He wanted to do a Chapter 7 to wipe out the $15,000. I asked him if he owned a house and what the current value was. He said he owned a house worth about $500K. I asked him if he owed anything on the house. He said he owed nothing on it anymore. So I told him that he could not do a Chapter 7 because, in Chapter 7, he would
Debt Relief
ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG
lose his house. The trustee would take his house and sell it, give him $175,000 use the rest to pay his credit card debt of $15,000, give him the rest of the sale proceeds after deducting trustee fees which could be sky high. It doesn’t make sense, in his case to do Chapter 7. Why lose your house for $15,000 of credit card debt? But then again, his house does need protection from his credit card debt. He is now behind by six months. This means that lawsuits for collection are forthcoming. Lawsuits will eventually become judgments. Judgments eventually become liens on his house. A $15,000 judgment will double in a couple of years. Soon enough, there will be a $60,000 judgment lien on his house. And, the worst part is that judgment creditors can ask the court to have his house sold to satisfy the judgment lien! This means he can lose his $500,000 house for $15,000 of credit card debt. It sounds unfair, but it certainly may happen if the problem is left to fester without an effective solution. I told him that he could do a Chapter 13 without any risk of losing his house to the trustee because Chapter 13 trustees, unlike Chapter 7 trustees, do not have the power to sell debtor houses. In Chapter 13, he can pay off the $15,000 over five years without interest; just the principal is being paid. He’s looking at a plan payment of $250/month to $300/
month, including court and trustee administrative fees. This is a lot less than the $600 that he used to pay which did nothing to reduce the principal of $15,000 in the last 20 years. Under the plan, the debtor will have zero credit card debt when he turns 68. And the best part is, the Chapter 13 protects his fully paid house by preventing lawsuits and judgment liens from attaching to his house. Credit card debts are like weeds that keep on growing and growing. In a month, a weed can grow a foot, while normal plants take so much time to grow. The most effective way of getting rid of weeds is to uproot them. If you just cut them at the base, in a month they look like they were never cut. This is the same, as the client’s credit card debt of $15,000, which he has paid for 20 years, yet now still owes the same amount. In a year, he paid $7,200. He thought that would cut his debt in half and it would disappear. But credit cards are like weeds — they keep growing back unless you uproot them. The debtor’s Chapter 13 will uproot his credit card debt and pay them off completely in 60 months so they don’t grow back again. Smart decision on the client’s part, I have to say, because some people just do not have the courage to make the right decision. Client seeks Chapter 7 relief to discharge $30,000 in credit card debt The client is 48 and married with no children. He owns a home with $55,000 of equity. He bought his house three years ago with 3 percent down, so his equity has increased somewhat but still within homestead exemption of $75,000. He has a live-in girlfriend, and I don’t know if
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What immigration benefits are available to same-sex marriages post DOMA? ON June 26, 2013, the US Supreme Court struck down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as unconstitutional in the landmark case US. V. Windsor. The BIA shortly thereafter issued a decision in Matter of Zeleniak holding that DOMA is no longer an impediment in recognizing same-sex couples under the immigration and Nationality Act. Matter of Zeleniak, 26 I&N Dec. 158 (BIA 2013). This means a same-sex marriages are now valid for immigration purposes as long as the marriage is recognized in the “place of celebration.” This means a same- sex marriage is valid for immigration purposes as long as it was valid in the place of celebration. The same-sex marriage is valid even if the applicant is applying in a country in which same-sex marriage is illegal. On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that state-level bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. The court ruled that the denial of marriage licenses to same-sex couples and the refusal to recognize those marriages performed in other jurisdictions violates the Due Process and the Equal Protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. In the area of immigrant visas, a same sex US Citizen spouse or legal permanent resident spouse may now petition for an immigrant visa for their spouse as long as the marriage was valid in the place of celebration. Validity of the marriage is not based on the place of domicile. Stepchildren acquired through the same sex marriage can also qualify under the same require-
Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES ments as stepchildren acquired through opposite sex marriages. Same sex spouses and qualified children or step children can also qualify as dependents of employment-based categories and family-preference categories as derivatives. Same-sex partners of US citizens may also apply for K-1 fiancé non-immigrant visa the same way opposite sex partners may petition for a fiancé visa. The same sex US Citizen spouse may then file an immigrant petition and adjustment of status after the fiancé enters the US and marries the US citizen spouse. Widows and widowers of same-sex spouses can also qualify for immigration benefits under INA 204(l). Generally, this is done by filing a self-petition within two years of the death of the US citizen same sex spouse. In the area of non-immigrant visas, same-sex spouses and their children are now eligible for non-immigrant visa as a derivative. Same sex spouses and their children can qualify as derivatives in non-immigrant visas including H, E, L, O, R visas, etc. For aliens with final removal orders issued prior to the Windsor decision, the recognition of the validity of same sex marriage makes available new relief for their case. It may be possible to file a motion to reopen the
deportation/removal case even if the removal order was issues past 90 days. ness during the marriage does not change the character of the business to community property, the community may still acquire an apportionment interest if the value of the business substantially appreciated during the marriage due to the labor and hard work of the managing spouse during the marriage. The apportionment calculation is done using the formula in the Pereira or Van Camp case where the contributions of effort and return on capital are separated from the value of the business. *** 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 not a solicitation.
which formed part of the Mabiga Interchange were officially opened Monday. The completed road projects involved the elimination of the UTurn slot near Mabiga into a full diamond interchange by building new access ramps with entry and exit toll plazas. “This major expressway redesign is seen to improve road safety on this strategic location where the two expressway systems merge with the local traffic network,” NLEX Corp. said. The tollways company also opened a right-turning exit ramp of the North Luzon Expressway in Barangay Santa Ines, paving the way for more convenient travel for motorists heading to Magalang and Concepcion towns. “These enhancements are intended to advance safety and productivity for both motorists and commuters by improving the connectivity of our expressways to and from the MacArthur Highway and other local roads in Pampanga,” said Metro Pacific Tollways and NLEX Corp. presi-
dent and chief executive officer Rodrigo Franco. Franco said the projects would bring greater developments in Mabalacat, providing better access and facilitating efficient transport of goods and services in the area. The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the original concessionaire of the SCTEX, welcomed the opening of the new road projects. “We are proud to support NLEX Corp. in providing safe, reliable, and people-oriented projects such as the SCTEX Mabiga Interchange. The interchange will enable a smooth and faster flow of traffic for motorists going to Subic or Tarlac,” BCDA president and chief executive officer Vince Dizon said. Dizon said the construction of two toll plazas, ramps and full diamond interchange is an assurance that the private sector is committed to building worldclass infrastructure projects that would bring a more convenient travel experience to many Filipi-
Calendar of Events across
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ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS F E B R UA RY 27
Workshop on how to brand your small business online in Los Angeles Tara na! Kita tayo sa SIPA! Come and join Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) in Historic Filipinotown on Tuesday, February 27 and start branding your small business effectively! Branding is not just for big corporations. A small business would benefit greatly from effective branding. This will make people want to do business with you. Establish your own business identity and learn how to convey your brand to your customers. It’s a FREE event! It will be held at Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (3200 W Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026) from 6 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. There is free parking at 2 SIPA parking lots located on the corner of Temple and Robinson St. and the corner of Temple and Dillon St. Don’t forget to bring business cards for networking! Registration is REQUIRED at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-brand-your-small-business-online-tickets-42550341216 or you may contact Fidji Victoriano for any questions at fvictoriano@esipa.org or (424) 235-5011.
MARCH 3
Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles’s gala night “Together in Electric Dreams” is the 80s-themed gala night & induction of the 2018 Officers & Board Members of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) where it will formally launch its “Fil-Am Entrepreneurship Movement.” Everyone is invited to celebrate and relive 80s fashion, and party from 6 p.m. up to midnight at the Olympic Collection at 11301 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064. Tickets available at www.faccgla.org.
MARCH 11
Fil-Am Association of SCV’s fundraising event and inaugural ball in Valencia, CA The Fil-Am Association of Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), Inc. invites the community to a fundraising event and inaugural ball of the board of officers and trustees on Sunday, March 11 at 5 p.m. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Valencia — 24500 Town Center Dr., Valencia, CA 91355. The Fil-Am Association of SCV, Inc. is a non-profit that engages in cultural, social, outreach and community service to approximately 8,000 Fil-Ams living in Santa Clarita Valley. This 2018 marks the associations 35th year in serving the community through its outreach and Fil-Am academic and cultural enhancement programs which include scholarship achievement awards, programs for the seniors, youth and single programs, as well as cultural events. For tickets, please contact Josie Maglalang at (661) 607-5665, Zeny Justiniano at (661) 645-0948, Emie Carrillo at (661) 877-2699, and Zony Gordon (661) 312-3422.
MARCH 14
Philippine American Bar Association’s 32nd installation & awards gala in Los Angeles on March 14 The Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) invites you to its 32nd Installation and Awards Gala on Wednesday, March 14 at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. This year’s Gala will feature keynote speaker California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu, a menu of Filipino flavors, and special performances. PABA will be PABA will be honoring Distinguished Leader Ben Hofileña, Jr. (20th Century Fox Film Senior Counsel), Trailblazer Ruthe Ashley (California LAW Executive Director Emeritus), and Community Champion Minh T. Nguyen (The Law Office of Minh T. Nguyen, ALC). During the gala, PABA also will formally unveil its new logo and website, both of which were developed by a Fil-Am-owned start-up and involve colors and designs deeply rooted in the cultural history of the Philippines. A cocktail reception and auction will begin at 6 p.m., while the dinner and program will begin at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets or a sponsorship, please visit: https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/paba/giftstore.jsp.
MARCH 19
Glenn Miller Orchestra to perform in Stevenson Ranch, CA The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will swing into the Santa Clarita Valley for a special one-night only event to be held at West Ranch High School (26255 Valencia Blvd. Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381) on Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. The most sought-after big band in the world will take the stage with bandleader Nick Hilscher at the helm, performing beloved hits from their extensive library, which includes “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” and “Pennsylvania 6-5000.” Hosted by West Ranch High School’s music program, the concert will be an event for all ages and offers the chance to experience history, enjoy the magical melodies and walk away knowing you’re supporting a new generation of talented musicians in the processes. Tickets are $25 for seniors/students, $30 for general, and $35 for VIP. Prices increase by $5 at the door the day of the event. Tickets are available online at westranchmusic. com, by phone at (661) 222-1220 ext. 645, or at one of the locations: Nick Rail Music - 25868 McBean Pkwy., Valencia, CA, (661) 288-2345; Nationwide Insurance, 23236 Lyons Ave. #205, Newhall, CA, (661) 254-1714; Innovations Salon - 25830 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA. (661) 255-5580; or Bella Cucina - 27911 Seco Canyon Rd. in Saugus, (661) 263-1414.
*** 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
NLEX opens 2 new Pampanga...
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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2018
nos. “This also proves that the turnover of SCTEX concession to the private sector in 2015 was a sound decision as the NLEX Corp. continues to further improve the expressway facilities and services,” he said. For his part, Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo lauded the tollways company in its continued effort to improve the accessibility from MacArthur Highway for the comfort and convenience of the local motorists. “In this fast-paced era, connectivity does not only come in digitals but more so in our transport system and the North Luzon Expressway swiftly responds to the demand for better expressway services,” Garbo said. In 2016, the NLEX Corp. added eight kilometers of new expressway in Mabalacat City, including new bridges at Brgy. Balem and Brgy. Quitanguil. This project segregated northbound and southbound motorists along separate carriageways and have since enhanced traffic safety.■
M A R C H 29
Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA There will be a FREE immigration forum on Thursday, February 29 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. Attendees will be able to get information on the following topics: How to find H-1B/green card sponsoring companies, tips for a successful H-1B interview, job placement assistance for qualified applicants with start-ups in Orange County, and a list of top 100 H1-B employers in the OC. 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. Refreshments will be provided to all attendees. For more information about Global Law Centers, please visit www.globallawcenters.com.
APRIL 14
SALIDA: Simbolo at Kultura in Queens, NY AFTA presents its latest fundraising event - “SALIDA: Simbolo at Kultura” – a cultural dinner show featuring the internationally recognized dance troupe from the Philippines, the Leyte Dance Theater, which will kick off their USA TOUR 2018 in NYC. The event is on April 14, 2018, 3:00 pm at the Rock Church in Woodside, Queens. “Salida” aims to raise funds and awareness to support the flagship projects of the Association of Fil-am Teachers of America, Inc. (AFTA) with their partners: The Rock Churches Worldwide and the Leyte Biliran & Samar Federation. Proceeds of this fundraiser will finance AFTA’s projects in the Philippines like Adopt a School (Marawi City, Biliran and Albay, Adopt a Scholar, and Balikturo). For Sponsorship opportunities, contact Roxanne at 347-932-6631 or Nitz at 862-368-1706 or any AFTA officer/board member.
APRIL 30
East West Players’ 52nd Visionary Awards & Silent Auction in Los East West Players celebrates its 52nd Anniversary at the Annual Visionary Awards Dinner & Silent Auction. The Visionary Awards laud the achievements of individuals who have raised the visibility of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through their craft. Proceeds from the gala will benefit East West Players’ educational and artistic programs. It will be held at the Hilton Universal City (555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA 91608) on Monday, April 30. At 5:30 p.m., VIP Reception*, silent auction, and registration begin. Dinner and awards show begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please visit: http://www. eastwestplayers.org/news/east-west-players-52nd-anniversary-visionary-awards-dinner-andsilent-auction/.
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
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Senior seeks Chapter 13... PAGE B3 t
she qualifies as a family member that would increase his exemption to $100,000. In any event, $55,000 is $20,000 less than $75,000 so the house is secure and protected. His problem is $30,000 of credit cards, which he has been paying for five years, at $1,000 minimum monthly just to keep them current. Do the math. He’s paid $60,000 to keep $30,000 of cards current for five years, and he still owes the same amount of $30,000. It doesn’t seem fair, but that’s the way cards work. Just like weeds, they keep growing, nonstop. But since he now has a mortgage to pay,
he having a hard time making the minimum payment of $1,000 a month for the cards. The choice he has now is to either pay the mortgage or pay the cards. It’s a no-brainer. Get rid of the cards to assure payment of the mortgage. At least, the house appreciates in value over time and home ownership is the American dream, while credit card debt is the American nightmare that sucks up your net income every month, every year. His choice is Chapter 7 to protect his house and discharge the $30,000 of credit cards. *** Disclaimer: The foregoing is an expression of opinion and is not meant
to be legal advice to any reader. There is no attorney-client relationship established by this article with the reader. If you want to discuss your situation, you have to set an appointment to consult with the attorney. The first general consultation is free. *** 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 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.
DOE seeks more partners... PAGE B2 t
there are no takers from local government units (LGUs) due to the steep cost – at P450,000 per unit. The Philippine government has then worked with the ADB to modify the e-trike deployment, restricting it only for LGU distribution. Of the total number of e-trikes, the DOE deployed 200 units to
EMPLOYMENT
Marawi City. Apart from Marawi City, Cusi said the agency is also looking to donate the rest of the e-trike units to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and other eligible local government units (LGUs). Eligible LGUs include those that have been hit by natural or man-made disasters; those that
have historical and/or tourism significance; those that have existing ordinances supporting electric vehicles; those that have existing electric vehicles in their locality; those with poor air quality due to tricycle emissions; and those that will facilitate the set up of charging infrastructure and demonstrated plan to support the project. n
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PH economy seen growing near... PAGE B1 t
and will remain on track with its poverty reduction goal over the medium-term.” Household spending will accelerate as a result of the lowering of individual income tax rates, which is expected to boost household budgets by an aggregate P140 billion, it said. An additional push to private consumption will come from subdued inflationary expectations and the increased peso value of remittances sent home by overseas Filipino workers. “And with improved global outlook, there will be more opportunities for overseas employment. At the same time, domestic employment prospects will be bet-
ter with the sustained high rate of economic growth,” it said. Wallace Business Forum also said that fixed investment growth would be supported by infrastructure spending and capacity expansion by some export-oriented industries. Exports, though, are expected to slow from 2017 but still increase at a respectable rate above the world average, “thanks partly to these foreseen increases in production capacity to meet rising global demand”. The consultancy also noted that the industrial sector, lifted by construction and manufacturing, would again be the growth pace-setter in 2018. Services will also show an ac-
celeration given significant gains in banking, transport, trade and health care. “Business process outsourcing (BPO), though, will post some weakening due in large part to the slowdown in the voice segment as it approaches the natural growth of 4 percent to 5 percent in the talent pool,” it warned. Other segments like healthcare information management, back offices and shared services will partly help compensate. Meanwhile, after recording a high rate of growth due to the low base in the previous two years, the agriculture sector is expected to start reverting to near its historical average increase at 3 percent in 2018.n
Death of a taxpayer... PAGE B2 t
to make the election must be filed timely within 9-months of decedent’s date of death or before the extension of time to file or 6-months extension period ends. There is no portability in the absence of the surviving spouse. Under the tax cut and jobs act Pub. L. No. 115-97 the
basic exclusion amount has been increased to $10,000,000 in 2018 versus $5,490,000 in 2017. *** Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication is neither intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-
related penalties. *** Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. (Advertising Supplement)
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People and Events
City of Downey hosts annual Military Career Day by Christina M. Oriel AJ Press
Nearly 300 high school students participated in Military Career Day in Downey, California on Thursday, February 22, featuring presentations and activities by the various branches of the U.S. Military. The daylong program— held at St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy, a Catholic college preparatory academy — kicked off with remarks by Downey Mayor Pro Tem Rick Rodriguez and Downey Unified School District Superintendent John Garcia, Ph.D. St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy President Erick Rubalcava said the school hosted the event because it aligns with its mission of “pride, virtue and purpose.” “For kids to be able to see different opportunities and to find their purpose — which may be found in the military service — are very important. We are firm believers that we provide all opportunities to find out what that purpose is and that ties into why we were open to hosting the event today,” Rubalcava told the Asian Journal. The event was also made possible by the City of Downey, Downey Unified School District, and the various branches of the U.S. Military. “Our vision in the Downey Unified School District is to make sure that every one of our students graduates and is college and career ready, is globally competitive, and has a strong character,” Garcia told the Asian Journal. “We see it as our obligation to provide as many options for them upon graduation as possible.” Throughout the academic year, the school district hosts college and career fairs and other information sessions like Military Career Day to give its students insight into the different paths they can pursue after they graduate from high school.
“Some kids will go straight to college, some kids may choose to enter the workforce. Other kids may be interested in something like the military that is a very viable career option. There are over 150 possible positions in the Army alone,” Garcia said. Mario Guerra — former Downey mayor from 2006-2014 who now serves as a civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army — urged students to ask as many questions to those they met during the day. “Our Army, for example, is even older than our United States of America, so it’s important for us to carry on that tradition,” Guerra said. “It’s an all-volunteer Army, it’s an all-volunteer military, so it’s up to you to do that.” He added, “talk to all the different branches and ask them about themselves. I can tell you that every single servicemember here today is highly educated, that’s something they promote.” Lieutenant Colonel Mark Ripley, commander of the Los Angeles U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, told the audience that “it’s a privilege and an honor to wear this uniform.” “I make sure that I remind myself that I’m fortune that I’m a soldier. We have a long history of heroism, leadership, storied accomplishments — not only in the Army, but in the private sector as well,” Ripley said. “All we want to do today is provide you information with what the service does, what kind of opportunities there are from each service, what motivates you from service — adventure, education, scholarships, training, skills.” “I’m the first person to admit that the Army is not for everyone, but don’t think the Army or military is something you can’t do,” he said. After the formal program, students broke off into smaller sessions and heard from representatives of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and National Guard. The representatives spoke
about what made them enlist in their respective branches, the recruitment process, and the various benefits that have been afforded to them, such as scholarships and higher education pathways. “At least the students received the education to know what’s out there,” Rubalcava said. “They may not be called to service but at least they explored the options and that we provided them the opportunity to learn about it.” A Military Career Day was also held in the City of Carson earlier this February earlier in February. Downey Mayor Pro Tem Rick Rodriguez, Mario Guerra, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army. and Erick Rubalcava, president of St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy.
1SG Cristina Leavitt and SGT Araceli Sandoval of the CA Army National Guard speak to students.
Almost 300 students participated in Downey’s Military Career Day where they were able to ask questions and learn more about the branches of the U.S. Military.
AJPress photos by Ivy Manalang
LTC Colonel Mark Ripley of the LA U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion
1SG Cristina Leavitt, recruiting and retention for the California Army National Guard
A representative of the Air Force gave out information to students.
The various branches of the military had informational booths during Military Career Day.
Military Career Day was held in Downey on Thursday, Feb 22.
Students hear from a U.S. Army service member.
Bold new movement by Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce to be launched on March 3
Push for Entrepreneurship” will be celebrated during induction gala
FACC-GLA current and former Presidents, Ellen Samson and Gerry Palon, accept community award
These ladies in Hawaiian garb are FACC-GLA Secretary Connie Mapue and 1st Vice President Lois Klavir at the fun luau event.
FACC-GLA Secretary Connie Mapue and 1st Vice President Lois Klavir
LA Board of Public Works Commissioner Joel Jacinto speaks at an FACC-GLA networking event.
Left to Right: (standing) Angelo Varsobia, Vivian Lim, Doreen Remo, Gerry Palon, Annie Nepomuceno, Mary Trinidad, Roy Tabberah, (seated) Vangie Tabberah, Ellen Samson, Connie Mapue, Lois Klavir, Mary Ann Omega (not in photo: Tess Somera)
FACC-GLA Luau is graced by young family members of Secretary Connie Mapue.
Incoming FACC-GLA President Ellen Samson will be serving 2018-2019 spearheading the Push For Entrepreneurship Movement.
ON the eve of welcoming a new president and a new board for 2018-2019, a revolutionary upheaval of the cultural mindset will be officially launched by the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA). The “Push for Entrepreneurship” movement is the brainchild of incoming President Ellen Samson, a multi-awarded and self-made entrepreneur herself, CEO of American Geriatric Care Management, a company she built from the ground up. Ms. Samson declares “In our younger years, we were told by our parents to go to school to be
Winners of the FACC-GLA Bowling Tournament proudly accept their trophies.
good nurses, employees, CPAs, and doctors. We did, and we became excellent in our chosen field.” “But ask yourself...was there any instance you were told to go to school to become a good entrepreneur? In our culture, we were not encouraged to go into business and take risks.” Motivated by this bold new movement, the FACC-GLA aims to deliver higher quality projects as it cultivates, connects and empowers businesses through its many networking events and member workshops, including B2B Trade missions and symposiums with the City of Los Ange-
les. The “Push for Entrepreneurship” also includes reaching out to the youth, starting students young and orienting them to the nuts and bolts of running a business. Rallying for the entrepreneurship movement is a vibrant and energetic team of officers and board of directors. Elected 1st Vice President for Membership Relations is Lois Klavir, who has an accomplished career in Commercial Banking. Vice President for Events is Angelo Varsobia, who has two companies rapidly growing in the Property Management and Preservation Services,
and Homecare Services. Now taking the reigns as treasurer is former two-time FACCGLA President Gerry Palon, who is a financial services manager of a Fortune 500 Company. Secretary is Connie Mapue, a Financial Educator and Licensed Life and Health Marketing Director. Longtime members make up the rest of the Board, namely Roy and Vangie Tabberah who worked in banking and healthcare, respectively. Vangie has been a member of the FACCGLA for 11 years and has served in various positions. Visual Arts Entrepreneur Vivian Lim has been an active member for over five years. Businesswoman and FACCGLA President Emeritus 2013 Mary Ann Omega also currently serves on the Board. Other members of the incoming Board are Gemma Bergstrom (Medical Secretary, Finance
and Quality Assurance), Doreen Remo (Yoga and Pilates Instructor), Tess Somera (RN with businesses in on-line marketing and merchandising), Mary Trinidad (Managing Partner in Promotional Products Company) and Annie Nepomuceno (Music Services, performer and producer). On March 3 at 6 p.m., the FACC-GLA community converges for its gala and induction in an 80s-themed party dubbed “Together in Electric Dreams” at the Versailles Ballroom of the Olympic Collection (11301 W Olympic Blvd, corner Sawtelle). Those interested in learning more about being a member of the FACC-GLA can visit www. faccgla.org for more information. Please visit the Events link to purchase tickets to the March 3 gala event. (Advertising Supplement)
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www.TravelTradeConsumer.com Asian Journal’s series of annual events showcasing tourism, trade, and business opportunities in the USA and Philippines.
cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 28, 2018
12th Philippine Ambassadors’ Tour to feature three renowned destinations by Rae ann VaRona / AJPress THE Philippine Consulate General and the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Los Angeles announced on Friday, February 16, the 12th annual Ambassadors’ Tour which will once again give Filipino Americans and others the opportunity to experience the Philippines alongside government representatives. “We are very excited and happy to announce the launching of the 12th Ambassadors’ Tour,” said Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz at the Friday night launch. This year’s tour will be led by the Los Angeles post. The Ambassadors’ Tour — formerly the Ambassador, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour — debuted in 2005 by former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario, then the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. The tour is a flagship project by the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the U.S, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Tourism
Malate Church, Manila
(DOT), partnered with Philippine Airlines (PAL), and Rajah Tours. “Twelve years is still not enough to cover the entire Philippines,” said Richmond Jimenez, tourism director of the Philippine DOT in Los Angeles. He added that the Philippines has since jumped to 7,600 islands from the 7,100 previously thought two years ago. The upcoming tour will take Bohol Beach Club place from July 9 - 15, 2018 and will cover three of some of the Philippines’ most renowned destinations. While last year’s tour brought participants to Manila and Davao, this year’s participants will get to see both Cebu and Bohol in addition to the country’s capital. Manila At the capital, travelers will witness a wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park in homage to the Philippines’ national hero Jose Rizal. Travelers will also get a drive-by tour through Intramuros, known for Chocolate Hills, Bohol its Spanish architecture and rich history dating back to the late 1500s. Participants of the tour will also walk through both the National Museum and the University of Santo Tomas Museum. Cebu Also known as the “Queen City of the South,” travelers will go on a tour encompassing Cebu’s local heritage, which includes a visit to world-famous Cebuano furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue’s showroom. Some of his clients include American celebrities like Brad Pitt and Angelina
Manila City Hall
The Philippine Consulate General and the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Los Angeles led the launching of the 12th Philippine Ambassador’s Tour on Friday, February 16. AJPress photo by Rae Ann Varona
Jolie. “I’m sure you’ve enjoyed the fruit, but you never knew how it was done,” said Jimenez on Cebu’s famous mangoes. Known especially for its dried mangoes, travelers will go on a Profood plant tour to see what happens before the products hit stores. The Cebu stop will also allow travelers to either swim with Cebu’s famous Oslob whale sharks, or go on another culture-focused “Suroy-Suroy” tour through southern Cebu to see its churches, homes, delicacies, leather goods, and more. In the Cebuano dialect, “suroy-suroy” translates to pasyal-pasyal in Tagalog, or leisure travel in English, shared Vice Consul Dyan Pastrana. Bohol On to the third destination, travelers will ride an exclusive ferry to Bohol, home of the world-famous Chocolate Hills and one of the world’s most smallest primates, the tarsier. Showcasing the island province’s natural wonders, the tour will bring travelers to Bohol’s countryside to see sights like the Chocolate Hills before sending them off to either a farm tour, or a tour of Balicasag Island. Tour inclusions While the tour package does not include airfare, the partnership with PAL will allow
Also known as the “Queen City of the South”, travelers will go on a tour encompassing Cebu’s local heritage. AJPress photos
participants to avail airfare deals. Packages range from $910 to $1,670 and include accommodations at some of the Philippines’ finest hotels like Manila’s Nobu Hotel City of Dreams, Cebu’s ShangriLa Mactan Resort and Spa, and the Henann Resort Alona Beach in Bohol. Transportation, meals, and English-speaking guides will be provided throughout the whole tour. A bonus of course is that tour participants will be able to travel alongside government representatives, said Jimenez. “What we also know is that Ambassador Romualdez himself — our new Philippine ambassador to the United States will be coming with us,” said Jimenez referring to Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez. No promises though were made to meet Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, given his busy schedule — the president
briefly met with delegates attending the reception for last year’s tour participants. Consul General Cruz highlighted that respective governors and city mayors would be there to greet and host the travelers. “So if you can imagine, our local government officials will be rolling out the red carpet of their respective cities and provinces for this particular group,” said Cruz. He added, “I promise you it will be a once in a lifetime experience.” The deadline for applications is April 2, 2018, but people are encouraged to apply early to secure a spot. Those interested in applying for the tour may visit www. ambassadorstour2018.com to learn more about the itinerary and travel packages. Post tour deals curated by Rajah Tours are also available if travelers wish to extend their stay.
Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla on being Yasmien: HIV not something to joke about role models, young achievers and in love by Bot
Glorioso Philstar.com
GMA 7 is airing its first advoca-serye on human immunodeficiency virus or HIV titled “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” in the afternoon prime block. The series aims to disseminate information and at the same time correct a number of public misconceptions about the disease. Lead star Yasmien Kurdi does not only promise to eloquently portray her character Thea Balagtas, who is infected with HIV, but also commits herself to speak out for people living with HIV who have lost courage and confidence to voice out their concerns. “Yes, it will now be my personal advocacy to inform people about HIV,” began
by iza iGlesias ManilaTimes.net
IT’S hard enough just to be a good actor but a high pressured career is enough to push anyone over the edge at times. And with social media now part of daily life, anyone can easily praise, criticize and judge a celebrity at the drop of a hat. No one knows this reality better than the teenage tandem that grew up—and fell in love for real—in front of the public eye. Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, more popularly known by the portmanteau KathNiel, have learned to watch their every step because they know that with their fame comes the responsibility of influencing a generation of fans for the good. This is not to say KathNiel is a pair of goody-goodies. To be sure they have found themselves the topic of showbiz gossip, bashing and the like. Amid all these, however, they strive hard to be image-conscious for their families, their fans and themselves. “We’d like to think we were both raised well. We are the product of our parents who taught us what’s right and wrong, and in our position, we know what we need to show the public who look up to us. We know we have to do our best to become good role models of the youth,” Padilla said at the thanksgiving press conference for his and Bernar-
Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo
do’s ABS-CBN prime time “La Luna Sangre,” which is now on its final week run. What’s real It can be recalled that Padilla and Bernardo were first paired in 2012’s teen drama series, “Princess and I.” Since then, they were cast in one project after another—both for the small and big screens— drawing them closer and closer, until they admitted to be “exclusively dating” in 2016. As a real couple who need to put their best foot forward in public appearances, KathNiel nonetheless never held back
ABS-CBN photo
in showing their affection for one another. They do not see anything wrong with PDA, the acronym for “Public Dispay of Affection,” and Bernardo explained why: “I can hug him in front of you [and if you’re uncomfortable about it]that’s not our problem because what we promise our fans is that we will always be real in front of them.” For the young actress, beyond what the public sees in their interviews and movies is a more significant message to the youth. “At a young age, we know the value of hard Continued on Page 4
Yasmien Kurdi with co-stars Martin del Rosario, Mike Tan and Jackie Rice.
Yasmien about learning and understanding more about the disease. “And to think that we are just in the beginning of tackling it through the show. I hope to learn more as we go along.” Yasmien never denied having known a number of individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV. “Sa mga artista, wala pero sa ibang mga staff like nawala si ganito kasi di agad nila na-treat o di agad nakontrol kaya bumagsak ang resistensya so it is necessary that when you have HIV, you have to stay healthy and never forget to take vitamins and medications.” Others, she added, are too shy to see a doctor to have them checked. “I think, there are also several apps (on the Net) which you can visit to get information on the case and how to properly manage the everyday life. It is also good
GMA photos
that the government is providing free medications.” Asked what she could say to those who turn the issue into an object of ridicule, Yasmien said, “It’s not something to joke about. I think those who make fun of it know little or nothing about HIV. They may also be too young to understand its impact on the victims.” Yasmien also reminded that HIV can be transmitted from one person to another not only through sexual activity but it may also spread through other ways like sharing needle or syringe use and receiving blood transfusion contaminated with HIV. “It’s not also true that when girls accidentally sit on the toilet bowl with sperm or blood ng may HIV, they will most likely acquire the disease or when you eat a banana Continued on Page 3
Richard-Sarah wedding to push through, just not how they want it to RichaRd Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati’s big day is coming closer as Lahbati is due to give birth “anytime.” Gutierrez said on the talk show “Tonight with Boy abunda” that the actress is on her “last month of pregnancy.” he said pregnancy was easier for her on the second time around. The two actors have a four-year-old son named Zion. They have also been planning their wedding after five years as a couple. it appears they’ll be having a large wedding, as per their parents’ requests. “Siyempre, yung parents namin ni Sarah they’re very traditional Filipino, especially our moms. Gusto nila dito sa Pilipinas. Gusto nila yung traditional na invited lahat, invited yung
Sarah Lahbati, Richard Gutierrez and their son Zion.
Siyempre nirerespeto namin yung gusto ng parents namin. (Of course, both our parents are very traditional Filipino, especially our moms. They want it here in the Philippines. They want it in the traditional way that everyone’s invited, even the relatives of our relatives, so we can’t say no to that. Of course, we’ll respect what our parents want),” he said. however, their own dream wedding would take a different direction. “if we can have it our way, gusto namin sana ni Sarah na mas intimate yung wedding. Gusto sana namin yung close family and close friends ang kasama namin dun sa special moment namin. (If we can have it our way, we would want a more intimate wedding. We would want close family and close friends with us in our special moment.)” he also disclosed that they have a “shortlist of venues” and that they want a “beach wedding or a mountain wedding.” in the premiere episode of season five of the reality show “it Takes Gutz to Be a Gutierrez”, Lahbati’s condition for a wedding location was “it has to be somewhere cold.” a destination wedding could be fitting as Gutierrez proposed in the mountains of Switzerland last august. (Niña Photos courtesy of Nice Print Photography V. Guno/Inquirer.neT)
kamag-anak ng kamag-anak namin so siyempre hindi naman namin matatanggihan yun.
Adel
Paolo Duterte
Kris Aquino
Philstar.com photos
get to know him properly and promise there would be no drama during their meeting. She explained that she made the invite online as she already saw an “opportunity to open communication lines.” “To the best of my knowledge we have never actually met or been personally introduced,” aquino said adding that she only met the current president and his daughter, Kitty. “i have no agenda other than the desire for you to personally get to know me & vice versa... Too much bad blood has already been manufactured between our families... We have the chance to hear each other out,” the former president’s daughter said. aquino said she would rather be rejected than regret
not inviting duterte. She also said she would respect the president’s son if he would decline her invite. “Hihiram ako ng linya kay Julia Roberts from Notting hill (but of course rewriting it to suit our particular situation): i’m just a girl, unfortunately not standing in front of a boy, but doing it via social media- asking him to give getting to know her personally a chance... i shall await your decision & pray that my effort won’t be snubbed,” aquino wrote. aquino also earlier addressed trolls and fake news purveyors who are discrediting the legacy of her mother amid the revisionism of the 1986 edSa People Power Revolution.
Yasmien: HIV not something to... From Page 2 contaminated with blood mahahawa ka din, hindi po totoo ‘yun.” That’s why, the Kapuso talent hopes to share more about hiV with televiewers. in the story, Yasmien’s Thea is set to suffer physical, emotional and mental distress upon learning that she is infected with the disease despite her being a loyal and loving wife to her husband and a good mother to their children. clueless of how
Diether Ocampo pushes polo advocacy P. esgueRRA Philstar.com
Philstar.com
acTReSS and host Kris aquino on Tuesday, February 27, took to social media to invite President Rodrigo duterte’s eldest son, Paolo, for a coffee or beer. aquino’s invite came a week after the resigned davao Vice Mayor criticized her family and commented on the commemoration of edSa People Power Revolution. duterte mentioned aquino in his post, saying she should stop being dramatic and should just play PlayStation4. duterte’s post also indicated that “the commemoration of edSa is a reminder of a broken promise 30 years since.” it cited the “two aquinos and the corruption that prevailed,” referring to the late President corazon “cory” aquino and his father’s predecessor, former President Benigno “Noynoy” aquino iii. The post also bore the hashtag “eat sh** and die.” aquino, subsequently, replied to the post and clarified she does not know how to play PS4. her brother was previously criticized after rumors surfaced that he was allegedly busy playing video games at the height of the Manila hostage crisis in 2010, which he later on denied. The actress-host said she invited duterte so that she can
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 28, 2018
by tinnie
Kris Aquino invites Paolo Duterte for coffee or beer after being mocked on EDSA anniversary by Rosette
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she got infected with hiV, her husband is led to believe that she cheated on him and files for legal separation, taking their kids with him. during the presscon, Yasmien revealed to have personally met the woman who has been suffering in real life her character’s horrible fate. “Yes, she is also married with a child and until now their marriage is intact. This (soap) will help everybody. There’s no cure yet but it will share things
on how to take care of your body. Support from family is also important.” She, too, did some research by attending a seminar at the Philippine National aidS council (PNac) and mingling with the hiV-infected people to better understand how they cope with everyday life. “do not judge too quickly,” said Yasmien to those who have misunderstood the health issue. “Because it would only add much emotional stress.”
BaSed on his commitment and dedication to the sport, diether Ocampo could very well be hailed as one of the country’s rightful ambassadors of polo. Because of its aristocratic origins, the game has often been misconstrued as an elitist sport, exclusive only to the rich and famous. diether has long been working at shattering this misconception and getting more kids involved in learning its basics. This was his primary objective in establishing the cockatoo Polo cup, which recently held its third edition last weekend at the Big Ben Farm in Pulilan, Bulacan. Presented by cathy Valencia advanced Skin clinic, the cockatoo cup was also attended by veteran polo players Rep. Mikee Romero, Freddie Borromeo, anton Quisumbing, anthony Garcia, Jun Juban, Santi Lujan, Miguel dure and international campaigners like Kathryn Fischer, Marina Rose Best and alexander Vogi, among others. Former Viva hotbabes and incumbent calatagan Vice Mayor andrea del Rosario also competed. despite chalking up an impressive score, diether feels
Diether Ocampo feels more fulfilled with the mileage they’ve been generating for the sport through the Cockatoo Polo Cup. Philstar.com photo
more fulfilled with the mileage they’ve been generating for the sport, and hopes to discover a new breed of promising players who can represent the country in the Sea Games, and possibly even in the global circuit. “This is the way to do it,
to make the Philippines more known to the world. We’re starting to generate awareness. The sport is very accessible, not an elitist sport. it doesn’t matter if you can’t afford to ride. it’s time for us to unite and help each other,” diether asserts.
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entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 28, 2018
Kristoffer Martin ready for mature roles “IT’S about time people see a different me,” was Kristoffer Martin’s determined declaration during the music video shoot for his latest single “Paulit-ulit” under GMA Records. Sporting a trendy haircut and a noticeably buffer body, Kristoffer admitted he intended
to reinvent his image for a while now. “I’ve been planning to do this since last year, but I couldn’t [change too much] because I had an ongoing series. I had man bun in ‘Super Ma’am’ to fit the character I was portraying but even that then, I was
Two lovely ladies to perform with Jose Mari Chan in concert
Two lovely ladies, both accomplished singers in their own right, will join legendary singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan in his “Timeless Tales of Love” concert series scheduled in March in three cities in the west Coast. Joining Jose Mari Chan as his special guests are Julia Clarette, actress, singer and former host of the longest running noontime TV show in the Philippines, “Eat Bulaga”, and Jules Aurora, the talented FilAm finalist of “X Factor USA: Season 3” competition. The Kristoffer Martin GMA photo world-class performances of already working out to build up the three artists will showcase muscles.” the best in Filipino talent and As soon as the fantasy series entertainment. concluded, Kristoffer headed Jose Mari Chan, who has straight to his hair stylist and respent the last 50 years serenadvamped his wardrobe to go with ing us with beautiful ballads his new hunky look. that touched our hearts – songs Just this week, Kristoffer like “Afterglow,” “Beautiful surprised his followers with his Girl,” and “Can we Just Stop new look after he posted a sexy and Talk Awhile,” will bring photo from the beach. Drawing his “Timeless Tales of Love” good feedback, netizens were concert series, his first in many quick to suggest to the actor to years in the United States, in take on more daring roles for TV two cities in Southern California and even the movies. and in Seattle, washington. Asked to react, Kristoffer The first will be held on said, “If a project requires daring March 23 at the Arcadia Center scenes, I’m open to them as long as they’re done in good taste. Kung hindi naman bastos at talagang super ganda ng role, I’m up to the challenge. Tapos na ang tween star days ko. I’m an actor and I should prove to the public that I can do things na pwedeng mas magpatingkad ng talent ko.” As if on cue, offers for more mature roles indeed came Kristoffer’s way, one of which is a movie with an award-winning director at the helm. Details are still under wraps but he will join a cast of big stars, including a veteran and multi-awarded actress whose body of works is recognized in the Philippines and Jules Aurora beyond. “I am so excited about this project because it will be very challenging for me to work with an actress of that caliber. our director already talked to me about it and I can’t wait to start filming.” (ManilaTimes.net) IN reaction to Philstar. com’s story last February 19 titled “Arci Muñoz, Brandon Boyd exchange ‘I love you’ signs at concert,” the Filipina singer and the American frontman of the band Incubus have aired their side to clarify the real score between them. In a Twitter post, Arci simply replied to Philstar. com’s report with “crying while laughing” emojis. In her Instagram account, she also posted her pictures with the band, and a video where she is making the peace sign while seemingly whispering “I love Brandon.” During a recent interview with the press following her launch as the first female wrangler Philippines endorser, Arci stressed that she is “just friends” with the Incubus vocalist and his band mates. She said she is particularly close to the band’s DJ, Chris Kilmore, and bassist Ben Kenney. According to her, she tagged Brandon in a post about the report and the Incubus frontman replied, “So what
for the Performing Arts in the city of Arcadia, while the second Southern California concert will be held on March 24 at the Envision Center in Van Nuys. The third will be held on March 25 at the Pantages Theater in Seattle, washington. “Timeless Tales of Love,” part of Jose Mari Chan’s celebration of his 50th year as a singer-songwriter, is being produced by Forex Cargo US to commemorate its own 35th anniversary as one of the biggest Filipino cargo forwarders in the U.S. Proceeds of the concert series will benefit three nonprofit organizations: ANCoP USA, which addresses issues of poverty, housing, education and livelihood for the poor in the Philippines; GIFT International Foundation, which provides healthcare services to the elderly, college scholarships to eligible youth, and learning materials to preschool children in the Philippines; and The Forex Foundation, which provides humanitarian, social and financial assistance to deserving sectors in the U.S. and the Philippines.
Julia Clarete
Jose Mari Chan
The “Timeless Tales of Love” concert features the immortal music of Jose Mari Chan, who began his career in 1965 when he hosted a daily TV show in the Philippines. After five decades of composing and singing, Jose Mari Chan continues to mesmerize fans with his greatest hits including his first single, “Afterglow”, followed by his debut LP, “Deep In My Heart”, “Beautiful Girl”, “Please Be Careful with My Heart”, and “Can’t we Start over Again”, from the “Constant Change” album. The Concert pays tribute to his “gift of music” which the songwriter acknowledges as a constant blessing. Tickets are available thru Forex offices all over Southern California and in the state of washington, and in selected outlets. The concert series is sponsored by the following: Pacific Barristers Group and Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos, partner; Philippine Airlines, Philippine Department of Tourism, Asian Journal, All Access, CarloPacific.com, Forex via Nex, IgG Plus, So Janelle, and Tamaki Law.
(Advertising Supplement)
Arci Munoz, Incubus’ Brandon Boyd react to ‘I love you’ signs report
Incubus frontman Brandon Boyd and Filipina singer-actress Arci Munoz.
is the love sign?” Arci said, she told Brandon “I don’t know” and “Just don’t mind them” because she felt shy.
After Incubus’ concert on February 17, the band and Arci went to Nelly’s concert in The Cove for an after-party. (Philstar.com)
Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla on being... From Page 2
work and because of it, we can already support our families. So beyond our relationship on and off camera, there are things we’re able to achieve, and we do all that by being real.” What’s love In doing “La Luna Sangre,” Bernardo said she further realized that there can be no other reality as powerful as love. “Those who watch the show will know that character Malia and Daniel’s role as Tristan have faced so many challenges together. But at the end of the day, whether a person turns ‘bad’ because of situations, they can change because of love.” Speaking as one half of KathNiel again, she deduced, “That’s something I also want to go by in real life. Just like any relationship, Malia and Tristan’s journey isn’t easy, and in real life, we all face challenges too. But if we face them hand in hand, we can get through them, with love.” What’s next According to the reel and
real-life couple, the final week of “La Luna Sangre,” which went into high gear this week, will show tensions rise, especially after the leader of the evil vampires Sandrino (Richard Gutierrez) discovers his brother Tristan had betrayed him and sided with Malia over love. As a couple, Malia and Tristan will fight for peace as Sandrino does everything in his power to on filling the world with the darkness of his absolute rule. with the show coming to an end, KathNiel admit they have mixed feelings over what has been a very enriching experience in their careers. “First of all, it was hard for me to do ‘La Luna’ because I had to make big adjustments to portray Malia,” she said of what turned out to be not just an emotionally driven role but a physically demanding one as well. “The show was the first time I became really hands on in my role and collaborate with the writers and directors so I definitely learned a lot in ‘La Luna.’”
Elaborating, Bernardo went on, “we matured as actors here and we became independent as well. In the past, we were very dependent on our directors for guidance, but with “La Luna,” with multiple units and directors, we have to know what’s happening wherever they throw us to do scenes. “To do a series as big as this takes a lot of team work and thankfully, we became a family here—and I’ will miss that. I might have sepanx [separation anxiety]because as hard as it’s been to ‘La Luna,’ we all have fun on the set, and never expected the show will run as long as 10 months.” on Padilla’s part, he related, “I’m really proud of La Luna because this is the first fantaserye (fantasy-based series) Kath and I did. It was a roller coaster ride for sure, but instead of thinking the about all the stress we’ve gone through, I choose to think of all the good memories we’ve made on this show. Because definitely, it brought us closer than before. For real!”
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 28, 2018
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 28, 2018