MAY 11-14, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 36 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
DATELINE
USA
AFP on red alert for midterm elections by NATHALIE
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
US seeks bigger drills with PH THE United States Army wants larger joint exercises with the Philippine Army, as it seeks to increase the number of soldiers who will join next year’s counterterrorism exercises from 900 to 1,500. Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Army spokesman, said Maj. Gen. John Johnson, the U.S. Army Pacific Command deputy commanding general, made the proposal during his visit to the army headquarters at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Tuesday, May 7. Zagala said Johnson met with Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, the Philippine Army chief, and proposed the holding of large scale that will focus on counterterrorism for the Salaknib (shield) exercises for 2020. Salaknib exercises are army-to-army drills between Manila and Washington conducted yearly since 2015 as part of the mutual defense treaty between the two nations. For next year, Zagala said Johnson was proposing the deployment of more troops. “It’s still a proposal; it’s a proposed concept and although both armies are committed to it, we are still waiting for the final plan. This is, however, for next year’s drills and planning u PAGE A3
Global road traffic deaths hit 1.35-M annually ROAD traffic deaths continue to rise, reaching 1.35 million fatalities annually, according to the United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO). Children and young people aged five to 29 are now the main victims of road traffic accidents, according to WHO. Globally, of all road traffic deaths, pedestrians and cyclists account for 26 percent and motorcycle riders and passengers make up 28 percent. The risk of a road traffic death remains three times higher in low-income countries than in high-income countries, with rates highest in Africa (26.6 per 100,000 population) and lowest in Europe (9.3 per 100,000 population). “Road traffic deaths and injuries are an unacceptable price to pay for mobility,” said WHO director Etienne Krug. “There is no excuse for inaction. This is a problem with proven solutions. Governments and their partners must demonstrate leadership and accelerate action to save lives by implementing what works,” Krug said. In settings where progress has been made, WHO cited strong leadership around legislation on key risks such as speeding, drinking u PAGE A2
ROBLES
AJPress
AS the upcoming midterm elections draw near, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday, May 10 raised the red alert status in order to ensure national security on Monday, May 13. AFP chief General Benjamin A member of the MPD motorcycle unit checks the driver’s license of a rider at Madrigal Jr. announced that they a checkpoint in Manila on Friday, May 10, as police districts beefed up security raised the red alert status early operations ahead of election day.
Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban
on Friday to express their support for the national and local elections. “The AFP is on red alert status starting 8 am., May 10, in support to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the upcoming national and local Elections,” Madrigal said. “This declaration is to ensure that our troops and all AFP personnel are ready
to act on any emergency and thwart all possible threats that may arise. We are ready to respond appropriately for the honest, orderly and peaceful conduct of elections,” the AFP chief added. AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo earlier said that the military will be deploying around 35,000 troops for the elections. The PNP, on u PAGE A2
Philippines joins three countries for naval drills in South China Sea by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
A QUADRILATERAL cooperative naval drill is currently being conducted in the South China Sea by a Philippine Navy patrol ship and five other warships from Japan, India, and the United States. The Navy spokesman Capt. Jonathan Zata assured, however, that the naval exercise underway in international waters is not directed towards any country in the disputed region. “It’s being held in international waters of the West Philippine Sea. We’re not trying to pick on one country but we are just highlighting the fact that we are cooperating with other navies,” said Zata on Thursday, May 9. Currently, BRP Andres Bonifacio — the Philippine Navy’s patrol ship — is engaging the vessels of Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) JS Izumo and JS Murasame; Indian warships INS Kolkata and Shakit, and the U.S. warship USS William P. Lawrence in different types of naval formation exercises called “Formex.” These exercises are for addressing various types of threats from the air, surface and sub-surface via established terminologies, publication and communication protocols. “That’s what they’re practicing while headed for Singapore for the next phase of the exercise,” Zata said. The first phase of the drill was held in the open waters of Busan, South Korea. Different approach Meanwhile, David Hale, undersecretary for political affairs at the U.S. Department of State, said that Washington will continue to protect its interests as well as that of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. According to him, the U.S. government wants a constructive relationship with China that produces results for its people and for others involved. “We’re going to be actively defending American u PAGE A5
PH supports increased deployment of women peacekeepers by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
Chargé d’ affaires and Deputy Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN in New York Kira Christianne Azucena said the Philippines has never failed in its peacekeeping commitments and is committed to a larger presence in UN peacekeeping operations. Photo courtesy of DFA
THE Philippines supports the deployment of more women peacekeepers, including in the highest posts during United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. According to Kira Christianne Azucena, Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, the Philippines has never failed in its peacekeeping commitments and is committed to a larger presence in UN peacekeeping operations. “There is no debate about their preeminent qualification for any aspect of peacekeeping operations,” Azucena said. u PAGE A2
GROWING NETWORK. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Wednesday, May 8, explains a diagram showing individuals and groups allegedly involved in a wider conspiracy to discredit the Duterte administration. Inquirer.net photo by Joan Bondoc
Ouster plot vs Duterte? No ‘strong evidence’ yet, says PNP by CATHRINE
GONZALES Inquirer.net
MANILA — There is yet a “strong evidence” to say there is indeed a plot to expel President Rodrigo Duterte from power, Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson Col. Bernard Banac said on Friday, May 10. According to Banac, the PNP is still investigating personalities and organizations included in the latest matrices showing alleged hatchers of a scheme to unseat the Presi-
dent. Malacañang on Wednesday presented to the media four matrices — an expanded version of the matrix it initially released last April 22 — of alleged oust-Duterte plotters. Banac also said the PNP did not contribute any information to the Malacañang-produced matrices, although PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde has said before that the President has unlimited sources of information. “Bilang investigation agency, PNP spokesperson Colonel Bernard Banac Inquirer.net photo u PAGE A3
Panelo blames media for noting Diaz, Ho inclusion in Palace’s latest ‘matrix’ by KRISTINE JOY
Philstar.com
PATAG
MANILA — Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo shifted the blame on “some media outfits” for noting in reports that Olympic silver medallist Hidilyn Diaz and celebrity newscaster Gretchen Ho were included in yet another ouster matrix that he presented to reporters. In a statement Friday, May 10, Panelo lamented that “some media outfits have put a spin on the Oust Duterte Matrix by instantly assuming and zeroing in on the supposed inclusion and participation” of Ho and Diaz. u PAGE A4 Celebrity newscaster Gretchen Ho and Olympic silver medallist Hidilyn Diaz
Philstar.com photos
A May 11-14, 2019 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
From the Front Page
PH supports increased deployment of... PAGE A1 t She noted that the Philippines urges member-states to host “Centers of Excellence” per region to support the trainers in delivering training packages to troop- and police-contributing countries consistent with UN standards and approaches. To improve the safety and
security of peacekeeping personnel and that of civilians, the Philippines also believes that “threat analyses and data” should be shared with other missions. Azucena stated that peacekeeping operations and missions come with high expectations, adding that they have
long been the signature and the most popular image of the UN. The ability of the operations to protect the civilians as well as the UN peacekeepers and personnel is the standard by which UN peacekeeping is measured — which, in turn, affects its legitimacy and credibility. Azucena noted that the key to ensuring that the Action for Peacekeeping initiative will succeed after accomplishing near consensus on 24 mutual commitments is the continued the dialogue and debates on the subject. The efforts of the UN Department of Peace Operations to establish clear performance standards and assessments based on regular evaluations of military units, including on command and control, protection of civilians, conduct, discipline and training were welcomed by the Philippines. “The Philippines reaffirms that peacekeeping operations must be measured by the mandate to protect civilians as the ‘core criterion of success,’ with child protection and combating sexual exploitation and abuse as key elements,” Azucena said. She added that pre-deployment training should be tailored to respond to particular country-specific or context-specific challenges of protecting civilians with clear definitions of the responsibilities, opportunities and constraints that will be faced by peacekeepers in the field. She further insisted that the civilians’ safety is absolute and should never be sacrificed for any other consideration. Azucena lauded the Philippines’ Department of National Defense for taking a strict approach to misconduct cases. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) makes sure that all its peacekeeping contingents are deeply instilled with guidelines for proper behavior and conduct in the UN mission area,” she said. The AFP, as part of its pre-deployment and in-mission training of personnel, imposes the most stringent measures in the selection of candidates. It also puts into practice a system of rewards and penalties for wellperforming and misbehaving personnel. n
DRY RUN. Board of Election officers test the vote-counting machines at the Araullo High School in Manila on Wednesday, May 8. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina
AFP on red alert for midterm...
PAGE A1 t
one hand, planned on deploying around 143,000 police personnel. The spokesperson said that they deployed military forces in “areas that need services and assistance from security forces to ensure a safe and secure election.” PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde assured that the police force will be hands on the upcoming polls. “We are already on full alert status and as of this time, we have partial deployment already in the different hubs. Just in case po na kailanganin na magsubstitute (there’s a need to substitute) EBs or election boards,” Albayalde said. Election hotspots
The polling body declared a total of 1,196 areas as election hotspots. These hotspots were divided into four categories: red for areas of grave concern, orange for areas of immediate concern, yellow for areas of concern and green for generally peaceful and orderly. There are 85 areas under category red including all areas in Mindanao. There are 706 areas under category green while the rest falls under category yellow and orange. “Ang bulk ng ating pwersa (The bulk of our forces) are those in the areas that are threatened by communist terrorists as well as local terrorist groups, especially in Mindanao and in the hinterland areas in Luzon and
Visayas,” Madrigal said as reported by BusinessWorld. Three areas have been placed under Comelec control —Daraga City, Cotabato City and Moises Padilla town. The areas have been placed under the poll body’s immediate and direct control and supervision due to its history of intense political rivalry that could result in violence. Around 1.16 million government personnel and private sector representatives are expected to provide aid during next week’s polls. Among those are the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and Manila Electric Co. n
Global road traffic deaths hit...
PAGE A1 t and driving, and failing to use seat-belts, motorcycle helmets and child restraints; safer infrastructure like sidewalks and dedicated lanes for cyclists and motorcyclists; improved vehicle standards such as those that mandate electronic stability control and advanced braking; and enhanced post-crash care.
In the context of the Fifth UN Global Road Safety Week from May 6 to 12, thousands of road safety advocates from around the world highlighted the need for more effective leadership for road safety. “WHO’s vision is a world free from road traffic deaths and injuries,” said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“It’s also a world in which all people benefit from universal health coverage, including trauma care, rehabilitation and psychological support for road traffic victims. This week and every week, play your part in making the roads safe for everyone. A safer road for others is a safer road for you,” he said. (Pia Lee-Brago/Philstar.com)
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline USa
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 11-14, 2019
A
Surprise! Fixing out-of-network bills means someone must pay by Julie
RovneR Kaiser Health News
PRESIDENT Donald Trump called on Republicans and Democrats to pass legislation this year to end surprise medical bills, in remarks made in the White House’s Roosevelt Room on Thursday, May 9. “We’re determined to end surprise medical billing for American patients,” Trump said. Bills like those have been featured in the NPR-Kaiser Health News series launched in February 2018. Two patients whose medical bills were part of the series attended the event. Austin, Texas, teacher Drew Calver talked about the six-figure bill he received after having a heart attack. “I felt like I was exploited at the most vulnerable time in my life,” he said. His bill was reduced to $332 after the NPR-KHN story was published. A bipartisan group of senators has been working to come up with a plan for the past several months. They said Thursday that they hope to have a bill to the president by July. But will bipartisanship be enough? Even political will might not overcome divisions within the health industry. Specifically, lawmakers aim to address the often-exorbitant amounts patients are asked to pay out-of-pocket when they receive care at health facilities that are part of their insurance network but are treated by outof-network practitioners. Legislators are also looking to address bills for emergency care at a facility that doesn’t have a contract with patients’ insurers. “We’re getting really close to an approach that we’ll be able to unveil pretty soon,” Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) told reporters on a conference call Thursday with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). And it’s not just politicians and patients: Out-of-network doctors, insurance companies and hospital groups say they want the problem for consumers fixed, too. Despite that broad agreement, a hurdle remains. Insurers and health care providers each oppose the other side’s preferred solution to end surprise bills. That conflict makes it almost impossible for lawmakers to come up with a fix that won’t leave one of the influential groups unhappy. “It’s a different axis than the partisan [conflicts] we’re used to,” said Loren Adler, who has been studying the surprise-bill problem for the USC-Brookings Schaeffer Initiative for Health Policy. The fight over how to fix it is less likely “to break down between Republicans and Democrats and more likely to break down to where the money is” and which group will have to take less of it. “I don’t see a coalescence around a solution,” said Chip
Kahn, president and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals, which represents for-profit facilities. The divide is wide, despite the overall interest in protecting consumers. “What we’d most like to see is clarity for the patients,” said Bob Kneeley, a senior vice president for Envision Healthcare, which employs physicians to staff a variety of hospital departments, such as emergency rooms, neonatal units and anesthesiology. “This is a system that’s just not working well for the patient, and we need to establish some appropriate guardrails.” “We want this to be solved. We know it needs federal legislation,” agreed Molly Smith, a vice president at the American Hospital Association. She said hospitals believe that patients should “not have to be involved in any process if there’s a dispute between the payer and the provider.” States have been working on the problem for several years. Nine now have programs aimed at protecting patients from surprise bills. But state laws cannot reach those with employer-provided insurance — more than half of all Americans — because those plans are regulated by a federal law called the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA. That means only Congress can fix it for everyone. Patients and groups that represent them say the problem is more urgent than ever. “We are talking about situations in which families — despite enrolling in health insurance, paying premiums, doing their homework and trying to work within the system — are being left with completely unanticipated and sometimes financially devastating bills,” Frederick Isasi, executive director of the consumer group Families USA, told a House Education and Labor subcommittee hearing in April. “This is inexcusable behavior on the part of hospitals, doctors and insurers. They each know — or should know — that patients have no real way to understand the financial trap they have just walked into.” Dr. Paul Davis, whose daughter received a bill for a $17,850 for a urine test after back surgery, also spoke at the White House on Thursday: “The situation is terrible. It is a national disgrace, and I think a lot of people would support me on that,” Davis told a reporter. Their story was the first featured in the “Bill of the Month” project. Still, it’s not clear where compromise might be found. By and large, doctors favor some sort of negotiated-fee system when there is a dispute about a bill, such as binding arbitration, in which an independent third party makes the ultimate payment decision. “That’s consistent with what’s working in some states,” said
Ouster plot vs Duterte? No...
PAGE A1 t mandato rin ng PNP na alamin, tingnan ang mga impormasyon na maaaring mag-ugnay sa mga napangalanang tao, pero sa ngayon wala pa tayong nakikitang matibay na ebidensya. So masasabi natin na wala pang validated threat na pagtatangka laban sa Pangulo (As an investigation agency, it is our mandate to look at all the information that may link the named individuals to the alleged ouster plot, but as of now, we have no strong evidence yet. We can say that there’s no validated threat against the President yet),” Banac said in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City. “Kung sakaling may mga nakitang mag-uugnay sa kanila sa ouster plot, pag-aaralan ng mga otoridad kung anong nararapat na kaso, kung sakali. Pero sa ngayon, wala pa tayong nakikita na matibay na ebidensya sa isang ouster
plot (If we can find evidence to link them to the ouster plot, authorities will study options for appropriate cases to be filed, if ever. But as of now, we have yet to find a strong evidence on the ouster plot),” he added. Based on the latest matrices released by Malacañang, among those purportedly conniving to remove Duterte from the presidency are the Liberal Party, Magdalo group, some media organizations, as well as TV personality Gretchen Ho and Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz. Banac said the PNP “so far” does not see any evidence linking Ho and Diaz to an alleged ouster plot against Duterte. He further said the PNP have yet to assess which criminal charges the personalities tagged in the matrices might face if proven they are indeed involved in the alleged scheme to unseat the president. n
US seeks bigger drills... PAGE A1 t is in process,” Zagala told reporters. According to Zagala, 900 U.S. soldiers and 1,800 Filipino troops participated in this year’s Salaknib exercises. “This is all about making us
more ready and whatever challenges the future might hold. We are committed to this region, the design of Salaknib 2020 exercise is purposeful in demonstrating that commitment,” Johnson said in a statement. (Dempsey Reyes/ ManilaTimes.net)
Maj. Gen. John Johnson paid a courtesy call to the Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto. The leaders discussed the future bilateral army-to-army exercises between the USAPAC and PA as well as the training of the PA’s First Brigade Combat Team. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army
Envision’s Kneeley. Among those frequently cited by doctors’ groups is New York, which has one of the strongest state laws on surprise billing. There patients are not required to pay more than they would for an in-network doctor or hospital. For the remaining bill, an independent arbitrator settles any dispute between the provider and insurer. But the insurance industry worries about that approach. “Our larger concern with arbitration is that it still relies on bill charges,” said Adam Beck, a vice president for America’s Health Insurance Plans, an insurance industry trade group. And insurers think those charges are too high. A senior administration official also said on Thursday that the administration does not favor the arbitration approach, either. Insurers — and many consumer groups — “believe if you have a clear benchmark pegged to reasonable rates, that will really solve this problem,” Beck said, because insurers would be more likely to cover charges they found more in line with what they consider reasonable. A “benchmark” payment might correspond to what Medicare pays for the same service, for instance. But doctors don’t like that idea one bit. “Even if [the benchmark] is on the high side, it’s still ratesetting,” said Kneeley. Hospitals don’t like it, either. PAGE A4
South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg (center) attends a union-organized rally with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (left) for Measure EE, the L.A. Unified School District parcel tax measure on the June 4 ballot. AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel
Presidential contender Pete Buttigieg joins Garcetti to rally for LA’s Measure EE by ChRistina
M. oRiel
AJPress
DEMOCRATIC presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg was in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 9 to show support for the city’s Measure EE, which is a parcel tax on the June 4 ballot. Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, was joined on stage by LA Mayor Eric Garcetti and representatives from the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and
the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters. “At the end of the day, if you care about homelessness, you better care about public education…If you are sick and tired of paying to incarcerate so many Americans, how about investing in education so somebody never goes to jail? If you care about unemployment, how about giving people the skills in a school so we don’t have to worry about paying unemployment to someone who wants to work but never had the education. Pete Butti-
gieg understands that,” Garcetti said. This was one of the first public events Buttigieg, who has gained a lot of national attention, has held in LA since announcing his campaign. “A huge part of our arsenal of democracy is our superior education in this country. If we lose that, there is no level of equipment that can help do the job. We are the envy of the world because we have the best educated, or we ought to have the best PAGE A4
Dateline USa
A May 11-14, 2019 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
State bans pesticide linked to developmental problems by AnA
B. IBArrA Kaiser Health News
CALIFORNIA will ban the use of a widely used pesticide in the face of “mounting evidence” that it causes developmental problems in children, state officials announced Wednesday. Several studies have linked prenatal exposure of chlorpyrifos to lower birth weights, lower IQs, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism symptoms in children. The chemical is mostly used on crops — including citrus, almonds and grapes — but is also applied on golf courses and in other non-agricultural settings. The ban “is needed to prevent the significant harm this pesticide causes children, farm workers and vulnerable communities,” Jared Blumenfeld, secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), said in a statement. California’s ban comes as federal regulators fight to keep the chemical on the market. Almost two decades ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates pesticides at the federal level, prohibited the sale of chlorpyrifos for residential use. But under the Trump admin-
istration, the agency rejected a proposal to ban its use altogether, ignoring the recommendations of its own scientists. It continues to defend the use of chlorpyrifos in court. Some states aren’t waiting for the federal government to act, California Healthline reported last month. The New York legislature last week sent a proposed ban to Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo for consideration. A bill in the California legislature to ban chlorpyrifos was pending at the time of the CalEPA’s announcement. Oregon and Connecticut lawmakers also are considering bans. Hawaii was the first state to enact a state ban last year. “Because the science is pretty clear that this a dangerous chemical, it’s long past time to get it off the market,” said Virginia Ruiz, director of occupational and environmental health at the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Farmworker Justice. “There’s momentum now, and people and policymakers are becoming better educated about chlorpyrifos.” Chlorpyrifos can be inhaled during application and as it drifts into nearby areas or ingested as residue on food. People also can be exposed
through drinking water if their wells have been contaminated by it. Globally, several companies make chlorpyrifos products. In the U.S., the most recognized brand names are Dursban and Lorsban, manufactured by Corteva Agriscience, formerly known as Dow AgroSciences. Corteva Agriscience did not respond to requests for comment. California citrus growers are among the groups that oppose the ban. They worry that eliminating chlorpyrifos could result in disease outbreaks among their fruit trees. Casey Creamer, president of California Citrus Mutual, pointed to the Asian citrus psyllid, a tiny insect that feeds on citrus leaves that can transmit a disease known as Huanglongbing, or citrus greening, as one risk. “The impacts are potentially significant,” he said. If farmers “don’t have the tools to effectively manage the psyllid, people are going to switch out or stop growing citrus.” Implementing the ban in California could take up to two years as the state wades through the administrative process and tries to find safer options, CalEPA PAGE A5
Panelo blames media for noting...
PAGE A1 t He noted that the two personalities were never mentioned in the briefing as part of the ouster plot, but media outfits have pointed out in their reports that Ho and Diaz’s names appear in the diagram. The matrix—sans evidence and military confirmation of existence of such plot—also showed Rep. Gary Alejano (Magdalo party-list) being “linked” to himself. Panelo said that the issue he was then discussing was in a Powerpoint presentation on Rodel Jayme and the inclusion of Ho and Diaz supposedly was “to visualize his character.” “The diagram contained in said slide includes other accounts Mr. Jayme is actively following, to visualize his character, as well his political and social interests. It is in this context the names of Mses. Ho and Diaz appeared,” Panelo said. Jayme is the web administrator of metrobalita.net that, authorities said, constantly posted
links to the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos that showed alleged ties between the Dutertes and the drug trade. The Department of Justice charged Jayme with inciting to sedition before a Parañaque court. ‘Wrong analysis’ Panelo had the matrix printed on a cartolina that he posted on a board before members of the media. Gesturing to the cartolina, he said: “What is important now is it appears from this diagram that the Liberal Party, the Magdalo and the other groups indicated in the matrix are working hand-in-hand.” He also read aloud some of the names included in the diagram which included Bong Banal, Kokoy Dayao and Jayme as “known to be advocates of the Liberal Party.” Diaz and Ho were sought for comment and both were baffled at their inclusion in the supposed plan to boot out Duterte from office. Diaz pointed out
that she has no time for scheming as she is preparing for international competitions. But Panelo, two days since he first presented the matrix that was supposedly vetted by no less than the Office of the President, said: “There has been a wrong analysis of the diagram by some media outfits which in turn made the basis of a wrong analysis and conclusions by readers and personalities including Mses. Ho and Diaz.” He added: “We just hope that the faulty analysis made were not intentional with the sole purpose of casting doubt on the intelligence received and vetted by the Office of the President.” At least two senators have casted doubt on the matrix supposedly showing a scheme between personalities to oust Duterte. Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that he Diaz and Ho would “never” be destablizers, while Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the matrix lacks research. n
CAMPAIGN SORTIE. With only a few days left before the May 13 midterm polls, administration senatorial bet Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa woos voters as he goes on a campaign motorcade from Baclaran, Pasay City to Manila on Wednesday, May 8. According to the latest survey of Pulse Asia, Dela Rosa is included in the Top 10 senatorial candidates. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Surprise! Fixing out-of-network bills... PAGE A3 t “We can’t get behind any sort of rate-setting in statute,” said Smith of the AHA. “We have too many concerns about getting that wrong.” For example, she said, if the rate is set too low, hospitals might have trouble finding doctors willing to provide care. Meanwhile, insurers and hospitals want to ban out-of-network providers from billing patients for whatever part of the charge the insurer won’t cover, a practice called “balance billing.” Such bans are anathema to doctors, who instead believe insurers bear responsibility for doctors not being in their net-
works because they “don’t have an incentive to offer fair rates,” said Kneeley. Although insurers often feel they must contract with specific high-profile hospitals, he explained, the doctors who work there are often “invisible providers.” Addressing the underlying causes of high health costs, however, will be difficult, said Adler of USC-Brookings. Doctors want to be paid more than insurers typically offer, he said, which is why some do not join insurance networks. And insurers “want the problems [with surprise bills to patients] to go away.” The question for them, he
said, is, “How much are insurers willing to pay to have their patients not get surprise bills?” In the end, a settlement that eliminates surprise bills but builds the excess into everyone’s premiums doesn’t truly address health care’s spending problem. “I think there’s a good chance it gets solved,” Adler said, and that lawmakers will eventually agree on a plan. “But I’m pessimistic it gets solved in a way” that deals with health care’s high costs. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n
Presidential contender Pete Buttigieg...
PAGE A3 t educated people in the world. When you stand up for education, you are standing up for a safer America,” Buttigieg said. Measure EE, which needs a two-thirds vote to pass, is a persquare-foot parcel tax which is estimated to raise $500 million annually over the next 12 years to fund public and charter schools under the LA Unified School District. “What Measure EE is about is making sure the local resources are there as well. We are standing up for that because our values are at stake…,” Buttigieg said. Supporters say the measure will reduce class sizes and have funding to hire more teachers, counselors, nurses, and other support staff at schools across
the district. “This is for our democracy. We’re not just educating workers for the future, we are educating voters for the future,” the South Bend mayor said. The measure, however, has met with some opposition, including from several business and anti-tax groups. Earlier this week the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association filed a lawsuit against the LAUSD that says that “what was approved by the LAUSD Board and the language presented to voters is far more than some typographical error,” arguing that “The Resolution refers to the tax being imposed on ‘habitable’ square footage but the language presented to voters imposes the tax on all “improved property.” For homeowners, the
difference is huge because, according to the new language, garages and storage spaces would also be subject to the tax.” After the remarks on Thursday, Garcetti and Buttigieg met with supporters in the crowd. The California primary is scheduled for March 3, 2020, giving the state more influence in choosing presidential candidates. In coming months, those vying for the White House will be frequenting the state to attract more voters. Buttigieg, who would be the youngest president in history, is one of 21 Democrats running for the country’s top seat, who include former Vice President Joe Biden and Senators Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders. n
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline USa
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 11-14, 2019
A
Filipina golfer thrilled to face world’s best in US Women’s Open by Dante
navarro Philstar.com
NEW ELECTION FEATURE. Newly-acquired voter registration verification machines (VRVMs) would be pilot-tested in select areas on Monday in preparation for the 2022 national elections, a Commission on Elections (Comelec) official said on Thursday, May 9. The tests, Comelec Education and Information Division (EID) chief Frances Arabe said, would determine the machines’ functionality and security, among others. ManilaTimes.net photo
State bans pesticide linked to developmental...
PAGE A4 t said in its announcement. On Thursday, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to propose $5.7 million as part of his 2019-20 budget to support the transition to “safer, more sustainable alternatives,” the announcement said. The agency added that its decision to ban chlorpyrifos “follows mounting evidence … that
the pesticide causes serious health effects in children and other sensitive populations,” even at low levels of exposure. The California Farm Bureau Federation warned that food may get pricier as a result of the ban, leaving state residents more dependent on produce grown in states with less stringent regulations. “Protecting our food supply,
rural economy and the many jobs that depend on California agriculture will require state agencies to be open-minded and realistic in evaluating ways to fight pests and plant diseases,” said Jamie Johansson, the federation’s president. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n
Philippines joins three countries for...
PAGE A1 t interests and values and those of our allies. That is in the area of trade, religious freedom, human rights and predatory and aggressive action in the South China Sea and even further afield,” Hale told the media during his recent visit to Burma. His statement was in response to a question raised by a Singaporean journalist on US Indo-Pacific strategy, specifically on the U.S. administration’s stepping up its pressure on China. “Our own approach is different, in the sense that it’s a fundamentally different approach to economic development and governance, one in which free market and free and fair trade are key elements to this. Mar- BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) together with navy ships from Japan, India and US sailed together ket-driven investments rather for the first time after the first phase of the ASEAN-Plus Defense Ministers’ Meeting Maritime than state-driven investments,” Security Field Training Exercise (ADMM-Plus MARSEC FTX) 2019 in Busan, Republic of Korea. Hale said. n Photo courtesy photo by Philippine Navy
HAVING slugged it out with the best in the ranks in the Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific Golf Championship and the world’s best in the inaugural Augusta National Women’s last month, Yuka Saso now gears up for a face-off with the cream of the world pro crop in the U.S. Women’s Open in South Carolina three weeks from now. The power-hitting Fil-Japanese shotmaker put in a pair of Yuka Saso solid rounds — a six-under 66 and a 67 – to top the 36-hole sectional qualifier at the Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta Monday, gaining a coveted berth in one of LPGA Tour’s majors slated May 30-June 3 at the Country Club of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. “I’m so happy to have finally qualified for the Open. It’s something I’ve been working on,” said Saso, who failed in her first four tries in the cutthroat competition where only the top two from each sectional elims earning spots in the elite championship. “I can’t wait to tee it up with the LPGA stars,” added the reigning Asian Games gold medalist who tied for third in Augusta but hobbled to finish joint 17th in the AsPac tilt in Japan. Saso also brought home two USGA silver medals as the event’s low scorer and low amateur. Thirteen past winners and 47 of the top 50 players in the world banner the 74th staging of the U.S. Women’s Open, including defending champion Thai Ariya Jutanugard along with past winners Sung Hyun Park of Korea, Brittany Lang of the U.S., In Gee Chun also of Korea, Michelle Wie and Cristie Kerr of the U.S. and Koreans Inbee Park and Na Yeon Choi and Aussie legend Karrie Webb. American Jennifer Kupcho, who topped the Augusta event, also topped the elims in Greensboro, North Carolina and will join the reigning back-to-back Philippine Ladies Amateur Open champion in the blue-ribbon event. Saso had actually faced then world No. 1 Park in the inaugural The Country Club Invitational last March where she impressed the Korean in all three days with her superb shotmaking and toughness. She said she’ll toughen up further in the next two weeks and hopes to reach peak form in time for the big event. n
Philstar.com photo by Joey Mendoza
A May 11-14, 2019 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Dateline PhiliPPines
NAIA rehab plan up for NEDA submission DOTr allows pilot run for motorcycle taxis by riChMond
MerCurio Philstar.com
MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will endorse to the National Economic and Development Authority Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) next week the unsolicited proposal of the seven conglomerates to rehabilitate and expand the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). “The target is to submit it to NEDA-ICC next week,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said. “So far we do not see any issue with it (the proposal). I don’t know about NEDA. Again, our review is different from that of NEDA,” he said. The DOTr chief accepted last week the revised offer of the consortium, which earlier vowed to comply with the April 30 deadline to finalize the proposal. Tugade said the revised pro-
posal approved by the DOTr has changed substantially from the group’s original offer and has complied with the template of the Clark International Airport’s operation and maintenance contract. Once approved by the NEDAICC, the proposal will further need to secure the nod from the NEDA board before a Swiss challenge can be undertaken for the project. The consortium has been granted an original proponent status for its proposal, which means it will have the right to match offers when a Swiss challenge is undertaken for the project. The NAIA consortium, composed of some of the country’s biggest conglomerates – Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Alliance Global Group Inc., Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp., Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc., and Metro Pacific
Investments Corp. – plans to invest P102 billion to rehabilitate, upgrade, expand, operate, and maintain the aging NAIA. The proposal involves expanding and interconnecting the existing terminals of NAIA, upgrading airside facilities, developing commercial facilities to increase airline and airport efficiencies, enhancing passenger comfort and experience, and elevating the status of NAIA as the country’s premier international gateway. Tugade has lauded the efforts of the seven conglomerates involved in the proposal, saying that their cooperation would enable the project to move forward after more than a year since it was pitched. Tugade said while his ultimatum helped pave the way for negotiations to be finalized, the consortium’s “good faith, trust and understanding to the affairs of the government” made it move forward. n
LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN SERVING MY FELLOW KABABAYANS FOR OVER 17 YEARS
CIVIL AND PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION • Breach of Contract and Fraud • Auto and Other Injury accidents
IMMIGRATION
• Family and employment based green cards • Business and Investor Visas • Deportation defense • Motions to Reopen • Appeals • Humanitarian Reinstatement of revoked petition • Naturalization • H-1B and student visas
FAMILY LAW • Divorce/Separation/Nullity • Property Division • Spousal Support • Child Custody and Support • Restraining Orders
CALL TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, California 90010
323-639-0277
Email: info@dtanlaw.com • Website: www.dtanlaw.com
Darrick V. Tan, Esq. Licensed in California for over 17 years Licensed in Nevada for over 12 years* UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science with Cum Laude honors Southwestern University Law School, Juris Doctor Admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association Member, Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles Former Member, Board of Governors, Philippine American Bar Association
by nathalie
robles
AJPress
THE Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday, May 10 has allowed the implementation of a six-month pilot run in Metro Manila and Cebu for motorcycle taxis, starting the first week of June. DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark De Leon said that it is necessary to issue a six-month pilot implementation period to assess which of the existing laws would be suitable for the motorcycle taxis. “Importante ang pilot implementation na ito upang ma-refine pa natin ang general guidelines, at masilip ang mga posibleng problema sa proseso o sa standards (The pilot implementation is important to refine the general guidelines and look into the possible problems in the process or standards),” de Leon said. “Nang sa gayon ay makatulong tayo sa pagbabalangkas ng batas na talagang akma sa mga pangangailangan at kaligtasan ng ating mga commuter (So that we can help draft the laws that are suitable for the needs and safety of our commuters),” he added as reported by The Philippine Star. DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade warned the operators and drivers of the ride-hailing services to prioritize the safety requirements they issued. He added that they must ensure that the transportation sector’s trust will be put in good use. “Mariin naming binabalaan ang mga ride-hailing service na sumunod sa safety requirements sa kanilang operasyon (We are giving ride-hailing services stern warning to follow safety requirements in their operations),” Tugade said. “Huwag ninyong sayangin ang
Thousands of Angkas riders hold a rally along EDSA in Quezon City to protest the decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s decision to shut down the ride hailing firm’s operations in December last year. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
tiwalang ipinagkaloob namin sa inyo (They should not waste the trust that we have given them),” he added as reported by CNN Philippines. Angkas Regulatory and Public affairs Head George Royeca lauded the move made by the government agency. He further noted that the ride-hailing company will cooperate with the transportation sector. “We are very happy that Secretary Tugade is looking into this. We will definitely provide all the necessary updates on the application and also on the information campaign to the public,” Royeca said in a statement. Fare matrix The base fare rate in Metro Manila for the first two kilometers of the ride will be at P50 with an additional P10/km for succeeding kilometers up to seven kilometers. Beyond seven kilometers, there will be an additional charge of P20/km. For motorcycle taxis in Metro Cebu, P20 will be charged for the
first kilometer with an additional charge of P16/km for succeeding eight kilometers and additional P20/km beyond eight kilometers. The DOTr will impose a surge cap of 1.5 times the fare. Safety measures Riders and passengers are mandated to wear reflectorized helmets. A reflectorized vest and safety body strap or belt must be worn by riders so that passengers would have something to hold on to during the trip. Riders must also wear their ID and proper uniform bearing the motorcycle taxi brand and they are only permitted to run on a maximum allowable speed of 60 kilometers per hour. “After the expiration of the six-month pilot implementation period, all the results and data collected should then be the subject of a study in order to determine whether or not motorcycle taxis could be considered as an alternative mode of transportation,” a DOTr memorandum explained. n
Former VP Binay says speakership unlikely, but sees poll victory by Consuelo
Marquez Inquirer.net
*Inactive
Former Vice President Jejomar C. Binay Inquirer.net photo
MANILA — Former Vice President and Makati City first district Congressional candidate Jejomar C. Binay said that being House speaker is far from reality. “I think you know that it is a decision of Malacañang,” Binay told reporters before the miting de avance of his daughter, incumbent Makati City Mayor Abigail “Abby” Binay in Makati on Friday, May 10. He, however, voiced confidence that he will emerge victorious in
the midterm elections. “Ayoko maging overconfident pero alam kong mananalo ako (I don’t want ot be overconfident, but I know I will win),” he said. Binay admitted that the hardest part of his campaign was the rivalry between his children, former Makati mayor Junjun Binay and the incumbent mayor. “This, I have to admit yung nangyari sa mga anak ko siyempre pareho kong mahal na mahal (With what’s happening with my children, I love them all so much),” Binay said. n
Sotto endorses Bong Go’s Senate bid Former SAP keen on working with Senate president
MANILA – “Let’s work together in the Senate.” This was the message of senatorial aspirant and former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong ” Go to Senate President Vicente “Tito”Sotto III who endorsed his senatorial bid recently. Go was one of the preferred senatorial candidates of Sotto for the May 2019 midterm elections. “Salamat sa tiwala ni Senate President Tito Sotto. Gusto ko mag tulungan tayo (sa Senado) kung kawaan ako ng Panginoon (Thank you for the trust Senate President Tito Sotto, God willing, I want us to help each other at the Senate),” Go said in an ambush interview after Sotto made his formal personal endorsements in Calamba, Laguna. He noted that long before he decided to run for the Senate, Sotto has already committed to support him should he opt to throw his hat in the political arena. “Matagal na po kaming nagkausap, matagal na niyang sinasabi na kung sakaling tatakbo ako susuportahan niya ako (We talked about this a long time ago, he told me that if ever I will run for a position, he will support me),” recalled Go. For his part, Sotto said that he is supporting Go because he had known him for a long time and he can vouch for his integrity. Like President Rodrigo Duterte, whom Go had served for over 21 years, Sotto has also waged a consistent campaign against illegal drugs. Go and Sotto were together during the national launch of the Luntiang Pilipinas party list’s “10 Million Trees Challenge” at Rizal Plaza in Calamba City Hall, Calamba, Laguna. Luntiang Pilipinas is a nationwide urban forestry program committed to the promotion of environmental protection and awareness of Filipinos. Founded in 1998, Luntiang Pilipinas has forged partnerships with various government agencies, private business partners, schools and universities, and non-government organizations in its aim to establish forest parks in their respective locali-
Senate President Tito Sotto discusses key matters with former Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go during the launch of the Luntiang Pilipinas party list’s 10 Million Trees Challenge in Calamba, Laguna. Sotto also endorsed the Senate bid of Go. Inquirer.net photo
ties and establishments. “Maraming salamat sa inyo at inimbitahan ninyo akong makibahagi sa programang 10 million tree challenge ng Luntiang Pilipinas party list (Thank you so much for inviting me to be part of the 10 million tree challenge of the Luntiang Pilipinas party list),” Go said. He vowed to support the pro-environment agenda of the group, noting that President Rodrigo Duterte himself wants to protect the country’s environment. “Alam nyo naman po ang ipinaglalaban ni Pangulong Duterte. Ako po mismo ang naging saksi sa walang habas na pagpuputol ng puno sa ating mga forested areas at walang tigil na pag-abuso sa ating kalikasan. Nakakaiyak, nakakadismaya, nakakagalit ang nakita natin (You know already what President Duterte is fighting for. I am witness to the reckless cutting of trees in our forested areas and the endless abuse to our environment. What I have seen is saddening, disheartening and angering),” Go said. “Susuportahan po natin itong challenge na ito. At tulad po nung proyekto, nung Plastik ni Juan project ng ‘Eat Bulaga,’ nina Sen. Sotto, suportahan po natin itong Luntian project, itong pagtatanim [ng mga puno] (I will support this challenge. And like the Plastik ni Juan project of ‘Eat Bulaga’ of Sen. Sotto, I will support the planting of trees by the
Luntian party list),” he added. Go said his support of pro-environment efforts is in line with his pledge to serve the Filipino people. He likewise vowed to support President Duterte’s campaign against criminality, corruption, and illegal drugs. For his legislative agenda, Go has identified the improvement of the delivery of medical services in the country as one of his top priorities, noting that many public hospitals lack the necessary facilities and equipment to handle the large volume of patients. Go is also proposing a law to establish Malasakit Centers in more provinces and key urban areas of the country. A brainchild of the former SAP, the Malasakit Center is a program of the Duterte administration that seeks to make it easier and faster for poor patients to avail of medical and financial assistance from the government by bringing together in one room concerned agencies such as the DOH, DSWD, PCSO and Philhealth. Other priority concerns under Go’s legislative agenda for his Senate bid include programs for agriculture, education, housing for the poor, long-term sports development, fire protection and prevention, localized peace talks barangay welfare, creation of a Department of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and improved benefits for senior citizens. (Inquirer.net)
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline PhiliPPines
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 11-14, 2019
A
Ex-CDO mayor Vicente Emano, 76 Budget row blamed as PH growth slows by Gerry Lee
Gorit
governor by former president Corazon Aquino in 1986. He was reelected and served until 1995. CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Emano was mayor of Cagayan One of Mindanao’s most promi- de Oro from 1998 to 2007 and nent political figures and a for- 2010 to 2013 and vice mayor mer mayor of this city, Vicente from 2007 to 2010. Emano, died before dawn on He was the founder of the poTuesday, May 7. He was 76. litical party Padayon Pilipino. Emano’s son Misamis OrienEmano was running for vice tal Gov. Yevgeny Vicente Emano mayor in the May elections with said his father’s remains were Jose Gabriel La Viña, a known cremated. ally of President Duterte, as his Emano started his political ca- runningmate. reer as mayor of Tagoloan, Misa“I am saddened that I lost my mis Oriental from 1980 to 1983. running mate who is my partner Vicente Emano He rose to political promi- in my quest for a new Cagayan de when our end is,” La Viña said in nence when he was appointed Oro, but only our Creator knows a statement. n Philstar.com
Include delisted Marcos rights victims in settlement claims distribution — group by GAeA
KAtreenA Philstar.com
CAbiCo
MANILA — The distribution of settlement claims for the victims of human rights violations during the martial law period should include the more than 3,000 delisted class suit members who filed and won the case against the Marcoses in Hawaii. The Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) made the call Thursday, a week after the beginning of check distribution in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte last May 1. Of the original 9,539 class members of the successful $2billion class suit, only an estimated 6,500 members would receive $1,500 (around P78,000). “Having about one-third of victims who will not receive compensation is a huge difference to the original number of claimants deserving and eligible of compensation,” Danilo dela Fuente, SELDA vice chairperson, said. The money was sourced from the estimated $20 million worth of high-value artworks seized from the aide of former First Lady Imelda Marcos. This, after a New York judge ordered the release of settlement proceeds last month. The $13.75 million would go to members of the class suit, while the Philippine government would receive $4 million. The remaining would go to other claimants: the Golden Buddha Corp., and the estate of Roger Roxas that allegedly discovered the Yamashita treasure.
A worker removes ribbons placed by demonstrators on the Bantayog ng mga Bayani bearing the names of martial law victims. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas
NewsLab: 31 Years of Amnesia “The class suit against the Marcoses was filed and won, a proof that they have a record of massive human rights violations, plunder and corruption, all crimes against the people,” Dela Fuente said. He added: “Eligibility should not be a question anymore. What should be addressed is how all victims will be reached out to be able to receive compensation.” Dela Fuente also noted that known martial law survivors such as former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, former Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary Judy Taguiwalo and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan chairperson Carol Araullo were delisted.
“They are known individuals who suffered rights abuses under the Marcos dictatorship, and yet they were denied of compensation. They have never received a single compensation from the three settlement agreements. What more those who are unknown, live in far-flung areas and who do not have the means to assert their rights as victims?” he said. SELDA said it has documented around 130 individuals who were delisted as original members of the Hawaii class suit. The distribution proceeded despite the objection from the Philippine government. The Office of the Solicitor General in March found the terms of the settlement “grossly disadvantageous to the government.” n
First quarter’s 5.6% result lowest in 4 years by AnnA LeAh
GonzALes
ManilaTimes.net
PHILIPPINE economic growth hit a four-year low in the first quarter, slowing to 5.6 percent from 6.3 percent three months earlier and the 6.5 percent posted a year ago, as Congress’ failure to pass the 2019 budget weighed on state spending. The result — the lowest since the 5.1-percent recorded in the first quarter of 2015 — could have been higher compared to the end of last year had the government not been forced to operate on a reenacted budget, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a statement. “As we have forewarned repeatedly, the reenacted budget would sharply slow the pace of our economic growth. We estimate that we should have grown by as much as 6.6 percent this first quarter if we were operating under the 2019 fiscal program,” he added. Ahead of next week’s midterm elections where Filipinos will pick a new set of lawmakers, Pernia expressed hope that those in the legislature “will be sensitive to what has happened because we warned several times of the problem with this budget reenactment.” Budget delay The House of Representatives approved the P3.757-trillion 2019 national budget late in November last year, leaving the Senate with little time to pass a counterpart measure before the Christmas and New Year holidays. A reconciled version approved by both chambers in February was further held up after the Senate claimed that the House had made post-bicameral conference committee insertions, and the row was only settled last month after President Rodrigo Duterte vetoed questioned allocations. While the government had P10 billion more to spend under the 2018 budget, it could only use the funds for projects outlined in last year’s outlay, which meant that programmed spending for 2019, including pay hikes for government workers and funding for infrastructure projects, were off the table. The budget impasse, along with an ongoing El Niño and the U.S.-China trade war, forced economic managers to lower this
year’s growth target to 6.0-7.0 percent from 7.0 to 8.0 percent, and some analysts have said that the full-year result could fall to as low as 5.0 percent from 2018’s 6.3 percent. “To reach the full-year growth target of 6.0 to 7.0 percent, the economy will need to expand by an average of 6.1 percent over the next three quarters,” Pernia noted.
u PAGE A10
Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia
A8 MAY 11-14, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
OPINION
The homestretch
FEATURES
WITH just a few days to go before people go to the polls, reports of vote buying are so rampant that the Commission on Elections has found it necessary to declare war on those engaging in it. The Comelec is tapping the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of the Interior and Local Government as well as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for its campaign. This war can succeed only with public cooperation. The Comelec must ensure that people are aware of how to report cases of vote buying. It must also ensure that it can act on the complaints, and hold accountable those caught engaging in an illegal act. Vote buying has been going on for a long time, but the failure to catch and punish the offenders – both the buyer and seller of votes – has guaranteed the persistence of the problem. Apart from vote buying, the homestretch of the campaign continues to be marred by armed violence and harassment. Spreading black propaganda has also become so much easier with social media and the internet. The absence of campaign finance regulation also allows the seeds of corrup-
tion to be planted. The Comelec is hard-pressed to even enforce its own rules on common poster areas. If it wants respect, it should be able to show, at the very least, that it can go after some of the blatant violators and impose punishment. Apart from preventing vote buying, the Comelec and concerned citizens must also prepare to guard the vote, from the moment the ballots are cast, to the transmission of the information and then the count. The Comelec and security forces can do only so much; the best foil against all methods of undermining the will of the electorate is citizen vigilance. It should not be impossible to catch at least some of those who buy and sell votes. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Do American presidents lie and betray America?
Rhizomes
PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “Throughout the history of the American presidency, from George Washington’s inauguration to the present day, the chief executive’s duties have encompassed more than politics. Our presidents are charged with responding to the hopes and aspirations of the American people, and this is a tremendous burden – one that has crushed some and elevated others. The Constitution only minimally defines the powers of the president because the Founders sought to create an office that could and develop as the course of American history unfolded. They trusted in posterity and relied upon the character and wisdom of American citizenry. In our democracy, the power of the office is subject to the leader’s relationship with the electorate, and the most influential American presidents have transcended their own eras to shape the country’s present as well as its future. When these individuals took the oath of office, they all accepted an enormous responsibility. But their specific circumstances and their distinct personalities leave us with unique stories of both triumph and failure. On their own, each of the portraits in America’s Presidents depicts a leader whose life offers lessons in governance, endurance and charac-
ter. Collectively, they reveal the contours of the history of the United States.” – The America’s Presidents exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery THERE is a certain awe and respect that one accords to this exhibit on America’s presidents. Particularly evident were the sacrifices made by a Republican Abraham Lincoln who sought unity and chose a Southern Democrat, Andrew Johnson of Tennessee. All along, Lincoln believed that Johnson was a staunch defender of the Union and by choosing him as Lincoln’s running mate; he would help hold the border states. But, following Lincoln’s assassination, Johnson became an unfortunate choice. Why? He switched positions and now clashed with the Republican majority in Congress, opting to return power to the white Southern planters and the former Confederate states and to deprive the freed slaves of their rights. This clashed with Lincoln’s vision. Johnson’s treasonous belief to the forming Union, betraying the country, led to his impeachment, but he escaped conviction by one vote, according to the book for the National Portrait Gallery’s America’s Presidents exhibit. I visited this exhibit on May 3, 2019 in Washington, D.C. Crowds had formed around the portrait of 44th U.S. President Barack Obama, eager to take selfies with the portrait. The cap-
tion of the portrait described him “as the President who worked on improving the economy, after inheriting the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. While working to improve the economy, he also succeeded in enacting the Affordable Care Act, extending health benefits to millions of previously uninsured Americans. Overseas, he oversaw the drawdown of American troops in the Middle East – a force reduction that was controversially replaced with an expansion of drone and aviation strikes. Though his mission to kill al-Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden was successful, his pledge to close the Guantanamo prison went unrealized.” It was also under his tenure that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all state bans on same-sex marriage, legalized it in all 50 states and required states to honor out of state same-sex marriage licenses in the case Obergefell v. Hodges, narrated a companion video excerpt from the Smithsonian Gallery and History Channel. In the same exhibit and in the companion book, issued by the National Portrait Gallery, I was surprised to read that it included 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump who has served 838 days and has 622 days more to serve as of this writing. He has not quite finished his presidential term to merit a mention in this exhibit book. All 44 U.S. presidents have completed their terms
before they were included in the America’s Presidents book, and their portraits have been done by chosen portrait artists. Trump is described as “television star that completed a stunning rise to the presidency by defeating Hillary Rodham Clinton, after one of the most volatile and divisive campaigns in recent memory. Tapping into a deep vein of populist American sentiment, Trump — to the surprise of the party’s establishment figures-garnered the Republican nomination and became the first nonpolitician to win the presidency since Eisenhower. The beginnings of his presidency have been tumultuous and even chaotic, as he has begun to exercise political power. As was the case with his business career, the presidency of Donald Trump will be defined by the personality of the man himself.” He is described as a “can-do businessman who cut through red tape and accepted practices to get things done.” I wonder now how the National Portrait Gallery will portray him after the publication of the 448-page Mueller report? As of this writing, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and The New Yorker reported that nearly 800 former federal prosecutors, who served under both Republican and Democratic administrations at different levels of the federal system declared their beliefs: “Each of us believes that the conduct of President Trump de-
Abraham Lincoln’s portrait at the National Portrait Gallery. Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
scribed in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report would, in the case of any other person not covered by the Office of Legal Counsel policy against indicting a sitting President, result in multiple felony charges for obstruc-
tion of justice.” The Mueller report describes several acts that satisfy all of the elements for an obstruction charge: conduct that obstructed or attempted to obstruct the
u PAGE A9
The CIA and Namfrel: A tale of father and son
Commentary
YEN MAKABENTA IT’s just as well that Namfrel (National Citizen’s Movement for Free Elections) has created a fuss about its decline of accreditation by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as an election watchdog during the elections on Monday, May 13. Without the fuss, there would be no compelling reason to review the history of Namfrel and its performance as watchdog in Philippine elections. I was intrigued by the reaction of reader Jose Oliveros to the Manila Times editorial on Friday, May 10, “In protesting too much, Namfrel could face unwanted review.” Mr. Oliveros wrote: “The earlier history of the election watchdog is many times more colorful. Indeed, a former CIA operative in Asia, in his book Portrait of a Cold Warrior, categorically identified Namfrel as a CIA creation intended to ensure the defeat of Elpidio Quirino in the 1953 election and the victory of Ramon
Magsaysay.” “Namfrel non-partisan? After the 1986 snap elections, the top officials of Namfrel were appointed by Corazon CojuangcoAquino to positions in her government, among them, Vicente Jayme as finance secretary and the late Jose Feria as Supreme Court justice.” Based on this information, I, together with a research assistant, conducted research on the operations of the CIA in the Philippines, and the history of Namfrel as election watchdog. Compelling accounts I was surprised that there are plenty of materials that help illuminate an inquiry into these subjects. I will discuss three of them here: 1. An article in the Journal of Contemporary Asia, titled, “Counter-insurgency in the Philippines” by Stephen R. Shalom. I discuss it together with an extract from the book, Portrait of a Cold Warrior by James Burkholder Smith (New York, 1976). 2. The text of a lecture by UP professor Roland G. Simbulan
titled “The CIA in Manila: Covert Operations and the CIA’s Hidden History in the Philippines.” The lecture was delivered at the University of the Philippines Manila on Aug. 18, 2000. 3. The book titled “The Tangcangco Report: The Anatomy of Electoral Fraud,” by Luzviminda G. Tancangco (Matrix, Manila, 1992). A former Comelec commissioner, Tancangco discusses, among other topics, Namfrel’s activities as election watchdog in several national elections, including the1986 snap presidential election. Taken together, these publications provide a compelling portrait of the genesis of Namfrel, and the history of CIA covert operations in the Philippines. The birth of Namfrel In his article, “Counter-insurgency in the Philippines,” published in the Journal of Contemporary Asia in 1977, Shalom recounted the steps undertaken by the United States to defeat the Huk insurgency in the early 1950s. It relates the rise of Magsaysay, first as defense secretary
under President Quirino, and then as elected president in the1953 elections. A week after Magsaysay’s appointment as defense secretary, the CIA’s Edward Lansdale arrived in Manila. Lansdale promptly set up a desk in Magsaysay’s office. Quickly, plans began to run Magsaysay in the presidential election in1953. Shalom also wrote this curious paragraph in his article: “Before the 1953 off- year elections, a good government organization called Namfrel — National Movement for Free Elections — was set up with the help of U.S. government funds and officials. Namfrel members conducted a mass publicity campaign urging clean elections. The civil affairs office of the Philippine Armed Forces distributed leaflets exhorting the population to vote for Magsaysay.” Magsaysay decided to run for the presidency in November 1953, under the Nacionalista Party. Namfrel, though theoretically nonpartisan, secretly started working for Magsaysay’s election,
In June 1953, Lansdale confided that in spite of instructions from Washington to avoid politicking, he would raise contributions for Magsaysay from American firms, TIME magazine reported: “Despite a Filipino law which forbids foreigners from contributing to election campaigns, U.S. business interests raised some $250,000 at a time when Magsaysay’s Nacionalista Party was seriously short of funds.” Magsaysay won an overwhelming victory, capturing more than two-thirds of votes cast. In his Portrait of a Cold Warrior, James Burkholder Smith, a 22-year veteran CIA covert action specialist, confirms the CIA’s role in the 1953 Philippine election and CIA activities in Asia using Filipino operatives. He recounts agency efforts in the1957 election, when Magsaysay died in a plane crash, and how it directed much effort to defeat Claro M. Recto’s bid for the presidency. Smith says there was even a plan to assassinate Recto. Carlos Garcia won a full term as president in the 1957 election.
The CIA in Manila Simbulan’s lecture on the CIA’s covert operations and hidden history in the Philippines was delivered at the University of the Philippines Manila on Aug. 18, 2000. The lecture is an attempt at a comprehensive report on CIA activities in the country. It assesses the extent of CIA activity and the high importance of the CIA’s Manila station. Simbulan wrote: “For a long time, Manila was the main station, if not the regional headquarters, of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for Southeast Asia. This is perhaps so because the Philippines has always been regarded as a stronghold of U.S. imperial power in Asia. Since the Americanized Filipinos were under the spell of American culture, they were easy to recruit without their realizing they were committing treason to their own people and country. And from the beginning of the 20th century to 1992, there were the U.S. military bases, the mighty symbols and infrastructure of American power.” (ManilaTimes.net)
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.
ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES
Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Boulevard Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com
Manila Office: 2nd Floor Units D&E, Fort Palm Springs 30th St., Cor 1st Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • Fax: (632) 856-1661 New York: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858
Northern California: New Jersey office: 1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136 2500 Plaza 5, Harborside Financial Center, Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel.: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253 Jersey City, NJ 07311 Tel: (212)655-5426 • Fax: (818)502-0858 Las Vegas Sales Office: 2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879
ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President
CHRISTINA M. ORIEL Editor-in-Chief
MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor
IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal
MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal
DING CARREON Videographer
ANDY TECSON Photographer
Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material. AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.
ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Do American presidents lie and...
OpiniOn & Features
A
Void Kaliwa Dam project, SC asked by edu
Punay Philstar.com
PAGE A8 t
truth-finding process, as to which the evidence of corrupt intent an connection to pending proceedings is overwhelming. These include: • The President’s efforts to fire Mueller and to falsify evidence about that effort; • The President’s efforts to limit the scope of Mueller’s investigation to exclude his conduct; and • The President’s efforts to prevent witnesses from cooperating with investigators probing him and his campaign. The letter explains that despite the legal advice by then-White House Counsel Don McGahn (who has since resigned) that the president could face legal jeopardy for doing so, Trump directed McGahn on multiple occasions to fire Mueller or to gin up false conflicts of interest as pretext for getting rid of the Special Counsel. Note that Rod Rosenstein appointed the Special Counsel on May 7, 2017 for purposes of investigating the Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections and to prosecute cases arising from the investigation. Mueller prosecuted several cases and referred 14 cases to prosecutors in different parts of the country. When efforts to fire Mueller gained public view, “Trump made repeated efforts to have McGahn deny the story, going so far as to tell McGahn to write a letter “for our files” falsely denying that Trump had directed Mueller’s termination.” President Trump obstructed the truth-telling process of the investigation by seeking to fire Mueller and even ordered documents to be made up that he did not do so. If Mueller had been fired, that would have seriously impeded the investigation, and resulted in obstruction, literally. The prosecutors continue: ”Directing the creation of false government records in order to prevent or discredit truthful testimony is similarly against the law. The Special Counsel’s report states: “Substantial evidence indicates that in repeatedly urging McGahn to dispute that he was ordered to have the Special Counsel terminated, the President acted for the purpose of influencing McGahn’s account in order to deflect or prevent scrutiny of the President’s conduct toward the investigation.”
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 11-14, 2019
MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) was asked to strike down the government’s $211.21million loan agreement with China for construction of the Kaliwa Dam. The Makabayan bloc of lawmakers led by senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares said the loan agreement, which was signed in November 2017 with the Export-Import Bank of China and to be implemented by China Energy Engineering Corp., should be declared null and void. The petitioners sought the issuance of a temporary restraining order to stop the implementation of the project. They said the SC should also order the government to submit all documents pertaining to the dam project as well as other loan agreements with China.
Last month, Makabayan questioned also before the SC the $62-million loan agreement with China for the Chico River Irrigation project in the Cordilleras. “The confidentiality clause in the Preferential Buyer’s Credit Loan Agreement is a brazen disregard of the constitutional right of the Filipino people to information on foreign loans obtained or guaranteed by the government, and is considered inimical to the national interest,” the petition read. The agreement violates Section 20, Article 7 of the Constitution, which requires prior approval by the Monetary Board, the petitioners added. “The choice of the laws of China as the governing law of the agreement and the Hong Kong International Arbitration Center as the tribunal circumvents Section 7 of Article 2 of the Constitution,” the petitioners said.
They said the loan agreement, which awarded the project to a pre-selected Chinese contractor, violates the constitutional preference to qualified Filipinos and procurement laws. The agreement is an “express waiver of sovereign immunity over the state’s assets in favor of a foreign government,” which also violates the Constitution, Makabayan said. The Department of Finance justified the loan agreement, saying it has an interest rate of only two percent per annum compared to the three percent slapped on the $116.6-million deal for the Angat Dam projects during the Arroyo administration. While both loan agreements have a maturity period of 20 years, the Kaliwa Dam deal has a longer grace period of seven years compared to Angat Dam’s five years. n
Inciting to sedition trial vs Trillanes to proceed by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Andrew Johnson’s portrait
Attempts to limit the Mueller investigation They continue their analysis: First, when president in public view and in private view, called for the un-recusal of Jeff Sessions, the U.S. attorney general, so Sessions can provide oversight to the investigation. He wanted the Attorney General, paid by U.S. taxpayers to be the president’s defense lawyer, a misuse of the AG, who is the American people’s prosecuting lawyer. Trump also directed then-White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus to fire Sessions and Priebus refused. The president committed more acts of obstruction, this time, after being told that McGahn could not reach Sessions, Trump went outside of the White House and got his former campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, to carry a demand to Sessions to limit Mueller to looking into future elections only. Lewandowski tried but failed. Lewandowski tried to contact a senior White House official Rick Dearborn who has had a prior relationship with Sessions but Dearborn did not pass along the Trump’s message. Whether Trump’s actions resulted in successful obstruction or not, the law clearly states
Patag
Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
MANILA — The inciting to sedition case against Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV over his remarks on President Rodrigo Duterte’s hidden wealth will proceed after a Pasay judge junked his motion to quash due to lack of merit. In a two-page order, Pasay Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 45 Presiding Judge Remiebel Mondia denied Trillanes’ motion to quash information, which seeks the dismissal of the charge. The order is dated Feb. 22, 2019 but was released only Thursday. Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code states that inciting to sedition can be done through speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, cartoons, banners or other representations “that tend to disturb or obstruct any lawful officer in executing the functions of his office, or instigate others to cabal and meet together for unlawful purposes, or which suggest or incite rebellious conspiracies or riots, or which lead or tend to stir up the people against the lawful authorities or to disturb the peace of the community, the safety and order of the government, or who shall knowingly conceal such evil practices.”’ The case stemmed from a u PAGE A10
obstruction can be in the form of an attempted one or a completed action. The prosecutors write, “All of this conduct – trying to control and impede the investigation against the President by leveraging his authority over others – is similar to the conduct we have seen charged against other public officials and people in powerful positions.” Witness tampering and intimidation The prosecutors continued, “The Special Counsel’s report establishes that the President tried to influence the decisions of both Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort with regard to cooperating with investigators. Some of this tampering and intimidation, including the dangling of pardons, was done in plain sight via tweets and public statements… private messages through private attorneys, such as Trump counsel Rudy Giuliani’s message to Cohen’s lawyer that Cohen should “sleep well tonight, you have friends in high places.” The special counsel’s investigation report states on page 157, “Our investigation found multiple acts by the President that were capable of exerting undue
Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV
complaint of suspended lawyer Eligio Mallari, Glenn Chong, Nestor Ifurung, Eduardo Bringas, Nasser Marohomsalic and Labor Undersecretary Jacinto Paras accusing the senator of inciting to sedition “by concocting, creating and making false documents and statements, (making) it appear that President Duterte has bank transactions from 2006 to 2015.” Trillanes uttered the remarks at the Senate on Oct. 3, 2018. He allegedly said: “So ito ngayon sagot. Kung makikita ‘to ng mga sundalo, M60 machine gun ang gagamitin sa’yo. Marami-rami ito, maubos magazine kung P40 million hinahanap mo, Mr. Duterte. (Now this is the answer.
Philstar.com photo
If the soldiers could see this, they would use M60 machine gun on you. These are a lot. The magazines would be emptied if you are looking for P40 million, Mr. Duterte).” Trillanes, in his motion to quash, said that his pronouncement “ was merely referring to the earlier speech of the president and was like resorting to hyperbole.” But the court held: “These arguments are based on allegations that are purely evidentiary in nature, the truth of which can only be ascertained in a fullblown trial where the parties will be given equal opportunity to present proof that will support their respective claims.” n
Dateline PhiliPPines
A10 May 11-14, 2019 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Sotto, Lacson eye stiffer penalties for perjury by Javier ismael ManilaTimes.net
SENATE President Vicente Sotto III on Thursday, May 9 said he would push for the imposition of stiffer penalties for the crime of perjury, particularly on those who give false testimony in congressional hearings, by amending the Revised Penal Code when the 18th Congress opens in July. Sotto made this commitment following a series of false testimonies given during congressional hearings. This included the “black propaganda” of Peter Joemel Advincula alias “Bikoy,” who claimed that members of the Duterte family and close allies of President Rodrigo Duterte were involved in the illegal drugs trade. Like Sotto, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate Public Order And Illegal Drugs Committee, also wants to increase the penalty for perjury from one month and one day to six months, and from12 years to 20 years. Lacson said government officials or employees convicted of perjury would also be meted a penalty of perpetual disqualifica-
Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente sotto III
tion from holding public office. The current provision on perjury was “toothless,” Sotto said. Lacson expressed hopes that his bill that seeks to amend the Revised Penal Code that was refiled in the 17th Congress would be heard in committee hearings in the 18th Congress. “Dapat ho talaga palakasin natin. ‘Yan ang isa sa mga pinakamagandang dapat i-file namin sa 18th Congress, palakasin natin ‘yang penalties ng perjury para naman matakot ‘yung gumawa nung ika, kung tawagin nga natin, e, fake news or ibig sabihin, e, bigla na lang nagsisinungaling. May isa pang bagay
Budget row blamed as PH... PAGE A7 t
“This is still achievable given the current performance of the private sector and if the government sector is able to jump start and speed up the implementation of its new programs and projects,” he added. Comelec also to blame The National Economic and Development Authority chief also faulted the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for failing to act swiftly on a request to lift an election spending ban for key government projects. “Comelec has not been helpful either because we submitted a list of projects for exemption as early as February 18 but they only responded to us March 29, which is the start of the ban,” Pernia said. “These kinds of inaction or delays on the part of other sectors of government are not going to be helpful. That’s why we are saying the whole of government, the whole of citizenry is needed for a better performance of the economy and poverty reduction,” he added. Initiatives that were “severely
hampered,” Pernia claimed, included the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s equipment purchases and the Department of Education’s school building repair work. He called on the Budget department to immediately issue the requisite circular to implement the 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which would allow disbursements to be made, and also pushed for a rethink of the cash-based budgeting system where funds will be released only for items programmed for the current year. “If the payment period and budget validity are not extended, government agencies may decide to forgo implementing new programs and projects that are expected to take longer than seven months to complete, inclusive of the procurement process,” he noted. ‘Decent result’ Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd called the first quarter’s 5.6 percent a “decent expansion” and said growth would likely pick up for the rest of the year.
ManilaTimes.net photos
d’yan palagay ko, aside from that, ‘yung Witness Protection Program (WPP) i-review natin, i-revise nating mabuti. Parang gustong abusuhin, e (There is PPCRV COMMAND CENTER. Former Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) Chair, Ambassador Henrietta de Villa, and officials a pressing need to increase the of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) during the opening of the PPCRV Command Center at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in United penalty. We will file a bill in the Nations Avenue, Manila on Wednesday, May 8. The church-based election watchdog has managed to mobilize around 300,000 volunteers 18th Congress that increases for this year’s elections. PNA photo by Avito Dalan the penalty to put fear into the hearts of perjurers or ‘fake news’ makers. There is also a need to review the WPP. Some of those in the WPP later recant their tescreditation and could still effec- the needed information to betby William Depasupil timonies),” Sotto said. tively monitor the election pro- ter monitor the counting in every ManilaTimes.net Because the penalty on percess through their nationwide precinct and determine if there jury was very light, he said those were irregularities in the voting THE National Movement for network of volunteers. threatened by government only Free Elections (Namfrel) will Lagman, in a radio interview, process. sneer or laugh at the one-month continue to perform its duties as said they returned the accrediEarlier, Comelec spokesman detention period. n poll watchdog next week even as tation because the Comelec re- James Jimenez said the commisit had rejected its accreditation fused Namfrel’s request that it sion remained open to a possible as citizen’s arm of the Commis- be allowed access to election discussion with Namrel. data coming from the Comelec He added that he could not say sion on Elections (Comelec). for sure if the en banc would be Namfrel National Chairman server. “Economic growth is expect- Gus Lagman on Thursday, May The election data, he ex- willing to compromise or return ed to finish stronger over the 9, said they did not need an ac- plained, would provide them the accreditation. April to June period and for the “We are open to any possible rest of 2019 as the government discussion with Namfrel, but we puts Build Build Build on the will not force them if they don’t fast lane following the passage want to return [as the Comelec of the 2019 citizen’s arm],” Jimenez said. GAA and domestic consumpHe said there was no actual tion picks up amid cooling inflarejection of Namfrel’s request, tion,” Dominguez said. only that the commission had not Pernia said an expected come up yet with a resolution on pick-up in private constructhe matter. tion, easing inflation, and a re“There was no rejection,” Jicent Standard & Poor’s credit menez pointed out. rating upgrade would help He also explained that the drive growth for the rest of the Comelec as guardian of the elecyear. tions could not just simply pro“If we are able to quickly imvide such sensitive election data plement the reforms that reduce information to Namfrel for secuthe cost of doing business, then Namfrel National Chairman Gus Lagman ManilaTimes.net photo rity reasons. n the uptick in private construction may happen even sooner,” he added, pointing to proposed changes to the Foreign Investments Act and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, among oth- PAGE A9 t USA? inadequate. ers. Why did Ronald Reagan reFurther, in the laws of eviinfluence over law enforcement “Fortunately, foreign invest- investigations, including the Rus- dence, when an individual di- move all the solar panels inments will also be encouraged sian-interference and obstruc- rects the destruction of evidence stalled in the White House by with our country’s international tion investigations. The incidents or the creation of false or con- President Jimmy Carter? We credit rating upgrade to BBB+, were often carried out through flicting statements — all those could have saved energy costs to historically the highest for the one-on-one meetings, which the can be construed as evidence keep the lights on in the White country.” n President sought to use his offi- of one’s consciousness of guilt, House almost three decades cial power outside of usual chan- a consciousness to cover-up ago? Why did Trump try to renels. These actions ranged from one’s crimes, including active peal the Affordable Health Care efforts to remove the Special obstruction and making false Act that benefited uninsured millions at least 60 times? Why Counsel and to reverse the effect statements. The special counsel has trans- did Trump reverse the sanctions of the Attorney General’s recusal; to the attempted use of official ferred 14 pending cases to the imposed on Russia by Pres. power to limit the scope of the in- Eastern District of Virginia, Dis- Obama and now, disfavored U.S. vestigation; to direct and indirect trict of Columbia, and Western companies from manufacturing contacts with witnesses with the District of Pennsylvania, which since August 2018 by increasing potential to influence their testi- include open cases of Michael their costs of operations, given the tariffs imposed on aluminum mony. ..The President’s efforts to Flynn and Roger Stone. Completed prosecutions and imports? influence the investigation were “The Sea Will Tell,” says Vinmostly unsuccessful, but that completed term of imprisonis largely because the persons ment were reported on George cent Bugliosi, and the waves will who surrounded the President Papadopoulos and Alex van der reveal all the hidden truth and declined to carry out orders or Zwaan while Michael Cohen, we will soon know why 45th kept accede to his request. Comey Paul Manafort, and Richard Pine- the truth from being told or told conflicting lies and statements did not end the investigation of do are serving jail sentences. President Trump has now di- to conceal what happened to Flynn, which ultimately resulted in Flynn’s prosecution and con- rected all White House staff not Russia’s 2016 interference in the to cooperate with the Congres- U.S. elections. We now know the viction for lying to the FBI.” President’s defense lawyer sional oversight committees lies of 43rd U.S. president leadprovided legal defense and ar- requesting a fuller unredacted ing us to an unjust war in Iraq gued “that a core obstruction- Mueller report, the President’s by falsely claiming weapons of of-justice statute, 18 USC Sec- income tax returns, the emails mass destruction were being astion 1512 (c)(2) does not cover on the Puerto Rico disaster relief sembled in the country of Iraq. the President’s actions. Special operations, the 2,300 families Or is 45th counting on the same Counsel wrote that Article 2 of still separated at the border and treatment as 43rd, of not being the Constitution does not cate- the deployment of an aircraft accountable for his mega-lies to gorically and permanently immu- carrier and bomber task force the American people? Is Trump afraid of having his nize the President from potential to warn Iran. As to what we are liability for the conduct that we threatening war, we do not know presidency declared illegitimate of the specific goal to achieve. and therefore part of the exhibit investigated.” On December 29, 2016, Presi- sourcebook, “America’s PresiThis obstruction-of-justice statute provides that whoever dent Barack Obama imposed dents” as a failed president? Will 45th be deemed a failcorruptly alters, destroys, muti- sanctions against Russia. Mike lates, conceals a record, docu- Flynn contacted the U.S. Am- ure if he is impeached or afment, or attempts to do so or bassador to Russia and denied ter he leaves office in 2020, otherwise obstructs, influences, that he talked about sanctions indicted, convicted, fined and or impedes an official proceed- with them. Trump Jr. also made face imprisonment of 20 years? I reckon his interests are best ing shall be fined under this title telephone calls around this time or imprisoned not more than 20 and is now under subpoena by served by telling the truth, subCongress. Why? Russia was not mitting to full oversight by Conyears or both. The report states “The Presi- considered a U.S. ally, yet Pres. gress and be accountable. He has dent has no more right than oth- Trump has shown favor to Mos- manufactured a man-made crisis er citizens to impede official pro- cow and reversed these sanc- using his presidential powers, ceedings by corruptly influencing tions, justifying that they were perhaps he can be man enough witness testimony. The conduct imposed by Pres. Obama “to em- to undo his obstruction of justice would be equally improper barrass him as 45th President,” towards Congress and be man whether effectuated through di- when facts revealed that high enough to disclose all of the hidrect efforts to produce false tes- levels of Russian authorities had den truth, including his income tax returns dating back to 1994 timony or suppress the truth, or interfered in the U.S. elections. When the sanctions against since the New York Times has through the actual, threatened, or promised use of official pow- Russia were lifted by 45th, the gotten transcripts of his 10-year operational costs of bottling in income taxes up to 1994 through ers to achieve the same result.” Doing presidential leverag- aluminum cans in America in- the State of New York. We now ing of his powers and authority creased, one company reported need 1994 to 2018. *** and by making them known to it at $40 million, for a ten perthe public by tweeting does not cent tariffs on aluminum im- Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly absolve the president from his ports, with an increase in invest- column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” obstructive actions. After all, the ment to be provided by Russian She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 President took an oath of office, oligarchs. It would be $200 mil- years. She also contributes to Balikbayan “to take care that the laws be lion from a certain Oleg Deripas- Magazine. Her training and experiences are in faithfully executed.” U.S. Con- ka, a shareholder/billionaire of science, food technology, law and community stitution Article 2 Section 3. The United Co. Rusal, a new investor volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. harm to the justice system’s in- in Kentucky’s aluminum plants degree from the University of the Philippines, a tegrity is threatened; either by that now, Russia has gained a law degree from Whittier College School of Law both attempted or completed foothold in the U.S. aluminum in California and a certificate on 21st Century acts of obstruction, the special business. U.S. internal manufac- Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School turing activity has dropped since of Government. She has been a participant counsel argued. In Trump’s written answers to August 2018 and U.S. producers in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell the deposition submitted on Nov. of aluminum are struggling. Why would a sitting 45th U.S. Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, 20, 2018, the President had written in 30 occasions of “does not president go against the weight Belgium, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over recall” or “no independent rec- of posterity and precedents 22 national parks in the US, in her pursuit of ollection,” which were deemed set by former presidents of the love for nature and the arts.
Unaccredited Namfrel to continue poll watch
Do American presidents lie and...
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Dateline PhiliPPines
Manila Zoo deal in limbo
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 11-14, 2019
A11
Valles, Tagle not endorsing candidates for midterm polls
City council declines to act on P1.5-B devt plan by William
Depasupil ManilaTimes.net
A P1.5-billion plan to develop and modernize the 60-yearold Manila Zoo remains in limbo with the Manila City Council said to be sitting on a joint venture approved by reelectionist Mayor Joseph “Erap� Estrada. Documents obtained by The Manila Times showed that a joint venture agreement, signed in 2014 between the city — represented by Estrada — and the Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical Park Inc. (referred to in the agreement as JV Partner), headed by Edwin Lim, had yet to be acted upon by the council. The zoo’s modernization was supposed to be completed by the end of Estrada’s first threeyear term in 2016, but this did not materialize because of allegedly questionable provisions, a city council source claimed. Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical Park Inc. was also said to be lacking in experience in building or operating a zoo. A company representative was not immediately available for comment, while City Hall officials declined to issue a statement, saying Estrada would address the issue after the May 13 elections. Under the joint venture deal, the firm and the city were to pool their interests, resources and expertise for the project, which would cover the more than sixhectare zoo proper and the over one-hectare Dakota Park across the street. Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical Park Inc. was to redesign, redevelop, rehabilitate, operate and manage the Manila Zoo into a facility consistent with worldclass standards. It would bear the entire cost of the redesign and rehabilitation, contribute its financial, technical capacity and managerial expertise, and be the “exclusive� development and operations manager of the project. Manila, for its part, would surrender its usufructuary rights over the site, including structures, facilities and premises, the wildlife and the flora and fauna within and any goodwill over the Manila Zoo over time, plus any and all proprietary rights and resources involved in the upkeep and operations of the zoo, including its
franchise. The city was also expected to turn over a project site free and clear of any liens, encumbrances, third party rights, squatters, tenants, sublessees and similar obstacles. City council sources said among the provisions questioned were those involving the city’s share of revenues. Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical, which would be given a 25year concession extendable by another 25 years, committed to give Manila 1.5 percent of gross revenues or 7 percent of net income — whichever is higher — equivalent to an initial P200,000 per month or P2.4 million per year. By the third year, the share would still be 1.5 percent of gross revenue or 7 percent of net income, but in value terms higher at P500,000 per month. The gross revenue share would stay at 1.5 percent up the tenth year, while the net profit share would be adjusted by 1 percentage point annually up to the eighth year, by which it would hit 12 percent. In value terms, the city would continue to receive P500,000 per month up to the seventh year, rising to P600,000 for the eighth to tenth year. For the 11th to 15th years, the gross revenue share would increase to 2 percent, while the net income share would remain at 12 percent, but at a higher P800,000 per month. For years 21 to 25, the gross revenue share would be adjusted to 2.5 percent, while that for net income would be kept at 12
The Archdiocese of Manila MANILA — There is no truth The list includes Otso Diretso to reports that the Catholic Bish- clarified that Archbishop Luis bets Mar Roxas, Chel Diokno, ops Conference of the Philip- Antonio Cardinal Tagle is not Samira Gutoc, Gary Alejano, pines is endorsing 10 senatorial endorsing any candidate for the Erin TaĂąada, Florin Hilbay, Bam candidates for the May 13 elec- midterm polls. Aquino, Romulo Macalintal, as Fr. Roy Bellen, commissioner well as Neri Colmenares and tions, its president said on Friof the archdiocese’s communi- Grace Poe. day, May 10. In a statement, Davao Arch- cation office, said Tagle was only These names were the same bishop Romulo Valles stressed endorsing the process of dis- individuals endorsed by PCM— that the CBCP did not make any cernment used by the lay group a religious movement composed People’s Choice Movement in a of Catholic, Evangelical and Protendorsement. “This is PURE FAKE NEWS! circular dated May 7. estant lay leaders—last March. “What he is endorsing is the Absolutely not true!â€? Valles Bellen added the results of the process of discernment that group’s discernment may differ. said. The CBCP president added: each person can do as they pre“It will differ based on the “Bishops and priests are not al- pare and choose candidates to person’s experience, research lowed to do that! That is clearly vote for the coming election, as and perception of the candidate. example made by the People’s What the Cardinal is emphasizpartisan politics.â€? Valles also appealed to Fili- Choice Movement,â€? Bellen said ing and giving importance is the pino voters to vote wisely in the in an interview over Radio Veri- personal experience of discernupcoming midterm polls. “Let us tas. ment and taking full responsiThe Archdiocese of Manila bility of their choices in voting. continue to pray to the Lord for a peaceful, credible and honest made the statement after several Thus it becomes a choice that is personalities shared a list of sen- informed, prayerful and product ManilaTimes.net photo elections!â€? atorial candidates supposedly of discernment,â€? he said. (Gaea Tagle endorsing ‘discernpercent or P900,000 per month. being endorsed by Tagle. Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com) Year 25 onward would follow ment,’ not Senate bets a 0.5-percentage point increase every 10 years for gross revenue and 12 percent of net income, or a minimum guaranteed payment “Tatlong taon ako nagMANILA — Senatorial candi- kulang?â€? Jinggoy added. of P1 million per month with an date Jinggoy Estrada on Friday, At one point, he joked: “Nung bakasyon, tatlo kami, ako, si Senescalation of P1.2 million per May 10 took a swipe at detained nakulong siya, nakulong din ako! ator Revilla at si Senator Enrile,â€? year every 5 years thereafter, Senator Leila de Lima during a Weather-weather lang ‘yan!â€? Estrada said. whichever is higher. “Tignan mo yung nagpakusurprise appearance at the miting Estrada, who is facing a plun“We found it very disadvanta- de avance of reelectionist Makati long sa amin? Kilala mo yung der charge, is out on bail. geous to the government, not to City Mayor Abby Binay and her nagpakulong sa amin? Yung ba“Mahirap talaga magbakasyon mention the fact that under the Team Performance Friday night. bae? ‘Yun ang pumalit sa amin sa na napag-initan ka na, niyurak agreement it (the JV partner) Estrada first joked about his Camp Crame!â€? ang iyong pagkatao, binaboy ang has the authority to sublease any similarities with father, former Estrada and his then fellow iyong pagkatao, bigla ka pang portion of the project site. It is president and now Manila City senators, Bong Revilla and Juan kasuhan, bigla ka pang pinakualso putting up a mall on the ad- Mayor Joseph Estrada. Ponce Enrile, were ordered ar- long.â€? jacent park,â€? the source said. “Sabi niyo sa akin, lagi ko daw rested by then Justice Secretary “Pero mga kaibigan, malakas The project site, based on siyang ginagaya,â€? Estrada told De Lima over the “pork barrelâ€? ang aking loob, malakas ang the agreement, will include “a the crowd. scam. aming loob na humarap sa inyo neighboring shopping complex Estrada added that after a at sabihin sa inyo paulit-ulit na “Sabi ko ‘Bakit naman?’â€? or community center which can “Nag-artista ako, nag-artista three-year “vacationâ€?, he, Revil- wala po kaming kasalanan sa accommodate retail outlets, ka rin; nag-mayor ako ng San la and Enrile are ready to serve taumbayan.â€? (Katrina Hallare/Ininterconnected stores, conve- Juan, nag-mayor ka rin. Ano pa again. quirer.net) nience stores, banks, drugstores or restaurants, among others, under one well-designed complex.â€? A world-class sports and events center will also be built to host gaming events and tournaments, including but not limited to basketball, boxing, cockfighting, cultural activities, concerts, conferences and corporate events, among others. The source said the joint venture deal could still be acted upon, but this would be up to the incoming city council. “The approval of the city council is all that is needed for the project to commence,â€? he added, pointing out that City Ordinance 8346, which governs ventures between Manila and private sec- OFF TO PATROL. The BRP Francisco Dagohoy sails from the Culasi Port, Roxas City, Capiz to patrol the municipal water areas and check on tor partners, remained valid and the reported illegal fishing activities. The floating assets of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DABFAR) will operate in offshore areas and high seas to combat poaching, unreported and unregulated fishing. PNA photo by Ben Briones binding. n
Jinggoy takes a swipe at Leila in Makati rally
2ZQ ODQG EDFN KRPH LQ WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV" :KHWKHU \RXǢUH ORRNLQJ WR VHOO \RXU SURSHUW\ RU LQWHUHVWHG LQ H[SORULQJ D MRLQW YHQWXUH GHYHORSPHQW SURMHFW SDUWQHU ZLWK XV DQG GLVFRYHU ZD\V \RX FDQ EXLOG \RXU LQYHVWPHQW SRUWIROLR
A12 May 11-14, 2019 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 11-14, 2019
SHOWBIZ&STYLE
B
Journal
Award-winning Fil-Am actress makes her feature animation film debut by
Ruben V. nepales Inquirer.net
LOS ANGELES—An ancient Tibetan woman with a live chicken—yes, a googly eyed, clucking chicken—perpetually perched on her head. Award-winning FilAm actress Ching Valdes-Aran couldn’t have asked for a more memorable, unique character, Gamu, to voice in her feature animation film debut. Ching, who won the prestigious Obie Award for her performance in the original New York production of Ralph B. Pena’s “Flipzoids” in New York, is in great company in “Missing Link.” The latest from Laika Studios,
known for its stop-motion animation gems, “Missing Link’s” voice cast includes Hugh Jackman, Emma Thompson, Zach Galifianakis, Zoe Saldana and Timothy Olyphant. Ching’s “old and rude” (in the words of her character’s granddaughter) Gamu figures in a scene up in the Himalayas where a trio of explorers—voiced by Hugh, Zach and Zoe—seek her help in finding the fabled Shangri-La. The granddaughter’s one important admonition to the three visitors before they enter Gamu’s house is, “Don’t mention the chicken!” Of course, when they see the chicken on Gamu’s
head… “I found out from a reliable source that a Hollywood celebrity was supposed to voice Gamu, but couldn’t hack the Tibetan accent, or at least that was what I understood,” shared Ching, born and raised in the Philippines and residing in New York, in our interview via e-mail. Ching’s feature film credits include Ira Sachs’ “Little Men,” Julie Taymor’s “Across the Universe” and Lav Diaz’s “From What Is Before (Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon),” which won several honors, including the Golden Leopard, the top prize in Gamu puppet, meticulously detailed, at Laika the Locarno Film Festival. Valdes-Aran (right) and Hugh Jackman who voice Gamu and Sir Lionel Frost, respectively, in Studios outside Portland, Oregon. Photo courtesy of Laika Studios PAGE B2 Inquirer.net photo by Ruben V. Nepales “Missing Link”.
Chito Miranda compares ‘sensitive’ millennials with ‘tough ’90s kids’ by
Casey eRidio Inquirer.net
PAROKYA ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda apologized to millennials who were offended by their song, “Silvertoes”, pointing out that “’90s kids” have tough hearts and do not get offended by songs. The “Harana” vocalist aired his sentiments after the band performed its 1998 track at the ROCK MNL Concert in Makati on May 4. A clip of Miranda’s speech was uploaded by netizen John Castro on Facebook. “Salamat [hindi] kayo na-offend sa song, salamat na-appreciate niyo (Thank you for not being offended by the song, thank you for appreciating it),” Miranda said after the performance. Miranda then put up a disclaimer, saying he has “nothing against the millennials, pero sometimes ‘yung mga millennials masyadong sensitive (but sometimes millennials are too sensitive).” The crowd erupted into ap-
Chito Miranda
plause when the vocalist said, “Tayong mga batang ’90s (We ’90s kids), we do not get offended by songs.” He explained that no one protested when they released the song in 1998. Miranda also stated that the situation would be different if he had released “Silvertoes” now, as they would get in trouble, especially on Twitter. “Iba na ang away ngayon (the fight would be different now),” he added.
Inquirer.net photo
“Anyway, no offense sa mga millennials. Kung na-offend kayo, sorry, pero sa mga batang ’90s, pare, alam natin matitibay ang mga dibdib natin (No offense to the millennials. If you were offended, sorry, but as for ’90s kids, we know that our hearts are tough),” he said. Miranda’s speech elicited mixed reactions from fans on Twitter. While some agreed PAGE B2
B MAy 11-14, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
EntErtainmEnt
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Rayver: No rivalry with Kuya Rodjun by
Oliver M. PuluMbarit Inquirer.net
(From L-R, T-B) Company Members Crimson Guirjem, Ma. Isabel Regina Gonzales, Dominador Delmo, Irene Kim Abrogena, PBT Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario, PBT VP-Internal Ma. Rosario Nepumuceno, Asian Journal CEO and Publisher Roger Oriel, PBT Ballet Master Anatoly Panasyukov, Company Members Kazier Policarpio, Mark Joseph Pineda, Carl, Julafer Fegarido, Matthew Davo, Marianne Grace Francisco, Ma. Regina Magbitang, Tara Jade Leach, Marika Desembrana, Gladys Baybayan, Clarise Rein Miranda, Ana Mikaela Samson and Veronica Atienza
The art of the Philippine Ballet Theater by AJPress THE Philippine Ballet Theater (PBT) is the premier classical ballet company in the Philippines. Here’s a look at some of the stories the dancers tell on stage: Serye at Sayaw “Serye at Sayaw” provides interesting vignettes behind the scenes into the world of dance and the life of Marguerite, a dancer. It chronicles the intimate and triumphant story of a girl who gave up her childhood in pursuit of the prestigious title of prima ballerina, and who only much later discovered all that she had in life was herself and her art. The entire show is presented in several tableaux which chronicles the life of Marguerite, from her days as a promising young dancers, through her rise to prima ballerina status, up to her middle age, when she reminisces about the love found and lost, and the life she has had. “Serye at Sayaw” portrays the sacrifices, internal conflicts and contrasting traits of a dancer. This is a story of courage and tenacity, of unbelievable devotion – to her art and to those whom she loved. Andres Bonifacio “Serye at Sayaw” depicts a vivid slice of Philippine history
that revolves around the iconic figurehead of the Philippine revolution against Spanish colonization. The show is performed in two acts, each showing pivotal scenes which depict key moments in history that portray the Filipino struggle for independence and freedom. Act 1 chronicles the vow of Andres and his comrades to obtain freedom. Seven heartwrenching scenes portray the commitments Andres makes, as a comrade in arms to his revolutionary brothers, as a man to his life’s love, and then through various travails and sufferings at the hands of the friars and the Spanish government. Act 2 shows the battles waged by the valiant Katipuneros, the internal conflicts and eventual split within the Katipunan, the abuse and torture of Andres’ wife Oryang at the hands of what should have been brothers in arms, and the subsequent betrayal of Bonifacio which ultimately led to his demise. It is a painful revisiting of a dark period in Philippine history, one that must not be forgotten and one whose pain must be remembered if only to serve as a reminder to everyone today of the sacrifices that have been made in the name of freedom by those who have gone before us. Vinta In “Vinta,” dancers pay hom-
age to the distinctive movement of the traditional seafaring vessels of Mindanao, boats that sail across the water, seemingly effortlessly, but with much power. Each dancer makes skillful use of a colorful malong with striking patterns to represent the vinta’s iconic sail, as they too, float across the dance floor with the ease and grace borne of countless hours spent mastering choreography and perfecting technique. Indeed, “Vinta” embodies both style and substance, a fitting tribute to the eponymous vessels of the Mindanao seas. Dancing in One Voice “Dancing in One Voice” is a mixture of different song genres such as light classical, jazz, pop and rock featuring popular vocal artists (or vocal artists provided by the organizer) who collaborate with PBT’s company dancers for a lively performance of original and beautiful choreography to songs we know and love. Audiences of all ages will love this production because of the many facets of music it brings and the different interpretations that a marriage between music and dance can offer. Artists performing as one — singers painting a picture with their song, and dancers coloring the words with their movement. That is the essence of “Dancing in One Voice.”
AFTER starring in a teleserye, GMA 7 talent Rayver Cruz is joining other network talents for a show in the United States later this week—a change of pace that the actor-dancer welcomes. “Every week, we bring a show to different places in the country via [our variety program] ‘Studio 7 Musikalye,’” Rayver tells the Inquirer. “Tomorrow, we’ll bring entertainment to Brooklyn, New York. I’m very happy that I get to perform with talented artists who have become my friends because of ‘Studio 7.’” Those New York-bound performers include Alden Richards, Julie Anne San Jose and Christian Bautista. The things he is most looking forward to in the Brooklyn show, Rayver says, are the various music numbers and positive reception from kababayan audience members. “I’m very excited that our Kapuso fans abroad will be able to see the performances we prepared and perfected for them. This is my first international show as a Kapuso so I’m thankful to GMA and ‘Studio 7’ for helping bring joy to Filipinos.” Having previously done the gender-themed drama series “Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko,” Rayver relates that it’s a good project to restart his bond with the network, several years after he left to spread his artistic wings. First show “I’m very proud because it was my first show with GMA
Rayver and Rodjun Cruz
[again] and it was a really wellreceived one. Tumatak ito sa viewers. I learned many things [about acting] and created good memories while doing the show with Kris (Bernal), Thea (Tolentino) and other cast members. I miss the show, especially when I hear the theme song.” Transitioning into the network was made easier by the fact that his kuya, Rodjun, was there to welcome him. They never had any rivalry before, and won’t start now, Rayver declares. “Our bond became even more solid now that we’re together in one network,” he says. “I’m happy and confident that he’d be there for me, whatever happens. Never kaming nagaway. Sobrang close talaga naming magkapatid,” he discloses. Aside from Rodjun, Rayver adds that actors Janine Gutierrez, whom he’s dating; EA Guzman, his tropa; and Miguel Tan-
Photo from Instagram/@rayvercruz
felix, an old gym buddy, made acclimating quite quick. “It’s easy to get along because people here are all nice and respectful,” the actor says. On making his mark, Rayver hopes to be known for his own talents, but acknowledges his biggest influences: “When it comes to acting, Kuya Dingdong Dantes is one of my idols. I hope I get the chance to work with him here. In terms of performing, [I’ve been idolizing] Gary Valenciano since I was still a kid. When I perform, I always think, dapat Gary V ’yung ‘peg’ ko.” But, aside from entertaining people, he hopes to put his prominence to good use. On the subject of next week’s elections, Rayver reminds fellow Filipinos of their important duty: “Vote wisely and responsibly. Think about the future of our country and the generations to come.”
Sorry but no romance with Ken Chan, says Rita Daniela by allan
POlicarPiO Inquirer.net
BECAUSE of their palpable onscreen chemistry in the drama series “My Special Tatay,” Rita Daniela and Ken Chan had not a few of their fans wishing that romance does blossom between the two actors offscreen. But “that feeling,” Rita admitted, isn’t there at the moment. “The fans want it. But do we? I appreciate those hoping that it happens. But I don’t want to lie and give them false hopes,” Rita (Advertising Supplement) told reporters in a recent pocket interview. “Everyone deserves the truth—I believe in that. If it happens, it happens.” What she can say for sure, however, is that she and Ken are the best of friends. “It’s nice to have good company. Ken and I used to see each other every day, so our relationship grew… We can talk about everything,” added the 23-yearold singer-actress who revealed
Rita Daniel and Ken Chan
that GMA 7 has a new project in the offing for their love team. For now, career comes first for the two Kapuso stars. “We worked hard and waited
GMA photo
a long time to be where we are now,” Rita pointed out. “We’re just really happy working with each other. And we don’t want to put this to waste.”
Chito Miranda compares ‘sensitive’...
PAGE B1 that millennials are being overly sensitive, others believed that millennials were right to be offended by the lyrics. “The lyrics alone are problematic. It enforces a [patriarchal]
standard of beauty, and seriously, racism in a tropical country where people are expected to be fair skinned,” a certain Twitter user @janeeology stated. “As mentioned in the song, ‘Di kami na-tuturn on sa kutis mong kulay
champorado’ (‘We do not get turned on by your champoradocolored skin’).” Some netizens also corrected Miranda, with some saying that kids born in the 1990s are millennials.
Award-winning Fil-Am actress...
PAGE B1 Ching’s TV work includes “The Blacklist,” “Feed the Beast,” “BrainDead” and “Nurse Jackie.” In theater, the veteran thespian played Lady Macbeth opposite F. Murray Abraham in the title role in “Macbeth” at the Belasco Theater. Ching’s other stage credits include performances with the Ma-Yi Theater Company, which champions plays by AsianAmerican writers, and of which she is on the advisory board; Off-Broadway, regional theaters and in plays mounted all over the world. The talented Pinay, who is also a director and a visual artist, is currently touring internationally in Geoff Sobelle’s “Home,” with performances that include stops in New Zealand, Edinburgh, Brisbane, Sydney, Taiwan and South Korea. Ching tells us, in her own words, how she landed the Gamu voice role in the latest film by Laika Studios, which is based outside Portland, Oregon. In late 2016, my agent Paul Hilepo had me record my voice at home on a Gamu scene. The working title of the film then was “Seeking Shangri-La.” We didn’t hear back from Laika casting, so I forgot about it. But a few months later, we got the offer. That was in January of 2017. It was quite a surprise. I was delighted, of course, because it was my animation film debut. At the time, I knew that Hugh Jackman and Zack Galifianakis were on board. A voice/accent coach was hired from LA to coach me on a Tibetan
Mr. Link/Susan (Zach Galifianakis) and Gamu (Valdes-Aran). Photo courtesy of Laika Studios
accent via phone. We did that for at least three or four times before they flew me to the Laika Studios toward the end of January 2017. I was there for only a weekend. I was driven to the Laika Studios, where Arianne Sutner and Travis Knight (producers) and Chris Butler (director) gave me a very warm welcome. They said I am going to have makeup done, first thing. I thought to myself, why? Nobody will see me! It was explained later on that a film crew will be following me as I toured the Laika facilities. I was introduced to each head of the design team (costume, set, art direction, 3D printing, etc.) and a slew of other artists who create this fantastical world. I felt like a child in a fairy-tale land. When I saw the puppet of my character, Gamu, and they took pictures of me with her, I was just in my element. She was just a palm’s length. And that cute little chicken on her head … Hilarious! Seeing the Gamu puppet helped me know how she “sounds” like. In the afternoon, we drove to another location for the recording. I was in an enclosed glass
booth. Chris Butler and the crew were on the other side of the glass. The accent coach was on the phone listening in from LA. It was so much fun! Gamu was a fun character to do. Sometimes, we would stop recording because we would be laughing so hard. Chris was reading the scene with me from the other side of the booth. It probably took only about two to three hours. It was followed by a filmed interview with Chris and me. This was a day of work adventure—delightful, educational and an eye-opener for me to greatly appreciate and respect the artistry of stop-motion animation. Animation takes creative imagination, passion, skill, patience, dedication and a little bit of “madness.” These talented artists have all those. I was shown how stop-motion animation is done, and it boggles the mind! I asked the artists, “How was your childhood?” They all laughed. Because they are still “child-like,” working in a “children’s paradise.” After that, I had only two looping sessions in New York, one in a studio and the other at home just to record “hmmph.”
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 11-14, 2019
B
The most theatrical looks at the 2019 Met Gala By Monet
FRAUD WAIVER DENIAL TURNED AROUND TO APPROVAL WITH NO FRAUD WAIVER REQUIRED, ON THIS SUNDAY’S “CITIZEN PINOY!” Wilma entered the U.S. on a C-1 “transit” visa, on her way to work in Guantanamo, Cuba. She remained in the U.S., married a U.S. citizen, and filed for adjustment of status. A “consultant” gave her hope and said he would take care of Wilma’s papers. Unfortunately, the consultant altered Wilma’s documents and put down false information (that she entered on a visitor’s visa), to cover up that she actually entered on a C-1 transit visa. Her case ended up being denied because of fraud! Wilma then consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, who took over the case, and filed an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Washington, DC. Atty Gurfinkel convinced them that Wilma committed no fraud, and was eligible for a green card, despite her entry on a transit visa. Watch how Atty. Gurfinkel’s determination won the day for Wilma, when her name was cleared, and she got her green card with no fraud waiver required, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
Image Spa Imee Ong-maghanOy THE month of May is a very special month for because we are celebrating Mother’s Day. And because it’s Mother’s day, we are also honoring the miracle of a mother-bringing-life-intothis-world. So today, we are very delighted to talk about an innovative procedure that is majorly beneficial to all women – yes, not just mothers but every woman who would like to give their “lady V” a makeover. You read that right, my friend. This non-invasive cosmetic technology is for vaginal rejuvenation, otherwise known as Ultra femme 360. Aside from pregnancy, aging also causes a woman’s “lady parts” to feel dry. They experi-
Life Coaching in a Different Perspective Stargazer AT one point in our lives, we experience the lowest of lows and some situations seem to be hopeless. We all ask God for the rhyme and reason in difficult situations. We go through a lot of emotions and come to a point of giving up. But what seems to be more devastating is finding out that your life has reached a critical point. When doctors will say you have a certain number of days, months or years left on earth, what would you feel? It is unimaginable. How then can one be a comfort or support? Here is a story of a medical doctor whose struggle with discipline, belief and faith left a lot of lessons to really ponder on. The story is very personal to me since he was someone very close to my heart. Flashback to thirteen years ago when I used to be part of a Marian group involved in healing and counseling. It was a group comprised of medical doctors/ practitioners, lawyers and other professionals. There is but one common denominator amid the diversity, and that is everyone had special “gifts” and our spirituality was more than just religiosity. We gathered every first Saturday of the month and welcomed people in need of healing and counseling. After healing/counseling sessions, we would huddle and talk about our own challenges. We acted as a support to each other and try, to the best that we could, help in whatever challenge a member is going through. Then we would end the day with a round of prayers and the conjuration of the white light in the final meditation. During one of our sharing sessions, Mario, a medical doctor revealed he was going through a major challenge in his life. Mario accidentally discovered he was sick. An internist himself, Mario thought of having a routine checkup and to his surprise, his tests yielded a very shocking revelation: he had liver cirrhosis with only six months to live. It was a shock for all of us. In tears, Mario and his wife Ellie, also a doctor herself, asked the group to “see” whether he still had a chance to get over this sickness. Being the clairvoyant of the group, I sat quietly and “peeked” using my third eye. In my vision, Mario will emerge triumphantly and his predicament resolved only if he makes major changes in his lifestyle. I told him that it was all a matter of focus, discipline and will.
Ultra Femme 360: Technology’s gift to women
ence dryness, incontinence and change in the appearance of the labia minora and Labia majora or the outer appearance of their “lady Vs.” And moms wish for it to go back to the way it was before an 8lb. human came out of there. This is now possible with Ultra Femme 360. Ultra Femme 360 is a sophisticated radio frequency technology that has the ability to address a wide range of tissue that can affect the appearance and feel of a woman’s vagina. At ISkin, Image Body Spa and Image Spa MD, we strive to discover ways and available technology to improve the skin and body. It is with pride and excite-
ment that I introduce a treatment that will make our dreams (yes, men and women included) come true. Why? Because It’s meant to tighten and rejuvenate the vaginal area – a makeover for the ‘lady V,’ so to speak. Something both ladies and gents will definitely appreciate. It is a radio frequency treatment that targets two different areas, the labia and the vaginal canal (inside and outside basically). Focused thermal energy disrupts collagen fibers, causing them to unravel and produce new collagen fibers and stimulate blood flow, which in turn restores the vagina and vulva areas to a PAGE B4
On death and dying: How can I comfort you? (Part I of II)
Mario wanted to live. He was very determined for the baby that his wife was then carrying in her womb. I told him that he must focus on the child that needs his father to be well. Mario’s eyes welled and he cried really hard with a very strong will to live. No one in the family was informed of the predicament. It was only within the close circle of friends. He had undergone a thorough detoxification of his system where he ate only organic food and mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. He conditioned his mind and soul into getting better for the sake of his family. In a year, his liver regenerated on its own and healed. We became the best of friends. Mario became the older brother to me while his wife Ellie became my bosom friend. I became their son’s Godmother while Mario became my daughter’s Godfather. For about three years, Mario continued living healthy and conscientiously, always on the lookout on his diet. However, as years passed by, Mario began to go back to the old habits like smoking, eating fast food and “indulging” a bit. His wife always reminded him to have routine check-ups but instead, he would claim he is okay. I would remind him often to watch out and be on the guard. But in denial, he would always want to believe he was fine. Ten years after he got better, Mario started experiencing pain in the right rib. It was a piercing kind of pain that made him scared as a doctor. He asked me to “look” at supernatural causes such as “kulam” as a probable culprit. As a clairvoyant, I carefully looked and examined him. I checked his claim that it can be “kulam” but I couldn’t see traces of black magic at all. He wanted me to cleanse and protect him but instead, I spoke to his wife and requested that he be made to undergo an ultrasound to determine the state of his liver. I then promised Mario that after the tests, I would cleanse him. I knew deep inside that it was something medical. I was praying deep inside that it could still be remedied because I was “seeing” several masses in his liver. CT scan results came and behold, his liver was studded by a lot of mass that an operation is not workable. He denied the results and still insisted it can be “kulam.” I said no more but gave in to his requests for a clearing of energies. I had to do it because he was my friend and that will make him “feel better.”
In his rational moments, Mario weighed his options and turned down all medical procedures. Mario had to do something so he had to explore non-medical options. One of the options was to have some kind of a healing modality. A reiki group was introduced to him by her wife’s sister. This reiki group confirmed it was “kulam” and that it can be healed. I closed my eyes in disbelief. Little did they know that this was a previous ailment that just made a comeback. If they were gifted people, how come they did not figure out that it was already there 11 years prior? Mario never revealed to them that he already had the disease. To augment the reiki healing, one of our friends suggested that he consult a very good Chinese doctor. There is no other way but to turn to another alternative medicine. For a while, Mario lost a lot of weight but he had regained his appetite and seemed to have turned around. Ellie would take pains in preparing the herbs to be boiled for Mario’s recovery. It was an act of sacrifice and love. But then nothing did really work. Mario’s condition turned for the worse until he could not take the pain anymore. We knew that was all that could be done. Until the dreaded day came when he could no longer recognize people and was in a state of shock and incoherent. His last days were spent under medication and sleeping. I watched with a grieving heart praying to God that He spare Mario from the pain. In our hearts, we hoped for an impossible miracle. And he died with his wife by the bedside. It was over. The pain was finally gone. Goodbye Mario. But the real pain had only just started. His leaving was more tragic than his death. *** Stargazer is a life coach, aura reader, psychic/clairvoyant, and lecturer on the paranormal. She uses the aura, energies & vibrations as focal points of her psychic readings. Using several techniques involving the psychological, spiritual, paranormal and her own experience of the intricacies of life, Stargazer makes one get in touch with his inner and understand life in a positive manner. Faith in God and belief in self is what Stargazer emphasizes on. Currently, Stargazer is a radio anchor of DZMM Teleradyo, the radio arm of ABS-CBN. Her show “Pinoy Vibes” has been airing every Sunday morning since Sept. 2007. She can be reached at stargazerphils@gmail. com. For more information, please visit http:// stargazer.ph/.
Lu
YOU have never seen the most outrageous and flamboyant outfits in your lifetime until you been to “the Met.” And guaranteed, it’s always bigger, bolder and crazier than the last time! Every year, the brightest stars of Hollywood gather (and by gather, I mean go crazy!) for a spectacular display of creativity, guts and out-of-this-world compliance to the event’s theme. The themes have ranged from Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, to Manus x Machina, Punk: Chaos to Couture and China: Through the Looking Glass. This year’s exhibition theme is Camp: Notes On Fashion. This gathering of theme-abiding guests is called the Met Gala. It is an annual fundraising event benefitting the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In accordance with the theme, “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” celebrities arrive in head-turning, over the top red carpet looks. This year’s gala was held on May 6th in New York City. Known as the biggest event on the fashion fundraising calendar, The Met Gala was founded by publicist Eleanor Lambert and was first held in 1948 to encourage donations from New York’s high society. In its modern incarnation, the most famous faces from the realms of fashion, film, music and art come together to raise money for the Met’s Costume Institute and celebrate the grand opening of its latest exhibition. The night is centered on the theme of the new exhibition. So, what celebrity would pass up the chance to give it their best shot at a legitimate high-profile costume party, even it means wearing a chandelier or posing with a severed head in your hand. True story. Let’s lead on with that scene, shall we? As previously mentioned, somebody went in and decided the best way to celebrate the theme is to walk around carrying “yourself.” That somebody is none other than Jared Leto who arrived with a mannequin of his own head, apparently inspired by Gucci’s Fall-Winter 2018 show, where the fashion house sent models down
the runway with heads. If that is not enough to “turn heads,” I don’t know what will. On second thought, I do. And that is by wearing four looks in one! She’s done it again! And still never ceases to stop anyone dead in their tracks. Lady Gaga truly knows her way around the Met Gala. With a long history of exaggerated looks, the woman is unstoppable! This year she showed up in a Russian nesting doll of a dress – revealing four outfits in one, each layered under the other, requiring a village (including designer Brandon Maxwell) to help her unveil each style. It started with a voluminous bright pink dress by Brandon Maxwell, she then stripped down to a black gown, pink slip dress and finally into a crystal bra and panties. Well played, Gaga. Well, played. Some of the subtler looks were Harry Styles’ flamenco-inspired, gender-fluid look designed by Gucci, and Rapper Cardi B’s dramatic burgundy gown that extended into a full quilted circular train. The dress, trimmed with feathers, was designed by Thom Browne and said to have taken more than 2,000 hours to make. Speaking of making a massive intricate dress, who can miss the 22-pound gold Oscar de la Renta dress that Celine Dion showed up in? I mean, hers took 53 master embroiders to build. That’s sheer work of art, right before your eyes! And that’s not the only one that caught our eye – featuring Janelle Monáe in the most eye-catching Christian Siriano dress. The pun was very much intended, thank you very much. Enormous angel wings or a spray-painted dress, Katy Perry always does the Met Gala theme like nobody’s business. This year was no surprise, but this is just epic!
Perry was a human chandelier! In case that wasn’t clear enough, she actually went as a life-sized chandelier complete with electric candles and dripping with crystals, designed by Moschino’s Jeremy Scott. As if that’s not theatrical enough, get this: a man was carried onto the red carpet by six shirtless men. Now, how is that for theatrics? That man is actor Billy Porter dresses in a gold bodysuit and matching headpiece that apparently can’t be shown in any other way but by being transported by six shirtless men. Well, there’s old-fashionedking-and-men-carrying-man sort of entrances and there’s a fairytale entrance by actress and singer, Zendaya, who wore a black Tommy Hilfiger gown, and walked up the stairs as her stylist, Law Roach, waved a wand and transformed her dress into a glowing version reminiscent of the iconic baby blue gown worn by Cinderella. And there you have it. The Met Gala scene of 2019 unraveled in 800 words or less. It’s like being in an alternate universe where people have an elaborate and intense definition of “dress to impress.” Either way, it was a great night and for a good cause. So, in my most theatrical tone and form, I am extending my congratulations for a successful event and immensely entertaining show. *** 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
B4 MAY 11-14, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Ultra Femme 360...
PAGE B3 more youthful state. Ultra Femme claims to tighten and raise the labia, decrease the diameter of the vaginal opening and canal and improve natural sensation and lubrication. Other benefits aside from rejuvenation of the vagina and entire vulvar and area, includes plumping of Labia Majora, lifting and firming of Labia Minora, tightening of Introitus (vaginal opening), tightening of Vaginal
Canal, tightening of Perineum, increased Blood Flow to clitoris and may decrease stress incontinence While most mothers confess that after giving birth, things just haven’t been the same down there, they’ve given up hope because vaginal rejuvenations usually included surgery, a painful recovery and a significant amount of downtime. Well, good news! This procedure is a great option for women who desire
non-surgical improvement of their intimate health. Plus, no anesthesia is required there is no downtime. The whole procedure is non-invasive, painless with a warm heat sensation. It requires no recovery time. You can easily have the treatment during your lunch break and return to your daily activities immediately. The procedure meets strict safety standards. The built-in Energy Flow Control system provides uniform heating during the therapy. This means that the treatment is typically without any discomfort, while the optimal amount of energy reaches the target tissue. Heating at lower temperatures compared to ablative lasers decreases risk for infection or discharge. And like all treatments, we tailor an individual plan based on your needs. Recommended number is 3 treatment sessions scheduled once a week. Patients have reported improvements after a single treatment session. The results will typically continue to improve over the therapy time and the follow up period. This latest technology is currently available at ISkin in West Hollywood and at Image Spa MD. We are one of few providers who have been using it and are getting excellent reviews from clients. As a mother and a woman, this is actually one of the best things that Technology has gifted mankind. And what better time to give yourself or the woman in your life this special gift but now. Head over to one of our clinics and get yourself, your mom or your wife “the best” mother’s day gift. iSkin is located at 8709 Beverly Blvd in West Hollywood, CA. qqwwasz MD is located at 9227 Haven Ave. Suite 120, Rancho Cucamonga, CA and 499 N El Camino Real, suite c200, Encinitas. Or you may call (424) 382-1002 for ISkin or (909) 989-8464 for Image Spa MD in Rancho Cucamonga. *** Imee is an established aesthetician, a business owner and a managing partner for Image Spa MD and CEO of Image Body SPA. She has a degree in Biology and Doctor of Dental Medicine. Image Spa is now one of the most reputable medical spa facilities in LA and has branches in Rancho Cucamonga and Encinitas for Image SPA MD and Image Body SPA-West Hollywood. Imee has been in the aesthetics industry for over 20 years. (Advertising Supplement)
Smiles and tears of motherhood
MOONLIGHTING by MYLAH DE
LEON
TO be a mother is not a trade. It is not even a duty. It is only one right among many. What an effort it will be to convince others of the fact. You’ll rarely be able to win, and will almost often lose. But you mustn’t get discouraged to fight, as it is better than to just win, and to travel is much beautiful than to arrive. What you feel is a great emptiness and once you’ve overcome that, you have to set out on your travels again, create new goals. There is something glorious about enclosing another life in your own body, in knowing yourself to be two instead of one, invaded by a sense of triumph and in the serenity accompanying that triumph. Nothing bothers you, neither physical pain you’ll have to face, nor the freedom you’ll have to give up. You’re deprived of fun, waistline and sleep…and it will be months before you’ll see your toes again. I remember feeling a calm, an almost celestial rightness. It was the happiest experience in my life. The first bundle of joy had soft silk hair and fingernails like tiny pearls. Her helplessness was her security that exacted a vow “I will love this baby forever.” The second was the greatest gift of my life, made me short of renouncing all my earthly possessions, cutting off contact with friends and loved ones, as my life ceased and the new one began. The third one was a perfect specimen that had to be held constantly because she whimpered and wailed, depriving me of sleep, waistline and fun with all her consuming needs. And while the fourth baby is not the big deal as the first one because she was almost a “caboose,” I’d throw myself in front of a train (putting Anna Karenina to shame) to spare this baby a single moment of pain or despair. These fascinating creatures changed remarkably from week to week, month to month, from squirming little bundles to walking, talking little women, each
Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS THE old cliché that health is wealth is timeless, always pertinent and relevant and a scientific truth many of us have taken for granted…until we later discover (sometimes too late) that, indeed, health is truly wealth. Steve Wynn, 77, with a net worth of $3 billion, owns six 5-star casinos in Las Vegas and one in Macau. He is “going blind” from his incurable retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative disease of the eyes. He would surely be happy to give away one or two of his casinos (Bellagio, Mirage, Treasure Island, Wynn, Encore, Wynn Macau) to any one who could cure his illness and bring back his health. There are other countless rich and famous who would have gladly paid millions to get a cure for their cancers or other deadly diseases, which had prematurely ended their life and stopped them from earning more. Yes, indeed, health is wealth, a personal commodity we cannot afford to lose, a treasure we must protect and nurture with care. Below are some queries from our readers I have collected and grouped together by topics with my reply: Do we really have bacteria in our hands? Unwashed hands have about 3,200 bacteria from 150 different species. Yes, that’s no typo: 3,200. Surprised! Among them are Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Staphylococcus wameri, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staph aureus, and Enterobacter cloacae, S. hominis, coryneform bacteria, and the fungus Pityrosporum Malassezia, etc. How dirty is money? Money is definitely dirty and I am not figuratively talking about plundered money by amoral politicians or drug blood money. Coins and paper money have tons of germs, like those found in human hands, plus E.coli (from toilet users who do not wash their hands). Money goes around millions of times from person to person in the same city, other cities or States, or even countries. And not all persons are hygienic. There are over 100 strains of bacteria on dollar bills circulating around. Two of them are Propronibacterium acnes (acne-causing bacterium) and Streptococcus oralis found in the mouth. In some paper bills traces of cocaine are found on about 80 percent of them in some major
“What matters is what I have now. I live and feel the way my mother showed me,” the writer says of her relationship with her mother.
with a distinct personality that took me to a rollercoaster ride of joys and worries ahead but survived it all by trusting only instincts. It seemed only 15 minutes from the time I gave the morning formula, and there they were at the school cafeteria, giggling over lunch, but would sit up straight prim and proper even more, whenever an Assumption Convent nun would surface. And in another minute, I’ve watched them in helpless bafflement and grief when a pair of their Siamese cats died, their wailings unendurable. As a novice mother then, whose whole focus had been the arrival of the baby, I was in for a rude awakening as one discovered the downside, caring for an infant and its countless demands through dilemma, fatigue, screaming bouts with the mate; marital communications was now sliding. No one told me I should be fluid that I should re-fuel, accept “support” (from grandmothers, aunts, helpful friends and relatives). The transition to motherhood when you become responsible for another human life is forever-changing as priorities were filled with unfounded anxiety. One’s expectations don’t match reality. It was fraught with peril and confusion. There were times when you felt you live only to serve your child, trapped in a loss of time and freedom and form. I exercised and fancied myself that my body would return and the stretch marks would go away — and it did, after 22 years (the age difference between me and no. 1). You see, my first knowledge of the world about life came to me through my senses as they were directed by my mother. She was the first one I saw, the first thing I felt, the first thing upon which I depended for security the day I was born, when everything made
me cry…in a desperate wail about hunger, light, anger. There never was a woman like her, gentle as a dove, brave as a lioness. Her memory and her teachings were after all the only capital I have made my way. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Thinking of her is an unsettling emotion that never dissipates, because it forms questions that have no easy or apparent answers and the earth will never be the same when she died. I missed her till I ached, and I missed her complete love for the family anchored in the dictum, “Love one another” by giving all, asking little and accepting less. She was a rich and treasured gift from God, who taught us what real love means, sharing the hurts, hopes, joys and homecomings, when her daughters, all five of us grew older and went on our separate ways. She said love was staying when it would be easier to leave, defending when others accused, holding on when you’re tempted to let go. And most importantly, is letting go when you desperately want to hold on. The full blessing of Mother’s Day is in the fact that it brings to all men – some belatedly, a few almost too late for peace of mind — real understanding of the richness and nobility of a precious thing even the least of us had for her own and the only kind of love that grows on separation is when our children grow away. This weekend, on Mother’s Day, it is their turn to give memories and, not take them away. I have tried to do the same for them. I hope they are good and meaningful memories. I have watched all my daughters grow up… now they are watching their mother grow old, so why am I crying? *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.com
Is health really wealth?
cities, and also traces of amphetamines, heroin, morphine, and peoples’ DNA. How often should we wash our hands? The rule of thumb is at least 8 times a day: Before and after each meal (6), after using the bathroom (at least twice). Added to this are hand washing following activities such as cooking, gardening, house cleaning (indoor and outdoor). Touching handrails, door knobs, other surfaces in public areas also contaminate our hands. If you are washing your hands less than 8 times a day, then you are allowing those 3,200 germs to thrive and contaminate food you eat with your bare hands. Surgeons scrub their hand for no less than 10 minutes by the clock, using germicidal soap solution, followed by alcohol wash, to prevent infection in their patients. Are hand sanitizers better than soap and water? No. Hand washing with regular soap and water even for 10 seconds is much better. The idea is to reduce the “dose” (number of bacteria) in the hands to allow our own immune system to fight the remaining few bugs. This is the same principle in surgical scrubs. After 10 minute scrub, surgeons hands could still have a few remaining bacteria. Hence, the added alcohol wash and use of sterile gloves. If hand washing in public places is not possible, hand sanitizers are acceptable temporary substitutes. Remember, these solutions are harsh drying agents. Use of skin lotion helps. Can measles be transmitted by hands? The main mode of transmission of the measles virus is by droplet (particles of virus floating in the air from patient’s breath inhaled by others) but this virus could also thrive on surfaces (tables, chair, spoons, etc) and records show that the examining room could still be infectious two hours after the measles patient has left. If you touch any surface with infected droplets, and touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, you could get infected yourself if you are not vaccinated, and spread the virus to other people by contact also. By the way, the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella, or German Measles) vaccines are protective for at least 20 years, but others get lifetime immunity from them. If in doubt, get tested for antibody, to find out if you are still immune. If not, re-vaccination is recommended, because measles could have deadly complications. How much bacteria are in our mouth? Yes, all orifices and our entire
body have germs. As long as our protective skin and mucosa (shiny lining membrane of the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, etc) and skin are intact, no bacteria can get in and cause infection. Those who do oral hygiene have about 1,000 to 100,000 bacteria on EACH tooth, and those who do not, have between 100 million to one billion on EACH tooth. More than 700 varying strains of germs have been detected in human mouth. At any given moment, there are between 34 to 200 species of germs in our mouth. Most are harmless and are beneficial bacteria which act as probiotics to help in the digestion. Others cause tooth and gum diseases. What causes bad breath? Bad breath or halitosis comes from sulfur gas, which is produced when bacteria in the mouth act on protein that is in saliva and in the decaying foods (especially meats). The Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) are resistant to many mouth washes, except to Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide which comes in various brand names here and abroad, and which are effective, in together with brushing and flossing at least 3 times a day. Some mouth rinse solutions only mask the odor but Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide actually neutralizes VSCs and garlic breath, etc. Brushing alone is not enough; food stuck between the teeth, especially meat, rot over time. The halitosis, if neglected, could be so severe as to smell like decaying dead animals. Gross, indeed. How many times should we brush our teeth? Brushing (meticulously) and dental flossing after each meal including snacks, followed by a mouth rinse that contains Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide, plus regular dental check-up at least every 6 months, provide good oro-dental health. Dental and gum diseases increase the risk for cardiovascular illnesses, which include heart attack and stroke. Any inflammation in the body is bad for overall health. These two habits (hand-washing and comprehensive oral hygiene) are wise investments that yield great dividends. Health is a priceless wealth. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com (Advertising Supplement)
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 11-14, 2019
B
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
COMMUNITY Journal
Brother Richard Fernando, a young Filipino Jesuit on the road to sainthood ANOTHER Filipino might become a canonized saint! His name is Richard “Richie” Fernando, a 26-year-old Jesuit brother who died saving the lives of his Cambodian students in 1996. According to Catholic News Agency, Father Antonio Moreno, head of the Jesuits of the Philippines, had received permission to begin the initial work of opening the cause for canonization of Brother Richard. His life and death fit Pope Francis’ new criteria for canonization, which includes a free and voluntary offering of one’s life for others in situations that will lead to death. According to Rome Reports, Pope Francis decreed this fourth path in an apostolic letter dated July 11 in the form of a motu proprio (or, a decree on his own initiative) titled “Maiorem hac dilectionem,” meaning “greater love that this.” The pope wrote: “Worthy of special consideration and honor are those Christians who, following more closely the footsteps and teachings of the Lord Jesus, have voluntarily and freely offered their life for others and have persevered with this determination unto death.” Aleteia news wrote a statement from a Facebook group called Friends of Bro. Richie R. Fernando. The young Jesuit “chose to be a missionary in Cambodia, so as to help war victims, mangled by landmines, to start anew through vocational training. He also made them feel that they are loved and that there is still hope in a world deranged by secularism.” Alateia reported that on October 17, 1996, Brother Richard “Richie” Fernando was killed after he tried to stop a troubled student named Sarom from re-
became a missionary in Cambodia to work among the destitute The children so that they may feel God’s love and find hope and diProphetic rection through faith, education Voice and vocational training. Second, Brother Richie manifested the spirit of the Good Shepherd. He, ReveRend himself, gave his life through Rodel G. BalaGtas death to protect God’s sheep, the Cambodian children under leasing a grenade in a school his care. Because of this marfor the disabled in Cambodia. tyrdom, Brother Richard’s life Brother Fernando grabbed the never perished. He’s now in the student and shielded him and Father’s hands and might be on the road to sainthood. As Jesus said in this Sunday’s Gospel (John 10:27-30), “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” Let’s thank God for the launching of the sainthood cause for Brother Richard Fernando. Let’s praise God for the life and martyrdom that this young Filipino Jesuit brother witnessed to the Church. Like him, may our lives be offerings to God be they in small or heroic sacrifices. Amen. others from the explosion. *** In his diary, CNA reported, Brother Richie wrote: “I wish, From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverwhen I die, people remember end Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to not how great, powerful, or tal- the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary ented I was, but that I served in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at and spoke for the truth, I gave St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); witness to what is right, I was St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. sincere in all my works and ac- Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1991tions, in other words, I loved and 2001). In 2001, he served as Adminisfollowed Christ.” trator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in The Gospel on the Good Shep- Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment herd this Sunday connects well as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, with the life and death of Broth- Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 er Richie. First, knowing and years. His term as Associate Director following the voice of Jesus, the of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Good Shepherd, Brother Richie Seminary began in July 2014.
“The Gospel on the Good Shepherd this Sunday connects well with the life and death of Brother Richie. First, knowing and following the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Brother Richie became a missionary in Cambodia to work among the destitute children so that they may feel God’s love and find hope and direction through faith, education and vocational training.”
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 11-14, 2019
C
DON'T FILE BANKRUPTCY )LPUN PU KLI[ JHU IL Z[YLZZM\S HUK TVZ[ WLVWSL KVU [ RUV^ ^OLYL [V [\YU MVY OLSW 0 VMMLY H MYLL OV\Y JVUZ\S[H[PVU [V JHYLM\SS` YL]PL^ `V\Y ZP[\H[PVU HUK OLSW `V\ THRL [OL YPNO[ KLJPZPVU MVY `V\YZLSM HUK `V\Y MHTPS` r *9,+0; *(9+ +,);: r :;<+,5; 36(5: r 469;.(., 796)3,4: r 3(>:<0;: 1<+.4,5;: r 09: ;(? 796)3,4: >(., .(950:/4,5;: r )(529<7;*@ */(7;,9 -69 469, 05-6 =0:0;! >>> )<3(653(> *64
MORE THAN 5,000 CASES -Ê- Ê"
/ iÊ « Ê Õ Ì޽à "°Ê£Ê /Ê, Ê 8* ,/t
>L HYL H KLI[ YLSPLM HNLUJ` \UKLY MLKLYHS SH^ 0M ULJLZZHY` ^L OLSW JSPLU[Z VI[HPU KLI[ YLSPLM \UKLY [OL )HURY\W[J` *VKL
C MAY 11-14, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Tax Tips Victor Sy, cPA, MBA
THE estate tax is a levy on your right to transfer property at your death. The gift tax is a tax on transfers made during your life. Estate Tax and Gift Tax are unified (meaning integrated) into one tax system. The federal Estate and Gift Tax impose a tax on transferring assets: The Gift tax catches transfers made during your life while the Estate tax catches transfers at death. Transfers while you are alive and at your death are combined and subjected to one progressive tax. How fitting to remember these two characters that we cannot avoid – death and taxes – during tax season. Old law: Old law exempted the first $5 million of transferred property from estate and gift tax. For estates of decedents dying and gifts made in 2018, this “basic exclusion amount” as adjusted for in-
Tapat Sa Batas Atty. rheA SAMSon NOONG isang linggo ay aking tinalakay ang pagkuha ng green card sa pamamagitan ng employment-based (EB) petitions. Ngayon naman ay aking tatalakayin ang pagkuha ng green card sa pamamagitan ng family-based petitions. Ang green card ay maaaring makuha sa petition ng isang miyembro ng pamilya ng isang US citizen (USC) o green card holder/lawful permanent resident (LPR). Ang USC ay maaaring mag-petition ng mga sumusunod: (1) asawa; (2) binata o dalagang anak na wala pang 21 taong gulang; (3) binata o dalagang anak na higit na sa 21 taong gulang; (4) anak na may asawa; (5) kapatid, kung ang USC ay may 21 taong gulang na; (6) magulang, kung ang USC ay may 21 taong gulang na. Ang LPR ay maaaring magpetition ng mga sumusunod: (1) asawa; (2) binata o dalagang anak na wala pang 21 taong gulang; (3) binata o dalagang anak na higit na sa 21 taong gulang. Ang mga beneficiary ay binibigyan ng kategorya para
Community Journal
Changes to the estate and gift tax exemption flation would have been $5.6 million ($11.2 million for a married couple) with proper planning and estate administration allowing the unused portion of a deceased spouse’s exclusion to be added to that of the surviving spouse (portability). New law: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) temporarily doubles the amount that can be excluded from these transfer taxes. For decedents dying and gifts made from 2018 through 2025, the Act doubles the base estate and gift tax exemption amount from $5 million to $10 million. Indexing for post-2011 inflation brings this amount to approximately $11.2 million for 2018, and $22.4 million per married couple, with some basic portability techniques. Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST): A related transfer tax, called the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) tax, is designed to prevent avoidance of estate and gift taxes
by skipping transfers to the next successive generation. The Act doesn’t specifically mention generation-skipping transfers, but since the GST exemption amount is based on the basic exclusion amount, generation-skipping transfers will also benefit from the post-2017 increased exclusion. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Green card through family sa pagkuha ng immigrant visa ayon sa immigration preference system sapagkat may limitadong numero ang mga immigrant visa bawat taon, maliban lamang sa mga “immediate relative” ng USC. Ang mga “immediate relative” ay magulang, asawa, at mga binata at dalagang anak na wala pang 21 taong gulang ng USC. Ang ibang beneficiary ay kailangang maghintay ng visa number para sa kanilang green card ayon sa sumusunod na mga preference: First preference (F1): Binata o dalagang anak ng USC na higit na sa 21 taon gulang; Second preference-A (F2A): Asawa ng LPR, mga binata at dalagang anak na wala pang 21 taong gulang ng LPR; Second preference-B (F2B): Mga binata at dalagang anak na higit na sa 21 taong gulang ng LPR; Third preference (F3): Anak na may asawa ng USC; Fourth preference (F4): Mga kapatid ng USC. Ang USC o LPR ay kailangang mag-file ng I-130 Immigrant Petition para sa beneficiary. Kapag ito ay naaprubahan na, ang mga hindi immediate relative ay kailangang maghintay ng visa number para ipagpatuloy ang proseso ng kanilang green card. Ayon sa May 2019 Visa Bulletin, ang maaari nang iproseso para
sa mga family-based petition sa may country of chargeability na PHILIPPINES ay ang sumusunod: F1: 15 April 2008; F2A: 08 January 2018; F2B: 15 May 2008; F3: 01 October 1997; F4: 15 February 1998. Ang kasal ng isang binata o dalagang anak ng USC o LPR bago siya makakuha ng green card ay may epekto sa kanyang immigrant petition. Kung ang binata o dalagang anak ng LPR (F2A o F2B) ay nag-asawa, mawawalang bisa na ang immigrant petition para sa kanya. Ito ay dahil ang LPR ay maaari lamang mag-petition ng anak na binata o dalaga. Kung ang binata o dalagang anak naman ng USC na walang pang 21 taong gulang (immediate relative) ay nag-asawa, siya ay magiging F3 category na – madadagdagan ng mahigit 20 taon ang kanyang paghihintay para sa availability ng immigrant visa. Kung ang binata o dalagang anak naman ng USC na higit na sa 21 taong gulang (F1) ay nag-asawa, siya ay magiging F3 category na – madadagdagan ng mahigit 10 taon ang kanyang paghihintay para sa availability ng immigrant visa. Dahil dito, marami ang nagtatago ng kanilang kasal at nagsisinungaling sa mga Immigration
u PAGE C3
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Bankruptcy: You can’t change the past, only the future
Minding Your Finances Atty. rAyMond BulAon THIS is one thing I hear from people all the time: “If you ask me, I really hate doing this but I feel I have no choice.” Of course, no one ever wakes up one morning and decide to just file bankruptcy without seriously thinking it over. Usually, people spend a lot of time going over this option in their head before deciding and the questions seem endless. What will happen to me and my family if I file bankruptcy? Can I keep my home, car, and other assets? Is this going to ruin me forever? How long will the bankruptcy stay on my credit? Even picking up the phone to call an attorney can be a scary thing for most people because they have never had to deal with the legal system or any court their entire life. That’s understandable when you are dealing with something you are not familiar with. However, waiting too long to seek legal help can also backfire. Property can be lost. Creditors may get the upper hand and take advantage of the fact that you don’t know your legal rights. I always tell people that bankruptcy laws were created to protect people, not hurt them. This is one area of the law where you can use the legal system to your advantage if you really need help.
A lot of people who file for debt relief also go through a wide range of emotions. Most of them, of course, are relieved to find out that they do not need to struggle with their debt problems anymore and that they could finally start over. Life becomes normal once again. They don’t need to be afraid of picking up the phone anymore or opening their mailbox not knowing what they may find. Finally, these people can open a bank account again and start saving for the future. As I said, a lot of people who end up filing for Bankruptcy usually do so as a last resort. Deciding to file right away may not be the best thing to do in some situations. In other cases, it is necessary to file immediately in order to protect property, wages, bank accounts and other assets from being taken by creditors. An experienced Bankruptcy attorney should be consulted without delay when there are doubts as to when a case should be filed. This is especially true when you have a lot of assets that may be at risk if creditors file lawsuits. Once a creditor obtains a judgment, that creditor may proceed to place a lien against property that you own, garnish your wages or clean out your bank accounts. Listen to me! You may be broke, but you don’t have to be broken. If you are honestly doing your best to pay your creditors but simply can’t, the law provides a remedy for your situ-
ation. Being bankrupt is not a conscious choice that people make but rather a negative consequence of poor financial decisions that have already been made in the past. But the past is gone and life must go on. If you’ve made some mistakes (who hasn’t?) in the past, be willing to accept responsibility for where you are, forgive yourself and then move on. Accept the fact that you may need to file bankruptcy even if you don’t want to- if that’s your only hope of starting over. When appropriate, Bankruptcy may allow you to turn your situation around and help you get your life back on track. I have seen countless cases where Bankruptcy relief helped people save their businesses, their homes, their property and even their marriages. Our office can provide you a free confidential evaluation of your situation to determine whether Bankruptcy relief may help. To schedule an appointment please call TOLL FREE 1866-477-7772. I have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)
A disparity in monthly payments to discharge credit cards A HIGH-income earner only pays $400 per month to discharge $130,000 in credit cards, while another, who lost her job, must pay $700 per month to discharge $40,000 in credit cards. Why is there a disparity? The first client is a senior who still earns $120,000 a year, as a registered nurse but owes $130,000 of credit cards. The second client is also a senior who just lost her job as an accountant and now relies on social security of $2,000 a month. At first glance, you would think that the first senior who makes $120,000 a year should be paying more because, not only is her income high at $10,000 a month, she also owes a significant amount of credit cards at $130K. The minimum monthly payment on $130,000 of credit cards is at least $4,000 a month. That’s $48,000 a year of just interest payments. In 10 years, she would have paid $480,000 credit card masters, yet she would still owe the slave owners the same $130,000 of principal! This first client is 62. When she came to see me the first time, she was visibly stressed out. No kidding. Her face was contorted literally and she looked pale. Her husband could no longer work. He had a stroke a while back and just couldn’t get back to his former self. So he just stays home and takes it easy. The client still works a lot of overtime and, with overtime her gross income is $13,000 a month. But she says
Debt Relief
Atty. lAwrence yAng that she can’t work overtime anymore due to deteriorating health. Her regular pay is $10,000 without overtime. Without the overtime income, there’s no way she can set aside $4,000 a month to for minimum credit card payments. It’s time to break free from the chains of slavery to debt. It’s likely that if she kept on working with overtime, she would have a heart attack, and nobody wants that. As I said many times before, what you owe your creditors is money. You absolutely do not owe them your life. I had a client who was 55. He was a professional and well known in his field of endeavor. He grossed $500,000 a year. That’s right, half a million dollars was his yearly income from his profession. He also invested in some business venture that started losing money and that starting requiring him to cover the losses. First he had to cover losses of $5,000 a month, then $10,000 a month, then $20,000 a month. That was draining him financially and emotionally. He had retained me for bankruptcy reorganization and I thought everything
was going well. But a day before he was to come to sign the bk petition, he killed himself. I regret to say that I never told him that he should take it easy because what he owed his creditors was money, not his life. So now I say to you, if you have accumulated debt, take it easy, we can get rid of those burdensome debts that weigh you down every day of your life with Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Don’t even think of killing yourself, it’s not worth it. Think of how your family will survive without you to take care of them. Come and see me instead and we will discuss how we can make your life easier and make your productive again by getting rid of those nasty debts. Going back to our high-income client who owes $130,000 of credit cards that needs $4,000 a month of minimum monthly payments, she owns a new house with $90,000 of equity. The house is worth about $500,000 and her mortgage balance is $410,000 so that makes her equity in the house $90,000. The entire $90,000 is within the homestead exemption of $100,000, so if her income was a lot less than $120,000 — let’s just say if her income were only $80,000 a year — she would straight out qualify for Chapter 7 and be able to discharge the entire $130,000 of credit cards without a single payment. But given her income of
u PAGE C3
How to obtain custody and visitation rights for unmarried dads
ESTABLISHING parentage rights for Moms is a lot easier than establishing one for unmarried Dads. Moms can establish this by simply showing proof of her having given birth to the child. Family Code 7610. Establishing parentage rights, including custody and visitation rights, becomes more problematic with unmarried Dads because proving yourself as the biological father does not automatically make you the natural father of the child. Under the family code, there are competing presumptions of paternity which allows the non biological father to be deemed the natural father of the child. A typical situation is when boyfriend gets girlfriend pregnant. Girlfriend for some reason decides to exclude boyfriend from baby’s life so she breaks up with boyfriend, does not give the boyfriend any information about her delivery, and does not state the boyfriend as the father in the birth certificate or decides to name someone else as the father. Girlfriend does this because her parents disapprove of the ex boyfriend. One way a presumption of Paternity is created is by executing a voluntary declaration of paternity. A Voluntary declarations executed before 1997 give rise to a conclusive presumption of paternity and can be overcome only by blood or genetic tests ordered on noticed motion by the mother or presumed father must
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth urSuA reyeS be made within three years of the date of execution of the voluntary declaration Family.Code. 7576; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W. (2009) 175 CA4th 1119, 1133, 95 CR3d
“shall be recognized as a basis for the establishment of an order for child custody, visitation, or child support.” Family .Code 7573, 7644; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W., supra, 175 CA4th at 1132, 95 CR3d at 485; In re J.L. (2008) 159 CA4th 1010, 1019, 72 CR3d 27, 33. Another way of establishing presumed father status is if you fall under any of the categories listed (a) to (f) under family code 7611: (a) He and the child’s natural mother are or have been married to each other and the child is born during the marriage, or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce, or after a judgment of separation is entered by a court. (b) Before the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have attempted to marry each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true: (1) If the attempted marriage could be declared invalid only by a court, the child is born during the attempted marriage, or within 300 days after its termination by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce. (2) If the attempted marriage is invalid without a court order, the child is born within 300 days
“Procedurally, the ex boyfriend should file a Petition for Parentage as soon as the child is born. While the case is pending, the ex boyfriend may seek temporary visitation order although this may be on a limited or even monitored basis.” 477, 485 If the voluntary declaration of paternity is executed after 1996, it is not characterized as a conclusive presumption. Instead, it “shall establish the paternity of a child and shall have the same force and effect as a judgment for paternity issued by a court of competent jurisdiction” and trumps 7611 presumptions discussed below. A post 1996 voluntary declaration of paternity
u PAGE C3
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Community Journal
Reporting misconduct at work? The law protects you against retaliation!
JASON Briley worked as a Deputy Fire Marshal for the City of West Covina for 9 years. During his tenure, Briley discovered that the city violated multiple Fire Code Regulations. He also found that the city accepted money from a developer, and issued a building permit before the Fire Dept. had approved the building plans. After several complaints, he finally reported the City Manager and Fire Chief to the city’s Human Resources Department. Briley’s complaints led to an investigation against the City Manager and Fire Chief. Immediately after his complaints, Briley received negative performance evaluation. He was investigated for allegedly treating people rudely, and was then recommended for termination by the Fire Chief he accused of misconduct. Briley sued the city for wrongful termination based on whistleblower retaliation. He claimed that he was terminated for reporting the Fire Code violations involving the City Manager and Fire Chief. The city countered that Briley was terminated because he was rude to members of the public, city employees and that he had lied to an investigator. The case went to trial, and after deliberating for three hours, the jury returned a verdict in favor of Briley, awarding him $4,003,000 in damages. An employee who challenges an employer’s illegal conduct may face demotion or termination. If this is the case,
Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. the employer’s conduct constitutes unlawful retaliation. In a retaliation claim, an employee must prove that she/he engaged in protected activity. Engaging in “protected activity” means that the employee must oppose a practice which is forbidden by law (e.g. not paying overtime or not complying with safety laws). The complaint may be internal and made to managers or officers in the company. Or the complaint could be external and made to government agencies. Additionally, courts have held that “protected activity” includes complaints or opposition to conduct the employee “reasonably” and in “good faith” believes to be unlawful, even if the conduct is not actually prohibited under the law. When engaging in a protected activity, such as requesting wage payments due or complaining about safety issues, employees should document their claims. Some employees may think that anonymity protects them. However, the opposite is true. Presenting written complaints in a professional manner, will make it harder for the employer to ignore. More importantly, it creates a record that will later be reviewed to determine the true reasons why any action was taken against the employee.
California’s Whistleblower Protection Act protects whistleblowing employees from retaliation by their employers. An employer shall not retaliate against an employee for providing information to a government or law enforcement agency, where the employee reasonably believes that a violation of law has occurred. The employer cannot also retaliate against an employee who refuses to participate in activities that violate the law. The law protecting whistleblowers was expanded to cover employees who complain within a company about unlawful practices. It also applies to cases where the employee truly believed the conduct they complained about was unlawful, even if it was not. Employees who prove they were retaliated and wrongfully terminated may recover loss of earnings, emotional distress, and in certain cases, attorneys’ fees and costs, and punitive damages. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 2910088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com” www.joesayaslaw.com. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas in 2018.] (Advertising Supplement)
Green card through family
PAGE C2 t
Officer para hindi magbago ang kanilang preference category. Ito ay hindi maipapayo sapagkat ang katotohanan ay mabubunyag din sa hinaharap na panahon. Family unification is an important principle under US Immigration Laws. The family-based immigrant category allows US citizens (USC) and green card holders/lawful permanent residents (LPR) to petition family members to the US. The USC may petition the following: (1) spouse; (2) unmarried children under 21 years old; (3) unmarried son or daughter over 21 years old; (4) married son or daughter; (5) brother or sister, if USC is at least 21 years old; (6) parent, if USC is at least 21 years old. The LPR may petition the following: (1) spouse; (2) unmarried children below 21 years old; (3) unmarried son or daughter over 21 years old. The beneficiaries are classified into categories based on a preference system except for immediate relatives of USCs – parents, spouses, and unmarried children below 21 years old. The family members in the preference categories must wait for a visa number to become available according to the following preferences:
First preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters over 21 years old of USC; Second preference-A (F2A): Spouses of LPR and unmarried children below 21 years old of LPR; Second preferenceB (F2B): Unmarried sons and daughters over 21 years old of LPR; Third preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of USC; Fourth preference (F4): Brothers and Sisters of USC. The USC or LPR has to file an I-130 Immigrant Petition for the beneficiary. Once it is approved, those in the preference categories need to wait for a visa number to continue the immigrant visa process. According to the May 2019 Visa Bulletin, the following family-based petitions with the country of chargeability, PHILIPPINES may be processed: F1: 15 April 2008; F2A: 08 January 2018; F2B: 15 May 2008; F3: 01 October 1997; F4: 15 February 1998. The marriage of a child of a USC or LPR will have an effect on the immigrant petition. If the child of the LPR gets married, he becomes ineligible for green card as an LPR can only petition his unmarried child. If the unmarried child below 21 years old of a USC (Immediate relative) gets married, his category will then become F3 – there will be an ad-
How to obtain custody and visitation... PAGE C2 t after the termination of cohabitation. (c) After the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have married, or attempted to marry, each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true: (1) With his consent, he is named as the child’s father on the child’s birth certificate. (2) He is obligated to support the child under a written voluntary promise or by court order. (d) He receives the child into his home and openly holds out the child as his natural child. (e) If the child was born and resides in a nation with which the United States engages in an Orderly Departure Program or successor program, he acknowledges that he is the child’s father in a declaration under penalty of perjury, as specified in Section 2015.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure. This subdivision shall remain in effect only until January 1, 1997, and on that date shall become inoperative. (f) The child is in utero after the death of the decedent and the conditions set forth in Section 249.5 of the Probate Code are satisfied. An alleged biological father who does not meet any of the 7611 conditions for presumed father status has no constitutionally-protected “liberty interest” in establishing a parentage relationship with a child as against the rights of a presumptive father who has an extant parentage relationship with the child. Dawn D. v. Super.Ct. (Jerry K.) (1998)
17 C4th 932, 940–942, 72 CR2d 871, 876–877 The facts get even more complicated if the girlfriend, whom boyfriend gets pregnant is married to another man because the law provides a conclusive presumption of paternity to the husband of the girlfriend. Under Family Code 7540, the child of a wife cohabiting at time of conception with her husband, who is not impotent or sterile, is “conclusively” presumed to be a child of the marriage. This conclusive presumption may be challenged by showing that the husband was sterile. It may also be challenged by filing a motion for blood or genetic testing under Family Code 7541 but this has to be done within 2 years of the child’s birth. In addition, only persons with standing can bring this motion which is limited to the husband, child, mother and a presumed father as listed in Family Code 7611 and 7612. Even absent a recognized rebuttal, the court has discretion as a matter of due process not to apply 7540 conclusive presumption of paternity when it would not further the statute’s underlying policies of preserving the integrity and stability of an extant marital family, protecting children from the stigma of “illegitimacy,” and promoting individual rather than State responsibility for child support ... as where the ostensible 7540 presumptive father never developed a parental relationship with the child and the only established parent-child relationship is with a third person. Brian C. v. Ginger K. (2000) 77 CA4th 1198, 1200–1201, 92 CR2d 294, 296; In re Kiana A. (2001) 93 CA4th 1109, 1115, 113
CR2d 669, 675. Procedurally, the ex boyfriend should file a Petition for Parentage as soon as the child is born. While the case is pending, the ex boyfriend may seek temporary visitation order although this may be on a limited or even monitored basis. If successful in proving parentage, the ex boyfriend may be granted custody and visitation rights. However, the ex boyfriend would also have the obligation of paying child support based on California guidelines. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail “mailto:kenneth@kenreyeslaw. com” kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
C
Can I get a green card if I have a previous marriage petition denied based on fraud? DEAR Attorney Tan, I recently married a US Citizen, who is my second husband. He has filed an immigrant visa petition and green card application for me. My husband recently received from USCIS a Notice of Intent to Deny the petition that he filed on my behalf. The Notice indicated that the immigrant visa petition could not be approved since the USCIS had determined that I previously entered into a fraudulent marriage to get a green card several years ago. My ex-husband previously filed an immigrant petition on my behalf several years ago, which was denied since USCIS determined that I only married him to get a green card. My second husband and I truly love each other. What are my options? -- In Love but Out of Status Dear In Love but Out of Status, Under INA Section 204(c), a person who “attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage” in order to receive permanent resident status in the US is prohibited from obtaining USCIS approval of an immigrant visa petition. Simply stated, Section 204(c) prohibits approval of any immigrant visa petition if there has been a finding of “marriage fraud” in a prior marriagebased petition. Based on the above law, your case seems at first glance like an “open-and-shut” case in favor of denial. However, you still have hope of getting a green card—a person can apply for and get his immigrant petition
Legal Advice Atty. DArriCk tAn approved despite the prior finding of “marriage fraud” under certain circumstances. You may ask, how is this possible? Isn’t Section 204(c) straightforward? Not quite. The answer lies in the fact that USCIS must independently examine the prior finding of “marriage fraud” in considering the subsequently filed immigrant visa petition. Before invoking the Sec. 204(c) bar to approval of a subsequent visa petition, USCIS must make an independent determination of fraud based upon the record, including but not limited to any evidence gathered during adjudication of the prior visa petition, but may not parrot or rely on the conclusions made by other adjudicators. USCIS must have “substantial and probative” evidence of “marriage fraud.” Matter of Tawfik, 20 I. & N. Dec. 166, 168. The determination is to be made by the USCIS district director while adjudicating the subsequent visa petition. Matter of Samsen, 15 I. & N. Dec. 28, 1974 WL 29995 (B.I.A. 1974). The district director should not give conclusive effect to the determinations made in the prior proceedings, but should reach his own independent conclusion
based on the evidence actually before him. Matter of F-, 9 I. & N. Dec. 684 (BIA 1962). Therefore, in cases such as yours in which the USCIS has indicated it intends to deny the subsequent immigrant visa petition due to the prior finding of “marriage fraud,” new evidence can be submitted that demonstrates that the prior finding of “marriage fraud” was incorrect—i.e., evidence that shows that the prior marriage petition was based on a bona fide marriage, or that explains that the prior denial was based on an incomplete or inaccurate assessment of the facts. In cases in which the subsequent immigrant visa petition has already been denied, this new evidence should be submitted as part of a motion to reconsider. I recommend that you seek an experienced attorney to assist you in properly presenting the law and facts to the USCIS adjudicator to address the Section 204(c) bar. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
A disparity in monthly payments... PAGE C2 t
$120,000, she does have some disposable income under the means test. The means test shows that she has a disposable income of at least $400/month. This means that she will have to pay this amount for 60 months or five years. After completing the plan payments, she would have paid $24,000, or 18 percent of $130,000 of credit cards. The court will discharge the difference between $130,000 and *** $24,000, or $106,000. In other ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is a Partner at words, she doesn’t have to pay LINDAIN & SAMSON LAW FIRM. Atty. the $106,000 anymore; the court Lindain and Atty. Samson are both licensed to practice law in California and in the Philippines. Both Attorneys were also professors. LINDAIN & SAMSON LAW FIRM aims to provide excellent and efficient legal representation to clients, and support clients in achieving their goals and dreams. As professors, Atty. Lindain and Atty. Samson wish to educate the younger generation, as it is through education and continuous study that one can achieve success and serve others. Please visit our office: LINDAIN & SAMSON LAW FIRM 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90010 Call or text us: (213) 381.5710 Email us: attorneys@lindainsamsonlaw. com. (Advertising Supplement)
ditional visa wait period for him of over 20 years. If the unmarried son or daughter over 21 years old of a USC gets married, his category will shift from F1 to F3 - there will be an additional visa wait period of over 10 years. Because of this, some beneficiaries conceal their marriage and lie to Immigration Officers. This is not advisable as eventually the truth will come out.
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 11-14, 2019
will just wipe it out to give her a new start in life without the $130,000 of credit card debt. The second senior is a 68year-old accountant. She grossed $80,000 a year up to last month. She got downsized. Now she relies only on social security of $2,000 a month. The problem is she owes $40,000 of credit cards, which need $1,200 a month of minimum monthly payments. She owns a house and the mortgage payment is $1,500. So, you can see there is now a mathematical problem here. Her equity in the house is $400,000.
Since she is over 65, her homestead exemption is $175,000. This means there is $225,000 of non-exempt equity. This amount of non-exempt equity poses a distinct problem. It means that in Chapter 13, the $40,000 must be paid in full over 60 months without interest. In Chapter 13, her monthly payment would be about $700 a month. She says she can’t produce $700 a month now that she lost her job. So what’s the solution here? Well, she can’t do a Chapter 13, and she can’t do a Chapter 7. In
u PAGE C4
PEOPLE AND EVENTS
C4 MAY 11-14, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Calendar of Events across
A
merica
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 M AY 1 1
Sagalas at Santacruzan in Los Angeles The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will hold its Archdiocesan SANTACRUZAN on Saturday, May 11 at 2:45 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels (555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012). Parishes and civic organizations are invited to join the celebration. Hermana mayores and Hermana menores, sagalas, angels and estrellas will all be in their best attire as they processed towards the altar, honoring our Blessed Virgin Mary. This year’s theme is: “Holy Mary, Handmaid of the Lord, Our Perfect Model In Doing the Will of God.” You are invited to witness one of the most joyful cultural traditions in the Philippines. Come and be with us to celebrate the Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A Reception/ Dinner-Dance will follow after the Eucharistic celebration at Embassy Suites by Hilton/ 800 N. Central Avenue, Glendale, CA 91203. For more information, please call Patty Santiago (818) 362-4864 / E-mail: piesan@hotmail.com or Arnel Bailon (818) 362-4864.
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
A disparity in monthly payments... PAGE C3 t Chapter 7, she would certainly lose her house to the trustee who would sell her house and use the net proceeds to pay off the $40,000 of credit cards; then give her the rest of the money received from the sale of the house. This would be too bloody. No one wants to lose his or her house for $40,000 of credit cards. That would be like cutting the nose to spite the face, right? Or to put it differently, that would be like amputating your leg because you have an ingrown toenail, or trying to kill a mosquito with Thor’s hammer. You get my drift. I suggested to the second client that we should do a hybrid
debt consolidation strategy. This is something I concocted myself based on long experience with dealing with creditors. I once had a case where debtor owed $700K to one bank. Believe it or not, the bank settled that for $25,000. That’s a 3.5% settlement. It’s almost incredible, I couldn’t believe it myself when the bank accepted our settlement offer. It’s effective to a certain extent and works almost like a reorganization, but it’s not bulletproof. But in this case what other choice does the client have? A hybrid debt consolidation strategy at least has attorney representation so she will have some protection instead of being completely un-
protected. The goal would be to avoid having judgment liens on her house. The goal is to protect her house and eventually be able to get out of the $40,000 of credit cards. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
People and Events
“TAGOLILONG: Hidden in Plain Sight”: Interactive art exhibit opens May 18
M AY 1 5
“Wealth In Health”, membership mixer of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Greater Los Angeles in Sherman Oaks, CA On Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m., meet and greet professionals in the healthcare industry. FACCGLA members get to network and ask their burning questions for free, while future members can donate $10 and receive a free Fil-Am Entrepreneurship Magazine. Registration is required due to limited space, visit www.faccgla.org and click on “Events” to get on the list. Venue is the BFG Room, 2nd Floor, VEDC Building, 5121 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.8324. 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.
M AY 1 7-1 9
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 tshirts 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) 7898324. 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.
M AY 1 8
Free oil filter & motor oil recycling event in East Los Angeles ATTENTION ALL EAST LA RESIDENTS – Everyone is invited to bring in their used motor oil and used oil filters in exchange for a free new oil filter on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be held at O’Reilly Auto Parts (722 S. Atlantic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90022). Recycling motor oil and filters helps save our environment and keeps our water clean. So, don’t miss out – we’re making it easier for you to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.
Pan Asian Citizenship Event in Monrovia, CA Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (Advancing Justice-LA) will be hosting a free Pan Asian Citizenship Clinic on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santa Anita YMCA (501 South Mountain Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016). The clinic will provide attendees free citizenship services, including: eligibility screenings, application assistance, and legal review by qualified immigration attorneys. Services will be offered in seven Asian languages and Spanish. Appointments are required - for more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call: (888) 349-9695 for English or (855) 300-2552 for Tagalog.
M AY 1 8 - J U N E 29
“Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight” exhibit in San Pedro, CA An interactive homage to Indigenous California Habitat will be on exhibit from May 18 to June 29, 2019. Created by LA-based artists-collaborators, champoy and Sarita Doe, it will open on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at Pinta*Dos Philippine Art Gallery which is located at 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 108, Historic Arts District, San Pedro, CA 90731. Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight will be the sixth exhibit at Pinta*Dos Gallery since it was inaugurated in June 2017. The Gallery is open from Wednesday to Friday, 3:00pm to 6:00pm except on First Thursdays when it is open until 8pm. It is also open by appointment. For further information, email Linda Nietes-Little, Founder of the gallery at info@pintadosgallery.com Also visit their website: http://www.pintadosgallery.com , facebook and instagram pages.
M AY 25
Marist School Marikina to celebrate 55th anniversary in Buena Park, CA Marist Alumni Abroad, coordinated by Arthur ‘Jojo’ P. Armada ‘77, invites alumni, family and friends, and the public who are interested, to the 55th anniversary grand reunion of the Marist School Marikina, to be held on Saturday, May 25, at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel (7675 Crescent Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620). The event’s theme is “Celebrating Our Marist Life...The Legacy Continues,” hosted by Marist Alumni Abroad. Dinner and dance: 6 pm to 11 pm; donation: $55/pax (per person). Contact person is overall chair Jojo P. Armada at (626) 216-3529 or email: armadaarthur@yahoo.com.
M AY 25 -26
Bulacan high schools reunite in Rosemead, CA The 2019 Global Gathering of Marcelo H. Del Pilar High School (MHPHS) of Malolos, Bulacan will be held on May 25-26, 2019 at the Double Tree Hotel in Rosemead, CA. For further information, please contact any of the following: Lourdes Ople-Smith at lourdesosmith@gmail. com / (310) 662-1948; Charito Aldaba-Gabriel at chato_gabriel1019@yahoo.com / (818) 6536047; Leni Flor Cruz-Florentino at lenflorcruz529@yahoo.com / (818) 282-0928; Tristan Zafra at tristan@trisoftco.com / (714) 686-3345; Gerry Torres, Jr. at gerrytorres50@gmail.com / (213) 249-1633; and Perfecto T. Martin at perfecto.martin@gmail.com. Souvenir Program please con-
JUNE 1
7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival in LA The UST Medical Alumni Association of SoCal will have its 25th year anniversary ball on Wednesday, June 29 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840). Mass begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner reception at 7:30 p.m. Part of the proceeds will benefit the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and Hospital on Wheels. Tickets are $110 for premier and $90 for regular. Please RSVP by June 1 to Marilou Dichoso, MD at (310) 3871632.
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.
Diva2Diva concert in Arcadia, CA The JIR Foundation enthusiastically presents Diva2Diva on Saturday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Arcadia Performing Arts Center (188 Campus Drive, Arcadia, California 91007). The concert will feature Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Mitch Valdes and Nanette Inventor. Ticket prices are $145, $100, $75, $60 and $50. Call or text (818) 726-6333 or (818) 612-4500 or visit ladiva2. eventbrite.com.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
AN interactive homage to the indigenous California habitat will be on exhibit from May 18 to June 29. Created by LA-based artists-collaborators, champoy and Sarita Doe, it will open on Saturday, May 18 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Pinta*Dos Philippine Art Gallery which is located at 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 108, Historic Arts District, San Pedro, CA 90731. Filipino carvings, origin stories, disguise, and a non-permanent dwelling are illuminated in this two-person show where the artists and partners have created an installation of painted, sculptural, and photographic representations of their home, studio, and indigenous California habitat. Actual objects, furniture and flora from the interior and exterior of their yurt decorate this immersive ecosystem interpretation. Tagolilong, the show’s title, is a Bisaya word from the native language of champoy who spells his artist’s name with a small c. He was born in Bukidnon, Philippines, and holds an art degree from the University of San Carlos in Cebu. The term refers to the powers of invisibility, or being able to disappear and reappear, undetected. Tagolilong also speaks of the experiences of Filipinos and other diasporic communities whose cultures might be invis-
ible in dominant narratives, yet are integral, resilient, and powerful in their ability to move undetected. Champoy’s graphic lines are sculptural, and being an immigrant to America, his work communicates invisible connection to his homeland. Through carving, assemblage and installation, he plays with material to return to his inner child and make use of consumer refuse. His partner, Sarita Doe was raised on the East Coast by Cajun and Bolivian parents, and moved to Los Angeles to complete an MFA from UCLA. Her paintings display color, glow, and the transformational power of tending to home as a habitat. In the far corner of the gallery is a simulacra of their yurt, which is camouflaged by bamboo mats, native flora, and systems that reintegrate waste into ecosystem. Inside this chamber, guests are invited to sit and reflect on visions of habitats that honor their communities, ethnobotanies, and the land they find themselves in. This is an interactive exhibit that is different and is bound to elicit questions and thoughts about the current problems of habitat and space and people’s relationship to their environment. A puppet theatre houses handmade Philippine toys made by champoy and sustainable food
storage designed by Sarita Doe as well as a zine of their drawings and writing called “How We Live;” to contextualize the exhibit. The artists will again be present at the gallery on June 6 for a “Banig-In,” or action for the Earth where the partners rest on a Filipino mat while answering questions about their urban habitat as part of the First Thursdays Art Walk in San Pedro. Gallery hours during First Thursdays are from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Teatro Tagolilong, a puppet show, will be held at their closing on Saturday, June 29, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Puppet Show will be of interest not only to children but will also appeal to all ages. The whole art exhibit is open and free to the public. RSVP for the opening and closing is requested. Call (310) 548-8148 or (310) 514-9139. Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight will be the sixth exhibit at Pinta*Dos Gallery since it was inaugurated in June 2017. The Gallery is open from Wednesday to Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. except on First Thursdays when it is open until 8 p.m. It is also open by appointment. For further information, email Linda NietesLittle, founder of the gallery at info@pintadosgallery.com Also visit their website: http://www. pintadosgallery.com and Facebook and Instagram pages. ■
Guests can now pre-order food for pick-up at select LAX restaurants LOS Angeles International Airport (LAX) guests can now save time and enjoy a more efficient experience thanks to a number of new digital services and the enhancement of the flyLAX.com website. This includes the ability to pre-order food and shop online by viewing products and menus for numerous restaurants and retail stores at LAX. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) created the upgraded experience in partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports. “LAX is proud to once again be at the forefront of innovation, piloting a new digital marketplace and showcasing a vision of the airport of the future,” said Deborah Flint, CEO, LAWA. “By utilizing new technologies, we are creating mobile, anticipatory guest experiences and taking a giant step forward in bringing the front door of LAX to the fingertips of travelers well before they set foot at the airport.” The enhancements to the shopping and dining experience at LAX include the launch of a digital product catalog and digital food ordering services, powered by Grab. Guests can pre-order food on their mobile device, Facebook messenger app or
desktop/laptop computer by accessing FlyLAX.com and following the link to “Dining, Shopping and More” and choosing one of the participating terminals, or by going directly to LAXShopDine. com. No additional downloads or mobile app is needed. While the initial launch includes seven restaurants from which guests can pre-order meals, new restaurants, features and amenities are anticipated in the future. The new digital marketplace will allow airport guests to search and browse a growing online catalog of products, product information, digital menus and new offerings. Airport restaurant menus are being fully digitized, and curated retail products will be searchable online at flyLAX. com. URW Airports – the in-termi-
nal commercial manager of Terminals 1, 2, 3, 6, Tom Bradley International Terminal and the $1.6 billion International Concourse that is opening in 2020 – has partnered with Grab, a Houston-based startup, to introduce a mobile-web food ordering program through the new digital marketplace. Customers will be able to search menus and place food orders in advance at participating terminal restaurants. In LAX’s Terminal 2, Barney’s Beanery, SeaLegs Wine Bar, and SLAPFISH Modern Seafood Shack have the capability for guests to order ahead. Earthbar, The Habit Burger Grill and Wahoo’s Fish Taco are participating restaurants in LAX’s Terminal 6 and W Pizza, located pre-security at Tom Bradley International Terminal, also has pre-ordering available. Additional restaurants and retail locations are expected to come online in the future. “We want to take as much of the stress out of traveling as possible,” said Logan Meier, Vice President of Emerging Technology, Airports, URW. “That effort starts with us at the airport, working together with key stakeholders and partners, to enable new solutions that simplify the journey.” ■
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 11-14, 2019
C
C MAY 11-14, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 11-14, 2019
MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM
&
Fees to NVC are application fees, not visa issuance fees
Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ DEAR Attorney Gurfinkel: I’m a U.S. citizen and petitioned my married son many years ago when my grandchildren were still very young. When the priority date became current, the National Visa Center (NVC) sent us various forms and had us pay various fees, which included all my grandchildren. When the family went for their interview at the U.S. Embassy, the consul said my son, his spouse, and my youngest grandchild were eligible for visas. My other grandchildren were not eligible because they had “aged out” or turned 21 years of age. How come we paid all those fees for my other grandchildren, only to be later told they don’t qualify? If we paid the visa fees, shouldn’t they be entitled to their visas? Very truly yours, RB Dear RB: When an applicant pays certain fees, those are application fees, not visa issuance fees. In other words, the person is paying fees merely to APPLY for a visa. It is only when they are at the window for their interview that the consul determines whether they are eligible. However, in order to get up to the window for the consul to make that determination, you first have
to apply and therefore, pay the application fee. If the person is found eligible, they then pay a “delivery fee,” which would be for the embassy’s messengers to deliver their passport with the visa. However, just because you apply for a visa does not mean you’re entitled to it. The consul has to make that determination. For example, many people apply for a visitor’s visa. They pay the application fee and are scheduled for an interview. Just because they paid the application fee does not mean they will be issued the tourist visa. They could still be refused the visa. When a person files a petition with the USCIS, they also have to pay the filing fee. Just because they’ve paid the filing fee does not mean that the petition will automatically be approved. The petition could still be denied. Or even if USCIS approves the petition, and they “apply” for their visa at the embassy, the consul could still refuse to issue the visa, even though the petition has been approved and the person paid the fee to apply for the visa. In your case, when the NVC charged you various fees, it was for your family members to “apply” for their immigrant visas. If the consul later found them eligible, the visas could be issued. But if the consul determined they were not eligible for whatever reason (such as aging out, fraud, crimes,
no petitionable relationship, etc.), the visa could still be refused even though the application fees were paid. If you are about to apply for a visa, but you have questions or concerns about whether you or any family member are eligible for the visa, you may want to consider consulting with an attorney, who could determine eligibility before you pay all those application fees. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-4873465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINE (Advertising Supplement)
Business Quote of the Week “Trust the young people; trust this generation’s innovation. They’re making things, changing innovation every day. And all the consumers are the same: they want new things, they want cheap things, they want good things, they want unique things. If we can create these kind of things for consumers, they will come.” — Jack Ma, founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group
D1
‘Economy to slow in 2019’
by ANNA LEAH
E. GONZALES Manilatimes.net
PHILIPPINE economic growth is expected to slow this year, with risks to it primarily driven by government underspending and tight liquidity in the financial market, economists say ahead of the release of first-quarter gross domestic product data today. During the Security Bank Economic Forum in Makati City on Wednesday, May 8, economist and Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) President Calixto Chikiamco said 2019 growth “should be between 5.8 percent and 6.2 percent.” The economy grew by 6.2 percent in 2018, down from 6.7 percent the year before, and fell short of the government’s 6.5-to6.9-percent revised downward target for that year. “Headwinds include the budget delay; export slowdown; higher interest rates relative to 2018; higher oil prices; increasing cur-
Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) President Calixto Chikiamco Manilatimes.net photo file photo
rent account deficit; El Niño; and other problems, from measles outbreak to [the] current water shortage,” Chikiamco said. Low agricultural productivity and the undiversified export
base would continue to weigh on growth, he added. Global political events, including Brexit, the ongoing trade war between the United States and PAGE D2
US-China trade conflict may hurt local industries — DOF by MARY GRACE
Philstar.com
PADIN
THE renewed trade tensions between the U.S. and China may hurt local industries, according to the Department of Finance (DOF). During the weekly economic briefing in Malacanang Wednesday, May 8, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said the Philippine economy may be negatively affected if the U.S. makes good on its threat to hike tariffs on Chinese products. “We’re going to be affected by that because a lot of our exports to China are parts of, let’s say, telephones and computers, which are assembled in China and then reexported to the U.S.,” Dominguez said. Nevertheless, the finance chief expressed hope that the impact would not be significant given
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III Philstar.com file photo
that the Philippines is not a huge exporting country. “The Philippines is not a big trading country. Our exports aren’t very large. We rely more on domestic investments to drive our GDP, as well as exports of services like our BPOs (business process outsourcing) and exports of our manpower, which are not subject to these items,” he said. President Donald Trump an-
nounced recently that he would raise tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports to 25 percent from the current rate of 10 percent starting Friday, May 10, U.S .time. Trump also said that the $325 billion worth of Chinese products that have remained untaxed would be slapped with a 25 percent tariff. To assess the impact of the pssible increase, the finance chief said the DOF is planning to meet with representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the private sector. “We are meeting with the industry to find out how exactly they are going to be affected,” he said. Dominguez said the two agencies would release contingency plans to determine how the government could help the affected industries. ■
D MAY 11-14, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Marketplace & ShowrooM
Inflation lowest in 16 months Bangko Sentral urged to start easing monetary policy by Ben
O. de Vera & daxim L. Lucas Inquirer.net
INFLATION eased to a 16month low of 3 percent year-onyear in April mainly on slower increases in prices of food and beverages, the government reported Tuesday, May 7. The latest Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed that headline inflation last month was the lowest since the 2.9 percent posted in December 2017. As of end-April, the rate of increase in prices of basic commodities averaged 3.6 percent, within the government’s 3-4 percent target range for the entire year. The PSA said the annual increase in the heavily weighted food and nonalcoholic beverages index slowed down to 3 percent from 3.4 percent a month ago and 5.9 percent a year ago. The country’s inflation rate will likely continue its downtrend over the next few months and stay within the government’s target range until next year, the central bank said after the government
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
announced that the pace of price increases in April slowed further to 3 percent. At the same time, however, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno warned that domestic consumer prices could still spike because of rising crude oil prices in the international market and the effects of the ongoing El Niño dry spell on local agricultural output. Balancing this are predictions of a weakening global economic
Inquirer.net file photo
environment, which could pose “downside risks” to inflation, he said. “Against these upside and downside risks, the BSP continues to keep a close watch over price developments in the country,” Diokno said, noting that the relevant data would be weighed carefully by the Monetary Board when it convenes to decide on the direction of local interest rates tomorrow, May 9. PAGE D3
‘Economy to slow in 2019’
PAGE D1 t China, and the global ecobomic slowdown would also affect the Philippine economy, according to him. He pointed out, however, that this year’s election spending and the continued growth in the business-process outsourcing sector are expected to drive growth. In the next few years, Chikiamco said, the Philippines is expected to continue posting strong growth, which should “be between 5 to 7 percent,” depending “on further economic reform measures.” He urged the government to continue implementing reforms to achieve inclusive growth. “There are still structural problems, and we have a lot of work to do especially in reducing poverty,” the FEF chief said. ‘Already happening’ Also on Wednesday, Philippine National Bank (PNB) chief economist Francisco Trinidad Jr. told a roundtable that “fiscal underspending risk is already happening, with disclosures made by senior finance officials that not just the budget deficit is below tar-
get, but we are losing P1 billion a day in terms of spending.” Latest available data showed that the first-quarter budget shortfall of P90.245 billion was 40.6percent lower than the P152.171 billion posted a year ago. It was also 52 percent or P98.108-billion lower than programmed. This was blamed on the delayed approval of the 2019 national budget, which forced the government to operate on last year’s budget since the start of 2019 until April, when President Rodrigo Duterte signed it. “The worry I have with the budget approval delay is that we may not see a strong or robust fiscal stimulus,” Trinidad said. He pointed out that budget delays, coupled with the institutional constraints on spending because of this year’s midterm elections, meant that the government would not be able to spend its programmed funds for infrastructure. “Missing a strong fiscal stimulus makes us very hostaged to a global macro slowdown,” he said. Trinidad expects the economy
to grow by 6.4 percent, marginally up from last year’s 6.2 percent, but within the government’s downwardly revised 6.0-to-7.0-percent target for 2019. “If inflation is benign and you have that particular risk facing us and the challenge offshore, maybe its timely for some monetary accommodation,” he said. “And the initial one I see would be liquidity injection by way of 1-2-percent bank reserve cut because the second risk I see is that domestic liquidity backdrop is tightening,” the economist added. He noted that this was evident in the latest available data, which showed that credit and liquidity growth have slowed to single digits. To address this, Trinidad said monetary authorities were likely to implement a 1-2 percentage points cut to banks’ reserve requirement at their Monetary Board today. They are also likely to cut interest rates by 50-75 basis points starting in the second half of the year, he added. (With a reports from Mayvelin U. Caraballo) n
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Govt eyes ‘A’ rating via panel by raLph
ViLLanueVa Manilatimes.net
THE government said on Wednesday, May 8, it would form an interagency committee to create a roadmap on and systemize the Philippines’ pursuit of securing an “A” investment-grade credit rating from international debt watchers before President Rodrigo Duterte ends his term. In a briefing in Malacañang, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the roadmap, to be finalized next week, would show “the commitment of key economic and infrastructure officials and agencies to get our efforts properly credited to ‘A’ before 2022 and help further bring about more benefits to the economy and to our people.” “We shall direct our efforts in addressing the issue of further increasing our per capita income, enhancing our potential output, strengthening our external payments buffers, keeping prices stable, fortifying public finance and elevating governance standards,” he added. His statement comes a week after S&P Global Ratings raised the country’s credit status from “BBB” to “BBB+” with a stable outlook. It is two notches above the minimum investment grade rating and a notch away from “A” level ratings. The Philippines, the credit rat-
Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo
ing agency said, could expect another upgrade over the next few years if the government makes significant gains in its fiscal reform program or if its external position improves such that its status as a net external creditor becomes more secure over the long term. According to Guinigundo, the government would gradually move to sustain policy and structural reforms, not only to attain the coveted “A” rating, but also to “sustain our economic growth.” “We want to make sure that employment opportunities are available and to make a dent in terms of our efforts to reduce poverty in the Phiippines,” he said. Guinigundo also said the government “must do a Catriona
Manilatimes.net file photo
[Gray] swirl to be noticed, to be set apart from the rest,” referring to the Filipino-Australian Miss Universe whose slow-motion twirl during the swimsuit portion of the international beauty competition in Thailand last year made a sensation on the internet. Also at the briefing, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd called the “BBB+” rating a “definitive win” for the administration and said it would attract more foreign investments. “It is important to note that institutional investors already consider us ‘single A- rated’ and are willing to accept lower interest rates to invest in our products. They believe we can do it and we must show them that, indeed, we can,” he added. PAGE D3
DTI orders regional offices to check operations of foreign SME retailers by LOueLLa
desideriO Philstar.com
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has ordered regional offices to check on operations of foreign-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their respective areas, including violations of the retail trade law. “Our DTI regional offices are directed to check the stores in their areas,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Thursday, May 9. The directive was issued following Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s call to shut down establishments which prefer to serve only Chinese nationals. “Sen. Lacson is correct. Serving only Chinese clients or any specific nationality in a store is a form of discrimination and is not allowed,” Lopez said.
Lopez said stores should also have language options and English translation for the menu or other signages. He said individuals should report to the DTI any violations of stores opting to exclusively serve Chinese or certain nationalities. The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) earlier said it supports Lacson’s call, but said it should apply not just to Chinese investors, but to all foreign investors involved in small and medium businesses in the country. While there is a move through House Bill 9057 to amend RA 8762 or the Retail Trade Liberalization Act by reducing the minimum paid-up capital for foreign firms entering the country’s retail sector to $200,000 from $2.5 million at present, PRA vice chairman Roberto Claudio said the
group is of the view Filipino SME entrepreneurs should be prioritized. “The existing law protects our Filipino SME entrepreneurs. We now see the proliferation of Chinese restaurants, Korean groceries, foreign operators in our tiangges even before the repeal of the existing law. In effect, they are operating in violation of the retail trade law,” he said. By keeping the $2.5 million minimum requirement for foreign retailers, he said foreign retailers would be encouraged to enter into joint venture with Filipino entrepreneurs, which would be beneficial for both parties. “It’s a win-win situation to encourage more foreign investment, at the same time protecting our SME Filipino entrepreneurs,” he said. n
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Marketplace & ShowrooM
Farm sector growth stalls by Karl
r. OcampO
PH debt scales to record high P7.8T by Ben
O. de Vera Inquirer.net
THE growth in the country’s agriculture sector slowed further in the first quarter of the year, with the value of farm produce posting its first decline since 2016. This has prompted industry groups to call on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to do something that could reverse the industry’s laggard performance, with prices hitting their lowest in years. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, agriculture grew by 0.67 percent during the three-month period compared with 1.08 percent in the same quarter last year. In 2018, the DA had set its annual growth rate target at 4 percent, but the sector only grew by 1.04 percent. For this year, it is aiming to grow by 3.5 percent. Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag), which represents umbrella groups such
as the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. and the United Broilers and Raisers Association, said the DA should stop paying “lip service” to their plight and focus on monitoring local production. The value of farm output during the first quarter amounted to P429.7 billion, down 3.12 percent from previous year’s level. Sinag said depressed farm-gate prices were caused by the continued entry of imported agricultural products to the country, which only worsened the supply glut of commodities such as poultry and livestock. Except for fisheries, all subsectors recorded a drop in prices. Crops, which accounted for more than half of the country’s total farm output, was valued at P235.4 billion, down 6.41 percent from the same period last year. The Rice Import Liberalization Law, which allows the unimpeded importation of rice in the country, has led palay prices to drop by 7.39 percent.
Production of the staple also contracted by 1.1 percent following the adverse effects of dry spell brought by El Niño. Growth in poultry production, accounting for 16.74 percent of total output, also slowed down to 5.41 percent from 6.99 percent to P55.4 billion. Similarly, growth in livestock production—17.11 percent of total—eased to 1.25 percent from 1.64 percent previously to P75.4 billion. Only the fisheries subsector continued its positive turnaround since last quarter from recording a series of declines in production since 2014. For the first quarter, it was able to increase output by 0.97 percent, which contributed 13.45 percent to the total output with value amounting to P63.5 billion. Sinag said the agency must give priority to local produce than imported ones and monitor the market’s absorptive capacity to address any glut or shortfall to manage the volatility of prices. n
PAGE D2 t The upgraded rating, according to him, was a result of President Duterte’s decision to invest in game-changing reforms, such as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) and rice tariffication laws. The TRAIN law, Dominguez explained, increased the government’s ability to fund public investments, with less reliance on loans.
“When we do borrow, we prioritize official development assistance or ODA, as it has cheaper and longer terms of repayment, as opposed to borrowing from private capital markets,” he said. The Finance chief urged Congress to pass the remaining taxreform bills to “complete the process of making the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient.” “Generally, S&P is telling us that
PAGE D2 t The central bank expects that inflation will settle within the range of 2-4 percent for both 2019 and 2020—a target that has been supported by recent data—after last year’s fastest pace of increases in nine years. The BSP chief earlier acknowledged that banks had been complaining to him of tight liquidity in the financial markets—an offshoot of the 175-basis point increase in interest rates last year to fight off inflation — but added that some central bank officials remained unconvinced that monetary policy should be eased at this point. The April inflation data was welcomed by the private finan-
cial sector, which continues to advocate for lower interest rates to encourage loan growth that, in turn, is needed to drive Philippine economic growth. “With the inflation objective in hand and growth seen to take a hit in the first half, it would be about time for BSP to ease off the brakes from ‘crisis mode’ and finally nudge on the accelerator to zoom to faster growth,” ING Bank Manila’s senior economist Nicholas Mapa said in statement. For Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, the recent inflation reading validated government efforts toward stabilizing inflation so that the country’s buoyant economic
we need to continue strengthening governance, policy and reform measures,” Dominguez said. National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said the rating upgrade would result in interest payment savings of at least P3 billion through 2022. This, she added, is just from commercial bond issuances. THE Bangko Sentral ng PilipiDe Leon also said the upgrade “is really an inspiration for us to nas should take a “cautious approach” in determining the timing do more, to do our best.” n of possible rate cuts amid threats posed by rallying global oil prices to the country’s inflation outlook, a global bank said. growth, along with key reforms, “Admittedly, the recent reremained unimpeded. bound in crude oil prices supIn the case of rice, easing ports a cautious approach in timprices were attributed by Pernia ing rate cuts,” analysts at ANZ to stable supply in the country, Research said in a May 7 comwith more imports expected to mentary. arrive in the country as the Rice “At the same time, we believe Liberalization Act took effect. that the BSP will take a broader With rice tariffication in full view of inflation by weighing the swing, prices of the Filipino rise in oil prices against offsetstaple food are expected to be ting developments such as easing cheaper by up to P7 a kilo. food prices and core inflation,” But Pernia, who heads the they added. state planning agency National The central bank tightened Economic and Development Au- monetary policy by a cumulative thority (NEDA), warned of pos- 175 basis points to 4.75 percent sible prices increases because last year after inflation hit a nearof the prolonged dry spell due decade high in September and to El Niño, pending utility rate October. Soaring prices have hike petitions and volatile inter- eased since then. national oil prices. n Stubbornly high inflation last
Inquirer.net
Govt eyes ‘A’ rating via panel
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 11-14, 2019 D
AFTER the successful sale of retail treasury bonds (RTBs) in March, the national government’s outstanding debt further climbed to a new high of P7.8 trillion at the end of the first quarter. In its latest report, the Bureau of the Treasury said outstanding liabilities as of March rose 7 percent from P6.9 trillion a year ago and 4.7 percent from P7.5 trillion a month ago. Since the start of 2019, the national government has accumulated an additional P509.8 billion in debt, up 7 percent from end2018’s P7.3 trillion. Two-thirds of the debt stock was borrowed locally. Domestic borrowings jumped 16.4 percent year-on-year, 8.8 percent year-to-date, and 6.1 percent month-on-month to P5.2 trillion. “For the month, the increment in the level of domestic debt was caused by the net issuance of government securities amounting to P298.2 billion and the P430-million revaluation of onshore dollar bonds brought about by peso depreciation,” the Treasury said in a statement, noting that the peso weakened to 52.629:$1 at endMarch from P51.769 against the greenback in February. To recall, the Treasury issued
P235.9 billion in five-year RTBs in March at a rate of 6.25 percent following strong demand from small investors and availability online. It was the Duterte administration’s fifth RTB sale during its first three years in office, as the government wanted to borrow more, partly to finance the massive infrastructure projects under its ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program. Also, external debt increased 8 percent year-on-year, 3.6 percent year-to-date, and 2 percent month-on-month to P2.6 trillion as of end-March. “The higher external debt for the month was principally due to the impact of local currency fluctuation against the US dollar amounting to P42.4 billion and net availment of foreign loans amounting to P11 billion. Meanwhile, net depreciation on third-currency denominated debt carved out P1.4 billion,” the Treasury explained. At the end of the first quarter, the national government’s outstanding guaranteed debt inched up 1.3 percent month-on-month to P479.7 billion due to the net issuance of domestic guarantees amounting to P2.8 billion and currency fluctuations on both local and third currencies, which increased the peso value of external guarantees amounting to P4.7 billion and P420 million, respec-
tively, even as net repayments on external guarantees offset P1.6billion worth of obligations, the Treasury said. Outstanding guaranteed debt nonetheless declined 4.4 percent year-on-year and 1.6 percent yearto-date. Last year, the share of debt to gross domestic product (GDP) stood at 41.9 percent, and the Cabinet-level, interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee expects the debt-toGDP ratio to stay at that level this year. While the government was seeking more foreign financing for its big-ticket infrastructure projects, the bulk of the annual national budget was being funded by local borrowings, mainly from the sale of Treasury bills and bonds. “The medium-term financing program will continuously favor domestic sources with a 75-25 split between domestic and external borrowings, to mitigate foreign exchange risks while contributing to the development of the domestic capital market,” such that “national government debt is projected to maintain its downward course to 38.8 percent of GDP by 2022, anchored on the government’s sustainable fiscal strategy and faster economic expansion,” the Department of Budget and Management said in a recent report. n
BSP should take ‘cautious approach’ in cutting rates amid rebound in oil prices — global bank
Inflation lowest in 16 months
Philstar.com file photo
year and higher borrowing costs sapped consumer spending, which has traditionally been the driving force behind growth in the Philippines, and crimped economic expansion to a three-year low of 6.2 percent in 2018. Softer food price growth mainly
dragged inflation to a 16-month low of 3 percent in April, lower than 3.3 percent posted in March and 4.5 percent recorded a year ago, data released Tuesday, May 7, by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed. PAGE D5
D MAY 11-14, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
EMPLOYMENT
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Marketplace & ShowrooM
Dollar reserves hit $84B in April by Mayvelin
U. Caraballo Manilatimes.net
THE country’s dollar reserves rose to a 30-month high of $83.955 billion in April on the back of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) foreign exchange operations and investment income plus foreign currency deposits by the government. The figure — the largest since October 2016’s $85.105 billion — was also 0.40 percent and 5.4 percent higher, respectively, from March and a year ago, preliminary data released on Tuesday showed. The month-on-month increase
was due “mainly to inflows arising from the BSP’s foreign exchange operations, national government’s net foreign currency deposits and BSP’s income from its investments abroad,” the central bank said in a statement. These were partially tempered by national government payments for foreign exchange obligations as well as revaluation losses from the BSP’s gold holdings as global prices of the metal fell. Bank of the Philippine Islands Vice President and lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. said the increase in GIR was a “welcome development.” “Further replenishing our GIR
has become more compelling, however, as the economy’s imports have grown exponentially over the last three years,” he added. The latest reserve level was enough to cover 7.4 months worth of imports, the same buffer posted in March and a year ago. It was also equivalent to five times the country’s short-term external obligations due within one year and 3.5 times based on residual maturity. Net international reserves, which refer to the difference between GIR and total short-term liabilities, increased to $83.94 billion compared to $83.60 billion a month earlier. n
Manufacturing output drops in March; more factories operate below capacity by Czeriza
valenCia
Philstar.com
MANUFACTURING output declined both in terms of volume and value in March mainly due to decreased activity in the food, furniture, basic metals and petroleum sectors, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported Tuesday, May 7. Factory output, as measured by the Volume of Production Index (VoPI), registered a 9.2 percent contraction in March, reversing the 11 percent growth in the same period last year. PSA attributed this to the decline in eight major industry groups led by furniture and fixtures, food manufacturing and petroleum products. The Value of Production Index (VaPI) likewise declined by 5.4 percent, reversing the growth of 10.5 percent in March 2018. PSA attributed this to declines in the indixes of food, petroleum products and basic metals. In March, manufacturing facilities operated at an average capacity utilization rate of 84.4 percent,
with around half of establishments operating below the national average capacity. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) expects manufacturing activity to pick up in the second quarter of the year. “We expect the figures to improve in the coming months as we see increase in demand during summer, given the rise in the number of local and foreign tourists, easing of inflation and increase in election-related spending. Government spending on infrastructure and other government services is also likely to catch up,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA chief Ernesto Pernia. He acknowledged, however, that manufacturers face several hurdles as the prevailing El Niño that can result into higher power and water rates, which are essential inputs into the manufacturing sector. “Fortunately, forecasts point to El Nino weakening starting May to August this year,” Pernia said. Export-oriented manufactures
especially those producing electrical machinery, remain muted, and are more affected by external headwinds because of the subdued global outlook on semiconductors projected to grow by only two percent this year, he said. To help boost manufacturing activity, Pernia said the extension of implementation and payments for 2019 infrastructure projects beyond the fiscal year must be considered in the enforcement of the cash-based budgeting system. “An immediate implementation of a catch-up plan after the passage of the 2019 budget must be pursued to regain the government’s spending momentum. This should, at the same time, counter the impact of the temporary interruption in the implementation of new and ongoing projects as well as funding for social services,” Pernia said. To address losses in food manufacturing, Pernia said delays in the processing and issuance of clearances, permits and required certifications by food safety regulatory authorities must be addressed. n
to food supply. Year-to-date, local prices of gasoline spiked P7.90/liter, P5.40/ liter for diesel and P4.15/liter for kerosene. “With the April inflation print confirming these trends, we expect the BSP to cut its [Overnight Reverse Repurchase Rate] by a cumulative 75 bps in 2019, beginning with a 25 bps cut on Thurs-
day, May 9,” ANZ Research said. “We see headline inflation to stay around the mid-point of the BSP’s target in the coming months. We forecast headline inflation to average 2.9 percent in 2019, slightly below the BSP’s estimate of 3.0 percent. A key risk is a harsher than anticipated El Niño weather pattern occurrence this year,” it added. (Philstar.com) n
BSP should take ‘cautious approach’... PAGE D3 t Year-to-date, inflation averaged 3.6 percent, well within the central bank’s 2-4 percent annual target. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno on Tuesday said monetary authorities would keep a close watch for any upward price pressures from motoring world oil prices and risks posed by El Niño
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
FOR RENT
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 11-14, 2019 D
New neighborhoods now open at Park Place in Ontatio ONTARIO, CA – Make your way to Park Place, a new collection of homes that have it all in Ontario Ranch! Surrounded by acres of parks and modern amenities, Park Place introduces a fresh take on comfortable and convenient living in Ontario with nine all-new neighborhoods, including Primrose by Richmond American Homes—now open with ranch-style single-story designs. With up to 3,599 square feet, five bedrooms and openconcept floor plans available, the spacious homes at Park Place provide extra room to spread out and enjoy daily life. Plus, every home at Park Place comes with ultra-high-speed fiber-optic broadband at gigabit speeds, allowing you to stream, download and upload from multiple devices without slowing down. Come by today to visit these exciting new neighborhoods, tour the 20-plus model homes available and discover all the amenities Park Place has to offer. This is also your chance to explore Celebration Park North in the heart of this stunning community with plenty of green space to roam, walking paths and so much more. Besides lightning-fast internet speeds that are 100 times faster than today’s average broadband connection, Park Place offers many other top-tier amenities. All residents enjoy The Parkhouse, a world-class 14,500square-foot central community clubhouse that features a resortcaliber swimming pool, fully equipped fitness and business centers, Wi-Fi, multiple game rooms, a library and a state-ofthe-art movie theater with club seating. And a masterfully appointed catering kitchen and adjoining multipurpose room are ideal for hosting special celebrations in style. Three acres of beautiful grounds surround The Parkhouse and are home to tennis courts, a creative play area and a dog park. Picnics with friends, family and neighbors are a delight at Celebration Park North and Celebration Park South, where kids and adults alike enjoy outdoor play, relaxation and socializing. Plans at Park Place include a future elementary school within walking distance of each neighborhood. Not only is Park Place
Lewis Community Developers Park Place at Ontario Ranch Contact: Rachel Mullins (562) 499-6707
served by an award-winning school district, but it is also located near many universities and higher-education institutions, including Azusa Pacific University; Cal Poly Pomona; Chaffey College; Mt. San Antonio College; Platt College; Riverside Community College; The Art Institute of California; University of California, Riverside; Western University of Health Sciences; and the highly acclaimed Claremont Colleges, one of which is among the nation’s top ten. Park Place proudly presents nine new home collections: Camden by CalAtlantic Homes – A Lennar Company, Coventry by Christopher Homes, Meadowood by Taylor Morrison, Seville by The New Home Company, St. James by TRI Pointe Homes, Stonewater by Woodside Homes, Willowmore by KB Home, Aurora by Pulte Homes and Primrose by Richmond American Homes. Extending from approximately 1,800 to 3,599 square feet, this dynamic range of residential designs offers three to five bedrooms and two-and-one-half to five baths plus spacious two- or three-car garages, making them ideal for growing or multigenerational families. Prices begin in the $400,000s. Park Place is located within the greater community of Ontario Ranch, which will span over 8,000 acres and is planned to offer modern amenities and abundant recreation, including an expansive park and trail system. Proposed plans include retail and business spaces, along with nearly 1,000
FOR RENT
acres dedicated to public open space, parks and schools. Directions to Park Place: If traveling on the 15 freeway, exit on Limonite Avenue and head west. Proceed on Limonite Avenue for approximately 2.5 miles and turn right at Archibald Avenue. Travel approximately 0.5 miles and turn right at Merrill Avenue. Continue for approximately 0.25 miles and The Parkhouse sales center will be on the left. If traveling on the 60 freeway, exit on Archibald Avenue and head south. Proceed on Archibald Avenue for approximately 3.25 miles and turn left at Merrill Avenue. Continue for approximately 0.25 miles and The Parkhouse sales center will be on the left. Call (888) 855-6249 for more information or visit www.parkplaceontario.com. Park Place at Ontario Ranch reflects the vision and experience of Lewis Community Developers and Stratham Communities. Park Place is a true collaborative effort between award-winning homebuilders CalAtlantic Homes – A Lennar Company, Christopher Homes, Taylor Morrison, The New Home Company, TRI Pointe Homes, KB Home, Pulte Homes, Richmond American Homes and Woodside Homes. We understand the wants and needs of today’s families because we have families of our own. We designed and built a community that we would live in. (Advertising Supplement)
D MAY 11-14, 2019 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797