022920 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

FEBRUARY 29-MARCH 3, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 16 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Duterte: PH must be ready to defend itself

USA

DATELINE As a second coronavirus case is confirmed in California, WHO upgrades risk to ‘very high’

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

WHILE the rest of the world is exploring ways to combat the viral spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) within their respective countries, there has been a second confirmed case of the severe infection in California. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on Wednesday, February 26 that an individual in California has contracted the infection, making them the first person in the U.S. to get infected despite not having visited a foreign country in recent times or engaging in contact with an infected person. “At this time, the patient’s exposure is unknown,” the CDC wrote in a statement. It’s possible this could be an instance of community spread of COVID-19, which would be the first time this has happened in the United States.” The CDC defines community spread as the expansion of a disease for which “the source of infection is unknown. This “unknown” case brings the number of confirmed cases detected in the U.S. to 15; of these, 12 cases are reu PAGE A4

Trump to nominate retired Fil-Am Navy Rear Admiral for assistant defense secretary

THE Philippines has “no business being a republic” if it cannot stand on its own feet, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday, February 27 in another defense of his decision to scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States. “If we can’t do it, we have no business being a republic. You might as well choose. We can be a territory of the Americans or we can be a province of China,” he said.

Duterte relayed that he asked the police and the military forces whether the country could survive without the VFA. “My question to the Armed Forces: Can we survive without the Americans? Can we fight the wars? And the military and police said, ‘Sir, we can,’” he said. Duterte also dismissed insinuations that his decision to terminate the VFA was a “knee-jerk reaction” to the cancellation of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa’s U.S. visa. “You cannot toy around with the Republic of the

Philippines with a knee-jerk reaction. It’s always what is good for our country,” he said. Dela Rosa, who spearheaded Duterte’s war on drugs during his stint as police chief, said his visa cancellation might be because of his supposed involvement in the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJK) associated with the anti-drug campaign. Duterte maintained that he is not a murderer, insisting that he ordered the killings without malice. “I am not a murderer. Lahat ng tao ‘pag inipit mo (When you put people in a corner), I can be everyu PAGE A2

Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez discusses the post-Visiting Forces Agreement of the Philippines-U.S. alliance at a forum organized by Stratbase ADR Institute in Makati City. Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toldeo

Philippines, US envoys working on new defense pact by HELEN

FLORES Philstar.com

PRESIDENT Donald Trump plans to nominate a retired Filipino American Navy veteran to be the assistant secretary for strategy, plans and capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the White House announced on Wednesday, February 26. Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Victorino G. Mercado — who was born in the U.S. and whose family comes from Batangas, Philippines, according to the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu — currently serves as deputy assistant secretary of defense for plans and posture, the “principle civilian advisor” to the deputy under secretary of defense who provides counsel on campaign and contingency plans. As assistant secretary for strategy, plans and capabilities, Mercado’s responsibilities will increase as will act as the primary adviser on national security issues and defense strategies to the defense secretary, deputy defense secretary, under secretary for policy and principal deputy under secretary of defense. u PAGE A4

MANILA — After President Duterte’s unilateral abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, there are efforts by his administration to craft a replacement, Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez said at a forum on Thursday, Februu PAGE A2

AADDRESSING CONCERNS. President Rodrigo Duterte answers queries from members of the media following the oath-taking of the new officials of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and presentation of the 12th Ani ng Dangal awardees at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, February 26. Duterte said he will leave ABS-CBN’s impending franchise renewal to Congress adding he has accepted the media network’s apology. Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi

ABS-CBN ‘humbled’ by Duterte’s acceptance of apology by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

PHILIPPINE network giant ABSCBN said it was ‘grateful and humbled’ by President Rodrigo Duterte’s acceptance of its apology over an ad campaign during the 2016 election campaign. “We are grateful and humbled by President Rodrigo Duterte’s acceptance of our apology,” the network said in a statement on Thursday, February 27. “ABS-CBN remains committed to becoming a better organization and Militant organizations, including the feminist group Gabriela, join calls for the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise and to continue to provide more meanthe dismissal of the quo warranto petition filed against the network by Solicitor General Jose Calida, in a rally outside ingful service to Filipinos,” it added. the Supreme Court compound in Manila on Wednesday, February 26. Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes ABS-CBN president and CEO

Carlo Katigbak on Monday, February 24 apologized to the Philippine president for airing former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s political ad that featured clips of Duterte using foul language and making offensive gestures. He also explained that ABS-CBN failed to air around P7 million worth of Duterte’s local ads because of an airtime limit. The network managed to return P4 million while the remaining P2.6 million was delayed and rejected by Duterte’s camp. Duterte on Wednesday accepted the apology, adding that ABS-CBN should donate the remaining P2.6 u PAGE A4

THE VINDICATION OF AMBRA GUTIERREZ Philippines tells UN: No rights violations in drug war Filipina-Italian model on Weinstein’s by CHRISTINA

MENDEZ

Philstar.com

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar

MANILA — A Philippine delegation raced against time to turn the tide in favor of President Duterte as the administration presented last night its stand on human rights before the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council, High Level Segment in the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Communications Secretary Martin Andanar led the Philippine delegation in countering reports that Duterte has committed human rights violations to imple-

ment the administration’s war against illegal drugs. In his presentation before the international media and human rights experts at the United Nations on Tuesday, Andanar pointed out the real state of media freedom in the Philippines. “The Duterte administration has created a transparent government, an enabling media environment, a safe space for journalists, and yet it remains open to criticisms,” Andanar said in his prepared speech, a copy of which was provided to the Malacañang Press Corps yesterday. u PAGE A3

convictions: ‘Pure happiness’ by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

Screen cap from Ronan Farrow’s #CatchAndKill podcast

AMBRA Battilana Gutierrez said she felt “pure happiness” when movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of a criminal sexual act and third degree rape on February 24. “Happiness. Pure happiness. It was the verdict that I was really wishing for,” Gutierrez told CourtTV outside the New York Supreme Court in Manhattan moments after the verdict was announced. The Filipina-Italian model, who was 22 at that time said Weinstein assaulted her in his Tribeca office at a business meeting in March 2015. She moved to the u PAGE A3

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From the Front Page

34 YEARS LATER. Former senator Rene Saguisag (left), former vice president Jejomar Binay (right) and former Tourism secretary Antonio Gonzales (second from right) mark the 34th anniversary of the People Power Revolution on Tuesday, February 25, near the monument of Ninoy Aquino along Ayala Avenue in Makati City. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike Alquinto

Duterte: PH must be ready... PAGE A1 t

thing but not with the malice in the mind…There is no malice. It was just a statement of my being the mayor and the President,” he said Wednesday during the recognition of Filipino artists in

Malacañang. He also said he is taking full responsibility for his drug war. “Let me unburden your heart. Ako ‘yun. Ako ‘yun (It’s me). I take full legal responsibility. And if there’s somebody who will be

executed or put in prison, ako ‘yun (It’s me),” Duterte said. “Now, I am being made to answer. Yeah, I will answer…It’s all about the dignity of my countrymen, of not being a victim, not being mobbed,” he added. n

Philippines, US envoys working on new... PAGE A1 t ary 27. “We are now in the process of trying to find ways and means to be able to see how we can either come up with something similar, perhaps, again, still following the President’s thinking about the sovereignty issue,” Romualdez said at the forum organized by Stratbase-ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies (ADRi). He said he and his counterpart, U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim, who is currently in the U.S., are studying the possibility of using the Philippines’ visiting forces agreements with Japan and Australia as template for a new deal with the U.S. “The Japan SOFA (status of forces agreement) is one of those recommended for study and also I think we have SOVFA (status of visiting forces agreement) with Australia. These are the two exist-

ing agreements with other countries,” Romualdez said. He said the proposal he is working on with Kim would be an option for the President to consider. He said the military will present the proposed agreement to Duterte. “But again the bottom line always falls on sovereignty and that is the reason why it is a very ticklish and very sensitive issue for both our countries in discussing what we want to do in moving forward,” Romualdez said. He added that Pentagon officials are “extremely concerned” about what would happen after the VFA abrogation. The envoy also expressed doubts that Duterte would scrap the MDT. Duterte ordered the termination of the VFA following the cancellation of the visa of one of his closest allies, Sen. Ronaldo dela Rosa, who led his controversial drug war during the latter’s stint as chief of

the Philippine National Police. At Malacañang, however, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said crafting a new VFA-like deal, as revealed by Romualdez, was “just recommendatory.” “The President will not change his mind,” Panelo said in Filipino. Last Wednesday, Duterte said the Philippines should be ready to stand on its own in its fight against terrorism, insurgency and in defending its territory, otherwise “it does not have business being a Republic.” It was at this point that Duterte argued that the Philippines may have to choose between becoming a territory of the U.S. or a province of China if it would continue to rely on other countries to defend its territory. Duterte insisted the country has no need for the US, citing an assurance from the Philippine u PAGE A6

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Filipina-Italian model on Weinstein’s... PAGE A1 t United States a month earlier to pursue her modeling career. Gutierrez said that she went straight to the police an hour after the meeting to speak about what happened. She collaborated with the officials and gathered proof on record. The police asked her to wear a wire when she met with Weinstein again. “I needed to be here to at least get a positive memory of this situation because of course, I had a bad experience in 2015 and I don’t want anybody to have the same,” she said. “Everything I have done, I did it for other women. Right now, I know that I won so this is enough for me.” The jury of seven men and five women found the 67-year-old Hollywood producer guilty of criminal sexual acts in the first degree and rape in the third degree and not guilty of first-degree rape and predatory sexual assault. With the two convictions, Weinstein faces up to 25 years in prison. The story didn’t break until 2017 and dozens of women have come forward with allegations against the producer. With the initial media reports, Weinstein’s supporters tried to discredit the model and accused her of lying. Gutierrez received negative press, particularly from American tabloids. Her past in Italy was scrutinized, including her involvement in the scandal that eventually brought down former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. “Everything was manipulated…having everyone think that I was a liar and blackmailer with-

out knowing there was those proof of recordings that I got with the police,” she expressed. While she went into depression following this chapter in her life, Gutierrez held on because she knew the truth and it was her best weapon when she decided to take her life back. She had these audio recordings to prove that she was telling the truth. “My life was destroyed, my reputation as destroyed. I had to leave New York and I moved to another country,” Gutierrez added. “My name was ruined and I couldn’t really pursue my dreams. I lost everything for a while, and I got it back.” Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance praised the women who testified against Weinstein saying that this “new landscape for sexual violence survivors” and that what they did has changed the course of history. “We all owe an immense debt to you, who had the courage beyond measure to speak your story to the world, to the court-

administration respects human rights, Andanar discussed the milestones of the Duterte administration in upholding the rights of the media, and their security. “One of the President’s favorite adages is: ‘I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it.’ While the President can and will say what he wants, his actions speak much louder than his words,” he added. To show how the President respects freedom of the press, Andanar talked about the establishment of the Freedom of Information program that opens all records of public interest up for scrutiny; and the creation of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS). Andanar also presented the expanded Sotto Law, which now exempts broadcast and online journalists from revealing the sources of confidential information. He highlighted the government’s triumph over the Maguindanao massacre case that involved the killing of 32 media workers in 2009. “These should all attest that press freedom is very much alive in the Philippines, and that we have a fully functioning, impartial and independent justice system,” Andanar said. n

room, at great personal risk, and in great personal pain,” Vance said. “Weinstein is a vicious, serial sexual predator who used his power to threaten, rape, assault, trick, humiliate, and silence his victims.” Earlier this month, Vance faced calls to resign over his handling of the sexual abuse case in 2015 involving Weinstein and Gutierrez. The producer reportedly admitted to groping Gutierrez in the audio recording, which was part of a New York Police Department sting operation. The Manhattan DA declined then to charge Weinstein despite the evidence that Gutierrez provided. The New York City Council’s Women Caucus, which includes all 12 women of the city council, called for Vance’s resignation for “failing to protect and fight for survivors against rich, white, and powerful men who committed countless sexual assaults.” n

lenges facing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been sidestepped by Washington,” the former South Bend, Indiana mayor said in a statement. Acknowledging current data collection practices that clump groups together and fail to get the nuances and challenges each one faces, the plan calls on federal agencies to separate data for specific AAPI and Native Hawaiian populations. “As president, I’ll take my lead from community leaders and center their voices in the critical work of empowering AAPI families,” Buttigieg added. Dispelling the “model minority” myth, Buttigieg’s plan would disaggregate data to look at the

barriers to learning — from early childhood to higher education — across AAPI groups. With 15% DEMOCRATIC presidential of Asian American children conhopeful Pete Buttigieg released sidered dual language learners, an extensive plan on Wednesthe presidential hopeful would day, February 26 addressing isincrease the number of programs sues facing Asian American and and instructors for “culturally rePacific Islander (AAPI) populasponsive education.” The data tions, from disaggregating data will also look at incidences of to restoring the Filipino World AAPI students being bullied and War II Veterans Parole Program. access to counseling. The plan, “Belonging, Op“His administration will manportunity, Empowerment: An date data disaggregation for Agenda for Asian Americans and AAPI students and include data Pacific Islanders,” covers the on topics like access to couneducation, economic, health and seling, experiences with school immigration concerns of AAPIs, discipline, and instances of bulconsidered the fastest-growing lying,” the agenda said. racial group in the country. Unlike fellow presidential can“For far too long, the chaldidate Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders whose central campaign promise Medicare for All calls for a single-payer, national health insurance program, Buttigieg’s answer is “Medicare for All Who Want It,” which gives individuals the choice to opt into an affordable public alternative to health care and incentivizes private insurers to bring down costs. “The public plan will provide self-employed AAPIs, such as small business owners, with a new affordable insurance option and push private insurers to compete on price and quality. Americans on private insurance, including 72% of Chinese AmerDemocratic presidential candidate and former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg icans and 78% of Filipino Amer-

M. Oriel

AJPress

Ambra Gutierrez, in an interview with Court TV outside the New York Supreme Court building in Manhattan moments after Harvey Weinstein was found guilty on a criminal sexual act in the first degree and rape in the third degree and he was remanded to jail until sentencing.

A

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg releases AAPI plan that would disaggregate data, restore Filipino WWII Veterans Parole Program by Christina

Philippines tells UN: No... PAGE A1 t Despite critical narratives faced by the Duterte administration, Andanar said such criticisms will not deter the administration in pursuing the drug war. He decried what he described as disinformation against the present administration. Andanar also defended the Chief Executive over insinuations that he is suppressing the freedom of the press in the Philippines. “There are a lot of stories criticizing the government of President Rodrigo Duterte, including issues regarding media freedom. You read it in the headlines, you see it on the TV, in pieces written by observers both at home and abroad, even content from trolls in the digital space,” he said. “The fact that such articles, reports and accounts exist, indicates that there is free press in the Philippines—no censorship, no persecution,” Andanar said. “These narratives are something we expect, as our current administration is a game-changing one. But some of these narratives are written out of context, some without basis, and others, outright lies. It is our job to challenge, and to clarify these inaccurate stories, and to simply tell the truth,” he added. To convince the UN that the

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 29-mARch 3, 2020

(center) met with AAPI labor leaders in Las Vegas during a town hall on Friday, December 20, 2019. AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal

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Carlos Bulosan and family honored US coalition holds protest in support at University of California Irvine of ABS-CBN franchise renewal by Florante

Peter Ibanez Inquirer.net

by JosePh

l. Peralta

AJPress

IRVINE, California – Acclaimed Filipino American writer, poet and novelist Carlos Bulosan and his family’s descendants were honored Thursday, February 20 at University of California at Irvine. The Kababayan student organization and Asian American Studies department hosted the event at the campus Cross Cultural Center in the Dr. Joe White Community space. The highlight of the program was the attendance by Bulosan’s family descendants led by Carlos’ brother Aurelio’s daughter Aurea Gentile,

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS68033 - Construction Support Services Contract for Highway I-605 Project at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS68521 - RIITS Strategic Plan and Roadmap at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, 9:00 a.m., at One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Union Station: Room 03-29. All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. PS68033.

A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, 10:30 a.m., at One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, 03 Union Station. All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on April 8, 2020. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. PS68521.

For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Diana Dai-Tsang at daitsangd@ metro.net. 2/29/20 CNS-3346152# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Leisa Oden-Kurz at odenkurzl@ metro.net. 2/29/20 CNS-3346415# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

SAN FRANCISCO — A United States-based coalition, We Stand With ABS-CBN Coalition, held a protest rally on Tuesday, February 25 in front of the Philippine Center Building in downtown, which houses the Philippine Consulate General, in support of the franchise renewal efforts of Philippine network giant ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. The protest rally coincided with the 34th commemoration of the People Power Revolution, which brought down the Ferdinand Marcos regime and ended Carlos Bulosan family descendants attend UC more than a decade of martial law Irvine tribute to the acclaimed Filipino American in the Philippines. author February 20, 2020 at campus Cross The midday protest, attended Cultural Center (left to right front row) Laveta Gentile, Aurea Gentile and Carla Tabana. (Second by about 75 Filipino Americans,

featured chants and a few speakers, with protesters holding placards and banners espousing press freedom and the hashtag #WeStandWithABSCBN, all under the watchful eyes of members of the San Francisco Police Department. In a joint statement a coalition of community organizations — which includes the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Asian Community of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (ACCNMI), U.S. Pinoys for Good Governments (USPGG), DAMAYAN Migrant Workers Association, Filipino American Human Rights Alliance (FAHRA) and Fil-Am Journalists and Communication Professionals of The Fil-Am Press Club of New

row) Karen Tabana and Prof. Thomas Fujita Rony. (Third row) Florante Ibanez, Jaime Geaga and Prof. Dorothy Fujita-Rony. Inquirer.net photo by Florante Ibanez

90. Aurea was accompanied by her daughters, Laveta Gentile, Karen Gentile, and Carla Tabana and their respective spouses. Aurea dramatically read a letter written to her by her uncle Carlos, before his death in Seattle in 1956. For their family efforts to continue the memory of Carlos Bulosan, the University of California, Irvine presented a plaque inscribed, “For the Gentile Family, in appreciation for all you have done in continuing the legacy of Aurelio Bulosan and Carlos Bulosan.” Welcomes by event planners Professor Dorothy Fujita-Rony and Kababayan officers were followed by a traditional Tinikling dance performed by Kababayan students. A PowerPoint presentation by Kababayan co-founders Jaime Geaga and this reporter traced Bulosan’s young peasant life in the Philippines to his immigrant life as a labor activist and writer in America as retold in his famous work “America is in the Heart.” The presentation focused on one of his most famous essays, published in March 1943, and was chosen by The Saturday Evening Post to accompany its publication of the Norman Rockwell painting, “Freedom from Want,” part of a series based on President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” speech. A light reception finished the evening with students eager to ask the family questions about Bulosan. n

York (FAPCNY) — denounced the Philippine government’s actions aimed “at shutting down the Philippines’ largest media conglomerate, ABS-CBN, and its U.S. subsidiary, The Filipino Channel (TFC).” The coalition’s statement likened Duterte’s actions to those of Marcos. It added that the broadcast giant “has been a champion of Philippine democracy and in upholding and promoting the democratic rights of the Filipino people, both in the Philippines and in the Filipino diaspora.” TFC, it said, has been crucial in delivering news to Fil-Ams and “in championing the rights of Filipino World War II veterans, and in the political empowerment of the community.”

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DEFEND PRESS FREEDOM. Dozens of Filipino American community members flocked to the Philippine Center Building in downtown San Francisco on Tuesday, February 25 to protest the Duterte administration’s actions against broadcast giant ABS-CBN and its impending franchise expiration. Similar events were held in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York and coincided with the 34th commemoration of the People Power Revolution. AJPress photo by Joseph Peralta

ABS-CBN ‘humbled’ by Duterte’s acceptance...

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million to charity. “We will coordinate with the president’s office as it relates to his guidance on donating the refund to a charitable institution,” ABS-CBN said. Sara Duterte backs ABS-CBN franchise bid Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio, spurred by her father’s apology acceptance, expressed her support for ABSCBN’s franchise renewal.

“Davao City fully supports ABS-CBN sa kanilang pagpaparenew ng kanilang franchise (in their bid to renew its franchise). Of course malaki din ang suporta ng ABS-CBN sa Davao City at sa buong bansa (ABS-CBN extends huge support to Davao City and the whole country),” said Sara Duterte in a chance interview with reporters in Sulu. “Hopefully ma-resolve in a very positive way ang issue ng franchise ng ABS-CBN (Hope-

fully ABS-CBN’s franchise issue gets resolved in a very positive way),” she added. The mayor also noted that Duterte accepted ABS-CBN’s apology because of his empathy. “Of course, alam niyo si President Duterte, maawain ‘yan na tao. Iniisip din niya ‘yung trabaho ng maraming employees ng ABSCBN (You know President Duterte is emphatic. He is thinking of the jobs of ABS-CBN’s many employees),” she said. n

Trump to nominate retired Fil-Am Navy...

PAGE A1 t After a 35-year career with the U.S. Navy, Mercado retired in the summer of 2018 before transitioning to his previous post with the DOD. Throughout his career, he has completed tours and assignments across the world, asea and ashore. His final assignment as an active duty service member was as the director of maritime operations for the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Mercado graduated from the Filipino American Victor Mercado will be nominated by President Donald Trump to be Naval Postgraduate School in an assistant secretary of defense for strategy, Monterey, California, earning his master of science in systems plans and capabilities. Photo courtesy of U.S. Dept. of Defense technology in joint command

control and communications. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, earning a bachelor of science in mathematics and computer science in 1983. Following his retirement, Mercado has been celebrated as one of the highest-ranking Filipino Americans who has served the U.S. Navy. In a retirement ceremony on August 7, 2018, Philippine Consul General Joselito A. Jimeno of Hawaii recognized Mercado’s efforts in “fostering the good relationship between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

As a second coronavirus case is confirmed in... PAGE A1 t lated to travel and the other two stemmed from direct contact with an infected person. Another 42 Americans were on the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined in Japan. According to the latest updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 has spread rapidly as the global medical community hurries to mitigate the infection which has already claimed a total of 2,791 deaths in China and 67 outside China. In the daily media briefing on Friday, February 28, the WHO changed its assessment of COVID-19 to “very high,” saying that it is crucial “to break the chains of transmission” to prevent further spread of the disease. “We are on the highest level of alert or highest level of risk assessment in terms of spread and in terms of impact,” Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO’s health emergencies program said at the briefing, urging governments to remain on high alert while also emphasizing that the categorical upgrade is not meant to instill fear in people across the world. “This is a reality check for every government on the planet: Wake up. Get ready. This virus may be on its way and you need to be ready. You have a duty to your citizens, you have a duty to the world to be ready.” As of press time, the virus has made its way to Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Netherlands and Nigeria, establishing a presence in every continent except Antarctica. WHO is still trying to ascertain how the virus spreads but stated that the virus can be contained and the chain of transmission can be broken with the help of robust public health initiatives. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

added that most cases across the globe are traceable to the source, saying that WHO hasn’t found “evidence as yet that the virus is spreading freely in communities. As long as that’s the case, we still have a chance of containing this coronavirus, if robust action is taken to detect cases early, isolate and care for patients and trace contacts.” In the United States, the responsibility of managing the messaging around COVID-19 was given to Vice President Mike Pence who will be leading a White House task force dedicated to informing the public on any updates of the virus in the U.S. Trump announced Pence’s appointment to the cause on Wednesday, February 26, while also downplaying the severity of the virus, referencing the 15 cases in the U.S. that did not contract the virus overseas. “Fifteen people is almost, I would say, a miracle,” Trump told reporters at a Black History Month event at the White House, remaining confident that the U.S. will not experience a massive outbreak. “Because of all we’ve done, the risk to the American people remains very low. We’re ready to adapt and we’re ready to do whatever we have to as the disease spreads if it spreads.” Nevertheless, Pence has begun his post as leader of the COVID-19 task force by meeting with Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious disease. Fauci told reporters following the meeting that “this virus has adapted extremely well to human species” and that it may have a higher mortality rate than influenza. (Fauci added that the White House instructed him to not disclose any other information without clearance from the White House task force.)

In response to the near-daily news of new confirmed cases, local governments have also been ramping up preparedness in the event that the virus hits home. This week, San Francisco Mayor London Breed called for a state of emergency, which she explained is designed to mobilize public health resources by collaborating with city-wide agencies. Due to the high volume of travel between China and San Francisco, city officials are looking to bring together elected officials and community leaders in the medical sphere to “mitigate the harm of the new virus if it emerges in San Francisco.” City officials also noted that despite these precautions, the rise of COVID-19 does not give a reason to impose racial bias. The Director of the Department of Health in San Francisco Dr. Grant Colfax said that “this virus is not about race, ethnicity or culture. The risk of getting coronavirus is based on travel history and contact with people who are sick.” Breed encouraged the community to “support the neighborhoods we love, like Chinatown,” responding to the mass hysteria and fake notifications to avoid Chinese and Asian-owned businesses. As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the outbreak of COVID-19 has opened up the door for the spread of misinformation and racially-charged acts of hate and violence toward the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community. In response, Los Angeles County has already begun a campaign to combat the misinformation and racial profiling by encouraging people to report acts of hate and fraudulent announcements regarding COVID19 to authorities. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg... PAGE A3 t icans, will be able to keep their plan if it works well for them,” according to the plan. Buttigieg’s agenda also mentions research investments into the health issues that affect the various AAPI groups, such as coronary heart disease and diabetes in the Fil-Am population, access to screenings to reduce the number of preventable deaths, and reducing the costs of prescription drugs, especially insulin. The former mayor has been endorsed by a handful of AAPI elected officials, including Filipino Americans Christopher Cabaldon, mayor of West Sacramento, California, and El Cerrito Councilmember Gabriel Quinto. “Whether our families arrived here two weeks or two centuries ago, as AAPIs we’re either invisible or scapegoats in American politics. That’s why Pete’s plan is the bold action we need to reverse the systemic effects of colonization, exclusion, internment, confiscation, and hate violence at the core of enduring discrimination and inequality faced by AAPIs,” Cabaldon wrote in an email to the Asian Journal. The agenda released on Wednesday broadly notes the contributions AAPI immigrants have made on American society, including a mention of Filipino labor leader Philip Vera Cruz, who helped to found the United Farm Workers. The immigration plan promises a reversal of current Trump administration policies, making naturalization more affordable for the over 1.5 million AAPIs eligible for U.S. citizenship, and increasing prosecution efforts to break up human and drug trafficking networks, as trafficking victims in the U.S. are largely Filipino. Addressing the Trump administration’s termination of the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program, Buttigieg said he would restore it to allow family members to be reunited and provide care for the surviving veterans in the U.S. (The Trump administration announced in August 2019 that it would end the program following an executive order on border security and immigration enforcement that called for determining parole on a “caseby-case basis.”) “I think it highlights general democratic values, reverses some current administration policies and addresses what’s important

for communities of color,” Melissa Ramoso, state chair of the California Democratic Party’s Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, told the Asian Journal after reading Buttigieg’s plan. However, she had questions about how the former mayor would go about simplifying the process for the lawful permanent residents seeking citizenship and visa backlogs as many Filipino families are still waiting to come to the U.S. nearly three decades later. “Albeit a bit late, I’m happy Mayor Buttigieg put something in writing. All candidates should have a plan for the AAPI community and recognize we matter as much as any other community,” Ramoso added. Buttigieg’s plan comes six days before the March 3 Super Tuesday primaries, when 14 states will be casting their ballots. One of them will be California, where AAPIs make up 20% of the electorate, according to a fact sheet from APIA Vote and AAPI Data also released on Wednesday. “As I talk with fellow Filipino Americans—and Americans of Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian ancestry—we see in Pete Buttigieg a president who will turn the page on invisibility and usher in a new era of belonging,” Cabaldon added. “As more than a third of America’s AAPI voters go to the polls on Super Tuesday, Pete’s plan is a mustread for how the next president can help uplift our communities.” In the 2018 Asian American Voter Survey, 50% of Asian Americans reported that they received no contact or were unsure if they received contact about the election from the Democratic party. But in the past year ahead of major nominating contests, including the Nevada caucuses on February 22, Democratic hopefuls have courted AAPI voters — who as a whole have not rallied behind one particular candidate — through meet and greet events, tours of small businesses and in-language outreach materials. Buttigieg held events with AAPIs in Las Vegas, including a dinner with the AAPI Democratic Caucus and a town hall with local community organizations. Sanders launched the national AAPIs for Bernie organizing program last fall, while the campaigns of Massachusetts Sena-

A volunteer for Buttigieg’s presidential campaign holds up an “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Pete” sign at a get out the caucus rally in Las Vegas on Friday, January 21. AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

tor Elizabeth Warren and former Vice President Joe Biden have also released formal agendas on AAPI issues earlier this month. Author and journalist Jeff Yang acknowledged that having major presidential candidates release plans to uplift AAPI communities is a huge step, but highlighted the contrasts between Buttigieg and Warren’s plans. “But the differences between Elizabeth Warren’s plan and Pete Buttigieg’s speak directly to the differences between the candidates themselves,” Yang, who co-organized a list of over 150 AAPIs backing Warren, told the Asian Journal. He argued that Warren’s plan, which also calls for data disaggregation, was framed more as a “civil rights issue” and that the data would help determine better, individualized solutions for the various communities. “Buttigieg’s plan elevates corporate CEOs like Indra Nooyi and Andrea Jung, and emphasizes education and economic empowerment as a one-sizefits-all answer for AAPIs,” Yang said. “While our communities welcome this kind of investment like all Americans do, this approach just doesn’t show the depth of engagement and understanding of our breadth of needs and aspirations that Warren’s does. We’re here. We’re the fastest-growing population in America. We deserve better than slogans and promises: We need candidates who immerse themselves in our communities, and genuinely care about our diversity.” n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 29-mARch 3, 2020

A

A February 29-march 3, 2020 • La WeeKeND aSIaN JOurNaL

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Lent a time to disconnect, give up trolling – Pope Francis by Franco Luna Philstar.com

ADDRESSING scores of Catholic faithful in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday (Philippine time) appealed for Catholics around the world to disconnect from their phones and cease their online trolling to focus on their religious devotions. In his address, the Pope reminded Catholics that Lent was a “time to give up useless words, gossip, rumors, tittletattle and speak to God on a first-name basis.” “We live in an environment polluted by too much verbal violence, by many offensive and harmful words, which the internet amplifies,” said Pope Francis. “We are inundated with empty words, with advertisements, with subtle messages. We have become used to hearing everything about everyone and we risk slipping into a worldliness that atrophies our hearts.” Closer to home In November, a communications professor expressed con-

cerned over academic findings that the Philippines was the “patient zero” of digital disinformation today. He highlighted two things what the study labeled the “inhouse model” which he said “local but also national politicians adopted [by] making the people in their own offices do ‘trolling’ and disinformation” as a strict requirement alongside their regular duties. In another model which he called the “clickbait model,” he said “it wasn’t politicians approaching them (creators of false content) but rather them approaching the politicians.” “Think of it as the digital version of propaganda,” he added. Lines have often been drawn between misinformation and disinformation. While the former is often a knee-jerk reaction born out of emotional appeal, the latter is much more pointed, much more grotesque. And although the phenomenon of fake news rears its head in a plethora of shapes and sizes, these days, it often turns political.

For instance, during the 2016 elections that saw then-Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte running away with the presidency, a study published by New Mandala said that “foulmouthed influencers shared emotionally manipulative ‘fake news’ to organise and mobilise networks of supporters.” And in the months after his electoral victory, academics warned that disinformation on social media was still rampant, this time to amplify the existing support for the presidentelect. Consequently, there exists today a faux blanket of praise for the president and his policies, according to a study by the Ateneo School of Government that found that high approval ratings for the president were tied to disinformation and herd behavior. “Lent is the right time to make room for the Word of God. It is the time to turn off the television and open the Bible. It is the time to disconnect from your cell phone and connect to the Gospel,” the Pope added. n

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USAID launches PH’s first Inclusive Education Community Resource Center by rhaydz

B. Barcia ManilaTimes.net

THE United States government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) has launched the country’s first Inclusive Education Community Resource Center in Sorsogon East Central School.

The center is part of USAid’s three-year Gabay project with P92.3 million budget allocation aimed to assist and provide quality education among blind, deaf or deaf-blind school children. Dr. Thomas LeBlanc, USAid director, was joined by Education Undesecretary Diosdado San Antonio and Sorsogon City Mayor

Ester Hamor. The center provides Braillewriters, Braille embossers, hearing aid devices, and other technology and equipment for use by early grade students with visual and hearing impairments. Aside from Sorsogon, the USAid will also establish two more centers later this year in Batangas City and Maasin City. n

US coalition holds protest in support of...

• Breach of Contract and Fraud • Auto and Other Injury accidents

• Family and employment based green cards • Business and Investor Visas • Deportation defense • Motions to Reopen • Appeals • Humanitarian Reinstatement of revoked petition • Naturalization • H-1B and student visas

DRUG BUST. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presents to the media former men’s magazine model Charlene “Cindy” Mecayer (in pink hoodie), 24, during the press conference held at PDEA-Special Enforcement Service (SES) office in Quezon City on Thursday, February 27. Mecayer was arrested at her apartment in Greenwood Executive Village in Barangay Sta. Ana, Taytay, Rizal for allegedly selling illegal drugs online. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

PAGE A4 t

Darrick V. Tan, Esq. Licensed in California for over 17 years Licensed in Nevada for over 12 years* UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science with Cum Laude honors Southwestern University Law School, Juris Doctor Admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association Member, Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles Former Member, Board of Governors, Philippine American Bar Association *Inactive

“We deplore Duterte’s move by a farcical quo warranto action in the Philippine Supreme Court to shut down ABS-CBN and cause the unemployment of its 11,000 workers. This move will drive a stake through the heart of Philippine democracy,” the statement said, adding a call for Filipino communities across the U.S. and globally to protest the Duterte administration’s actions against press freedom. Coalition spokesperson Atty. Rodel Rodis and other community members told the Asian Journal that there is a lot at stake with this issue. “This will send a devastating message to people that you cannot oppose Duterte because look what Duterte will do to you, like what he’s doing to ABS-CBN. It’s one thing to shut down Rappler, which is a small press entity. It’s another thing to shut down ABSCBN,” Rodis said. “So he already has the Congress, the House, the Senate. He can do whatever he wants right now. And if we allow it to continue further, whatever few liberties we have, then we’re going to lose it all. So we’re determined to stop it.” Emil de Guzman, who attended the event to emphasize the plight of murdered journalists and what he feels is an attack on press freedom, said, “If we don’t do anything to stand our ground now, to ensure that they will stop this, the next one will be somebody else… it’s like a domino effect. They think they will have

that sense of authority and power.” De Guzman added that feels that the majority of Filipinos are being held hostage by a small clique in government. Fr. Mark Reburiano of St. Gregory Church in San Mateo, who read a passage from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, told the Asian Journal that having differing opinions on issues should be welcomed. According to Fr. Reburiano, St. Paul is the patron saint of mass media. “It’s always good to be able to have some disagreements or some arguments in order for us to search for the truth. And if we just shut down one company because they are not aligned with our ideas, or they disagree with us, that’s unjust… Freedom of speech would mean also we fight for the truth. And we try to get the truth and we unravel the truth,” Reburiano said, while adding that many of the network’s subscribers, who are also his parishioners, have told him that they believe that ABS-CBN is balanced when it comes to its presentation of news and stories. Dorie Paniza, who is a member of a few organizations and is an Arts and Culture Commissioner in Daly City, is hopeful that, in the end, ABS-CBN will get its franchise renewed by the Philippine Congress as the company sponsors many activities, including humanitarian in nature, and is a community stalwart. “I really support ABS-CBN/ TFC because they are really a big help to us, especially to the

seniors. And not only to the seniors, but also to the community of Filipinos. Especially when we have disasters, they are there to support without asking for money, with their manpower and by [providing] advertisements. That’s a really big help to the Filipino community, especially in the Philippines,” Paniza said, citing the recent involvement of Bantay Bata Foundation in coordinating donations to the recent Taal Volcano victims and ABSCBN’s efforts in connecting the fruits of their fundraising efforts to institutions back in the Philippines. Paniza supports a franchise renewal since she sees how ABSCBN programs, via TFC, keep seniors abreast of the goings-on in the Philippines and give them motivation. “When I ask seniors, they say it’s their therapy watching the ABS-CBN programs,” Paniza as she was slightly overcome with emotion. “Every time I meet with them at 1 p.m., they tell me about the story of a movie or a teleserye. They say, ‘Oh what happened to Coco Martin?’ or what happened to this or that actor or actress. It’s like their own therapy… it is just like they are not missing the Philippines.” The Asian Journal reached out to the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco for a statement regarding the issue and the protest rally. Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona replied via email that the Consulate has no comment on this matter. n

Philippines, US envoys working on new...

PAGE A2 t military that it could very well protect the Philippines from possible attacks. But Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the President was merely stressing his independent foreign policy when he issued such strong statements again against the U.S. “Basically, that’s the message, the President has been consistent that we pursue an independent foreign policy where we are friends to anybody, and enemies to none. I think when the President gave that statement, all I am saying is that, we cannot side with one or the other,” Nograles said. “We are independent and we can’t be tied to anyone,” he added. MDT, EDCA next target At the same forum, retired Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio said that after scrapping the VFA, Duterte’s next target is the termination of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). “So the next target of the President, I believe, is to terminate the MDT and EDCA. Secretary (Salvador) Panelo already intimated this. He said to be consistent with his stand then all treaties must go,” Carpio said. “We have to absorb this because that is in the mindset of the President,” he said. Should the Supreme Court (SC) rule that the President alone can scrap a treaty, then the abrogation of the MDT and EDCA is likely to follow, Carpio said. “If the SC will rule that the President acting alone can terminate a treaty, then the MDT is a treaty, it can be terminated. EDCA is not even a treaty, it’s just an executive agreement, he can terminate it without any… there’s no question about it,” he said.

Signed in 1998, the VFA allows the entry of American troops, exempting them from passport and visa regulations so they can participate in joint military drills in the Philippines. The MDT states that each country would come to the defense of the other in case of an attack by a foreign country, while EDCA allows the U.S. military to maintain barracks and weapons storage structures inside five Philippine military camps. Senators are expected to file a petition before the SC next week to question Duterte’s termination of the VFA without the Senate’s concurrence. Under the Constitution, the Senate’s approval is needed before a treaty can be enacted into a law. However, there is no provision in the Constitution requiring Senate’s concurrence for an agreement to be officially cancelled. Carpio also belied Duterte’s latest remark that the Philippines could choose to be a U.S. territory or a province of China if it cannot be self-reliant. “It’s not true that we should be either a province of China or a U.S. territory. We can have alliances. Under the UN (United Nations) charter, collective selfdefense is allowed,” he said. “We can enter into alliances to defend our country against China, which is actually occupying and invading our territory in the West Philippine Sea, invading our maritime zones. The only ally that we can hope to deter China is of course the U.S., but the President has decided to terminate (the VFA) knowing it would make the MDT and EDCA useless,” Carpio said. ‘National tragedy’ Former foreign affairs secretary and Stratbase-ADR Institute chairman Albert del Rosario

said the Duterte administration’s handling of the country’s territorial claim has become a “national tragedy.” “What is unfolding before us is a national tragedy which should be resisted. As a democratic and republican country, we do not believe that one man alone can make this damaging choice for our people,” Del Rosario said. While admitting that the VFA was an “imperfect” agreement, Del Rosario said its termination would interrupt the benefits of the 1951 MDT with regard to the joint training and exercises, the pursuit of modernization, achieving interoperability, providing assistance during natural calamities and being effective partners in counterterrorism. “This shift in foreign policy of casting aside a reliable ally in favor of an aggressive northern neighbor that wants to deprive us our land and seas is incomprehensible and harmful to our country and our people,” he said. “Terminating the VFA would serve to actualize our pivot towards China against the strong and vehement objections of our people,” he said. Del Rosario cited the U.S. role in providing relief and rescue in the aftermath of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013. “The U.S. relief response during the Yolanda disaster was made possible by the VFA. Other countries wanted to immediately respond but were constrained by lack of legal arrangements for their troops to enter the Philippines,” he said. “We must reject the notion that maintaining the Philippines-U.S. alliance is subservience to the U.S. In the international community, countries must forge alliances to protect their own interests,” he said. (Christina Mendez/Philstar.com)

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Protect OFW remittances – Pacquiao Duterte bans vaping in public places by JaVier

J. ismael

ManilaTimes.net

SENATOR Emmanuel Pacquiao has filed Senate Bill (SB) 1365, which aims to protect the remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by regulating the fees imposed by financial institutions. Under the bill, financial intermediaries and non-bank financial intermediaries may impose fees for services rendered in sending money of OFWs to their immediate family members.

However, the discounts granted to OFWs by financial or nonbank financial intermediaries shall be treated as an ordinary and necessary expense deductible from the gross income of the seller falling under the category of itemized deductions. Pacquiao said OFW remittances are transmitted from the OFWs to the intermediaries, such as financial and non-bank financial institutions, before they reach beneficiaries; and in the course of the transfer of the funds, the

amount remitted is subjected to several fees and high remittance charges, which reduce the amount supposed to be received by the beneficiaries. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that remittances from overseas Filipinos totalled $22 billion for the first eight months of 2019, an increase of 3.6 percent from the previous year’s $21.2 billion, making the Philippines the fourth largest remittance destination in the world. n

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA — An average of four to five Filipino women die every day while giving birth, prompting a House leader to call for government action. Citing latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte said said on Thursday, February 27 a total of 1,616 maternal deaths were recorded last year. The figure was higher by 132 from the 1,484 maternal deaths in 2018, Villafuerte said. He called for the full implementation of Republic Act 11148 or the First 1,000 Days Law, which he authored to ensure that mothers and children get the right nutrition in the first 1,000 days of the babies’ development. Villafuerte said the law is crucial in addressing not only maternal deaths but also malnutrition among newborns. “With this law, we can significantly reduce cases of malnutrition and, in the long run, end the cycle of malnourished women giving birth to malnourished daughters, who, in turn, grow up to become malnourished mothers themselves,” he said. The first 1,000 days refer to the 270 days or nine months of the baby in the mother’s womb up to the time of his or her second birthday. Villafuerte said the law, which expands health and nutrition programs for pregnant and lactating mothers as well as their

Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has issued an executive order (EO) against vaping in public and prohibited the manufacture and sale of unregistered and adulterated electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and tobacco products. EO 106, which amends EO 26 that imposes requirements and limitations on the advertising and promotion of tobacco products, was signed by the President on February 26. Under the new EO, all e-liquids, solutions or refills forming components of electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/ENNDS) or heated tobacco products (HTPs) must be registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All devices forming components of ENDS/ENNDS or HTPs are subject to the product standards imposed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the FDA. Other novel tobacco products would also be regulated and are subject to the jurisdiction of the Inter-Agency Committee-Tobacco, in accordance with Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. “There is a need to regulate acCiting latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Deputy Speaker and Camarines cess to and use of ENDS/ENNDS, Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte said a total of 1,616 maternal deaths were recorded last year. Philstar.com photo HTPs and other novel tobacco babies, could be implemented by the task force on hunger eradication created by President Duterte. “The establishment of the Inter-agency Task Force on Zero Hunger will bring the President closer to his goals of accelerating poverty reduction and spelling decent lives for all Filipinos,” Villafuerte stressed. The law seeks to reverse the alarming malnutrition trend responsible for the death and stunted growth of Filipino babies, he said. Based on the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), the PSA described maternal death as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of the termination of her pregnancy, and from any reason other than accidental or incidental cause. WHO data showed that 5.9 million children worldwide die

4-5 Filipino mothers die daily during childbirth by edu

by Catherine

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products, to address the serious and irreversible threat to public health, prevent the initiation of non-smokers and the youth, and minimize health risks to both users and other parties exposed to emissions,” the EO read. Establishments that manufacture, import, and sell e-cigarettes, meanwhile, are required

to secure a license to operate from the FDA. The FDA and the DTI are directed to coordinate with the Bureau of Customs in the formulation of the guidelines, requirements and procedures for the regulation of the entry and importation of e-cigarettes and

u PAGE A10

A8 FEBRUARY 29-MARCH 3, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

O PINION Job displacement

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FEATURES

TOURISM has taken a serious hit and supply chains remain disrupted as China continues to grapple with the coronavirus disease 2019. Now the Philippines must also brace for major disruptions in the deployment of overseas Filipino workers as well as the possible displacement of OFWs who are already employed abroad. warned that the world is “simply not ready” for the spread of COVID-19. Researchers in several countries are rushing to produce a vaccine, but even if one is developed, mass distribution is still at least a year away. Even if the virus contagion does not become as devastating to the Middle East and North Africa as it has been in China, the global slowdown will impact heavily on the MENA economies, which are largely powered by crude oil. This in turn can affect the jobs of millions of migrant workers. The Philippine government must be prepared not just to assist OFWs who might be infected with the coronavirus but also for a possible mass displacement of workers. (Philstar.com)

In Italy, which hosts an estimated 100,000 OFWs, several areas are on lockdown due to COVID-19 contagion. Now the coronavirus is spreading in the Middle East and North Africa, the biggest job market for Filipinos, where at least 2.2 million OFWs are employed. In Iran, where the government has confirmed 12 deaths from COVID-19, the deputy health minister himself has become infected. Even if few OFWs would seek repatriation, economists are warning of a global economic slowdown due to the contagion. International gatherings are being cancelled, with even the Tokyo Olympics facing possible deferment. An expert of the World Health Organization, which has not yet announced a pandemic,

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

All roads lead to the renewal of ABS-CBN franchise: The Filipino people, President Duterte and Congress on board, sakay na!

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS DEMOCRACY WINS! The Filipino people have spoken loud and clear, demanding press freedom and the rule of law to prevail. The government listens. Pursuant to the rule of law and due process, ABS-CBN was finally given the formal legal platform to address accusations of franchise violations fueled by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters. The president’s loyal allies in Congress and his ardent followers and fan base had fanned the flames of attack against ABS-CBN via social media, celebrating what they said was the imminent shutdown of the network. It was aggravated by Solicitor General Jose Calida’s filing of the quo warranto case before the Supreme Court with the urgent pleas to silence ABS-CBN and its people, and arguably, even Congress, to get ahead of the anticipated congressional hearings just before the franchise of the network expires on March 30. ABS-CBN President and Chief Executive Officer Carlo L. Katigbak maintained under oath on Monday, February 24, that “it did not violate any of the provisions of its franchise, and emphasized that it operated based on its mission to be in the service of the Filipino people.” This assertion had been

corroborated by government officials and regulatory bodies from the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Securities and Exchange Commission who were called in the hearing to testify under oath. “Serbisyo po ang layunin ng ABS-CBN. Ngunit kami po ay hindi perpekto. Nagkakamali din po kami at handa po naming itama ang anumang pagkukulang,” Katigbak said in public a statement. And then in the hearing, Katigbak also addressed the issue that Duterte’s supporters boldly and unapologetically argued to be the issue behind why the President wanted to revoke the license of ABS-CBN. In a Rappler news report, Duterte’s former aide and now Senator Bong Go argued Duterte is not a vindictive person and ”these are the reasons why the President, is upset, alleging that the “media company chose to air that ‘black propaganda’ yet did not show the ‘legitimate ones’ already paid for by the Duterte campaign.” Duterte’s minions of followers and fans would post comments online saying “Dapat noon pa sila nag-apologize”, “Nagkamali sila [ABS-CBN] ng binangga, a suggestion of their approval of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” use of the most powerful position in the land to get back to those he

deemed have hurt him and fought against him on a personal level. “We are sorry if we offended the president. That was not the intention of the network. We felt that we were just abiding by regulations that surround the airing of political ads,” Katigbak said Monday. President Duterte has accepted the apology of ABS-CBN, telling reports at Malacañang on Wednesday, February 26, “Nandiyan na eh (It’s already there). I accept the apology, of course.” Duterte once again distanced himself from Calida, telling reporters: “Ang problema nitong sa (The problem here with the) SolGen, once he makes an official statement that there is violation of law then I cannot just tell him to stop,” CNN Philippines reported. Even presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor “Inday” Sara Duterte-Carpio publicly expressed support for the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN after his father’s acceptance of the apology. ”Davao City fully supports ABS-CBN sa kanilang pagpaparenew ng kanilang franchise. Of course malaki din ang suporta ng ABS-CBN sa Davao City at sa buong bansa,” Duterte-Carpio said in a chance interview in Sulu as reported by CNN Philippines. And then, pursuant to the rule of law, President Duterte deferred to Congress the authority

Power trip

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA THEY called him The Punisher when he was mayor of Davao City. I guess he can now be called The Terminator (step aside Schwarzenegger). President Rodrigo Duterte appears to be in a terminating mood of late. He just ordered the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States and is set to allow the termination of the existence of ABS-CBN Network, the media bulwark of the Lopez business empire, operating television and radio stations across the Philippines and overseas. Duterte does not have to actually cut off the network’s operations, as in unplugging a dying person’s life support system or discontinuing an international agreement like the VFA. He will simply order his rubber stamp Congress not to renew or extend the network’s franchise. Power. That’s what Duterte wants to show to anyone who dares to displease him. Of course, his lieutenants (like Solicitor General Jose Caleda) will apply legal goobledygook to justify Duterte’s display of power. That’s like

sheathing a brass knuckled fist with kid gloves. The Lopez family and their business empire, aside from the media network, are among the most powerful in the Philippines. Duterte wants to prove that he is more powerful than they are. In fact, Duterte wants to prove that he is more powerful than all the business empires in the country. Only recently, he practically castrated the Ayalas and Manny Pangilinan, names that make the Philippine economy ring. The Ayalas and Pangilinan knew better than to talk back. There’s a wise saying: “He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day.” One doesn’t have to be a monster for Duterte to decide to make you kneel in obeisance. The VFA was terminated because of the cancellation of the 10-year visitor’s visa to the U.S. of Sen. Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, Duterte’s former chief of the Philippine National Police and principal enforcer of Duterte’s war against drugs. Duterte actually gave the U.S. one month to reinstate the visa... or else. Expectedly the U.S. was not impressed with the threat. In fact the Americans ignored it. And so, the VFA was terminated. In fact, President Donald

Trump’s reaction was that this would save money for the U.S. And speaking of Trump, Duterte is not the only head of state who has demonstrated a willingness to give more importance to the interests of cohorts than the greater good of the country. If Duterte has “Bato”, Trump has Roger Stone - which has caused pundits to comment that both Duterte and Trump have left their respective countries caught between a rock and a hard place. Note that the VFA is linked to many other military and economic ties between the United States and the Philippines. It’s like a string that is tied to a rope that is tied to a bigger rope that is tied to a package of benefits that could be lost. This loss will have a profound impact on the Filipino people and is infinitely more important than a vacation of Bato in the U.S. (he has been seen in Las Vegas lifting Manny Pacquiao on his shoulders after a fight). But that hasn’t dissuaded Duterte from his power trip. And why should that dissuade him? ABS-CBN, the business moguls and the United States are chicken feed compared to what Duterte has also decided to take on. God Himself. Some time last year, following

to act on the renewal of franchise of ABS-CBN, adding that the “critical move” is with the House of Representatives, which is yet to hold a single hearing on the bill seeking a new franchise [More than 11 bills, Mr. President. Ask House Speaker Alan Cayetano]. CNN Philippines further reported: “House Committee on Legislative Franchises vice-chair Rep. Tonypet Albano said Duterte’s acceptance of ABS-CBN’s apology paves the way for a better timing for the House to take up the TV network’s franchise and for them to have a “good hearing.” Previous to this development and at the height of public protests in support of ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal and the freedom of the press, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo that people should not take President Duterte’s word that he would shutdown ABS-CBN. Even House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, staunch Duterte supporter who refused to hold hearings on the franchise of ABSCBN contending that this is not an urgent priority, had morphed into a meek lamb in his recent interviews. “Let’s not be unfair to ABSCBN,” Cayetano says after Duterte accepts the network’s apology, as reported by ABS-CBN. Congress adjourns starting

March 14 for the Lenten break, but Cayetano said the Committee on Legislative Franchises is expected to conduct hearings when lawmakers convene in May. “Walang dahilan magsarado ang ABS, unless hindi ma-grant ang franchise. So while we’re deciding, walang dahilan na magsara,” he said. O, mga Duterte supporters, narinig niyo na ang Sinabi ng Presidente. Tara na! Sakay na! For those who missed the explanation of ABS-CBN on the issue of political ads in 2016 campaign, here is a bullet-point summary from the Philippine Star: • Two kinds of ads: National ads and local ads (within a specific province). There is an allocation of 19 minutes of commercial airtime per hour for national ads while local ads have allocation of two minutes of airtime per hour. • Of 117 minutes that Duterte ordered for national airing, all were accommodated and aired. • Harder to find slots at local level because of limited airtime minutes available • “Of P65 million worth of spots, we failed to air P7 million worth,” he says, saying slots were on a “first come, first served” basis. • ABS-CBN says it was able to refund around P4 million of the P7 million and that refund was

accepted. A later refund of P2,6 million was no longer accepted. Katigbak says ABS-CBN acknowledged its failure to refund the money in a timely manner and changed policy in 2019 elections. Refunds are supposed to be in buyer’s hands within seven days. Why ad of Sen. Trillanes was aired: • Katigbak says that lawful election propaganda includes “propaganda for or against a candidacy,” which network’s internal committee used as guide to give green light. • “Unlike the first version of the ad, which we rejected... there was a revised version of the ad which showed the children merely asking questions.” • ABS-CBN says it was required not to discriminate against any candidate and to accommodate candidates who come to the station with ads that are allowed. • The Trillanes ads were aired on a national basis (19 mins/hour) not local (2 mins/hour) ***

profanities hurled at His Holiness Pope Francis, Duterte got pissed over the imperfections God has allowed in man (including Duterte’s imperfections, one may assume). As a result he called God stupid (that should give the Ayalas, Pangilinan and the Lopezes some comfort, knowing that they are in Divine company). Not satisfied with insulting God, Duterte has predicted that the Catholic church will be kaput in 25 years. Why 25 years and not sooner? I guess Duterte acknowledges the difficulty of bringing an institution of over 2,000 years to its knees, so he set a less abrupt time-line of a quarter century (Duterte is only giving ABS-CBN up to the end of March plus a grace period to continue its existence). This has led some social media trolls to wonder if the Catholic church also depends on a government franchise to continue to operate in the Philippines. If that were the case, you can be sure that the Almighty and All-Powerful Duterte would also threaten to allow the franchise lapse and refuse to renew it. Note that Duterte has a sense of history. He never had much love for America, because, according to him, U.S. troops had massacred Mindanao natives way back during the colonization of the Philippines. That, on top of being denied a tourist visa when

he wanted to visit a girlfriend in the U.S. (this may simply be gossip, of course). Thus, when then U.S. President Obama expressed concern over the reported bloodbath that characterized Duterte’s war on drugs, Duterte reminded Obama of the spillage of Filipino blood caused by America. The Catholic church has also been critical of Duterte’s anti-drug war, condemning the reported extra-judicial killings. Pissed at this “interference,” Duterte has called the princes of the church hypocrites for having looked the other way while priests have abused young parishioners. Duterte has even threatened to “kill” the abusive priests. Not surprisingly, Duterte does not have much love for the Catholic church. That, on top of being allegedly molested by a priest when he was one (this may also be gossip, of course, although Duterte himself has claimed that it actually happened). In a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, Duterte’s threats have gone in one ear and out the other of millions of “devout” Catholics, thus encouraging Duterte to continue his insults against the church and even against the Lord. Of course, God doesn’t anyone to defend Him, but shouldn’t there be at least an uproar from the Catholic faithful over Duterte’s foul lan-

guage? One is constrained to observe that Duterte wouldn’t dare use the same foul language against Islam. If he does, he would immediately be the object of a fatwah or a death sentence. This says something about the alleged tapang or bravery of Duterte. At any rate, it should also be noted that Catholics have been taught to turn the other cheek and to suffer insults in silence. Thus, blusterers like Duterte have felt free to throw their weight around. You can be sure that Duterte has also not forgotten the centuries of Spanish domination of the archipelago and the sword and the cross that were used in the introduction of Christianity and the establishment of the Catholic church in the Philippines. Indeed, Duterte has such contempt for the Catholic church that one should not be surprised if he rakes up the conquest of the Philippines by the Spaniards and how Ferdinand Magellan was slain in Mactan by a Cebuano chieftain named Lapu-Lapu. If it took someone named Lapu-Lapu to fight the Spaniards, Duterte would have no compunction about giving the bishops and the priests his dirty finger, along with the greeting, “Fish be with you.” (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

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 WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEbRUARy 29-MARch 3, 2020

A

US, PH forces train in counterterrorism Anti-terror bill to restrict civil liberties in the name of security — watchdog by Darwin

Pesco ManilaTimes.net

TROOPS from the United States and the Philippines have completed joint/combined exchange training (JCET) in Palawan, the United States Embassy announced on Thursday, February 27. From January to February this year, American and Filipino soldiers developed counterterrorism tactics and skills through the training, it said. The JCET was held even as the Philippines announced it was ending its Visiting Forces Agree-

ment with the U.S. Participating in the training were U.S. Army Special Operations Forces and elite contingents of the Philippine 18th Special Forces Company. The training included the importance of local community support and outreach as part of a holistic counterterrorism strategy. The U.S. Department of Defense provided the estimated $100,000 (P5,000,000) funding for the training. Last year, it also sponsored seven similar events amounting to $1,000,000 (P50,000,000).

Trouble brews anew at House by nova Joy

Dela ManilaTimes.net

cruz

THE peace has again been shattered at the House of Representatives as Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said he had verified information on a move to oust him from his post. Reports on an alleged coup plot again swirled amid the pressure imposed by some lawmakers on the House leadership to immediately on ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal bills. On Thursday, February 27, Cayetano revealed that 20 congressmen shared information that funding and committee chairmanship posts had been offered to some lawmakers. “Normal naman kapag nahuhuli, nagde-deny. But unless 20 congressmen are lying to me, that pinapangakuan ng chairmanship at sinasabi na, ‘Next year it’s my budget, ako na magdidikta kung kanino ibibigay,’ etc. I don’t think naman mang-iintriga ang 20 congressmen (It is normal to deny when you are caught. But unless 20 congressmen are lying to me, that they have been promised with chairmanships, telling them, ‘Next year it’s my budget, I will dictate whom to give it to,’ etc. I don’t think these 20 congressmen would stir intrigue),” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Taguig City. “Nangangako ng pondo at chairmanships at ‘yung iba, s’ya (Rep. Lord Allan Velasco) mismo kausap (Funding and chairmanships have been promised and he himself talked to some of them),” Cayetano added. He said he would follow the President’s term-sharing deal. However, he said the issue was divisive and warned his colleagues against disrupting work in Con-

gress or he might consider removing them from their posts. “So, ang advice ko sa mga nasa leadership din, mga chairman, chair[men] na hindi makapaghintay: if you cannot cooperate with the present leadership, umalis muna kayo sa committees n’yo, sa chairmanship n’yo. Bumalik na lang kayo ‘pag speaker na si Congressman Velasco. But habang ako ang speaker, we do things by consensus, kung ano ang tama ‘yun ang gagawin natin. Huwag n’yong gagamitin ang budget, huwag n’yong gagamitin ang ABSCBN issue, huwag n’yong gagamitin ang mga chairmanships kasi nadi-disrupt ang Kongreso (my advice to the chairmen, chairmen who cannot wait: If you cannot cooperate with the present leadership, leave your committees. Come back when Congressman Velasco is already the speaker. But while I am still the speaker, we do things by consensus. Do not use the budget, do not use the ABS-CBN issue, do not use the chairmanships because it will disrupt Congress),” he said. Velasco, however, denied Cayetano’s statement. “These reports are far from the truth. The reports were meant to create deep division within the House of Representatives and its members, destroy camaraderie, distract lawmakers from fulfilling their mandate and, more importantly, derail the key legislative agenda of the Duterte Administration,” he said in a statement. Velasco claimed he would honor the term-sharing deal deal initiated by the president. Under the agreement, Cayetano will sit as speaker from July last year to October this year. Velasco would get the remaining 21 months. “Up to this day, I continue to

The embassy said the troops from the U.S. and Philippines would continue “to hone their counterterrorism tactics and skills.” It also acknowledged that the training also helps strengthen the “longstanding bond” between U.S. and Philippine military forces. “The United States, as a longstanding friend, partner and ally of the Philippines, continues to provide support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines through a variety of trainings,” the embassy said. n

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Rep. Lord Allan Velasco ManilaTimes.net photos

honor the term-sharing agreement brokered by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte when the 18th Congress convened in July 2019. From the beginning, I never had any intention of reneging on this agreement. Tayo po ay lalaking may isang salita (I am a gentleman who honors my word),” he said. Velasco’s party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, dismissed the ouster claims, saying the congressman was “not in a rush to wrest the speakership.” Malacañang said the President would not meddle in the House dispute. Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said Cayetano and Velasco should resolve the issue between themselves. “The President does not interfere. That’s the internal affair of the Congress. Hindi siya makikialam (He doesn’t meddle), unless you ask him to settle whatever rift they have if there is any,” Panelo said. n

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

cabico

MANILA — The proposed measure seeking to give more teeth to the country’s anti-terrorism law would disproportionately limit people’s freedoms and rights in the name of security, a human rights watchdog said. Voting 19-2, the Senate approved on third and final reading on Wednesday, February 26 Senate Bill 1093 or the proposed Anti-Terror Act of 2020, which would effectively repeal the Human Security Act of 2007. The bill seeks to penalize individuals who will propose, incite, conspire and participate in the planning, training and facilitation of a terrorist act and cover Filipino nationals who commit terrorist offenses. Only opposition lawmakers Francis Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros voted against the measure, saying this can be used to silence dissent. Amnesty International Philippines said most counter-terrorism measures introduced in other countries have disproportionately limited people’s freedoms of expression and association, liberty and movement as well as the right to privacy. “The Anti-Terrorism Bill provides few safeguards against abuse and gives law enforcers exhaustive powers, including electronic surveillance that could lead to discriminatory and arbitrary arrest and may result in prolonged detention without charge,” Butch Olano, AI Philippines section director, said. He added: “If a person is believed to be a threat, law enforcement should investigate, charge and prosecute suspect under existing laws, which do not violate basic rights.” Under the proposed legislation, a suspected terrorist can be detained without warrant of arrest for 14 days, which is extendable by another 10 days. “Threats posed by terrorismrelated attacks must be dealt with but restricting people’s civil liberties in the name of security in such an arbitrary way as this legislation is contrary to the Philippine government’s obligation under international human rights law,” Olano said. The proponents of the mea-

sure, however, assured that the Commission on Human Rights will be given the mandate to investigate violations of civil and political rights of persons and jurisdiction to prosecute law enforcers who violate the right of detained individuals. Local rights watchdog Karapatan earlier said this “monster” legislation would provide a pretext for de facto martial law in

the country.” “It will only redound to graver human rights violations against communities, groups and individuals that may lead to crimes against humanity,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said. The counterpart measure at the House of Representatives remains pending at the committee on public safety and order. n

A10 February 29-March 3, 2020 • La WeeKeND aSIaN JOurNaL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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Luzon, Cebu named World’s Trending Destinations by catherine

taLavera Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines continues to attract attention from the international travel community after two of its islands were named among World’s Trending Destinations by online travel platform TripAdvisor. In the platform’s 2020 Traveler’s Choice Awards, Luzon and Cebu ranked second and 24th, respectively, in the World’s Trending Destination category. The award is based on tourist destinations that obtained the largest spikes in top reviews and ratings last year. “Travelers are flocking to the island of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, to experience one of the more unique locations in the world,” TripAdvisor said. “This is where the dynamic capital city of Manila is located,

but more than that, it’s home to some of the most exquisite natural landscapes and biodiversity on the planet — from vast mountains and dense rainforests to endless beaches and coral reefs,” it added. TripAdvisor cited the National Museum, Fort Santiago and Mt. Pulag National Park as among the sites to check out in Luzon. Meanwhile, the island of Cebu in the Visayas was cited for its sun and beach offerings. “From the cosmopolitan metropolis of Cebu City and the white sand beaches of Mactan to the electric blue waters of Kawasan Falls and the whale sharks of Oslob, it’s easy to see why Cebu Island is one of the Philippines’ top destinations,” the TripAdvisor said. The global online travel platform named Casa Gorordo Museum, Tumalog Falls and Sugbo Mercado as among the sites

to visit in Cebu. Luzon and Cebu joined other destinations on the list such as Kochi in India, Porto in Portugal, Porto Seguro in Brazil and Krakow in Poland, among others. Last year, four Philippine beaches were named among the best beaches in Asia in TripAdvisor’s 2019 Traveler’s Awards. Boracay’s White Beach, described as the island’s most popular for its amazing sunset and white sand, ranked 9th among the 25 best beaches in Asia. Yapak Beach, the second largest beach on Boracay named after the white puka seashells AGRIPRENUERSHIP. Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar (wearing native hat), leads the harvesting of edamame or young that are prevalent in the area, soybeans on Tuesday, February 25, with former Candaba Mayor Gerry Pelayo and his son, Raphael, one of the young agripreneurs who formed ranked 25th on the list. a company called Top Shelf Corporation, together with Elaine Timbol and Jeff Fernandez. Their goal is to expand Edamame production in Two more beaches in El Nido, the country from 500 to 700 hectares in the next two years and export its production to South Korea, Australia, and the United States. At PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan Palawan — Nacpan Beach and present, their 20-hectare farm is located at Barrio Talipapa, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. Las Cabanas Beach — were also included in the list, ranking 13th and 22nd, respectively. n explosions, volcanic earth- relief and rehabilitation work in by catherine vaLente quakes, ashfall and lethal volca- accordance with pertinent opManilaTimes.net nic gas expulsions can still occur erational plans and directives,” PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and threaten areas within the he continued. “Law enforcement agencies, on February 21 signed Procla- Taal Volcano Island and nearby with the support from the Armed mation 906 declaring Region 4A lakeshores.” As of February 5, the Presi- Forces of the Philippines, are (Calabarzon) in a state of calamity because of the “widespread dent bared that a total of 2,070 hereby directed to undertake all cancer will only be the privi- damage” caused by the eruption volcanic earthquakes had been necessary measures to ensure lege of the rich because they of Taal Volcano in January. recorded in the regions sur- peace and order in affected arare the ones who can afford eas, as may be necessary,” he Calabarzon is composed of rounding the volcano. treatment. What we envision is Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal “The DoST-Phivolcs has said. for everyone to have equal ac- and Quezon. strongly recommended that enThe state of calamity will recess to treatment,” he added. “The volcanic activity of Taal try into the Taal Island, as well main in effect for one year or unAccording to Cancer Coali- Volcano has caused widespread as into areas over Taal Lake and less the President lifts it sooner, tion president Paul Perez, six damage to properties and poses communities west of the island according to the proclamation. months have passed since the great risks and danger to the within a seven-kilometer radius The alert level on Taal Volimplementing rules and regu- health and safety of the people from the main crater be strictly cano remains at Level 2, reflectlations of the law came out but living near the region around prohibited,” he added. ing “decreased unrest” since it the Cancer Council has not Taal Volcano,” Duterte said in Duterte said the declaration belched hot steam and gray ash been established. “will, among others, afford the on January 12 and 13. the proclamation. He said the creation of the Set in the center of a lake 60 “About 129,171 families or national government, as well as council is vital because it is 483,389 persons in the prov- local government units, ample kilometers south of the capital, supposed to oversee the imple- inces of Batangas, Quezon, La- latitude to utilize appropriate Taal left some P3.4 billion worth mentation of the law. guna and Cavite were affected funds for the rescue, recovery, of damage in agriculture and Under the law, the council by the Taal Volcano eruption,” relief and rehabilitation of, and infrastructure following its erupshall be composed of 12 mem- he added. to continue to provide basic ser- tion, according to the governbers, two of whom must come While the Department of Sci- vices for, affected populations in ment. from doctors’ groups and three ence and Technology-Philippine accordance with law.” Earlier on Thursday, state seisfrom patient organizations. “All departments and other mologists reported that Taal’s Institute of Volcanology and Perez complained there are Seismology (DoST-Phivolcs) low- concerned government agencies moderate steaming was caused some obstacles to the imple- ered Taal Vocano’s alert status, are hereby directed to implement by rising magma under the volmentation of the law and one Duterte said the “stream-driven and execute rescue, recovery, cano. n of them is the lack of guidelines on the declaration of cancer patients and survivors as “persons with disability” or PWD. “We are trying to secure specific guidelines on how they can avail of PWD benefits. by Lawrence agcaoiLi amount. to the laws and regulations of our Philstar.com Many are looking for this beThe BSP also required these in- land,” Villanueva said. cause it has been promised in “It is clear that the supposed MANILA — The Department of dividuals to inform the BOC about the law,” he added. n Finance (DOF) is working closely the source and purpose of the economic benefit (of POGOs) to with the Anti-Money Launder- funds, along with their personal our country is negligible at best. It does not create jobs for Filipiing Council (AMLC) in looking information. On the other hand, Republic nos. For us, the evidence on the into about $188 million in cash brought into the country by Chi- Act 7653 or the New Central Bank negative effects brought about nese nationals between Decem- Act mandates a fine of between by POGOs are glaring. It is hapP50,000 and P200,000 or an im- pening right before our eyes, and ber and February. Finance Secretary Carlos prisonment of two to 10 years for we can no longer turn our heads Dominguez III has instructed the travelers who fail to declare the the other way. We should stop the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to in- money they were carrying above operations of POGOs now,” Villanueva said. form the AMLC on the volume of the $10,000 threshold. AMLC secretariat executive diSen. Christopher Go said the currency brought into the counrector Mel Georgie Racela earlier Duterte administration is finding try. “The BOC informed me of said Philippine offshore gaming ways to raise the salaries of imthe volume of foreign currency operators (POGOs) and service migration personnel, who previbrought in by travelers who de- providers are covered by RA 9260 ously sought a pay increase. 133,000 Chinese workers clared the amounts upon arrival. or the Anti-Money Laundering Amid controversies involving I instructed them to inform the Act to make sure the country is AMLC about this,” Dominguez not used as a conduit for the laun- Chinese nationals working in POGO companies, records from said before the weekend, adding dering of dirty money. ‘Crimes linked to POGOs’ the Bureau of Immigration (BI) that he was familiar with the issue Sen. Joel Villanueva, chairman show that the country has served raised by Sen. Richard Gordon who chairs the Senate Blue Rib- of the labor and employment as a second home to almost committee that investigated the 133,000 Chinese workers in the bon committee. Citing records from the BOC, proliferation of Chinese-domi- past five years. In a four-page document obGordon said Chinese nationals nated POGOs, said the exposé of brought in as much as $5 million Gordon on the apparent money tained by The STAR on the numin cash each from Dec. 17 up to laundering scheme reinforces ini- ber of pre-arranged employee Feb. 12, but the amounts were de- tial findings of criminality accom- visas issued to foreigners per panying POGOs. country, the report showed that clared. “Gambling, in any form or kind, the BI has granted working visas The foreigners said the amounts would be used for investments, attracts criminal activities as we to 132,911 Chinese citizens from have seen in the previous months 2015 to 2019. travel and casino. BI spokesperson Dana SandoIn 2006, the Bangko Sentral and years. Women are trafficked ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued Circu- into prostitution dens, loan sharks val, however, said the figures on lar No. 507 requiring residents are preying on players and resort- the issued working visas to Chior non-residents carrying more ing to kidnapping to force pay- nese nationals do not show the than $10,000 (or its equivalent in ments and workers are placed total number of Chinese workers other foreign currencies) into or under a system with questionable in the country, as it reflected only out of the country to disclose the labor practices that run contrary the data from the bureau. n

Duterte declares state of calamity in Calabarzon

Anti-cancer law remains unimplemented, advocates say by SheiLa

criSoStomo Philstar.com

MANILA — More than a year after the National Integrated Cancer Control Act was approved by Congress, doctors and anti-cancer advocates lamented that it has not yet been fully implemented. According to oncologist Jorge Ignacio, chair of the Philippine General Hospital’s Cancer Institute, they have been waiting for the implementation of the law, which contains provisions that are badly needed by Filipinos with cancer and their families. Ignacio said one of these provisions effectively amends the Philippine Drug Formulary, which contains the list of medicines that government hospitals could purchase. He maintained there are new medicines not yet included in the current formulary. “So even if there are medicines which we think are good for our patients, we cannot give it to them,” he noted during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum at the Cafe Adriatico in Manila. Ignacio added that most can-

cers, like breast cancer, are preventable and curable if detected early and treated properly. Cancer Fund For her part, Philippine Cancer Society executive director Rachael Marie Rosario said they were also looking forward to the approval of the budget for the Cancer Assistance Fund as mandated by law. “The budget is still up in the air... but patients are already looking for funds,” he added. Rosario underscored that it is not indicated in the law how much should be earmarked for the fund but they recommended an initial P500 million to P2 billion. She maintained it is now a crucial period for the Philippines to strengthen its programs against cancer as cases are on the rise. Ignacio said the law is intended to ensure that even poor patients can access expensive treatment. He cited immunotherapy, for instance, which costs around P100,000 to P300,000 every three weeks. “If the prices of medicine will remain high, overcoming

DOF looking into $188-million cash brought in by Chinese nationals

Duterte bans vaping in public... PAGE A7 tobacco products into the Philippine market. Thirty days after EO 106 takes effect, the FDA, in consultation with relevant agencies and stakeholders, is mandated to formulate and issue the rules, regulations and standards governing the registration of e-cigarettes and tobacco products.

EO 106 also said that there should also be a designated area for puffers of either vaping devices or traditional cigarettes The use, sale or purchase of ecigarettes and tobacco products by a person below 21 years is not allowed, according to the EO. The EO also enjoins local government units to develop, promote and implement their

respective Local Smoking Cessation Program, as well as to encourage the participation of public and private facilities. The latest executive order is an expansion of Duterte’s 2017 directive to ban smoking of tobacco products in public places. The order takes effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation. n

4-5 Filipino mothers die daily during childbirth

PAGE A7 of malnutrition. Statistics from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) showed that one in three Filipinos two years and below is malnourished. Studies also showed that foundations of a person’s lifelong health—including the predisposition to obesity and certain chronic diseases—are largely set during the first 1,000 days. “The First 1,000 Days Law appears to be a social protection program meant to shield poor mothers and children from malnutrition, but its impact on the economy is extensive. If the law is effectively implemented, we

can be assured of future generations of Filipinos who can ably compete in the global economy because they are healthier and smarter,” Villafuerte pointed out. The task force was created to address hunger and formulate a National Food Policy to advance the country’s goal of ending hunger by 2030. Through Executive Order No. 101 signed by the President last week, the the task force would focus on addressing involuntary hunger, food security, undernutrition, child wasting, stunting and mortality that continue to be serious concerns in the

country. The task force will be headed by the secretaries of the Cabinet and of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and will have for members the secretaries of Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Budget and Management, Education, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, Labor and Employment, Interior and Local Government, Trade and Industry, Science and Technology, and Communications along with the director general of the National Economic and Development Authority and chairperson of the Commission on

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A12 February 29-March 3, 2020 • La WeeKeND aSIaN JOurNaL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 29 - mARch 3, 2020

SHOWBIZ&STYLE

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Journal Fil-Am chefs named semifinalists 3 presidents are sponsors for James Beard Awards at Richard-Sarah wedding by

MoMaR g. ViSaya

By Ricky Lo

AJPress

Philstar.com

FILIPINO American chefs across the United States woke up to great news on Wednesday, Feb. 26 as the James Beard Foundation Awards released its Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists for 2020. Five finalists per category will be announced on March 25 and winners will be announced at the James Beard Awards Gala in Chicago on May 4. Up for the Best New Restaurant Award is Tanam in Somerville, Massachusetts. Margarita Manzke of Republique (Los Angeles) is a returning semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Manzke and her husband Walter run Republique, a French restaurant in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles that the couple opened in December 2013. Three Fil-Am chefs are in the mix for the Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific award: Chera Amlag of Hood Famous Café + Bar (Seattle), Sheldon Simeon of Lineage (Wailea, HI) and Aaron Verzosa of Archipelago (Seattle). Simeon’s Lineage, a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant last year is the chef’s second solo restaurant. He opened Lineage in October 2018, two years after Tin Roof in Maui, his first venture. He was in two seasons of the Bravo reality show Top Chef, first in the show’s 10th season in Seattle and in the show’s 14th season shot in Charleston. Tom Cunanan of Bad Saint (Washington, DC) won as Best Chef: Mid Atlantic last year, after being nominated for the third time. Eater Boston named Tanam as Restaurant of the Year for 2019. It also describes Tanam as “This tiny Filipinx American restaurant PAGE B2

Chef Sheldon Simeon. Photo courtesy Bravo TV

Chef Aaron Verzosa and Amber Manuguid of Archipelago in Seattle.

IT will be the showbiz event of the year…oops!...of the decade. The wedding of Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati will surely make history for having not just one but three Philippine presidents among the 25 pairs of Principal Sponsors — incumbent Pres. DU30, and former Presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Joseph “Erap” Estrada. The wedding will be solemnized in the afternoon of March 14, Saturday, at a five-star hotel (exact address withheld for security reasons). Meanwhile, let’s wish Richard and Sarah best wishes and, (as usual) as the Chinese would say, one hundred years of blissful The March 14 wedding of Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati will surely make history as the togetherness. showbiz event not just of the year but of the decade. Photo from Instagram/@sarahlahbati

Lovi is so much in love with British boyfriend despite long distance relationship Archipelago won Eater Seattle’s Restaurant of the Year Award for 2019. Photos courtesy of Instagram/@ shiftingscales and @archipelago_restaurant

Ellie Tiglao, chef and art director of Tanam, a Fil-Am restaurant in Somerville, MA.

Archipelago’s version of pinakbet is cheekily called “Anak ni Bet”. It has spot prawn, wild mushrooms, bitters, squash, and Archipelago’s own in house fermented bagoong.

By LhaR

Santiago ManilaTimes.net

AS soon as Lovi Poe arrived from a less-than-two-weeks vacation in Los Angeles, she buckled right down to work. Jetlag notwithstanding, she was present at the mall show and the press conference for her upcoming movie, “Hindi Tayo Pwede” with Marco Gumabao and Tony Labrusca. The professional she is, she granted all interview requests before calling it a day. Busy with multiple movie projects, Showbuzz asked Lovi why she suddenly felt the need While Lovi Poe promised her Los Angelesfor a quick getaway and she based British boyfriend Montgomery “Monty” Blencowe they will be together during special smiled ever so sweetly. ApTanam won Eater Boston’s Restaurant of occassions, the actress said marriage is still parently, she flew to the US to celebrate her birthday and the Year Award for 2019. Photos courtesy of far from her mind. Photo from Instagram/@loviepoe Valentine’s with her British Instagram/@tanamofficial

boyfriend Montgomery “Monty” Blencowe who’s based in Los Angeles. “Even if it’s a long distance relationship for us, we agreed that we can still be together during special occasions. Happy naman kami when we celebrated my birthday and then Valentine’s a couple of days after,” she enthused. All the same, marriage is far from Lovi’s mind. “We’re both so focused on our respective careers and we’re happy with the way things are between the two of us. I guess we’ll stay this way in the meantime. Marriage will happen when the right time comes, and for now, I enjoy the extra efforts he takes to make me feel secure. Sa ngayon, lots of opPAGE B3

B FEBRUARY 29 - mARch 3, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

EntErtainmEnt

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The Memorare Manila 1945 shrine in Intramuros

Inquirer.net photos

Enchong, Ian, others to narrate ‘Massacre of Manila’ survivors’ stories by Ian

BIong Inquirer.net

Glendale Councilmember Vartan Gharpetian, Angel Samvalian (center) and Glendale Unified School District Board of Education Vice President Armina Gharpetian attend a recent fundraiser at Samvalian’s home for the councilmember’s re-election efforts. Councilmember Gharpetian, a real estate broker and small business owner, was first elected to the Glendale City Council in 2015 and was appointed to be the mayor in 2017. The city council election is on March 3, 2020. Contributed photo

Christopher and wife Gladys make a good tandem even outside show biz By MarInel

Cruz

Inquirer.net

“[BEFOR E] … I would always feel pressured to work so I could provide for my kids. That’s not the case anymore. I’m happy where I am now [in terms of financial stability],” said actor Christopher Roxas. This is because Christopher, along wit h his wife, actress Gladys Reyes, took risks and invested in several business ventures. Chris got involved in vintage car dealing, while Gladys had her skincare line. In 2018, they put up Estella, a restobar in Cainta, Rizal. Just this month, the couple announced that they also ventured into the catering service bu s i ne s s w it h S om mer eu x (pronounced as “so-me-ru”), wh ich is a lso Ch r istopher’s surname in real life. “We d id t h is because we have goals,” said Christopher du r i ng t he lau nch of Sommereux at 38 Valencia Place in Quezon City on Feb. 20.

Christopher Roxas (right) and Gladys Reyes

“I will forever be grateful to this industr y because it’s where I became k nown. It’s also where I met my wife. But now, I already have the luxury to just choose the projects I want to do. I don’t just work for the money, since the salar y of actors li ke me aren’t that high, anyway. Usually, it’s just enough to pay for monthly bills,” he pointed out, adding

Inquirer.net photo

that 2019 had been one of his busiest i n t he bi z w it h t wo TV shows (“Toda One I Love” and “The K iller Bride”) and film projects, including Xian Lim’s “Tabon” where he was lead actor. Christopher, who has a degree in culinary arts from the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel ManagePAGE B3

TO mark the 75th anniversary of the “Battle of Manila,” where countless Manileños perished under the atrocities of the brutal Imperial Japanese Army, several stars from both cinema and theater have banded together to remember this dark period in history. Several stories from survivors of the month-long massacre will be featured in a series of short videos, which will premiere on Memorare Manila 1945’s Facebook page on March 3, the same day the “Battle of Manila” ended. The series, titled “Massacre of Manila: Untold Stories of the Battle of Manila 1945,” will be narrated by Enchong Dee, Ian Veneracion, Agot Isidro, Angel Aquino, Iza Calzado, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Gabby Padilla, Leo Rialp and Richard Cepeda. “In commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Manila, the Memorare Manila Foundation together with the

Ian Veneracio

Enchong Dee

Philippine World War 2 Memorial Foundation present a series of short videos featuring a retelling of survivor stories as narrated by leading film and theatre actors,” Memorare Manila announced on its Facebook page on Feb. 26. “The stories are testimonies of massacre survivors taken by U.S. military investigators beginning June 1945,” it added. The “Battle of Manila” saw the indiscriminate torture and massacre of around 100,000 Filipinos by Japanese troops. In those 28

days (Feb. 3 to March 3, 1945), unarmed civilians—including women and children—were bayoneted, bombed, shot, beheaded, burned or raped, among others. Other than hospitals, government and school buildings, several cultural and heritage sites were also lost due to the devastation of war, and in the aftermath of World War II, the Philippine capital of Manila came out as the second-most devastated Allied city, next only to Warsaw, Poland.

Fil-Am chefs named semifinalists...

PAGE B1 at Bow Market in Somerville is one of the most daring restaurant openings in recent memory: It’s worker-owned, for one thing, and the bulk of its services are multicourse feasts with moderately expensive tickets that must be purchased ahead of time.” In essence, Tanam is a food and artspace based in Union Square Somerville, about four miles outside Boston. It is an offshoot of Pamangan, a Filipino American pop up that made its way through the Boston area in the past four years or so. Tanam opened its doors in January 2019. The place offers “Kamayan Dinners” every Wednesday and Sunday and “Storytelling Dinners” every Friday and Saturday. Among the dishes they serve are Sugba Kilaw, Sinigang Chawanmushi and Kare Kare. They also have a bar that serves creative cocktails made with Tanduay, pandan, calamansi, bitter melon and ube, aside from Red Horse and San Miguel Beer. Ellie Tiglao, Tanam’s chef and art director, has been pushing for “narrative cuisine” ever since their pop up days and says that Tanam is about “telling stories that don’t often get told, shared by the people who live those stories.” America’s Classics Last week, James Beard Foundation also announced the winners of America’s Classics 2020, given to “older, tried and true restaurants that reflect the character of their communities.” Among the six honorees this year is Oriental Mart in Seattle, a three-generation family-owned Filipino lunch counter in the heart of Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market. The mart opened back in 1971 selling groceries, the turo turo style dining began in 1987 and its chef-owner Leila Rosas has been serving her famous dishes since then. What could be better than the freshest salmon collar sinigang from the market across the street? Pair that with a plate of silog and call it a day. It has been said that a trip to Pike Place is not complete without a meal at Oriental Mart. Marcus Samuelsson, the acclaimed chef behind Red Rooster in Harlem featured Rosas and the growing list of Filipino chefs and restaurants in the greater Seattle area in the premiere episode of the new season of PBS’ “No Passport Required.” “Aunt Leila, she’s such a good cook. Her set up is real simple but her flavors are not,” Samuelsson remarked. “When you taste Filipino food, you taste the history.” Samuelsson spent time with immigrant and second-generation Filipinos who are taking charge of Seattle’s food scene. As Filipino food gains more national, mainstream recognition, members of the community are working to tell the story on their own terms. Two of these Seattle-based chefs are now James Beard semifinalists: Archipelago and Hood Famous Café + Bar. Eater Seattle named Archi-

Chera Amlag of Hood Famous with Chef Marcus Samuelsson in a scene from PBS’ “No Passport Required,” which featured the burgeoning Filipino food scene in Seattle. Photos courtesy of Instagram/@hoodfamousbakeshop

The famous cheesecakes of Hood Famous in Seattle.

The star and most famous among Hood Famous’ cheesecakes: ube.

pelago as Restaurant of the Year for 2019 citing the tiny restaurant for its ingenuity, storytelling and passion. Chef Aaron Verzosa and his wife, Amber Manuguid opened Archipelago in December 2018. Their premise is simple: Pacific Northwest ingredients as the star in Filipino dishes. They get these ingredients, including fresh produce, from Filipino farmers in the Washington area. “Can I find the taste of what I grew up with in ingredients that are not used in Filipino cuisine?” Versoza said, describing the idea behind Archipelago. The couple offers a tasting menu consisting of ten courses. According to a glowing Seattle Times review, the meal costs $126. “An evening at Archipelago is both entertaining and enlightening, as much a cultural odyssey as a culinary adventure, though to be sure, at $126 per person, including tax and tip but not beverages, it’s no cheap ticket,” the reviewer said. “Save up. The evening is worth it.” “It’s a deeply affecting dining experience that also drives the Seattle food conversation forward,” Eater says, describing the experience. Like Tanam, Archipelago also pushes for narrative cuisine. As they served Chef Samuelsson, Verzosa and Manuguid showed their spin on the Filipino culture’s food traditions, marrying Filipino flavor with Northwest ingredients. The meal started with a pan de sal made with Washington wheat and served with shallot butter and sustainable caviar from Idaho,

followed by kinilaw steelhead belly ceviche served with verjus and mixed apples. The gustatory experience went on with Oregon king salmonsinigang and Maria Orosa, a ribeye steak dish and an homage to the inventor of banana ketchup. Samuelsson described the overall experience as “incredible, well-curated,” an “absolutely amazing meal” and a “theatrical performance with smell, flavor, taste, aesthetic, design”. Chera Amlag and Geo Quibuyen are another power couple in the Seattle Pinoy food scene. Amlag and Quibuyen are the co-owners and founders of Hood Famous Bakeshop (Ballard) and Hood Famous Cafe + Bar, a dessert shop offering her original takes on traditional Filipino sweets and flavors. She was born in the Philippines, grew up in Bremerton, graduated from the University of Washington, and currently resides in Seattle with her husband, Geo, and two sons. Hood Famous has become a favorite among Seattle foodies and visitors for their sweet pastries and among their most famous and bestselling products are the ube cheesecake, buko pie and mango calamansi cheesecake, perfect with a cup of hot coffee or pandan latte. Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and furthers the Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.

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Aged-out child realizes his American Dream on a brand new Citizen Pinoy this Sunday DESPITE being refused his immigrant visa because he had aged out as a derivative of his father’s petition, Paolo never gave up. He consulted with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL and retained their services more than three years after the visa refusal. On January 22, 2019, after

gathering all pertinent documents, the team at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel sent out a Motion for Reconsideration to the American Embassy, arguing that Paolo was under 21 years old based on the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). On May 13, 2019, the American Embassy approved the motion for reconsideration, con-

cluding Paolo was eligible for immigration benefits under the Child Status Protection Act.” See how Atty. Gurfinkel and his team were able to help Paolo realize his dream of coming to America, on a brand-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

(Advertising Supplement)

CSPA VICTORY FOR AGED OUT CHILD: PAOLO NEVER GAVE UP HOPE, DESPITE BEING REFUSED A VISA AT THE US EMBASSY BECAUSE HE HAD AGED OUT. Paolo (left) was only a small child when his U.S. citizen aunt petitioned his father. But when the priority date became current and Paolo went to the U.S. Embassy in 2015, his immigrant visa was refused because he had “aged out.” He then consulted with the law offices of MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL, Inc. Atty. Gurfinkel sought reconsideration from the U.S. Embassy, arguing that Paolo was still under 21, based on the Child Status Protection Act’s (CSPA) age calculation. Find out how leading U.S. immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL was able to turn a denial into a visa, by convincing the Embassy that Paolo was eligible for immigration benefits under the CSPA, on an all new episode of Citizen Pinoy – on Sunday at 6:15 PM (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Sid Lucero in “Norte, the End of History”

Inquirer.net photos

Lav Diaz comes to LA to be saluted in American Cinematheque’s first tribute to a Filipino filmmaker by

RuBen V. nepales Inquirer.net

LOS ANGELES —American Cinematheque, the prestigious nonprofit organization dedicated to the celebration of film in all of its forms, is saluting a Filipino filmmaker, Lav Diaz, for the first time. “As far as I know, this is the first salute we’ve done to a Filipino filmmaker. I am hoping that this will lead to more tributes soon,” said Chris LeMaire, American Cinematheque’s assistant programmer. Chris explained how the tribute to Lav came about: “We were fortunate to screen Lav’s latest film, ‘The Halt,’ as part of our Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Foreign Language Film Series in September last year. The film was met with great enthusiasm from the audience, which led me to explore the possibility of bringing Lav to Los Angeles for a tribute series. “I have been an admirer of Lav’s work for some time, so I was thrilled to see one of his films truly connect with our audience. I think these back-to-back nights with ‘Norte, the End of History’ and ‘Batang West Side’ will make a fitting introduction for anyone new to Lav’s cinema, and hopefully, will inspire further interest, as we continue to screen his films throughout the year.” The LA-based cultural organization will pay tribute to Lav with a two-day screening and a discussion with the internationally acclaimed auteur afterward in the series titled “The End of History: The Cinema of Lav Diaz.”

Lav Diaz

In its press release, American Cinematheque stated, “One of the Philippines’ most celebrated filmmakers, Lav Diaz has utilized the instinctual storytelling sensibilities of a great Russian novelist and the filmmaking styles of cinematic poets, such as Andrei Tarkovsky, Robert Bresson and Béla Tarr to create masterworks of epic lengths. Born in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao, Philippines, Diaz began directing features in the late 1990s, developing his signature connection between modern everyday life and the baggage of historical memory.” On Saturday, Feb. 29, at 5 p.m., the series kicks off with a screening of “Norte: The End of History,” which the New York Times included on its “Most Influ-

ential Films of the Decade” list. The 2013 Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard entry, described as Lav’s “epic reimagining of Dostoevsky’s ‘Crime and Punishment’ … [as] … both an intimate human drama and a cosmic treatise on the origin of evil,” stars Sid Lucero, Angeli Bayani and Archie Alemania. “Norte…” will be screened at the historic Aero Theatre, which opened in January 1940, in Santa Monica, California. A Filipino food reception at 4 p.m., catered by Fiesta Fastfood, will precede the screening. Fiesta Fastfood, a family-owned catering services company started by Minda and Jun Chin, is an inspiring immigrant success story. On Sunday, March 1, at 5 p.m., American Cinematheque’s celebration of Lav’s cinematic vision continues with a screening of “Batang West Side.” Released in 2001, the film, also titled “West Side Avenue,” is described as “addressing the traumatic fallout from the Ferdinand Marcos regime in an epic murder mystery set against the illusion of the American Dream.” Shot in Jersey City, New Jersey, “Batang…” stars Yul Servo, Joel Torre, Gloria Diaz and Angel Aquino. Chris pointed out, “The 35mm print of ‘Batang West Side’ came from the Austrian Film Museum, which holds Lav’s film collection. The print is a new 35mm restoration, so it is by far the best way to see the film. As far as I know, it is the only print available for loan.” This second screening will PAGE B4

Lovi is so much in love with British... PAGE B1 portunities are coming my way in my career so work muna.” Taking about her role in “Hindi Tayo Pwede,” Lovi said, “I love my character’s romanticism. She’s the type na gusto ang ending ng pelikula masaya. She doesn’t like tragic endings. Gusto niya sa huli, laging nagkakatuluyan ang dalawang bida. But then that’s not the case in her personal life. Hindi sila ng boyfriend niya, whom she really loved, ang nagkatuluyan.” Meanwhile, it’s Lovi’s first time to work with leading men Marco and Tony but shared she easily jelled with them. “Mga gentleman sila, very respectful,” she disclosed . “I love how they’re very support-

ive sa bawat eksena namin. You see, the conflict in the story is very internal and they’re very aware of it so when we’re on the set, pagdating ng take, alam nila gagawin nila. I really enjoyed working with the two of them.” Besides “Hindi Tayo Puwede” from Viva Films, Lovi has also finished “Latay,” which is an entry to the upcoming Sinag Maynila Film Festival. This movie tackles the issue of husband abuse and Lovie’s battered husband is portrayed by Allen Dizon. “Latay” is directed by Ralston Jover. “I’m not the type of wife who is submissive here. Ako yung matapang. Ako yung nambubugbog sa husband ko.

Si Allen naman yung husband who really loves his wife that he accepts all the verbal and physical abuse that he gets from me. Sobrang ganda at sobrang naiiba ang story ng movie na ito.” As for television work, Lovi is excited to do something very different soon with GMA Public Affairs. “It’s a romantic-comedy series with Benjamin Alves whom I’m thankful to get to work with again. He’s one of the actors I am comfortable working with. Nung malaman ko nga na siya ang partner ko, I was so happy. Aside from him, Ai-Ai delas Alas and other comedians are in the project. I’m sure we’re going to have a very happy set.”

Christopher and wife Gladys make...

PAGE B2 ment in Quezon City, is head of operations of Sommereux. C h r istopher a lso sa id he and Gladys, whom he was first paired with in the 1992 soap series “Mara Clara,” make a good t a ndem, even out side show biz. “I would first present a project to Gladys. We would then discuss if it is feasible and then do market research. If she’d say it’s doable, I’d turn it over to her and then move on to another project.” But like most partners, they don’t always see eye-to-eye.

“ S o m e t i m e s , s h e’ d t h u m b down a project as if she doesn’t trust me,” he said. Si nce he joi ned show bi z when he was 14, people who followed Christopher’s career saw him grow up. The 41-yearold actor claimed the industry is so different now compared to when he was just starting. “I seldom see the respect and professionalism that celebr it ies had when I was a young actor. We would always listen to our elders. We were disciplined so we come to work wel l-pr epa r ed,” he poi nted

out. Christopher said there was a time when he had to call out the attention of a young coactor because the latter would horse around with friends on t he set. “I told h i m t hat he has to take acting seriously. I said, ‘you don’t go to work with just a gun, you also have to have ammunit ions. Don’t st udy you r l i nes on ly when you get to work . Memor i ze t hem beforehand.’ A n actor who is my batchmate told me to just let the kid be because PAGE B4

Gloc-9, Juan Karlos’ new song ‘Sampaguita’ tells woes of OFWs by Ian

BIong Inquirer.net

VETERAN rapper Gloc-9 and rock band Juan Karlos have finally released their first-ever song together titled “Sampaguita,” and it is sure to hit a little too close to the hearts of many Filipinos. The new track may just have perfectly encapsulated how a parent—specifically an overseas Filipino worker (OFW)—feels about having to work away from his family. Through Gloc-9’s storytelling, “Sampaguita” expresses the longing and loneliness felt by parents who are forced to separate from their loved ones just to earn enough money to support them, albeit in a place that is nowhere near. “Anak, kaarawan mo na ulit / ‘Wag mong kalimutang suotin ang bago mong damit / Tandaan mo lagi kahit ‘di tayo magkalapit / Naaalala ka ni tatay tuwing ako’y

Gloc-9 and Juan Karlos Labajo

pumipikit,” Gloc-9 raps. To match the rapper’s somber tone, frontman Juan Karlos Labajo delivers a soulful chorus and somehow promises hope through the lines: “Kahit saan man mapadpad / Sa’yo pa rin ako babalik, giliw / Sa halimuyak ng ‘yong paboritong sampaguita.” “Sampaguita,” released in the first hour of Feb. 28, is now avail-

Photo from nstagram/@juankarlosband

able on several music streaming platforms, Juan Karlos’s official Instagram page announced earlier. Both Gloc-9 and Juan Karlos have shared several snippets of them together in an abandoned, garbage-ridden lot surrounded by ruins of buildings, hinting to fans that a music video may be on the way.

B4 FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 3, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Lav Diaz comes to LA to be saluted...

PAGE B3 be at the historic Hollywood Egyptian Theatre, which opened in 1922. Restored and reopened by American Cinematheque in 1998, the Egyptian includes a state-of-the-art 616-seat theater housed within Sid Grauman’s first grand movie palace on Hollywood Boulevard. A Los Angeles landmark, the Egyptian hosted the first-ever Hollywood movie premiere in 1922. Lav, who often serves as writer,

director, producer, cinematographer, editor, production designer and composer on his films, is flying from the Philippines to attend both screenings and Q&A sessions afterward. The two films are in Tagalog and English, with English subtitles. Chris addressed why these are must-see films despite their epic length, a trademark of Lav’s oeuvre: “For one thing, these are two of Diaz’s very best films. ‘Norte…’ is often considered

his masterpiece, and it’s easy to see why—few films manage to balance the two opposite extremes of human nature in such a beautiful way. In my opinion, it’s one of the best (loose) adaptations of ‘Crime and Punishment’ there is. “Likewise, Lav’s ‘Batang…’ takes a novelist approach to storytelling through its epic portrait of the American Dream set in Jersey City. It’s one of Diaz’s early films, so it will be interesting to compare these two films and see how his style has evolved. “As for the intimidating lengths of these films, thankfully, our audience has grown accustomed to the experience. Over the past year, we have screened films, such as ‘Satantango,’ ‘War and Peace’ and ‘The Human Condition,’ all of which were met with great enthusiasm. I think our audience will gladly accept the challenge this weekend, and hopefully, acknowledge Diaz’s ambitious scope as one of his greatest assets.” In addition, Lav’s “Storm Children: Book One,” described as his “observational documentary which chronicles the aftermath of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” in 2013 after it tore through Tacloban Island in the Philippines,” will be screened on March 2, at 7 p.m., at the University of Southern California’s The Albert and Dana Broccoli Theatre, SCA 112, George Lucas Building Lobby, School of Cinematic Arts Complex, 900 W. 34th Street in LA. Lav will also participate with an in-person discussion following the screening. American Cinematheque’s tribute to the Pinoy director, whose films’ many awards include Venice Film Festival’s 2016 Golden Lion (best picture) for “The Woman Who Left,” will continue with once per month screening of his films thereafter. Founded in 1981, the American Cinematheque is “a nonprofit viewer-supported public film exhibition and cultural organization dedicated to the celebration of the moving picture in all of its forms. At the historic Egyptian and Aero Theatres, the Cinematheque presents regular film and digital programming, which ranges from the classics of American and international cinema, to sneak previews of new independent and studio films, pop-culture gems and cult cinema in all genres.

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MOONLIGHTING by MYLAH DE

LEON

FOR such a monumental thing to be accomplished in seconds defies logic. In fact, it was almost insulting, but there it was. It happened i n less t i me t ha n it took her to d r aw a breath. Anybody can become a widow. There were no special qualifications. It did not require planning to become a wife or mother or any of the other ritual roles of womanhood. It was neither dramatic nor majestic, it was a snapshot! It was a sunny afternoon when her husband had a respiratory and cardiac arrest, slipped into a coma, and expired on the tenth day. Suddenly, she was past all actions, all decisions, her eyes were dry but heavy…then hot tears dropped in her heart! She didn’t believe in signs and portents, but she thought t hat t he at mosphere i n t he room did take the coloration of a significant change. For some reason, she leaned close to her husband’s ear and whispered, “We’ll always be together, and I will always love you.” He raised his eyebrow, gave her a little dimpled smile, and then he was gone. She imagined that the tears so long suppressed will f low from her, and her wails would shake t he wal ls. Yet, she merely sat down next to his body, which had been as familiar as her own, and was no less so. Then her fi ngers traced the outline of his nose, already amazingly cooling. He was her husband of 24 years, her doppelganger, her ally for most of her adult life. If she could only manage to see all these as terribly sad, instead of crippling and horrifying, she would not break in half. The worst moment, after all, had come 10 days before, when she took his healthy body to the hospital for his yearly executive check-up in the morning,

A widow’s lament but by seven in the evening, he had a cardiac and respiratory arrest. He used to call his four girls “my chicks.” Now they were hers alone. She wanted to cry out. When something like this happened to someone so young, her life could be so cruel but she knew to do that would dishonor the very reason this is all so sad, which was that life is wonderful, and most wonderful for its smallest splendors: jasmine tea, her children that smelled like rain, bickering about whether to fi x their playroom, her books and her music. While her husband was in peace now, she had somehow forgotten, in the years of her marriage, to observe the line when his life left off and hers began. She felt lame, stupid, at a distance from herself. As for the children, who lived in a time different from adults, each day was not a step toward healing, but another step away from their father’s. Through her wall, she could hear the eldest daughter sobbing “Papa, Papa... please!” The 5-year-old came home one day with a tight and secret smile, “My friend, Tisha, is a big liar, thinking if you wish on a star, it will come real. I know it won’t come real because I wished on a star for 10 days. It’s just a big story.” Meanwhile, the roof quite l itera l ly fel l because of t he threatened court battles for the children’s guardianship by opulent the in-laws. When her lawyer sarcastically summoned up a defense in “you’re protecting the children against their mother!” It fi zzled out, but not till after ever y means to tor ture her, whether emotionally or physically, was thoroughly exhausted. She weathered the gale, heard the birds sing after a storm just like the life-threatening battle she won over the Big C, many years ago later in her life. She had been working as a public relations director for a city mayor and was trying to realize the dream of supporting

herself with her writing — the foremost t hing her husband had encouraged in his lifetime. But she counted on his support when she bungled her fi rst police magazine story and was promptly sent back to fashion reporting by her editors, in deep humiliation. He sent her to Paris to have an exclusive interview with Veruschka, then the world’s number one mannequin. Now, she had to figure out how to regroup. It seemed smaller life than the life her husband tried to craft for herself. All she wanted was to write, cherishing the dream of spinning tales for fun and profit one day. It was a good thing. It was the right thing. But to do that, she seemed a woman thinking only of herself instead of responsibilities. But to her, making decisions based on fear felt lonely and humbling, not virtuous. Does a good mother teach her children to be timid, to trade down their dreams? Does she teach them that the loss should not break their will, even as it breaks their hearts? And what is living…in the time you’re given to do it…except daring? The girls have grown, raised their own families and are now watching her grow old, molded in t he only way t heir fat her would have wanted them to be strong-willed, upright, compassionate and forgiving. She still didn’t believe in signs and portents, nor that there were any more in store for them than this life. On the other hand, her life has made her willing just to be surprised. She thought aloud when the atmosphere in the room changed again, and this time, the coloration’s knock was for her. She will find out, it was her PDL, after all, blowing those beautiful fates in her directions. Along the years, she had also fi nally stopped wondering: Why was growing old with him too much to ask for? *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol. com.

Christopher and wife Gladys make...

PAGE B3 he is still young. I shot back by saying, ‘when we were his age, we couldn’t just arrive on the set and tell (the late actress) Charito Solis to wait while we

memorize our lines.’” Christopher said this was also partly the network’s fault, especial ly since t hey would often give their stars the kidglove t reat ment. “Since our

conversat ion, I saw t hat he wou ld of ten come up w it h great work. T hat impressed me. We’re good friends now. This kid is Joshua Garcia,” he declared.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 29 - mARch 3, 2020

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B FEBRUARY 29 - mARch 3, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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COMMUNITY Journal

The Prophetic Voice ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas ON this beginning of Lent, let me share with you a Lenten prayer by William Arthur Ward: Lent can be more than a time of fasting. It can also be a joyous season of feasting. Lent is a time to fast from certain things and to feast on others. It is a season to: Fast from judging others; feast on Christ living in them. Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life. Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light. Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God. Fast from words that pollute;

Tax & Stock Tips victoR sy,

cPa, MBa (RetiRed)

You fail to report investment income from interest and dividends: You must report interest and dividends from banks and brokers. If you fail to disclose such accounts to your spouse… err, the IRS, you could be courting an audit if the amounts are material. Remember that banks and brokers submit 1099-INT and 1099-DIV to the IRS. If you miss to report, there will be mismatch between IRS computer data base and your tax return. This oversight generates notice CP-2000 from the Service for unreported income. You claimed Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) The earned income credit (EIC) is a refundable tax credit for certain low-income taxpayers. It was expanded to include taxpayers with no qualifying children. The credit is based on the concept of negative income taxation. While the government collects taxes from the paying masses, it

Fasting and feasting

feast on phrases that purify. Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude. Fast from anger; feast on patience. Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism. Fast from worry; feast on appreciation. Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation. Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives. Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer. Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance. Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness. Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others. Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal hope through Jesus. Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm. Fast from suspicions; feast on truth. Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence. Fast from thoughts of weakness; feast on promises that inspire. Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that undergirds. Fast from everything that separates us from the Lord; feast on everything that draws us to the Lord. May we live the true purpose and meaning of Lent! May it be a time to turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel, to live in the graces of love, peace, mercy, and compassion! *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

Top tax audit triggers

Part 4 of 4 rebates taxes from you and me to tions may not be subject to the same reporting requirements as taxpayers with low income. But claiming the Earned In- domestic financial institutions. come Tax Credit also causes your The FBAR is a tool to help the return to be internally audited at United States government identhe IRS. You won’t even know that tify persons who may be using the IRS is reviewing your return. If foreign financial accounts to cirthe IRS determines that you are cumvent United States law. Invesnot entitled to the credit and find tigators use FBARs to help idensome other interesting issues in tify or trace funds used for illicit your tax returns, you could be in- purposes or to identify unreported vited to visit the IRS office for an income maintained or generated abroad. audit. The IRS already has a dossier You have cash or other finanon your foreign holdings and if cial assets in a foreign country: If you own a foreign bank ac- you don’t report your financial count, brokerage account, mutual assets, you have a high chance of fund, or other financial account, getting audited. *** you may be required to report the account annually to the govern- Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude ment. If you have a financial inter- from UE with a BBA and from Indiana est in or signature authority over a State University with an MBA. Vic foreign financial account, includ- worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV ing a bank account, brokerage ac- - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young count, mutual fund, trust, or other before establishing Sy Accountancy type of foreign financial account, Corporation. *** the Bank Secrecy Act may require you to report the account yearly He retired after 50 years of defending to the Internal Revenue Service taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE by filing FinCen Form 114, Report and other governmental agencies. He of Foreign Bank and Financial Ac- published a book on “How to Avoid or counts (FBAR). FBAR is required Survive IRS Audits.” Readers may email because foreign financial institu- tax questions to vicsy@live.com.

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 3, 2020

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C FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 3, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances Atty. rAymond BUlAon FILING Bankruptcy is a serious decision for most people. Although almost a million people file Bankruptcy in every year, most don’t have a clue about how the process works until they actually consult with an attorney. Confusion often results from hearing conflicting personal opinions from people they know. Sad to say, well-meaning friends and family often give the wrong advice and the results can sometimes be disastrous. Remember that as much as your friends and family care about you, nothing takes the place of professional advice. Filing right away may not be the best thing to do in some situations. In other cases, however, it is necessary to file immediately in order to protect property, wages, bank accounts and other assets from being taken by creditors. An experienced Bankruptcy attorney should be consulted without delay when important legal rights are at stake. This is especially true when you have assets that may be at risk if creditors file lawsuits, repossess or foreclose. Judgment creditors may proceed to place a lien against property that you

Community Journal

Why filing bankruptcy is not as bad as most people think own, garnish your wages or levy on your bank accounts. If you are honestly doing your best to pay your creditors but simply can’t, the law provides a remedy for your situation. I am not saying that bankruptcy should just be a quick way out of debt in every situation without regard for personal responsibility. What I am saying is that being bankrupt is not often a conscious choice that people make. Rather it is simply a consequence of poor financial decisions that have already been made in the past. There are many reasons why people file bankruptcy. It could be a result of unemployment, divorce, death, illness, disability and yes, sometimes, just making poor financial choices. But the past is gone and the decisions already made are irreversible. Life must go on. Regardless of what got you to this point, the willingness to accept responsibility for where you are and the acknowledgement of the fact that where you go from here depend on you alone are your first steps to financial recovery. There is no point living in the past, and all you have is the present moment to be able to act and change things going forward. Would that day be today when you finally get sick and tired of your debt problems that you decide to do something about

it? Or will you just let things get worse before taking any action? Be willing to forgive yourself for any wrong decisions you may have made while putting your past where it belongs. Filing for Bankruptcy relief by wiping out debts you can no longer pay or maybe consolidating all your debts into one affordable monthly payment can be a turning point in your life if you find yourself in a seemingly hopeless financial situation. When appropriate, Bankruptcy may be just what you need to turn your situation around quickly and help you get your life back on track. Never lose hope. Like most problems in life, this too will soon pass. If you are in debt and need to find the best solution for your situation, call toll-free 1-866-4777772 to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia.

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Retiring senior needs bankruptcy relief for $45K credit cards

Debt Relief

Atty. lAwrence yAng

A 65-year-old husband has just handed in his application for retirement from his job. He makes a gross of $5,000 a month with overtime. Upon retirement, he will net about $3,700 as pension. That’s not bad at all. In fact, that’s a lot better than social security benefits. If it were social security, he would probably get only about $1,800. He works for the government, which has good pensions to say the least. The government of the U.S. takes care of its own. All of us private citizens have to rely on our pittance of social security after having paid so much tax during our productive years. At least we have Medicare if we get sick. The problem with the ER is that they check everything *** None of the information herein is intend- and still get it wrong. I went to ed to give legal advice for any specific the ER a couple of months ago situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has success- for an undisclosed illness. The fully helped more than 5,000 clients in doctor there gave me CRT, EKG, getting out of debt. For a free evaluation the works. You name it, he did of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon it. I stayed there for eight hours Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477- and got billed $15,000. Then the 7772. They have offices in Glendale, doctor concluded that there was nothing wrong with me. UnforCerritos and Valencia. tunately for me, there was actu(Advertising Supplement) ally something wrong with me. The next day I went to my family doctor. She took one look at me and said that I had to go see a specialist immediately. Making the divorce case. Family Code a long story short, I thank God §2556 provides “A party may almighty for taking care of me. file a postjudgment motion or request for order in the proceeding in order to obtain adjudication Tapat Sa of any community estate asset or liability omitted or not adju- Batas dicated by the judgment.” The postjudgment partition of the unadjudicated community estate claims is properly entertained Atty. rheA sAmson by the court even absent an express reservation of jurisdiction in its prior judgment. Marriage of SA ilalim ng U.S. Immigration Moore & Ferrie (1993) 14 CA4th Law, mayroon dalawang uri ng 1472, 1483, 18 CR2d 543, 549, family-based immigrant visas: fn. 9. The postjudgment motion (1) Immediate Relative: asawa, is available to any omitted asset dalaga o binatang anak [na wala or debt not adjudicated by the di- pang 21 taon gulang], o maguvorce judgment. However, Fam- lang ng U.S. citizen [USC]; at (2) ily Code §2556 does not extend Family Preference: F1 – dalaga to division and adjudication of o binatang anak [na may 21 any separate property. Marriage taon gulang na] ng USC; F2A of Klug (2005) 130 CA4th 1389, – Asawa at dalaga o binatang 1396, 31 CR3d 327, 331–332. anak [na wala pang 21 taon guIf an asset was partially omit- lang] ng green card holder/lawted, the Court can still divide and ful permanent resident [LPR}; adjudicate the portion that has F2B – dalaga o binatang anak [na u PAGE C4 may 21 taon gulang na] ng LPR; F3 – may asawang anak ng USC; at F4 – mga kapatid ng USC, at kanilang asawa at mga anak na walang pang 21 taon gulang at walang asawa. Para sa mga LPR, may dalawang lamang immigrant visa category para sa family members: F2A at F2B. Ang asawa at dalaga o binatang anak [na wala pang 21 taon gulang] ng LPR ay sumasailalaim sa F2A category. Kung ang dalaga o binatang anak ay naging 21 taon gulang na, ang dalaga o binatang anak ng LPR ay sasailalaim na sa F2B category. Ito ay automatic mula sa F2A category. Kung ang dal-

Dealing with assets omitted from a divorce case YOU and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding. This is usually the most difficult period of a person’s life. Finally, time heals all pain. You and your spouse get tired of bickering and being mean to one another that you both decide to compromise each other positions and resolve all issues in your divorce case through settlement. Shortly thereafter, the divorce judgment is finally entered by the Court and you get a sigh of relief. Later you discovery that “Oops!,” your ex-spouse had community asset and/or debt that was left out of the divorce judgment. This may be a pension, retirement account, a hidden bank account, or a piece of real estate property which was not divided in the judgment. What is one to do in this situation? The answer can be found in California Family Code §2556. California Family Code §2556 provides “In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, for nul-

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes lity of marriage, or for legal separation of the parties, the court has continuing jurisdiction to award community estate assets or community estate liabilities to the parties that have not been previously adjudicated by a judgment in the proceeding.” California Family Code §2556. Even if the parties did not expressly reserve jurisdiction on that piece of asset, the Court retains the power to divide a specific property if there is a community interest in it. The Court’s “continuing jurisdiction” over omitted community estate assets or debts is invoked by filing a post judgment Motion, or Request for Order in

I’m still ok having caught the problem late but still in time. Another 12 hours of delay would have been fatal, and instead of reading my article, you would be reading my obituary. The problem the senior client has is that his wife won’t be retiring for at least four more years and she’s grossing about $7,000 a month. She says her takehome is only $3,000 and doesn’t know what all the deductions are for. The good thing is they don’t own a home with more than $175,000 of equity; otherwise, they’re looking a Chapter 13 at least to the extent of the nonexempt equity. However, after doing the means test analysis, senior clients must do a Chapter 13 because they do have qualifying disposable income. For $45,000, the minimum monthly payment to credit cards is at least $1,400 a month. For sure, their plan payment in Chapter 13 would be much lesser than that. And don’t forget at $1,400 a month, they’re just paying interest, no principal is being down. It’s indisputable that Chapter 13 would be beneficial for them at this time. For one, even if they pay 100% of the $45,000 over 60 months, the plan payment would only be half or $750 and that whole amount is for paying down principal, since in Chapter 13, there is no interest applicable. Of course, my job is to try to bring down their plan payment of a minimum amount. Let’s just

say that the range of possible plan payment would be somewhere between $160 and $750. Less is better. Tour operator shuttered by virus problem seeks bankruptcy relief Now the second client is a business owner. He operates a tour business that relies mostly, if not entirely, on tourists from Asia. It’s common knowledge now that people are afraid to travel abroad because of that stupid virus that all the superpowers together cannot kill. So we can say that this virus killed the client’s tour business. He said that his business practically has no more revenue. He was able to pay February bills, but nothing is coming in, so he can’t pay bills coming due next month. He asked whether or not his creditors, particularly the secured ones will give him some breathing time to ride out the virus crisis. I said I have no idea. Normally secured creditors will pick up the collateral upon one or two defaults. They then sell the collateral at wholesale, then, collect the balance unpaid. For instance, the client operates three tour buses. All three buses are being purchased with loans secured by the buses themselves. If the client cannot pay March, then there is a strong possibility that the lender will repossess the buses and sell them at wholesale; then collect

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Petitions for adult children of LPRs and US citizens

aga o binatang anak ng LPR ay nag-asawa, ang visa petition ay mapapawalang-bisa na sapagkat walang visa category para sa may asawang anak ng LPR. Ang visa petition ay invalidated, kahit ito ay pending o aprubado na, basta’t hindi pa nagkakapagimmigrate ang beneficiary sa US. Kung ang beneficiary ay nag-asawa bago siya makarating ng US bilang immigrant, siya ay hindi kwalipikado para sa immigrant visa. Dahil dito, may ilang beneficiary na nagpapakasal ng patago at palihim bago umalis ng kanilang bansa. Ngunit walang kasal ng secreto o lihim na kasal. Para sa mga USC, mayroon immigrant visa category para sa kanilang anak na dalaga, binata at may asawa. Ang dalaga o binatang anak ng USC [na may 21 taon gulang na] ay sumasailalim sa F1 category. Kung ang dalaga o binatang anak ay nag-asawa, ang kanyang F1 category ay automatic na magiging F3 category. Ang kasal ng dalaga o binatang anak ng USC ay hindi nagpapawalang-bisa ng visa petition ngunit napapalitan ang category ng immigrant visa mula F1 category at magiging F3 category. Kung ang petitioner ay LPR noong filing ng petition para sa dalaga o binatang anak [na may 21 taon gulang na], ang visa cat-

egory ay F2B category. Subalit kapag nag-naturalize ang LPR, ang visa petition ay automatic na magiging F1 category. Kung ang dalaga o binatang anak ay nagasawa pagkatapos mag-naturalize ang LPR, ang visa petition ay hindi invalidated. Ito ay magiging F3 category – may asawang anak ng USC. *** Under U.S. Immigration Laws, there are two types of familybased immigrant visas: (1) Immediate Relative: spouse, child [unmarried and under 21 years old], or parent of a U.S. citizen [USC]; and (2) Family Preference:: F1 – unmarried adult [21 years or older] sons and daughters of USC; F2A – Spouses and minor [under 21 years old] and unmarried children of green card holder/lawful permanent resident [LPR}; F2B – unmarried sons and daughters [over 21 years old] of LPR; F3 – married sons and daughters of USC; and F4 – brothers and sisters of USC, and their spouses and children. For LPRs, there are only two immigrant visa categories for family members: F2A and F2B. A spouse and unmarried child of LPR under 21 years old falls under the F2A category. If the unmarried child turns 21 years old,

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Removing the conditions of your permanent residence without your petitioning spouse’s participation A PERSON who obtains his/ her green card via marriage to a U.S. citizen spouse, and who is married for less than 2 years has conditional permanent resident status. A conditional permanent resident has a green card that is valid for 2 years. In order to continue to have permanent resident status after 2 years, the conditional permanent resident and his/ her US citizen spouse must file an I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence during the 90 days before the expiration of the green card. 8 CFR 216.4(a)(1) But what if things don’t work out with the US citizen spouse after getting married, and the conditional permanent resident can no longer get the participation of his/ her U.S. citizen spouse in filing the I-751 petition? In such a case, the conditional permanent resident may seek an I-751 waiver of the joint filing requirement. In order to qualify for an I-751 waiver of the joint filing requirement, the conditional permanent resident must show that the marriage upon which his/her status was based was: 1) entered into in good faith, and 2) terminated. 8 CFR 216.5(a)(1)(ii) With respect to the required showing that the marriage was entered into in good faith, the conditional permanent resident must show that his/her marriage was not a “sham.” A marriage is considered a “sham” if, when they married, the couple did not intend

still pending. Also, once the marriage is terminated, the conditional resident may file the I-751 petition immediately, and does not have to wait until the normal 90 days before the expiration of the conditional green card. Atty. dArricK tAn It is worth noting that if the conditional permanent resito establish a life together. An dent and his/her U.S. Citizen intent to obtain something other spouse live in California, a than or in addition to love and valid divorce judgment must companionship (such as a green be obtained in the California card) from that life does not courts. I have had numerous make a marriage a sham. Mat- California-resident clients in the past who have obtained a “quick” divorce judgment in Nevada only to face USCIS scrutiny after presenting the Nevada divorce judgment in support of an I-751 waiver request (since one must be a Nevada resident to obtain a divorce in Nevada). The assistance of an experienced attorney in handling the divorce as well as the I-751 waiver request is accordingly ter of Soltan, A76 888 125 (BIA recommended. 2001). Documents such as joint *** bank and credit card statements, and photos that demonstrate Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practhat the marriage was entered in tice law in California and Nevada. Mr. good faith should be presented. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and SouthAlso, in order to qualify for western University School of Law. He an I-751 waiver of the joint fil- is a member of the American Immigraing requirement, the conditional tion Lawyers Association (AILA), the permanent resident must show Consumers Attorney Association of that the marriage was terminat- Los Angeles (CAALA), and is a former ed. By “terminated,” the USCIS member of the Board of Governors of requires a valid, formal divorce the Philippine American Bar Associajudgment. An I-751 waiver of tion (PABA). LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK the joint filing requirement can- V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite not be approved in cases where 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323the conditional permanent resi- 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com dent is legally separated or in (Advertising Supplement) divorce proceedings that are

Legal Advice

“ Documents such as joint bank and credit card statements, and photos that demonstrate that the marriage was entered in good faith should be presented.”

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Unequal pay + sexually-hostile workplace = sex discrimination RIOT Games, Inc. is a multibillion dollar video game developer, with headquarters in Los Angeles, operating in 24 offices around the world and employing about 2,500 workers, 80% of them male. Riot Games’ employees, Melanie McCracken and Jessica Negron, sued their employer in a class action, alleging that female employees in the company were denied equal pay and denied promotion because they are women. They claim to have been subjected to ongoing sexual harassment which predominate the sexually-hostile working environment. The lawsuit alleged that Riot Games is notorious for fostering “bro culture” – a culture of sexism and mistreatment towards women. The lawsuit detailed several examples of “bro culture” at Riot Games, some of which include: Requiring female employees to fulfill roles above their title and pay grade, while falsely promising them a promotion but ultimately hiring a man to fill the position, despite the female employee’s competence. Male supervisors belittling female employees at staff meetings by comments such as “her kids and husband must really miss her while she was at work;” “she talks louder than she should;” “she’s shrill;” or “she should speak less.” Women are made fun of and sexually objectified. There is an ongoing e-mail chain of “Riot Games Hottest Women Employees” which rates the “hotness” of each female on the list. Women are required to participate and tolerate crude male humor which include offensive jokes about sex, defecation, masturbation, rape, and torture. Riot Games states it will only hire “core gamers” defined as “hardcore video game fans.” Men are assumed to be core

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights ATTY. C. JOE SAYAS, JR. gamers, but women are assumed to not be core garners or even gamers at all. Because this hiring practice unfairly favors men, many qualified women are not hired. Female applicants and employees who are outspoken are considered “aggressive,” “too ambitious,” and “annoying.” Senior management emphasized the importance of hiring only “core gamers,” i.e., men, and if women are hired, they must be ‘quiet and will - literally and figuratively “shut up and play the game.”’ Aside from being denied equal pay and promotions, female employees are exposed to ongoing sexual harassment and are retaliated against for speaking out. The hostile work environment is shown in the following: Unsolicited and unwelcome pictures of male genitalia shown to employees from their bosses or colleagues. A female employee was informed that she was on a list getting passed around by senior leaders detailing who they would sleep with. Men telling jokes that are intended to demean women’s intellect or are sexually explicit. Intentionally explaining ideas to women in a condescending or patronizing way (commonly known as “mansplaining”) Punching, grabbing, and touching each other’s genitals as a form of a gag. Mimicking women blatantly in front of them. Telling stories on a daily basis about sexual conquests Using their bodies to simulate “humping” another person.

A former male employee was allowed to remain in a position of leadership despite regularly making sexual comments in the workplace and drugging and raping another Riot Games’ employee. Sometime in August 2019, the parties reached a settlement, where Riot Games agreed to pay $10 million in damages to its female employees employed in the last 5 years. In an interesting twist, California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed an objection to the settlement, stating that the proposed settlement would grossly undercompensate the class members, paying them $6 million to resolve claims that may be worth as much as $400 million. The California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement also objected to the settlement because it would release Riot Games from liability for certain state labor code violations. Both objections urged the court to reject the proposed settlement. As a result of these objections, the class withdrew the proposed $10 million settlement and replaced their original attorneys with new lawyers. The case continues to be pending in Los Angeles Superior Court. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit HYPERLINK “http://www.joesayaslaw.com” www. joesayaslaw.com. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas in 2018.] (Advertising Supplement)

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the unmarried son or daughter’s F2A category is immediately converted to F2B. If the adult son or daughter gets married, the visa petition is invalidated as there is no category for married sons or daughters of LPRs. This petition is invalidated whether it is pending or approved, as long as the beneficiary adult son or daughter of LPR has not yet immigrated to the U.S. If the beneficiary gets married before entry to the U.S, the beneficiary does not qualify for immigrant visa. Some beneficiaries enter into secret marriages before leaving their country for the U.S. However, there is no such thing as a secret marriage. For USCs, there are visa categories for both their married and unmarried adult sons and daughters. An unmarried adult

son or daughter [over 21 years old] of a USC falls under the F1 category. If the unmarried adult son or daughter gets married, the adult son or daughter’s F1 category is immediately converted to F3. The marriage of the adult son or daughter of a USC does not invalidate the visa petition but merely converts the category from F1 to F3. If the petitioner is LPR when the petition is filed for the adult son or daughter, the category is F2B. However, when the LPR petitioner naturalizes, the visa petition is converted to F1 category. If the adult son or daughter gets married after the LPR petitioner naturalizes, the petition is not invalidated but is under the F3 category – married adult son or daughter of USC. ***

ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is the principal of SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C. She has been a member of the State Bar of California for over 15 years and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for over 20 years. Atty. Samson received her Legal Management degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and her Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo Law School. She was a Professor for over 10 years, teaching Obligations and Contracts, Labor Laws and Social Legislation and Taxation Law. Atty Samson is the author of The Law on Obligations and Contracts (2016), Working with Labor Laws-Revised Edition (2014) and Working with Labor Laws (2005). SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C., 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90010; Phone: (213) 381-5710; Email: info@samsonlawfirmpc.com” info@samsonlawfirmpc.com. (Advertising Supplement)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 3, 2020

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People and Events Last call for applications for AAPA Mentorship Program THE Asian American Professional Association’s (AAPA) Mentorship Program is approaching— don’t forget to apply this week! The AAPA Mentorship Program provides professionals with a one-year mentorship and leadership training program. Participants attend speaker sessions, workshops, and executive forums that teach critical management skills while working one-on-one with a mentor to reach specific career goals. The program is open to professionals from diverse ethnic backgrounds who seek career advancement. Mentees benefit from oneon-one mentoring with an experienced, knowledgeable and trusted AAPA Mentor. The mentor and mentee will establish specific and achievable goal(s) and an action plan related to goal setting, career development, career changes, professional development, etc. The official duration of the mentoring relationship is the current calendar year. In addition, while the mentee

is paired with one mentor for the duration of the year, the mentee is also free to speak to any of the AAPA mentors at any events throughout the year. Three workshops per year Learn key leadership and management skills to excel and advance your career! AAPA Mentors will share their knowledge and experiences on various leadership and management topics in small group settings. Workshops are held three times per year as part of the AAPA Mentorship Program. Topics (Pick one class from each workshop) Workshop #1 – April 11, 2020 •Class #1 – Interviewing Techniques for Success • Class #2 – Assertiveness and Negotiations Workshop #2 – May 30, 2020 • Class #1 – Brand and Professional Presence • Class #2 – Decision Making and Risk Taking Workshop #3 – September 12, 2020 • Class #1 – Leadership Styles Matter

• Class #2 – Corporate Rules of Success • Class #3 – Delegation and Empowerment As a mentee, you have the opportunity to meet and connect with mentors, speakers, donors, corporate leaders, community leaders, alumni and peers. The AAPA network continues to expand each year. Also enjoy an end-of-year graduation gala and banquet. Mentees who have completed their track requirements are eligible to graduate and will receive a completion certificate. For employers, the program will help elevate your employee’s leadership skills that are critical to career growth and success. Learn how to improve employee productivity and retention, strengthen the leadership pipeline with diverse leaders, and deepen employee connections with like-minded professionals and executives. The program will begin in March 2020! Register now and get more information at https:// aapamentoring.com/. ■

Presenting Image Movers: UCLA Asian American Studies Center 50th Anniversary Film Festival on March 6-21 INSPIRED by Russell Leong’s words, “In moving the image, we open the future.” Showcasing powerful imagery and poignant commentary around some of the most meaningful issues facing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, UCLA Film & Television Archive, UCLA Asian American Studies Center (AASC), UCLA Center for Ethnocommunications, Melnitz Movies, and the Hugh M. Hefner Classic American Film Program, present Image Movers: UCLA Asian American Studies Center 50th Anniversary Film Festival from March 6 through 21 at the Billy Wilder and James Bridges Theaters. Image Movers marks 50 years of Asian American Studies at UCLA and AASC’s legacy of uplifting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Throughout its history, AASC has supported students, activists, scholars, and community members in sharing their own lived experiences and narratives in film, as well as in the academia. This paralleled the proliferation of Asian American Studies scholarship that

makes UCLA the premier institution for Asian American Studies research, teaching and civic engagement. This three-weekend film festival features a diverse range of classic and new narrative and documentary films and creative works, and highlights key themes and topics selected by the faculty and staff of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, in consultation with their collaborators at UCLA Film & Television Archive, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, Film Quarterly, UCLA Asian American Studies Department, and Visual Communications (VC), the presenter of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. Each program will also include short films from the UCLA Center for Ethnocommunications’ Creating Community Media and VC’s Armed with a Camera programs. Ticketed opening and closing night celebrations will take place on March 6 and March 20, respectively. March 6, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Asian Americans – featuring a sneak preview

of the groundbreaking documentary series premiering May 2020 on PBS. In person: episode producer Grace Lee, series producer Renee Tajima-Peña, librarian, activist Florante Ibanez and professor Karen Umemoto. Ticketed Opening Night Reception follows program. Screening: Pilgrimage (2006) and Asian Americans (2020) March 7, 2020 – 2:00 p.m. (James Bridges Theater) Punching at the Sun. In person: Set Hernandez Rongkilyo, co-founder – Undocumented Filmmakers Collective, and Shikha Bhatnagar of South Asian Network. Screening: Clips from the Undocumented Filmmakers Collective, Lost and Found (2007), Missing Piece Project (2018) and Punching at the Sun (2006) March 7, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Better Luck Tomorrow. In person: social justice defender Kirn Kim, professor erin

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Filipino director Lav Diaz in conversation in LA Come watch Filipino director Lav Diaz’s “Batang West Side” on Sunday, March 1 at 5 p.m. followed by a discussion with him. Filipino director Lav Diaz burst into the international arthouse film scene with this epic murder mystery set against the illusion of the American Dream. The story begins with the senseless slaying of Hanzel (Yul Servo), a Filipino youth from the crime ridden streets of Jersey City. Police detective Juan Mijares (Joel Torre) sets out to solve the case, by interviewing the teen’s family and friends and piecing together a fractured portrait of his life. Soon, the detective’s discoveries reveal some relentlessly bleak truths about the Philippine diasporic experience. With the ambitious scope of a great work of literature and a surprisingly brisk pace (for Diaz), “Batang West Side” is one of the director’s most hauntingly beautiful films. It will be held at the Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028). For more information and tickets, please visit http://americancinemathequecalendar.com/content/batang-west-side-0.

MARCH 3

PALAD’s Super Tuesday happy Hour in LA Please join the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD) for happy hour on Super Tuesday on March 3 starting at 6:00 p.m. at Noypitz Bar & Grill DTLA (333 S Alameda Street, 1st floor). Your vote is your voice! #IWillVote #BobotoAko. Parking: there is plenty of validated parking, the parking garage is off of Alameda Street. RSVP: bit.ly/March3SuperTuesday. The Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD) is a political organization first chartered with the LA County Democratic Party in 1987. PALAD’s mission is to organize and mobilize the Filipino American community in Los Angeles County. PALAD is dedicated to promoting political empowerment and increasing civic engagement and participation in the Filipino American community.

MARCH 7

‘The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook’ family cooking demo and book signing in Long Beach, CA Flipp Family and Romeo Chocolates Present “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” demo and book signing on Saturday, March 7 from 1-4 p.m. This is a two-part event: 1-2 p.m. (Paid ticket required): Cooking demo will be an interactive experience where everyone, including the kids will be able to learn one of the recipes from the cookbook. Romeo, owner of Romeo Chocolates, will also do a special champorado recipe that can easily be made in the Instant Pot as well! This portion requires a paid ticket. Kids are free with adult ticket purchase. 2-4 p.m. is free, but RSVP ticket required: After the cooking demo, you will be able to purchase the cookbook or bring your copy to get signed. Hangout with the authors in an intimate casual setting. “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” features over 75 traditional Filipino recipes, including desserts adapted for the Instant Pot. It is the brainchild of six Filipino American home cooks “who set out to explore their Filipino heritage and intimate family histories, one dish at a time.” The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook has been so well received that it is now a bestseller on Amazon. Flipp Family is building community by cultivating the Filipino culture through various events that are highlighted through food, music, dance etc. Flipp Family is about bringing families together and learn more about their culture as a whole family. The event will be held at Romeo Chocolates at 460 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802.

‘The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook’ family cooking demo and book signing in Long Beach, CA Flipp Family and Romeo Chocolates Present “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” demo and book signing on Saturday, March 7 from 1-4 p.m. This is a two-part event: 1-2 p.m. (Paid ticket required): Cooking demo will be an interactive experience where everyone, including the kids will be able to learn one of the recipes from the cookbook. Romeo, owner of Romeo Chocolates, will also do a special champorado recipe that can easily be made in the Instant Pot as well! This portion requires a paid ticket. Kids are free with adult ticket purchase. 2-4 p.m. is free, but RSVP ticket required: After the cooking demo, you will be able to purchase the cookbook or bring your copy to get signed. Hangout with the authors in an intimate casual setting. “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook” features over 75 traditional Filipino recipes, including desserts adapted for the Instant Pot. It is the brainchild of six Filipino American home cooks “who set out to explore their Filipino heritage and intimate family histories, one dish at a time.” The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook has been so well received that it is now a bestseller on Amazon. Flipp Family is building community by cultivating the Filipino culture through various events that are highlighted through food, music, dance etc. Flipp Family is about bringing families together and learn more about their culture as a whole family. The event will be held at Romeo Chocolates at 460 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802.

MARCH 10

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 on Tuesday, March 10 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 process. The most popular and sought after big band in the world today for both concert and swing dance engagements. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. The present Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1956 and has been touring consistently since, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world. The performance will be held at West Ranch High School Theater (26255 Valencia Blvd. Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381). Ticket prices are $25 – Seniors/Students/Military; $30 – General; or $40 – Premium Seating. Prices increase by $5 at the door the day of the event. Tickets available online at westranchmusic.com or by calling (661) 222-1220 ext. 645.

MARCH 14

#EveryFilipinoCounts: US Census Filipino Outreach in LA County The Filipino Complete County Committee of Los Angeles County on March 14, beginning at 10 am, will he hosting a day of action to ensure everyone in the Filipino American community takes part in the upcoming 2020 Census. Activities will be in Artesia/Cerritos, Carson, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Panorama City and West Covina. Contact filipinoscountca@gmail.com or call (562) 301-2593 for more information and how to be involved.

Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit in Santa Clara, CA LEAD Filipino’s 2020 Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit will be held on Saturday, March 14th from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mission College (3000 Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA 95054) in Santa Clara, CA. The Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit is a day-long conference dedicated to elevating, highlighting, and engaging ~150 Pinay women and students in stories on sisterhood and mentorship. Since 2017, the Annual Fly Pinays has gathered women and students from across the Northern California region in breakfast and lunch, and series of speaker sessions, interactive workshops, and notable keynotes. 2020 will be even better. 2020 Themes: The 2020 Annual Fly Pinays will have three centering themes that will resonate through our workshops, guest speakers, and content: Mental Health, Ethnic and Cultural Identity, and Professional Development. Featured Workshops: Memories, Migrations, and Movements: Situating WOC Voices in the Diaspora: Leah Sicat; Public Speaking 101: Pam Dominguez, Vice President, Alliant Insurance Services; Intro to Tagalog; Eskrima. The keynote speaker will be Kamille Rose Soler, Founder and CEO of Ultimate LYFE. Since 2017, LEAD Filipino’s volunteer-run and community-based Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit has celebrated sisterhood and mentorship with nearly 200 Pinay women and students from across the Northern California region. Held every March during Women’s Herstory Month, the Annual Fly Pinays continues to engage professionals from leading brands and companies to share their stories, experiences, and insights with students from every major Bay Area college and university. For more information, please visit https://leadfilipino.org/.

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

Photo courtesy of Harvard Health

THE Los Angeles Department of Public Health encourages residents to understand the facts about the novel coronavirus (2019 nCoV), now named COVID-19, and take the necessary steps to reduce their risk. As of press time, there is currently one case of novel coronavirus in L.A. County in a nonresident traveler from Wuhan City, and there has been no subsequent community transmission of the virus. There are 15 cases of novel coronavirus in the United States, and actions have been taken to limit the spread of the virus. Recent travelers who have visited mainland China are screened at the airport and provided with information about restricting their movements, monitoring their health and connecting with their provider and local public health department if they feel ill for 14 days after last being in mainland China. Guidance has

been sent to school districts, universities and colleges explaining the new directives, which restrict staff and students who returned from traveling in mainland China after February 2, for 14 days after leaving mainland China. These actions can help identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and reduce the spread of the virus to others. The Department of Public Health recommends the following tips to prevent respiratory illnesses: • Stay home when you are sick. • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. • Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils,

with people who are sick. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands). • Face masks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and people who are sick. • Get a flu immunization to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season. For the latest information about novel coronavirus, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website at http:// publichealth.lacounty.gov, the California Department of Health at https://www.cdph.ca.gov, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov and the World Health Organization at https://www.who.int. ■

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Khuê Ninh. Screening: Fighting For Family (2019) and Better Luck Tomorrow (2003) March 7, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (James Bridges Theater) Awesome Asian Bad Guys In person: filmmaker/actor Patrick Epino, filmmaker/actor Stephen Dypiango, screenwriter/ activist Milton Liu, actor Tamlyn Tomita, actor Aaron Takahashi Screening: The Collector (2018), Mama Pingpong Social Club(2018), Secret Lives of Asians at Night (2019) and Awesome Asian Bad Guys (2014) March 8, 2020 – 2:00 p.m. (James Bridges Theater) Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest In person: performance artist, writer, comedian and elected representative in Koreatown LA Kristina Wong; therapist, trauma informed yoga & meditation teacher traci ishigo; and Dr. Elizabeth Gong-Guy of UCLA Campus and Student Resilience Screening: Muscles and Mascara (2017), hiya (2018) and Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (2011), Radical Cram School, season two webisodes (2020) March 13, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Saving Face. In person: producer Teddy Zee, professor Sean Metzger, activist Mia Yamamoto, Tracy Zhao of API Equality-LA Screening: The Weight Off My Chest (2017), Now Apocalypse, Episode 1: “This is the Beginning of the End” (Starz, 3/10/2019) and Saving Face (2004) March 14, 2020 – 2:00 p.m. (James Bridges Theater) Bad Rap In person: director Salima Koroma, rapper Rekstizzy, filmmak-

er Sam Koji Hale and his puppets from “Master of the Sky”. Screening: Master of the Sky (2015), Step In: Asian American Urban Dance Communities (2019), Across the Yumiverse (2017), Queering Movements (2019), Cultural Collage (2018), Roots and Shoots (2017), Mother Tongue / Ting M Ð (2019) and Bad Rap (2016) March 14, 2020 – 3:00 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Film Quarterly Panel: Asian American Film and Media: Past, Present, Future In person: Panelists include Lan Duong (USC), Josslyn Luckett (NYU), Melissa Phruksachart (Michigan), Viola Lasmana (USC), Oliver Wang (Cal State Long Beach); moderators Brian Hu, B. Ruby Rich. March 14, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Moananuiakea: One Ocean. One Canoe. One People. In person: filmmaker Nlehu Anthony and professor Randall Akee. Proudly presented by the Polynesian Voyaging Society and iwi TV, Moananuikea (2018) illustrates the crucial role of indigenous voices and perspectives in both storytelling and in creating paradigm-changing solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. March 15, 2020 – 2:00 p.m. (James Bridges Theater) Final Recipe In person: filmmaker, professor Gina Kim; actor Lori Tan Chinn; actor Chin Han; professor Valerie Matsumoto; screenwriter, professor George Huang; Kathryn Ceppi Chan of Phoenix Bakery. Screening: Eat Your Baon (2019), Phoenix Bakery: Sweets for the Sweet (2020) and Final Recipe (2013)

March 20, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Always Be My Maybe In person: actor Vivian Bang and professor, activist Dan Mayeda. Ticketed Closing Night Reception to follow program. Screening: Lights Up: Asian American Theater at UCLA and Always Be My Maybe (2019) March 21, 2020 – 2:00 p.m. (James Bridges Theater) Enter the Dragon (1973) – 4K restoration! In person: blogger Phil Yu (Angry Asian Man), filmmaker Bao Nguyen Considered one of the most popular martial arts films of all time, this U.S./Hong Kong coproduction fully captured Bruce Lee’s immense screen presence, sinewy athleticism and bona fides while elevating him into international stardom. March 21, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (Billy Wilder Theater) Nitrate Screening: Daughter of Shanghai. In person: producer, activist Anna Wong and professor Sean Metzger. Screening: “Anna May Wong Visits Shanghai, China”(5/1/1936) and Daughter of Shanghai (1937) For full event information and updates on in-person guests, please visit aasc.ucla.edu/aasc50/ film. The Billy Wilder Theater is located at the Hammer Museum, doors open 30 minutes prior to program start time, for venue and ticket rates details, please visit https://www.cinema. ucla.edu/billy-wilder-theater. For programs at the James Bridges Theater, located at UCLA’s Melnitz Hall, please purchase tickets at film festival website. Free admission for UCLA students. ■

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the “repo deficiency” forthwith. He will lose the buses and still owe a ton of money. That’s not fair but that’s the way it works. Just read the purchase and loan contract. Apparently, the client operates the business via an S corporation. That’s well and good. Hopefully, he has not personally guaranteed the bus loan. Otherwise, the creditor can collect the “repo deficiency” from him. For example, one bus has a loan of $300,000. The creditor is able to sell it for $150,000. That means

the client will owe $150,000 because of his personal guaranty if there be one. Multiply that by three buses. The client will owe the creditor $450,000 after losing all three buses and with no business coming in. What’s that thing about “mice and men?” “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Just ask Kobe. He decided to rent a helicopter to beat LA traffic to bring his daughter to a basketball game. That was all it was. The pilot, it turns out, had a record of accidents. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

If you need debt relief, please set an appointment. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South, Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)

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been omitted postjudgment under family code §2566. Community Property adjudicated under § 2556 shall be divided equally “unless the court finds upon good cause shown that the interests of justice require an unequal division of the asset or liability.” Family Code §2556. *** 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. *** 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 is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. 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 kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

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How would an immigration ABS-CBN goes after pirates abroad officer view your case?

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ WHEN some people apply for immigration benefits, they look at their entitlement or eligibility from their OWN viewpoint. Many are overly optimistic that their case has no problems or issues. Therefore, since THEY see no problem with their case, the officer, consul, or adjudicator would similarly see no problem and should readily approve it. Even when a person has highly questionable or suspicious issues, they put on “rose-colored glasses,” and convince themselves that their viewpoint and opinion should be what matters. But that’s not how it works in the real world. Regardless of how YOU may view your case, it is the OFFICER’S viewpoint or opinion that matters. If the officer thinks your case is suspicious or there are issues, then your case is suspicious and has issues, regardless of what you may think. That is why it is important to take an objective view of your case from the standpoint of the officer. I’ve come across situations where a person was married to a U.S. citizen, but never lived with them. Instead, the U.S. citizen spouse may be living on the East Coast, but the person is living on the West Coast with his or her family or friends. They also

don’t have joint bank accounts or many joint documents. The person may think nothing is wrong with the case and it should be approved. However, if a married couple is not living together, or there are very few joint documents, the Officer may become suspicious it is a fixed marriage, regardless of the reasons, justification, or excuses the person may offer for not living together (such as they could only get a job on the West Coast, even though they may already have a work authorization and can work anywhere, or they need to “help out” relatives on the West Coast with their business, etc.). In such a situation, the case could be delayed and put under investigation for a fixed marriage and possible denial. In another situation, the person was being sponsored by an employer, but never worked for that employer, even though they had work authorization. They also didn’t work for the employer after their green card was approved. In their mind, they should have no problem when they apply for U.S. citizenship. But from an officer’s viewpoint, they definitely have problems if they received a green card through an employer but never work for that employer. My point is you have to look at your case from an officer’s viewpoint, and be aware of potential

issues or problems, rather than convincing yourself that there are no problems. An attorney is wellversed in immigration law regarding the requirements, eligibility, and potential issues which a person may not see about their own case. That is why, in this era of Trump, when the USCIS is getting very strict and thorough, it is all the more important you have an attorney to assist you with your immigration matter. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Business Quote of the Week “I learned to push the envelope when it comes to asking questions or making requests. And if you hear ‘that’s not possible,’ then to ask ‘what is possible,’ instead of just saying thank you and leaving.” — Emily Weiss, Founder of Glossier

ABS-CBN Network in Quezon City

Philstar.com file photo

The company is seeking damby RICHMOND MERCURIO ages “in the millions” for allegedly Philstar.com pirating ABS-CBN’s copyrighted MANILA — Broadcast giant content via illegal IPTV boxes. ABS-CBN said it conducted ABS-CBN continues to go after pirates abroad with new lawsuits months-long investigation into the scheme perpetuated by a cerfiled. ABS-CBN said it recently filed tain Romula Araneta Castillo and civil complaints in US Federal his cousin, Alberto Ace Mayol Courts against two individuals in Alfaro, including undercover pura piracy network spanning across chases from the targets. The lawsuits allege that CasUS state lines.

tillo and Alfaro engaged in this multi-state scheme to sell pirated set top boxes to the unsuspecting public. The pirated set top boxes enabled buyers to access ABS-CBN’s live programming without paying the appropriate fees for such products. Castillo was arrested on on Feb. 7 by the Los Angeles Police DePAGE D3

ASEAN think tank retains 6.4% growth forecast for Philippines by CZERIZA

VALENCIA Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Singapore-based ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) has retained its 6.4% growth forecast for the Philippines this year, higher than the four-year low 5.9% growth last year. Based on results of its annual consultation report for the Philippines for 2019, the regional think tank said that stable macroeconomic fundamentals combined with easing monetary policy will contribute to the recovery of eco-

nomic output this year. The timely passage of the 2020 national budget will also ensure an increase in government expenditure of priority programs and projects. “Going forward, growth is expected to continue to recover, led by a further increase in government expenditure. Overall, the economy is expected to grow by 6.4% in 2020,” AMRO said. AMRO noted that while inflation can be expected to pick up to three % this year, growth over the next few months will be benign as global oil prices and

domestic food prices are likely to stay low and demand will be subdued. In 2019, inflation averaged at 2.5%, well within the government target of two to 4%, compared with a high base of 5.2% in 2018. “The government’s effort to make up for the fiscal underspending in the first half of 2019 and to avoid any budget delay in 2020 is welcome. Given the subdued inflationary environment, monetary policy should be on an easing bias to support the PAGE D3

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FTC: The bottom-line on fake checks scams POGOs, service providers covered

IF someone you don’t know sends you a check and asks for money back, that’s a scam. Fake checks drive many types of scams — like those involving phony job and income opportunities, online classified ad sales, and others. In a fake check scam, a person you don’t know asks you to deposit a check – sometimes for several thousand dollars and usually for more than you are owed — and send some of the money back, often by wire transfers or gift cards, to them or another person. The scammers always have a good story to explain the overpayment. They might say they’re stuck out of the country, they need you to cover taxes or fees, you’ll need to buy supplies, or something else. By law, banks have to make deposited funds available quickly — you’ll usually see the money in your account within a day or two. But it may take weeks for your bank to learn the check was bad. By that time, the scammer has the money you sent, and you’re stuck paying the bank back. Over the last several years, the number of fake check scams reported to the FTC has steadily increased, and so have the dollars lost. In its most recent

by anti-money laundering law

Photo courtesy of the Federal Trade Commission

Data Spotlight, Don’t bank on a “cleared” check, the FTC reports that consumers lost more than $28 million to fake check scams in 2019 alone. The median loss reported was $1,988. That’s more than six times the median loss on all frauds tracked by the FTC. What’s more, reports about fake check scams are up by about 65% over 2015 levels. The FTC

found that younger people are hit especially hard. In 2019, people in their twenties were more than twice as likely as people 30 and older to report losing money to a fake check scam. Want to learn more? Visit ftc.gov/fakechecks. (Colleen Tressler/ Consumer Education Specialist, Federal Trade Commission) n

Honda PH assembly plant closure: Too few cars by roy

stephen c. canIvel Inquirer.net

HONDA Motor closed its Philippine assembly plant because it was no longer strategic to keep a factory that makes too few cars as other car manufacturers warned the government against any future policy that could be seen as a punishment for auto companies that decided to stay. Honda wants to focus its resources on future trends, such as producing electric vehicles, which, along with a slowdown in the global automotive market, prompted Honda headquarters to shutter some factories to make better use of its resources, the spokesperson of Honda’s local unit said. And so, its plant in Sta. Rosa Laguna — along with over 380 factory workers — had become casualties of a global corporate strategy that essentially involved cutting dead weight to focus on where to go next. Other factories would close down, too, although at least they would have more time to adjust to the news. For example, Honda

is also ending its manufacturing operations in Turkey and the United Kingdom, but will do so in 2021 yet. In the Philippines, factory workers will officially have only until March 25, or about a month after the closure announcement was made last Saturday (Feb. 22). Louie Soriano, spokesperson of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) admitted that the manufacturer’s announcement was “abrupt.” “Honda needs to close down the Philippine factory because of its low production volume. It’s not because of an issue on politics, or an issue on government policy, or on labor union. It’s none of that,” he said in a phone interview on Monday (Feb. 24). “That’s the direction of Honda Motor so it could have an efficient utilization of its resources,” he added. If a low production volume is the main reason for the closure, company figures would suggest that the Philippine unit had no chance of surviving the cost cutting measure, especially when compared to Honda’s soon-to-be

closed factory in the UK. In the UK, Honda has a capacity to make 250,000 cars annually, although this only reached 160,000 vehicles in 2018, according to media reports. This is a far cry from what the Philippine plant could make in Laguna — 15,000 units per year — and the actual number of units it produced last year — 8,000 units. While it’s clear that the production volume is low, it’s not clear at this point why it was low to begin with. Soriano deferred from commenting, saying it was all because of “market demand.” Although he said that the closure had nothing to do with sales, it is difficult to ignore the fact that Honda has seen its volume sales in the Philippines drop for at least two years in a row now. This could be traced to the Duterte administration’s move to slap higher excise on new vehicles in 2018 under the TRAIN law, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act. This, coupled with high inflation rates that kept people from buying new cars, pulled Honda and the PAGE D5

Philstar.com file photo by lawrence

agcaoIlI Philstar.com

MANILA — The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is closely monitoring the activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and service providers to make sure the country is not used by the industry as a conduit for the laundering of dirty money. Mel Georgie Racela, executive director of the AMLC secretariat, said in a statement offshore gaming operators and service providers are covered by Republic Act 9260 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), as amended. As such, Racela said the government is increasing the level of anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing (AML/CFT) effectiveness of compliance and supervision through training and workshops and revisiting super-

vision of internet-based casinos and service providers by conducting a regulatory assessment and enforcing actions. He said the AMLC would also reevaluate licenses of internetbased casino operators and certificates of authority and operation issued to service providers. “Part of the recommendations is to include service providers as covered persons within the company service provider sector definition under the AMLA, as amended,” Racela said. Racela said AMLC intends to finish inspecting all POGO and service providers within the month. “We will also apply different frameworks for POGO and service providers. For offshore gaming operators, we will apply the Casino Implementing Rules and Regulations, whereas for service providers, we will apply the

AML/CTF guidelines issued for other covered persons,” he said. The AMLC conducted three risk assessments related to POGOs as part of the supervisory framework to prevent money laundering, including the National Risk Assessment in 2017 and two are sectoral risk assessments. The first sectoral assessment is the financial impact through the financial flow analysis, and the second is AML/CTF risk brought about by offshore gaming operators. The second sectoral risk assessment showed a low level of AML/CTF awareness and regulation, an increasing level of threat to money laundering and other fraudulent activities, a high number of unregulated or unsupervised service providers, and a low level of beneficial ownership identification. n

Coronavirus seen to have ‘minimal’ effect on remittances, Palace says by alexIs

romero Philstar.com

MANILA — The 2019 coronavirus disease has forced the government to lower its growth projection for overseas Filipino workers’ remittances but Malacañang claimed the impact of the virus on money sent home by migrant workers would just be “minimal.” Citing labor department assumptions, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the COVID19 outbreak could dampen this year’s total cash remittance growth by 0.8 percentage points from 3% to 2.2%. “While remittances from OF (overseas Filipinos) reached a record high of $33.5 billion last 2019, we were expecting this to increase to $34.5 billion in remittances this year with a projected growth rate of 3%,” Nograles said at a press briefing on Mon-

day, February 24. “But because of this COVID-19 epidemic, we have adjusted our growth projections to 2.2% and now expect $34.2 billion in remittances for 2020,” he added. Despite the lower growth projection, Nograles said the amount of OFW remittances is still expected to reach a new record-high this year. He also noted that mainland China, where the virus originated, accounts for only 0.1% of total OFW remittances while its administrative regions Macau and Hong Kong account for 0.4%, and 2.7%, respectively. “We also expect the outbreak to have a minimal impact on OFW remittances,” Nograles said. “DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) also assures us that remittances from other source countries such as the US (United States), UAE (United Arab Emirates), and Saudi Ara-

bia may help compensate for the possible slowdown in remittances coming from China, Macau, and Hong Kong,” he added. Based on historical data, OFW remittances, Nograles said, have been resilient even in the face of global downtrends. Remittances from Filipino migrant workers totaled $33.467 billion last year, higher by 3.9% from the $32.213 billion posted in 2018, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Nograles said economic managers also expect COVID-19 to have a “minimal impact” on agriculture, particularly on exports. “Our banana exports to China, for example, are not slowing down. While there were previous logistical issues during the Chinese Lunar New Year break, this was only a temporary setback, and our banana exports to China have returned to normal,” the Palace official said. n

ply with the travel ban.” “As announced by (the Philippine government), those coming from North Gyeonsang Province or Gyeongbuk, including Daegu and Cheondo County, will not be allowed to enter the Philippines,” the company said. Tracking problems North Gyeongsang lies around three-hour drive south of Seoul and is the epicenter of the Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak in South Korea. As of Thursday, nearly 1,600 people have been confirmed infected in the country, the Philippines’ top source of foreign visitors over the past five years. South Korea has the largest case of COVID-19 outside China. No local airline services Daegu directly, but anyone with travel history to the area are not permitted in. This is where immigration officials are having a problem. Typically, airlines ask passengers to make self-declarations like that of PAL, but such mechanism is not fool-proof. “We have forms which passengers are required to fill out with their travel history. Of course, you can only rely on the passengers being honest,” Villaluna said. BI’s Sandoval said this is where assistance from Korean officials may come in. Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said a meeting with the Korean Embassy is set tomorrow to discuss the travel ban. “The interagency task force on emerging infectious diseases will be coordinating with Korean authorities on issuing certification to distinguish if a passenger is coming from said areas of concern,” she said. In any case, officials are hoping travel history declarations will come useful to better implement

the ban. While no local airline services Daegu directly, Jeju Air and T-way Air have daily flights connecting Daegu with Kalibo and Cebu. BI said the two airlines voluntarily suspended those routes since February 18. Passengers from Daegu may also try fly from Incheon, the main airport, where PAL has flights 14 times a week and AirAsia double that. Cebu Pacific, which has not enforced the travel ban pending guidelines, have 40 flights a week to and from Incheon. AirAsia also services Incheon through Clark International Airport six times a week, Cebu 20 times a week, and Kalibo 28 times weekly. The airline also goes to and from Busan, eight times a week. “Passengers whose travel movements are traceable to the affected province are included in the ban,” Guevarra said. Filipinos banned in Korea Pending the guidelines, Sandoval said what BI has started implemented was the prohibition against Filipino tourists on flying to South Korea. The travel ban against some South Koreans added another layer of uncertainty for the local tourism industry, whose last year’s stellar performance is already at risk of getting stalled due to existing travel prohibitions to and from China, the country’s second largest tourism market, as well as Chinese territories, Hong Kong and Macau. Government data show South Korea has been the Philippines’ largest tourist source for the past five years, with last year alone seeing about 1.9 million Koreans flying in, equivalent to 24% of total foreign visitors. (With reports from Kristine Joy Patag) n

Sans guidelines, PH struggles to enforce Korea travel ban

by Ian

nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com

MANILA — A day after a travel ban against a South Korea province was announced, major local airlines are forced to take matters into their own hands absent concrete guidelines on how to implement the latest barriers meant to stop the spread of coronavirus. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told Philstar.com a resolution on the ban from the interagency task force against infectious diseases will be released “maybe tomorrow (Friday).” The schedule of the document release is crucial, as immigration officials grappled for clues on how to enforce a travel ban against North Gyeongsang absent a written directive. Without a signed order, the most Dana Sandoval, spokesperson for the Bureau of Immigration, could say was that the ban is “pending full implementation.” “We are awaiting the copy of EID resolution as well as clarification on how to target arriving passengers,” she said in a statement. This has left flight management in disarray. While flag-carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has stopped accepting people with flight history to Daegu International Airport, which caters to North Gyeongsang, budget airline Cebu Pacific Air continued to service customers from the area. “There is no directive yet from Philippine government,” Charo Lagamon, director for corporate communications at Cebu Pacific, told Philstar.com when asked if the airline is already implementing the travel ban. Separately, AirAsia said in a statement it is “[working] closely with government and airport authorities for us to be able to com-

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PH tops ‘Women in Business’ global ranking Wage increases lowest and farthest apart during Duterte administration — think tank by Daxim

L. Lucas

Inquirer.net

MANILA — With 43% of Filipino women executives holding senior management positions, the Philippines ranked first among 32 countries surveyed in having the most number of women executives in top leadership roles, according to the Grant Thornton International’s 2020 Women in Business report. South Africa, Poland and Mexico followed the Philippine ranking in the survey that also included Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. The number of Filipino women executives in senior management posts hit 37.5% in 2018, 40% in 2017 and 39% in 2016, the report said, adding that globally, the three-year average is 42%. Local data from the report indicates that the top three roles of Filipino women executives are chief finance officer (CFO) at 38% of Philippine businesses surveyed, human resources (HR) director at 36%, and chief operating officer (COO) at 23%. Last year, the top three positions were HR director at 52%, CFO at 45%, and COO at 37%. Same three roles “We are seeing that the most significant roles in business operations — strategy, finance and people — are being held by women,” said Marivic Españo, the chair and CEO of P&A Grant Thornton, the local affiliate of Grant Thornton International Ltd., one of the world’s leading independent assurance, tax and advisory firm. “The %ages have decreased this year, and it is interesting to note that women are holding these

same three roles,” she added in a statement. “We hope to see more women step up into the chief executive officer or managing director role in the future.” The report also showed that businesses are taking more action to increase gender diversity in the workplace, with 94% of Filipino firms actively working on removing barriers to gender parity at senior levels. Among the specific actions companies have been taking to improve or preserve gender balance are ensuring equal access to developmental work opportunities (at 36%), enabling flexible working hours, reviewing recruitment approaches, and providing mentoring and coaching (all three at 33%). Creating an inclusive culture led from the top was also cited as an important push for gender diversity on the job. When asked which aspects of diversity their businesses measure, survey respondents cited the %age of female employees by management level and the average salary for key management levels by gender (both at 30%), followed by the average time in management levels by gender (26%). Sense of inclusion To promote a sense of inclusion, survey respondents said most senior leaders asked female talent what it’s like to work at the company and how it can improve (at 40%), as well as personally encouraging colleagues to speak up with ideas and issues, while enjoining those in senior management to be role models or champions for women (both at 39%). According to the report, progress for the representation of women in senior leadership positions has stalled. Globally, women currently hold 29% of senior leadership positions — a level that’s unchanged from the previous year. In the Philippines, initiatives to

push policy changes are seen to have contributed to the relatively high position of women executives. The country, one of the earliest signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw), has a gender provision in its 1987 Constitution. As spelled out in Article II, Section 14, the state “recognizes the role of women in nation building and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.” In 1995, the government launched the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (PPGD) 1995-2025, a 30-year strategic Framework Plan for Women (FPW) adopted in 2001, that stresses women’s rights, economic empowerment and genderresponsive governance. Equal access Additionally, the Magna Carta of Women — widely seen as the local equivalent of Cedaw — was enacted in 2009 to support laws that protect women’s rights and equal access to opportunities and resources. But Españo believes that policies are not enough. “To achieve meaningful progress, [policies] must be adhered to, enforced and regularly revisited to assess their effectiveness. (W)hen that is combined with real commitment from senior leadership, you begin creating a truly inclusive culture,” Españo said in another interview. Francesca Lagerberg, global leader at Grant Thornton International, agrees. “Policies can set the parameter, context and direction… but they won’t achieve anything if the underlying culture hasn’t changed,” she told another paper. “How people are treated, the way leaders live and breathe and deliver on issues of gender diversity, are far more important than specific policies,” Lagerberg said. n

ASEAN think tank retains 6.4% growth... PAGE D1 t economy in case growth turns out to be weaker than expected,” AMRO said. It said the main short-term risks facing the Philippine economy currently emanate from external sources as global policy uncertainties remain and business sentiment remain depressed. On the upside, the moderation

of global oil prices and easing of global financial conditions provide a respite. Domestically, policy restrictions on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and a ban on the establishment of new economic zones in the National Capital Region could place downward pressure on the property market, AMRO said.

Amid these global headwinds, however, opportunities remain in the current wave of reconfiguration of global supply chains. “The Philippine authorities should continue to push forward key reforms and ensure effective implementation of ongoing reforms to lay a good foundation for long-term sustainable development,” AMRO said. n

A report from the IBON Foundation shows that the cumulative increase of the first two wage hikes under Digong amounted to only 9.4% — with Metro Manila minimum wages in the non-agricultural sector hitting P512 on the first hike (2017) and the second one reaching P537 (2018). Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban by coDy

Perez Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has so far increased wages the least among presidents after the ouster of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, an economic think tank critical of the government said Wednesday, February 26. A report from the IBON Foundation shows that the cumulative increase of the first two wage hikes under Duterte amounted raised wages by 9.4% — with Metro Manila minimum wages in the non-agricultural sector hitting P512 in the first hike (2017) and the reaching P537 in the second hike (2018).

The list shows the rate at which wages were hiked in the first two increases of past Philippine presidents: 1. Corazon Aquino (46%) 2. Joseph Ejercito Estrada (26%) 3. Fidel Ramos (23%) 4. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (12%) 5. Benigno Aquino III (12%) 6. Rodrigo Duterte (9.4%) The wage hikes that Duterte declared were 22 months apart, the widest gap between hikes since Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who had a 15-month gap between increases. 1. Ramos (10 months between wage hikes) 2. C. Aquino (13 months)

3. Arroyo (14 months) 4. B. Aquino (14 months) 5. Estrada (15 months) 6. Duterte (22 months) Ibon said the figures are based on computations from government data provided by the National Wages and Productivity Commission. Worker’s groups have long clamored to have their minimum wage increased to P750 a day, a call that has yet to be heeded. While Duterte signed the Salary Standardization Law 5 for about 1.4 million government workers last January 2020, it does not cover those in the private sector. Included in those who got an increase from the SSL 5 were public school teachers and nurses. n

ABS-CBN goes after pirates abroad PAGE D1 t partment, where undercover officers purchased five boxes and confirmed one was streaming illegal content live on the scene. “We are thankful for the cooperation of the LA Police Dept. in investigating and arresting Castillo, a kingpin in this pirate box scheme. Defrauding the public by selling these fake boxes is a scam operation and preying on innocent people. We are very happy to have the cooperation

of the police to enforce against these pirates,” ABS-CBN Global Anti-Piracy head Elisha Lawrence said. To avoid being a victim of piracy and malware, ABS-CBN urged the public to stay away from pirate websites and illegitimate sales of unauthorized IPTV boxes. ABS-CBN last December also filed a complaint in the U.S. Federal Court against a certain Anthony Brown and 1700 Cuts

Technology for trademark infringement and alleged pirating of the network’s content. In April last year, ABS-CBN won an anti-piracy case in the U.S. after the U.S. federal district court in Florida ordered 27 pirate site operators to pay $1 million each in damages to the Filipino company. The said sites were found streaming portals that offer access to Filipino content in the U.S. and abroad. n

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PAL lays off 300 workers as losses mount by Richmond

meRcuRio Philstar.com

MANILA — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has laid off 300 workers as part of the company’s efforts to mitigate losses. PAL said it completed a retrenchment process resulting in the separation of about 300 ground-based administrative and management personnel. PAL said the retrenchment process is part of a business restructuring initiative to increase revenues and reduce costs. “The streamlining will strengthen the company in the wake of losses sustained in 2019, aggravated by the ongoing travel restrictions and flight suspensions to areas affected by COVID-19,” the country’s flag carrier said. According to PAL, the affected employees will receive appropriate separation benefits, additional trip pass privileges, and assistance in the form of career counseling and outplacement

PAL said it completed a retrenchment process resulting in the separation of about 300 groundbased administrative and management personnel. Philstar.com file photo by Edd Gumban

support. The airline has also implemented a voluntary separation initiative for long-serving employees. PAL said other initiatives under its business restructuring include revenue generation from an optimized route network and new ancillary products, more aggressive cost-management efforts, and investment in digital technology. The airline has been striving to return to profitability after being in the red in the last couple of years.

The company widened its losses in the first half of last year as expenses shot up. It has yet to release its full year 2019 financial statement. The last time PAL finished a year profitable was in 2016 despite net earnings falling 39 percent year-on-year then. By 2017, PAL incurred a net loss of P7.3 billion from a P4.13 billion profit the previous year on higher expenses. PAL’s net loss was reduced to P4.33 billion in 2018. n

Honda PH assembly plant closure: Too few...

PAGE D2 t rest of the industry back from selling as many cars as they should. Honda’s sales dropped 26.7 percent in 2018 to 23,294 units, and then fell further by nearly 13 percent to 20,338 units in 2019, industry data showed. The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (Campi), the country’s largest auto industry group, said the closure of a company that has for long been a strong advocate of local manufacturing was “unfortunate.” “It highlights the importance of continued government support to local production of vehicles and parts and components,” said Campi, which counts among its members big players like Toyota and Mitsubishi. Honda is also a member of the group. “At this critical stage, Philippine government must seriously study any initiatives that will disincentivize domestic auto assembly operation as this will further endanger employment and existing investments, among others,” the group said. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez met with HCPI President Noriyuki Takakura on Monday to look for “alternative options.” Lopez, however, told reporters after the meeting that the Honda head office had already made up its mind to close the Philippine assembly plant.

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Inquirer.net file photo

Honda’s exit in March caps nearly 30 years of production in the Philippines, which churned out some of Honda’s most famous units, BR-V and City. Soriano said he is still not sure what to do with the factory after, although Lopez said that there are auto companies that are interested in taking over. Nevertheless, its departure will leave the industry in an even more uncomfortable situation, as the Department of Trade and Industry considers further taxing imported vehicles through a safeguard duty. Lopez sees the possible safeguard duty as a form of protection for local assemblers, although local assemblers might not share the same opinion since a duty would

make their imports more expensive. “Of course, they expressed apprehension [on the possibility] of having a safeguard duty. That’s really more of an advantage for the local assembler if you have a safeguard duty because imports would be [further taxed], Lopez said after the meeting. “Maybe the [Honda] headquarters can consider that in the future,” he added. However, when asked if it was still possible for the Honda plant to return, Soriano said this was out of the local unit’s hands. “I don’t know because this is the decision of Honda Motor. We don’t know,” he said. n

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