MAY 14-17, 2022 Volume 32 - No. 38 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages
US President Joe Biden speaks with Bongbong DATELINE USA Record overseas voter Marcos, wants stronger US-PH alliance turnouts in US, but FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
protests follow polls
OVERSEAS Filipinos set a record-high of 33% turnout so far for the 2022 elections, according to the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs. This reflects the turnout among Filipinos in consular jurisdictions in the U.S. In San Francisco, the final figure of 19,680-voter turnout was 41.15% of the 47,711 total number of registered voters for the 2022 national elections, or more than the 14,380 overseas voters (31.02 percent) in the 2016 Presidential Elections. “I commend and thank the overseas voters in the U.S. Pacific Northwest for participating in one of the most consequential elections in our lifetimes,” an elated Consul General Neil Ferrer announced, who also thanked Filipino community organizations and news media in helping encourage voters. Copies of the election returns from the states of Alaska, Northern California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington State, and Wyoming will be posted for public viewing at the Philippine Center’s Museo ng Lahing Pilipino on the 5th
by NEIL
ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net
MANILA — Unites States President Joe Biden spoke with presumptive Philippine president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. following the national elections, expressing his intentions to continue strengthening the alliance between the two countries. The White House said that the conversation happened on Wednesday, May 11 (U.S. time), wherein Biden congratulated Marcos Jr.
“President Biden underscored that he looks forward to working with the Presidentelect to continue strengthening the U.S.Philippine Alliance, while expanding bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues, including the fight against COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, promoting broad-based economic growth, and respect for human rights,” the White House said. Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Marcos Jr.’s spokesperson, said Thursday, May 12 that
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Bongbong Marcos (left) and U.S. President Joe Biden
Robredo hasn’t yielded, asks supporters to accept majority’s decision by GABRIEL
PABICO Inquirer.net
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California offers $10K to college students for a year of public service SAN FRANCISCO – Fernando Martinez never owned a computer until he left high school. Today the 22-year-old Kansas native is teaching computer programming to Bay Area youth while he studies applied mathematics at San Jose State University. Martinez is among the 6,500 college students across California expected to participate in a pioneering program that awards $10,000 towards college costs in return for completing community service work. “This opportunity gave me the funding I needed to focus on my classes,” says Martinez, who spoke at a media briefing on Wednesday at San Francisco State University highlighting the #CaliforniansforAll College Corps program. “It’s also allowed me to work with and help young people who were like me.” Launched by California Governor Gavin Newsom, the #CaliforniansforAll College Corps provides participating students $7000
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Inquirer.net file photos
United States President Joe Biden (center) poses with leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at the White House on Thursday, May 12 as the U.S.-ASEAN special summit focuses on the U.S.’ relations with the region. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC
LALU
MANILA — Still no concession from Vice President Leni Robredo, but she appealed to her supporters on Friday, May 13 to accept the decision of the majority. During the thanksgiving event of the Leni-Kiko tandem and slate at the Ateneo de Manila University, Robredo said their “data teams” have been monitoring the vote counting. “Nakatutok ang ating mga data teams. May watchers na nagbabantay. Pero habang lumilinaw ang litrato, kailangan nating tanggapin na hindi ayon sa atin ang resulta,” Robredo said. Robredo also reiterated her message last Tuesday morning, May 10 – after initial partial and unofficial results from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) u PAGE A2
Comelec’s 3rd canvass report: Padilla still tops senatorial race with over 23M votes by CHRISTIA
MARIE Inquirer.net
RAMOS
MANILA — Actor-turned-politician Robin Padilla was still leading the “Magic 12” based on the third partial and official tally report of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The report released Friday, May 13 showed Padilla has so far secured 23,908,730 votes for his senatorial bid. He was ahead by nearly two million votes from second-placer Antique Rep. Loren Legarda’s 21,964,607 votes. Broadcaster Tulfo trailed Legarda with 21,473,739 votes so far.
Below is the complete list of senatorial candidates included in the top 12 based on Comelec’s third partial and official count report: • Robin Padilla – 23,908,730 • Loren Legarda – 21,964,607 • Raffy Tulfo – 21,473,739 • Win Gatchalian – 18,642,633 • Chiz Escudero – 18,509,704 • Mark Villar – 17,443,458 Presumptive Vice President-elect and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte • Alan Peter Cayetano – 17,379,824 • Joel Villanueva – 16,965,655 • Migz Zubiri – 16,779,090 • JV Ejercito – 14,352,402 • Risa Hontiveros – 14,207,830 • Jinggoy Estrada – 13,745,623 ■
Bongbong picks Sara as his education chief
President Duterte creates transition committees by ALEXIS
ROMERO
Philstar.com
MANILA — President Duterte has created a committee to ensure a proper and orderly transition to the next administration. Administrative Order No. 47 signed by Duterte last May 10 formed the presidential transition committee (PTC) and internal transition committees in departments and agencies in the executive branch. The PTC will be led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and will be composed of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua, budget department officer-in-charge Tina Rose Canda, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. The Office of the Cabinet Secretariat and the President Rodrigo Duterte shows the indelible ink on his finger after casting his vote for the 2022 National and Presidential Management Staff will provide technical Local Elections at the Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School in Davao City on May 9, 2022. Presidential photo by Toto Lozano
Inquirer.net file photo
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by NESTOR
CORRALES Inquirer.net
MANILA — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte will head the Department of Education (DepEd) in the incoming administration, presidential race frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Wednesday night, May 11. Duterte, the running mate of Marcos Jr. who is also leading the vice presidential race by a wide margin, is the first appointee announced by Marcos to his prospective Cabinet. “Our incoming vice president has agreed to take the brief of Department of Education,” Marcos said during an address to the nation at his headquarters in Mandaluyong City.
“I asked her if she could do the job because the job of the secretary of education is hard and she agreed,” he added. Marcos Jr. said President Duterte’s daughter would be a good education secretary because she is a mother and “she wants to make sure that her children are well-trained and well-educated.” “That’s the best motivation that we can hope for,” he said. The former senator said his Cabinet members would be composed of people who have the “competence and the willingness to work with the next administration,” regardless of their political color. “In our discussion, we removed immediately what their political leanings had been, whether they
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A2 MAY 14-17, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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United States President Joe Biden welcomes Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez to the White House on Thursday, May 12 where Biden hosted a dinner for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC
US President Joe Biden speaks... PAGE A1
the Philippines’ relationship with the United States “will get better” under the presumptive president’s administration. “As far as our relationship with the United States, under the administration of president-elect Bongbong, I assure you now that it will get better,” Rodriguez said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel. “I assure you and the Filipino people that our relationship with
the United States will be better and as we speak I think I am at liberty to say we are expecting a call from the president of the United States to president-elect Bongbong,” he added. Rodriguez said that the foreign policy of Marcos Jr. will be “inclusive” while also ensuring that the interests of the Filipino people come first and are never compromised. “What I can tell you, you can expect and look forward to a
better relationship with our longtime partner and ally, the United States. The foreign policy of president-elect Bongbong, it would be inclusive,” Rodriguez said. “We will not be exclusive to anyone. The interest of the Filipino people and the national interest comes first and will never be compromised especially on our territorial integrity. It will never be compromised,” he added. ■
Robredo hasn’t yielded, asks supporters to... PAGE A1 came in – that they should not be responsible for the creation of further divisiveness in the country. “Ilagay natin ang kilos sa tama: siguruhing ilalagay sa kapakanan ang kapwa. Hindi pwedeng tayo ang dahilan ng pagkakawatakwatak ng bansa,” she pointed out. Robredo’s statements were similar to the remarks of her spokesperson, lawyer Barry Gutierrez, who said in an interview with OnePH’s Sa Totoo Lang on Thursday, May 14 that while there are questions surrounding the May 9 elections, they are not questioning the election results at this point. Partial and unofficial results from Comelec’s transparency server as of Thursday night showed Ferdinand “Bongbong”
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Presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo during the Pangasinan People’s Rally on Friday, April 8, 2022, at the CSI Stadia, Dagupan City. Photo vourtesy of VP Leni Media Bureau
Marcos Jr. got 31.09 million votes while Robredo garnered 14.81 million votes. The story is the same for their running mates with Davao
City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio obtaining 31.55 million votes and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan having 9.230 million votes. ■
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COVID-19 vaccines: A way to honor heritage, community, and family during AANHPI Heritage Month
President Duterte creates transition...
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and secretariat support to the committee. “The duly elected president and his incoming cabinet members should be given full support and cooperation by the outgoing cabinet to facilitate their assumption into office,” Duterte said in the order. “There is a need to create a transition committee that will work closely with the representatives of the presidentelect to ensure a proper and orderly transition of government into the next administration,” he added. Latest partial and unofficial poll results show former senator and presumptive president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor and presumptive vice president, Sara Duterte-Carpio, holding commanding leads over their opponents. The PTC will serve as the overall and central coordination committee of all entities under the executive department with regard to the transition to the new administration. It will also oversee the preparation and
implementation of the transition activities of all state agencies to ensure continuity and maintain the efficiency of government services. The order also directed all departments, agencies, bureaus, offices and other government instrumentalities to constitute their respective internal transition committees within five days from the effectivity of the order. The internal transition committees were tasked to oversee the crafting and implementation of systems and procedures for transition to ensure continued operations of their respective departments. “We will work closely with the representatives of the incoming administration to ensure a peaceful and orderly transfer of power. Since we still have no proclaimed winner, official talks need to be put on hold for the moment,” Medialdea said during a meeting with Duterte and some Cabinet members last Wednesday, May 11. Medialdea assured the public that the executive branch is ready to turn over
the government to the next president, but would continue to perform its duties in the coming weeks. Duterte said he wanted to meet with members of the transition committee to discuss the impact of the conflict in Ukraine, which was driven by Russia’s invasion. He previously predicted that the next president would face difficulties if the conflict between Ukraine and Russia drags on and pushes up fuel prices even further. “But it would be good for us to meet this – well, not all, but select members of the committee or maybe all of them. We still have about one or two meetings because of the fallout in Ukraine,” the President said. “Oil is a very dynamic thing from the time it is... sucked from the bowels of the Earth until it reaches end users... It’s a very dynamic thing and so many problems to solve. The war in Ukraine might be an attrition one... And it could last long or it could be over if (Russian President Vladimir) Putin backs out,” he added.
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CDC and the We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign emphasize vaccine availability and the need for continued safe practices AS Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities across the nation honor and celebrate the diverse contributions made in the United States we are reminded that COVID-19 vaccines and boosters continue to make it possible for us to gather safely in public and private. As of May 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that over 258 million Americans (all eligible ages) have made the choice to be vaccinated. Currently, over 12.8 million Asians (non-Hispanic) and 618,000 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders aged 5 years and older have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, 95% of older Americans have been vaccinated — that’s 56.5 million adults aged 65 and older — a significant achievement in protecting our community’s elders since last year. “We’ve got over 90% of seniors that are already vaccinated,” said Dr. Cameron Webb, White House Senior Policy Advisor for COVID-19 Equity, at an April 22 summit called Conversations on Encouraging COVID-19 Vaccines. “We’ve got to get those same
levels around boosters to really get that protection we need.” Although AANHPIs are generally more likely to have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine compared to the overall U.S. population, about 39% of eligible Asians and over 52% of eligible Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders are still in need of a booster. Webb said, “If you have been vaccinated and boosted, you are very well protected against the [COVID-19] variants we are currently seeing. We have the tools to save lives … and we’ve seen [that] boosters are very critical in keeping people safe.” The nation has come a long way to keep communities safe but data consistently show how communities of color remain disproportionately impacted by COVID, and health disparities for AANHPIs remain a key issue in achieving health equity. In fact, some AANHPI subsegments are at higher risk because of higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. E x p e r t s a l s o s h a re d t h e importance of getting children vaccinated, encouraging parents to take action for the health and well-
being of their families. “Almost all children who end up in the ICU are completely unvaccinated,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, Vice Chair from the American Academy of Pediatrics. “This is both tragic and encouraging. Tragic because at this point in the pandemic, those hospitalizations were almost completely preventable, and encouraging because we have such a powerful tool [vaccines] going forward to prevent children from suffering.” With more relaxed public mandates on COVID safety protocols and increased travel, COVID cases and hospitalizations are on the rise again. What is encouraging is that the death rate from COVID continues to decrease, thanks to widespread vaccinations. Boosters have provided more people an extra measure of protection from the COVID virus and variants. As AANHPIs, let’s honor our community’s history by helping protect its future. Talk to a doctor or your local health care professional if you have questions. Find vaccines and boosters near you at vaccines. gov. We can do this! (Advertising Supplement)
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DATELINE USA
Record overseas voter turnouts in US, but... PAGE A1 floor. As the polls closed more than a hundred members of Filipino American community and cause oriented groups started their vigil at the doorsteps of the Consulate in protest of the impending return to power of the Marcos family together and the continuation of “Dutertismo” through the incumbent president’s daughter. A similar demonstration took place in Los Angeles on Monday, May 9, with Filipino community members holding a
“vigil for democracy” in front for the Philippine Consulate. Among those who attended and spoke were Catholic priests, martial law survivors, Filipino student activists, and rapper Ruby Ibarra. Organizers mobilized Filipinos and allies from the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, South Bay, and San Diego. Participants flooded the sidewalk and filled the stairs leading to the consulate. Flags, banners, and signs were raised denouncing the return of the Marcos-Duterte families into
stipends along with a $3000 education grant that can be used to pay for tuition and related costs upon completion of one year of service with a select non-profit. Students will also receive credits toward graduation for their service. Students will be required to work in one of three areas: climate action, K-12 education, and COVID-19 recovery. The program is also open to undocumented AB 540 eligible students — known as Dreamers — those brought to the country as children who have access to in-state tuition under California law. Some 48 colleges and universities across the state have joined in the initiative, including the University of California school system, California State University, as well as community colleges and private universities. “We need more Fernandos in this world,” said California Chief Service Officer and program head Josh Fryday, who called the #CaliforniansforAll College Corps a “win, win, win… making this state better for everyone.” A military veteran, Fryday said the 6,500 students that will make up the program’s initial cohort over the coming two years is “the size of the entire Peace Corps.” He also stressed the “transformative power of service” in his remarks, noting students who participate in the program will “come back and change our campuses and our communities.” Fryday continued, “It’s been generations where we have
not invested in creating the infrastructure necessary to truly engage all of our people in service… This is the first time the state is investing state dollars into creating service opportunities.” The program comes as the topic of student debt is front and center in state and national politics, with pressure mounting on President Biden to forgive more than $1 trillion in student loan debt nationwide. Nearly four million Californians owe $147 billion in student debt, with Blacks and Latinos facing the highest rates of default and delinquency. San Francisco State University President Lynn Mahoney pointed to the nearby shopping mall that sits adjacent to the university campus, noting many of the employees in the mall are students working to cover the costs of their education. The financial pressure on students often precludes them from engaging in opportunities like this one, she said. “Experience teaches,” said Mahoney, adding, “The more we provide opportunities like this to our least-served students, the stronger our state will be.” Speakers at Wednesday’s event stressed the program will focus on admitting lowincome students as well as undocumented students, adding that if successful it could be expanded and serve as a model for other states. Kim Greer is the interim provost at Cal State East Bay. She said more than 90% of the available slots for the program at her school have already been
Bongbong picks Sara as his education...
power and their attempts to PAGE A1 tamper with the election. were our allies or not. That’s not Vigil atendees were going to be part of the discussion,” outraged at widespread he said. reports of vote counting Marcos said his team would machines malfunctioning in talk to experts in various sectors the Philippines, vote buying to guide him in choosing his next evidenced by at least one viral Cabinet members. video of individuals passing “The economic managers are out Marcos-Duterte flyers with going to be critical for the next cash enclosed on social media, several years because of the a video of ballots and counting pandemic and the economic crisis, machines being destroyed by so that is something that we are unidentified persons, and at looking at very carefully,” he said. least one incident of executionHe acknowledged that 31 style murder on Election Day. million Filipinos have voted for (Jun Nucum/Inquirer.net) him and heeded his call for unity. “I am guided by that in the sense that we will continue to work for a government, an administration that gives voice to everyone who filled for this year, an indication wants to help,” he said. He said he would announce of its popularity. She also echoed Fryday, other members of his Cabinet in saying participating students the coming days. Marcos did not accept questions will bring their experiences “back to the classroom, so from the media. Performance that all students will become Marcos Jr. earlier told the world aware of the issues impacting not to judge him by his family’s communities.” The deadline to apply past, but by his performance as an for the #CaliforniansforAll incoming Philippine president. His spokesperson, lawyer Victor College Corps program varies depending on which Rodriguez, issued the statement university a student is as his camp declared victory on attending. Participating non- Wednesday, saying the Filipino profits will be selected in part people have “spoken decisively” based on established working as 98 percent of the votes were relationships with area colleges already counted. Unofficial count of the and universities. on Elections Interested students and their Commission families are advised to visit transparency media server as of the program’s website to learn late Wednesday afternoon showed more about eligibility criteria Marcos Jr. leading the presidential race by a wide margin with and the application process. “I knew what I wanted to do 31.09 million votes against Vice in terms of helping people, I President Leni Robredo’s 14.82 just didn’t know to what degree million votes. “Marcos Jr. will be the 17th I would be able to do that,” said Martinez of his experience with president of the Philippines. In the program. “And that was the historic numbers, the people have most eye-opening thing for used their democratic vote to unite me. I think it’s awesome that our nation,” Rodriguez said. “This is a victory for all Filipinos, instead of just helping one or two students, I’m helping and for democracy. To those who voted for Bongbong, and those whole classes.” According to Fryday, that who did not, it is his promise to kind of civic engagement is be a president for all Filipinos. what this moment of multiple To seek common ground across political divides, and to work crises demands. “For democracy to thrive, together to unite the nation,” he and for us to actually solve added. He said Marcos Jr. was looking our problems… we need to mobilize our most important forward to working with Filipinos asset, which is our people,” and international partners and he said. “We have to create organizations “to address critical opportunities for people to step issues facing the country, and to up and engage locally, and the begin delivering for the Filipino College Corps is a huge step people.” After the Marcoses were ousted toward that vision.” (Peter Schurmann/Ethnic Media from power and fled into exile in Hawaii in 1986, succeeding Services)
California offers $10K to college students for... PAGE A1
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 14-17, 2022 A5
administrations have recovered more than $600 million in secret Swiss bank accounts and other assets illegally amassed by the family. The late dictator’s regime was marred with human rights violations, killings and massive corruption. “To the world, he says: Judge me not by my ancestors, but by my actions,” Rodriguez said, quoting Marcos Jr. Media relations At a press briefing on Wednesday in Mandaluyong City, Rodriguez ignored a question from a reporter on how Marcos Jr. would face his contempt charges in the United States when he becomes president and the country’s chief diplomat. He also did not answer another question whether the incoming president would revoke President Duterte’s Proclamation No. 319, which declared Sept. 21 as a National Day of Protest. The late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared martial law on Sept. 21, 1972. He noted though that Marcos Jr. would meet the press “anytime soon” but did not give a definite time. He said they would improve media access to the former lawmaker, including accrediting vloggers to cover the incoming president, “to have more access to government and governance.” However, a political scientist criticized Marcos Jr.’s and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s consistent call for unity and “babangon tayo” (we will rise again) when they never participated in any of the Comelec-sponsored debates or major discussions sponsored by mainstream media. “They also pick and choose the media personalities who will interview them, so we really have no clue about what they really want except for the slogans and what they say,” Maria Ela Atienza said in a phone interview on Tuesday, May 10. This avoidance of media coverage, Atienza said, might be a preview of how journalists would be treated under a Marcos-Duterte administration. History revision Meanwhile, reelectionist Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said he saw no need for the country’s education sector to revise anything in the history books, including the horrors of martial law during the dictatorial regime of Marcos Jr.’s
father. Gatchalian, who ran under the UniTeam senatorial slate of Marcos Jr., said the current set of history books were still factual and accurate, as these were supposedly based on accounts of the country’s acclaimed historians. “Moving forward, I don’t see a need to revise anything. It has to be factual as what historians tell us and what experts tell us, and whatever they tell us that should be in our textbooks,” Gatchalian said. Even with Marcos Jr. as president, whose camp has been accused of historical revisionism by trying to erase the memories of martial law from the country’s history books, Gatchalian, chair of the Senate committee on basic education, said the contents of the current set of textbooks might be held intact. “For the last 30 years, DepEd has been writing or has been promulgating our curriculum. And the curriculum is based on what historians tell us. For the last 30 years, our kids have been reading history as what historians told us,” he said. (With reports from Jane Bautista and Melvin Gascon)
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OPINION
FEATURES
Economic headwinds
A mutation of the highly infectious Omicron variant, BA.2.12.1, has been detected in Metro Manila and Palawan, according to the Department of Health. The DOH report should remind the public that while COVID cases remain low in the country, the coronavirus remains very much around, and could still cause sickness and death especially as vaccine immunity wanes. The continuing pandemic is just one of the risks that could slow down economic growth as the nation prepares for leadership change by mid-year. There was good news in the first quarter as the gross domestic product grew by 8.3 percent, beyond market expectations of 6.8 percent, as the economy emerged from the Omicron surge and reopened. Economists, however, warn that low government spending and a pullback on business spending due to the elections would likely slow down GDP growth in this second quarter. Uncertainty arising from the lack of clear economic policies of the incoming administration as well as inflation that could dampen consumption could also slow down the consumer-driven economy. There are also headwinds overseas beyond the government’s control, among them Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that has kept fuel prices sky-
high, economic slowdown in China and monetary normalization in the United States. Apart from pump prices, inflation is expected to be pushed up by higher prices for basic food items including canned sardines and instant noodles. The approved increases in the suggested retail prices of a wide range of basic goods were announced on Friday. May 13 by the Department of Trade and Industry, as it acknowledged the rising costs of materials needed for production. The nation could face the headwinds better if there is a smooth leadership transition and the new government hits the ground running in dealing with economic woes and the pandemic. People can do their part by getting fully vaccinated and boosted, and by continuing adherence to COVID safety protocols particularly masking. Recovery remains fragile, both in terms of public health and livelihood, and it will require concerted effort to sustain it. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Understand the reasons behind the ‘petition to investigate the 2022 Philippine election’ The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THE much-awaited May 9 elections in the Philippines have left many kababayans with more questions than answers following the overwhelming lead of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and running mate Sara Duterte over Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan in the race for president and vice president. The latest partial, unofficial results aggregated from Comelec data as of May 12, 2022 from 98.35% of election returns show the following: President Bongbong Marcos: 31,104,175 votes Leni Robredo: 14,822,051 votes Vice President: Sara Duterte: 31,561,948 votes Kiko Pangilinan: 9,232,883 votes Moreover, only Sen. Risa Hontiveros among those in the Leni-Kiko Team made it to the Magic 12 among senatorial candidates at 12th place. The leading candidates who garnered the greatest number of votes include familiar names: Actor Robin Padilla, Loren Legarda, Taffy Tulfo, Win Gatchalian, Chiz Escudero, Mark Villar, Alan Peter Cayetano, Migz Zubiri, Joel Villanueva, JV Estrada Ejercito and Jinggoy Estrada. While other presidential aspirants like Manny Pacquiao and Isko Moreno have conceded, Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Kiko Pangilinan have not, and met with their supporters on Friday, May 13, for a night of Thanksgiving dubbed as “Tayo ang Liwanag: Isang Pasasalamat” at the Ateneo de Manila University grounds near the Jesuit Church. Though heartbroken and mourning, most of their supporters begged for Leni and Kiko NOT to concede because
of the doubts on the integrity of the recently concluded election. Leni and Kiko believed it is important to address these concerns and questions. “Hanggang sa mga oras na ito ay marami sa inyo ang pinoproseso pa rin ang latat ng nangyari kahapon,” Pangilinan said on Twitter in the wake of the election. “Hindi kayo nagiisa dahil narito kami at ramdam namin kayo. Marami din kaming katanungan na patuloy naming hinahanapan ng kasagutan.’ Ahead of the “Tayo ang Liwanag: Isang Pasasalamat” night of Thanksgiving, Kiko tweeted: "I recall a quote, taken in the context of pushing for meaningful reforms in governance, that has inspired me for over a decade: ‘There is no such thing as failure, only delay.’ Hindi pa tayo tapos sa ating sama-samang ipinaglalaban. Tuloy and pagmamahal sa kapwa at sa bayan.” Private citizens have launched an online petition via change. org to seek answers to these questions by demanding for an investigation into the May 9 Elections. Let me share with you the contents of the petition, their rationale for seeking the investigation, as stated on Change.org. If you are among those who were disenfranchised and denied of your right to vote, if you think Comelec did not do its part to ensure an honest, clean and fair election, if you think we can learn something from the investigation on this civic exercise moving forward, you may want to want to sign the petition (link at the end of the article). But first, read: Investigate the 2022 Philippine Elections We had cast our votes on May 9, but significant issues plague the 2022 National Elections. Hundreds of vote counting machines failed. Those who were unable to endure the interminable wait for the repair or replacement of defective VCMs were effectively disenfranchised. In some voting precincts, the 4th copy of the election return was not released to the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).
I VOTED for Leni Robredo and proudly so. Isko Moreno, who would have been a promising future presidential bet who ran too prematurely, and all the other presidential candidates should have united and supported Leni Robredo if they earnestly wanted to prevent a suspected corrupt Junior (like-father-like-son), Bong Bong Marcos, from getting into Malacanang. But ambition, selfishness, and greed overpowered their love of country and decency. They obviously did not have the welfare of the nation and the Filipinos on their bucket list.
A massive crowd gathered at the Ateneo de Manila University grounds on Friday, May 13 as Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Francis Pangilinan shared messages to their campaign supporters at the "Tayo ang Liwanag: Isang Pasasalamat" thanksgiving rally. Photo from Twitter/@inquirerdotnet
Voting receipts were stored in unsecured cardboard boxes. There are reports of widespread vote buying that capitalized on the poverty and helplessness resulting from Duterte’s bungled pandemic response. These issues fuel discontent and suspicions and there are allegations of electronic vote rigging. We call for an independent and speedy investigations of these reported irregularities. We particularly demand that those responsible for the inexcusable number of defective voting machines be held accountable. In the coming days, two verification processes will get underway. The PPCRV will collate, encode and canvass their physical copies of the election returns (ER) printed by the VCMs at the end of the voting. The COMELEC will conduct a random manual audit of selected precincts in the presence of, among others, the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL). It is very important that two upcoming
Having said that, much to my sadness and regret, the people Letter to have spoken (or misspoken, if they, in fact, really did), or as being suspected Marcos won because of massive cheating via rigged voting machines (a high probability), but as peaceloving people, we should, even with a heavy heart, faith in God, and great hope for the future, be pragmatic and realistic. If there is a legal way to correct the results of the elections, I am 100 percent for it.
verification processes are perceived to be credible and above board. The investigations and verification processes may yet confirm that the Marcos-Duterte tandem won the elections. We should then analyze the underlying reasons for this. The progressive movement should undertake a discernment process to analyze and cull lessons from, not only the 7-month election campaign, but from the past three and a half decades after we kicked out the dictator. From this discernment process, we can build a better, bigger and more resilient movement that will ensure that democracy will work for the people, not just for the few who control the economic and political levers of Philippine society. And even if the election results are found to be the true reflection of the people’s will, they do not absolve Marcos Jr. and his cohorts of the sin of deliberately misleading the Filipino people through fake
news and historical distortion. The Marcos-Duterte tandem has yet to lay down their plan for the country aside from the laughable promise to bring down the price of rice to twenty pesos. It is not unthinkable that a Marcos-Duterte regime will continue with the present regime’s policy of trampling upon the fundamental rights of Filipinos. The post-COVID recovery will likely be hobbled with the same incompetence and venality shown by the present regime’s handling of the pandemic. In the face of this dire possibility, it is important for the Pink Movement to rise beyond its grief and disbelief to repurpose the People’s Campaign into a powerful political force that can resist the further erosion of people’s democratic rights and the further deterioration of the quality of life of the citizens of this country. Let the words of Vice President Leni be our guide and inspiration: “Walang nasayang; hindi tayo
Accepting the worst, if he is officially proclaimed as the duly the Editor elected president, I pray and hope that Bong Bong Marcos would have the morality and decency to admit and disavow the corruption and graft his father did, ask for the nation’s forgiveness for them, return the billions the Marcoses have stolen from the country, and vow not to re-write history. On top of these, for Bong Bong to earnestly fight graft and corruption by sending even his fellow politicians who are
nabigo. Pinakamahalaga, hindi pa tayo tapos. Nagsisimula pa lang tayo…May kilusang isinilang at hindi ito papanaw sa pagtatapos ng bilangan. Ang namulat, di na muling mapipikit. Hindi natin kailanman hahayaang makatulog muli ang pag-asang nagising.” Sign the petition online: https://www.change.org/p/ investigate-the-2022philippine-elections. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989. She was a news anchor, TV host and radio commentator and public service host for ABS- CBN and DZMM. She is now working on her advocacies independently, serving the Filipino audience using different media platforms. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos. Also on Twitter, Instagram: Gel Santos Relos
criminals to jail, and prove to the world he is, after all, not his father’s son. Yes, a tall order and unrealistic expectations, but this is the only way for him to be truly presidential and accepted, and miraculously, perhaps even be forgiven and become a great president. For the sake of our beloved Pilipinas and our fellow Filipinos, especially those languishing in the gutter of poverty, this is my prayer. Phil Chua scalpelpen@gmail.com 5-11-22
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Vice President Leni Robredo addresses her campaign supporters at a thanksgiving gathering on the Loyola Heights campus of Ateneo de Manila University on Friday, May 13. Robredo has fallen to far second behind Bongbong Marcos Jr. the presidential race, according to Comelec data. Philstar photo by Jazmin Tabuena
Urging voters to accept poll results, Leni Robredo sets sights on new NGO MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo told her supporters to begin accepting the results of the elections even as she rallied them to support her in launching a new non-government organization that seeks to continue the anti-poverty programs she spearheaded while in office. In a speech at her thanksgiving rally before thousands of grieving yet defiant “Kakampinks” in the Quezon City campus of Ateneo de Manila University, Robredo said the “picture is getting clearer” even while there is a need to investigate alleged anomalies in the elections. “We need to start accepting that the results of this election were not in line with our dreams,” Robredo said in Filipino. “This way, we would be able to start focusing ourselves on the future.” The future, she bared, is that she and organizers of the campaign at the local level will launch an Angat Buhay nongovernment entity to assist those in the margins behind what she called would be the “widest volunteer network” in the country's history. The entity adopts the name of the flagship anti-poverty program of the Office of the Vice President which later became a slogan of her campaign. “We already have a template
for this, we’ve done it even with limited funding and machinery at the Office of the Vice President,” she said. “We connected those who were ready to help to those who needed help. Now, we’re more organized, there are many People's Councils, many groups that were formed among our ranks. We’ve shown what we can reach if we all contribute,” Robredo added. Campaign for truth, history Without mentioning her presidential rival and now presumptive president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Robredo urged her supporters to move forward with the “decision of the majority” while making use of the movement her campaign has formed to resist deception. She also addressed accusations and reports of election fraud without disputing the results so far. “I ask you to be one with me in this — be determined not to waste all we’ve achieved so far, while we respect the voice of the many,” she said. She continued: “Truth is, it is not only around election time that you can discern wrong circumstances. It’s not only about defective vote-counting machines or the reported incidents of vote-buying. Our largest threat and enemy —
dominant even before the campaign period — a decadeslong project that is the large and terrible machinery that spreads anger and lies.” “This machinery stole the truth, stole history and stole the future. Disinformation is our worst enemy,” Robredo said. 2025 fight begins now Robredo has been identified as the foremost victim of campaign disinformation while her presidential rival, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as its top beneficiary. Accused of whitewashing history through social media, Marcos, the heir of a dictatorial dynasty elected back into Malacañang, has earned a historic majority of 31 million votes against Robredo’s 14 million, according to unofficial, partial data from the Commission on Elections. While Robredo is focused on launching an NGO, her running mate, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, appealed to their supporters to keep fighting as he set his sights on the next elections — the 2025 midterms. “In the journey and struggle for genuine social transformation, there is no such thing as failure, only delay. Our journey continues, our fight continues,” Pangilinan said partly in Filipino. (Xave Gregorio with Camille Diola/Philstar.com)
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Clean up poll trash, candidates urged by MAYEN JAYMALIN Philstar.com
Carlos Yulo during the Floor Exercise event in the men’s individual all-around at the 31st SEA Games.
SEA Games pool photo
SEA Games: Carlos Yulo wins gymnastics gold; Philippine men’s team gets silver by MARC
ANTHONY Inquirer.net
REYES
WORLD champion Carlos Edriel Yulo bagged the gold medal in the men’s individual allaround and towed along Team Philippines to silver medal in men’s team event Friday, May 13 in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Quan Ngura Sports Palace in Vietnam. The 22-year-old Olympian garnered 85.150 points to edge hometown bets Le Thanh Tung (84.050) and Dinh Phuong Thanh (82.450) in the event which was
one of the Filipino’s targets in this meet. “It’s not bad first day at all,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion who predicted four golds from the Tokyo Olympian. “Yeah, we are expecting more, so much more actually.” The victory also qualified Yulo in the finals of the six apparatuses whose individual finals will be held Sunday, May 15 and Monday, May 16. “All I’m thinking is how to perform well and I think we did
well,” said Yulo who competed in the biennial meet with a complete team behind him for the first time. Juancho Miguel Besana, John Matthew Vergara, Jann Gwynn Timbang and Justine Ace de Leon completed the Philippine men’s team which fell to Vietnam in team event. Team Philippines scored 301.600 leading the field after the morning session but Vietnam stormed in the afternoon with an overall performance worth 321,250. Singapore placed third with 297.650. ■
Bishop calls for reconciliation by MARC
ANTHONY Inquirer.net
REYES
DUMAGUETE Bishop Julito Cortes called on “families torn by politics” in the recent local and national elections to move toward reconciliation. “For all of us who went through this divisive election, we should forgive each other,” Cortes said in a video message. “Let us return to nurturing our relationships with one another as family, relationships that were torn because of politics,” he said. The bishop stressed that “change is not just external but also internal in each of us and in our homes.” While he assured the Church's “cooperation” with the government for the welfare of the public, he said the diocese will also monitor the campaign
promises of the newly elected leaders. The prelate congratulated the victors, reminding them to always seek the grace of knowledge to see the “will of God for His people.” “The hand of God can be seen in history,” he said. “God is the one who gave them the authority. God calls them to serve, especially the weak and poor in our society.” For those who did not win, he enjoined them not to lose hope. “Losing does not mean complete failure but an opportunity for the will of God for you to happen,” Cortes said. “When a window closes, another opens,” he added. “Search for God’s purpose for you through faith and in obedience to the Holy Spirit,” he added. Bontoc-Lagawe Bishop
MANILA — With the elections now over, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday, May 12 urged candidates to help in the removal of campaign materials. “We appeal to the candidates, patuloy sana ang paglilinis ng campaign posters. Let us be environment-friendly and compliant with environmental laws,” acting Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said at a press briefing. “Let us properly dispose of campaign materials and if possible, let’s try to recycle these trash. Huwag itapon kung saan saan,” he added. Both winning and losing candidates, Laudiangco said, should coordinate with local government units (LGUs) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in cleaning up campaign paraphernalia. Laudiangco said the election law should be amended to ban sample ballots during the campaign period. But he said the Comelec believes that the distribution of sample ballots helps in educating the voters. Recycle campaign materials The MMDA said it is looking to recycle election tarpaulins taken down by its personnel under Oplan Baklas. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said they are planning to
take the campaign posters to Vitas pumping station in Tondo, Manila where there is a solid waste granulator and brickmaking facility. “We will turn these campaign trash into eco bricks or eco bags,” he said. The MMDA has collected 252 tons of campaign materials after the elections. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also urged the candidates to dispose of campaign materials in accordance with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. “Win or lose, these candidates must consider the long-term effects of campaign materials on the environment. They must encourage their supporters and volunteers to take down these trash, especially those made of plastic,” acting Environment Secretary Jim Sampulna said. He said the DENR, together with LGUs, would coordinate with the Comelec to make sure that a resolution would be crafted to require candidates to remove election materials after every campaign period. Sampulna asked the candidates to assemble their teams to clean up campaign paraphernalia. He recommended the recycling of campaign materials to lessen the by-products that will be created if these trash are disposed of. Last April, the DENR took down over 114,000 campaign
materials posted on trees nationwide. Manila, Caloocan start cleanup The Manila city government has started removing campaign posters displayed around the city. In a Facebook live on Wednesday, May 11 outgoing Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said he has ordered the Department of Engineering and Public Works to dismantle campaign posters in the city. Moreno said the city should get rid of these election paraphernalia, which became an “eyesore” in Manila. “The election is finished. We need to bring back cleanliness in our electric posts, electric wires and walls,” Moreno said in Filipino. He said the city government could assist private residences in removing the posters of the candidates they supported. In Caloocan, personnel of the city government’s Public Safety and Traffic Management Department hauled 12 truckloads of campaign materials. Most of the campaign posters were collected along Sangandaan and Rizal Avenue, according to the city public information office. The Department of the Interior and Local Government had ordered LGUs to clear communities of campaign trash by Friday, May 13. (with Rhodina Villanueva, Ghio Ong, Ralph Edwin Villanueva, Marc Jayson Cayabyab)
Valentin Dimoc also offered prayers “for the broken and strained relationships of family and friends” caused by the recent elections. Dimoc said that although it will take a long time before the anger subsides, people can start by accepting that those who won in the elections are those chosen by the majority of voters and this should be respected. “This takes time. We should start by accepting that each person is considered one vote and the will of the majority of voters is to be respected. The will of God is to work for the common good. We may eventually find ourselves discussing or debating on specific things that promote the common good, but this is encouraged in a democratic country,” according to Bishop A worker at the Environmental Management Office of the Marikina government recycles campaign posters to be used for the city’s landscape project on Thursday, May 12. Philstar photo by Jesse Bustos Dimoc. ■
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Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in New York City on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy LEADING U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel met with Kapamilya from New York City and neighboring areas, where he provided valuable information regarding their immigration concerns. Cris petitioned his mom as an immigrant in 2013. In 2014, his mother returned to the Philippines to take care of her sick husband (Cris’ father). Sadly, he died in 2019. Cris’ mother is still in the Philippines, and he would like to know if she can still come back to the U.S. Ben’s daughter has Down Syndrome and she is staying with Ben in New Jersey. They petitioned her in 2012 and they recently received a letter from the NVC saying she will soon be interviewed in Manila. Ben is worried, and wants to know what would happen if his daughter is denied a visa and gets stuck in the Philippines. Niki has been a green card holder since 2016 and she petitioned her husband in 2019. The husband is now in the U.S. on a tourist visa. His immigrant visa interview is coming up. Their
lawyer says he needs to fly back to Manila for the interview. Niki asks if it is possible to have his adjustment of status interview here in the U.S. instead. Ruther’s U.S. citizen mother petitioned his brother in the Philippines. Unfortunately, their mother died in 2019. In 2021, the family received a notice from the National Visa Center saying Ruther’s brother can start working on his documents. Since they know that when the petitioner passes away, the petition dies as well, Ruther wants to know if there are other options for his brother to immigrate to the U.S. Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions and more in “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with Kapamilya from New York City. Watch this brandnew episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, May 15 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET thru select Cable/ Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
Dennis Trillo on being a dad again By Dolly
Anne CArvAjAl Inquirer.net
EVEN though Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo both have sons from their previous relationships, they feel like first-time parents to their daughter, Baby D, who was born on April 25. As of now, the couple has not posted a photo of their unica hija. They just gave a glimpse of her via a blurry shot in Den’s Mother’s Day greeting to Jen on Instagram. So it’s “suspense mode on” for their fans.
After their splitup many controversies ago, they reconciled and are now parenting happily ever after. Here’s my chat with Dennis: DAC: Since you already have a son, what excites you about having a daughter? DT: I can’t get enough of my wife. So I am excited that I now have a mini version of her. This will be a totally different experience for us, but we asked for this, and we’ve been waiting and dreaming of a baby girl — and now we have her. We’re just so PAGE B5
ATTY. GURFINKEL ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM KAPAMILYA IN NEW YORK. Leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (2nd from right) answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in New York City on “Your Tanong, My Sagot.” Among the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers are: from Ruther (2nd from left) – My U.S. citizen mom petitioned my brother years ago. In 2021, we received a notice from the National Visa Center that my brother can start preparing his documents. However, our mother died in 2019, and we know that when the petitioner passes away, the petition dies as well. Are there other options for my brother to immigrate to the U.S.?; from Niki (right) – I have been a green card holder since 2016. I petitioned my husband in 2019. He is now here in the U.S. on a tourist visa. His immigrant visa interview is coming up soon and our lawyer says he needs to fly back to Manila for it. Is it possible to have his green card interview here in the U.S.? Watch this episode of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, May 15, at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
‘No more tears, pain’: Sharon Cuneta, Gina Alajar pay tribute to long-time friend Fanny Serrano By jAn
Milo Severo Philstar.com
MANILA — Actress Sharon Cuneta paid tribute to her longtime friend Fanny Serrano who died recently. In her Instagram account, Sharon posted a photo of Fanny’s coffin showing both their hands. “The hands that made me feel and look beautiful for over thirty
years, even when I didn’t think I did. Thank you, my dearest TF, my Tita Fanny, for your love, friendship, loyalty, and for all the laughter we shared,” Cuneta said. “Thank you for wiping so many tears quietly as they poured from my eyes on so very many occasions over all these three decades. I find peace in that I kept my promise to you.
I know you have gone straight to heaven, and I pray that I see and laugh with you again there someday…I love you so very much,” she added. It can be recalled that the celebrity makeup artist had a “massive stroke” in March 2021, according to the Megastar. Meanwhile, actress-director Gina Alajar also took to her social PAGE B2
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FULLY VICE-CINATED! Vice Ganda live at Pechanga Resort Casino VETERAN comedian and stage performer Vice Ganda is up for a new round of live performance again for guests and visitors come July 2 and 3 (Saturday and Sunday) at 6 p.m. in the only world-class premier hotel, resort, and casino in Southern California — the Pechanga Resort Casino. Pechanga Resort Casino is well-known for hosting only the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers aimed to provide the ultimate experience especially to its Filipino-American patrons. Vice Ganda is currently holding a series of U.S. concert tours to pave the way for requests from avid fans and followers to share laughter, comedy, fun and entertainment, less frequently experienced. Geared to a wholesome weekend family getaway, Vice was active in Manila, performing for a daily talk show hosting, doing TV guestings, acting in screen comedies, and making live invitational appearances while maintaining millions of viewers on YouTube and other social media platforms. Don’t miss it! Vice Ganda will showcase her “Fully
Celebrity makeup artist Fanny Serrano (left) has been responsible for the looks of some of the country’s biggest stars, including Megastar Sharon Cuneta (right). Instagram Photo/@reallysharoncuneta
Vice-cinated” comedy spiel and laughter at the Pechanga Summit. Tickets may be purchased from $48 at the Pechanga Box Office. You may also buy tickets by calling 888-810-8817 or visit, www.Pechanga.com Pechanga Summit features a 40,000-square foot area for entertainers, concerts, live sporting events, trade shows, weddings, or any large groups to book. In total, Pechanga now offers 274,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor contemporary meeting and event space,
with significantly enhanced amenities, space, and visibility of Pechanga’s event offerings. Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the best casino in the west by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5,400 of the hottest slots, 152 table games, world-
class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter. (Advertising Supplement)
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by getting ahead of the curve with a CA REAL ID MAY is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to reflect and acknowledge the many contributions and influences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Celebrating AAPI month each year reminds us of our rich history, providing us with the perfect opportunity to travel and visit family and friends, which may have been limited due to the pandemic.
With travel restrictions lifted, there is no better way to celebrate than to give yourself the gift of travel. In just one year, a federally accepted form of identification, such as a REAL ID, will be required for all domestic travel, so get ahead of the curve by getting your REAL ID today — it’s your most important carry-on! Whether you are booking travel plans,
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‘No more tears...
PAGE B1 media account to pay tribute to Fanny. “I want to remember you this way TF… malakas, makuwento, masaya, punong puno ng buhay… you have lived a good life. At ngayon mas lubos ang kaligayahan mo sa piling ng mahal na mahal mong Panginoon at Taga-pagligtas, si Jesus Christ. Ito ang ultimate mong pangarap ang makasama na Siya,” she said. “Sigurado ako na ang saya-saya sa langit ngayon, there is dancing and singing to welcome you, God’s faithful servant. Wala ka nang sakit, magaling ka na, nakakalakad ka na uli at di mapigilan praising and worshipping God. No more tears, no more pain at nakatira ka na sa mansyon ng ating Panginoon. Mami-miss ka namin dito pero alam ko mas masaya ka sa langit ngayon. As for us, we will wait for the time when we can be together again eternally. I love you. My family loves you TF,” she added. Dubbed as the country’s “Beauty Pioneer,” Fanny, Felix Fausto Jr. in real life, is behind the looks of the country’s biggest stars, including Sharon, Cherie Gil, Lorna Tolentino and Celia Rodriguez. He is also a salon owner, a fashion designer and an actor who appeared in movies and the TV drama series such as “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” The beauty pioneer passed away in his sleep at the age of 74 at his residence in Morato, Quezon City, according to daughter Patpat Miranda. Miranda thanked everyone who sent their prayers and condolences. “Thankful ako sa lahat ng tribute. It comforts our hearts, coming from people whom he touched in his lifetime,” she said. Among the designers who paid tribute to the celebrity make-up artist were Maktin Miranda, Dave Ocampo and Domz Ramos. In his Facebook account, Ocampo said: “Good bye Tita Fanny Serrano thank you for your words and the words of Lord Jesus you share with us. You will be miss by your Designers Circle Philippines family!! Love you TF you are a friend, a mentor, a brother to me. Thank you so much!!” It was in March of 2021 that Fanny suffered a massive stroke, according to Cuneta. The Megastar asked for prayers for Serrano during that time. n
visits to family and friends, or simply going on vacation — make sure you have a REAL ID now so you don’t have to worry about it later, reducing the stress of travel so you can concentrate on having fun. Getting your REAL ID is as fast and easy as 1-2-3: • Start your application online at dmv. ca.gov/realid. • Upload your documents. You’ll need one identity document (ex: valid passport, original birth certificate) and two proofs of residency (ex: mortgage bill, employment document, home utility bill). • Make an appointment online to finish the process at your local DMV office. Be sure to bring your uploaded original documents and entire confirmation page to your appointment! By starting your application online, you’ll be in and out of the DMV quickly and ready to fly! Join the 13 million Californians who have already upgraded to a REAL ID and make your ID do more. A REAL ID costs the same as a regular ID, but a REAL ID will take you places and allow you to get into secure federal buildings such as federal courthouses and military bases. Don’t wait until the May 3, 2023 enforcement date — apply for your REAL ID today and beat the rush. Apply for your CA REAL ID online by visiting dmv.ca.gov/realid. n Fanny Serrano
Photo from Instagram/@fannytfserrano
File bankruptcy without losing anything Can I get a green card if I had with proper exemption planning a previous marriage petition Minding Your denied based on fraud? Finances
can over a 3- to 5-year period. A PERSON who files Thus, the focus in Chapter 13 is bankruptcy does not not to liquidate or sell assets for automatically lose everything the benefit of creditors. Rather, they have, contrary to what the focus is on your current and some people may believe. future income and how much of Because the concept behind it can be used every month to bankruptcy is to give the honest pay creditor claims. Depending debtor a fresh financial start, the Atty. rAymonD on the amount of disposable law allows you to keep certain BulAon income available, you may assets necessary to that end. Hence, you have “exemptions” assets and so it doesn’t even be required to pay zero to available under the law that you matter how much you have in 100% of your unsecured debts can use to protect what you own. your plan, you get to keep it all. (Unsecured is any debt with When a bankruptcy petition is IRA’s and other retirement plans no collateral involved). Certain filed, all the assets owned by the are also frequently protected by types of debts like taxes and debtor are listed on the petition. law and are beyond the reach back child support need to be The debtor then gets to choose of the bankruptcy trustee. In paid 100% but there are only a what they want to protect, or 2005, the law was amended to few debts under this category. exempt based on what the law exempt IRA’s up to $1 million. The most common type of debt allows. Some of the available An experienced bankruptcy that people have is credit card exemptions are limited in attorney can review all property debt and in Chapter 13, they don’t necessarily have amount or value while to be paid in full if you others are unlimited. cannot afford to do For example, if you When a bankruptcy petition is filed, so. If you own a home own a home that you and are behind in your use as your primary all the assets owned by the debtor mortgage payments residence, you are and property taxes, currently allowed to are listed on the petition. The debtor 13 can also protect up to a little then gets to choose what they want Chapter stop foreclosure and more than $600,000 of your equity if you to protect, or exempt based on what allow you to save your home while paying live in Los Angeles the law allows. back the arrears under County, provided that a court-supervised you have owned the repayment plan. residence for more If you need bankruptcy relief than 1,215 days. The amount and assets that you own and varies in each county, in some, can determine whether filing but are scared of filing due to the protected equity amount is Chapter 7 makes sense if the possibility of losing assets, lower. there are assets that may not don’t assume anything until Most Chapter 7 cases are no- be protected at all. Where the you speak with a bankruptcy asset cases. What this means amount of debt being discharged attorney who can advise you is that the debtor does not lose in the bankruptcy significantly of your legal rights. For a free anything because either (a) exceeds the value of the asset attorney consultation, call Tollthe allowable exemptions are that cannot be exempted, for Free 1-866-477-7772. *** sufficient to protect everything example, in certain situations it that the person has, or (b) the may still make sense to proceed None of the information herein is debtor has no assets of significant as you will still come out ahead intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has value at all that even though they and be debt-free. cannot be exempted, selling Chapter 13 (as opposed to successfully helped over 6,000 clients in the assets makes no sense as it Chapter 7) does not involve getting out of debt. For a free attorney will not yield anything of value selling or risking the loss of evaluation of your situation, please call to repay creditors. Retirement assets at all. Why? Because in RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866plans like 401(k) plans are not Chapter 13, you are still trying to 477-7772. even considered bankruptcy pay your creditors the best you (Advertising Supplement)
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 U.S. 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 marriage-based 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
Legal Advice
Atty. DArrick tAn petition 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. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** 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 Philippine American Bar Association. LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323-6390277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
B4 MAY 14-17, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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Pahrump project to bring first major harness racing track in state By RealtoR
Fely Quitevis-Bateman
A PROPOSED plan to build a megaentertainment facility on more than 400 acres of open farmland northern Pahrump will bring the first parimutuel harness racing track in Nevada. According to an article in the Pahrump Valley Times, the project will include a 40,0000-square-foot resort casino centered around a 7/8mile track, with stables for 280 racing horses, plus amenities like restaurants, shopping facilities campgrounds, a water park, batting cages, movie theater and parking for vehicles and RVs (recreational vehicles).
It has been presented to Nye County commissioners by the Nevada Standardbred Association Inc., which was formed a few years back, counting horse trainers and caretakers and other parties as its founding members. The association’s goal is to bring harness racing to the state, and it sees Pahrump as key to its plan. This plan is expected to bring some 200 jobs to the area – horse trainers, vets and techs, groundskeepers, ticket vendors and hospitality workers. There is no timeline yet for the project as there are quite a number of hurdles to go through and permits to secure, but the cost is expected to be in
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948 or send email to fely@precious-properties.com.
the millions. Funding is largely being raised, according to the article, by the Western Saddlebred Alliance Inc. If the project does go through, racing at the 7/8-mile track will run from late October to May should a conditional approval be granted by the Nevada Racing Commission. Twelve live races a day during the season can be seen via two weekly meets, and the races will be simulcast internationally from Pahrump. The opportunity to establish such a project in the area would be a boon to the economy, the people and tourism. Aside from bringing in visitors who will watch the live harness races, the facilities would feature a training and education center that could host community events like 4-H or Future Farmers of America or other organizations. Even a festival is a possibility at the project’s site, and could be scheduled around Nevada Day long weekend. Visitors, per people attached to the project, could also be drawn to hotels, restaurants and other area attractions. Per the article, the project’s developers have anticipated any concerns attached to the project, including research on track surfaces to help reduce the threats of dust and erosion, looking at sound barriers to help curb noise from the track, keeping lighting limited after 10 p.m., and efficient usage and conservation of resources. Water rights come with the land, and a state-of-the-art reclamation process will be designed to help efficiency and conservation efforts. A manureprocessing facility in the site will also help deter flies and pests, and will make the project more sustainable, according to developers. According to article, Nye County commissioners have reacted favorably
Nye County commissioners recently listened to initial plans laid out by project developers who will bring pari-mutuel racing and a megaentertainment facility to Pahrump. Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (extreme right) poses with Nye County commissioners in photo above, including Commissioners Bruce Jabbour and Donna Cox.
to the initial plans laid out to them by the project’s developers. This certainly is a welcome development for Pahrumpians, as this is a major opportunity for the area given that there is a dearth of horse racing tracks in the western part of the United States. Plus, for a gambling capital like the state of Nevada, it has no major presence in horse racing, although horse racing can be seen across screens from inside the major casinos in the state. A track in Pahrump could certainly add a feather to its cap, elevate the state’s horse industry, and place horse-racing – the pari-mutuel kind – within people’s fingertips and see it happen before their eyes, considering that Pahrump is only 62 miles west of Las Vegas. That Pahrump is being considered
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman occasionally drives through the northern and southern areas of Pahrump to see the progress going on in the town.
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (center) with Nye County Commissioner Leo Blundo (left), who has endorsed the mega-entertainment facility that includes the harness racing track, and Lia Roberts (right), who is her GOP mentor.
for this project over other areas in the state is indeed a testament to how the town has grown from its humble beginnings. With Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch also located in Pahrump, that would mean two major racetracks in the town and more business for the area. Of course, there are many things to get done before the project comes to fruition, and that will include input from the community. That the developers are focused on sustainability, conservation and efficient use of resources bodes well for them. Indeed, the state has made a name for itself in these areas – and major projects in the state need to address these concerns well enough in order to gain passage for their developments. News of this project creates more excitement for Pahrump. And as more developments get planned for the area, it will add more stature for the town and keep it on top of everyone’s mind. Now is the time to look for opportunities in Pahrump and neighboring areas – while prices are more affordable and before the market skyrockets. I can help you, my kababayans, look for the best real estate and properties in Pahrump and beyond, whether as an investment, as a retirement place, or simply your new home. My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has been serving its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising Supplement)
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 14-17, 2022 B5
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Pastor’s Notes reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS “I GIVE you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:24) Pope Francis says that love is a decision and not just a sentiment. And so, we love although it hurts and is challenging. For as St. Paul tells us, love is patient and kind. It hopes all thing and endures all things. (See 1 Cor. 13:4-8) Love is challenging because it asks us to expand our love to others beyond families, friends, and people we like. As Jesus says, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?
Loving truthfully Even sinners love those who love them.” (Luke 6:32) Love expands not merely to people but one’s country and Mother Earth. It is a deep concern for a nation’s state, leaders, and citizens. It works to preserve the beauty and purity of God’s nature. Love does not deceive or twist the truth. It is not greedy or power-hungry; it does not seek its own interest but the common good. It cares deeply for the impoverished and the marginalized, often sacrificing one’s comfort. Pope Francis expresses this attribute of love in these words: “In the poor, Jesus knocks on the doors of our heart, thirsting for our love…. To love the poor means to combat all forms of poverty, spiritual and material. And it will also do
us good. Drawing near to the poor in our midst will touch our lives. It will remind us of what counts: to love God and our neighbor. Only this lasts forever, everything else passes away. What we invest in love remains, the rest vanishes.” It feels good to show love to one’s family and friends, but it is more rewarding, noble, and beautiful in the eyes of God if we share this love with strangers, the needy, and all of God’s creation! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
Dennis Trillo on being a dad...
PAGE B1 happy and complete. What comes first to you, being a husband or a dad? Both are crucial roles that I must fulfill equally well to live a happy life. That’s my ultimate purpose. DAC: What’s the toughest part about fatherhood? DT: Devoting oneself to a completely new human being. Learning the art of selflessness. Being a father is no joke. Nothing comes easy, but it sure is fun. ‘Kaliwaan’s’ cautionary tale Sometimes, a relationship turns into “relationsh*t” when infidelity happens. That’s what the suspense flick, “Kaliwaan” (now streaming on Vivamax), is all about. Topbilled by AJ Raval, Vince Rillon and Mark Anthony Fernandez, the film is produced by no less than Brillante Ma Mendoza and directed by Daniel Palacio. The riveting story serves as a warning about the evils that the so-called “green-eyed monster” can do. Here are quotes from AJ, Vince (V) Mark (M) and Daniel (D): AJ: When I get jealous, I don’t make it obvious. But I “investigate,” so my boyfriend will just wonder how I got all the info. V: After winning best actor in the Asian film fest in Rome, nothing will change. I won’t be choosy with my roles. I will grab whatever opportunity comes my way. M: I don’t know how to get jealous. When I have a girlfriend and she intentionally tries to make me jealous, I feel like nababastos ako, so I call it quits. D: The concept of our movie from Brillante Ma Mendoza is based on a true story. We just embellished it with today’s issues to make it relevant. AJ: I’m flattered to be called “Pantasya ng Bayan.” But I want to portray sexy roles with substance. And the story has to have an end goal. V: At first, nahihiya ako kay AJ when we had to
Dennis Trillo
Photo from Instagram/@dennistrillo
do our intimate scenes, and she sensed it, so she told me to relax and made me feel comfy with her. M: I am willing to forgive if my girlfriend fools around. But at the start of a relationship, I will make it clear that we should not invest in our emotions kung maglolokohan lang kami. D: Direk Brillante gives inputs during our shoot. He’s someone you can’t ignore. Even if he’s a Cannes-winning director, he’s still open to suggestions. GMA Network’s winning moment GMA Network bagged four medals at the 2022 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards — for “The Atom Araullo Specials” (“Munting Bisig” episode); “Limitless: A Musical Trilogy,” which was headlined by Julie Anne San Jose; “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (“Bestida ni Ranelyn” segment); and “I-Witness” (for Atom Araullo’s “Koronang Tinik” and Sandra Aguinaldo’s “Virus Hunters”). Hooray for Pinoy pride the Kapuso way. n
When unwelcome or offensive conduct creates an illegal hostile work environment “reasonable person standard” when determining whether a hostile work environment exists. The CDCR argued that the circulation of the video involving Jane Doe was not Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. workplace harassment and it was neither severe nor JANE Doe worked in the office pervasive. of the California Department of However, California law Corrections and Rehabilitation states that “A single incident (CDCR). She and another CDCR of harassing conduct is employee who worked in the sufficient to create a triable same location, Correctional issue regarding the existence Officer Luis Serna, became of a hostile work environment sexually involved. Serna if the harassing conduct recorded their sexual encounter has unreasonably interfered at her home. He then disclosed with the plaintiff’s work the video to their co-workers, performance or created an and eventually, to others intimidating, hostile, outside of work. Jane or offensive working However, California law Doe had not consented environment.” to the video’s disclosure. The case went to states that “A single incident of trial. Several months later, The Daily Journal Jane Doe learned about harassing conduct is sufficient to reports that the jury the video’s distribution. found in favor of the create a triable issue regarding employee’s claims of She complained to prison officials about it sexual harassment the existence of a hostile work and told them that she in the workplace, was experiencing sexual failure to prevent environment if the harassing harassment because of harassment, and gender conduct has unreasonably the video disclosure. discrimination. They Jane Doe eventually awarded her $650,000 interfered with the plaintiff’s sued the CDCR and in emotional distress work performance or created an damages, several officers for $59,555 sexual harassment. A for lost wages, and few months later, she intimidating, hostile, or offensive $1,327,270 in costs and resigned from CDCR. attorneys’ fees. working environment.” Three months after her *** resignation, CDCR issued The opinions, beliefs and a finding that the distribution in the workplace, affect the viewpoints expressed by the author do of the video constituted sexual victim’s ability to perform not necessarily reflect the opinions, harassment. the job as usual, or otherwise beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian In her lawsuit, Jane Doe interfere with and undermine Journal, its management, editorial alleged that the actions of the victim’s personal sense board and staff. Serna and other CDCR officers of well-being.” California *** constituted sexual harassment law follows the standard set The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. in the workplace. She claimed forth by Justice Ruth Bader welcomes inquiries about this topic. that the events caused her Ginsburg who wrote “...that the All inquiries are confidential and at noto suffer emotional distress, harassment so altered working cost. You can contact the office at (818) leading to her resignation. She conditions as to make it more 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. was so traumatized by what difficult to do the job.” com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe happened that she continues to Courts have ruled that Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered need mental health treatment. to prevail in a hostile work wages and other monetary damages Courts recognize two types environment lawsuit, the for thousands of employees and of sexual harassment. The first employee must prove that consumers. He was named Top Labor type is called quid pro quo the unwelcome or offensive & Employment Attorney in California harassment. This harassment conduct was either pervasive by the Daily Journal, consistently exists when submission to (meaning, not an isolated selected as Super Lawyer by the a sexual conduct is made incident) or severe (e.g. threats Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past a condition of employment of violence against safety and Presidential Awardee for Outstanding benefits such as a promotion, well-being). Courts use both Filipino Overseas.] a pay increase, or a job itself. an objective and subjective (Advertising Supplement)
Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights
A classic example would be the boss who threatens to fire an employee if the employee refuses to have sex with him or her. The second type involves harassment resulting from a “hostile work environment.” California law “declares that harassment creates a hostile, offensive, oppressive, or intimidating work environment and deprives victims of their statutory right to work in a place free of discrimination when the harassing conduct sufficiently offends, humiliates, distresses, or intrudes upon its victim, so as to disrupt the victim’s emotional tranquility
B6 MAY 14-17, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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What does bankruptcy ‘fresh start’ mean?
LET’S give bankruptcy a historical and legal perspective. Right now, when we say b a n k r u p t c y l a w, w e r e f e r t o Fe d e r a l l a w c a l l e d t h e “Bankruptcy Code” of 2005. Creditors did a lot of lobbying in Congress to fashion the 2005 bankruptcy Code to enhance their interests. Thus, the 2005 Bankruptcy Code incorporates the “means test” which basically uses the deductions allowed by the IRS from gross income to set the threshold to filter out which debtor can qualify for Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code. Chapter 7 is the “fresh start” chapter of the bankruptcy code, which allows a debtor to “discharge” most, if not all of accumulated debt while allowing the debtor to keep most, if not all of his assets through a system of asset exemption. For example, senior clients own a house with equity that is within exemption, retirement portfolio of $500K, an older model MB-E 350 with a car loan of $15K, a new Tesla model X with a car loan of $50K, and they owe $70K of credit card debts. They pay $2K a month to keep the $70K of credit cards current. Since they now rely on social security income and income from their $500K of retirement savings, they are really having a hard time setting aside $2K a month for credit cards. Even if their combined social security income and portfolio income is $80K a year, allocating 30% of that income or $24K a year to keep their cards current is a pain. They would like to travel the world more often but the $24K a year for credit cards means they have to stay put in LA. So clients are not a good place to be in. In this case, given these circumstances, Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy code will allow clients to keep their house, their cars, their retirement portfolio (must be ERISA qualified 401K, IRA, DBP etc.) while “discharging” their $70K of credit cards. In other words, bankruptcy law allows them to keep all their assets and all their income sources while the Federal court issues an order that “wipes out” the $70K of credit cards. Just imagine the amount of money the clients
EMPLOYMENT
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrence yAng are going to save if the $70K is discharged. In two years, they save $50K. In 4 years, they save $100K. Whereas, if they did not get rid of these cards, they will spend another $100K in 4 years, but still owe the same $70K! The relief from debt for clients is tremendous. It’s the difference between night and day. The bankruptcy “discharge” is the essence of the bankruptcy “fresh start.” The United States Supreme Court, in many bankruptcy cases brought before it, has stated that the bankruptcy “discharge” gives the honest debtor a new opportunity in life and a clear field for future effort, unhampered by the pressure and discouragement of pre-existing debts. It is obvious that clients are suffering a lot of pressure and discouragement to fork out $24K of their income every year to service their $70K of credit cards. Thus, bankruptcy law and the U.S. Supreme Court want to give clients a new opportunity in life unhampered by the pressure and discouragement of preexisting debts, even though they are now seniors. Of course, a fresh start really has nothing to do with age – my youngest client is only 22 and she needs a fresh start because of preexisting debt that she cannot pay off since a friend of hers used her credit cards without her knowledge and consent. Just think about it. Clients still have their house, their cars, their retirement portfolio of $500K, and still have all their income, but they don’t have the $70K of credit card debts anymore. It’s the same as having all cancer cells successfully removed from your body. Except that in Chapter 7, clients do not have to undergo chemotherapy. They get a fresh start in life with all of their assets, which they keep, and have zero credit card debts. Further, they will be able to rebuild their credit score very fast. They have nothing to lose except burdensome pre-existing
debts. Recently, another senior client discharged $30K of credit cards, and he feels great! He actually had a total makeover. He had a triple bypass and after one month of recovering from that, he said, let’s go ahead and file my Chapter 7 case because with my triple bypass, I feel great, and now I want to feel great financially with a “fresh start” without my $30K of credit card debts! What does the Federal bankruptcy court “discharge” order mean? It means that creditors cannot collect, in any way, shape or form the discharged debts from debtor. This is permanent. Even if clients win the lottery of $100M next year, they don’t have to pay back the $70K, as long as 6 months from discharge date has elapsed. Creditors lose the right to collect permanently. T h e d e b t s a re d i s c h a rg e d permanently. Debtors are given a new financial start in life. How long is the wait to buy a house after bankruptcy? Normally, in two years from discharge date, debtors can qualify for mortgage loans to buy a house at higher interest. If a person with an excellent credit score will pay 4%, in 2 years, a discharged debtor will pay maybe 6%. But not all debts are dischargeable. Child support and alimony are not. Student loans are not, unless you can show extreme hardship. Debts incurred by intentional torts cannot. For instance, you killed somebody and the victim’s family obtained a $50M judgment against you, that $50M cannot be discharged. You will bring that debt to hell with you. However, I did settle a $1M wrongful debt judgment against a debtor for $50K. Client made an illegal U turn causing an accident with a motorcycle that caused the death of the motorcycle driver. The debtor’s asset structure was favorable and conducive for a $50K settlement. Debtor had to go to jail for three years for the homicide. Is bankruptcy constitutional? Of course it is. Article 1, section 8, clause 4 authorizes Congress to make “uniform laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States.”
EMPLOYMENT
Reimbursement for community contribution towards a spouse’s education and student loan during marriage
ONE of the biggest problems of millennials and Gen Z are educational cost and student loan debt. This eats up a large part of a household’s budget even among married couples. However, what happens to all the money paid towards one spouse’s education and student loans if the marriage fails and leads to divorce? Well, California Family Code Section 2641(b)(1) provides that upon divorce or legal separation, the community “shall be reimbursed” for its “contributions” to a spouse’s education or training that “substantially enhances” the spouse’s earning capacity. Under Family Code Section 2641(a), reimbursable community “contributions” means payments made with community or quasi-community property for a spouse’s education or training or for the repayment of a loan incurred thereof, no matter where the parties resided when the payments were made. Family Code § 2641 reimbursement is not limited to education or training received during marriage. Rather, by its terms, application of the statute is governed solely by whether community funds were used to pay for the education or training. Thus, educational costs and loans paid with community funds are within the ambit of § 2641 reimbursement even if
the education occurred before marriage. Marriage of Weiner, supra, 105 CA4th at 239-240, 129 CR2d at 291. In Marriage of Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil (2020) 51 CA5th 604, 607-608, 265 CR3d 285, 288, the court held that the community is entitled to reimbursement where the spouse paid off student loans for education she attained before marriage with funds from her salary earned during marriage. In Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil, the trial court erroneously held § 2641 did not apply because, among other things, the student spouse (Wife) repaid her premarital education with her own earnings during the marriage, and the nonstudent spouse (Husband) failed to contribute to Wife’s education/ loan repayments and family expenses. “[B]ut nothing in [§ 2641] contemplates denying reimbursement to the community where the student spouse pays for her own education or where the nonstudent spouse did not somehow earn an entitlement to an equal share of the community. Indeed, the statute refers to community contributions to education, and makes no reference to the source of the community contribution.” Marriage of Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil, supra, 51 CA5th at 615-616, 265 CR3d at 294. At a minimum, reimbursable community expenditures include amounts paid for the student spouse’s tuition, fees, books, supplies and transportation. Fam.C. § 2641, Law Rev. Comm’n Comment,
23 Cal. L.Rev. Comm’n Reports 1 (1993). Beyond this, however, community expenditures are a reimbursable “contribution” only if directly related to the educational experience. Ordinary living expenses that would have been incurred regardless of whether one spouse was attending school such as rent, food and clothing, health care and entertainment, are not reimbursable under § 2641. Marriage of Watt (1989) 214 CA3d 340, 354, 262 CR 783, 791-792. *** 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, APLC. 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, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail Kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.
Even our loving God favors debt forgiveness. Deuteronomy 15:1 – At the end of every 7 years you shall grant remission of debts. If you need debt relief, call our office to set an appointment. I will analyze your case personally. “At the end of every seven
years you shall grant remission of debts.” Deuteronomy 15:1 *** Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advise for anyone. There is absolutely no attorney client relationship established by reading this article. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in
Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
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