May 29-31, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 41 • 2 Sections - 20 Pages
No credible ouster plot vs Duterte — Lorenzana by FRANCES
MANGOSING Inquirer.net
DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has ruled out any credible plot to unseat President Rodrigo Duterte amid persistent reports. “Some people say there are (ouster plots). We have intelligence people going around. Meron tayong ongoing operations. Wala naman kaming nararamdaman (We have ongoing operations, but we did not feel it),” the defense chief said in an interview with GMA News Digital on Tuesday afternoon, May 28. His statement comes amid persistent claims of the Palace that groups are plotting the president’s ouster. It even came out with a matrix, a diagram map- RARE ENCOUNTER. President Rodrigo Duterte greets Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo on the sidelines of the commencement exercises ping a network of journalists, lawyers’ group, critics, of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Mabalasik’ Class of 2019 at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday, May 26. In his Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana
keynote speech, Duterte called on the graduates to be humble, be teachable and always be grateful for those who taught, prayed and believed Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante
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Inquirer.net photo
USA
DATELINE Part of PH, US history is fighting together for freedom US chargé d’affaires FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
A PART of the history linking the Philippines and the United States involves the previous wars fought together as allies by the two nations, U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires John C. Law said Sunday, May 26, in celebration of Memorial Day. The Philippines and the United States remembered more than 17,000 soldiers who died in World War II during Memorial Day rites at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City. Asked what the celebration says about the relationship between the two nations, Law said Memorial Day underscores the rich history of the countries in fighting for freedom together. “[Memorial Day] is a perfect example because we have a long history, part of that history involves fighting together for our freedom, and World War II was the most outstanding example of Americans and Filipinos coming
No proof of ‘Bikoy’ claims vs opposition –PNP by EMMANUEL
TUPAS
Philstar.com
THE man claiming to be “Bikoy” in the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos left the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters at Camp Crame on Saturday afternoon, May 25, without submitting a sworn statement or any piece of evidence that police investigators can use to verify his allegations against opposition leaders who reportedly plotted to oust President Rodrigo Duterte. Peter Joemel Advincula left Camp Crame after he posted bail for different estafa charges filed against him. Advincula, claiming to be the narrator Peter Joemel Advincula left Camp Crame after he posted bail for different estafa charges filed against him. Philstar.com file photo behind the videos linking Duterte’s family
and allies to the illegal drug trade, detailed a supposed ouster plot against the president by Vice President Leni Robredo, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, the Liberal Party and other opposition leaders and supporters. He vowed to put his allegations into writing and present evidence but left Camp Crame without giving the police any evidence to back his claims. PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde earlier described Advincula as a con artist who would sell information, even false ones, in exchange for money. Sought for comment, PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac said Sunday, May 26, that Advincula was not able to submit a sworn statement and other pieces of evi-
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Trillanes hits Duterte, spokesman’s ‘obsession’ by BERNADETTE
TAMAYO ManilaTimes.net
SEN. Antonio Trillanes IV on Sunday, May 26, chided President Rodrigo Duterte and his spokesman for their “obsession” with him. Trillanes was reacting to a statement by Salvador Panelo who said: “While many will wish Mr. Trillanes good riddance as he is about to leave the hallowed halls of the Senate at the end of June of this year, we will instead wish him luck as he faces another prospect of being u PAGE A2 placed behind bars again as the self-confessed black propagandist turns against his master, even as his victims look forward to Containers of garbage from Canada are being fumigated in Subic before being shipped to the seeing the Senate, or better yet the govern- North American country. DFA photo by Nilo Palaya Senator Antonio Trillanes 4th delivers a privilege speech at ment, without the cantankerously obnoxious coup plotter.” the Senate on Monday, May 27.
60 new measles cases across 26 states, worst since 1994 The growing global trend of “anti-vaxxers” a main factor, CDC says
THE United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Monday, May 27 reported 60 new cases of measles, making the total reported cases of the preventable-disease this year to 940 across 26 states. This is the worst outbreak of measles since 1994 (which had a reported total of 958 cases) and since measles was officially eliminated in 2000, CDC officials said. The states that have reported measles cases include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, and Washington. The resurgence of parents who distrust
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ManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia
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FDA expands list of countries affected by import ban amid swine fever threat by IAN
NICOLAS CIGARAL Philstar.com
THE Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released an expanded list of countries affected by a temporary ban on the importation and sale of processed pork meat products amid growing fears over the spread of African swine fever virus. In an updated order dated May 27, 2019 but released Tuesday, May 28, the FDA included Vietnam, Zambia, South Africa,
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Canada trash ‘cleaned, ready to go’ by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com
VIRAY
THE containers of garbage illegally shipped to the country in 2013 are ready to be repatriated to Canada this week. All 69 containers have recently been fumigated in Subic before being loaded to a ship contracted by Ottawa. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the containers of waste are scheduled to be shipped back to Canada on Thursday, May 23. “All containers containing garbage cleaned and ready to go. Waiting for a couple of documents and routine permission from China for transshipment to In an order dated May 27, 2019 but was released Tuesday, the FDA included Canada. Departure is May 30,” Vietnam, Zambia, South Africa, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Mongolia, Moldova and Belgium in its list. Philstar.com photo Locsin tweeted Monday night,
May 27. A few weeks ago, Locsin ordered the recall of Philippine diplomats in Canada after the North American country missed its May 15 deadline of taking back the trash from the country. The Philippines’ top diplomat said Manila would maintain diminished diplomatic presence in Canada until the garbage issue is resolved. Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna later on announced that the Canadian government has awarded a contract to a company to bring back the waste to their country as soon as possible. Canada initially announced that the shipping form will first
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No proof of ‘Bikoy’ claims vs... PAGE A1 dence due to the absence of a lawyer of his choice. “He promised to return to submit his evidence once he gets a lawyer,� Banac said in a text message. Another police official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Advincula vowed not only to give an affidavit detailing the
alleged conspiracy to remove Duterte from power but other evidence in his possession. “He is more than willing to submit his cellphone and laptops for digital forensics examination,� the police official said in a text message. Advincula earlier claimed he has communications with Trillanes, the alleged propo-
From the Front Page
nent of the ouster plot against Duterte. He did not mention to the police the exact time when he will return with his evidence. Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, said Advincula’s statements could lead to investigations. He said Advincula’s press briefing on Thursday, May 23, in Camp Crame was not scripted, adding that the man talked to journalists in a spontaneous way. Meanwhile, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director general Aaron Aquino said he knew from the start that the “Totoong Narcolist� video was mere black propaganda and did not merit an investigation. He added that he did not watch the videos made by Bikoy, even if it mentioned a supposed drug syndicate that involved the President’s son, Paolo, and Senatorelect Bong Go, among others. Advincula said in a televised press conference at the PNP headquarters that the Liberal Party tapped him to create the videos that would lead to the ouster of President Duterte and lead Leni Robredo into power. Aquino said it is only right that those who supported Advincula’s claims before should now face investigation. He said that he supports the PNP in their ongoing investigations into Advincula’s claims. (With reports from Romina Cabrera/Philstar.com)
BRIGADA ESKWELA. SM City Taytay employees and volunteers paint armchairs, classroom walls, and hallways at the Hapay na Mangga Elementary School in Taytay, Rizal. Launched in 2003, “Brigada Eskwela� mobilizes parents, alumni, civic groups, local businesses, non-government organizations, teachers, students, and volunteers to help prepare and refurbish schools ahead of class opening in June. PNA photo
No credible ouster plot...
PAGE A1 news organizations as among those involved in the purported destabilization plot. “If you want to destabilize the government you have to recruit a lot of people — military police, government officials,� Lorenzana said. “Itong mga lumalabas, maybe the Malacanang has some infor-
mation na may maliliit na grupo. May very small plot na sila lang nakakaalam (This is what came out. Maybe Malacanang has some information on small groups. There are very small plots that they know)‌But before you have to do that, you have to get some people from the military and police‌to give it a credible chance,� he add-
ed. Lorenzana also said they were not consulted on the new matrix released by the Palace. “We did not have prior information to that. Hindi ko nga yan nakita except yung pinakapaliwanag ni Sec. (Sal) Panelo (I didn’t even see that except the explanation of Panelo),� he said. n
PAGE A1 Panelo said Trillanes “should first address the serious allegation pointing to him as the mastermind and in conspiracy with certain political leaders identified with the opposition of the unlawful plot to topple the Duterte administration.� The “propagandist� being referred to in Panelo’s statement was Peter Joemel Advincula alias “Bikoy� who on Thursday, May 23, revealed that Trillanes had allegedly conspired with the Lib-
eral Party and Vice President Leonor “Leni� Robredo in plotting to oust the president. In a text message, Trillanes said, “Panelo’s long press release betrays his and Duterte’s obsession about me.� “While I’m supposed to feel good knowing that I have successfully gotten under their skin, but coming from somebody like Panelo, it somehow feels creepy,� Trillanes said. “Bikoy� was the hooded figure in a five-part video series
that linked members of Duterte’s family and allies to illegal drug operations. Advincula, who claimed to be “Bikoy,� surfaced at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in early May, and reiterated his accusations against the Dutertes. In a turnaround last week, however, Advincula claimed that Trillanes, Robredo and the LP had conspired to oust the president. All have denied the allegation. n
Canada trash ‘cleaned, ready... Trillanes hits Duterte, spokesman’s...
PAGE A1 treat the garbage and will complete the preparation by end of June. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo then announced that President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the appropriate government agency to look for a shipping firm that would ship back the trash to Canada. Panelo said Duterte will not allow the process to take until June. Despite Malacaùang’s pronouncements, the 69 containers of garbage will be shipped by the private Canadian firm as announced by Locsin on Twitter. n
FDA expands list of countries affected... PAGE A1 Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Mongolia, Moldova and Belgium in its list. The FDA, which is under the Department of Health (DoH), issued in September last year an order declaring a temporary ban on the importation and distribution of pork meat products from countries suspected to be affected by the virus. The initial list, which still stands, includes China, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Russia and Ukraine. “The public is advised to exercise extreme caution in purchasing and consuming processed pork meat products and is advised to only consume processed pork meat products
which are sourced from countries other than the above listed countries suspected to be affected by ASF virus,â€? the FDA said. ‘Pull out Ma-Ling’ While the disease is usually fatal in pigs but not harmful to humans, the African swine fever can cause major economic loss to swine industries. China and Vietnam, two of the countries worst hit by the virus, have already culled millions of hogs infected by the disease. Also on Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary Manny PiĂąol urged the FDA to stop issuing import clearances and order the immediate market pullout of processed pork products from
countries affected by the virus, including the ‘Ma-Ling’ brand luncheon meat from China. This was after a reported incident involving a returning overseas Filipino worker who was intercepted while bringing in cans of Ma-Ling pork luncheon meat despite a ban and cut off date for the entry of processed pork products from China issued last year, PiĂąol said. “DA Undersecretary Ariel Cayanan and the hog industry stakeholders will meet with the new FDA Director General Dr. Domingo today to thresh out issues involving the continued entry of processed pork products, commodities which are under the jurisdiction of the FDA,â€? PiĂąol said. n
Part of PH, US history is fighting together for... PAGE A1 together to defend countries and to fight for our countries together,â€? Law told Inquirer.net following the celebration. In his speech during the ceremony, Law also underscored how the war created a bond between the two countries “that exists to this day and remains strong to this day.â€? “Here in the Philippines, hundreds of thousands fought sideby-side, shoulder-to-shoulder, and died to defend our countries, to defend our freedom, and to defend our democracy‌in doing so, they established a bond that exists to this day and remains strong to this day.â€? Law said. Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Salvador Mison also
expressed support towards the United States in remembering the lives of the fallen troops. Mison also challenged nations to work together in facing pressing issues. “Today, we are facing real challenges and even confront threats that transcend boundaries such as transnational crimes, piracy, terrorism, and even climate change,� Mison said. “Thus, it is necessary that we work together to address and overcome these challenges,� he added. West Philippine Sea issue Amid the issues between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on March 1 said the US government’s “commitments� under
the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) “are clear, our obligations are real, the [West Philippine Sea] is certainly part of an important body of water for freedom of navigation.� President Rodrigo Duterte also expressed his intentions to maintain the strong relationship between the two nations, particularly ties in defense and security, as well as peace and order Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., on multiple occasions, also said that the United States is the country’s “only military ally.� “The U.S. is and will remain our only military ally. You can’t make an ally out of a near power — too close for comfort,� Locsin said in an earlier tweet. (Neil Arwin Mercado/Inquirer.net)
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U.S. Embassy Chargè d’Affaires John Law and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Salvador Mison deliver their Memorial Day messages at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. Inquirer.net photo by Neil Mercado
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China faces choice to avoid Cold War — Pompeo by Pia Lee-braGo Philstar.com
tHe risk of another cold War erupting will depend on china’s choosing between sticking to rules-based order or engaging in imperialistic expansion, according to u.S. Secretary of State michael Pompeo. In a recent interview with one America news network, Pompeo said china should stop its South china Sea militarization, apparently aimed at expanding its territory, if it wants to avoid another cold War. Pompeo said the u.S. has to make some adjustments in its policy in response to changes that have taken place, especially china’s greater engagement with other countries. As its economy expands, he FUN IN THE RAIN. A flooded street in Manila becomes a wading pool and playground for children. Some areas in Metro Manila were drenched by the sudden downpour over the weekend, but floods were quick to subside. ManilaTimes.net photo by Orven Verdote said china has become more sophisticated militarily, with advanced weapons systems and greater technological capabilities. “they’ve begun to use them in ways that present real risk to the united States,” he said. Asked if the world is witnessing the beginning of another by Gaea Katreena CabiCo cold War, Pompeo said “the Philstar.com choice will be made in the years A documentAry highlighting the role of law enforcers in waging President rodrigo duterte’s brutal war on drugs will be shown in a human rights film festival in new york next month. the Human rights Watch Film Festival will screen the documentary “on the President’s orders” on June 15 and 17 at Film at Lincoln center’s elinor Bunin munroe Film center in new york. central to “on the President’s order” is Jemar modequillo, the caloocan police chief at the time of the filming. Photo from Twittwe/@On the President’s Order In the trailer, modequillo A scene from documentary. asked: “Papatayin ba natin ‘yan? have higher estimates—more “the idea here is not to aesmay buhay din ‘yan. Pero kung than 27,000 since duterte took theticize a human rights crisis matigas ang ulo, patayin talaga office in 2016. but to show the absurd move(Are we going to kill them? they “‘on the President’s order’ logic shoot-‘em-up that duterte are human beings. But if they are is an unflinching exploration of has allowed the Philippines to stubborn, then we kill them).” President duterte’s brutal ‘drug become, right down to the ‘Fury Filmmakers James Jones and war’ and its devastating impact road’-style death’s masks worn olivier Sarbil filmed modequil- on thousands of mostly poor Fili- by the executors. Populist polilo and his men in a span of six pinos,” carlos conde, HrW Asia tics can turn all too easily to popmonths to capture the murder- division researcher, said. corn ones,” Variety Film review ous campaign in action. they Glimpse of drug war’s side- noted. also followed the civilians whose walk-level consequences It added: “‘on the President’s loved ones were killed in the Variety called the 72-minute order’ vividly captures the tipdrug war. film a “wholly cinematic, sensory ping point.” Police said the policy that has experience with straight-ahead “on the President’s ordrawn international censure has reportage.” der”—produced by A Frontline killed about 5,300 alleged drug It noted the documentary’s and Arte France—will also be personalities—mostly living in objective is not to provide a po- shown in Sheffield doc/Fest on urban poor communities—who litical analysis but to show the June 7. fought back. It will also be available in tV sidewalk-level consequences of But human rights watchdogs duterte’s policy. and streaming platforms. n
Documentary on Duterte’s drug war to be shown in New York human rights film fest
Pompeo said the U.S. has to make some adjustments in its policy in response to changes that have taken place, especially China’s greater engagement with other countries. Philstar.com photo
ahead.” china, he said, “will have to decide if it wants to participate in a rules-based order where transparency, respect for intellectual property rights, the absence of continuing to expand their weapons systems into the South china Sea – if they make those set of decisions and behave in a way that is consistent with taking care of their people, providing for their own security, not acting with the goals of imperialism – if
they do that, then we won’t be in that place. “But if they choose a different path, an expansionist path or a path that behaves in the world where you show up and offer deals that aren’t truly economic deals, right, with their Belt and road,” he added. china’s Belt and road program as well as its other overseas activities, he said, are all about projecting political influence. PAGE A4
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Overseas voting hit 18%, breached target – Comelec exec by Faye
Orellana Inquirer.net
The turnout for overseas voting for the 2019 midterm elections surpassed the figure of the midterm polls in 2013, an official of the Commission on elections (Comelec) said Monday, May 27. elaiza Sabile-David, director in charge for overseas voting, said that overseas absentee voting had a turnout of more than 18 percent. “The 2019 midterm elections overseas voting turn out is 18.34 percent with 334,242 who actually voted,” Sabile-David said in a Twitter post.
“It surpassed the 15.63 percent turn out in the 2013 midterm elections with 115,318 who actually voted,” she added. Sabile-David said that historically, overseas voter turnout had always been low during midterm elections. According to her, overseas Filipinos are more interested in voting during presidential elections that happen every six years. The turnout for the midterm elections this year exceeded the poll body’s target. Sabile-David earlier said that Elaiza Sabile-David, director in charge of Comelec only targeted to breach overseas voting. Inquirer.net photo by Faye Orellana the 16 percent mark. n
Obese to outnumber hungry – United Nations
The number of obese people in the world would soon overtake the number of those suffering from hunger, which accounted for 821 million in 2017, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the united Nations said. “This has already happened in Latin America and the Caribbean since 2015,” FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva said. According to Da Silva, the “globalization of obesity” is a more complex nutrition problem that looms large as more than two billion people are overweight, of whom 670 million are obese. The FAO chief noted that while hunger is circumscribed to specific areas, particularly in conflict zones and areas affected by climate change, obesity is everywhere. “We are witnessing the globalization of obesity: eight of the 20 countries in the world with the fastest rising rates of adult obesity are in Africa, for example,” he said. Da Silva stressed that obesity is associated with many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart
disease, hypertension and some forms of cancer and costs about $2 trillion per year in direct healthcare and lost productivity. “This is equivalent to the impact of smoking or the impact of armed conflicts nowadays,” he added. In order to improve people’s diets, local farmers need to be encouraged to use their land to cultivate a variety of nutrient-rich crops, including fruits and vegetables, FAO said, and this can be done, for example, by introducing policies and legislation to ensure institutional procurement from local family farmers. Among the major drivers of obesity and the deficiency of micronutrients, Da Silva named the high consumption of ultra-processed food. “ultra-processed food contains little to no nutritional value, with a high content of saturated fats, refined sugars, salt and chemical additives,” he said, noting that such products are usually cheaper and easier to access than fresh food, particularly for poor people in urban areas. “We need not only to produce
According to Da Silva, the “globalization of obesity” is a more complex nutrition problem that looms large as more than two billion people are overweight, of whom 670 million are obese. Philstar.com file photo
food, but to produce food that is healthy and nutritious in a way that preserves the environment. healthy food for all, based on sustainable agricultural development: this is FAO’s goal,” he said. FAO pointed out that most of the food consumed in the world comes from family farmers and their contribution goes beyond just food production. however, FAO said family farmers are facing multiple challenges including higher temperatures, erratic weather patterns, increased desertification and water scarcity, as well as the outbreak of pests and diseases which need to be urgently addressed. In this context, Da Silva highlighted the importance of the upcoming uN Decade of Family Farming, approved by the united Nations General Assembly last year and is aimed at strengthening support to the vulnerable rural communities in the world. FAO and Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of Catholic relief, development and social service organizations, have a long history of collaboration on themes of mutual interest related to the fight against hunger and poverty worldwide. The FAO chief said to address the interconnected problems of hunger, obesity and climate change, the international community needs to introduce regulations and standards that transform food systems so that they provide, in sustainable ways, healthy and nutritious food for everyone. Da Silva talked about the globalization of obesity during a meeting by Ministers of Agriculture of the G20 in Niigata, Japan last May 11 to discuss investment priorities for sustainable agricultural development. (Philstar.com)
FLAG DAY. Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and SM City Taytay employees and tenants wave Philippine flaglets in a ceremony in commemoration of the National Flag Day on Tuesday, May 28. The National Flag Day commemorates the Battle of Alapan on May 28, 1898, where Filipino revolutionary fighters unfurled the Philippine flag after defeating Spanish troops. PNA photo
American pedophile arrested at NAIA
the philipine National police’s women and children protection center in pampanga where the A SuSpeCTeD American rescued girl lives, Medina said. pedophile was arrested at the Bienvenido Castillo, who Ninoy Aquino International Air- heads the Border Control and port (NAIA) on Monday, May 27, Intelligence unit of the Bureau while meeting a female minor he of Immigration-Ninoy Aquino befriended on Facebook. International Airport (BI-NAIA), police authorities arrested pi- said that u.S. government’s otr Kmita, 43, in an entrapment homeland Security Investigation operation shortly after he ar- (hSI) sought the philippines’ rived in Manila via China east- assistance in monitoring the ern Airlines flight from pudong, American pedophile “after he China. was discovered to have engaged Immigration (BI) port Opera- in sexually explicit conversations Division chief Grifton Medi- tions with his young victim that na said Kmita violated Republic he befriended online through Act 10364 or the expanded anti- Facebook.” trafficking in persons act which Castillo said the hSI then repenalizes the act of “procuring layed the information to the pNp a child for prostitution and ob- regional office in pampanga, and taining a person for the purpose “we jointly conducted the operaof prostitution, pornography or tions to intercept Kmita upon his sexual exploitation.” arrival in Manila.” The suspect was subsequently Castillo reported that the arturned over to the custody of resting agents tailed Kmita from by Benjie
Vergara Manilatimes.net
the moment he arrived up to the area outside the airport where he met his victim. BI commissioner Jaime Morente commended the efforts of the officers in ensuring the successful apprehension of the foreign pedophile. “Different agencies should work together to successfully weed out undesirables like him (Kmita),” Morente said, adding, “his presence here poses a serious threat to our women and children. Thanks to the vigilance and cooperation of our law enforcement agencies, as well as to the hSI for giving us information that lead to this pedophile’s arrest.” Morente said Kmita’s deportation will have to wait until the criminal charges against him are resolved, adding that, if convicted, the alien will have to serve his sentence first before he could be sent back to the u.S. n
China faces choice to avoid Cold War...
PAGE A3 “We never compete in some of the ways that they have chosen to intervene in some of these countries. We would never lend money to a country with the objective of foreclosing on that loan and gaining political power,” he said. Critics see China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as part of Beijing’s “debt-trap diplomacy.” The philippines has been repeatedly warned about falling into a Chinese debt trap involving the injudicious use of loans from China. The Chinese embassy in Manila had earlier dismissed such claims as “meaningless” and
“nonsense.” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the philippines’ Chinese debt was too small to end up in default. “Keep it small. We already got burned in WB/IMF/New York banks’ debt to ‘corruptly governed countries’ debt trap,” Locsin tweeted Monday, May 27. pompeo noted that the u.S. makes sure other countries know the risks connected to taking Chinese deals. “Make no mistake about it, some of the Chinese transactions, straight-up business deals, competing against the united States, and when that’s the case we welcome that competition,”
pompeo said. “But where it’s not, we’ve got an obligation to tell those countries about the risks connected to what it is that those Chinese businesses are doing, their connections to the Chinese government,” he said. he pointed out that the u.S. is not looking to hold China back but that Washington simply wants to make sure that there is freedom of navigation, fair, reciprocal trading regimes and rule of law throughout the globe. “We’re confident if we do that, America can be successful. And we believe that if China would do that, it can be successful as well,” he said. n
60 new measles cases across 26 states, worst since... PAGE A1 vaccinations and immunizations (also known as anti-vaxxers) are a principal reason for the re-emergence of measles in the united States, public health officials said. The anti-vaxxer movement is characterized by fringe, but outspoken parents who falsely believe that the materials in vaccinations are a direct link to autism despite scientific research that disputes these claims. A majority of those infected this year were people who were unvaccinated. Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral disease that can be spread through coughing and sneezing. Typically, measles sufferers start with a high fever that evolves into a cough, runny nose and red eyes followed by a breakout of rashes throughout the body. The disease can also evolve into pneumonia, brain swelling and, in severe cases, death. According to the CDC, measles is so contagious that if one person is infected, 90% of people in the immediate vicinity of that person will become infected if they are not vaccinated. The u.S. outbreak is a part of a global chain reaction where countries across the world are experiencing their own outbreak. The philippines is undergoing its own severe epidemic which began of January of this year. Measles was largely eradicated in the philippines by 2004, but the virus has made a strong comeback within the last few months. Since January, there have been more than 33,000 reported cases and 366 deaths from the
preventable disease, making the country’s outbreak one of the worst in the world. “There are multiple factors that may contribute to the low immunization coverage in the philippines. Inadequate service delivery continues to be a concern, including less than optimal number of immunization sessions at the primary care level and accessibility issues especially in hard-to-reach areas in the philippines,” the World health Organization (WhO) said. According to health professionals in the philippines, the outbreak has been fueled by an uptick of anti-vaxxers and, consequently, the decline of childhood immunizations across the archipelago. A recent study from the London School of hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that Filipinos who believe “that vaccines are important, are safe and effective” dropped from nearly 100% in 2015 to about 60-80% in 2018. The reason for the distrust in vaccinations could be a response to the dengue vaccination controversy of 2016 wherein a nationwide effort went underway to immunize children against dengue using a vaccine called Dengvaxia. The campaign was suspended after the vaccine caused some children to contract severe or, in 10 cases, fatal dengue. The philippine government brought criminal charges to officials who led the campaign and filed a suit against the pharmaceutical company Sanofi over the fatalities. “The administration of dengue vaccine eroded vaccine
trust,” Leonila Dans, a clinical epidemiologist at the university of philippines Manila, told NpR, adding that this “exacerbated” the current measles epidemic and resulted in more parents opting out of routine immunizations for their children. The Department of health in the philippines declared reported measles outbreaks in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Western Visayas and Central Visayas. The philippine government has since launched a nationwide campaign for measles vaccinations and hopes to immunize more than 20 million Filipinos — one fifth of the entire philippine population — by September. About 5.5 million have been vaccinated so far, according to a report in NpR, which has slightly stifled the disease, but the country still sees hundreds of new cases. The WhO and the CDC urge for all parents of young children to “fully” immunize their children, who need two doses of the measles vaccine. public health officials recommend children get one dose between the ages of 12 months to 15 months and another dose between 4 and 6 years old. Before traveling internationally, infants aged 6 to 11 months need one dose of the vaccine and children 12 months and older need two doses separated by 28 days at least. For teenagers and adults who were not vaccinated or have no evidence of immunity against measles, the CDC recommends getting two doses (separated by 28 days) before travel. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
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Alvarez: 2 speakership bets buying votes for P500K to P1-M per congressman by Glee Jalea ManilaTimes.net
DAVAO del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez disclosed on Tuesday, May 28, that two aspirants for the speakership have been buying the vote of each congressman at the House of Representatives at a price ranging from P500,000 to P1 million. In an interview over CNN Philippines, Alvarez said that these two lawmakers whom he did not identify have been offering money in exchange for a signed SCHOOL BAGS. Parents check out school bags sold at the Baclaran Market in Parañaque City on Tuesday, May 28. Baclaran is one of the go-to manifestation of support. places for shoppers of school supplies, including pencils, crayons, uniforms, and bags, which are sold at cheaper prices compared to malls and “My colleagues told me that department stores. PNA photo by Gil Calinga someone offered P500,000 per congressman and then this was countered by another with P1 million per congressman,” Alvarez said in mixed English and by Paolo RomeRo Filipino. Philstar.com Alvarez, a former Speaker, is among the contenders for the MANILA — Declaring a net speakership race, along with worth of P3.719 billion with no Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan liabilities, Sen. Cynthia Villar Velasco, Davao City Mayor Sara remained the richest senator in Duterte-Carpio’s alleged person2018. al pick; Minority-backed Leyte Villar, who topped the 2019 Rep.-elect Martin Romualdez; senatorial elections, declared a Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aunet worth of P3,719,951,858 in relio Gonzales, Partido Demokraher statement of assets, liabilities tiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan’s and net worth (SALN) as of Dec. (PDP-Laban) national deputy 31, 2018. campaign manager; former ForThe senator’s husband, former eign Affairs secretary Alan Peter Senate president Manny VilPhilstar.com photos Cayetano; and outgoing senalar, was recently named as the Senators Cynthia Villar and Manny Pacquiao tor-turned-Antique Rep. Loren Philippines’ richest by Forbes in by Minority Leader Franklin worth. its 2019 list of richest people in Drilon, who has a net worth of Sen. Panfilo Lacson was the the world, with an estimated net P97,726,758. 15th richest with a declared net worth of $5.5 billion. Sen. Sherwin Gatchal- worth P42,442,341. Her net worth last year was ian declared a net worth of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III deby Pia lee-BRaGo higher by about P108 million P96,210,607.14 with no liabili- clared a net worth P28,662,212 Philstar.com compared to 2017. ties, making him the eighth rich- while Sen. Joel Villanueva stated Sen. Manny Pacquiao est in the chamber. MANILA — Foreign Affairs his net worth at P26,921,555. came in as the second richest Incurring no liabilities last Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. Sen. Grace Poe came in at with a declared net worth of ninth spot with a net worth of year, Sen. Gregorio Hona- called the Commission on Human P3,005,808,000. He also declared P93,039,921.54. Rounding up san reported his net worth at Rights (CHR)’s estimates that total liabilities of P146,005,728. the top 10 richest in the Sen- P25,882,099 while Sen. Fran- more than 27,000 have died in The third richest in the 23- ate was Sen. Richard Gordon cis Pangilinan declared his net the Duterte administration’s war member chamber was Senate with a declared net worth of worth at P16,695,048. on illegal drugs a fictional figure. President Pro Tempore Ralph P71,285,178.56. “Offing drug dealers even if not Sen. Risa Hontiveros reported Recto, who posted a net worth of Senate President Vicente a net worth of P15,627,176 fol- enough (27,000 is the fictional P555,325,479.82. Sotto III declared a net worth of lowed by Sen. Francis Escudero, figure as of now peddled by EuFourth was Majority Leader P70,120,700.30 who declared a net worth of ropeans on the drug trade payJuan Miguel Zubiri, who has net roll) still gets A for effort,” Locsin He was followed by Sen. Nan- P10,575,228. worth of P182,851,570,34 based cy Binay as 12th richest, with a The “poorest” members of tweeted. on his SALN. He was followed by net worth P60,132,461. “The drug problem is a people the chamber are also President Sen. Sonny Angara, who declared Sen. Loren Legarda has a net Duterte’s chief critics: Sens. problem as in the equation: drug a net worth of P135,840,710. worth of P56,290,602.11. Next Leila de Lima and Antonio problem=drug dealers – subtract Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito is richest after her was Sen. Paolo Trillanes IV, who have declared left, reduce right,” he said. sixth richest with a net worth Benigno Aquino IV, who de- net worth of P7,706,392.45, and CHR estimates that more than of P132,820,345.73, followed clared P45,205,138.25 as his net P7,533,012.10, respectively. n 27,000 have died in the drug war,
Cynthia Villar, Manny Pacquiao still richest senators
Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez
Legarda. Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, the President’s son, said he won’t seek the speakership after his father threatened to resign. House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez claimed previously that an endorsement from DuterteCarpio would likely seal the deal for legislators wanting to get the top House post given talks that she could succeed her father in the presidential elections. But given Duterte-Carpio’s rift with Cayetano and Alvarez, Suarez said that the race would likely be narrowed down to two popular choices: Velasco and Romualdez. In a separate interview on Tuesday, Velasco was quick to defend his involvement in the vote-buying incident, amid rumors that he was one of the two
ManilaTimes.net photo
whom Alvaraez was referring to. “I’m not giving away a P1 million…congressmen should respect fellow congressmen. They won’t go through that dealing just to be able to get the votes. Each congressman has his or her own views so I don’t think each congressman can be bought that easily,” Velasco said. He, however, admitted that his close ties with the Dutertes were a good advantage, especially in addressing problems at the House. Meanwhile, Romualdez, who is also being linked to the votebuying issue by unknown sources, has yet to comment on the matter. Romualdez has secured the signatures of at least 126 lawmakers in the manifesto of support for his bid. n
Locsin: 27,000 killed in drug war is fiction a number that grows daily as killings extend from Metro Manila to other urban areas. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said President Duterte’s war on drugs is not a model for other countries to emulate. In the Philippines, the UN human rights chief said several sources now estimate that up to 27,000 people may have been killed in the context of the campaign against illegal drugs since mid-2016. Although the government has shown it would not carry out necessary investigations, Human Rights Watch said the International Criminal Court (ICC) could still investigate. Human Rights Watch said:
“Although the Philippines has officially withdrawn from the ICC, the court, which is conducting a preliminary examination into killings during the anti-drug campaign, can still investigate alleged crimes against humanity that occurred while newly elected senator Ronald dela Rosa was Philippine National Police chief, and any other crimes occurring in the future in the context of the same situation.” Locsin said in a tweet that the Holy Spirit is “one hundred percent in favor” of the Philippines’ bloody war on drugs. He was also reacting to a report about Ateneo de Davao requiring random drug test for students and employees when the new school year opens. n
A6 MAY 29-31, 2019 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
Compliance with the rules
FEATURES
WIN or lose, all candidates in the just concluded midterm elections are required by law to file their campaign statements of contributions and expenditures or SOCE by June 13, or one month after election day. The reminder was issued by both the Commission on Elections and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The Comelec and DILG have warned that if winning candidates fail to comply with the SOCE requirement, they would not be allowed to assume their posts. Losers who fail to comply may also be barred from running again. Filing the SOCE has been a long-standing requirement during elections. Candidates have generally complied, but mainly in meeting the deadline. The accuracy of the SOCEs is another story. The Comelec has limited capability to verify the accuracy of every SOCE. Aware of this, many candidates have filed SOCEs that are as laughable as the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth filed by certain government officials. Former first lady Imelda Marcos once emerged as the poorest member of the House of Representatives, based on her
official SALN. She was never held accountable for this unbelievable declaration. Some Comelec officials have acknowledged the difficulty of verifying the accuracy of SOCEs. Perhaps a random review could discourage lying. The accuracy of SALNs has presumably improved following the ouster of two chief justices over issues related to their asset declarations. In the case of SOCEs, a genuinely random selection of even a handful of candidates for review can compel accuracy. The SOCE requirement is one of the few ways by which the Comelec can regulate campaign financing. Many corrupt deals have their roots in campaign fund raising. The Comelec must ensure not only compliance with the SOCE requirement, but also the accuracy of the statements. It must then see to it that violators of the rule will suffer the penalties. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Trump’s bromances with Xi and Abe
Commentary
FRANK CHING THE U.S.-China trade talks have been suspended for more than two weeks with no sign of a revival. Listening to Donald Trump talk about his good friend Xi Jinping, one may be forgiven for thinking that the two men could easily sort things out between their two countries if they put their minds to it but, so far, this has not proved to be the case. With Trump, it seems, it was love at first sight at the American leader’s estate in Mar-aLago, Florida in April 2017. “We have developed a friendship,” Trump told the media after his first meeting with the Chinese president. He spoke of the “great chemistry” between them and said, “We like each
other; I like him a lot.” The Chinese leader was more restrained. Speaking of the bilateral relationship, he said there were “a thousand reasons to get China-U.S. relations right, and not one single reason to spoil them.” That autumn, Trump visited China. He was given an unprecedented red-carpet treatment, including a tour of the Forbidden City that included a Peking Opera performance and dinner with the Chinese leader and his wife, the singer Peng Liyuan. Trump appeared overwhelmed by the history and the pageantry of it all. According to diplomatic observers in China, this “statevisit-plus” treatment was meant to highlight the working friendship between the two leaders. At one point, Trump joked about what he considered to be China’s unfair trading relationship with the United States.
But, he said, he didn’t blame China, only previous American leaders who allowed this to happen, but added that this couldn’t go on while he was president. So, in 2018, Trump put pressure on China to drastically reduce its trade surplus with the United States and to lower its trade barriers. One example of how Trump worked with his “friend” was when he talked with Xi by phone on May 8. Before the call, he tweeted: “I will be speaking to my friend, President Xi of China, this morning at 8:30. The primary topics will be trade, where good things will happen, and North Korea, where relationships and trust are building.” The Chinese reciprocated. The Xinhua News Agency reported on the phone call, saying that President Xi attaches “great importance to devel-
oping bilateral relations and cherishes his good working relationship with the American president.” However, something happened in September 2018 that disturbed this happy relationship. Trump, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, unexpectedly accused China of trying to meddle in the U.S. congressional elections in November. Because of his strong stand on trade, Trump said, China did not want the Republican Party to do well. “China has been attempting to interfere in our upcoming 2018 election, coming up in November, against my administration,” he said without providing any evidence. Asked subsequently if Xi remained his friend, Trump replied, “He may not be a friend of mine anymore but I think he probably respects me.” However, after the two lead-
ers met in Buenos Aires to discuss the escalating trade war on December 1, Trump was again over the moon: “My meeting in Argentina with President Xi of China was an extraordinary one,” he tweeted. “Relations with China have taken a BIG leap forward! Very good things will happen.” Without using the word “friend” Trump described his relationship with Xi as “very strong and personal.” After two months of intense discussions, Trump tweeted that “no final deal will be made until my friend President Xi, and I, meet in the near future to discuss and agree on some of the long standing and more difficult points.” The word “friend” was back. To date, however, an accord is still elusive. When Vice Premier Liu He flew to Washington for an abbreviated 11th round of negotiations on May 9, he car-
ried with him a letter from Xi to Trump. “He just wrote me a beautiful letter,” Trump said. He later quoted the Chinese leader as saying, “Let’s work together, let’s see if we can get something done.” It is striking that every time Xi makes a point of being friendly, it is in the context of work, trying to use the friendship to get things done. With Trump, it just seems like puppy love. By contrast, Trump’s friendship with Japanese leader Shinzo Abe seems more mature. Trump doesn’t let that get in the way of what he considers to be American national interests, such as cutting its trade deficit with Japan. At the same time, knowing of Abe’s close relationship with the Iranian leadership, he tries to use that to benefit the United States. Now, that’s diplomatic friendship in action. ■
Digital overseas voting: Use it or lose it
Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ IF anything, with the kind of resources we spent for the midterm elections — only to have a very low turnout of overseas voters — it’s about time we reviewed the absentee voting system. The process is so tedious and inconvenient, many of our overseas Filipinos simply lost their interest to vote. Picture this: Voting packets containing the official ballot, envelope and sealing paper are individually sent by the Comelec to all the Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide. The embassy personnel then have to manually put all these together before sending them out to the registered voters. By the time the overseas voters receive the packets, they are already complaining about the inconvenience of having to go to the post office and spending money to mail back the ballots. Think about the financial and human resources needed to make this happen. During the 2013 midterm elections, overseas absentee voting turnout in the U.S. was 10.55 percent. While the turnout for the 2019 midterm elections is higher at 17.29 percent – 39,511 votes cast out of the 228,470 registered OAVs — the canvassing of votes was delayed by glitches primarily caused by defective/malfunctioning SD cards at certain precincts in the Consulates General in Los Angeles and San Francisco. We
immediately — meaning on the same day – reported the malfunctions to the Comelec OFOV (Office for Overseas Voting) and had to wait for replacement SD cards which again malfunctioned. In Spanish, there is a saying which goes, “lo barato es caro” — meaning cheap things can end up being more expensive because they easily break or may require high maintenance costs. In short, false economy. Reports say there were more than 1,600 defective SD cards, over a million bleeding markers, and close to a thousand malfunctioning Vote Counting Machines which the Comelec said could be due to the low quality of the SD cards. The COA requirement for the lowest bid is again: false economy. There are over 10 million overseas Filipino workers, but only 1.8 million registered for the 2019 midterm elections, with voter turnout at a low 20 percent. If even half of the 10 million OFWs register and vote – undoubtedly, their choice can make a big difference in the outcome of elections. With the billions spent on the electoral exercise, there has to be a better way to prevent the wastage of resources and increase the participation and turnout for the OAV. Last week, Boston-based technology company executives flew in to Washington, D.C. upon my request to show me and select embassy staff a digital app that could solve our overseas absentee voting problem. The system utilizes a secure mobile voting
platform accessible via smartphones and tablets (running on either the iOS or Android apps), making it easier for people to vote and the tabulation faster. Using biometrics and blockchain technology, the app has a three-step authentication process that includes a live video “selfie” or face ID to confirm the eligibility of a voter with the registration base. Once authenticated, the voter can make his choices by selecting a candidate’s name on his gadget’s screen. Overvoting is prevented because one can’t choose more than the allowed number of votes. Voters can also review their choices and make changes anytime before submission. I asked how secure the technology was and how much guarantee they can give about the integrity of the system, and they explained that they have military grade security that includes data encryption, blockchain and standards used for overseas and military voters. From the time the company started the patented app, it has run 37 elections spanning state political parties, governments, universities and organizations and so far, the results have been very positive and promising. The system has worked very well for the pilot programs that include two counties for the 2018 primary elections in West Virginia, then expanded to 24 counties during the November midterm elections. The technology will again be used for the 2020 U.S. elections to enhance participation by overseas voters. Denver
Philstar.com photo
also utilized the voting app in its recent mayoral elections, displaying just how far the smartphone voting has come. I invited the Boston-based tech company officials to visit Manila sometime in the next couple of months. I plan to arrange for them a chance to demonstrate the technology to members of the Comelec-OFOV and some members of our legislature so they can see how the technology works, and assess its potential. As early as 2014, Senator Frank Drilon has been urging the Comelec to conduct pilot tests on internet/online voting
to enhance the participation of overseas Filipinos during elections. As he correctly pointed out, there is a need to study the technologies utilized by other countries that allow online or internet voting. Besides, the law allows the Comelec to “explore other more efficient, reliable and secure modes or systems… whether paper-based, electronic-based or internet-based technology, or such other latest technology available.” As one of the advocates of the mobile voting app pointed out, if we want to maintain a democratic system, then we must enable
as many people to participate in the electoral process — and this radical technology has the capability of enfranchising Filipinos working overseas, government personnel deployed abroad, and perhaps even the physically disabled and senior citizens who have so much difficulty going to polling places. Undoubtedly, there will be the “usual suspects” who will oppose the introduction of mobile voting, but I am totally convinced that this is an idea whose time has come. The digital age is upon us — we either use it or lose it. (Philstar.com)
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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Japan ready to help with PH security needs, envoy says by Alexis
RomeRo Philstar.com
JAPAN is ready to provide the Philippines its security needs because it wants the South China Sea to remain open to ensure the free passage of its goods, a Filipino envoy said on Tuesday, May 28. Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V said Tokyo depends on Manila because it is located in an area where its shipments pass through. The Philippines, located south of Japan, is embroiled in a longstanding maritime row with China over parts of the South China Sea, where about $5 trillion worth of goods pass through every year. Laurel noted that Japan is surrounded by countries that are not friendly to it namely North Korea in the north, Russia in the northeast, and China in the west. “When they go south, what is the first country they will reach
there? Philippines. So Japan is a trading...country. It survives on selling their manufactured goods to the world. They have to keep the shipping lanes open. So their only way out is towards the south, keep the east Indian Ocean alive and get to Europe. If they want to get to the (US), then they have to travel towards the west coast of the United States,” the envoy said in a press briefing here. “Well you must remember that because we are very intimate friends, Japan greatly also depends on the Philippines,” he added. Laurel said this reality would prompt Japan to help the Philippines in terms of security. “Japan will support the Philippines in its needs, particularly in security,” he said, noting that the East Asian country has agreed to provide ten Coast Guard ships and other defense assets. “That is why among others, Japan is very important not only
to the Philippines. But the other countries also depend on them,” he added. Like the Philippines, Japan also has a maritime dispute with China, with the two east Asian countries claiming the Senkaku Islands—China calls them the Diaoyu Islands—in the East China Sea. Manila and Tokyo have consistently called for a peaceful and rules-based resolution to territorial and maritime disputes in the region. Japan is also concerned about piracy in Malacca Strait and Sulu Sea which may hamper the free flow of goods, Laurel said. If the risks remain, insurers would demand higher premiums from companies shipping goods, which in turn would raise prices. “So it is also to the interest of Japan that he supports us and vice versa. So all of this is interrelated. So the talks have to be done,” Laurel said.
Language commission alarmed at phaseout of Filipino departments by evelyn
mAcAiRAn Philstar.com
MANILA — The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) has expressed alarm that some colleges and universities have removed their Filipino departments. KWF president Virgilio Almario said there are more than 10 universities and colleges, including private educational facilities all over the country, that have dismantled their Filipino departments. Almario said some administrators of these colleges and universities betrayed their preference for English and dismantled the Filipino departments. He admitted that the decision of some educational institutions to abolish their Filipino departments is “alarming” as this indicates killing the language. “If you dismantle your Filipino department, this means that you want to kill the teaching of Filipino,” he said. Almario expressed belief there is still a demand for Filipino teachers, especially in some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. “The problem is that they lack Filipino teachers. Maybe about a third of Filipino teachers in Mindanao did not major in Filipino,” he said.
He said some of these educational institutions must have based their move to scrap their Filipino departments on a Supreme Court (SC) ruling that cited a memorandum of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). In the memorandum, CHED said that Filipino and Panitikan (Philippine Literature) are no longer core subjects. Almario, who was named National Artist for Literature in 2003, said these educational institutions might have misread the SC ruling. The SC, in its April 29 resolution, explained that the memorandum only provides the minimum standards for the general education component of all degree programs. “It does not limit the academic freedom of universities and colleges to require additional courses in Filipino, Panitikan and the Constitution in their respective curricula,” the SC said. KWF director general Anna Katarina Rodriguez said the CHED believed that there was a need to change the curriculum in the tertiary level because of the changes brought about by the K-12 educational program. Almario said they are appealing to all colleges and universi-
National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, speaks in Intramuros, Manila on Monday, May 27. Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales
ties, as educational instruments in fulfilling the mandates of the Constitution, to be the model and vanguard in the propagation of the language provision. The KWF appealed to writers, publishers and teachers of technical or scientific subjects such as mathematics, engineering and economics to keep the Filipino language alive and explore their linguistic capabilities. It suggested that they could embark on writing projects for books and textbooks in Filipino, as well as translations into Filipino.
BUDGET REVIEW. Senate finance committee chair Sen. Loren Legarda listens to the presentation on the implementation of last year’s budget and the effect of the four-month re-enacted budget this year on the 2019 projected economic growth. Leading the presentation is Department of Finance (DOF) Sec. Carlos Dominguez III and acting Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Sec. Janet Abuel. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo
72 percent of Filipinos still believe in soulmates, says poll MANILA — Filipinos love love! From the highs of “kilig” and “ligaw,” to the lows of “hugot” and “TOTGA,” Filipinos embrace love in every stage and every situation. According to a new survey conducted by media service provider Netflix, when it comes to finding “The One,” 72 percent of Filipinos believe in soulmates… even those who said they are NBSB/ NGSB (no boyfriend or girlfriend since birth). The online survey covered 800 Filipino video streamers, aged 18 to 34, across Metro Manila, North and Central Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, to find out how they view love. And it turns out that a majority of Pinoys online (85 percent) say that love rules! Who says romance is dead? About 89 percent of Filipinos say
that romance is very much alive in the Philippines, said the survey. But let’s face it: when love rules, it can sometimes suck, too. About 68 percent of those in a relationship say they have found “The One,” but one in five Filipinos in a relationship also confess that they do not see their partners as their soulmates. And 65 percent say that they have been heartbroken by someone they did not even officially date. Ouch! When love sucks, 52 percent turn to friends and family for comfort, and 29 percent watch romantic movies and shows to nurse their broken heart. In fact, 63 percent prefer to laugh off the pain with comedies. “Sawi” or brokenhearted men go for action and sci-fi, while heartbroken ladies watch more romance and dramas.
But no matter what the state of the heart is, Pinoys just really love onscreen romance. A whopping 80 percent say romantic movies cheer them up when they are down, and 71 percent feel “kilig” when watching romantic films. Filipinos love to share the love, too: more than half of the respondents watch romance (53 percent) and rom-coms or romantic comedy flicks (55 percent) with “bae.” In fact, they love romance so much that two out of three Filipinos say they tend to compare their relationships with the ones they see onscreen. When it comes to Netflix romcoms, the top five rom-coms that Filipinos would want to find themselves in are (in particular order): “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before,” “The Kissing Booth,” “The Perfect Date,” “Isn’t It Romantic” and “Set It Up.” (Philstar.com)
Trillanes trial rescheduled
A MAKATI court on Monday, May 27, resumed Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV’s trial for a reopened rebellion case, but the hearing was suspended after the prosecution presented an unlisted witness. The Department of Justice presented Assistant State Prosecutor Mary Jane Sytat as its lone witness for the day. She testified that Trillanes had initiated a walkout during a 2007 trial that led to a short-lived takeover of the Manila Peninsula Hotel. Trillanes’ lawyer, Rey Robles, objected to the use of a “filler”
witness. “We tried to object to it because she was not included with the witnesses to this case. But over our objections, the court allowed her to testify,” he told reporters. Robles added that this was the first time for documentation and testimony regarding Trillanes’ alleged “hand gestures” to be introduced. “[T]he documents identified during the testimony… I didn’t receive them. As you know in pre-trials, all pieces of evidence and witnesses should be known,
so that there wouldn’t be any surprises to both camps,” he said. The court subsequently adjourned the hearing, which will continue on July 22. Trillanes’ rebellion case was dismissed in 2011, pursuant to the amnesty granted by President Benigno Aquino III. In September last year, however, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 572, voiding the amnesty because of alleged failure to submit documentary requirements. (ManilaTimes.net)
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Budget delay ‘missed’ chance to uplift poor Economists see stronger peso this year Late approval example of harmful ‘politicking’ – Finance chief by mayVelin
U. CaRaballo ManilaTimes.net
THE government had “missed the opportunity” to generate thousands of jobs and reduce poverty in the first three months of the year because of the delayed approval of the 2019 national budget, key departments told lawmakers on Monday, May 27. The “reenacted budget during the first quarter led the government to miss the opportunity to create as many as 260,000 to 320,000 more jobs, affecting the construction, public administration and defense, wholesale and retail trade, land transport, and education sectors,” the Budget and Finance departments and the National Economic and Development Authority said in a joint statement read by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd during a Senate finance committee briefing. The budget reenactment, he added, also derailed poverty-reduction efforts, where as many as 420,000 more Filipinos could
have been taken out of poverty. “This is a clear example of how politicking could harm our people,” Dominguez said. A dispute between the Senate and the House of Representatives over alleged insertions resulted in the four-and-a-half-month delay of the passage of this year’s budget. This forced the government to run on last year’s budget, limiting it to spend for items detailed in the 2018 outlay and not on programs and projects supposed to be implemented this year. This put total national government spending in January to March — which include expenditures for infrastructure and capital outlay, maintenance, personnel services and subsidies — at P778 billion, up 0.8 percent or P6 billion from the amount in the same period last year. According to Dominguez, the delay caused the government to underspend a great amount daily in the first three months. If only the budget was approved on time, he said, the economy could have grown by 1
percent every month or above 6 percent for this year. “Despite the delay of one full quarter in the execution of our 2019 fiscal program, we are doing our best to hurry up the execution of delayed projects,” the Finance chief told the senators. He said he and the rest of country’s economic managers would formulate a carefully crafted and bold expenditure catchup plan to enable the economy to hit a gross domestic product growth rate of above 6 percent this year. “This is to substantially offset the lower spending in the first quarter resulting from both the budget delay and the election ban on public works,” the Finance chief said. The Finance chief assured the legislators that the country’s economic team would do its best to restore last year’s upward growth momentum. “But we cannot do this alone. This is a shared responsibility. I hope that everyone will do their part, as well,” he said. (With Javier Joe Ismael) n
ADB okays $300-M loan for PH education project by Ronnel
W. Domingo
Inquirer.net
ABOUT 20 million high school students can expect improved access to “high-quality secondary education that responds to labor market needs” as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $300-million loan to support the Philippine government’s efforts to achieve inclusive growth. “Sustaining the Philippines’ strong growth momentum will require a workforce equipped with the appropriate set of advanced skills and knowledge to allow them to keep in step with the rapid technological changes in the global economy,” said Lynnette Peres, ADB senior education specialist for Southeast Asia. Designed to help boost job opportunities and substantially
reduce poverty, the Secondary Education Support Program is geared to help about 10.6 million students who are currently enrolled in high school and an additional 2 million Grade 7 entrants yearly from 2019 to 2023. The ADB noted that the Philippine government had set a target of lowering poverty to 14 percent of the population by 2022 from the current 21 percent. In particular, the program seeks to improve the performance of students in the National Achievement Test and the national certificate assessment for senior high school technical-vocational-livelihood track specialization. Also expected to benefit are at least 294,000 public school teachers in high school—as well as additional hires over the next four years—in terms of improved teaching practices, teacher proficiency and career development.
The program will also support the Department of Education’s financial management reforms, particularly the timely release of budget for maintenance and operation, tools and equipment of high schools. The effectiveness of the Education Service Contracting program and the Senior High School Voucher program—which currently benefits 1.3 million students—will also be assessed. The ADB is looking at lending the Philippines up to $3.3 billion this year, including $100 million to augment the ongoing improvement of water transmission from Angat Dam to Metro Manila. ADB president Takehiko Nakao earlier said that the Manilabased multilateral lender used to lend the country about $1 billion a year, but would jack it up to an average of about $2.5 billion yearly. n
According to Robert Dan Roces, chief economist at Security Bank Corp., the peso may settle at an average of 53 to $1 in the second quarter and at 53.50 by the third and fourth quarters. Philstar.com file photo by laWRenCe
agCaoili Philstar.com
BANK economists expect a stronger peso amid the dovish sentiment by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as well as external factors led by the U.S.China trade war. According to Robert Dan Roces, chief economist at Security Bank Corp., the peso may settle at an average of 53 to $1 in the second quarter and at 53.50 by the third and fourth quarters. Roces now expects a stronger peso versus his earlier forecasts of 53.50 to $1 by the end of the second quarter, 54 to $1 by the end of the third quarter, and 54.50 to $1 in the fourth. Roces cited the pro-growth stance of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno as well as easing inflation and the slower-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth
in the first quarter. Inflation eased for the six straight month to hit a 16-month low of three percent in April after peaking at 6.7 percent in September and October. It accelerated to 5.2 percent last year from 2.9 percent in 2017, exceeding the BSP’s two to four percent target that resulted in a tightening episode that saw interest rates rise by 175 basis points in 2018. Likewise, the central bank has also slashed the reserve requirement ratio for big and mid-sized banks by 200 basis points and that of small banks by 100 basis points that is expected to release about P210 billion worth of additional funds into the financial system. Roces said the BSP may further slash interest rates as well as the level of deposits banks are required to keep with the central bank in the second half.
“With policy moves out of the way, the narrative will shift toward the U.S.-China trade war,” Roces said. On the other hand, ING Bank senior economist Nicholas Mapa said the peso continued to fare better despite the current dovish bias by monetary authorities. “The peso has continued to outperform regional peers. BSP’s ability to communicate its policy bias to the market has gone a long way to helping keep the currency stable despite the dovish bias,” Mapa said. With market believing inflation to be tame and BSP not behind the curve, Mapa said further easing moves by the BSP may be welcomed should they be communicated effectively to the market. Mapa said the timing of the reduction of interest rates and RRR level had more weight in foreign exchange performance. n
Estate tax amnesty IRR release seen this week
Manilatimes.net file photo by mayVelin
U. CaRaballo ManilaTimes.net
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said on Monday, May 27, it would finalize this week the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the estate tax amnesty program. In a statement, the tax agency said “the final estate rax regulation” was expected to “be issued within this month.” This came after the bureau held a public consultation on the proposed IRR, which was among the provisions retained by President Rodrigo Duterte when he partially vetoed Republic Act 11213, or the Tax Amnesty law, earlier this year. According to the proposed rules,
the amnesty shall cover the estate of the deceased who died on or before Dec. 31, 2017. An estate tax amnesty rate of 6 percent with a minimum tax amnesty amount of P5,000 shall be imposed on the deceased’s total net taxable estate at the time of his or her death without penalties at every stage of property transfer. This amnesty, however, is not extended to liabilities covered by a separate amnesty on delinquencies that began in April. Properties involved in cases pending in appropriate courts are also excluded from the latest amnesty. The estate shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of its owner’s death. The proposed rules, however,
also said the value of the real property at the time of its owner’s death shall be whichever is higher of the zonal values as determined by the BIR chief, or the fair market value as shown in the schedule of values fixed by provincial or city assessors. Delinquent taxpayers who wish to avail themselves of the amnesty have two years to file their applications with the BIR Revenue District Office (RDO) with jurisdiction over the last residence of the deceased. “If the [deceased owner] has no legal residence in the Philippines, the return shall be filed with RDO 039 — South Quezon City,” the bureau said. The BIR expects to collect some P6.28 billion once the program is implemented. n
Emerging Asia growth to remain weaker this year, says think tank by CzeRiza
ValenCia Philstar.com
Growth in Emerging Asia is expected to remain weak of the rest of the year as looser fiscal and monetary policy are unlikely to offset the drag from weaker global demand, Capital Economics said. The London-based think tank noted that most of the economies in the region reported slower first quarter growth rates with the sharpest slowdown seen in Korea, Thailand and the Philippines. Slowdown in growth across the region was caused primarily by a decline in exports and slower domestic demand. In the Philippines, first quarter slowdown was caused mainly by diminished government spending because of the delayed passage of the national budget. “We think that a rebound in growth is unlikely over the coming quarters. On the plus side, fiscal policy should remain supportive throughout most of the region. The Philippines, Thailand and Taiwan all have ambitious infrastructure projects in the pipeline while Singapore and Korea have
expansionary budget planned for next year,” the firm said in a research note. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has so far partly reversed the policy tightening last year by cutting policy rates by 25 basis points in May. It has also brought down the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for universal and commercial banks by 200 basis points to be implemented in three stages starting with 100 basis points effective May 31, followed by 50 basis points on June 28, and another 50 basis points on July 26. Medium and small banks also got RRR cuts to six percent from the current level of eight percent in three tranches similar to the schedule for universal and commercial or big banks. Economic managers have also laid down a so-called catch-up plan for spending on infrastructure and government programs to support the economy. “However, looser fiscal and monetary policy is likely to be offset by weaker external demand. Our forecasts are for global growth to slow further, which
will weigh on exports. A slump in demand for electronics products, which has been caused by a shift in the inventory cycle, will also drag on growth,” said Capital Economics. “A further escalation of the trade war between China and the U.S. is likely to act as a further headwind, although the impact is unlikely to be severe as in commonly assumed. Indeed, there is evidence that parts of the region are actually benefiting from the trade war as U.S. demand has shifted away from China towards alternative suppliers,” it added. While it expects growth in the region to be subdued for the remainder of the year, Capital Economics still expects the Philippines to do better than some of the countries in the region. “Overall, we expect growth to remain fairly subdues over the coming quarters,” it said. “In terms of countries to look out for, we are anticipating a sharp slowdown in 2019 in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea and Thailand, but for growth to hold up much better in Indonesia and the Philippines,” it said. n
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cover story
ON THE COVER Photos by Adrian Martin
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 29, 2019
Filipino contemporary art and design find a home at LA’s Pulo Project new moment. There is a real momentum. This is just the community, especially for beginning. In LA, we learn a Filipino Americans,” Aquino, lot about Filipinos through the who has been Please Do Not food and for many, that was Enter’s store director for the the first contact people have past three years, said. “The with the culture and tradition point of Pulo Project was [so] of the Philippines. We built that Filipino Americans can something as a second layer see what they can do in a with these artists and designdifferent setting...to be able ers,” Libert said. to be in a gallery and concept Inside Please Do Not Enter, store like Please Do Not Enter you’ll find hand-woven bags by so people can come and see Zacarias 1925, jewelry and texa different way for Filipino tiles by Manila Collectible and designers to enter the U.S. Susanne Verallo, Luisa Robinmarket instead of the tradison’s dragon’s tail lamp, and tional route.” Carlyle Nuera’s Mutya Barbie. The process was eduThe store has several pieccational for Aquino too as es by Cobonpue — who has a she learned more about the client list ranging from former culture and history of Filipino President Barack Obama to art and design. Queen Rania of Jordan to Brad Despite its name, Please Pitt and Angelina Jolie — on Do Not Enter — which has display, such as his famed occupied the bottom floor of dragnet chair, influenced by a historic building along Olive fishermen’s nets, in black; Street for the last five years the Chiquita stool, which has — is an inviting space that rattan poles and high-density houses items, from clothing foam; the Yoda Easy Chair; and to furniture, carefully selected the playful Kala vases that take from international designers. the shape of a bird. “We were traveling as “We loved the pieces so tourists and fell in love with much and felt [they] matched downtown but everybody was the aesthetic of the store and telling us to go west and not the gallery that we decided to stay in downtown because it bring them here,” Aquino said. was supposed to be a ghost In the middle of the store city, dangerous and nothing hangs a conch light installation to do,” Libert said. “We love Robinson made in collaboradowntown and the potential tion with Cobonpue. and that’s why we decided to “The installation can fit settle here. That’s also why into a contemporary, concrete, we called it, ‘Please Do Not minimal house…” noted Libert. Enter Downtown Los Angeles,’ “But it’s also a perfect match if which was the first advice we you want to put that chandegot.” lier in a mid-century house. It The first round of Pulo makes that piece really strong Project was unveiled earlier and timeless at the same this May with “natural eletime.” ments, turned contemporary,” Aquino, who learned how Aquino said, at the flagship to sew from her grandmother store. at an early age, also displays Pulo (“island” in Tagalog) her talent as a designer with lands in Los Angeles during a outfits inspired by Bohol’s thrilling time for its art scene, Chocolate Hills, which was a with a major fair like Frieze bucket list destination that she earlier this year to internafinally crossed off during her tional buyers and collectors January trip. coming to the city for pieces. One wall has a 54x54-inch “People feel the LA scene Crêpe De Chine scarf with a is ready for a new era, for a photo of the iconic hills, while
mannequins have various iterations of the print or details FILIPINO cuisine isn’t the reminiscent of the province, only aspect of the culture from an apron dress that can grabbing attention in Los be worn three different ways to Angeles. This time, art, design a jacket in French terry fabric and fashion from Filipino that shifts from green to brown artisans, including industrial hues depending on the reflecdesigner Kenneth Cobontion of the light — just like the pue and contemporary artist color of the hills depending on Leeroy New who have been the time of the year. recognized by Hollywood “The concept of the colcelebrities, have drawn crowds lection is what you can pack in to spaces in downtown. one suitcase if you’re going to Filipino exhibition series the Philippines and how you Pulo Project — a “passion can wear it in different ways,” project” by Filipina American Aquino explained. Currently, curator and designer Michelle the pieces on the mannequins Aquino — has popped up at are the only ones available, but the flagship of luxury retail can be custom made. store Please Do Not Enter, Head a few blocks down, as well as The Lab, its gallery Please Do Not Enter’s The inside the NoMad hotel, until Lab at the NoMad is not your August. ordinary hotel gift shop. The The project is a culminaspace is a juxtaposition of the tion of over a year of Aquino’s flagship with vivid, post-modplanning and a trip she took ern contents meant to be more earlier in January to Manila, performance pieces. Bohol and Cebu along with New, a contemporary Please Do Not Enter’s French artist-designer who hails from owners, Nicolas Libert and General Santos City in the Emmanuel Renoird. Philippines, constructed fresh “The idea you have about pieces for his traveling ‘Aliens the Philippines is mostly oldof Manila’ series, an installaschool craftsmanship so you tion of avant-garde, wearable expect fabric and jewelry, but sculptures constructed with not in a contemporary way,” repurposed items from dollar Libert shared with the Asian stores and street markets (e.g. Journal in a recent interview fly swatters and salad bowls) to that his exposure to the mimic extraterrestrial figures. country’s current art scene The 33-year-old is best was eye-opening. “When known for designing the Michelle did this small study muscle dress alongside fellow of who the best artists could Filipino designer Kermit Tesoro be, we were really surprised for Lady Gaga’s “Marry the how contemporary it was and Night” music video. He recentit could really compete with ly exhibited ‘Aliens of Manila’ other countries.” at Pintô International in New The trio met with CobonYork, as previously reported by pue and New and came across the Asian Journal. more individuals like acces“Leeroy’s masks are an sories designer Ken Samudio, invitation to try them on. When street artist Garapata, and people come into the gallery, designers Neil Felipp and they see them as sculptures Susanne Verallo and brainbut you can tell them to try stormed how their work could them on because they’re wearbe showcased in Los Angeles. able pieces. It becomes playful “Growing up here in the because people want to take United States, I lacked a lot selfies,” Aquino said. of the culture of the PhilipOn May 7, the opening pines…I always wanted to do night of the Pulo Project, something to help the Filipino ‘Aliens of Manila’ held a onenight-only performance at the hotel’s rooftop pool choreographed by Heidi Duckler Dance with music by Gaberial King. The back shelf of The Lab holds New’s small saint-like figures, while glass cases exhibit Samudio’s jewelry pieces inspired by his career as a marine biologist, and Cebuano Neil Felipp’s clutches, including the Siren Minaudiere (brass mermaid clasp plated in 24K gold on shell) that was worn by Astrid in the wedding scene of the “Crazy Rich Asians” movie. “For young guys like Ken Samudio or Leeroy New, I think they are pioneers of avant-garde because…there’s an idea of sustainability and a Attendees visit the Please Do Not Enter flagship in Downtown LA, which features pieces from industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue as part of Pulo Project. AJPress photos by Noel Ty proposal behind the aesthetic,
By Christina M. Oriel / AJPress
For one-night only, Leeroy New’s ‘Aliens of Manila’ had a performance at the NoMad hotel’s rooftop pool.
Leeroy New’s ‘dog’ as part of his ‘Aliens of Manila’ series for Pulo Project at Please Do Not Enter’s The Lab at the NoMad hotel.
Conch light installation at Please Do Not Enter’s flagship location made by Filipino designers Luisa Robinson and Kenneth Cobonpue.
Leeroy New with one of his pieces for ‘Aliens of Manila’
Photo by Adrian Martin
Carlyle Nuera, a lead designer for Mattel’s Barbie Collection, shows off the Mutya Barbie he made in 2015. Nuera will unveil his first terno collection as part of Pulo Project in July. Photo by Issac Alavarez
Pulo Project curator Michelle Aquino with contemporary artist Leeroy New.
which is really strong about the future, not only for the Philippines, but the future of the world,” Libert said. “These young guys are really involved in that change or that potential change that needs to happen.” On July 9, The Lab features a collaboration between street artist Garapata and handbag designer Zacarias 1925, called ‘ZACARPATA.’ The flagship store will have pieces from LA-based Fil-Am jewelry and accessories brand Maaari and Carlyle Nuera’s first collection of ternos, based on the “different skin tones of Filipinos,” Aquino hinted. The finale for this round of the Pulo Project, debuting August 4, will have four scent stations inspired by the Philippines by handcrafted candle company Barratt Riley & Co. “Pulo Project opens a door for Filipinos who want to do more in the art, design and fashion scene. It was the first time for many to see it in a different light where we’re not just pushing the Filipino community but we’re reaching a broader audience to see it. It is the start of something and we’ll build on that and work on how else we can grow this,” Aquino said. “ It’s an outlet for Filipino Americans to see what they can do and get inspired.”
AJPress photo by Noel Ty
The reception so far for Pulo Project has been encouraging with major publications writing about it to the Filipino artists and designers’ pieces being sold. Aquino said she hopes that future phases of Pulo Project can incorporate collaborations with Filipino American creatives also. “This show was also a challenge to the American audience, meaning what do you know about the Philippines? Are you ready to go and learn about it? People are really impressed,” Libert said. “It’s also a challenge to the Filipino designers because we asked some of them to work on the show as a tribute to the Filipino aesthetic and the craftsmanship and to give us their own vision and what they could bring to the table. That’s something that connects the Philippines to America.” Pulo Project can be found at the Please Do Not Enter Flagship from Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 549 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013 and the Please Do Not Enter / The Lab / inside NoMad Los Angeles from Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 649 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. More information about the upcoming installations can be found at https://puloproject.com/
For Dawn, family comes first by Ricky Lo
entertainment
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 29, 2019
Philstar.com
WHILE some actresses become so engrossed in raising their bank accounts at the expense of their families, Dawn Zulueta is the exception. For her, it’s family first. “Why shouldn’t I do it?� Dawn asked. “I think I’m fortunate that I have the means and the freedom to make that choice. I’m very grateful for that. That’s why I am more practical in how I handle my career. While it is important for me to do also what I love, I do not forget that my first priority, first and foremost, is my family, especially my children who are the be-all and end-all.� Dawn and her husband, former Davao del Norte Rep. Anton Lagdameo, have two children, Jacobo who is turning 14 in October and Ayisha, 10 in June. As the mom of fast-growing children, Dawn said that she tries to go with the times. “So that I can understand what and how kids are these days,� she explained. “But I try not to get carried away by the way the world has changed compared to what it was in my time. So I’m quite conservative in disciplining them. Anton and I share the same values in how we discipline our children. We want them to flourish as adults so they can think for themselves. We want to raise them in a way that they do not forget the important values.�
KC addresses breakup, pregnancy rumors by niĂąA
V. Guno
Inquirer.net
IN an Instagram post on Sunday, May 26, Concepcion talked about “taking care of your thoughts, soul and body.� “Everyday I try my best to watch what I think, and to stop when I feel s[elf-doubt]. [Every day] I try to surround myself with people who make me feel good, not otherwise, and I love Dawn Zulueta with husband former Davao del Norte Rep. Anton Lagdameo and their children Jacobo being around people who I care and Ayisha: I think I’m fortunate that I have the means and the freedom to make that choice. While about and admire,� she said. it’s important for me to do what I love, I do not forget that my first priority is my family. However, there were still Contributed photo some who seemed to only find who wrote the story and stars Dawn has been turning something negative to say to in it. down offers to do teleserye the actress. “I’m happy to be back doexactly for the same reason. “Avoid alcohol lady, and ing comedy,� said Dawn whose accept your size,� said one @ “The offers were not excitlast movie appearance was in ing enough,� she admitted. jameswalker1581. the 2017 comedy Meant to “Doing teleserye takes a lot of “Avoid passive-aggresBeh. It was a welcome breather sive bashing, dear, and accept time. If I’m not happy doing from doing a series of dramas. it, sayang lang ang time. I will your terribly sad approach on “I like my role in Family just be miserable going to my comments section that just History because it’s true-to-life. made you look bitter, judgework every day. As I said, I am I mean, nangyayari sa tunay na mental and quite bored actufortunate because I have the buhay.� freedom to choose whether ally,� she replied. She and Michael V. play to work or not. I can budget Another commented that parents raising a teenager my time. The project has to be her relationship with boyfriend while grappling with issues good and worth it for me to be Pierre Plassart must have been confronting them as a couple. away from my family even only “short-lived� because she did “It shows how the parents for a while.� not have recent social media avoid making the child carry One such project is GMA posts with him. The last picture the burden of their problems. Pictures and Mic Test Entershe shared on Instagram of her It’s a role that I can easily iden- and her French boyfriend was tainment’s Family History, the tify with. directorial debut of Michael V.
KC Concepcion
in April. “ganun lang ba yun? Ganun lang ka shortlived (sic)?� said @ lucero6388. (That’s it? That’s how shortlived it is?) Concepcion laughed it off: “Dahil hindi nagpopost at may konting privacy, ganun agad? Grabe (Just because I don’t post and have some privacy, that’s it? Wow).� There were some who came to her defense. A certain @sadfolaud wondered why
Kit just lives the moment by Boy
ABundA
Philstar.com
Kit Thompson
ABS-CBN photo
KIT Thompson is back in the acting fold after being away from the public eye for almost three years. Reason: He flew to New York and studied acting for a year at the New York Film Academy. The acting break he got right after his stint in Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition in 2012 caught his interest to learn more about the craft. It was his father who supported his schooling. Kit also did part-time jobs, among them was food delivery, to support his other expenses. The ABS-CBN actor said that since he was under a student
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visa, he couldn’t work full-time. “It’s prohibited but it also depends on the school kasi yung sa school ko, meron silang tinatawag na OPT (optional practical training), parang OJT, but you can only work under your field. So, I did that. Six months ako sa New York ‘cause I’m only given up to a year. I told myself that if ever nothing happens, I have to go to L.A. right where Hollywood is as well as the agents. Luckily for me, I found an agent and I did auditions.� After several auditions, Kit scored commercial bookings. In fact, he made it to the ABC showcase where he lasted until the final round before the actual, final showcase.
Kit was still in New York when Pia Wurtzbach stayed there and fulfilled her duties as the 2015 Miss Universe. The two have been friends even before the latter won in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. That’s why, they would often hang out while there, which led others to surmise that the two had a romantic past. However, Kit stressed that they are just friends who share the same vibes. Truth is, he is going steady with his model girlfriend for two years now. These days, Kit is in the cast of “Sino Ang May Sala? Mea Culpa� with lead stars Jodi Sta. Maria and Bela Padilla. His butt exposure in the said drama series became a hot topic recently
Photo from Instagram/@itskcconcepcion
some speculated that she was pregnant because she was “blooming.� “Oh how I WISH I could be pregnant. Unfortunately, I’m not. I do want to have babies already though,� she admitted. Concepcion is on a hiatus from acting and is pursuing her passion as a jeweler, having created her own bespoke jewelry line Avec Moi by Kristina. She revealed her relationship with the French filmmaker in August 2018. and many were left wondering if Kit is also willing to do frontal nudity. “I did it because my character Greco Catapang was flirting with Lolita (Ivana Alawi’s character) and that act was part of the scene,� reasoned Kit who added that he would never dare flirt with a married woman in real life. Regarding frontal nudity, he would have to consider a lot of things before giving his nod. “It would depend on the role, its artistic value and how essential it is in the story. Otherwise, I have no plans of doing it just for the sake of accepting an offer.� If there is something that Kit has learned in life in the past three years, it is “to just live in the moment; enjoy and cherish the moment because it will never happen again.�
entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 29, 2019
2 Filipinos win ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ fan art contest by Mj
Marfori ManilaTimes.net
NO less than two Filipino artists were recognized just recently as champions of the “Brightburn/Talenthouse Fan Art Competition” by Hollywood producer James Gunn himself (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” upcoming “The Suicide Squad”). They are millennial artists Jaye Atienza who hails from Mabalacat, Pampanga and Dennis Radaza of Rodriguez, Rizal. Out of 600 hundred entries, Jaye and Dennis are two of five winners who were joined by Adam Stephens (United States), Kumail Shareef (Pakistan) and Liza Shumskaya (Ukraine). This is a big deal for the Filipino artists community as Jaye and Dennis will be receiving $2,000 each, and their artists winning artworks will potentially be featured across the film’s marketing campaign, including social accounts, print materials and merchandise. First of all, both were shocked to learn that James Gunn was the one who personally chose the works, “I’m on cloud nine! I was at work when I received the email from Talenthouse, and a week after James Gunn announced it on his Instagram account,” Jaye exclaimed. For Dennis, “When I saw James Gunn’s name, I was shocked because he’s the director of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’!!!” Also, Gunn’s new film “Brightburn:Son of Evil” is the first ever movie dubbed to be part of the horror superhero genre. Over 600 submissions took place but theirs stood out, “A lot of entries are complex and deeply thoughtful. I did not expect to be selected,” Atienza recalled. For Radaza, “There are a lot of awesome entries but this didn’t stop me to create what’s on my mind and focus on my artwork. I didn’t expect to win. I just want to
John Estrada as the late Tanauan Mayor Antonio Halili
Contributed photo
John Estrada deems Halili role toughest challenge
by ricky
calderon ManilaTimes.net
Jaye Atienza
Dennis Radaza with his winning artwork
create and share my artwork, winning is God’s work.” Both artists are not new to these types of Talenthouse contests where they submit their works for big budget Hollywood films. Both maybe based in the Philippines but they share their motivation for joining and love for film and the arts. He already started his submissions of his artwork for other films last year, “I was blessed enough to win four creative campaign invites by Talenthouse (‘Rampage,’ ‘The Nun,’ ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and Aquaman’).” As for Radaza, “Talenthouse is a great community and a big opportunity for artists around the world. It’s my 11th time to join the contest and this is my second time to be selected. It’s a blessing and a great experience for me and I thank God for it.” For other artists who want to start submitting their entries to this type of contest, here is the technique Atienza used to win the contest, “I watched the trailer a lot of times. I wanted my entry to be different, something that is not totally shown on the trailer. That’s where I
The winning artwork of Atienza Contributed photos
decided to use an image of the swing. The rest is history.” For Radaza, “I wanted to make it as a minimalist flat-looking mask of Brandon and I used the logo/symbol as a shoelace on his mask.” Both artists will be using their winnings to help support their families. “Brightburn: Son of Evil” is showing this May 29 in the Philippines and stars acclaimed actress and filmmaker Elizabeth Banks (“The Hunger Games,” “Pitch Perfect 2”), David Denman (“The Office”), Jackson A. Dunn (“Shameless”), Matt Jones (“Mom,” “NCIS”) and Meredith Hagner (“Younger”).
JOHN Estrada says his role as the late Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan, Batangas is the toughest challenge in his acting career. The mayor was shot and died last year while attending the flag ceremony at the city hall. Written and directed by journalist and film director Caesar Soriano, who was able to interview the mayor just before the violent crime took place, the title is most fitting as “The Last Interview: The Mayor Antonio Halili Story.” John feels honored to be chosen to play Mayor Halili as
he finds the mayor to have had a very colorful life. “His life story is not only interesting but inspirational as well because he desired to do a good job as a public servant,” said the actor who watched some videos of the slain mayor to study his mannerisms. He also talked to the wife. He, however, did not agree with the desire of direk Caesar to put on some of the real clothes of the mayor. John admitted having fear of ghosts. While shooting the film in the Halili residence, someone with a third eye told them the mayor was seen walking around the house.
“I had a scary experience when I was young. My grandfather died and my toy train that was broken suddenly made sounds and moved. A few days later, my youngest brother got sick and died. They said my lolo got him because he was the favorite grandson. Since then, I have always been scared of ghosts,” he shared. John said he accepted the film bio of Mayor Halili because it was a celebration of his life and accomplishments, as well as his fight against drugs. Unlike his good friend Richard Gomez though, John has no plans to enter politics. “I am happy with my career as an actor,” he said.
Ciara has found a new love DURING Helen Gamboa’s recent birthday bash at EDSA ShangriLa’s Heat, a TDH (Tall, Dark and Handsome) guy caught the attention of the well-heeled guests that included athletes (Bobby Jaworski among them), politicians (Sen. Gringo Honasan, Jaworski’s former colleague), the birthday lady’s barkada (led by Mother Lily Monteverde and Marichu “Manay Ichu” Maceda), and Helen’s and her husband Senate Pres. Tito Sotto’s families. The guy was none other than Ian Austin, the new love of Helen and Tito’s daughter Ciara
Sotto whose marriage to Jojo Oconer (by whom she has a son) has been annulled. “Ian was my barkada when I was living in Las Vegas in 2008,” Ciara said. “At that time, we were both attached to someone else, I to my husband and he to his girlfriend.” Ian has just moved to the Philippines from Las Vegas. From Ciara, we learned that Ian is Kapampangan (like Helen). “He has spent some time in Pampanga where his Filipino mother comes from,” added Ciara. “He Ciara Sotto and boyfriend Ian Austin, her half-American/half-Filipino is half-American and halfbarkada in Las Vegas when she stayed there in 2008 Pinoy.” (Philstar.com)
Philstar.com photo
The Eddys 2019 honors 10 movie icons
TEN respected local film luminaries will be recognized in the third edition of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors’ (SPEEd) The Eddys happening in July. Carrying on the tradition of paying tribute to movie stars who have made an indelible mark in the industry through their significant bodies of work, this year’s Icon Awards will be conferred upon Amalia Fuentes, Tirso Cruz 3rd, Christopher de Leon, Joseph Estrada, Eddie Gutierrez, Anita Linda, Dante Rivero, Celia Rodriguez, Vilma Santos and Lorna Tolentino. Meanwhile, as SPEEd joins in the celebration of the 100 years of Philippine Cinema, in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) led by Chairman Liza Diño, the group will also honor some of the industry’s “unsung heroes” who work behind the camera. These film workers are the backbones of movie projects. For years, they have dedicated their talents, working tirelessly for long hours deriving their professional satisfaction from their work behind the scenes. Also included in the list are the three major studios that inspired new players in film production. These are Sampaguita Pictures (represented by Marichu Vera Perez-Maceda) LVN Studios (Maroth de Leon) and Premiere Productions (Digna
entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 29, 2019
Kapuso stars support Kapamilya network amid Jimmy Bondoc controversy by Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
Joseph Ejercito Estrada
Santiago). Completing the “Parangal Sa Sandaan” list are Armida Siguion-Reyna (posthumous), Val Iglesias, Vic Delotavo, Romy Vitug, Romy Peralta, Lucy Quinto, Val Campbell, Rustica Carpio and Rosa Rosal. The 100 years of Philippine Cinema was recognized through Presidential Proclamation 622 Series signed in November, assigning FDCP as lead agency for the celebration. The editors’ group has already unveiled the list of nominees for the third edition of The Eddys. “Citizen Jake,” “Goyo,”
IN the middle of the controversy involving singer Jimmy Bondoc’s Facebook post that said he is excited to see “the biggest TV network close down,” even celebrities working outside of the Kapamilya network gave their support to ABS-CBN for celebrating 65 years in the industry. Freelance actor Marvin Agustin posted on his Instagram account his gratitude to ABS-CBN for changing his life. “Lagi ko tong sinasabi at patuloy akong magpapasalManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia amat. @abscbn changed my life. Sinuportahan nila ang “Liway,” “Rainbow’s Sunset” and “Signal Rock” are the five pangarap ng isang batang gustong makatulong sa pamifilms vying for the coveted lya, nakita nila ang potential best picture at this year’s ng isang mascot sa Shakeys at ceremony. The Eddys aims to encourage local filmmakers, producers, writers and actors to continue pursuing their passion for creating films that mirror the realities of our society. The SPEEd is made up of entertainment editors of newspapers and tabloids circulated daily nationwide. The non-profit organization, established in 2015, is led by Ian Fariñas as president and Isah Red as chairman emeritus. (ManilaTimes.net)
Sushmita Sen thanks ‘second home’ Philippines for 25 years as Miss Universe
Atom Araullo
by Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
MISS Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen celebrates 25 years of being a Miss Universe winner by thanking Filipinos and describing the Philippines as her second home. In a lengthy Instagram post, Sushmita posted photos of her with family members celebrating her milestone. She began her post by thanking her home country, India, for giving her the “proudest identity.” “What a journey!!! Thank you my Motherland India, for giving me my proudest identity #INDIAN. The love,respect & adulation I have been showered with for 25 years, is undoubtedly my life’s greatest earning!” Sushmita wrote. She added that she thanked God for winning the Miss Universe crown in the Philippines as Filipinos continue to overwhelm her with their love. “As we celebrate 25years of making History, of India winning Miss Universe for the very first time...I want to remember & Thank the people of my second home #philippines. I Thank God for the privilege of having Won Miss Universe in their beautiful country, they continue to overwhelm me with their love & belonging to this day, even naming their children ‘Sushmita’ #mahalkitaphilippines,” she said. She also thanked the people who were with her in her journey as Miss Universe. “My gratitude to Mr. Martin
Derek Ramsay Miss India Sushmita Sen winning Miss Universe in the Philippines in 1994.
Brooks (then President of MU organisation) all the chaperones, travel managers, Ms. Barbara, resident manager Ms. Jane, for being such a FORCE of change, for teaching an 18year old me in 1994, the power of professionalism, Value for one’s word, earning of reputation, commanding of respect & to always have a inclusive Global view,” Sushmita said. “Their teachings have helped me make many important decisions in the past 25yrs, thereby shaping the Woman I am today I remember with great love all 77 contestants who competed for Miss Universe 1994!! And, of course, the beyond gracious Miss Colombia @carogomezfilm who won first runners up that year, and yet celebrated India’s first victory as if it were her own!!!” she added. To conclude her post, she thanked everyone around her for inspiring her to keep growing and more authentic. “Thank you God, family, friends, my children & all of
Philstar.com photo
you, who have consistently inspired me to keep growing & be more of my authentic self!!! Your wishes came pouring in & have me overwhelmed, THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!! “May the Universe always conspire in your favour” I love you guys, #yourstruly #43rdmissuniverse #indiasfirst #missuniverse1994 #india #duggadugga,” the 43-yearold actress said. Following her win as Miss Universe 1994 in the Philippines, where she competed with Filipina actress Charlene Gonzales, Sushmita became one of Bollywood’s most awarded superstars. Sen, the first Miss India to win the Miss Universe title, became famous for her answer to the pageant question, “What is the essence of being a woman?” “The origin of the child is the mother and is a woman. A woman is one who shows a man what love and sharing and caring is all about. That is the essence of a woman,” she said.
Toni Gonzaga finds a new family in ‘Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet’ by iza igleSiaS ManilaTimes.net
IN January 2014, “Home Sweetie Home” started airing on ABS-CBN’s Saturday prime time block, with Toni Gonzaga and John Lloyd Cruz as the lead stars. However, a big change came when Cruz decided to take a leave from showbiz in 2017, making a big dent on the show. While everyone thought the sitcom will end, the network added new cast members instead with the likes of Rufa Mae Quinto, Ogie Alcasid and Piolo Pascual, as Gonzaga’s new partner. Though the development did very well when it came to ratings, challenges continued along the way when in October 2018, Gonzaga’s mother on the show Sandy Andolong left to take a break because of viral infection. And recently, Pascual had to leave the show too to study in Europe as he originally planned. With these unfortunate events that have been af-
fecting the weekly sitcom, Gonzaga thought that “Home Sweetie Home” will be axed for good. Fortunately, the management continued the story and aired a new format on May 11. “From the start na nagkaroon kami ng big challenge, naihanda ko na yung sarili ko because hindi naman tayo bago sa industriya, alam natin na shows come and go talaga. So I was really prepared that time na mag-i-end ang show. At bilang isang artista, siyempre kung ano lang ang in-assign sa iyo na trabaho gagawin mo,” Gonzaga said in an interview during the show’s press conference. “I’m just so surprised, and of course, very thankful that the management decided to push through with the program and give it a new look and a new taste, and family. Siyempre I’m shocked because I was prepared to let go of something that has been a part of my life [and that of the viewers] for four years. I’m just really grateful because may
second chance na magpatuloy ang programa with this new family na mas exciting,” she continued. A sweet beginning Gonzaga’s character, Julie, moves on with life and finds a new family in “Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet.” After her house got burned down, Julie starts again with the entry of new characters played by Vhong Navarro, Alex Gonzaga, Bayani Agbayani and Luis Manzano. “We live in one house but from different backgrounds. I came from a tragedy. Meanwhile, Vhong, Bayani and Luis are the ones living in the house, while Alex is my halfsister,” explained Gonzaga. In the new chapter, Julie, with her sister Gigi (Miles Ocampo) and brother, Rence (Clarence Delgado), move in to the apartment of their Tita Oya (Rio Locsin) after they lost their house to a fire. Here, they meet their half-sister Mikee (Alex) plus Pip (Manzano), Ferdie (Navarro), and Edwin Continued on Page 6
GMA photos
waiter ng Tia Marias. Maraming salamat sa masarap na pagmamahal kapamilya!” he wrote. Former Kapamilya actor and now GMA contract star
Derek Ramsay showed his “complete respect” for his former network. Former “TV Patrol” reporter Atom Araullo also sent
Continued on Page 6
entertainment Kapuso stars support Kapamilya...
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 29, 2019
From Page 5 his love and support for the Kapamilya network. “Sending love and support to my family for over a decade. Your media colleagues have got your back,” Atom wrote. New Kapuso Aiko Melendez, who was with ABS-CBN for nine years, also showed gratitude. Another freelance actress, Sunshine Cruz, recalled how the network helped her in her trying days. “Year 2013. Nung panahong lugmok ako, walang pera, walang matirahan, ABS-CBN ang nagbigay ng tsansa na makabalik ang isang katulad kong bagsak na bagsak ang moral. I will always be GRATEFUL to them. Naitaguyod ko ang aking tatlong maliliit na anak, nakapundar ako ng maayos na tahanan na aming tinitirahan ngayon. At
EMPLOYMENT
nakakakakain kami ng nasa oras dahil sa pagtitiwala ng ABS-CBN sa isang katulad ko,” she wrote. “Hindi ako kailanman magagalak na mawalan ng trabaho o pangkabuhayan ang nakararaming tao na nagtatrabaho ng maayos para matulungan ang kanilang pamilya dahil kailanman ay hindi ito tama. “Guys, freelance artist po ako. I have worked with both networks. Grateful sa parehong networks for the work and chance. Marunong lang po tayong tumanaw ng utang na loob sa mga tao na naging bahagi ng ating growth at success. Hindi dapat ipagbunyi ang pagkawala o pagsasara ng isang company na nakakatulong sa maraming tao at pamilya,” she said. Former GMA 7 reporter and now UNTV host Michael Fajatin posted on his social
media account his greetings for ABS-CBN. “Mula Kapuso GMA7 hanggang sa Kasangbahay UNTV. Nakikiisa ako sa selebrasyon ng bawat Kapamilya sa isang malaya at progresibong Pilipinas!” he wrote. Former Kapuso reporter and now licensed pilot Steve Dailisan recalled he first started as campus correspondent in then Studio 23’s “Wazzup Wazzup.” “Bago pa man ako magsimula bilang reporter sa GMA News and Public affairs, sa mga programang ‘Wazzup Wazzup’ (Tadjock campus correspondent) at ‘Y Speak’ ako unang sumalang sa telebisyon sa pamamagitan ng ABSCBN,” he narrated. “Malaki ang aking respeto at pagkilala sa mga naging kasamahan sa industriya mula sa Kapamilya network. Hindi lang sila mga katrabaho kundi
EMPLOYMENT
mga mabubuting kaibigan na naniniwala sa katotohanan. Happy 65th year ABS CBN! Mabuhay ang lahat ng mga Kapamilya! ;)” he wrote. GMA News anchor Raffy Tima salutes the rival network for its service to the Filipino. “Saludo at pagpupugay sa mga kaibigan kong Kapamilya. While we see you as competition, out in the field, we are one. Pagbati sa inyong anibersaryo at sa marami pang taon nang paglilingkod para sa bayan,” he said. Kapamilya actress Julia Montes broke her social media hiatus recently to greet ABS-CBN on its 65th anniversary. “Maraming Salamat po sa istasyong patuloy na tapat nagseserbisyo at nagpapasya sa ating mga Kapamilya saan ma’ng sulok ng mundo,” Julia said. “Salamat din po na sa 65 years ay isa po ako sa binuo nyo ang mga pangarap. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng oportunidad na ibinigay ninyo sa akin para mapakita ang konting pong kakayahan kong binigay ng Diyos... Salamat pong muli KAPAMILYA,” she added.
The show becomes sweeter with the addition of new characters.
ABS-CBN photo
Toni Gonzaga finds a...
From Page 5 (Agbayani). In the barangay, they will be joined by exchange student Hiro (Fumiya Sankai), pawnshop caretaker Bogs (Yamyam Gucong) and their barangay captain, Capt. Frank played by Bobot Mortiz. Gonzaga expressed her happiness with Vhong, Alex, Bayani and Luis joining her in the show. “Just thinking that I am joined by my close friends and my sister, this is the best ‘Home Sweetie Home’ setting that I can dream of,” she added. With her new family in the show, Gonzaga promised a sweeter experience for the
EMPLOYMENT
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audience. “The program has been a beautiful journey mula nung nagsimula kami in 2014. Maraming nangyaring transitions, maraming pinagdaan ang show, at nagpapasalamat kami dahil may mga sumusuporta pa rin sa aming programa,” she said. “Ngayong bagong yugto na po ng ‘Home Sweetie Home,’ ipinapangako namin na kaya siya ‘Extra Sweet’ dahil pinagsama-sama po ng management at ng ‘Home Sweetie Home’ family ang mga bago naming kapamilya na tunay ang essence ng isang pamilya. I’m grateful for this whole family na nabuo namin ngayon,” she ended.
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 29, 2019
Whatever happened to ‘happily ever after’?
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Continued from last week’s issue…) There is news of suicide that hits you harder because you personally know the person who took his own life. By all accounts, he has led a good life but unknown to all, was going through overwhelming personal struggles, wallowing in darkness and despair and simply gave up. In many cases, those in their immediate family orbit say, they never saw it coming and will be left wondering WHY. Suicide, contrary to the lyrics of a popular song, is never painless. Those left behind who will have to pick up the pieces deal with the heavy pall of gloom and guilt that descends on them for a long time. So how does one deal with the dark night of the soul? I don’t know about you but it seems to me that darkness can only be fought and won decisively by seeking the light. Only light can dispel darkness.
(Conclusion of 3 parts) Psychotherapy, anti-depres- the darkness of the soul lies within sants and all other known scien- one’s self. Seek the light every tifically proven ways of dealing which way possible, both physiwith mental illness and the even- cal and spiritual. Even the very tual sickness of the soul may be of act of being exposed to sunlight can fight off the sadness that afsome help. flicts many when the fall and winter seasons with their diminished amounts of sunlight come every year. If you have strayed from the Christian faith, But as in anything, the first step COME BACK, RENEW AND REis to acknowledge and admit the KINDLE that relationship with condition as a serious cause for God. He is the vine; we are the concern and to seek help right branches. Cut off from God, we away. This is the crucial first step wither and die. In daily life, seek the company towards healing. And the hardof genuinely happy people who est. The courage to recognize and have that buoyant tendency to admit one needs help may not lift others. They have the force of be enough though. Humility is a high tide that lifts all boats. Cheerkey ingredient. The afflicted must fulness is the daylight of the soul. reach out to someone he can Bask in joy-filled people’s megatrust, someone who cares about watt light until you can generate him and lead him to those that can your own. It may just be a flicker help. This is when fervent heartfelt of hope in the beginning that prayers, his own and those of oth- grows into a bigger flame that ers, can assault the heavens for may become a bonfire blazing within one’s soul. Quite possibly, mercy. The bigger part of defeating PAGE B8
“...You have changed my mourning into dancing, O Lord, and have girded me with joy, alleluia...”
Debt Relief
Atty. lAwrence yAng THE client is 48, married and has a good job paying him $100,000 gross a year. A family emergency has caused him some financial hardship because money meant to pay for the house and credit cards were used instead for the medical expenses of his brother abroad. His brother is only 35 and single and lives abroad, waiting his turn to receive his visa to migrate here to the United States. He has another four years to wait. The brother has a good job abroad working as a representative in a call center. He makes about $700 a month. For a single person making $700 a month, and just waiting for his visa to come to the Promised Land, life can’t get much better. No responsibili-
—Psalm 30
Client seeks Chapter 13 relief for mortgage default and credit cards ties; enough money to spend; and good health. What else can a guy ask for? On weekends, he goes scuba diving about 40 miles off the capital. He says it’s very enjoyable because going underwater with a lot of live corals and fish to see is “like traveling to another planet.” However, lately, brother noticed that his legs were getting “fatter.” The doctor says that his legs are starting to retain water because he has some kind of heart problem. Thoracic and cardiac surgery had to be performed immediately as otherwise his physical condition would rapidly deteriorate and he could very well die from cardiac arrest! Not cool. The brother had no medical insurance to pay for the surgery and medical expenses estimated at $20,000. The family depends on the client for financial help because, at $100,000
gross a year, the client does have the resources to help. And since he loves his younger brother, the client sends the $20,000 by not paying his mortgage and using $10,000 of credit cards. So that’s done. The surgery is performed and brother has a new lease on life. Thanks be to our God Almighty, Yahweh, and His beloved son, Jesus Christ! Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to Him, “You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust.” He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. This is what Moses said in Psalm 91 so it is true. Moses was as close as a man could get to our God. After the family emergency, the client is now behind three mortgage payments and is faced PAGE B8
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Client seeks Chapter 13 relief for mortgage...
community The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 29, 2019
Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES DIVORCED parties are sometimes ordered to pay child support and spousal support in the divorce judgment. The support orders are generally based on the parties’ financial situation and custody arrangements at the time of the settlement or trial. However, what if your income decreases after the divorce or what if your spouse’s income increases after the divorce due to a promotion or a better paying job? Do you have the right to modify your support obligation? If your income has gone down substantially from the time that the child or spousal support determination, you may be able to file a modification of your support obligation. Losing a job or having less income constitutes a material change of circumstances that would allow the court to modify down your support obligations. Child support in California is based on guideline formula. One of the factors that is considered in the guideline formula is your gross income. Usually the court would look at several months or even an average of the last 12 months income. If your average income has decreased, you may be able to modify your child sup-
Modifying down child and spousal support obligation after divorce
port to a lower amount. Bear in mind that there are other factors that come in the equation such as the amount of actual timeshare you spend with your child and the income of the other parent. If the other parent’s income has gone down, this may adversely affect your child support obligation. Spousal support may also be modified unless you stipulated in a divorce judgment that it is non modifiable. However, spousal support are usually calculated differently than guideline. The court will look at other factors in deciding whether to modify this. Those factors are listed in family code section 4320. If you are unemployed, the other party may be expected to try to impute income on you. However in light of the recent cases in California, they would have to prove that you had the ability and the opportunity to obtain employment. If your income has gone down or your spouse’s income has increased as a result of a new job, a promotion, or you got laid off or hours cut, it may be possible to modify both your child support and spousal support obligation. Without modifying the order, the current order will continue to be in effect and the same amount will accrue regardless of whether your income declined or your spouse income increased. It is
important to file a post judgment request for order to modify support as soon as your financial situation changes. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail “mailto: kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com” kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com
deep depression is essentially a disease that afflicts the mind and withers the soul, all physical remedies seem to me to fall far short of true healing. A spiritual illness can only be cured by spiritual means. Match the method to the madness. A leap of faith is a must. God is light and only God can dispel the darkness of one’s soul. Without God, one can do nothing. The promise is clear for many who have remained steadfast in their faith. Faith is the solid and unwavering core belief that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead so we may live happily ever after far beyond death into eternity. This is the ending really worth seeking for every life story. Rock solid faith brings a bot-
tomless well of hope. Faith gives us a deep, down to the marrow, heartfelt and genuine appreciation of God’s unfailing love to see us through and bring us home in His own good and perfect timing. God gave us life as a gift. Our gift to God in return, is to live as joyfully as possible the whole enchilada, the full measure of that life until we are called home. What then is the ultimate weapon against dangerous depression that afflicts many today? It is JOY, the pure and simple expression of gratitude for GOD’S ENDURING LOVE. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
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Whatever happened to ‘happily ever after’?
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with the Holy Spirit’s help, that once-ailing soul can become a light bright enough to give hope to others similarly situated. Like anyone else, cheerful people do have problems and undergo dark times. But they have within their inmost core, a steady spark of God’s pilot light that enables them to tap a wellspring of joy, no matter what season of the soul they are going through. You must stay away from negative, depressed people. Darkness can and will go viral given the chance. They have twice the force of gravity to bring you down to the depths of despair. They are like blackholes that suctions everything around them. In my pedestrian view, since
with $20,000 of credit cards. He also owes $5,000 to the IRS for 2016. He has sent this month’s mortgage payment to the bank. But that payment has been returned to him with a notice that the bank will be sending him a notice of default with intent to foreclose soon if he does not send the bank for payment of $12,000. The best relief for this kind of financial situation is Chapter 13. Why? First, Chapter 13 will stop the foreclosure process upon filing. So the client does not have to worry about losing his house to foreclosure. Second, the client will be given five years to pay the default of $12,000 without interest. Third, he will also be given five years to pay the $20,000 of credit cards and the $5,000 of back taxes. So, Chapter 13 gives the client a breathing time of five years to handle his mortgage default, his credit cards, and his back taxes. During all this time, the client is immune from all collection efforts of creditors, including foreclosure of house, lawsuits,
garnishment, and liens. Senior seeks Chapter 7 relief for $40K credit cards The second client is 74. She has been a widow for five years. Her single daughter lives with her and they help each other. Her income is still ok. She receives social security and a work-related pension that gives her a combined gross of $2,400 monthly. She still works full-time as a caregiver and is paid $1,800 gross monthly. So, she has $4,200 monthly. Not too bad. The problem is that she owes $40,000 in credit cards. She needs $1,500 to make minimum monthly payments on these cards, which she has kept for the last 10 years. To make a long story short, she has paid $180,000 on $40,000 of credit cards for the last 10 years but still owes today the same $40,000. This is why Visa is a good stock to own. It makes tons of your money! As a result, everything that she makes from the full-time job goes to pay her credit cards. Chapter 7 will wipe out all of the $40,000 credit cards so she can start saving her net take-home pay from her caregiving job. It’s
about time. At 74, she certainly needs to be able to save all of the money she makes. She really should have filed for Chapter 7 10 years ago. If she did, then she would have $180,000 in the bank saved up today, wouldn’t she? If you are saddled with debt, now is the time to get them discharged. Better now than later when you are about to retire. But if you have not yet gotten rid of your debts yet and you are now a senior, believe me, you need to get rid of your debts now that your income is less than half of what it was when you were younger. If you need bankruptcy relief, please call my office for an appointment and I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
AT the May 20 Council meeting, City Council will consider a proclamation to recognize June 79, 2019 as National Gun Violence Awareness Weekend in Pasadena. National Gun Violence Awareness Day, now in its fifth year, was created to honor the many lives that have been cut short by gun violence and support efforts to reduce gun violence. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting which begins at 6:30 p.m. The proclamation affirms, “… gun violence touches every segment of our society and impacts people of all ages; it increases the probability of death in incidents of domestic violence; raises the likelihood of fatalities by those who intend to injure others, and among those who attempt suicide; it places children and young people at increased risk of physical harm and injury; and disproportionately affects communities of color.” The proclamation concludes by urging all citizens, businesses, organizations and agencies to work collaboratively to reduce gun violence in our community. The proclamation will be received by Peace Over Violence, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building healthy re-
lationships, families and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence. Other Pasadena National Gun Violence Awareness events include: Friday, May 31, 1 – 2:30 p.m: Speaker Series Feat. San Gabriel Moms Demand Action Join the San Gabriel Valley Moms Demand Action as they discuss their organization’s gun violence prevention efforts and accomplishments at Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. This event is part of a monthly speaker series. For more information, call (626) 7447330. Thursday, June 6: Wear Orange Day The City is encouraging the public to wear orange in support
of the gun violence prevention movement. Free orange lapel ribbons, stickers and informational pamphlets will be distributed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations: • Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. • Robinson Park Recreation Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. • Victory Park Recreation Center, 2575 Paloma St. • Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St. Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at www. cityofpasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @ CityOfPasadena; or call the Citizen Service Center, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (626) 744-7311.
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Pasadena to proclaim June 7-9 National Gun Violence Awareness Weekend
Calendar of Events across
America
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS M AY 29 - J U N E 29
“Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight” exhibit in San Pedro, CA An interactive homage to Indigenous California Habitat will be on exhibit from May 22 to June 29, 2019. Created by LA-based artists-collaborators, champoy and Sarita Doe, it will open on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at Pinta*Dos Philippine Art Gallery which is located at 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 108, Historic Arts District, San Pedro, CA 90731. Tagolilong: Hidden in Plain Sight will be the sixth exhibit at Pinta*Dos Gallery since it was inaugurated in June 2017. The Gallery is open from Wednesday to Friday, 3:00pm to 6:00pm except on First Thursdays when it is open until 8pm. It is also open by appointment. For further information, email Linda Nietes-Little, Founder of the gallery at info@pintadosgallery.com Also visit their website: http://www.pintadosgallery.com , facebook and instagram pages.
JUNE 1
7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival in LA The 7th Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan Parade and Festival Committee (7KPFC) announced that it will holding the 7th Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 1, 2019 in commemoration of the 121st PH Independence Day on June 12, 1898. This will be the 7th Kalayaan Parade and Festival in Historic Filipinotown, as the first was held in 2013 in cooperation with the PH Consulate General in Los Angeles. This is the only Independence Day parade and Festival in Los Angeles and is held every year in Historic Filipinotown. For more information, please call Freddie at (818) 220-2075 or email at jfavusa8@gmail.com.
Kalayaan Incorporated’s annual Philippine Independence Day gala in LA Kalayaan Incorporated invites the community to its celebration of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel (5855 W. Century Blvd. Los Angeles, CA). Kalayaan is extremely proud to have Honorable Risa Hontiveros, an incumbent senator who assumed office on June 30, 2016, as the grand gala’s guest of honor and speaker. For tickets to the Gala Night, please contact Annie Cuevas-Lim, Kalayaan President at (213) 447-7078. For more information, contact KI PROs Violet Mislang at vmislang@gmail.com or Lady Hope Robillos at lhopepr@yahoo.com.
Diva2Diva concert in Arcadia, CA The JIR Foundation enthusiastically presents Diva2Diva on Saturday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Arcadia Performing Arts Center (188 Campus Drive, Arcadia, California 91007). The concert will feature Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Mitch Valdes and Nanette Inventor. Ticket prices are $145, $100, $75, $60 and $50. Call or text (818) 726-6333 or (818) 612-4500 or visit ladiva2. eventbrite.com.
JUNE 2
PeDRO tees off with The Filipino Channel Unity Cup Los Angeles The Philippine Disaster Relief Organization (PeDRO), in partnership with The Filipino Channel, will have its charity golf tournament on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at the Westridge Golf Club, 1400 S. La Habra Hills Drive, La Habra, CA 90631. The 2019 TFC Unity Cup Los Angeles tournament is an expansion leg of the TFC Unity Cup in the Bay Area, Northern California. Proceeds of the golf tournament will be for the benefit of ABS-CBN Foundation International, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that serves as the public service arm of TFC. Check-in time starts at 12 p.m. Tee Time starts promptly at 1:00 p.m. Registration fee of $125 includes Cart, Range Balls, Raffle Prizes and Buffet Dinner. Late registration fee of $135.00 takes effect May 20 through May 26, 2019, subject to space availability. For more information, contact PeDRO President Benito Miranda at (310) 600-5675 and Event Chairperson/Treasurer Joey Cruz at (310) 938-4907. Or contact PeDRO at gopedrosports@yahoo.com. Visit http://www.gopedro.org and https:// www.facebook.com/PeDRORelief.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
Bay Area group provides relief aid for Batangas City fire victims
people & events 9 The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 29, 2019
City of Artesia receives Urban and Community Forestry Grant from CAL FIRE
Distribution of the relief aid packages provided by the Batangas City-Sto. Niño Devotees Association (Northern California) for the victims of the Barangay Santa Clara fire in Batangas City last April 19, 2019. Shown with the aid relief recipients are our Batangas City relief aid facilitators: Vicky Atienza, Alfon Perez and Barangay Captain Derick Arago.
ON April 6, 2019, a big fire hit Sitio Ibaba in Barangay Santa Clara, Batangas City and destroyed 150 houses belonging to 490 families. The evacuees are currently housed in four evacuation centers, Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas, Livelihood CenterBatangas Port, Barangay Hall at Barangay Santa Clara and Santa Clara Elementary School. Recognizing that time is of the essence, President Romel Chozas of the Batangas City Sto. Niño Devotees Association (Northern California) convened an emergency meeting of the officers and board members on April 16 to discuss providing material relief aid to the evacuees. On a unanimous vote by the nine board members present the board appropriated the amount of $4,000 (PhP 204,000) for the purchase and distribution of much needed relief aid materials. On April 18, the $4,000 was wired to Mr. Alfon Perez one of the association’s facilitator on the relief aid in Batangas City. With the assistance of the other relief aid facilitators Vicky Atienza and
Barangay Captain Derick Arago of Barangay Santa Clara, they proceeded with the purchase and packaging of the relief aid materials and commenced the distribution to the 490 families in the four evacuation centers. The relief aid packages consisted of coffee, a bag of rice, canned foods and bottled water. The distribution was completed on the end of April. On the other hand, Dr. Mallou Atienza Cuasay and Lakewood Dental Clinic also donated supplies consisting of large plastic drums, plastic water basins and plastic cans to the 490 families in the evacuation centers. The following are the officers of the Batangas City-Sto. Niño Devotees Association (NorCal): Romel Chozas-President, Fe Remo-Bueno-Vice President, Bobby Reyes-Secretary, Rosie Agustin-Treasurer, Becky Gamab-Auditor, and Christian Buquid-PRO. Other members of the Board of Directors are Delia Godoy Montano, Bernie Ayap, Bayani Baliwag, Ching Calucag, Malou Atienza Cuasay, Melvin Macat-
LOS ANGELES — Mayor Eric Garcetti last week launched Louder Than Guns, a powerful new campaign to inspire action against gun violence. Organized by the Mayor’s Youth Council to End Gun Violence, in partnership with the creative agency Omelet, this effort will run advertisements across the city to shine a light on the senselessness of gun violence — and provide parents, young people, civic leaders, and all Angelenos with tools to push for change and save lives. “We will never accept gun violence as the new normal for our kids — and none of us can be silent when students see lockdown drills as the norm and there are bulletproof backpacks for sale in America,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Young people are leading the effort to make our communities safer, and Louder than Guns is an expression of their commitment to change and a call to action for all of us to join them in building the future they deserve.” Louder Than Guns kicked off on May 22 with mock ads for “Gunsure Insurance” appearing on bus shelters across Los Angeles and on social media. Much like an insurance company might sell different products, this campaign details the different ways Americans experience gun violence through offers of mass shooting insurance, accidental shooting insurance, and daily gunfire insurance. All ads direct Angelenos to 1-833-GUNSURE, a hotline that explains the campaign, provides an avenue to share personal stories related to gun violence, and drives callers to the action-fueled hub: www. louderthanguns.org. “We may be teenagers, but we have grown up in an era of mass shootings and seen gun violence take the lives of our peers. We can’t wait for anyone else to shake themselves out of complacency, so we’re taking our lives into our own hands,” said Paula Kim, a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council to End Gun Violence. “The voices of our friends
and classmates have to drown out gun industry lobbyists. Our futures depend on it.” “We’re on the brink of a future where gun violence is normalized, but there’s no more powerful antidote to apathy than the youth voice and experience,” said Chelsea O’Brien and Florian Bodet, Creative Directors at Omelet. “These students were insightful and passionate creative collaborators, inspiring a campaign that tackles a generation-defining issue and sends a call to action all Angelenos can rally around.” On June 7, National Gun Violence Awareness Day, the “Gunsure Insurance” ads will be replaced by new posters that lead Angelenos to the campaign website — where they can find more ways to get involved, share their stories, and access a toolkit that enables anyone to become a campaign ambassador. Mayor Garcetti’s Youth Council to End Gun Violence is the first mayor-led initiative in the country to formalize a leadership role for youth in city government to drive action and advocacy on gun violence prevention. The Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction & Youth Development (GRYD) also provides gang prevention and intervention services in 23 neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles — and those areas saw an over 10 percent reduction in gang-related violent crime in 2018. The city has seen real results from its efforts to stop gun violence. The 2019 Annual Gun Buyback, sponsored by GRYD, received hundreds of firearms in exchange for gift cards. Last year, the Los Angeles Police Department collected 6,406 guns, and overall, the city has taken more than 14,000 guns off the streets in the last two years alone — keeping L.A. on track to meet Mayor Garcetti’s goal of removing 20,000 weapons from our communities by 2022. To learn more about Louder Than Guns, visit LouderThanGuns.org.
Garcetti launches ‘Louder Than Guns’ campaign
angay, Philo Mendoza, Ardie Perez, and Cecil Zaraspe. A text message from Barangay Captain Derrick Arago of Barangay Santa Clara sent via Messenger on April 29 said: “Thanks po sa tulong ninyo, sa samahan ng Batanguenyo/Batangas City Sto. Nino devotees ng California. Malaking tulong po ito para sa kanila. C God na po bahalang magbalik ng blessings po sa inyo...Kay Mam Vickie Atienza lalo na, alam ko pong pagod kayo at 4 na evacuation center ang ginaor. Sa barangay officials, Team Alfon salamat din sa inyo...To God be the glory.”
Photo courtesy of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
THE City of Artesia has received an Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) totaling $878,336.56. The grant will fund an update to the City’s tree inventory, the development of an urban forest master plan, and the planting of about 400 new trees throughout the City of Artesia between this summer and Spring 2022. This landmark award is a significant achievement for the City’s efforts toward building a more
sustainable community and working toward carbon neutrality. Tree planting is one of the few actions the City can directly take to address non-source specific pollution in Artesia. Over their first 40 years in the ground, the trees planted by this project will remove over 7,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and will provide countless other benefits to the community. The tree inventory and master plan development portions of this project will allow the City to prudently expand and manage
Artesia’s urban forest over the next four decades. The grant is the second largest to be received by a city in this year’s award cycle, after only the City of Los Angeles. Work on this project will begin in the summer, and will take place throughout the next three years. The City will be working with the Los Angeles Conservation Corps and other agencies to complete the project, and looks forward to bringing the benefits of this grant award to the community.
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE -May 29, 2019