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MARCH 21-27, 2019 Volume 30 - No. 12 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R
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Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Locsin tells China: Philippines has nothing to fear from new power by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com
VIRAY
MANILA — Speaking on behalf of the Philippines in China, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. assured his Chinese counterpart that Manila is hopeful for Beijing’s rise as a new world power. The Philippines’ top diplomat met with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi durNoah Domingo
ing his official visit to the country. In a speech during a joint press briefing with his Chinese counterpart, Locsin said he and Wang had a “productive meeting to take stock of what our two countrues have accomplished so far.” “I speak for my country which wants to see much to hope for, and nothing to fear from the rise of a new power,” Locsin said.
Photo courtesy of Domingo family
Locsin noted how the Philippines was “at the mercy of Western markets” during the second half of the previous century. “And along with it a new world where the ambition of one to rise higher and get richer is best advanced by helping others to rise and prosper in tandem with her,” Locsin said.
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Malacañang: ICC officials barred from entering PH if caught probing drug war
Fil-Am UC Irvine student confirmed to have died from alcohol poisoning Student’s father suspects “fraternity hazing” to be the cause as investigation continues
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE Orange County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed alcohol poisoning to be the cause of death of a Fil-Am college student who was found unresponsive in January following an off-campus university fraternity party. In a statement released Monday, March 11, the sheriff’s department said that Noah Domingo, 18, died as a result of “accidental acute ethanol intoxication.” It added that
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Fil-Am arrested in PH for child pornography FILIPINO-AMERICAN Joel Aquino Pasay was arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga on Saturday, March 16, due to his indictment from the United States District Court of Nevada for child pornography charges. The U.S. court indicted Pasay on May 2, 2017, with his receipt of child pornography as it is in violation of the TItle 18 in U.S. Code 2252 (a)(2). He allegedly distributed copies of child pornography materials. He was nowhere to be found for almost two years. Manila Police District (MPD) Chief Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. received a tip that the U.S. fugitive was initially seen along Pacheco Street, Tondo Manila. Law enforcement officials scouted the area and failed to catch him. On October 29, 2018, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) issued a deportation order for the 56-year-old in hiding. Danao said that they found him temporarily residing in Deca Homes Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga.
COMPROMISE. President Rodrigo Duterte gives a warm welcome to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari at a meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, March 19. This was their second meeting in a month following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), a measure creating a new Bangsamoro region in Mindanao with greater autonomy. Duterte said that Misuari warned him of war in case government fails to meet the demands of the Moro separatist group. Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante
ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda stressed the court continues to have jurisdiction over the possible crime against humanity committed during the period the Philippines was a state party to the statute. Photo from Twitter/@Int’l Criminal Court
Int’l lawyers note ‘severe’ rights violation vs PH lawyers
MALACAÑANG on Monday, March 18, said International Criminal Court (ICC) officials and prosecutors would be barred from entering the Philippines if the nature of their visit is for conducting a probe into President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. “If they say ‘We will be investigating.’ Perhaps they will be denied [entry] by the [Bureau of] Immigration,” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a press briefing.
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by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
A PANEL of international lawyers on Monday, March 18, said there has been a “sharp increase” of rights violations against Filipino lawyers, prosecutors, and judges since the start of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. The panel included lawyers from Belgium, Italy, Japan, Korea, File photo shows Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV in a press conference at the Senate where he stayed the Netherlands and the United pending the government’s pleas to issue a warrant of arrest against him over the his revoked States, belonging to international amnesty. Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo lawyers’ groups International AsAccording to the fact-finding team, this vehicle seemed to have been tailing sociation of Democratic Lawyers
Court denies Trillanes’ plea to Duterte threatens to fire water officials stop reopened rebellion case u PAGE A4
them at the Ortigas Center.
Contributed photo
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“In a stern message delivered without even once looking at the AJPress officials, the obviously outraged PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo president threatened to fire the Duterte on Tuesday night, March MWSS officials and terminate 19, threatened to sack officials the concessionaires’ contracts,” from Metropolitan Waterworks the palace spokesman said as and Sewerage System (MWSS), reported by The Philippine Daily Maynilad and Manila Water for Inquirer. Panelo shared that the meeting the water supply shortage experienced in certain areas of Metro became a “presidential monologue” since Duterte disregardManila and nearby provinces. Presidential Spokesperson ed any insights from the other Salvador Panelo disclosed to the parties noting that “he was not Manila Water Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Perry Rivera, Manila Water Chief Executive officer media what transpired during going to listen to their explanaand President Ferdinand Dela Cruz, Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito Fernandez, and the 40-minute meeting between tion as to why there was a water MWSS Administrator Reynaldo Velasco testify on Monday, March 18, during the House inquiry the president and the officials of shortage as such would be just on the water shortage in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. agencies responsible for the wa- plain excuses.” ManilaTimes.net photo by Rudy Martinez ter crisis. u PAGE A4 by NATHALIE
ROBLES
by NATHALIE
ROBLES
AJPress
LAWYERS on Monday, March 18, blocked Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s motion for partial reconsideration before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office on his sedition case over his alleged provoking comments in 2018. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Jacinto “Jing” Paras, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner Manuelito Luna; lawyers Nasser Marohomsalic, Eligio Mallari and Alvaro Bernabe Lazaro were among the complainants.
The group noted that the statement issued by the senator against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on September 5, 2018, cannot be perceived as acceptable despite his position in the legislation since “he was not performing his official duty” the moment he said it. “Parliamentary non-accountability cannot be invoked when the lawmaker’s speech or utterance is made outside sessions, hearings or debates in Congress, extraneous to the ‘due functioning of the (legislative) process,” the group explained as reported by ABS-CBN News. The lawyers’ group empha-
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A
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march 21-27, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL
MalacaĂąang: ICC officials...
PAGE A1 “Huwag na. Matulog na lang sila (They should not come here. They should just sleep),� he added. However, Panelo said ICC representatives can visit the Philippines as tourists and “guests� but once they make moves to start a probe into the administration’s controversial drug war, they may face deportation. “I’ll smile at them and tell them
nicely ‘you can’t do it here. If you persist you will be deported. You will be violating (our sovereignty),� Panelo said. “You’re interfering with the sovereignty. Because when you try to subject a country to your jurisdiction, then you’re interfering with that country because we have our own courts here. We can prosecute anybody if we feel (they violate or transgress) the law,� he added.
FROM THE FRONT PAGE PH never a party to Rome Statute The country officially withdrew from the ICC on Sunday, March 17, though MalacaĂąang insists that the Philippines was never under the ICC’s jurisdiction in the first place. “Our position on the matter remains clear, unequivocal and inflexible: The Philippines never became a state party to the Rome Statute which created the ICC,â€? Panelo said on Sunday. The Philippines might have ratified the Rome Statute that created the ICC, but according to the administration, the government never published that in a newspaper or the official gazette, as required by law. The ICC is an intergovernmental organization that investigates cases of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression. It was established by the Rome Statute, which was enforced in 2002. The country decided to withdraw its ratification of the Rome Statute because of what officials described as “outrageous attacksâ€? against Duterte by the UN and the ICC. Human rights groups and the president’s critics have already expressed concern that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC would worsen human rights abuses in the country. Panelo, for his part, dismissed them as “conspiracy theories.â€? “It is open season of conspiracy theories by the political opposition, the Left and the human rights activists. Suddenly becoming experts in international law and sharing the common advocacy of demonizing the president and his administration on the issue of human rights vis-a-vis the drug war, they make good media copy, which obviously is the intention,â€? he said. According to him, the extrajudicial killings were caused by “drug syndicates killing each other either for their own protection or to exact revenge against whistleblowers,â€? and “turf wars among drug lords and drug pushers.â€? “The anti-illegal drug campaign is anchored on national survival as well as accountability of those who bring the nation to the precipice of destruction,â€? Panelo said. “There is no culture of impunity under this administration. The country’s criminal justice system continues to be operational and strictly compliant with the constitutional requirement of due process,â€? he added. n
DRY SEASON. A teenager walks along a parched rice filed in Baliuag, Bulacan province. The El NiĂąo dry spell might last up to June, delaying the onset of the rainy season, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). Pagasa Deputy Administrator Flaviana Hilario said the forecast indicated the onset of the rainy season toward late June instead of the usual late May to early June. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
Locsin tells China: Philippines...
PAGE A1 “The emergence of a new China is creating a world where the lesser have a chance,� he added. This emergence would also serve as an opportunity for both countries to cooperate for mutual benefit, the Philippine foreign secretary said. The two foreign ministers also discussed setting differences aside to “pursue more enriching and advantageous common goals.� The Philippines and China have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. In July 2016, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that Beijing violated its commitment under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea by constructing artificial islands in Manila’s exclusive economic zone. China, however, refused to acknowledge the arbitral ruling and insisted that it has indisputable sovereignty over the contested waterway. The two countries have decided to hold a bilateral consultation mechanism to settle the dispute. In his speech, Locsin also assured Wang that the Philippine government would look after Chinese nationals in the country.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. holds a joint press briefing with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China. Photo courtesy of DFA
“You have our assurance that the Philippines will look out for your people in my country as I have seen China look out for our people in yours,� Locsin told Wang. Critics have been raising concerns over the influx of Chinese workers in the Philippines after President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office in 2016. Duterte, however, said he was in favor of Chinese workers in the country, comparing them to Filipinos working in China. Date
Day
Location
Address/ Cross Streets
Time
March 16
Sat.
Albertsons
Boulder Hwy. / Lake Mead Pkwy., HEN
9am-5pm
March 16
Sat.
Albertsons
Craig / Decatur, LV
9am-5pm
March 16
Sat.
Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer)
2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee, NLV
9am-6pm
NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING FOR THE CITIES OF BOULDER CITY, HENDERSON, LAS VEGAS, AND NORTH LAS VEGAS 2019 MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTIONS
March 16
Sat.
10am-6pm
Craig / Decatur, LV
March 17 March 17
Sun. Sun. Sun.
Mountain Shadows Community Ctr. Albertsons Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer) Mountain Shadows Community Ctr.
9107 Del Webb Blvd. / Crown Ridge, LV
March 17
9am-5pm 9am-6pm
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that early voting for the April 2, 2019 Municipal Primary Elections will take place in the cities of Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas.
March 17
Sun.
Vons
Horizon / Horizon Ridge, HEN
9am-5pm
March 18 March 18
Mon.
Albertsons
Craig / Decatur, LV
9am-5pm
Mon.
Cardenas Market
March 18
Mon.
Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer)
2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee, NLV
9am-6pm
March 18
Mon.
9am-5pm 2020 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy., East of Green Valley Pkwy., HEN
March 19
Tue. Tue. Tue.
Sun City MacDonald Ranch Community Ctr. Albertsons Lowe’s Parking Lot (Trailer) Sahara West Library
Stephanie / Horizon Ridge, HEN 9am-5pm 2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee, NLV 9am-6pm 9600 W. Sahara Ave. / Grand Canyon, LV
10am-6pm 10am-6pm 11am-7pm
Karagdagang kaalaman sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov/votetag.
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All voters who are registered to vote in the Cities of Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas are eligible to vote in this election. You cannot vote in municipal elections if you are registered to vote in unincorporated areas of Clark County. VOTING BY MAIL Any registered voter who is eligible to vote in this election may choose to vote by mail. A written request for a mail ballot must be received by 5 p.m. on March 26, 2019. Mail ballot requests may be obtained from the Clark County Election Department at 702-455-8683 or online at www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote. If you received a ballot by mail, you may surrender that ballot at any Early Vote location and vote in person.
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March 19
9107 Del Webb Blvd. / Crown Ridge, LV
10am-6pm
4421 E. Bonanza Rd. / Lamb, LV 10am-6pm
March 19
Tue.
Veterans Memorial Leisure Ctr.
101 N. Pavilion Ctr. Dr., North of Alta, LV
March 20
Wed.
Alexander Library
1755 W. Alexander Rd., West of M.L. King Blvd., NLV
March 20
Wed.
Green Valley Library
2797 N. Green Valley Pkwy. / Sunset, HEN
10am-6pm
March 20
Wed.
Sahara West Library
9600 W. Sahara Ave. / Grand Canyon, LV
10am-6pm
March 20
Wed.
Veterans Memorial Leisure Ctr.
101 N. Pavilion Ctr. Dr., North of Alta, LV
10am-6pm
March 21
Thu.
Alexander Library
1755 W. Alexander Rd., West of M.L. King Blvd., NLV
11am-7pm
March 21
Thu.
Mountain Crest Community Ctr.
4701 N. Durango Dr., South of Lone Mountain, LV
9am-5pm
March 21
Thu.
Solera Anthem Community Ctr.
2401 Somersworth Dr. / Solera Sky, HEN
9am-5pm
March 21
Thu.
Veterans Memorial Leisure Ctr.
101 N. Pavilion Ctr. Dr., North of Alta, LV 10am-6pm
10am-6pm 9am-5pm
March 22
Fri.
Alexander Library
EARLY VOTING
March 22
Fri.
Mountain Crest Community Ctr.
4701 N. Durango Dr., South of Lone Mountain, LV
9am-5pm
VOTING IS EASY! Eligible voters may vote at any of the convenient early voting sites listed below OR on Election Day at ÂŹany of the City of Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas or North Las Vegas Vote Centers, which replace the traditional Municipal Election polling locations.
March 22
Fri.
Rainbow Library
3150 N. Buffalo Dr. / Cheyenne, LV
10am-6pm
March 22
Fri.
Solera Anthem Community Ctr.
2401 Somersworth Dr. / Solera Sky, HEN
9am-5pm
March 23 March 23
Sat. Sat.
Albertsons Alexander Library
Farm / Durango, LV
9am-5pm
1755 W. Alexander Rd., West of M.L. King Blvd., NLV
9am-5pm
LONG-TERM MALL EARLY VOTING SITES
March 23
Sat.
Skye Center at Skye Canyon
10111 W. Skye Canyon Park Dr. / 10am-6pm Skye Village Rd., LV
March 23 March 24
Sat. Sun.
Vons Albertsons
Windmill Pkwy. / Pecos, HEN College / Horizon, HEN
March 24
Sun.
Albertsons
Farm / Durango, LV
March 24
Sun.
Deer Springs Town Ctr. (Trailer)
N. 5th St. / W. Dorrell Ln., South of CC-215, NLV
March 24
Sun.
Skye Center at Skye Canyon
10111 W. Skye Canyon Park Dr. / 10am-6pm Skye Village Rd., LV
March 25 March 25
Mon.
Albertsons
Buffalo / Vegas, LV
Mon.
Deer Springs Town Ctr. (Trailer)
N. 5th St. / W. Dorrell Ln., South of CC-215, NLV
March 25
Mon.
Doolittle Community Ctr.
1950 J St. / W. Lake Mead Blvd., LV
9am-5pm 9am-5pm
MEADOWS MALL - JCPENNEY COURT, 1ST FLOOR 4300 Meadows Ln. / S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas Saturday-Friday, March 16-29 (every day) . . . . . . 10am-6pm
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March 19
2570 E. Craig Rd./ Losee, NLV
1755 W. Alexander Rd., West of M.L. King Blvd., NLV
GALLERIA AT SUNSET - KOHL’S COURT, 1ST FLOOR 1300 W. Sunset Rd. / N. Stephanie St., Henderson Saturday, March 16 and 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10am-7pm Sunday, March 17 and 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11am-6pm Mon.-Fri., March 18-22 and March 25-29. . . . . . .10am-7pm
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“Bakit? (Why) We have 300,000 Filipinos in China. Kaya hindi ako maka — sabihin, o umalis kayo dito, deport ka doon. Eh kung bigla paalisin ‘yun doon 300 of them?â€? Duterte said in February. MalacaĂąang later on clarified that the government would enforce immigration laws against illegal Chinese workers. “Our laws will be applied with full force and effect equally to all foreign nationals who violate them,â€? presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said. n
9am-5pm 9am-5pm 9am-5pm 9am-6pm
10am-6pm 9am-6pm
LONG-TERM PUBLIC BUILDING EARLY VOTING SITES ALIANTE LIBRARY 2400 W. Deer Springs Way, East of Aliante Pkwy. North Las Vegas Saturday, March 16 and 23 ......................................... 9am-5pm Wed.-Thurs., March 20-21 and 27-28 ....................... 11am-7pm Friday, March 22 and 29 .............................................. 9am-5pm
March 25
Mon.
Paseo Verde Library
280 S. Green Valley Pkwy., South of Paseo Verde, HEN
March 26 March 26
Tue.
Albertsons
Buffalo / Vegas, LV
10am-6pm
Tue.
Doolittle Community Ctr.
1950 J St. / W. Lake Mead Blvd., LV
9am-5pm
March 26
Tue.
Nevada State College
Rogers Student Ctr. 1300 Nevada State Dr., HEN
9am-5pm
March 26 March 27
Tue. Wed.
Silver Mesa Recreation Ctr. Centennial Ctr. (Trailer)
4025 Allen Ln. / Alexander, NLV
9am-6pm
Home Depot Parking Lot, 7881 W. Tropical Pkwy., LV
10am-6pm
BOULDER CITY, CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 401 California Ave. / Arizona St., Boulder City Wed.-Thurs., March 20-21 .......................................... 7am-6pm Friday, March 22 .......................................................... 8am-6pm Saturday, March 23 ..................................................... 8am-6pm
March 27 March 27
Wed.
Silver Mesa Recreation Ctr.
4025 Allen Ln. / Alexander, NLV
Wed.
Sun City Anthem Ctr.
2450 Hampton Rd. / Anthem Pkwy., HEN
9am-6pm 9am-5pm
March 27
Wed.
March 28
Thu.
Westminster Presbyterian Church 4601 W. Lake Mead Blvd., West of N. Decatur Blvd., LV Centennial Ctr. (Trailer) Home Depot Parking Lot, 7881 W. Tropical Pkwy., LV
HENDERSON CITY HALL, CITY CLERK’S CONFERENCE ROOM 240 S. Water St. / W. Basic Rd., Henderson Mon.-Thurs., March 18-21 and 25-28 ......................... 8am-5pm
March 28
Thu.
East Las Vegas Community Ctr.
250 N. Eastern Ave. / Stewart Ave., LV
March 28 March 28
Thu. Thu.
SkyView YMCA Sun City Anthem Ctr.
3050 E. Centennial Pkwy., NLV
9am-6pm
2450 Hampton Rd. / Anthem Pkwy., HEN
9am-5pm
March 29
Fri.
Centennial Ctr. (Trailer)
Home Depot Parking Lot 7881 W. Tropical Pkwy., LV
10am-6pm
March 29
Fri.
East Las VegasCommunity Ctr
250 N. Eastern Ave. / Stewart Ave., LV
9am-5pm
March 29
Fri.
Heritage Park Sr. Facility
300 S. Racetrack Rd. / Burkholder, HEN
9am-5pm
March 29
Fri.
SkyView YMCA
3050 E. Centennial Pkwy., NLV
LAS VEGAS CITY HALL, 2ND FLOOR, CITY CLERK’S OFFICE 495 S. Main St. / E. Clark Ave., Las Vegas Mon.-Thurs., March 18-21 and 25-28 ............... 7:30am-5:30pm MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION EARLY VOTING NEIGHBORHOOD EARLY VOTING SITES FOR ALL VOTERS IN ALL WARDS
9am-5pm 10am-6pm 9am-5pm
9am-6pm
7R ÂżQG QHDUE\ VLWHV GXULQJ HDUO\ YRWLQJ JR WR ZZZ &ODUN&RXQW\19 JRY YRWH IRU D OLQN WR DQ LQWHUDFtive, mobile device enabled early voting site map. DATED: February 28, 2019 Joseph P. Gloria Registrar of Voters PUB: March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2019 Las Vegas Asian Journal
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 21-27, 2019
A3
Palace prefers to see ‘silver lining’ in US gov’t report on EJK
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY. Senate President Vicente Sotto III (2nd from left), together with (from left) Sen.Sherwin Gatchalian, Sen. Nancy Binay, Sen. Joey Villanueva, Sen. Loren Legarda, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Sen. Sonny Angara look at the scale model of the new Senate building after the ground-breaking ceremony held in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on Monday, March 18. The construction of the new Senate home is expected to finish in December 2020. Senate photo by Joseph Vidal
Int’l lawyers note ‘severe’ rights violation...
PAGE A1 (IADL), Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA) and Day of the Endangered Lawyer Foundation (DELF). The panel reviewed 13 incidents of attacks against members of the Philippine bar, conducting interviews and conferences with government officials, NGOs, the Commission on Human Rights, legal professionals, victims and families of victims in Metro Manila and Iloilo from March 14 to 18. Since July 2016, legal professionals have been suffering from attacks. The killing of human rights lawyer Ben Ramos in November last year prompted the panel to come to the Philippines. “We have visited other countries where there has been a high degree of criminalization of lawyers because of the execution of their duties and defense of people but we have not visited any country where there has been such a high degree of extrajudicial killings, harassment and surveillance of lawyers, prosecutors, and judges, and also now we’re learning, paralegals as well whom we consider also to be part of the legal profession,” said lawyer Suzanne Adely from the United States’ National Lawyers Guild. “That does not mean that we’ve looked into this matter in every country in the world but there are…the reason that we came
here in the first place is there have been extensive reports about this,” she added. Patterns in killings According to the panel’s review of data, there are “patterns” in killings. “[T]here are patterns suggesting a connection between the killings and the actions of the PNP and AFP. There are recurrent elements sustaining such connection,” the data revealed. Among the elements they noted included Duterte’s public declarations targeting lawyers; lawyers being tagged, harassed and surveilled before being killed; a lack of sufficient investigation; and the killings involving masked, professional shooters on motorbikes who use .22 caliber guns with silencer. A culture of impunity The panel pointed out that Duterte’s declarations and “almost complete impunity of offenders give police, military and effectively anyone a license to harass and kill.” They urged Duterte to “refrain from publicly attacking lawyers and instead publicly condemn all attacks against lawyers, prosecutors and judges.” They also urged the government to cease red-tagging and public disclosure of drug lists, as well as ensure the safety of lawyers and the independence of the judiciary. Under the Philippine jurispru-
dence, red-tagging is defined as “the act of labelling, branding, naming and accusing individuals and/or organizations of being leftleaning, subversives, communists or terrorists (used as) a strategy... by State agents, particularly law enforcement agencies and the military, against those perceived to be ‘threats’ or ‘enemies of the State.’” “We learned that lawyers in the Philippines have been red-tagged for defending human rights, defending political dissidents, and defending victims of human rights violations,” the panel said. No hand in killing Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, for his part, dismissed the panel’s findings. He said they should not attribute the deaths to the president as the killings “could be personally motivated.” “They cannot attribute the lawyers’ killing to PRRD (Duterte) and his administration. The killing could be personally motivated,” he said. “What do they mean by their statement that the Administration should refrain from attacking lawyers? The administration has not attacked any lawyer in any way and/or manner. Coming as it does from lawyers who should know better, blaming the administration for the lawyers’ deaths is gross intellectually challenged,” he added. ■
DESPITE the United States government identifying extrajudicial killing (EJK) as the Philippines’ chief human rights concern, the Palace said it prefers to focus on the positive aspects of the report. In a statement on Saturday, March 16, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the U.S. State Department’s 2018 report on human rights “reflects the U.S .government’s appreciation of the Duterte administration’s governance agenda anchored on fighting corruption, criminality and illegal drugs.” “While the political opposition and detractors of the president, including some of those in the mainstream media, would dwell on what they consider as negative observations and milk the same for their political purposes, we prefer to see the glass half full and focus on the positive aspects of the report,” Panelo said. Panelo then urged the public to read the entire report so “that they may not be deceived by intended negative and false commentaries.” In his statement, Panelo pointed out how the report mentioned the developments in the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. “Its assessment is respectful of the government’s deeper challenges, [like the] deaths of many law enforcement officers during operations, even as accountability of those from the same ranks
Philstar.com file photo
is guaranteed through investigations of ‘any actions taken outside the rule of law,’” Panelo said. “It recognizes the sentencing of three police officials involved in the Kian de los Santos killing, even as it noted that 1,274,148 individuals have surrendered for drug rehabilitation and clearance while our unprecedented war against illegal drugs and criminality has resulted in more detainees,” it added. Panelo then cited how the report acknowledges government efforts to “promote speedy disposition of inmate cases, including the use of plea bargaining.” Furthermore, Panelo said the U.S. State Department’s report “is also sympathetic to the government’s challenges in the
peace process.” The report, Panelo said, also touches on the milestones “in addressing concerns of vulnerable groups” and “the free, fair and well-organized conduct of the local elections for barangay and youth officials in May last year.” The U.S. State Department, in its annual global human rights report for 2018 released March 13, noted a “sharp rise” of extrajudicial killings with the onset of the Philippine government’s campaign against illegal drugs in 2016. However, Panelo reiterated that “the president and this government have never sponsored any form of violation of human rights nor will they tolerate them.” (Inquirer.net)
Court denies Trillanes’ plea to stop... PAGE A1 sized that Trillanes’ comments were “not absolutely privileged” because it was done outside the senator’s legislative function “as a member of Congress or an officer of any Committee.” “To participate in or respond to media interviews is not an official function of any lawmaker; it is not demanded by his sworn duty nor is it a component of the process of enacting laws,” the group added. The complainants believed that the former mutineer’s criticisms towards Duterte went as far as calling the Chief Executive a “dictator.” They also emphasized that Trillanes perceived the alleged state-sponsored killings as a common occurrence in
the country. They also accused the senator of urging the armed forces and law enforcement not to do anything illegal and unconstitutional. They cited the former navy officer’s uprisings in 2003 and 2007. They hinted the possibility that Trillanes could be secretly proposing to the armed forces to launch a coup against the President. However, the group was not able to issue pieces of evidence to back this claim. Trillanes’ camp maintained that the statements he issued were protected by his parliamentary immunity. He believed that such complaints were done by those loyal to Duterte in order to threaten and harass the
leader’s staunch critic. In a 66-page petition filed before the Court of Appeals (CA) requesting an injunction or a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the sedition case, the senator believed that the complaint charged against him is baseless. “Petitioner is being needlessly and unduly exposed to the hardship and difficulties not to mention the physical and psychological rigors as well as the anxiety and great expenses involved in a baseless, extended and public trial,” Trillanes said as reported by Rappler. The trial for the sedition was scheduled last Wednesday, March 20 at the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 150. ■
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Fil-Am UC Irvine student confirmed to... PAGE A1 t Domingo had a blood alcohol level of approximately 0.331 at the time of his death, more than four times the legal limit. No additional substances were found in his system at the time of his death. Domingo was found dead early morning of January 12 at a home near the University of California, Irvine where he was a first-year biology major on path to a career in sports medicine with goals of becoming a Lakers team trainer. In the released 911 call recording, the caller said Domingo “just drank too much.” “We remain shocked and saddened by Noah’s tragic death, and we offer our deepest sympathies to the Domingo family for their loss,” the university said in a statement. “His death brings an urgent focus on alcohol and substance abuse, from the cul-
tural pressures that encourage unhealthy behavior to the policies designed to mitigate danger.” The cause of his death is still under investigation, but many have questioned the role of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, which Domingo was a member of. Following his death, the fraternity was put on interim suspension pending the investigation. Domingo’s father, Dale Domingo, said in a statement to CBS News that he believed fraternity activities to have been the cause. “We have discovered the horrifying truth about fraternity hazing,” said the father, according to CBS News. The father said that the fraternity was holding its “big brother night” ritual where his son was “compelled to guzzle a so-called ‘family drink’ to become part of
his big brother’s family.” “It is why fraternities openly refer to this type of ritual as being one of the ‘deadly nights,’” said the father. The university’s official campus newspaper, New University, reported that according anonymous sources, the freshman Domingo was attending an event during recruitment week for the university’s fraternities where ”drugs and copious amounts of alcohol” were present. But the Irvine Police Department said on Monday that it was still actively investigating the case. “At the conclusion of our The audience at the LA City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 19 applauds Jessica Caloza, previously the LA Mayor’s director of scheduling, investigation, we will pres- as she became the first Filipina-American commissioner of the Board of Public Works. Caloza, a first-generation immigrant, brings local and federal government experience. AJPress photo by Noel Ty ent our findings to the District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether charges are warranted,” said Irvine Police Department Lieutenant Mark Anderson. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)
Filipina-American millennial confirmed to LA Board of Public Works by CHRISTINA
Duterte threatens to fire...
PAGE A1 t “The chief executive told them he was not going to listen to their explanation as to why there was a water shortage as such would be just plain excuses. They simply did not do their job,” Panelo said as reported by Rappler. ‘All they care about is get profit from the water of the people’ and to their sufferance as well. The president told them they could have simply anticipated such shortage and could have done something about it,” he added. Panelo said that the reprimanded officials were aware of how to resolve the water shortage crisis faced by the Metro Manila residents but they waited for Duterte’s order before doing something about it. “They had to wait for him to threaten them with personally rushing to Manila from Davao to grapple with the crisis before they moved to end it. The chief executive bluntly told them to ‘shape up or ship out!,’” Panelo said. “He said the officials knew of the problem leading to the stoppage of the flow of water but they did not resolve to prevent it from happening. They could have simply anticipated such shortage and could have done something about it,” the spokesman added. Lawmakers call to dismiss said officials Several lawmakers urged the
president to hold the top officials of the water regulatory board — MWSS — accountable for failing to prevent the water interruptions among residents of Metro Manila and nearby areas. A member of the House Committee on Metro Manila affairs and Bagong Henerasyon Representative Bernadette Herrera-Dy urged Duterte to appoint a qualified official who can better manage the regulatory board. “We hope President Duterte appoints a new head of the MWSS who knows the ins and outs of the job. If MWSS top officials cannot find a solution, then they should resign and just enjoy the respite from the strenuous requirements of public service,” Dy said. Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice said the water crisis cannot be attributed solely to the low supply from the water resources. He emphasized that the water agencies were fully aware of the challenges but they failed to act on it in a timely manner. “As early as January, Manila Water already knew that they will be needing (1.7 billion liters), beyond the (1.6 billion liters) allocated to them. Yet they did not do something about it. They waited for the March 6 water service interruption before they acted on it,” Erice said. Senators also mandated the water concessionaires to provide
M. ORIEL
AJPress
compensation for all the people who were affected by the said water crisis in the Eastern zone of Metro Manila and Rizal province. Senator Risa Hontiveros shared that aside from the public apology issued, they must “demonstrate its firm commitment to public accountability and restore consumer trust and confidence.” “While Manila Water’s public apology and act to hold itself responsible for the water shortage are recognized, fair and just compensation to the consumers is in order,” Hontiveros said as reported by The Manila Times. “With over a million households deprived of access to clean water and exposed to numerous health risks, any apology without compensation is hollow and meaningless,” the senator added. She also elaborated that it is constitutional to impose penalties once they fail to deliver the service they promised. She emphasized that “all penalties received by the regulatory body will be rebated to affected consumers.” “Manila Water’s concession agreement clearly stipulates that the regulatory office can impose financial penalties on the concessionaire if its failure to meet its service obligation adversely affects public health or welfare,” Hontiveros added. n
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LOS ANGELES — A high-ranking Filipina American in City Hall is now a commissioner on the Board of Public Works. Jessica Caloza was confirmed to the position on Tuesday, March 19 after the City Council voted unanimously, making her the first Pinay to sit on the Board. She was nominated for the vacant seat back in February by Mayor Eric Garcetti, for whom she had served as director of scheduling since 2017. “When we were making a decision about appointing the next Public Works commissioner, this was a no-brainer,” Garcetti said on Tuesday. “The best person in this city and this administration was...right there in front of us every single day.” At the City Council meeting, Caloza spoke about her perspective as a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines “whose first experience here in the United States was right here in Los Angeles.” “It’s why I have such a passion to serve and why I am in public service because it was through good public programs and good public institutions that my family in one generation was able to succeed and why I’m here today,” she said. Following the confirmation, she was sworn in to become part of the five-member, full-time executive team that oversees projects and programs, such as construction and sanitation, to the benefit of the city’s 4 million residents. She will specifically handle the Bureau of Engineering, which deals with infrastructure plans. One of her immediate priorities as commissioner is to take a look at the metrics the Board is collecting and have them disaggregated to see where the resources and services are being allocated. “Data is so important to holding government accountable and making sure there’s transparency with our residents and making sure that they understand what services we provide and what resources that are publicly available because it is a safety net for so many families,” Caloza told
The Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to confirm Jessica Caloza to the Board of Public Works on Tuesday, March 19. Prior to the council meeting, Caloza and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti held a reception with local Fil-Am community members.
the Asian Journal. She added that expanding the services through language access is also on her agenda, “since English is my second language, as I notice for so many people in this room and in this city.” Before the City Council meeting on Tuesday, a reception was held by the Mayor’s Office, which was attended by City Hall colleagues, Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz, Consulate representatives and dozens of members of the local Fil-Am community. “For them, it’s really important to make sure that we have people in these positions that look like them and represent their values and that’s what I’m really looking forward to doing. Seeing people energized me and motivated me to just do good work,” Caloza shared with the Asian Journal. Prior to the director of scheduling position, Caloza was deputy director of scheduling and came to the Mayor’s Executive Office from the Office of Immigrant Affairs, where she managed policy proposals, grant programs, and civic engagement initiatives focused on expanding access to resources for immigrant communities. Her background also includes serving in the Obama administration as a policy analyst in the Department of Education and as campaign aides for several mem-
bers of Congress, including former Rep. Xavier Becerra, California’s current Attorney General. With her experience on the federal and local levels of government, Caloza said she also brings a unique perspective as a millennial in public service. “For me, it was never calculated in that I was trying to get from point A to point B… It’s really a testament too to the mayor and this administration that they believe in our generation and that we can make tough decisions no matter how old you are,” she told the Asian Journal. “Age is also part of representation, just as gender is and just as ethnicity is. We want to make sure that people who are going to live in our age in these communities have a voice on the Board and on these issues that really affect every single person. It doesn’t matter how old you are.” Caloza went straight to work during the Public Works meeting on Wednesday morning. The commissioners hold meetings three times a week, which are open to the public. “You can see what we’re voting on, what we’re talking about, and the discussion is all public,” she said. “It’s important to see how government works up close so that you understand where to push and pull when you want to get something done.” n
Dead whale’s plastic-filled stomach a ‘wake-up call’ vs pollution — Greenpeace by GAEA
KATREENA Philstar.com
CABICO
THE case of a dead whale with 40 kilos of plastic trash in its stomach—said to be one of the worst cases of poisoning— should prod everyone to take drastic action against plastic pollution, an environmental group said on Tuesday, March 19. A Cuvier’s beaked whale died in Compostela Valley on Saturday, a day after it was stranded in Mabini town. The animal died of starvation and was unable to eat because of the trash filling its stomach. The 40 kilograms of plastic trash included grocery bags and rice sacks. Abigail Aguilar, Greenpeace Philippines campaigner, said whales, dolphins and turtles have been reported to have died in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia because of trash in the space of less than a year. “[This] is a clear proof how grave plastic pollution affects our environment, most especially ocean creatures,” Aguilar said. She noted that three whales and a dolphin were found dead
with plastic in their stomach in Davao Gulf this year. A sperm whale died in Indonesia last year with nearly six kilograms of plastic waste discovered in its stomach. A whale also died in Thailand last year after swallowing more than 80 plastic bags. A green turtle, a protected species, suffered the same fate there in 2018. “It is unimaginable how many more animals are mistaking and ingesting plastic for food right now and how many more of them will be found beached and dead soon,” Aguilar said. She added: “One piece of plastic found in the stomach of a whale or a dolphin is one piece of plastic too many. How many dead whales, dolphins or sea turtles do we need before we wake up and take drastic action on plastic pollution?” Call for action vs plastic pollution The death of the whale comes weeks after a study on the country’s pollution problem by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives revealed that around 59.8 billion pieces of
plastic sachets are used by Filipinos a year. The report also showed that more than 17 billion shopping bags are used across the Philippines every year. The use of smaller, thinner and often transparent plastic bags is at 16.5 billion. The Greenpeace Philippines campaigner stressed the death of the whale is not just a cause for alarm, but an “urgent call for quick, effective, sustainable and large-scale action against plastic pollution.” “We can never emphasize enough how urgent it is for corporations to reduce the production of single-use plastic and redesign packaging and systems to minimize plastic waste, for governments to ban single-use plastic products and for citizens to be mindful of a throwaway lifestyle and put pressure to both the government and the industry to take decisive steps to counter this crisis,” Aguilar said. She added: “From production, to consumption, to disposal, we have to get our acts together.” n
Fil-Am arrested in PH for child... PAGE A1 t
“[Pasay] poses risk to public safety and security being a fugitive from justice,” Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said as reported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer. The arrest was done with
the collaborative effort of the MPD, BI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security via an arrest warrant as they arrive at the residence of Pasay in Pampanga around 1:30 p.m. on March 16. Aside from the U.S. Homeland
Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Manila and Las Vegas, the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Manila Police District Special Operations Unit (MPDSOU) and the BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) also helped in the said arrest. (AJPress)
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A
Duterte abolishes Road Board by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law an act that abolishes the Road Board that he had once referred to as a “milking cow� of corrupt officials. Duterte on March 8 signed Republic Act No. 11239, which dismantled the board and required the government to channel the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) into the National Treasury. A copy of the measure was made public on Tuesday, March 19. Under the new law, the multibillion-peso MVUC will be “remitted to the National Treasury under a special account in the General Fund� to be earmarked solely for the construction, upgrading, repair, and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and road drainage to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. A Congressional Oversight
committee will also be created to monitor the implementation of the law imposing the motor vehicle user’s charge. The committee will be comprised of five members each from the House of Representatives and the Senate. One member of each chamber should be from the minority. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH) will assume all obligations and liabilities of the Road Board — the board’s records, property, assets, equipment and funds will all be transferred to the department. The public works department will also absorb the employees of the Road Board secretariat without reducing their salaries and benefits. The proposal to abolish the Road Board had been filled with controversies. It was one of the reasons why the passage of this year’s P3.757-trillion budget was delayed, sparking a quarrel between then budget secretary
Benjamin Diokno and several lawmakers who accused him of inserting some P75 billion in the budget without Duterte’s approval. Duterte also signed Republic Act No. 11241 or the Philippine Occupational Therapy Law of 2018, which regulates the registration, licensure and practice of occupational therapy and extending the franchise of a broadcasting firm. It was enacted on March 11. Republic Act No. 11241 creates a board consisting of a chairman and two members appointed by the president to promulgate, administer and enforce rules governing occu- DWINDLING. Workers check the water level of La Mesa Dam. The dam’s water level dropped to 68.72 meters last week, its lowest in 21 years. pational therapy. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan Licensure examination will be a requirement for occupational therapists. A general average of 75 percent with no grade lower than 60 percent in any subject should ing a comeback. I implore our minal 1 before she could board be obtained by an applicant to be kababayans (countrymen) who a Philippine Airlines flight to by AJPRESS qualified to practice. n wish to work abroad, do not fall Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Filipina admitted during THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) victim to these syndicates,� he questioning that her real age is on Monday, March 18, started said. He instructed BI port operations 21 and not 25 as indicated in her to step up its drive against the trafficking of Filipino minors in chief, Grifton Medina, to alert BI passport, according to Glenn Ford the wake of reports that traffick- personnel manning immigration Comia, BI TCEU NAIA 1 head ing syndicates are once again booths at the airport to watch out supervisor. Comia added that the pasrecruiting minors to work in other for passengers who appear to be minors or below 23 years old as senger only found out that her countries. BI Commissioner Jaime Mor- well as conduct strict screening birthdate was changed when she ente ordered immigration officers of departing OFWs to make sure received her travel documents at the Ninoy Aquino International they are of legal age and eligible from her recruiter on the day of her flight. Airport (NAIA) and other interna- for overseas deployment. “In cases of doubt, passengers More than a hundred underage tional airports in the country to carefully screen departing over- should be referred to the travel OFWs, many of them minors, control and enforcement unit were reportedly intercepted at seas Filipino workers (OFWs). “This syndicate has stopped (TCEU) for secondary inspection,� NAIA by the BI last year. All of them possessed passports with deploying underaged women, Morente said. The measure was ordered after falsified birthdates, although they following last year’s numerous interceptions, as well as arrests a 21-year-old Filipina household had valid overseas employment by local authorities. However, it worker was intercepted on March permits, working visas, and job seems that this scheme is mak- 13 by BI officers at the NAIA ter- contracts. n
BI steps up drive against trafficking of minors
Petitioners appeal Supreme Court ruling on constitutionality of Boracay closure order by KRISTINE JOY
Philstar.com
PATAG
MANILA — Boracay workers asked the Supreme Court to reverse its decision upholding the constitutionality of the six-month closure of the world famous island, as they asserted that the government order violated the right to travel, which the Constitution protects. The SC, last month, voted 11-2 to uphold the constitutionality of the government order and junked the petition for prohibition and mandamus filed by two Boracay workers and a tourist on April 2018. The petitioners accused the government of “patent abuse of power and reckless disregard of the law.� But the SC ruled on February 26, 2019 that Proclamation No. 475, which declared a state of calamity in the island and contained the closure order, “did not pose an actual impairment of the right to travel.� The tribunal added: “The im-
File photo shows workers in Boracay Island.
Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman
pact of the said proclamation on the right to travel was temporary and merely incidental to the intended rehabilitation of the island.� ‘Impairment to travel was deliberate’ The petitioners asserted, in their motion for reconsideration filed before the court, that while the closure was temporary, “the
impairment of the right to travel was actual and deliberate, as Proclamation No. 475 was effective in preventing people from visiting Boracay Island.� The petitioners raised that the president ordered that no tourist shall be allowed entry to Boracay during the six-month closure of the island, which makes the PAGE A7
Court allows Estrada, Napoles to seek dismissal of plunder raps
THE Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division has given former senator Jose “Jinggoy� Estrada and Janet Lim Napoles permission to file demurrers to evidence through which they will move for the dismissal of the P183-million plunder case lodged against them in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel scam.
A demurrer to evidence is a motion to dismiss, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence presented by the prosecution during trial. “After a meticulous examination of the totality of the evidence presented by the prosecution, both testimonial and documentary, the Court resolves to grant the present motion of the ac-
cused, to sufficiently provide him an opportunity to challenge the sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence establishing the material elements of the offense charged to support a judgment of guilt,� the court said in a resolution promulgated on March 13. It granted Napoles’ motion for leave to file demurrer to PAGE A7
SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Procurement Dept. 340 N. 11TH Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) IFB NO B19029 DECK REPAIRS-COATING PROJECT @ LUBERTHA JOHNSON ESTATES 3900 PERRY STREET, LV, NV 89022 (Licensed General Contractor Required) SNRHA CONTACT PERSON(S) ONLY: Note: Contact with any other SNRHA Staff, Consultant, Resident, Board of Commissioners other than the named within this document is prohibited and will result in your Proposal being rejected.
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MARCH 21-27, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
Out of the ICC
FEATURES
COUNTRIES that withdraw from the International Criminal Court can return, but this isn’t going to happen for the Philippines under the Duterte administration, much to the dismay of human rights advocates. Burundi, The Gambia and South Africa also withdrew from the ICC and remain out. Indonesia withdrew but later changed its mind, so this can be done by the Philippines. is enshrined in the Constitution and other laws. But implementing the system is weak and unreliable. Even if a sitting president escapes impeachment, which is a political process and a numbers game, there are laws that can be applied in various cases of abuse of power once a chief executive steps down from office. Those who carry out unlawful orders can also be brought to justice under existing laws. The challenge is to gather sufficient evidence that can stand in court, and to ensure that justice will be rendered fairly and with reasonable speed. These are the areas where the country is weak, but such flaws are not beyond repair. The strength of several of the states that have ratified the Rome Statute is that their institutions are strong enough to allow them, on their own, to prevent their people from committing offenses covered by the ICC, and to punish anyone who breaks the law and abuses power. This must be the ultimate goal of the Philippines. The laws are there; what’s lacking is enforcement. (Philstar. com)
The Duterte administration is not alone in wanting to keep the country out of the ICC. The United States, China, Russia and Israel – countries that leave large footprints in the global arena – have stayed out of the ICC, mainly over national sovereignty concerns. So have Libya and Qatar. ICC proceedings leading to a formal probe are not stopped by a notice of withdrawal, which takes effect only a year after the notification is submitted. The Philippine government is expected to argue that the ICC cannot proceed with a formal investigation of President Duterte on charges related to his bloody war on prohibited drugs. The argument is that all three branches of government are still functioning and judicial courts and the legislature are still providing checks and balances to abuses of the executive branch, so the ICC cannot step in. An alternative for the Philippines is to strengthen the institutions that hold public officials accountable for their actions. The system of checks and balances for all three branches of government
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PRESIDENT Donald Trump: “Why will they impeach me? I am doing a great job?” To which his supporters and fans say, “The American people elected Trump not because he is perfect. They elected him because they know the economy will boom under the billionaire business mogul reality show superstar.” Or, “Who cares about the issues against him? The economy is doing great! That’s all that matters!” NO, President Trump! It is not just the economy. Your supporters and ever loyal avid fans may blindly take every word you say without question, but they are not MOST of the American people. The FACT is, a majority of the American people disapprove of the way you do your job as president. This is according to a new CNN Poll, which is also revealed in previous results of all credible polls. Your favorability rating is on the negative, Mr. President. A majority of Americans - 51 percent - disapprove of your job performance, the lowest share since CNN began polling at the
Philstar.com photo
Trump’s disapproval rating slides to new low: It is not just the economy, Mr. President — character is important for Americans
beginning of your term. Only 42 percent of respondents said they approve of your performance, while the remaining respondents said they have no opinion. IT IS NOT just the economy, President Trump, because the same poll revealed that a majority of Americans- 51 percent -gives you a thumbs up in the way you are handling the economy. What then accounts for the deficit? It is not just the economy, Mr. Trump. The American people are demanding that the President of the United States has character and demonstrates true leadership as well. You fail the character test not because of the press and your critics that you love to demonize only because they are demanding accountability from you and calling you out for your incessant lying to the American people. You fail the character test because you betray the public trust accorded to you as president. You fail the character test because you insult the intelligence of the American people with your falsehoods and twisting of facts just to fit your narrative which is fabricated to massage your ego and serve your personal inter-
ests, regardless of the facts. You fail the character test because you discriminate against people, a blatant violation of the Constitution. You fail the character test because you cannot rise above your pettiness and self-centered mindset that is why you, without shame, attack people who do not bow down to you and feed your insatiable ego. You fail the character test because you bring out the worst in people, dividing instead of uniting the nation. It is not just about the economy, Mr. President. Because with your style of governance that is based not on intelligent analysis of facts and data but on the whim, instinct and manipulation of people, and a sense of white supremacy, you are leading this great nation to isolationism. You have pulled down this nation from its leadership position in the world, and you are pulling down the economy because of your myopic and shortsighted thinking. The economic numbers may be good now, for the well-to-do Americans, but what about the ordinary hardworking people? What will happen to the economy with the unprecedented budget deficit you created when you
Battles in Syria and revisiting Beirut WE journeyed to Beirut, Lebanon and then to Homs, Syria from PeaceFebruary 25 to March 2, 2019 on invitation by my good friend Alex Maker Fu, a business leader in Australia, China, and the Philippines, and his business partners Tony FORMER SPEAKER Lam, a young Chinese business JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. executive based in Sydney, and Sam Fayad, a Lebanese but has lived in Australia since he was 17 years old. Mr. Fayad is a leading real estate developer in Australia and is looking for investment opportunities in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. We were joined in this trip by Alex Fu’s lovely Filipina wife, Anne Fu of Davao and Pangasinan, and my Assistant, Aldwin Requejo, who worked as junior executive in the Secretariat of the Philippine House of Representatives for 17 years. The last time we visited Beirut was some 40 years ago, when we pioneered as prime contractor in port operations in Jeddah on the Red Sea and Jubail on the Persian Gulf (Arab Gulf), as well as in oil drilling, infrastructure, and mass housing in the Middle East and North Africa. So when Alex Fu invited us to join him in Beirut, we thought it was an opportunity to set foot once again in the “Paris of the Middle East” and rekindle old friendships, established more than four decades ago. Lebanon was once part of the great Phoenician
Empire, composed of states located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea stretching through what are now Syria, Lebanon, and northern Israel. The Phoenicians were considered “the best sailors of the Ancient World, exploring the Mediterranean region and made advances in shipbuilding, maritime trading, and maritime technology.” (Wikipedia) They also invented the alphabet in 1200 B.C., which is the basis of the alphabet we use today. Today, Lebanon is the most religiously diverse country in the Middle East, composed of the two divisions of Islam (Sunni and Shia) and Christianity (the Maronite Church, Orthodox Church, Melkite Greek Catholic Church, Protestant Church, and the Armenian Apostolic Church). In Beirut, we met with Speaker Nabih Berri of the Parliament of Lebanon, perhaps the longest serving Speaker in the world, as he has been holding the post since 1992 or for 27 years. Berri, a Shia Muslim, is most knowledgeable in geopolitics and religious history. We exchanged ideas on the prospects of peace in the Middle East. We also invited him to address the 20th Founding Anniversary and 11th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) to be held in Manila next year. The
President Donald Trump
give out more handouts to your billionaire and millionaire Americans while depriving quality social services like health care, education, safety nets to the ordinary hard working class? Do you even care? Perhaps not. During a 2017 briefing with senior officials, you responded to a presentation of charts and
Photo from Facebook/Donald J. Trump
graphics showing concerns about rising national debt by saying, “Yeah, but I won’t be here”. This was because you did not think it will erupt until after you leave office, according to a source The Daily Beast said witnessed the comment. It is not just the economy, Mr. President, but even in that de-
ICAPP, which we founded and launched in Manila in September 2000, is now composed of more than 300 ruling, opposition and independent political parties from 52 countries in Asia, including the political parties of Lebanon. In fact, Lebanon’s Future Movement Party and Free Patriotic Movement Party are represented in the ICAPP Standing Committee, which we Chair. It is interesting to note that in Lebanon, the President must be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shia Muslim. This agreement helps provide unity and stability in a country of diverse religions. We also exchanged views with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Elie Ferzil, an Eastern Orthodox Christian and former Information Minister, who is also very conversant in geopolitics. Ferzil reminisced to us his visit in Manila in the late 1970s and said he looked forward to visiting Manila again. We also invited him to attend the ICAPP conference in Manila next year. We also paid a courtesy call on Maronite Church Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, who told us that our own beloved Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was arriving in Beirut shortly to address the Conference of the Caritas Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa. Cardinal Tagle serves as President of Caritas Internationalis. We remembered meeting the then Cardinal Patriarch Anthony Peter Khoraish, who became a friend, during our visit in Beirut in the 1970s. Cardinal Khoraish passed away in 1986.
partment, you have already betrayed the American people. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
We were also happy to meet with a dear friend of some 40 years, Hany Salaam, who is one of the successful business leaders in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Hany Salaam, who has been living in London for many years, flew to Beirut to welcome us. His daughter, Ghida, is married to Prince Talil bin Muhammad of Jordan, first cousin of the current King Abdullah II. If we wanted to, with his experience in economics, entrepreneurship, and diplomacy, he could have been a great Prime Minister which had been offered him in the past as were his uncles who served in Lebanon. In the course of our visit in Lebanon, we drove to Homs Governorate in Syria, a three-hour drive from Beirut and met with its intrepid and farsighted Governor Talal Barazi, who told us that seventy percent of Homs was ravaged during the war with ISIS. We saw up close the atrocious damages in the community. Some residents have returned to their homes and are beginning to rebuild their lives. As of this writing, some 500 ISIS fighters have surrendered to Syrian military forces in Baghouz, in eastern Syria, near the Iraqi border, the jihadists’ last remaining enclave. We hope the vicious fighting there will have come to a close when this column appears but we are afraid the ISIS cells will move to other regions as they have small cells infiltrating parts of Europe and who recently intruded in force into our Marawi City, leading to its near destruction and is today in the midst of successful rebuilding by the Duterte government. ■
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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Dateline PhiliPPines
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARch 21-27, 2019
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Government to name more narco politicians by EMMANUEL
TUPAS
Philstar.com
BURST OF COLORS. A man taking photos from his camera phone is silhouetted by the ‘Protex Fireworks’ display of the United Kingdom, during the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition on Saturday, March 16 at SM Clark in Angeles, Pampanga. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada
Mainland Chinese overtake OFWs as top buyers in PH residential market — report MANILA — Buyers from mainland China had dominated residential sales in the Philippines amid improving ties between Manila and Beijing, real estate services firm Leechiu Property Consultants said. In a report dated March 18, Leechiu Property said overseas Filipino workers are no longer the top buyers in the residential market following a surge in mainland Chinese buyers, which is expected to continue in the long-term amid rekindled relations between the Philippines and China. Leechiu Property added that residential projects in the Bay Area, Makati, Manila, Ortigas and Quezon City, as well as in other areas near Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) and existing Filipino-Chinese communities are “experiencing brisk take-ups of 12 units a
month.” Strong demand has also led to tenants dictating record high prices for rental units, Leechiu Property said. Rental units in the Bay area have climbed by 80 percent in the last three years. “Assuming a constant aggregate take-up of 7,757 units, the remaining inventory in projects preferred by mainland Chinese buyers will be depleted in three months,” CEO David Leechiu said. Overall, Leechiu Property said it expects “brisk growth rates” in office, residential and industrial real estate markets in the first quarter of 2019. It also projected continued demand from the IT-BPM sector in Manila, as well as in the regions “provided there is a continuous stream of PEZA accredited spaces.”
Palace: No correlation between human rights, economy MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday, March 19, said human rights concerns raised by “detractors” of the Duterte administration were not hurting the economy, adding that investor sentiment remains favorable for the Philippines. “There is no direct correlation between human rights and the economy, as some quarters particularly two international lawyers groups would like to point out,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement. “While we continue to adhere to the rule of law and uphold international humanitarian law and the protection of human rights, the critics and the detractors of the administration continue to vilify the president and the government, even raising the issue of human rights in connection with the drug war to other issues such as trade, business and the economy,” he added. Panelo said he was responding to claims made by international groups of lawyers that the Philippines’ foreign investments “have been or will be adversely affected” by the issues on human rights and extrajudicial killings. “As our economic managers succinctly expounded, foreign investments are anchored on principal considerations, they are: macroeconomic fundamentals, no or minimal restriction on
foreign equity on investment areas and activities, ease of doing business, good infrastructure, non-restrictive labour laws, and consistent policy milieu,” he said. But human rights watchdogs at home and abroad say most of the fatalities in the government’s anti-narcotics drive are extrajudicial killings committed by cops, accusing Duterte of inciting violence and “steamrolling the rule of law.” Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show foreign direct investments net inflows ended last year at $9.802 billion, down 4.4 percent from the $10.256 billion received in 2017. It was the first drop of such inflows in three years. The amount is also lower than the $10.4 billion net inflows which the central bank expected for the full year. Meanwhile, the economy grew 6.2 percent in 2018, below the state’s 6.5-6.9 percent goal for the year and the weakest in three years amid high inflation. Last year, London-based Capital Economics said the “much bigger concern” for the Philippine economy over the long term is “a string of inflammatory comments and policy changes by Duterte that have raised concerns in the minds of investors over the president’s judgement and commitment to the rule of law.” (Ian Nicolas Cigaral/Philstar.com)
Court allows Estrada, Napoles... PAGE A5
evidence in a separate resolution also promulgated on March 13. The court gave the camps of Estrada and Napoles 10 days from receipt of the resolution within which to file a demurrer. It gave the prosecution the same period to file its comment. The prosecution finished presenting its evidence last year. Estrada’s camp claimed the prosecution failed to substantiate
the accusation of plunder against the former senator. The former senator was released from detention in September 2017 after the court allowed him to post bail. In 2014, the Ombudsman filed before the Sandiganbayan a plunder complaint and 11 counts of graft against Estrada for the alleged illegal use of his PDAF. (Reina Tolentino/ManilaTimes. net)
Petitioners appeal SC ruling... PAGE A5
impairment of the right to travel “deliberate.” They also pointed out that Proclamation No. 475 was more than just a declaration of state of calamity as it also ordered the closure of the island and directed government agencies to prevent the entry of tourists. “While benignly designated as a ‘proclamation,’ the said issuance imposed restrictions on fundamental rights—an area reserved by the Constitution to
Congress. On that account and to the extent that it impairs the right to travel, Proclamation No. 475 is void for being an invalid exercise of legislative powers by the Chief Executive,” they added. Boracay was reopened on October 26, 2018. The government is currently working on the rehabilitation of Manila Bay, which may include reclamation projects that fisherfolk and urban poor groups oppose over concerns of displacement and of the potential loss of their livelihood. n
PEZA, or the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, is tasked to promote investments, extend assistance and grant incentives to investors in export-oriented manufacturing and service facilities inside selected areas throughout the country. “We expect transaction values to keep climbing this year not only in the office market but also in the residential and industrial arenas,” Leechiu said. (Ian Nicolas Cigaral/Philstar.com)
THE government is not worried if politicians with suspected links to the illegal drug trade will withdraw their support for President Duterte’s advocacy for a shift to federalism, an official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Monday, March 18. DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said a possible withdrawal of support for a federal form of Duterte administration would not deter the government from naming more politicians with suspected involvement in illegal drugs. “The fight against illegal drugs is more important than anything else,” Malaya said on the sidelines of a conference on federalism attended by representatives from various government agencies at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City. He did not say how many more politicians would be implicated in the illegal drug trade. Duterte on Thursday, March 14, named 46 politicians, including three congressmen. Reports said several people in the narco list are the President’s partymates at the Partido Demokratiko PilipinoLakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban). “We can’t do anything if they will no longer support us but at the end of the day, we go where the majority rules,” Malaya added. He belittled the influence of narco politicians as they are just a small percentage of the number of local elected officials in the country.
“We have at least 42,000 barangays and more than 1,000 municipalities in the country. So we are still hoping that we will have the support to make this happen,” Malaya said. Around 200 representatives of 76 national government agencies attended the conference on federalism, which is aimed at getting the inputs of other workers in government on federalism. The DILG previously consulted the public. “We also need the support, the buy-in of the national government agencies because federalism is about giving resources and powers to the regions,” Malaya pointed out. The DILG plans to hold a similar meeting next month with officials from local government units. Political maneuverings Alaminos City Mayor Arthur Celeste, who is eyeing the gubernatorial seat in the May 13 polls and whose brother was included in Duterte’s narco list released Thursday, said “this is all about political maneuverings.” In a video posted Saturday night, March 16, on his Facebook page, he pointed out that his elder brother, graduating Pangasinan First District Rep. Jesus Celeste, has been cleared by the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of any involvement in illegal drugs in a resolution last December. As of 11 a.m. Monday, March 18, the video has gained 112,000 views, 4,100 reactions and 1,496 shares. He explained that three officials were cleared or delisted in
DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos
that RPOC resolution – the mayors of Bauang and Naguilian in La Union plus his brother, Rep. Jesus Celeste. The two mayors were no longer listed in the latest announcement made by the president but the name of Rep. Celeste remained, thus prompting his relatives and supporters to wonder. “I know my brother too well. He is innocent of the accusations hurled against him,” Arthur said as he chided political opponents who are trying to drag his name into the issue. He said he would continue to go around and bring some documents showing that Alaminos City is the first in Region 1, if not in the country, to have been cleared of illegal drugs. He added that Alaminos City was also the lone city in Pangasinan to receive a gold award for their successful anti-drug abuse programs during the 1st National Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Award last December. (With Eva Visperas)
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March 21-27, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL
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JOURNAL Woman on a mission: How this Fil-Am engineer rose through the ranks at NASA by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Today, she’s the head of the AdI REALLY wasn’t interested in space,” confesses Josephine San- vanced Engineering Development tiago-Bond, while reflecting on Branch at the center, a division her engineering education during she helped create that extends ena recent interview with the Asian gineering support to the agency’s various missions in space, on Earth Journal. The Filipina-American engineer and other planets. Budding engineer never anticipated that her experiBorn in the United States to ences would culminate in a career revolving around missions and parents pursuing their Ph.D. studies, the family moved back to the exploration in outer space. It was 15 years ago when San- Philippines a few months later, tiago-Bond first landed an intern- where Santiago-Bond would grow ship at the National Aeronautics up and study until college. Coming from a family of scienand Space Administration (NASA)’s AJPRESS
Manny Paez, Jeremy McMillian, Peter Struzzieri, John Casey and Brad Carr in front of a pyramid from HISTORY’s “Lost Gold of World War II” premiering March 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
New History Channel series follows legendary World War II treasure in the Philippines by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AJPRESS
LEGEND has it that during the final months of World War II, Japanese forces constructed underground tunnels in the Philippines to bury treasure worth hundreds of billions of dollars stolen from across Asia. Often referred to as “Yamashi-
Josephine Santiago-Bond
tists and doctors, she was naturally curious about the science field as well. One of her earliest memories was testing acids and bases on indicators her mother had brought home. “I loved the color combinations that I got from playing with that kit, but it created a really vivid memory that I think really influenced me to get into sciences,” she says in a NASA video. At 12 years old, Santiago-Bond passed the national competitive exam and was accepted as a scholar Santiago-Bond poses in front of Space Shuttle Discovery in 2007. Photo courtesy of Josephine Santiago-Bond at Philippine Science High School,
Photo courtesy of NASA Public Affairs
a selective public high school that specializes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and is considered the top science school in the country and one of the best in the ASEAN region. When it was time to apply for college, she said she was “undecided” about a major but was attracted to engineering, particularly electronic and communications, after speaking to a former schoolmate who was a freshman studying that discipline at the University of PAGE B3
ta’s gold” — named after General Tomoyuki Yamashita, who led the Imperial Japanese Army in the Philippines in 1944 — the loot is said to contain gold, jewels, statues and art. Now 75 years later, despite skeptics throughout the decades, the History Channel is taking PAGE B4
Kathryn Bernardo opens up about Daniel Padilla, struggles in new open letter by JAN
MILO SEVERO Philstar.com
KATHRYN Bernardo wrote an open letter that revealed her secret to “becoming a superstar in her own right.” In an article published in Preview, Kathryn wrote the letter titled,“Confessions of a Former Teen Queen: An Open Letter by Kathryn Bernardo.” Kathryn, who is turning 23 this month, began her letter by opening up about her struggles in starting Kathryn Bernardo Photo from Instagram/@bernardokath PAGE B6
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AN EVENING WITH DISTINGUISHED FILIPINO WOMEN 2019:
Filipina achievers inspire, challenge the community
dating sa halalan,� Mendoza said, her speech cut by the audience applause. “Hindi totoong hindi FOR the past few years, the Philusapin sa pamamahala ng pamaippine Consulate General in New halaan ang pagiging tapat.� York has honored Filipina achievMendoza was referring to Davao ers and role models in northeast City Mayor Sara Duterte who said USA in celebration of Women’s that honesty is not an issue in the Month and International Women’s coming elections. Day. She then talked about the deciThis year’s batch is led by intersions she had to make, particularly nationally respected auditor Heidi leaving a job she loved for an opMendoza, UN Undersecretary portunity to work in a foreign General for the Office of Internal land. Oversight Services; Major Jessica “Stepping in a foreign country is Alina Persad, ranking officer of enough challenge as it is. The bigConnecticut’s Air National Guard, ger challenge is to maintain your and Erin Robles, an interior deidentity and to be judged not from signer who is also an Instagram the place where you came from but influencer. rather what you can contribute,� The three women shared their she remarked. “Therefore at this journeys in their respective fields, time, I rise to take tribute to the along with the challenges and many Filipinas and Filipinos who struggles they faced along the left their families in order to put way. their own contribution in making Mendoza gained national limea strong nation.� light as the fearless face of the Hard work Philippine Commission on Audit Major Persad shared her miliwhere she served as a commistary journey, saying that her decisioner back in 2011. sion to join was the best decision “Ever unflinching in her stance she has ever made in her life, and against corruption which has paid tribute to her parents for earned her tremendous respect, instilling in her the value of hard much deserved, in the Philippines work. She has been with the Air and in the world,� Cristobal said. National Guard for 15 years now An anti-corruption advocate, and it has taken her around the Mendoza has over 20 years of world and allowed her to earn not one, but two degrees. She is currently working on her third, a masters degree in nursing. “I have the military to thank for that,� she said. It is also in the military that she faced problematic situations and people who didn’t agree with her. “I just had to learn to find my voice, which isn’t always easy to do when you’re a woman in the military,� Persad said. “I overcame that by changing my mindset. Those problematic situations became learning opportunities and I needed those for leadership development.� She then encouraged women to bravely take a seat and let their voices be heard. “As women are rising in leadership positions now, I just want to leave a little bit of advice for anyone who has decided to take this positions and are moving up This year’s honorees Erin Robles, Heidi Mendoza and Jessica Persad come from diverse in management,� she said. “Take industries and they all spoke about the challenges and struggles they faced in their respective care of yourself. Take care of your people. Take a seat.� careers.
by MOMAR G. VISAYA AJPRESS
service in government particularly in the field of audit, investigation, fraud examination, anti-corruption and integrity advocacy. “I am humbled by this recognition, I felt that there are many women more deserving than I am. They who choose to stay and carry on the battle at a time when being a woman is most risky,� Mendoza said. She also honored her own mother who chose to live an “insignificant� life so that her children could live significantly. Mendoza emphasized the women’s values of simplicity, humility, resilience, as well as the principles of accountability, responsibility, ethics, trust, and honesty in public service. Her remarks took a turn when she discussed how she rose to prominence in the Philippines and why she is standing up once more to let her feelings known. “When I rose to fame in 2011, I only had one thing in mind. Kailangang manindigan upang patunayan na hindi lahat ng naglilingkod sa pamahalaan ay magnanakaw,� she added. “Ngayon muli akong tumatayo sa isang kritikal na panahon ng ating bansa dahil gusto ko uling panindigan ang isang hamong dati ko nang hinarap.� “Sorry Inday, hindi totoong hindi usapin ang katapatan pag-
The honorees with Consul General Claro S. Cristobal and reactors Atty. Connie Montoya (right) and Atty. Elizabeth Cueva
Influence Erin Robles is the woman behind the Instagram account @ foodbabynyc, which has over 70,000 followers. She is an interior designer in the hospitality industry by day and in her free time, she is a foodie who loves taking photos of her food. Born in Manila and raised in Hong Kong, Robles moved to New York about eight years ago to study design. She is now living her lifelong dream as an interior designer for a design studio she admires. “Social media is quite a funny subject to talk about. We probably spend much more time on it than we think we should. It is without a doubt a very powerful tool and platform today to have a voice,� Robles said. She started her Instagram account around six years ago and primarily used it to post her food photos. “Food has also always had a special place in my heart, specially growing up as a Filipino. Food was always at the center of gatherings and celebrations, it brings back memories and it represents different cultures,� she said, explaining why food became the main focus of her Instagram account. Her followers grew through the years and now she receives invitation from restaurants and hotels on a daily basis requesting her to feature their food on her page. At the end of her speech Robles gave a message to the younger Filipinos: don’t doubt yourself. “Don’t discount your achievements because you don’t think you need a certain criteria for success. Many times at work meetings, I question if people
“An Evening with Distinguished Filipino Women� is an annual event presented by the Philippine Consulate General in New York to shine a spotlight on Filipina achievers who have made a mark in their respective fields. AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya
Former COA commissioner Heidi Mendoza and Consul General Claro S. Cristobal
take me seriously. Sometimes I’m the youngest, I’m the only female, I’m Asian. Sometimes I’m the youngest, female and Asian in the meeting room,� she said. “And no matter how well I’m doing, sometimes I still feel inferior and I really shouldn’t.� Atty. Elizabeth Cueva and Atty.
Connie Montoya, two women achievers in the field of immigration and law and volunteers in the Filipino-American community, applauded the journey and insights of the resources speakers. Atty. Montoya recognized their dedication to duty, staunchness to identity, and courage.
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Woman on a mission: How this Fil-Am... PAGE B1 the Philippines (UP). “I couldn’t tell you what she said but I remember feeling really excited about taking electronic and communications engineering,” Santiago-Bond recalls. She enrolled in the five-year program at UP, where she graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in that engineering specialty. Other profiles written about the engineer have dwelled on her difficulty in some math courses as an undergraduate, but those shortcomings didn’t detract her from graduating and proving that she was meant to be in this field. “I take pride in being a product of Philippine education as it speaks to the high quality of education that is available in the Philippines and how graduates can successfully compete internationally,” she says. Her first engineering job out of college brought her to South Dakota for Daktronics, Inc., which designs sports products like scoreboards. She simultaneously pursued a master’s degree in electrical engineering at South Dakota State University (SDSU). “To be frank, my motivation was to get a U.S. education because not only was I trying to get a job here in the U.S. but also because I had mediocre grades in undergrad and this was a do-over for me to go to grad school and get better grades,” Santiago-Bond says. NASA calling She took on a second job as a research assistant under an advisor who received funding from NASA’s Space Grant Consortium. An opportunity to spend a summer at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), one of NASA’s 10 field centers in the country, presented itself because the university didn’t have a facility for the project she was working on that involved hazardous gases. “That was the second winter I had spent up there [in South Dakota] and it was pretty frigid so I was excited to spend the summer with him at KSC,” she recalls. Her period at KSC, coupled with the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003, further piqued her interest in NASA — as did applying her engineering expertise to aerospace research and development. “I’m kind of embarrassed to say prior to that incident, I didn’t really know about space shuttles and that there was an International Space Station orbiting around us,” Santiago-Bond says. “I felt very sad about the lives that we lost with Columbia and became in part obsessed with the TV coverage of the recovery.” She adds, “If any good can come out of a disaster like that, I can say that was the point at which I truly started learning and getting interested about NASA and space in general.” After spending the summer in Florida, she applied and was accepted as a graduate intern at NASA in 2004, where she would go on to spend two semesters. It soon translated into a full-time, post-grad offer a year later as an electronics engineer in which she had a hand in the design of new technologies and Constellation subsystems, and space shuttle ground system operations. “I chose to work here and I’ve stayed…I’ve been here about 15 years. The people around me are great…to work with,” SantiagoBond muses. “I enjoy living on Florida’s coast and really the biggest thing is that I want to contribute in some way to the mission of space exploration.” Through the years, NASA has offered continuing education and professional development, which she says have helped her become “more self-aware.” She later transitioned to systems engineering with a graduate certificate program, which the agency subsidized, to hone into more of her identified underlying strengths, such as being able to communicate with a team of people and solving technical problems. “It’s great to come to work every day because I can be myself and my values align with the organization’s values. They always emphasize safety, integrity, teamwork and excellence and those are things I line up behind,” she says. “It’s very rare to find an organization
After graduate school, Santiago-Bond was offered a position as an electronics engineer at Kennedy Space Center, where she continues to work today 15 years later as the head of the Advanced Engineering Development Branch.
that carries a mission to drive and advance in science and technology, aeronautics and space exploration with just the very simple desire to enhance knowledge all for the benefit of mankind.” Another career milestone was being part of the agency’s Systems Engineering Leadership Development Program (SELDP) in 2012, a competitive agency-wide program for high-potential system engineers to have access to courses, workshops, coaching and mentorship. The program placed her in a year-long assignment at Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, which was a slowermoving and smaller environment compared to KSC. While there, Santiago-Bond was on the mission systems engineering team for the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE), a spacecraft mission that orbited the moon in 2013 to gather detailed information on the moon’s thin atmosphere and whether dust is lofted in the lunar sky. Her responsibilities included ensuring that the LADEE passed its follow-up review and communicating with other NASA centers involved with the integration. “I’m proud to have been part of the integration and test of LADEE. It’s a spacecraft that orbited the moon for five months and intentionally crashed on the far side of the moon. The mission actually far exceeded the 100 days that it was meant to,” she reflects. The mission lasted 160 days after it crashed onto the lunar surface in mid-April 2014. In her nearly two decades at the space agency, she quickly beams a list of several projects she’s worked on: the tail-end of the historic Space Shuttle program, which ended in 2011; and the formulation and launch of the Ares I-X in 2009, a 327-foot tall unmanned rocket that was part of the research on the future of space exploration postspace shuttle. She also contributed to another lunar exploration mission called Regolith and Environment Science and Oxygen and Lunar Volatiles Extraction (RESOLVE), which had aimed to put a rover on the surface of the moon in 2017 for nine days to map water ice and other compounds. After the year at Ames, she returned to KSC under the Ground Systems Development and Operations program and went on to be the chief of the newly formed Advanced Engineering Development Branch. “Out of all of those, my greatest source of pride is in establishing my current branch from scratch,” Santiago-Bond says. “The organizational culture change that goes with establishing a new branch is by far more challenging to me than any of the technical issues that we had to address as a group.” On a typical day, her day is structured with scheduled meetings and administrative and technical tasks, but she keeps an “opendoor policy” for those under her supervision or spends time with them in their workspaces. “I listen to them, problem-solve with them and provide them with constructive suggestions and I ask for feedback. When I’m not with them, I advocate for them with our stakeholders and to our management,” she says. Her leadership position comes with overseeing 21 engineers and three interns across various engineering disciplines, providing that “support for exploration,
research and technology across the agency.” She and her team currently have a portfolio of 70 projects that have to do with Earth (“to improve tasks…so they can be more accurate, faster and safer”), Mars, the moon, and space in general. For the more complex operations in space or another planetary surface, Santiago-Bond facilitates engineering support where she can “find maximum alignment between what the project needs in term of skill and what the strengths of my employees,” she explains, mentioning that she takes their career goals into consideration. “On rare occasions when I find that there is no good fit with anyone in my branch, then I identify where I can find a better fit and I facilitate the negotiation,” she says. “Out of all the different things I do in my job, the care of my engineers is the most important aspect…I have the responsibility of removing and identifying the obstacles in my engineers’ way so that they can focus on being the high-performing engineers that they are.” There are a handful of activities Santiago-Bond discloses that her team is brewing, such as sending hardware to low-Earth orbit and a moon exploration mission set for 2020 that could go into testing by later this year. “You might see our contribution in a satellite servicing mission that’s set to launch in 2020. You’ll see us extend the life span of an existing satellite even though that satellite wasn’t meant to be serviced in orbit. You’ll see some in-situ resource utilization — different projects that allow us to plan long-term human presence on the moon or Mars,” she hints. Taking the giant leap Santiago-Bond bears a sense of duty with her identity as a FilipinaAmerican and the perspective she contributes to a large organization like NASA. She previously served as the chair of the center’s Asian Pacific American Connection Employee Resource Group. “My leadership position also points to how NASA values diversity and practice of inclusion on a daily basis. I always feel that I am valued, not only for my engineering and leadership skills, but also as an Asian American and as a FilipinaAmerican, who brings a unique set of experiences and ideas to the table every day,” she says. “I’m not the only female Filipina-American, nor am I the first, who is in a leadership position at NASA, which in itself makes me proud.” Recent data from 2012 show that one-third of NASA’s employees are women, with 30 percent supervisors and 20 percent engineers, according to the National Women’s History Museum. Five years later, 37 percent of the agency’s new hires were said to be women. The increase comes as some progress when the agency and STEM fields as a whole are traditionally maledominated. While the agency, like other STEM-related organizations, pushes to employ more women and individuals from diverse backgrounds, Santiago-Bond says women who are interested in being in the field need to see other women already doing it. “I would advise them to find a mentor, someone who is capable of helping them overcome, either real or perceived obstacles preventing them from entering the STEM field,” she says. “The biggest obstacle in having PAGE B6
Josephine Santiago-Bond and her husband Chris Bond stand next to the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer propulsion structure at NASA’s Ames Research Center. Photos courtesy of Josephine Santiago-Bond
SUPERSTARS IN POWER OF LOVE GALA. International superstars Shania Twain and Lionel Richie attended Keep Memory Alive’s 23rd Annual Power of Love Gala on Saturday, March 16 at the MGM Grand Arena Las Vegas. The one-of-a-kind celebration of life and signature Las Vegas event raises crucial funds for Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Photos by Raoul Gatchlian
B march 21-27, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL
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Vice Ganda admits being in a 4-month relationship by KRISSY
AGUILAR Inquirer.net
Vice Ganda
AFTER months of speculation on his relationship status, actor-comedian Vice Ganda has finally admitted being in a four-month relationship. Vice Ganda made the revelation during his talk show “Gandang Gabi Vice” aired on Sunday, March 17, when guest celebrity Angelica Panganiban asked the host about his relationship status. “May jowa ka ngayon ‘no?” Panganiban asked to which Vice Ganda responded without hesitation, “Oo!” Panganiban then asked, “Sino?” and the comedian said: “Kilala mo ‘di ba, pina-meet ko na sa’yo ‘di ba?” “Ang taray! I’m happy for you, ‘te, talaga,” Panganiban replied. Panganiban further asked Vice Ganda more details about his relationship until the latter admitted, “Four months na kami.” Despite the two being candid about the comedian’s relationship, both remained mum on the Photo from Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin identity of Vice Ganda’s boyfriend.
New History Channel series follows...
PAGE B1 viewers along for the adventure as it debuts “Lost Gold of World War II” this Tuesday, March 19 (10 p.m. ET/PT), an eight-part series to uncover one of history’s greatest mysteries. A Los Angeles-based Filipino man got to take part in the series as a cast member after he responded to a casting call looking for a talent of FilipinoAmerican ancestry who has some knowledge on engineering and investigations. Manny Paez, founder of shipping company Manila Forwarder, told the Asian Journal that he was semi-retired but was intrigued by the posting because it mentioned the ‘Golden Lily.’ That refers to the secret operation reportedly led by a group of princes to construct and boobytrap, using prisoners of war as labor, the underground tunnels for the treasure. “When I was a teenager in the Philippines, a lot of people were into treasure hunting and it was an activity I did as a hobby. So when [the post] mentioned Golden Lily, I knew this was something for real because not a lot of people knew about it, so I applied and got called by the casting agent…After many calls, eventually I landed the role,” Paez recalled. Produced by Ample, with Ari Mark, Phil Lott and Ed Gorsuch as executive producers, the team — composed of investigators and engineers — went to the Philippines in early 2018 to do preliminary shooting for the pilot.
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Peter Struzzieri and John Casey have an interview conversation with a Filipino man, who was an eyewitness, in HISTORY’s “Lost Gold of World War II” premiering on March 19. Photo by Ample/HISTORY
It was picked up by History Channel, which ordered the eight-episode series with Mike Stiller and Mary E. Donahue as the executive producers. The crew went back to the Philippines four times in the last year to finish the season, while some scenes were shot in the United States. What audiences can expect from these episodes, Lott told the Asian Journal, “History isn’t always what it seems. The deeper you go, the stranger it gets.” In the first episode of “Lost Gold of World War II,” the team meets “Grandpa,” a Filipino farmer who had witnessed the operation during the war and for the first time is sharing his secrets with anyone else. “We love mystery. When an elderly Filipino rice farmer tells you he saw Japanese troops at the end of World War II, spending months bringing unmarked crates up the
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mountain in his remote village - you listen,” Lott said. The areas in the northern part of the Philippines are not specified in the show, however, because they are still active treasure sites. Currently under Philippine laws, those who want to engage in treasure hunting need to secure a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). “There are a lot of things that we found that would give a lot of satisfaction, excitement and knowledge, not only to Filipino Americans, but to all the citizens of the world,” Paez said. “I believe this will promote the Philippines to an international audience because they will see how beautiful the Philippines is and how friendly Filipinos are. This was experienced by most of the crew and the cast.”
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Your Immigration Solution ATTY. BEN LOVEMAN “ATTORNEY, I entered with a C-1 visa, so I can’t adjust my status, right? We hear this basic question all the time from clients hoping to adjust their status and be granted permanent resident status (green card). Unfortunately, many people mistakenly believe that entering the U.S. with a C-1 visa is an automatic bar to getting their green card in the United States. To help dispel this myth we devote our discussion this week to the nuances of the C-1 visa. The C-1 and C-1/D visa category is an often-utilized visa used to enter the United States for various reasons. The most common use of a C-1 visa is for a person to enter the U.S. to pursue employment aboard a vessel. These bona fide ‘crewmen’ are generally issued C-1/D visas and are prohibited from adjustment of status under Section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. But what if you enter the U.S. with a C-1 visa but are not a crewman? The C-1 visa category is not exclusively for crewmen and exceptions to the general rule apply. One exception is for a person who was issued a C-1 visa because they will be transiting through the United States to a third country. There is not a prohibition on adjustment of status for C-1 visa holders who were simply transiting through the United States. An example: a Filipino citizen named Ramonito is planning to work at a military base in Guantanamo Bay. His itinerary requires a layover in Los Angeles. Ramonito uses his C-1 visa to enter the United States with his “transit visa,” before he is ultimately required to continue
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Eleventh of a series) WHAT’S your game plan when you retire? The timing can be one of 3 ways: you yourself planned when it will happen; the government said it’s time you did; or circumstances beyond your control, like the onset of illness, finally put you out to pasture. Or are you one of those who have decided to keep on going and going simply doing what you do best beating the bushes, like the energizer bunny? There is tremendous life force in you that needs to be spent. You ignore your age and trust your instincts. You are powered by nothing but chutzpah and prayer, knowing deep down that you will simply wake up one day and decide this is as far as it goes. Enough is enough. Typically around your early sixties, retirement, as a stage of life, looms large staring at you in the face. If life is like driving on the freeway, it is supposedly a time when you begin to downshift your gears, getting off the fast lane as you move to the middle lane and gradually sidle to the farthest right lane to find your exit. You head home to the gentle comforts of home sweet home knowing you never have to get up so early starting tomorrow to do the same darn thing you’ve been
Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS B WISE, B safe Vitamin B is one of the most essential vitamins our body needs, but excess of this vitamin is unhealthy. Many food items in the market are fortified with Vitamin B, and some people who take a one-a-day multivitamin/minerals pill which already contains vitamin B and take added vitamin B supplements are overdosing on B. This could lead to obesity or difficulty in losing weight for those who are overweight, skin blemishes, nerve damage, kidney issues, etc. The B-complex (8 of them) includes B-1 to B-12 (there are no B-4, B-8, B-10 and B-11). Their names are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid and cobalamin. The kidneys normally filter out excess vitamins, but they could only do this to a certain level, and kidneys of individuals vary in efficiency. The best is to B careful and B well informed, not only about B vitamin but about all other vitamins, including minerals. The formulation of most onea-day multivitamins/mineral pills meets the daily requirements for most people. Read the label or Google them, or check with your
Entry with C-1 visa does not always bar Adjustment of Status his journey to Guantanamo Bay. If Ramonito fails to timely leave the U.S., he may still be eligible for adjustment of status despite his entry with the C-1 visa. This exception might also apply for bona fide crewmen who have finished their contracts. A second exception arises for people who enter the U.S. with a fraudulent C-1 visa. Federal regulations define “crewman” as someone entering the U.S. to serve on board a vessel or aircraft in pursuit of their calling as a crewman. Does the adjustment of status bar apply to the person who enters the U.S. under an assumed name, and who has no intention of working as a crewman? The Board of Immigration Appeals has stated that the “focal issue in determining whether an alien qualifies as a crewman is whether the person entered the United States in pursuit of his calling as a seaman.” It is an argument that “substance over form” should control. Thus, there is a strong claim that a person who uses a C-1/D or D visa and falsely claims to be joining a ship is still eligible for adjustment of status. With this exception, there is no doubt that the foreign national will require a waiver for fraudulently obtaining their visa. An example: Ramonito seeks entry to the U.S. after acquiring a fraudulent C-1/D visa from an agent. Ramonito also claims at entry that he will be joining a ship after his arrival in the United States. Even if no such ship exists, Ramonito may still be eligible for adjustment of status so long as he is able to acquire a waiver of his misrepresentation. Bona fide crewmen can also adjust their status if covered by Section 245(i) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act. A person is most commonly covered by previously having a petition or labor certification filed on their behalf (or perhaps on behalf of their parents) prior to April 30, 2001. In addition, if the petition was filed between January 14, 1998 and April 30, 2001, the foreign national must have been physically present in the U.S. on December 21, 2000. Finally, crewman not meeting any of these exceptions may still be eligible for a ‘Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver.’ This waiver may be granted upon a showing of extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent. Before seeking this waiver though, find out for sure whether an exception applies in your case so that you can potentially apply for adjustment of status. Crewman visas can be complex. Consult with a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to thoroughly discuss your options before automatically assuming you are not eligible for adjustment of status. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
The bucket list
America
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS MARCH 30
Philippine Medical Society of Northern California installation of officers in Foster City, CA The Philippine Medical Society of Northern California will hold its 47th anniversary and installation of officers for 2019-2021 at the Crowne Plaza in Foster City, CA on Saturday, March 30. For sponsorship information, please contact Dr. Clementina Manio at drtina0427@gmail. com or visit https://www.pmsnc.org/.
United Bicolandia Los Angeles induction in Montebello, CA United Bicolandia Los Angeles will hold its 45th Anniversary and Induction Ceremony at Quiet Cannon in Montebello, CA on Saturday, March 30. For tickets and sponsorship information, please contact Lanie Berrei at lanieberrei@hotmail.com or (818) 281-3169.
APRIL 7
Ryan, Ryan! The Maestro and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Glendale, CA Recently proclaimed National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s works will be showcased on Sunday, April 7 at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center (1440 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205) at 6 p.m. by his multi-talented singing group, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers joined by some local artists like Mon David, Annie Nepomuceno, Louie Reyes and many more. Come and hear how his work that spans five decades has made an indelible impact on Filipino culture. Copresented by Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA, a 501 (c) 3 organization that brings exemplary Filipino Artists to U.S. stages. For ticket information ($35-$125) visit www.philpatrons.org and to learn about other tour stops in Las Vegas (April 7), San Diego (April 12) and Seattle (April 14).
APRIL 13
2nd annual Filipino mental health well-being summit in LA The 2nd annual Filipino mental health well-being summit will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at The Center of Cathedral Plaza (555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012). In partnership with the LA County of Department of Mental Health, registration begins on March 11. This is a FREE event for all. Breakfast and lunch included with registration. Please email FilipinoWellBeing@Gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/FilipinoWellBeing for more updates.
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The Philippine Nurses Association - Central Ohio will hold a regional conference from April 25 to 28 at the Embassy Suites (2886 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio). For more information, please visit http://www.mypnaa.org/.
“ … If life is like driving on the freeway, it is supposedly a time when you begin to downshift your gears, getting off the fast lane as you move to the middle lane and gradually sidle to the farthest right lane to find your exit...” yanking you back to face the reality of having logged a lot of miles on your one and only body. Suddenly you have to deal with aches and pains in places you never thought existed. It doesn’t help that your doctor reads gobbledygook sets of numbers about your blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, creatinin levels, blood pressure readings, A1C number, kidney and liver health and so forth. Your medical provider wants to submit you to mammogram and colonoscopy and all types of tests to find out if you are still of sound mind and sound body, purportedly so you can enjoy the rest of your remaining years. It’s something borrowed from the automotive industry: 100 K check, 200 K check to see if all your parts are still in working order and which parts need replacement. Okay, admittedly, these are not gobbledygook numbers but they indicate that this time around, you have no excuse to ignore the warning signs of your mortality. PAGE B6
Vital medical tips
healthcare provider. For those diagnosed with specific deficiencies or extra needs, the attending physician would prescribe accordingly. Liquid candy: a toxic drink All varieties of soft drinks, cola or un-cola — regular or diet, caffeinefree or not — are all toxic to our body. Phosphoric acid is a major component of cola drinks, and citric acid, of the un-colas. Carbonated water provides the carbonic acid in soft drinks. Phosphoric acid is used to flush out car engines and for cleaning toilet bowls. It dissolves calcium, as it does in our body as we consume soft drinks adversely affecting our bones and teeth. The caramel coloring for coke is a contaminant from 4-methylimidazole, a carcinogen to humans, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. And so with the artificial sweeteners in diet drinks. All soft drinks are unhealthy for everyone, especially for children. They increase the risk for dental carries, osteoporosis, arthritis, metabolic syndrome, obesity, heart attack, and stroke in the long run. Unlike cyanide poison, which kills instantly, soft drinks do it softly and slowly, the reason people don’t care…until the disaster hits. Obesity kills This is another subtle killer. Obesity (mostly from eating too much, exercising too little or not at all…some due to genetic defect). The following health problems
Calendar of Events across
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Philippine Nurses Association of America - North Central Regional Conference in Columbus, Ohio
Grazing in the grass
doing for decades. Freedom at last!!! Breaking the shackles of the workaday world feels wonderful. There is now time to do the things that you have always wanted to do and maybe flesh out those dreams that have been percolating quietly in the back burner. Now you have the time, adequate resources and, most importantly, the blessing of all blessings, you are still in the pink of health. Thank God, hallelujah!!! You have run the course with time left over to savor being alive. You feel like doing cartwheels —that is—if your osteoporotic bones and stiff limbs will let you. Meh… Probably NOT! Ideally, you are ready for this stage of life. That is —if you have dotted your i’s and cross your t’s— as you render a full plate of life experiences, good and bad, while trying to balance home life and work life for many years… Of course, you can always go into denial and think and act young but your contrarian body will probably beg to differ at times
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 21-27, 2019
are more common among those who are overweight or obese: High blood pressure, diabetes T2, heart disease, sleep apnea, stroke, osteoporosis, increased blood pressure and Caesarian rate (toxic pregnancy) among obese mothers, kidney disease, fatty liver, and some cancers. Those who are overweight or obese also have higher mortality risk for surgeries and, in general, less healthier and have shorter longevity. Besides whatever strategy one is using to maintain normal weight, there is one simple common sense technique my wife, Farida, and I learned from our famous professor in medical school, the internationally renowned Filipina Pediatrician, the late Dr. Fe Primitiva del Mundo, which is safest, most effective, and cheapest: “Push yourself away from the table less than full.” As far as I can remember, she always appeared to be no more than 110 pounds. To digress a bit: This amazing icon was treating patient up to age 94 on her wheelchair, and died August 6, 2011, two months shy of 100. She was the first woman admitted to Harvard Medical School in 1936, founder of the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines, and the inventor of the Bamboo Baby Incubator for rural areas without electricity. She was honored with the Lakandula Award and the Ramon Magsaysay Award (Philippine PAGE B6
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Santa Maria Ilocos Sur 12th Global Reunion in Honolulu, Hawaii The Santa Maria Ilocos Sur Global Association (SMISGA) and the Santa Marians of Hawaii are sponsoring the Santa Maria Ilocos Sur 12th Global Reunion in Honolulu, Hawaii from May 17-19, 2019. The festivities will start with a meet and greet on May 17 at 5 p.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom to be followed by a gala night on May 18 at 5 p.m. at the Dole Cannery Pomaikai Ballroom. A picnic is also scheduled at Ala Moana Beach Park’s Magic Island on Sunday, May 19 starting at 10 a.m. The ticket to attend all the events is $130.00 per person. Due to limited space, reservations must be made not later than March 31, 2019. Hats and t-shirts will also be on sale for $20. For further information, call Nena Empleo at (808) 384-0394, Carlito Soria at (808) 487-3370, Alex Pena at (702) 373-9522 or Orlino Baldonado at (865) 789-8324. Leave a message if there’s no answer. Additional information is also on SMISGA.com and Facebook @ SMISGA19FB. Proceeds from the events will be for various projects in Santa Maria Ilocos Sur and in Hawaii. Donations are tax deductible since SMISGA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization approved by the Internal Revenue Service.
JUNE 1
7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival in LA The 7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival Committee (7KPFC) announced that it will holding the 7th Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 1, 2019 in commemoration of the 121st PH Independence Day on June 12, 1898. This will be the 7th Kalayaan Parade and Festival in Historic Filipinotown, as the first was held in 2013 in cooperation with the PH Consulate General in Los Angeles. This is the only Independence Day parade and Festival in Los Angeles and is held every year in Historic Filipinotown. For more information, please call Freddie at (818) 220-2075 or email at jfavusa8@gmail.com.
Kalayaan Incorporated’s annual Philippine Independence Day gala in LA Kalayaan Incorporated invites the community to its celebration of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel (5855 W. Century Blvd. Los Angeles, CA). Kalayaan is extremely proud to have Honorable Risa Hontiveros, an incumbent senator who assumed office on June 30, 2016, as the grand gala’s guest of honor and speaker. For tickets to the Gala Night, please contact Annie Cuevas-Lim, Kalayaan President at (213) 447-7078. For more information, contact KI PROs Violet Mislang at vmislang@gmail.com or Lady Hope Robillos at lhopepr@yahoo.com.
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The Ibaan Association USA-Canada gala dinner in LA The Ibaan Association USA-Canada will hold its 32nd Annual Gala Dinner & Dance July 20, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City - Ballroom A at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California 91608. For reservations call Monica Benitez at (323) 697-3731 / email: monica_benitez03@yahoo.com or Irene May Villafranca at (323) 423-2299 / email: imay02@ yahoo.com. Tickets are $85 for Adults and $40 for Children (3 to 10 years old). Please make checks payable to: Ibaan Association USA-Canada and mail to: Merly Pagunsan at 5025 Heintz St. Baldwin Park, CA 91706. For sponsorship information on our 2019 Souvenir Program please contact President Noli Reyes at homesbynoli@gmail.com or call (818) 458-7888. Please RSVP by April 12, 2019.
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40th annual Philippine Nurses Association of America National Convention in Atlanta, GA The Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) will have its 40th annual national convention from July 24 to 28 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA, hosted by the PNA-GA chapter. More information and details TBA. To learn about the PNA-GA, please visit: https://pnaga.wildapricot.org/.
AU G U ST 1 - 9
University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International Convention & Alaskan Cruise The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International, Inc. (UPNAAI) will have its 40th convention on a cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. The theme will be “In the New Millennium - UPNAAI at 40: Evolving and Emerging Nursing Roles.” On Aug. 1. it will be UPNAAI Volunteers Service Day in Seattle, then 2-9 will be a cruise from Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm & Dawes, Victoria, and back to Seattle. Convention Fee $100 for Alumni in addition to cruise pricing. No convention charge for friends and family members. Contact Hours will be provided for the educational conference. For more information/to register and view cruise rates, please visit https://www.upnaai.com/.
AU G U ST 3 - 4
Travel, Trade & Consumer Expo in Carson, CA The second annual Travel, Trade & Consumer Expo is back on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4 at the SouthBay Pavilion in Carson, CA. The two-day event is Southern California’s largest B2B expo showcasing tourism, trade, and investment opportunities in the USA and Philippines. It will feature networking opportunities for business-to-business, business-to-government, and business-to-consumer. The event is powered by the Asian Journal and Balikbayan Magazine. For more information, please visit https://traveltradeconsumer.com/.
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Features
B march 21-27, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL
Welcoming the Spring Season the Filipino Way
Woman on a mission: How this Fil-Am... PAGE B3
more women in STEM is the lack of interest. Being interested requires them to picture themselves in that situation,” she says. “I would say to them, ‘don’t be afraid of being the only woman in the class…or the only woman in the meeting’ if they’re actually practicing a technical profession. A second woman will come along and they would have done her a favor by being the first. Believe that they bring value and just go do it.” With Women’s History Month this March, it’s fitting to remember
the women who became before Santiago-Bond like Kitty O’Brien Joyner, the first woman engineer at NASA; Dorothy Vaughan, the first African American manager at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NASA’s predecessor); Mary Jackson, the agency’s first African American female engineer; Katherine Johnson, a mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of the first U.S. manned spaceflight; Sally Ride, the first American woman in space; and the late Angelita Castro-Kelly, a Filipina who was the first woman
Josephine Santiago-Bond, left, chair of Kennedy Space Center’s Asian Pacific American Connection (APAC) Employee Resource Group, and Alyssa Garcia, the group’s co-chair, speak to attendees at the annual Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month special event in 2016. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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to be NASA’s Mission Operations Manager for the Earth Observing System. At the end of this month, two women astronauts on the International Space Station, directed by woman flight controller, are expected to mark the first time in history that an all-female crew will do a spacewalk. “That’s very empowering to work in a workplace that embraces that diversity and inclusion and gives us an opportunity to give back to the nation and the world,” Santiago-Bond says. As for more career benchmarks to hit? Another goal of hers is to do more community outreach and be a shining example that there’s no straight trajectory for a STEM education — and that there’s redemption after not-soperfect grades because learning is a life-long journey — as well as proving that having a career in the agency is possible while being a mother. “It’s me now trying to follow my pursuit of work-life balance. My priorities have shifted over the years. I became a wife 10 years ago and a mother five years ago,” Santiago-Bond says. “I love that NASA’s policies have assisted me in both as an engineering supervisor and as a wife and a mom. I can work anywhere and my time is pretty flexible within the policies and that allows me to continue to give my best to NASA and be there for my family when it matters. Looking back, I never thought I would get as far as I have.”
BY MONET
LU
HAVING four seasons in a year is an idea that is quite foreign to Filipinos who grew up in the Philippines. Back there, we only have dry (summer) and wet (rainy) season. Then there are those, like me, who migrated outside the Philippines to a place that has more than two seasons. This change also requires a change of wardrobe, food, scenery, and pastime. So how does the typical “Pinoy” deal with the changing of season? Food Filipinos love to eat and foreigners know that about us. One of the running jokes about Filipinos say that “wherever there’s food, that is where the Filipinos are.” Now that is good if they meant that we cook great food, otherwise, it could mean that we’re known as gluttons. Either way, food is a just in the core of every Filipino. And a food-loving Filipino has adapted the ability to adjust his palate according to the season. Spring season calls for a parade of spring rolls. And by that I meant spring rolls of different varieties such as Lumpiang Shanghai (pork spring rolls), Lumpiang Sariwa or dignity intact. Lumpiang Ubod (bamboo shoots You hope that a smattering of spring rolls) and Lumpiang Gulay beautiful memories, yours as well or Lumpiang Toge (bean sprouts as of those you leave behind, are spring rolls) are the best sellers indelibly marked in a few hearts in a company potluck or spring and minds for a generation or banquet. And because we just two — strong enough to move love to dip everything in sauce, we them to bring you flowers on your gravesite long after you’re gone. If your life were to be compressed to a 60-second video, you hope that the awful parts were edited PAGE B1 out and landed on the cutting a showbiz career, which included room floor permanently deleted. traveling long hours from CabaThe saddest thing about a life is natuan to Makati to attend auditions to be forgotten as though you that only lasted for a few minutes, never lived. and worrying that she is not “tisay” To be continued next week… or pretty enough to get the job. *** “While other children my age Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is were busy trying to master the SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. periodic table, I was memorizing To send comments, e-mail monette. lines for a VTR, which—fingers maglaya@asianjournalinc.com crossed—could potentially land
The bucket list
All it says is: SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT. OR ELSE you can go to the wide blue yonder flat on your back sooner rather than later. SIGH… But there is a serious reason why you hem and haw to put off all these gamut of tests. What if they find something? Oy vey! You’ve run the full course of life only to deal with another daunting challenge. Also, you ascribe to the belief that what you don’t know won’t hurt you. Or so it seems. I have heard of sad stories of people, who after just a few years of retirement, are diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 cancer or some form of serious illness and are left to deal with a very short lease on what is left of life. Of course, these stories are purely anecdotal and
isolated but they do happen. You feel older and if you culled out the nuggets of wisdom from yours and other’s experiences, you’ve become even a little wiser perhaps. You have listened halfheartedly to those financial planners and even those persistent advance funeral planners who have been bugging you about the benefits of being prepared for the inevitable. You have taken pains to sock away a smidgen of moolah for a long time in your 401K or saved a few bucks by yourself and by your estimates (and provided you are sensible with a tight fixed income), you will remain fiscally viable, without having to rely on a government dole-out, even if the unthinkable happens. You plan to exit this world with your
even have the appropriate sauce for each of spring rolls. Sweet and sour chili sauce, peanut sauce, and of course, lumpiang toge’s faithful partner: sukang puti (white vinegar). Spring is also a great time to check out the newest Filipino restaurants or Asian fusion cafes that have invaded Southern California. You can also venture further south like San Diego and I bet you the aroma of inihaw na liempo would lead you to these Filipino restaurants. Either that, or a park filled with Filipinos with picnic baskets filled with Filipino delicacies. Filipino food is just everywhere and I credit that to the talented cooks and chefs who make Los Angeles such a delicious place to live. Fashion Spring is the second season of the year. And second to adjusting this season’s menu is switching clothes. This is the time where thermal jackets and winter boots are stored away. Unless you have a perfectly good reason for wearing that fur coat, it should be in the closet. To the “petite” Pinays, they don a flowery sundress, spring colored jumpsuit, or some cute separates; like a good statement skirt with comfortable and flattering cotton top. Pair it with an accent pump and minimal accessories, and they swing their way to spring! For the men, skinny jeans are not as cool as they were before but it still is a known staple in any man’s wardrobe. It’s the season to loosen up a bit, so straight cut cool print chino pants is a great alternative to tight and dark jeans. Pair these up with a lightweight cardigan and a statement eyewear and you’re off to great spring. Places One of the best things about this season is the blooming of flowers and fruit trees. This is also
one of the things about spring that we Filipinos can relate to. And it’s not because we have spring season but because planting and harvesting is a way of life to us. We harvest vegetables and fruits, and plant more tropical plants that our gardens could handle. This season means a picnic at the park, checking out the Botanical Garden and Knott’s Berry Farm, you know, the stuff that you do while you bond over food and wear your flowery and light cotton shirts. Forget about hibernating in your pajamas, walking around your house wearing thermal socks. That is so last winter! Go out there and watch the cherry blossoms, the tulips; open the windows and enjoy the warm sun. As this new season unfolds, we should make the most of it by welcoming spring in all its glory. I do that by thinking of spring as snow finally melting, trees blooming, and the streets looking lively and green again! For most people, it is a time of change. Thoughts of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection and hope come to us when we wake up from a cold winter night to a warm spring morning. Oh, spring, you bring so many beautiful things. And as Filipinos fondly say – and let me say it with cheers to a spring season full of hope: “Mabuhay!” *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
Kathryn Bernardo opens up about...
me a short role in a drama or a TV commercial,” Kathryn wrote. “While waiting for my turn beside fair-skinned girls who were vying for the same role, there I was, worrying that I might not be ‘tisay’ enough or pretty enough to actually get the job. It’s okay, though, my parents would say. There’s always a next time,” she added. She also shared what advice she would give to her seven-year-old self after her struggles. “If I could travel back in time and give that seven-year-old girl a pat on the shoulder along with some sisterly advice: ‘Don’t worry too much and take things slowly,’ I’d tell her for sure. ‘You have to be tough. You have to be strong. It won’t be easy, but if you’re patient, you’ll get there eventually’.” Though her early career robbed her of a “normal” childhood, Kathryn said she is glad she experienced those “because nothing worth it ever comes easy.” “And throughout that tough climb, I was lucky to have a strong support system. My family was with me every step of the way, always reminding me to look at the bigger picture. It was because of them that every single rejection and failure seemed fleeting,” she said. On being dubbed as “Teen
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Queen,” Kathryn said she does not anymore remember when it started as she first does not know how to react on her alias. “I’m flattered as I think about it now, because now I see it as a testament that people respect me as an artist. I realize, they must have given me such a title because they acknowledge my hard work. And for that, I’m eternally grateful,” she said. “Sadly, though, I can’t forever remain as your Teen Queen. Like everything else in this world, change is inevitable. And I, too, need to grow,” she added. Kathryn said if there is anything she learned while working in this industry all these years, it is the constant need to evolve. “I’ve seen stars rise and fall, and more often than not, the greatest tragedy is when they choose to live in a box. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I became an actress at an early age and yet I took my time before deciding to take on more mature roles—my first kissing scene, in fact, was in 2016, for the movie ‘Barcelona: A Love Untold’,” she said. “I didn’t want to rush things. I didn’t want to do anything I wasn’t prepared for. I took things gradually because I felt it was the right thing to do. But as I grew older, I felt it was about time to finally break out of that shell. While I don’t regret taking my time to grow, I also don’t intend to get left behind,” she added. Kathryn also shared her and boyfriend Daniel Padilla’s mutual decision not to accept projects together this 2019 to pursue individual growth. “We both know it’s going to be
tough for both of us and maybe even tougher for our fans, but we really gave it some thought, and while there’s nothing we want more than to make you happy, we’d appreciate if you can give us this year to pursue our individual growth this time around. It’s a risk, and I’d be lying if I told you that the idea doesn’t scare me, but at the same time, I’m excited to discover what kind of opportunities await us both in this journey,” Kathryn said. “Needless to say, DJ and I will still be here; I will always have his back in the same way that I know he always has mine. It’s just that, in the meantime, we want to support each other off-cam,” she added. For Kathryn, “Maturity takes courage, and courage takes maturity. Because I know myself better now, I’ve learned that it’s okay to take a leap of faith sometimes and trust in the process.” “Because, I’ll let you in on a secret: It’s impossible to make everyone love you. No matter how good you are, no matter how talented, it will never be enough. Ultimately, people will love who they choose to love and hate who they choose to hate. So given that, we can all use a little kindness and compassion in this world,” she said. To conclude her letter, Kathryn thanked her fans and said: “I hope it’s because you see yourself in me. I hope you know that we’re just the same—the only difference is I happen to be an actress.” “I’m not perfect at all. Sometimes I cry, sometimes I laugh, sometimes I get hurt. I hope I don’t disappoint you with my flaws, because at the end of the day, I’m just a human being like everyone else,” she added.
Vital medical tips
equivalent of the Nobel Prize). The basic principle in weight maintenance is caloric intake must be equal to caloric output via exercise, etc. If food intake is more than exercise, the result is obvious. So, I strongly recommend we all push ourselves away from the table less than full. A bit hungry is healthier. And drinking water can fill in the gap, making the kidneys happy too. Hot multi grain cereals I have been eating old-fashioned Quaker Oats since I was a kid and just switched to Bob’s Red Mill 5-grain rolled hot cereals (whole grain oats, barley, rye, wheat, triticale, and flaxseed) last year. Having multigrain cereal with berries and nuts for breakfast and snacks, instead of rice or bread and bacon, ham, or sausages, is healthier. The rice flake and corn flake cereals contain too much sugar, which is not good for us, especially for children. For cold cereals, those made of barley, oats, millet, quinoa, are best. Also, watch out for unhealthy fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and additives. Always read the food labels. For me, nothing beats hot multi-grain cereals. They also maintain a healthier
gastrointestinal microbiome for better metabolism, boosting our immune system, and lowering our risk for cardiovascular illnesses and cancer. Red meat and pancreatic cancer Worldwide, there were 460,000 cases of pancreatic cancer, highest in Hungary. In the United States, 55,440 adults have been diagnosed to have this malignancy. Incidence appears to be 25 percent higher among black than white. Because of its anatomical location, pancreatic is hard to diagnose. Among those diagnosed early (10 percent of them) where the pancreatic cancer is removable, the 5-year survival rate is 32 percent, 12 percent if it has spread to the surrounding tissues, and 3 percent after it has already metastasized to distant parts of the body. A new study reveals that eating processed meats like bacon and sausage (or red meat in general) increases the risk for the development of cancer of the pancreas by 29 percent, compared to those who do not eat them. Nitrosamines as food additives and N-nitroso compounds in cigarettes catapults the risk for pancreatic cancer, while diets free of red meat and high in vegetables
and fruits lower the risk. Cooking meats on a grill, pan, or broiler at high temperature produces heterocyclic amines (HAs), which are carcinogens (cancercausing substances). Even frying meats at over 300 F increases cancer risk. Barbeque fumes resulting from oil drips from the meat down to the coal fire below produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which is also a toxic chemical. Using charcoal is worse than propane. The black burned parts of the meat are also suspected to be carcinogenic. It is best to scrape or cut off those burned parts. The use of the new copper-color grill liners could help prevent oil from dripping onto the fire below. Better still is to limit or avoid eating red meats. Life is precious. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 21-27, 2019
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B march 21-27, 2019 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL
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