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M AY 31-JUNE 6, 2019 Volume 12 - No. 32 • 16 Pages 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • 2500 Plaza S. Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

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 vaccinations and immunizations (also known as anti-vaxxers) is 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 vacci-

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Palace backs Lorenzana: No credible ouster plot vs Duterte to oust President Rodrigo Duterte. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo maintained that were plots to unseat the presMALACAÑANG backed on Wednesday, ident, but these were not credible because May 29, the remark of Defense Secretary Del- they did not have the support of the military. Lorenzana on Tuesday, May 28, ruled out fin Lorenzana that there was no credible plot by NESTOR

CORRALES Inquirer.net

any credible plot to oust the president, saying “maybe Malacanang has some information on small groups” wanting to unseat the President. “Lorenzana said there is no credible plot

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Alvarez: Bribery for speakership vote up to P1-M by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

DAVAO del Norte First District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez revealed on Monday, May 28, that two House speaker aspirants were offering money in exchange for the legislators’ votes for the speakerDavao del Norte First District ship post. Representative Pantaleon Alvarez “My colleagues BUSINESS MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte greets the officials from various Japanese companies in attendance during a ManilaTimes.net photo told me that meeting at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday, May 29. Speaking before the Japanese and Filipino investors someone offered P500,000 per congressman during the signing of agreements between Philippine and Japanese businesses, President Duterte expressed his elation over

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the strong intention of Japanese business entities to invest and expand their operations in the Philippines. Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal

Lacson hits BOC, PDEA for Envoy draws Palace rebuke auctioning off P1 billion shabu for calling trip ‘reward’ by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday, May 29, slammed the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for allowing the public auction of P1 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, calling the officials of the agencies “corrupt” and “incompetent.” In his privilege speech titled “What a Mess: A Dumping Ground of Garbage Sen. Panfilo Lacson delivers a privilege speech titled “What a and Drugs,” the senator alleged that the Mess: A Dumping Ground of Garbage and Drugs.” Philstar.com photo by Mong Pintolo auction on April 22 of three shipping

containers supposedly with 114 bags of tapioca starch kept in aluminum pallets was a cover-up of a botched drug delivery by BOC officials. “Let’s assume for a while that we are buying their story. Is the BOC legally allowed to subject prohibited goods to public sale or auction? No matter how they twist their story, the version of the BOC and PDEA of what happened is really very murky,” Lacson said. Last week, PDEA released an announcement about recovering some 146

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MANILA — Malacañang has rebuked Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V for claiming Cabinet members are traveling with President Rodrigo Duterte to Tokyo as a reward for the administration candidates’ victory in midterm elections on May 13. “He has already been rebuked,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told reporters in a text message. “Let’s wait and see if there’ll

be any further action by the President or by the [secretary of foreign affairs].” Guevarra is caretaker of the government while the President is out of the country. The President is visiting Japan for the seventh time to attend the 25th International Conference on the Future of Asia on the invitation of Nikkei Inc. He will deliver the keynote address to the gath-

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From the Front Page

Envoy draws Palace rebuke for calling... PAGE 1 ering on Friday afternoon. Traveling with him is a 200strong delegation, including 16 Cabinet officials. In a talk with reporters in Tokyo on Tuesday, Laurel said the President’s visit to Japan should not be seen as a balancing act in the Philippines’ ties with Japan and China. “It has nothing to do with China here in this visit. This is a reward for the past elections. Why do you bring 20 Cabinet members here, even local government? For land reform? There’s no land reform here, they’re done with that,” he said. “But I think the President is so elated with the results of the midterm elections that this is an affirmation of what his administration has done in the last three years. It’s like a reward,” he added. ‘Innocently speculating’ Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said he had been working day and night to plan the president’s meetings with Japanese investors.

“We have never seen this as a reward,” Lopez said. Sought for comment on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, also a member of the delegation, said Malacañang did not share Laurel’s view of the trip to Japan. Panelo said Laurel might have been “misinformed” or “innocently speculating for lack of information” about the trip of the Cabinet members. The presence of the Cabinet officials at the President’s meetings is “necessary,” he said. Asked if the president would reprimand Laurel, Panelo said he had yet to talk with the President about Laurel’s remarks, although the president was already aware of the envoy’s gaffe. Panelo appeared to be unaware of Guevarra’s statement in Manila. Asked if Laurel would keep his post, he said, “I think so.” No talk for now Laurel ducked out of another talk with reporters

on Wednesday, pleading an engagement at the Japanese foreign ministry. “I have to leave because I have to be at the [Ministry of Foreign Affairs] at 3 p.m. It’s not that I am avoiding you, but I am needed there,” he said. Told that Cabinet officials had denied they were in Tokyo as a reward, Laurel said: “Well, I have not heard what they said. They were teasing me, so I teased them back.” He excused himself and was seen joining other Philippine officials for a picturetaking with the President after the his meeting with Japanese businessmen. After the shoot, Laurel approached the President and shook hands with him. They exchanged a few words, but it was unclear whether all was well. Laurel’s boss, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who was also traveling with the President, had yet to be heard from. (Reports from Darryl John Esguerra and Julie M. Aurelio/Inquirer.net)

FIGHTING BINGBONG. Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel (left), Director Elmo Francis Sarona a n d M e t ro M a n i l a Police chief Guillermo Eleazar wait for their turn to speak during an inquiry at the House of Representatives into the arrest of Rep. Bingbong Crisologo on the eve of the May 13 elections for votebuying. Crisologo said he was immune from arrest since Congress has not adjourned sine die at the time of his arrest. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada

Palace backs Lorenzana: No... PAGE 1

because there is no support from the military and the police. So there is no inconsistency there,” he told reporters here. Panelo, who has released a matrix tagging several individuals wanting to oust the president, insisted that there were plots against the president but these were not credible. “Ang sinasabi ni presidente, merong plot. Wala naman siyang sinabing may military support or may PNP

[Philippine National Police]. In other words, sa parte ni DND [Department of National Defense] secretary, it will not be realized kasi ang plot to be credible kailangan may military and police support (The president said there was a plot. He did not say that there was military or PNP support. In other words, on the part of the DND secretary, it will not be realized because for a plot to be credible it will need military and police support),” he said. “Walang inconsistency.

He didn’t say na walang plot. Sabi niya lang na hindi credible kasi walang support,” he added. “Walang suporta sa military at pulis, pero may nagpaplano. Sabi ni presidente may plot. So walang inconsistency (There’s no inconsistency. He didn’t there was no plot. What he said was it was not credible because it had no support. There’s no military and police support, but some people are planning. The president said there was a plot. So there’s no inconsistency).” n

Alvarez: Bribery for speakership vote... PAGE 1 and then this was countered by another with P1 million per congressman,” Alvarez said as reported by The Manila Times. “Purposely, hindi ako lumapit doon sa mga funders para mayroon akong ipamigay na P500,000, P1 million (Purposely, I didn’t approach the funders so that I would have P500,000, P1 million to give away),” Alvarez added in an interview for ABS-CBN’s Headstart. Alvarez refused to name the lawmaker despite his knowledge of the person behind the bribing activities. The ousted former House speaker said that he doesn’t want to compromise the position of the speakership. “Ayoko nang sabihin kung sino, ano? Pero ang problema kasi diyan, ‘pag gagawin natin ‘yan, we will be compromising the position of the speakership. Mahirap po ‘yan (I don’t want to say who it is, okay? But the problem here is that, if we do this, we will be compromising the position of the speakership. That’s difficult),” he added. Another lawmaker also de-

nied the accusation of Alvarez regarding bribing fellow legislators to acquire the speakership position. Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco said that he himself would be the one waiting for the bribe instead of shelling out that amount of money. “No, I’m not giving away a million pesos. Then I’ll be waiting for P1 million for myself. True enough, congressmen, they won’t go for that type of wheeling and dealing just to be able to get the votes. Each congressman has his or her own views. So I mean, I don’t think each congressman can just be bought that easily,” Velasco said as reported by Rappler. A total of 243 district lawmakers and 61 party-list representatives will convene in the 18th Congress in two months. Should Alvarez’ claim holds up, a speakership candidate resorting to must shell out between P152 million and P304 million if he or she wants all the votes. Aside from Velasco and Alvarez, there are six other names being floated in the speakership race including Leyte 1st

District Representative Martin Romualdez, Pampanga 3rd District Representative Aurelio Gonzales, Davao Oriental 2nd District Representative Joel Almario, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, Taguig City-Pateros Representative Alan Peter Cayetano and Antique Representative Loren Legarda. However, presidential son Paolo Duterte and outgoing senator Loren Legarda denied interest in the speakership post. Meanwhile, an incumbent House member condemned the alleged vote-buying by speakership contenders. “It is disgusting to hear that those aspiring to be Speaker of the House need to shell out money to assure their win,” Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano said in a statement. “How can we promote fair and clean elections if leaders, including the president, tolerate the practice of bribery and vote-buying? How can we attract well-meaning politicians to take part in public service if at the end of the day what matters is money?” he added. n

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Dateline USa

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Bay Area group provides relief aid for Batangas City fire victims ON April 6, 2019 a big fire hit Sitio Ibaba in Barangay Santa Clara, Batangas City and destroyed 150 houses belonging to 490 families consisting of 1,790 individuals. The evacuees are currently housed in four evacuation centers, Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas, Livelihood Center-Batangas 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 Calfirnia) 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 (PhP204,000) 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 with the distribution

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. Shown with the aid relief recipients are Batangas City relief aid facilitators: Vicky Atienza, Alfon Perez and Barangay Captain Derick Arago.

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, Christian BuquidPRO. Other members of the

Board of Directors: Delia Godoy Montano, Bernie Ayap, Bayani Baliwag, Ching Calucag, Malou Atienza Cuasay, Melvin Macatangay, Philo Mendoza, Ardie Perez, and Cecil Zaraspe. Text message from Barangay Captain Derrick Arago of Barangay Santa Clara sent via Messenger on April 29: “Thanks po sa tulong ninyo... sa samahan ng Batanguenyo/ Batangas City Sto. Niño devotees ng California. Malaking tulong po ito para sa kanila. Si God na po ang bahalang magbalik ng blessings po sa inyo. Kay Mam Vicy Atienza, lalo na alam ko pong pagod kayo at 4 na evacuation center and ating ginaor, sa barangay officials, Team Alfon salamat din sa inyo. To God be the glory.” n

Lacson hits BOC, PDEA for auctioning off... PAGE 1 kilos of shabu from Cambodia at the Goldwin Commercial Warehouse in Malabon City. A warehouse worker reportedly discovered the shabu, and reported the matter to the PDEA. According to PDEA chief Aaron Aquino, the drugs were allegedly from the Golden Triangle international drug syndicate, and were linked to the shabu seized earlier this year in Dasmariñas and Tanza, both in Cavite, worth P244 million and P1.9 billion, respectively. A statement was issued by the BOC saying the shipment was forfeited in favor of the government on March 1 after the consignee’s failure to file an import entry with Customs. It also confirmed that its joint inspections of the three containers with PDEA led them to verify that the shipment indeed contained illegal drugs. However, instead of immediately seizing the illegal shipment, the two agencies decided to have the drugs auctioned off in the hopes of drawing out drug syndicate members who might bid for the shabu. The sting scheme was called “controlled delivery” but Lacson

said: “Controlled Delivery, my foot.” The senator questioned the two agencies’ story as Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act not only excludes prohibited goods to be disposed by public auction but also mandates their destruction seized by the BOC. “Again, assuming that we believe their ‘controlled delivery’ story – which we of course do not – did Customs and PDEA officials really expect the owners of this shipment to actually participate in the said public auction, knowing fully well that forfeited and seized commodities undergo 100 percent physical examination prior to disposition?” he asked. Lacson proceeded to say that he has pieced the “real story” together based on some documents and the schemes that the Senate uncovered in previous investigations into the entry of illegal drugs through the BOC. He cited a report signed by PDEA regional director III Joel Plaza dated March 11 that stated “...the specimens submitted do not contain any dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals.” On May 22, the shipment was

given to the winning bidder and shipped off to the warehouse at 89 F. Santos St., Santolan, Malabon City. PDEA reported that during the cleaning and washing of the commodity, one of the aluminum pallets accidentally fell off and exposed aluminum foil that contained the illegal drugs. “It does not take much to figure out the holes in the plot that some not-so-smart characters in these agencies tried to fabricate – but failed miserably. Simply put, this is a case of dishonesty with the intention of misleading the public,” Lacson said. He also noted that the smuggling of drugs through the agency continues unabated despite several changes in the BOC leadership. According to the senator, he has sources that confirmed certain departments in the BOC continue to take their “tara” (grease money) ranging from P5,000 to P50,000 per container. Lacson urged BOC Commissioner Ray Leonardo Guerrero to act immediately and decisively on the illegal activities in his agency that is assisting the entry of such a huge volume of drugs. n

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

60 new measles cases across 26 states... PAGE 1

nations 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 cov-

erage 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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OPINION

FEATURES

Compliance with the rules

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 govern-

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ment 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

President Widodo re-elected in world’s third largest democracy; active peace organizations in Asia 245,000 candidates ran for public office, from the presidency and parliamentary seats to local positions, all undertaken in one day. The Indonesian polls perhaps represent the FORMER SPEAKER largest democratic electoral JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. contest in Southeast Asia. There will be accusations WE congratulate Indonesian from the losers of largescale President Joko Widodo for his cheating but our friends in reelection as President of the the diplomatic community in world’s third largest democ- Jakarta indicate the polls were racy and hope he would reach largely clean. The modest soft-spoken out to his defeated rival Probowo Subianto, a retired general Widodo, who has launched a who has ran a second-time largescale infrastructure program, visited Manila in April against him. Observers note a record 2017, ahead of the ASEAN

PeaceMaker

Summit then, on invitation of President Rodrigo Duterte and they discussed security of sea lanes, cross-border traffic and patrol, and economic cooperation. We hope in President Widodo’s second term there would be more meaningful and concrete economic exchange between Indonesia and the Philippines and with the ASEAN partners. It is also the hope of Indonesia’s friends in ASEAN that perhaps after a decent interval, efforts will be undertaken to reach out to the defeated PAGE 10

Philstar.com photo

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. PAGE 10

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • mAY 31-JUNE 6, 2019

Dateline PhiliPPines

Columbia Journalism School awards Rappler chief Maria Ressa by Nathalie

Robles

AJPress

The Columbia Journalism School in New York City awarded Rappler Chief executive Officer (CeO) and executive editor Maria Ressa with the 2019 Columbia Journalism Award on Thursday, May 23 for her “singular journalistic performance in the public interest.” Ressa along with Rappler and its reporters received a total of 11 cases filed by the administration in a span of 14 months. Ressa has since posted bail 8 times and has been arrested twice. A known critic of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the Rappler CeO spoke before the 2019 graduates of the Ivyleague educational institution. According to her, they must keep in mind that “the battle for truth” is one fight they must take in order to ensure democracy. “The battle for truth – this is at the heart of protecting our democracies. Please don’t accept the world as you see it today. Our information ecosystem is broken,” the Rappler executive editor explained. “A virus has been unleashed in this global body politik and it is slowly killing us. I wish you the courage to lead the way in finding a global solution,” she added. Ressa encouraged the graduates to become idealistic and

“dream of a better future” as she urged them to make those dreams a reality. She emphasized that they must maintain their purpose so as not to be sidetracked once tested. “You’re coming of age at a time that matters. What you do matters. What you report and how you fight for truth matters. Our future now depends on you. Dream of a better future then go and make it happen,” Ressa said. “The only way you will stick to the ideals you have now is if you define this now. Before you’re tested, know your whys to figure out the what,” she added. In a report from Rappler, Ressa said that it is essential for them to “hold the line” since they are deemed as the “guardians of truth.” She also noted that they must uphold their ethics and moral standards with high regard at a time like this. “You are graduating at this crucial moment in history when journalists all around the world are under attack because we hold the line. Because we live our mission. Because as Time magazine wrote, we are the guardians of truth,” Ressa said. “All I do is put one foot in front of the other. hold up the sky so my team can continue to work. It’s just my bad luck that the baton was passed to me at

Palace promises non-interference in race for House speaker TOKYO — President Rodrigo Duterte met with three contenders for house speaker here but Malacañang maintained the chief executive will not meddle with how the chamber chooses its leaders. Duterte, who attended a Nikkei economic forum, met on Wednesday, May 29, with Representative-elect Alan Cayetano (Taguig), Rep. Lord Allan Velasco (Marinduque) and Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte), photos shared online by Senator-elect Christopher Go showed. G o , w h o re m a i n s t h e presiden’t consistent companion, said that the election of house speaker was discussed during the meeting. But presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte would not side with anyone on the race for speaker. “No, I don’t think he (Duterte) would interfere. In fact I was

present during one of the courtesy calls made by the two of them in the Palace and I heard the president say ‘you’ll have to do it yourselves, boys, I will not interfere. May the best win’,” Panelo told ABS-CBN News Channel. Asked whether Duterte had told him about his preferred speaker, Panelo replied: “No, as far as he’s concerned, these people know their jobs and that is to introduce laws, legislate laws for the betterment of our country and that’s it. And to win members of Congress to their selves.” “Whoever’s the choice of the members of Congress then he would be the speaker,” he added. Congress comprises the house of Representatives and the Senate. Panelo said the meeting was just a courtesy call and a private dinner composed of about a

Battle for Senate posts looms

by beRNadette

tamayo ManilaTimes.net

A SCRAMBLe for prime legislative posts is shaping up in the Senate, with incumbents looking to hold off challenges from first-timers, reelectionists and comebackers. Committees likely to be the focus of leadership battles once the 18th Congress opens on July 22 include the Blue Ribbon, Justice, education, health and Public Services panels. “Well, they should try and get it if they can get it,” incumbent Blue Ribbon Chairman Sen. Richard Gordon said. Sen. Mary Grace Poe, who won a fresh six-year mandate in the May 13 elections, and freshman Sen. Francis Tolentino were reportedly interested in Gordon’s committee. Poe quipped that because she was an independent, it would be best if she got the Blue Ribbon panel. Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who is expected to also face a challenge from legislators backed by the government during the recent elections, on Wednesday acknowledged the problem of apportioning committee chairmanships. Noting that the incumbents — those elected to six-year terms in 2016 — “had a chance to be elected to the different committees that they [currently] handle,” Sotto said, “there is a tradition in the Senate that we call the equity of the incumbent in choosing the [committee] chairmanhundred people, including law- ships.” makers and local officials. On the other hand, he added, In a chanche interview, Cay- “There are new senators and etano was tight-lipped about some comebacking senators… the meeting and said they there were five reelectionists talked about “basketball.” that won and most of them But in a statement, Cayetano have their own committees said everyone in the meeting already when they were there expressed their desire to help the adminstration. “I requested a more principled way to the speakership. Trusting the institution and protecting its integrity is essential to the reforms we are fighting PReSIDeNT Rodrigo Duterte for,” Cayetano said. approved the auction of P704.8 Other lawmakers who are million worth of jewelry seized reportedly eyeing the house from the Marcoses, Malacanang leadership are Rep. Pantaleon said on Thursday, May 30. Alvarez (Davao del Norte)—a The Presidential Commisformer house speaker—and sion for Good Governance, or Rep. Aurelio Gonzales (Pam- PCGG, made the request to the panga). Office of the President and Panelo has been saying that that the president decided on Duterte does not intrude into the Wednesday night, May 29. activities of co-equal branches “The president said that he of government. (Alexis Romero/ wants the people to benefit Philstar.com) from the jewelry. So, I asked

this time. This is the time when standards and ethics matter. This is the time that determines who you really are,” Ressa added. She urged the graduating class to “live according to the values” of journalism as she dedicated the award to her team of reporters who bravely faced all the criticisms from the public and do the job just fine. “I find hope from Rapplers. This award belongs to them. The way our sales and research teams defined a new business model. The way they used data to fight back. The way our young reporters stand up to power and continue reporting. They are creating the future today, and they inspire me,” Ressa stated. “I find hope from the grandfather who came up to me at the airport with his grandson, and with tears in his eyes, asked me what will happen to our country. Or the family that asked to take a photo and then hugged me as if I was a long-lost daughter, sending their support to Rappler,” she added. The Columbia Journalism Award has been given annually since 1958. It’s past recipients include journalists David halberstam, Ben Bradlee, Pete hamill, Joan Didion, Walter Cronkite, Alan Rusbridger, Nina Totenbeg, Lyse Doucet, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Ira Glass. n

Senators Richard Gordon, Francis Tolentino and Grace Poe

ManilaTimes.net photo

as incumbents from the 17th Congress.” “Now, we must practice what we call a consensusbuilding or the art of compromise because the newcomers would want some major committees and most of these major committees are being handled by incumbent senators. That is where the problem lies,” Sotto continued. “We have to talk to those who would be willing to forego their committees and offer another committee. That’s how it works. It’s not an easy job and it is not left to the discretion of the Senate president, contrary to what others [have] said. It is always the members of the majority that vote for the chairman.” Aside from Gordon and Sotto, the other incumbents are Franklin Drilon, Sherwin Gatchalian, Ana Theresia hontiveros, Panfilo Lacson, Leila de Lima, emmanuel Pacquiao, Francis Pangilinan, Ralph Recto, emmanuel Joel Villanueva and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Joining Poe among those reelected, meanwhile, are Juan edgardo Angara, Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, Aquilino Pimentel 3rd and Cynthia Villar. Making their Senate comebacks are Pilar Juliana Cayetano, Manuel Lapid and Ramon Revilla Jr., while the first-timers are Tolentino, Christopher

Lawrence Go, Maria Imelda Josefa Marcos and Ronald dela Rosa. With the exception of Poe, Binay and Lapid, all incoming senators were backed by the administration-linked hugpong ng Pagbabago party, which is expected to lead a challenge for the top Senate posts. Cayetano and Gatchalian are both eyeing the education committee chairmanship, Go is interested in leading the health panel, while Lacson has already said he would be giving the Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee to dela Rosa. Poe, who is willing to give up the Public Services Committee if offered the Blue Ribbon panel, said she would “not insist… out of respect to Sen. Gordon.” She also acknowledged the possibility of Sotto’s ouster, raising the prospect of both of them joining the minority bloc. “Sa tingin ko kapag pinalitan talaga si Sen. Sotto, may banta talaga na may mga iba na hindi sasanib doon sa mayorya. Kung lilipat si Sen. Sotto sa minority, sasama na lang ako (I think that if Sen. Sotto is replaced, there is a real threat that some of us will not join the majority. If Sotto moves to the minority, I will join him there),” Poe said. n

him, are you going to give your go signal to sell? [he said,] yes,” Panelo said. “As long as the people benefit in the sale, the proceeds,” he said. Panelo said the president was expected to sign an order “because he already said so last night.” The Marcos jewelry collection, three in all, is part of the billions of pesos worth of assets confiscated from the late

strongman Ferdinand Marcos, his family and their cronies during his 21-year rule. The Sandiganbayan found the former first lady Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos guilty on seven counts of graft related to private organizations created in Switzerland while she was a government official from 1968 to 1986. Mrs. Marcos is out on bail. (Ralph Villanueva/ManilaTimes.net)

Duterte approves auction of P704.8-M in Marcos jewelry–Palace

may 31-June 6, 2019 • neW yORK anD neW JeRSey aSIan JOuRnaL

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may 31-June 6, 2019 • neW yORK anD neW JeRSey aSIan JOuRnaL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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NEDA: El Niño affected GDP by Ralph

VillanueVa ManilaTimes.net

El Niño also greatly affected staple food, high value crops, fishes and livestock, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said. DA Undersecretary Ariel Cayanan told reporters that the rice sector suffered P40.4 million in production losses across 144,202 hectares. The value of corn also took a massive hit at P3.89 billion across 133.07 hectares. Cash crops, or assorted vegetables, were also affected, as well as fruits like lansones, rambutan, watermelon and pineapple.

THE country’s growth slowed a bit in the first semester of 2019 because of the effects of El Niño, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Wednesday, May 29. NEDA Undersecretary Adoracion Navarro said the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) dipped by 0.21 percentage point because of the drought and dry spell that hit several provinces. “The impact of El Niño on GDP, based on the estimate of NEDA, we will have a reduction in the first semester of 2019 growth of around 0.21 percentage point. This is the estimate,” MEETING JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN. President Rodrigo Duterte holds a meeting with various Japanese companies at the Imperial Navarro said. Hotel in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday, May 29. At least P288.8 billion worth of business agreements and letters of intent were “With respect to El Nino, we signed between the Philippines and Japan on the sidelines of Duterte’s working visit to Japan. are implementing interventions Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal Jr. and we are finding sources for those which are not funded right now in the agency’s regular budgets. “If we can really implement PAGE 5 app has a three-step authen- couple of months. I plan to In Spanish, there is a say- tication process that includes arrange for them a chance to these interventions, we are ing which goes, “lo barato a live video “selfie” or face ID demonstrate the technology confident that we will be within es caro” — meaning cheap to confirm the eligibility of to members of the Comelec- the 6- to 7-percent GDP growth A boy walks on a dry farm land. things can end up being more a voter with the registration OFOV and some members of range,” she added. expensive because they eas- base. Once authenticated, the our legislature so they can see ily break or may require high voter can make his choices by how the technology works, maintenance costs. In short, selecting a candidate’s name and assess its potential. As early as 2014, Senator PAGE 5 on his gadget’s screen. Overfalse economy. national leadership in PakiReports say there were voting is prevented because Frank Drilon has been urging rivals. It would be an excellent stan; and CAPDI officials and more than 1,600 defective SD one can’t choose more than the Comelec to conduct pilot idea if Subianto, who also lost business leader Tan Sri Datuk cards, over a million bleeding the allowed number of votes. tests on internet/online vot- a presidential battle with Wido- Chen Lipkeong of Malaysia markers, and close to a thou- Voters can also review their ing to enhance the participa- do in 2014, would perhaps be and Cambodia, Erwin Aksa of sand malfunctioning Vote choices and make changes tion of overseas Filipinos dur- invited to serve as Indonesian Indonesia, and Asian and Filiing elections. As he correctly Ambassador to Washington pino business and civic leadCounting Machines which the anytime before submission. I asked how secure the pointed out, there is a need to D.C. or to the European Union, ers Alex Fu, Michael Chen, Comelec said could be due to the low quality of the SD technology was and how study the technologies utilized and which could eventually Fernando Pena, Lito Jimenez, cards. The COA requirement much guarantee they can by other countries that allow lead to the beginnings of a my son Joey de Venecia III, for the lowest bid is again: give about the integrity of the online or internet voting. Be- much-desired government of and Francis Manglapus. system, and they explained sides, the law allows the Com- national unity in Indonesia. false economy. CAPDI is an organization This columnist, who serves in the Asia Pacific bringing There are over 10 million that they have military grade elec to “explore other more overseas Filipino workers, security that includes data efficient, reliable and secure as President of Centrist Asia together political parties and but only 1.8 million registered encryption, blockchain and modes or systems… whether Pacific Democrats Interna- key institutions of civil society, for the 2019 midterm elec- standards used for overseas paper-based, electronic-based tional (CAPDI), and of the think tanks, business leador internet-based technology, International Conference of ers, media, women and youth tions, with voter turnout at a and military voters. From the time the com- or such other latest technol- Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) groups. It has offices in Malow 20 percent. If even half of and other Asian senior offi- nila and Jakarta. CAPDI works the 10 million OFWs register pany started the patented ogy available.” As one of the advocates of cials of our organization had closely with other active orand vote – undoubtedly, their app, it has run 37 elections choice can make a big differ- spanning state political par- the mobile voting app pointed the privilege of conferring with ganizations, the International ence in the outcome of elec- ties, governments, universi- out, if we want to maintain a President Widodo in Jakarta Conference of Asian Political tions. With the billions spent ties and organizations and democratic system, then we in February 2015, where we Parties (ICAPP) and the Interon the electoral exercise, there so far, the results have been must enable as many people exchanged views on possible national Association of Parliahas to be a better way to pre- very positive and promising. to participate in the electoral ways of cooperation in the mentarians for Peace (IAPP). vent the wastage of resources The system has worked very process — and this radical common battles against pov*** and increase the participation well for the pilot programs technology has the capabil- erty, terrorism and extremism, We met last Thursday in Mathat include two counties for ity of enfranchising Filipinos climate change and environ- nila with Dr. Chung Sik Yong, and turnout for the OAV. Last week, Boston-based the 2018 primary elections in working overseas, govern- mental degradation. Chairman for Asia of the UniWith us in the meeting then versal Peace Federation (UPF); technology company execu- West Virginia, then expand- ment personnel deployed tives flew in to Washington, ed to 24 counties during the abroad, and perhaps even with President Widodo were Dr. Robert Kittel, Director for D.C. upon my request to show November midterm elec- the physically disabled and our very own Former Presi- Peace Education of UPF Asia; me and select embassy staff tions. The technology will senior citizens who have so dent Fidel V. Ramos, Chairman and Dr. Julius Malicdem, UPF a digital app that could solve again be used for the 2020 much difficulty going to poll- Emeritus of Centrist Asia Pa- Philippines President, to discific Democrats International cuss a forthcoming UPF World our overseas absentee voting U.S. elections to enhance ing places. Undoubtedly, there will be (CAPDI); then Vice President Summit in Phnom Penh, and problem. The system utilizes a participation by overseas secure mobile voting platform voters. Denver also utilized the “usual suspects” who will Jusuf Kalla of Indonesia, CAP- a larger event in Manila at the accessible via smartphones the voting app in its recent oppose the introduction of DI Chairman; Deputy Prime turn of the year, 2020. and tablets (running on ei- mayoral elections, displaying mobile voting, but I am totally Minister Sok An of Cambodia, The New York- and Seoulther the iOS or Android apps), just how far the smartphone convinced that this is an idea CADPI Vice Chairman,now based Universal Peace Fedwhose time has come. The deceased; Sen. Mushahid Hus- eration (UPF), of which we making it easier for people to voting has come. I invited the Boston-based digital age is upon us — we sain Sayed of Pakistan, CAPDI are Chairman Emeritus, is a vote and the tabulation faster. Using biometrics and tech company officials to visit either use it or lose it. (Phil- Secretary General, who is con- global network of individusidered a credible aspirant for als and organizations dediblockchain technology, the Manila sometime in the next star.com)

Fisheries in Ilocos Norte, La Union, Zamboanga, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental also took a hit. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration Deputy Administrator Flaviana Hilario said there was a chance that the El Niño phenomenon would be felt until the end of the year. Hilario said in April, 41 provinces were under drought condition and 23 provinces were under a dry spell. These numbers went down to 40 and 6, respectively, in May. n

Digital overseas voting: Use it...

ManilaTimes.net photo

President Widodo re-elected in world’s third... cated to advancing the cause of peace through cooperation and dialogue among countries and peoples, pioneered by its late Founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his active widow Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, and currently under the active leadership of “Mother” Moon and New Yorker Thomas Walsh, with members in 180 countries. UPF, which has a general consultative status with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), carries out humanitarian programs, service-learning projects, character education, and sports programs. Lately, it has launched some peacemaking initiatives. We have alerted them to the possibility of joining a journey to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to contribute with other Asian political leaders hopefully to peace-making efforts in the North Korean peninsula where we made an unforgettable journey to Pyongyang in April, 1990. Among those in our team were the late Congressman Miguel Romero, former Philippine Education Undersecretary Nestor Kalaw, and Japanese Journalist Kiyoshi Wakamiya. We conferred with then North Korea Founder Kim Il Sung, which immediately led to the establishment of Philippine-North Korean diplomatic relations. n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 31 - JUNE 6, 2019

COMMUNITY Journal

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Trump cracking down on immigrants who receive public assistance Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ON May 23, 2019, Pres. Trump issued a memorandum to strictly enforce obligations under affidavits of support (Form I-864), including: Seeking reimbursement from sponsors when the sponsored alien receives certain forms of “means – tested public benefits,� such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); and When the sponsored alien applies for certain means – tested public benefits, “the financial resources of the alien’s sponsor must be counted as part of the alien’s financial resources in determining both eligibility for the benefits and the amount of benefits that may be awarded.� In other words, if an alien’s sponsor on an affidavit of support is a rich uncle, and the alien’s entitlement to certain benefits is based on the alien’s income, governmental agencies must now also include the sponsor’s income in determining eligibility. Trumps goal is to crack down on immigrants who apply for public benefits, “to ensure that ineligible non-citizens do not receive means – tested public benefits.� If an alien receives such public assistance, governmental agencies should request the sponsor to reimburse them “in an amount equal to the unreimbursed cost of such benefit.� Trump believes that agencies are not fully or adequately enforcing these requirements. In 1997, Bill Clinton signed a law concerning af-

fidavits of support. Trump is now seeking to strictly enforce Bill Clinton’s law. That law basically required an affidavit of support for family- based petitions, where the sponsor agrees to support the alien and ensure that the alien does not become a “public charge,� by seeking certain public assistance and/or living off of taxpayers. The affidavit of support is basically a contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government, where the sponsor agrees that if the alien applies for and receives such public assistance, the sponsor will reimburse the government. Over the years, this law was not strictly enforced. There were many aliens who, as soon as they received their green cards, immediately applied for as many public benefits as were available, and were basically being supported by taxpayers. Governmental agencies were supposed to request the sponsor to reimburse them, and possibly take steps to recover those amounts from the sponsor. Now, Trump wants this implemented. There were other public benefits based on the alien’s income. If the alien was poor, they could be entitled to those benefits. However, Trump states that the law requires the sponsor’s income should also be counted in determining the alien’s income level and therefore entitlement to these benefits. I know there are some aliens (including green card holders) who have applied for government assistance. It can also be very complicated as to which benefits these aliens are eligible for, and which benefits could trigger enforcement action and/or demands for repayment. Regulations define “means – tested public benefit,� but Trump’s memorandum requires agencies

to provide more guidance, procedure, and details. Many people have the attitude or belief that the various governmental programs constitute “free money,� where they can receive public assistance without consequence. But these public benefits are not “free.� The money comes from taxpayers, and it seems Trump does not want aliens living off taxpayers, especially when they have a sponsor promising to support that alien. If you are a non-citizen and considering applying for public assistance, or a benefit that you are not entitled to under the affidavit of support law signed by Clinton, you and your sponsor may later on be required to reimburse the government. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories�, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/ GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @ GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

TRUE LOVE FOUND OVER A CUP OF COFFEE RESULTED IN MARRIAGE, A GREEN CARD, AND A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER’S REUNION. Magoy (center) had been separated from her first husband for over 17 years, and was lonely and guilty for having left her children behind in the Philippines, when she arrived in the U.S. She found love at a random stop in a coffee shop, where she met U.S. citizen Daniel. Magoy was able to get a divorce from her first husband, which allowed her to marry Daniel (without having to obtain an annulment in the Philippines), which, in turn, enabled Daniel to petition Magoy in the U.S. and Magoy’s daughter, Kara, from the Philippines, without having to adopt Kara. Watch this heartwarming story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy� – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

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MAY 31 - June 6, 2019 • neW YORK AnD neW JeRSeY ASIAn JOuRnAL

New Asian American employee survey shows lower satisfaction

NEW YORK — Results from Asia Society’s 2019 Asian Corporate Survey, which examines the perceptions and lived realities of Asian Pacific American (APA) employees in the U.S. workplace, show a slight but steady decrease over the last two years in Asian and APA employee satisfaction with professional growth opportunities at their companies, while some companies have notably made progress in their workplace diversity practices and initiatives. Published by Asia Society today, the Executive Summary from Asia Society’s tenth annual Asian Corporate Survey analyzes how APA employees in the United States evaluate the performance of their companies across five key dimensions: Diversity, Professional Growth, Employee Resource Groups, Workplace and Work-Life Insights, and Overall Satisfaction and Belonging. More than 2,500 employees participated in the survey, which included over 500 non-APA employees in order to provide greater context for comparison and benchmarking in how they viewed their companies. Almost 70 percent of APA survey respondents identified themselves

as first generation. Close to half of the respondents are in technical roles, while 3.4 percent are on the chief executive level. Two main findings from this report: Job Satisfaction The decrease in job satisfaction, while not precipitous, is still notable as APA employee favorability was trending upwards prior to 2017 in the four-year study. Many APA respondents, in significant contrast to their non-APA counterparts, noted a shortage of company executives and directors from their cultural background and a lack of leadership development opportunities for them. Sense of Belonging APA respondents also cited that they did not feel a strong sense of belonging in the workplace, sometimes due to differences between their personal upbringings and American work culture. For example, one APA survey respondent cited cultural differences in communication styles, noting“our traditional culture of being humble, reserved, and a team player when practiced in a professional setting tends to be misunderstood for being timid, quiet, and

lacking in leadership.”. The report also highlights employers who were previously announced as the winners in Asia Society’s 2019 Best Companies for Asian Pacific Americans for their noteworthy efforts in developing and promoting APA talent. Discover, named Overall Best Employer by Asia Society this year, for instance runs a company-wide Chinese dragon boat race to help educate their employees on its cultural significance. Goldman Sachs, also an award-winner this year, manages a “Presentation Skills Boot Camp” for their firm-wide Asian Professionals Network to help APA employees enhance their presentation skills. The gender representation in this survey was approximately equal between women and men, with 0.1 percent identifying as transgender. Almost half of the respondents were Gen X (born between 1965-1981) which may explain the cultural mismatch, followed with millennials (born in 1982-2000), and baby boomers (born in 1946-1964). Almost 60 percent of them have been with their employer for more than five years.

Features Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA STORIES make up the fabric of human life. Each life story is one thread in this vast cosmic tapestry of billions of stories all of humanity is weaving from one generation to the next. We are born in this world with our own unique set of circumstances. We like to believe that each of us is created for a purpose wired into our DNA, like a GPS directing us to a destination — a state of being — whatever that may be. In the age old fairy tale of “Sleeping Beauty,” Princess Aurora’s life was protected by Three Good Fairies: Flora, Fauna and Merryweather. They have gifted her and her Prince Charming with the weapons to fight off the evil of the villainess, Maleficent. In real life, from princes to paupers, most people like to think that they too have been given gifts that serve as shining weapons when they do go through those dark periods in every season of life. The darkness can range from just being lonely and isolated for periods of time to the more extreme and detrimental negative emotions that drive people to insanity or worse, to suicide. We want to have those weapons to deal with those

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Whatever happened to ‘Happily Ever After’? (Part 1 of 3)

“ … All the lonely people Where do they all come from? … All the lonely people Where do they all belong?…” —Eleanor Rigby, Lennon-McCartney inner struggles in order to do battle with deep, dark depression and fend off those eerie voices that urge the afflicted to inflict self-harm or even worse, to kill others as well. We would like to become courageous, even bold, as we come out swinging with our blessed swords slaying our dragons every time they rear their ugly heads. Until finally at the end of all earthly struggles, we become happy and content as we stride off into the sunset, victorious and fulfilled. Well, there you have it. There’s that happily-everafter ending to the life stories we seek. Alas! How we wish most of life’s stories end happily. These days, instead of happily ever after endings, we have sad stories, cautionary tales, even horror stories to drive us out of our wits’ end. It’s like being trapped in our seats, strapped tight, in the Theatre of the Macabre and watching grim Tim Burton stories unfolding onscreen on repeat mode.

What is causing all this darkness, all this loneliness that seems to affect so many people in the world today? You scratch your head and wonder who let those rabid monstrous creatures out from the gates of hell? It seems the gates are wide open, unleashing all the evils that can be conjured from a witch’s brew simmering in a big black cauldron. All the evils are unleashed from Pandora’s box with just one thing left at the bottom of the box — HOPE. There is an onslaught of overwhelming assaults that come in all forms from just everywhere, facilitated by the startling phenomenon of social media and the ease of anything going viral through the internet. This warped, perverse world we live in today seems to delight in mischief and mayhem. (Continued next week …) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com.

Marcelito meets ‘idol, inspiration’ Celine Dion By Cody

Cepeda Inquirer.net

“PILIPINAS Got Talent” Season 2 grand winner Marcelito Pomoy’s dream of meeting his idol Celine Dion was finally realized. Pomoy attended Dion’s concert at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace last May 24, his ticket a gift from American TV host Ellen DeGeneres of “The Ellen Show.” It is known the generous host also took care of Pomoy’s accommodations at the Caesars Palace, as well as his plane ticket and meetand-greet. “Thank you The Ellen Show… Thank you for this gift more so for the chance of a lifetime to meet, hug and have a chance to take photo with Celine Dion,” Pomoy said via Facebook on May 25. “An exclusive moment… a face to face… I am so speechless…” He added security was tight and it was difficult to go near Dion, a different experience from when the singer would hold her concert in the Philippines.

“Hindi pwedeng magpicture gamit ang sariling camera o phone mo.. alam mo yong feeling na gustong gusto mo ng magvideo ng patago pero hindi pwede dahil ipapaiwan sayo lahat ng gamit mo para lang makapasok sa dressing room ni Celine Dion…” (You’re not allowed to take pictures using your own camera or phone. You know that feeling when you want to take a video so badly, but you can’t because they make you surrender all your things before going inside Celine Dion’s dressing room.) Nevertheless, Pomoy called the meeting a “once in a lifetime memory,” especially since it is the 10th to the last concert of Dion in Caesars Palace. In another post the following day, Pomoy shared a photo of him with the one and only Dion—his idol and inspiration. “CELINE DION!!!!” he said. “Walang kupas… sobrang galing na singer… walang tatalo sa boses (Unfading. An amazing singer. No one can beat her voice).”

Marcelito Pomoy with his idol Celine Dion

Photo from Facebook/Marcelito Pomoy

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 31 - JUNE 6, 2019

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Getting to know Anne del Castillo, Commissioner of NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment

“D

BY

MOMAR G. VISAYA/ AJPRESS

ON’T go in with a pre-conceived idea of what you think you are going to do.” That was Anne del Castillo’s quick response when I asked about her advice for young people of color who want to be in her shoes someday.

Del Castillo is the new Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment after getting appointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio on April 17, 2019. Born and raised in New York, del Castillo joined the commission’s legal department five years ago when then Commissioner Cynthia Lopez tapped her to join the team. A year later, she was appointed as Chief Operating Officer. “That was huge. I had only been here for a year and I had no previous government experience,” del Castillo told the Asian Journal. Which was why she had to learn the ropes fast. She served as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of MOME since 2015, helping structure and advance several groundbreaking workforce and diversity initiatives. Now as Com-

missioner, del Castillo will amplify MOME’s efforts not only to strengthen the city’s media and entertainment economy but to ensure that the workforce in those industries is as diverse as New York City itself. “Media and entertainment are central to New York City’s economy and identity. Anne has the vision and experience to continue to strengthen the industry during this time of unprecedented growth and change,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Her commitment to diversifying our entertainment sector and piloting innovative programs will ensure New York continues to be the media capital of the world.” Looking back We met up with Commissioner del Castillo in her office downtown a day before she celebrated her first month in office. “It has been great. I can’t think of a better way to transition into this role, coming with the opportunity of working in the agency for the past

five years and then coming from the industry, I worked in film and television for over 20 years, so I feel well prepared and conditioned to take on the role,” del Castillo said. It’s definitely a privilege and an honor. To be in a position where I can leverage my life’s work in the service of building the industry for New York City is quite an honor and not one that I take very lightly,” she added. Del Castillo is the fourth Filipina American to be appointed by Mayor de Blasio in key city posts. From Maria Torres Springer (former commissioner of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the nation’s largest municipal housing agency) to Carmelyn Malalis of the Commission on Human Rights and Minerva Tantoco as the city’s Chief Technology Officer. “I never ever thought that I’d be in this position. It’s a privilege and a very significant responsibility that I feel every day. It’s not just because I am Filipina that I feel like diversity is important in the industry,” she said. “New York City is an incredibly diverse city and I had the benefit…if I had grown up Filipina anywhere else, it would be a very different experience.” As Commissioner, del

Anne del Castillo, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment on her appointment: “I am honored to accept the Mayor’s appointment, and grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with MOME’s dedicated team to support the development of New York City’s creative sectors and nightlife industry.” AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

Castillo leads the de Blasio administration’s effort to capitalize on the burgeoning augmented reality and virtual reality industries. She also leads outreach to the advertising industry to help foster career pathways for New Yorkers of all backgrounds, and oversee the work of the recently formed Office of Nightlife to ensure the sustainable development of nightlife in New York City. “This is an exciting time for our agency to engage a broad cross section of industry, community and other key stakeholders to advance an inclusive, sustainable and thriving creative economy that benefits all New Yorkers and reflects the diversity that defines our city,” del Castillo said. Del Castillo joined MOME after more than 20 years in film production, public media, and non-profit administration. In 2014, del Castillo was appointed as director of legal affairs of MOME and was promoted to chief operating officer and general counsel in 2015. Major initiatives The commission has just announced some of its major initiatives it is working on, including the New York Music Month for June, Broadway in the Boroughs, Movies Under the Stars throughout New York city parks and the One Book, One New York, which is the largest community read in the country. Del Castillo has served as the acting commissioner of MOME since February 2019 and during her tenure, she PAGE 15

Anne del Castillo at the renaming of Sesame Street with the mayor and other luminaries

Del Castillo with the First Lady of New York, Charlene McCray

With the star of “King Kong” on Broadway, Christiani Pitts

Anne with her mom, Rachel Del Castillo, who came to New York as a nurse and raised her as a single mother. Contributed photos

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EntErtainmEnt

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 31 - JUNE 6, 2019

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Vin on relationship with Sophie: ‘I Meryll comes clean love her so much, there’s no one else’ about her ‘suicidal’ past By HannaH MalloRca

By MaRinel R. cRuz

Inquirer.net

VIN Abrenica got emotional when he talked about his relationship with girlfriend Sophie Albert in an episode of “Tonight with Boy Abunda” aired last night, May 28. The actor burst into tears upon receiving a birthday message from his girlfriend, which was read aloud by the host Boy Abunda. “Happy birthday to you love, I do not think there is much I can say that I have not told you yet,” Albert’s letter said. “But I still want to take the opportunity to let you and everyone know how incredibly proud I am of you, of the person you have worked so hard to become and of the person you still strive to be.” When Abrenica was asked why he cried after hearing Albert’s message, he said that their relation-

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Vin Abrenica with Sophie Albert

Photo from Instagram/@itssophiealbert

ship has grown deeper. “We are [at] a point in our lives [that] I do not know, pero [talagang] ramdam ko na mahal na mahal ko siya, na wala nang iba (but I [really] feel that I love her so much, that there is no one else),” Abrenica revealed. “Kung mawawala [si Sophie] sa akin, tingin ko hindi na ako mag-aasawa. Tatanda na [lang] akong

mag-isa (If I will lose [Sophie], I think that I will not get married [anymore]. I will [just] grow old alone),” the actor added. Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert met in 2012 when they competed in the talent search show “Artista Academy.” The couple initially broke up in 2016, but got back together in less than a year.

Getting to know Anne del Castillo...

PAGE 14 helped develop and launch mentorship and training programs to increase industry diversity and the Made in NY Women’s Film, TV and Theatre Fund, which is distributing $5 million in grants to women filmmakers and playwrights. She also helped establish the first of its kind Freelancers Hub to create a central resource for freelance workers. “For my long term plans, we are looking at how do we support the growth of these industries, whether through business or career pathways or job creation but really with an eye towards diversifying the media and entertainment sector at every level,” she explained. She plans to do that through career exposure in schools, internships, and job trainings to make sure that every New Yorker has an opportunity to benefit from this thriving industry. The commission is also looking at ways in order to ensure that New York City remains to be the media capital of the world, and a couple of ways of doing that is looking through the areas for industry growth and create that talent pool that would keep companies wanting to come

to the city. MOME has recently expanded from supporting the film, TV, and theatre industries to supporting the music, publishing, advertising and digital media industries as well. These industries account for a total of 305,000 jobs and an economic output of $104 billion. MOME also encompasses NYC Media, the City’s official broadcast network and the Office of Nightlife. “Our portfolio has expanded to include music, advertising, publishing and digital content and we are mandated to support those creative sectors which comprise 300,000 jobs and 104 billion in economic output for the city,” del Castillo said. Tracing roots Del Castillo worked with Ramona Diaz in her documentary film Imelda and she excitedly shared how they met. She was then working at the Austin Film Society and Diaz has just moved there. She saw Diaz on the cover of Austin Chronicle along with other documentary film directors who del Castillo knew. “I asked her for her number from a friend and I called her and said ‘Hi! You’re Filipino and I’m Filipino, too. I would like to meet you’,” del Castillo said laughing.

So they met and talked about their projects, including the Imelda Marcos documentary and del Castillo got on board, doing transcriptions initially and when Diaz eventually got the grant, she took del Castillo in as an associate producer. “It was amazing. I don’t think I fully appreciated in in that moment buts he entrusted me with a lot. This was a big film for her and for her to trust me, it was remarkable,” she added. Del Castillo recalled getting the opportunity to work in the Philippines to do the archival research for the film, at the Philippine Film Archives sifting through hours and hours of footage. She fondly recalled texting Diaz when she found Imelda dancing with Khaddafi and Henry Kissinger. Del Castillo makes it a point to visit her mother Rachel’s hometown in Isabela, Negros Occidental whenever she gets a chance. She was a nurse who took a chance and went to New York, eventually raising Anne as a single mother. “I don’t get back as often as I’d like because my mom is here and it’s hard to get that kind of time off. Thank God for Facebook, that’s were I get to catch up with my cousins who I love dearly,” she said.

MERYLL Soriano, second of the three lead actresses to get cast in Alvin Yapan’s period film “Culion,” said she could relate to her character “because I tried to commit suicide twice.” The actress said this happened back when she was a teenager, shortly before she was clinically diagnosed with bipolar disorder. “I was depressive when I was younger,” said the actress, now 36. “I know a lot of friends who are still dealing with such great darkness. That’s why it’s important for me to be a part of this project.” In “Culion,” Meryll will be playing Ditas, one of three best friends (Anna and Doris) afflicted with leprosy and living like virtual prisoners on the island in Palawan in the 1940s. “Culion,” penned by award-winning screenwriter Ricky Lee, will be produced by Shandii Bacolod for iOptions Ventures Corp. and will begin filming in June. Meryll said Ditas left her fiancé at the altar on their wedding day. “Her experience is the most painful among the women because it’s not just physical. She’s battling not only her illness, but also her memories. This is what actually cripples her. This is also why she would try to kill herself,” Meryll said. “She is so nonchalant about committing suicide. It’s as if she has nothing more to lose. She has lost hope completely.” The actress said her character is a good topic for dis-

Meryll Soriano

Photo from Instagram/@planetumeboshi

cussion. “People are actually committing suicide these days—it’s a serious thing. This is a result of too much pressure from the digital world, from social media and from this world being so fastpaced. It’s a good way to tell them that they have to value their lives,” Meryll observed. “If we can come together to create awareness, why not? After reading the script, as well as learning about the leper colony, I think all the characters in the story have mental health problems. The stigma is still attached to the place. Can you imagine what they went through?” Culion was declared leprosy-free by the World Health Organization only in 2006. Looking back, Meryll attributed her condition to “being young and passionate. It’s like a phase. Now, I understand myself more. I’ve been with my psychiatrist/sober

counselor for 12 years now,” she admitted. “There’s a need for one. If you can accept that you need help from someone, it’s very liberating. It’s better if you have a support system that’s medical, not only from family and friends.” Meryll added that to say depression “is all in the mind” is one of the “most hurtful things someone can say to a person suffering from it, or from anything that’s mental health-related. They’d also say, ‘Drama lang ’yan, just be positive.’ When it’s happening to you, sometimes, it’s hard to see past the darkness.” Luckily, more and more people are talking about depression now, especially high-profile celebrities, Meryll observed. “A decade ago, we weren’t as open about issues like this. It wasn’t embraced by many. Now, we have more support,” she said.

Angel films action scene with no stunt double By Ryan

aRcadio Inquirer.net

ANGEL Locsin shot a risky action scene with no stunt double for a new episode of “The General’s Daughter.” The actress rappeled down the side of a building for the show, as per the behind-thescenes photos she posted on Instagram on Tuesday, May 28. “[Saan] punta Rhian?” (Where to, Rhian?) the actress joked. “Tonight sa The

General’s Daughter!” Locsin had done action stunts without a body double, showing her dedication to her role. In a previous Instagram post on March 14, Locsin shared photos of her hanging from under a truck. “Walang masakyan? You SABIT (Can’t get a ride? You hang),” Locsin quipped about her stunt. The multi-awarded actress stars as lieutenant Rhian Boni- ‘Angel Locsin shooting a scene for her facio in the ongoing ABS-CBN show ‘The General’s Daughter’ Photo from Instagram/ television series “The General’s @therealangellocsin Daughter.”

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