NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
w w w. a s i a n Volume 17 - No. 25 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages
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DATELINE Elderly woman goes on racist rant against Bay Area Fil-Am and family FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Video of elderly woman harassing a Filipino and Mexican-American family goes viral, Daly City mayor responds
AN elderly white woman last week harassed a Filipino- and Mexican-American family, going on a racist, xenophobic rant while waiting behind the family in the line of a Daly City, California grocery store. Last week Filipina-American Jenny Vela posted a video on Instagram in which an older white woman mockingly addresses the multicultural family saying, “Look at all the groceries they’re buying. Steal our food, steal our money, steal our jobs.” A man not seen in the video, presumably Vela’s husband, Alfred — who is MexicanAmerican — defends the family by saying,
JUNE 22-28, 2018
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
Ombudsman indicts former Pres. Aquino over DAP scam by JULIUS
N. LEONEN Inquirer.net
OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales has indicted former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III for usurpation of legislative powers over the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). In a statement on Wednesday, June 20, the Office of the Ombudsman said Morales found probable cause to file a case against Aquino before the Sandiganbayan. Morales ordered the indictment of Aquino for violation of Article 239 of the Revised Penal Code. However, the indictment may still be subjected to a motion for reconsideration. Sought for comment on Aquino’s indictment, The Office of the Ombudsman has indicted former President Benigno Aquino III in connection with the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Program of his government. Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo text message, “Let justice be done.”
The indictment was ordered after acting on the motions for reconsideration filed by complainant-movants Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, Renato Reyes, Benjamin Valbuena, Dante LA Jimenez, Mae Paner, Antonio Flores, Gloria Arellano and Bonifacio Carmona, Jr. The Ombudsman said the indictment stemmed from the unlawful issuance of National Budget Circular (NBC) No. 541 to implement the DAP involving P72 billion public funds. “A re-evaluation of the case establishes that the individual actions of respondent Aquino and respondent-movant Abad showed a joint purpose and design to encroach on the powers of Congress by expanding the meaning of savings to fund programs, activities and projects under the DAP,” the Ombudsman said, quoting a resolution issued on May 22, 2018.
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PH embassy defends Independence Day party at Trump hotel
Trump signs executive order to keep migrant families together
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
Trump reverses highly criticized practice in his ‘zero-tolerance policy’ AFTER weeks of heart-rendering coverage of children being separated from their parents at the border, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, June 20 to remove that practice from standard border protection procedure. Trump previously argued that he had no authority to stop the separations, but after receiving intense rebuke from Americans across the political spectrum --- as well as international religious and political figures -- he officially reversed the practice which his own administration implemented earlier this year as a part of a “zero-tolerance” immigration policy. Per the executive order, the Trump administration orders border patrol agents to
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MANILA — The country’s so-called independent foreign policy amounts to a hedging strategy where the Philippines maximizes returns from different world powers while minimizing long-term risks, an international security analyst said on Wednesday, June 20. Writing for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, international security analyst Peter Chalf said that the country’s independent foreign policy is in pursuit of a “geopolitical sweet spot,” where the Philippines can maximize its returns from many different powers while offsetting long-term risks. “He (Duterte) has pursued two parallel courses of ac-
THE decision to hold the 120th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Trump International Hotel was defended by the Philippine embassy in Washington on Tuesday, June 19. In a statement, the embassy said, “Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez deemed it fitting to hold the Philippine Embassy’s 120th Philippine IndePhilippine Ambassador to the U.S. pendence Day Jose Manuel Romualdez Photo by Boyet Loverita celebration at the Trump International Hotel, an elegant and historic venue in Washington, D.C.” The event, according to the embassy, provided an opportunity to celebrate both this milestone year for the Philippines and its close friendship with the United States. “The Philippine Embassy will continue to deepen its ties with the U.S. As a foreign mission, the Philippine Embassy does not get involved in the domestic issues of the host country,” it said. U.S. Senator Robert “Bob” Menendez, however, questioned this and wrote a letter to Ambassador Jose Manuel “Babe” Romual-
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GSIS ANNIVERSARY. President Rodrigo Duterte strikes his signature pose with the officials and employees of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) during the agency’s 81st anniversary celebration at the GSIS Financial Center in Pasay City on Tuesday, June 19. Malacañang photo by Rey Baniquet
Court junks PCGG’s P51-B claim vs Marcoses PH seeking ‘sweet spot’ in by JOMAR
CANLAS ManilaTimes.net
THE Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday, June 19, dismissed the petition of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to collect P51 billion in damages against the estate of the late President Ferdinand Marcos and his “cronies.” The court’s First Division affirmed the decision of the Sandiganbayan on August 5, 2010 Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos (left) sits with his mother, former First Lady dismissing the complaint for Imelda Marcos (right), and sister Gov. Imee Marcos as they attend mass during the birthday reconveyance, reversion, resticelebration of the former first lady at a church in Laoag City, Ilocos Sur province. tution and damages filed by the ManilaTimes.net file photo
its foreign policy, expert says by AUDREY
MORALLO Philstar.com
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PH hopes for full Dengvaxia refund as study confirms its effects by RAE
ANN VARONA AJPress
A NEW study confirmed that the world’s first dengue vaccine, which was given to over 800,000 school children in the Philippines, poses risks of hospitalization and severe sickness in those who have not been infected by the virus before getting vaccinated. Now, the Philippine government hopes the
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new study will help amplify its demand for a full refund from the controversial Dengvaxia maker Sanofi Pasteur. “Sanofi has rejected the DOH’s [Department of Health’s] request for a full refund multiple times now, refusing to pay the Philippine government back for the vaccines already used. But all Dengvaxia has given is grief and anger to us Filipinos who unfortunately served as guinea pigs,” said House Committee on Ap-
propriations chair, Karlo Nograles, on Monday, June 18. “The Philippines through the DOH has more leverage than ever to seek the refund,” Nograles added. The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) last week confirmed a WHO recommendation made in April that Sanofi’s dengue vaccine should not be
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JUNE 22-28 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Ombudsman indicts former Pres. Aquino... PAGE A1 t The resolution explained that the budget circular would not have been issued without “an exchange of memoranda between (Aquino) and (Abad).” “The evidence on record shows that an exchange of memoranda between (Aquino) and (Abad) precipitated its issuance,” the Ombudsman resolution said.
“Verily, without the approval of the said memoranda by respondent Aquino, NBC 541 would not have been issued,” it stressed. Likewise, the Ombudsman said it was “clear that respondent-movant Abad sought the approval of respondent Aquino on both the request for authority to pool savings to fund the DAP and the request for omnibus au-
thority to pool savings/unutilized balances.” “In both instances, respondent Aquino knowingly gave his approval. His approval prompted the issuance of NBC 541 which directed the withdrawal of unobligated allotments and unreleased appropriations and their declaration as savings, which is contrary to law,” the resolution pointed out. n
PH embassy defends Independence Day... PAGE A1 t dez, requesting information for its transaction with the Trump Organization that includes detailed billing information. “As you know, President Trump has refused to completely divest from his business interests or place them in a blind trust, which creates the potential for conflicts of interest that may lead him to put his own financial interests above those of the U.S. govern-
ment and the American people,” he said. “Our founding fathers had this concern in mind when they wrote Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution, which prohibits federal officeholders from accepting emoluments from foreign states without first obtaining the affirmative consent of Congress,” he added. Several Filipino demonstrators also criticized the event. “It’s a very extravagant cel-
ebration, to try to curry favor with President Trump,” Malaya Movement’s Eric Lachica said. Romualdez, for his part, responded to the backlash and FAKE. Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña and other officials present counterfeit shoes and other products seized by the Bureau of Customs. insisted that the event was not At least P40 million worth of fake shoes and beauty products have been confiscated since January. Most of the products came from Hong ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia. extravagant. “Extravagance is a matter of interpretation. For us this is not extravagant,” he said. “First of all, the Philippine government is PAGE A1 t dependent’ stance in its external epsecially in instituting innonot spending for this affair. This tion: First, to resolve oustand- relations, maintaining traditional vative demand-reduction prois donated by my friends, my ing disputes with Beijing in the partnerships (the U.S.) while grams. personal friends.” n He said that Australian poSouth China Sea in an effort to seeking to diversify ties with remove what was a key source new powers (China and Russia),” lice should tell their local counterparts that conductof international distraction under Chalf said. He also urged the Australian ing “off-the-book” operations the Aquino administration; Second, to pragmatically manage the government to remain firm in could imperil the legitimacy country’s bilateral partnerships condemning rights violations and professionalism of the to maximize potential sources of especially drug-related killings Philippine law enforcement aid and assistance with the mini- attending the country’s so-called community and the wider fabric of civil society. war on drugs. mum risk,” he said. He also underscored the need He however stressed that this Despite Duterte’s preference to recalibrate the country’s rela- renunciation should be conveyed for Australia to support the Mintionship with the US, his rheto- through a “controlled line of di- danao peace process to help the ric remains just that as Manila’s plomacy” that’s firm in tone but Philippines counter the spread of ties to the U.S. remain deep, avoided the use of invective lan- Islamic militantism. Australian police and military broad and enduring, according guage. Australian support for the should also continue their ento Chalf. gagements with the Philippine “Indeed, in many ways this is Philippines Chalf also called on Austra- National Police and the Armed integral to the goal of hedging should his drives to Moscow and lia to support the “non-kinetic Forces of the Philippines to imBeijing fail to deliver the expect- aspects” of the government’s prove their capacity in dealing counter-narcotics campaign with terrorism, he said. n ed dividends,” he said. Continuity in U.S.-Philippine relations Chalf said that two years into Duterte’s presidency there have been considerable continuity in US-Philippine relations as the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement, the 2011 Manila Declaration and the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement were all intact. He added that regular joint training exercises and drills were still continuous. In this Nov. 13, 2017 photo, President Rodrigo Duterte joins the leaders from the Association of “In many ways, rather than Southeast Asian Nations member states and dialogue partners during the opening of the 31st adopting an independent for- ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City. eign policy, Manila appears to be The dialogue partners include New Zealand, Timor-Leste, Republic of Korea, U.S., Australia, Malacañang photo by albert Alcain moving more towards an ‘inter- India, China, and Japan.
PH seeking ‘sweet spot’ in its foreign...
PH hopes for full Dengvaxia refund... PAGE A1 t administered without testing for prior dengue infection. The problem was first revealed in November when Sanofi Pasteur, after analyzing blood samples of thousands of vaccinated children, warned that its Dengvaxia vaccine could in fact increase the risk of severe dengue, prompting an investigation by the Philippine government. Sanofi received backlash from experts who said the company and its regulators dismissed the vaccine’s warnings and risks, despite knowing about them as early as 2015. The NEJM study’s authors said that their findings supported the hypothesis that in the absence of previous dengue exposure, Dengvaxia “partially mimics primary infection and increases the risk of dengue.” Included in the study were 2,384 children who were vaccinated with Dengvaxia, and 1,194 who were not. The study found that if given to one million children over the age of nine, the vaccine could prevent 11,000 hospitalizations and 2,500
severe cases of dengue. It could also though lead to 1,000 hospitalizations and 500 severe dengue cases in children who had not been previously infected. The study’s data also found that there was a significantly higher risk of hospitalization among uninfected children aged 2 to 8 who had received the vaccine. There was also a trend towards increased hospitalization among those aged 9 to 16. For children aged 9 and older who were previously exposed, rates of severe dengue and hospitalization were reduced 80 percent by the vaccine in comparison to the control group. “The published findings confirmed Sanofi’s belated admission of the pitfalls of Dengvaxia,” said Nograles. “It also upheld the World Health Organization recommendation last April that the vaccine should not be used without testing for prior dengue exposure.” Nograles said that the new findings should further motivate the Senate to approve its own version of a proposed P1.16 billion supplemental budget meant to extend
medical assistance to Dengvaxia recipients. The amount comes from the P1.6 billion refunded by Sanofi Pasteur early in the year. The Philippine House of Representatives approved its version on a third reading in May. Based on the House version, the money would go towards aiding programs like the Medical Assistance Program, assisting admitted patients and outpatients, assessing and monitoring those who received Dengvaxia vaccines, supplies and medicine, and human resource deployment. ASEAN dengue problem About half of the world’s population is at risk of getting dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection that can lead to flu-like illnesses and even death. But the ASEAN region, home to tropical and subtropical climates, is the most seriously affected according to the World Health Organization. More than 425,000 people in the ten member state region had been hit by dengue last year alone — a number higher than any region in the world. In the Philippines, health officials said
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 22-28, 2018
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Two Filipinos captured over 2012 stabbing of US Marine in PH Two Filipino fugitives have been re-arrested for killing a U.S. Marine in the Philippines five years ago, announced the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. embassy in the Philippines on Monday, June 18. Another was arrested for obstruction of justice. “The U.S. embassy in the Philippines welcomes the arrests of Galicano Datu III on June 12 in Mandaluyong City and Crispin dela Paz on June 14 in Marikina City by the National Bureau of Investigation for the violent death of George Anikow on November 24, 2012, bringing some measure of justice to this senseless crime,” said the U.S. embassy in a statement. “we appreciate the cooperation of Philippine law enforcement authorities in locating and apprehending the perpetrators,” it added. U.S. Marine Major George Anikow, 41, had moved to the Philippines with his wife who was an American Embassy employee, after serving in Afghanistan. Galicano Datu III and half-Korean Crispin dela Paz stabbed the father of three during a street brawl by his Makati Bel-Air home in November 2012.
Galicano Datu and Crispin de la Paz
Arrested separately on June 12 and 14 in Mandaluyong and Marikina City, Datu and dela Paz were “charged and convicted for brutally killing U.S. Marine Major George Anikow in Bel-Air subdivision near Rockwell Center, Makati City, on November 24, 2012,” said NBI Director Dante Gierran. A third person, Jimmy Boy David, who is the uncle of Datu, was also reported to have been arrested for obstruction of justice. According to the NBI, dela Paz was “arrested after a car chase from San Pedro, Laguna, to Marikina City, where he was halted.” Datu, learning about his arrest warrant issued April 18, “went into hiding in a prominent condominium in Mandaluyong City” that was owned by his girlfriend. “The subjects were deliberately hiding to evade arrest,” said Gierran. The two murder suspects were first arraigned with two others in December 2012, but were able to avoid prison time after former Makati City Regional Trial Court Judge winlove Dumayas downgraded the case from a murder charge to homicide. Though convicted, the two were only given probation.
ManilaTimes.net photo by Andrea De La Cruz
Trump administration separating... PAGE A1 t “maintain family unity, including by detaining [immigrant] families together where appropriate and consistent with law and available resources.” The executive order also blames “Congress’s failure to act” on guaranteeing funding for Trump’s massive border wall for families being separated, according to the executive order. The sharp increase of children being separated from their parents was due to a new Trump administration policy that refers all adult border crossers — even those seeking asylum — to criminal prosecution (even if they have few or no previous offenses) on top of the standard immigration proceedings. Since children cannot be prosecuted, they would be sent to separate detention centers from their parents. Trump’s reversal of the family separation policy doesn’t affect the policy that immediately levies criminal charges on all adults illegally crossing the border. The executive order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to keep families together in its custody until the criminal case against the adult and immigration case against the family are completed, a process that can take several weeks or months. The DHS is to prioritize the immigration cases of detained families, which would result in other immigration cases being pushed back in the heavily backlogged immigration court system. Trump said that he was pressured by First Lady Melania Trump and his daughter and white House senior advisor Ivanka Trump to end the practice that separated immigrant children from their parents as they await adjudication. “we’re signing an executive order I consider to be a very important executive order,” Trump said in his remarks in the oval office on wednesday. “we are keeping families together, and this will solve that problem. At the same time, we are keeping a very powerful border and it con-
tinues to be zero-tolerance. we have zero tolerance for people that enter our country illegally.” The president also claimed that family separation at the border is “a problem that’s gone on for many years, as you know, through many administration,” which has been debunked by various sources. As previously reported by the Asian Journal, the practice of separating children from their parents — as well as husbands from wives — was a feature in Trump’s “zero-tolerance policy” which automatically prosecutes all immigrants crossing the border illegally. The policy was first announced in May by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who described family separation as deterrence to discourage people from seeking refuge in the U.S. As more Central American families try to escape gang violence and abuse in their native countries and try to seek asylum in the United States, a new Trump administration stipulation that automatically criminally charges border crossers has resulted in separating parents from their children. Articles and photographs depict young children crying themselves to sleep because they don’t know where their parents are. The glaring warehouse lights are reportedly kept on all the time, even during sleeping hours. on Monday, June 18, ProPublica released audio from one such center in which children can be heard sobbing, wailing and calling out for their parents. over the crying, a Border Patrol agent can be heard joking, “well we have an orchestra here. what’s missing is a conductor.” From oct. 2017 to June 2018, some 2,000 children — more than a hundred of them being younger than 4 years old — have been separated from their parents upon arriving at the border. According to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, 650 children were separated in a two-week period in May alone. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
PH hopes for full Dengvaxia...
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the first five months of 2017 recorded nearly 41,000 dengue fever cases. By the end of the years, 732 had died. This year’s numbers covering the same time period have reportedly shown a seven percent decrease, but officials say they still have much to worry about. In the five month period, 195 deaths were recorded. Most affected were 10 to 14 year olds with males making up 52 percent of all cases. Areas with the highest number of cases were National Capital Region (6,493 cases), CALABARZoN (6,296), Central Luzon (5,997), Northern Mindanao (2,540), western Visayas (2,314), and Central Visayas (2,241). “our goal to prevent dengue starts within ourselves by maintaining cleanliness in our surroundings by emptying containers of stagnant waters to eliminate breeding places of Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes,” said Health Secre-
tary Francisco T. Duque III. He added that the DoH’s 4S Kontra Dengue strategy is effective in helping prevent illness and deaths. The strategy requires searching and destroying mosquito breeding areas, securing self-protection, seeking early consultation, and spraying mosquito hotspots that have been registered as having increasing cases for two consecutive weeks. Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo said that at least three dengue experts from the wHo will be visiting the Philippines next week to train doctors, and look into the needs of some major hospitals to help them become dengue speciality centers. This comes as other ASEAN nations also buckle down on dengue fighting initiatives. This year marks the eighth year of ASEAN Dengue Day which has been observed every June 15 since its inception by ASEAN nations and the wHo in 2010. n
U.S. Ambassador at the time, Philip Goldberg, expressed disappointment and said no one “served a day for that brutal crime.” He said it was difficult explaining to Anikow’s family as to “why this happened in a case of a very brutal murder.” Dumayas was dismissed last month by the Philippine Supreme Court and had his retirement benefits removed for his “oppressive disregard” of evidence and ignorance of the law. Datu and dela Paz were given new warrants. (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)
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BORACAY REHAB UPDATE. Two months after the closure of Boracay Island, Sen. Cynthia Villar, chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, asks for updates on the rehabilitation efforts in the island. Department of Interior and Local Government Asec. Epimaco Densing III told the committee that given the milestones achieved in the rehabilitation, they are looking at a September ‘soft opening’ of the Island. Also during the hearing, Villar expressed concern over the still unresolved issue of the delineation of the two water concessionaires in the area with regards to proper waste water disposal. Senate photo
Court junks PCGG’s P51-B claim...
PCGG for lack of evidence. The complaint was filed in connection with the alleged illgotten wealth of the late strongman which were allegedly accumulated through behest loans. The SC decision was penned by Associate Justice Noel Tijam. Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo de Castro and Mariano del Castillo concurred. The court gave credence to the findings of the anti-graft court that the PCGG failed to present documentary evidence and testimonies from witnesses to prove its allegations in the complaint. “Juxtaposing the specific allegations in the complaint with the Republic’s documentary and testimonial evidence and as against the respondents’ documentary and testimonial
evidence… the Court agrees with the Sandiganbayan that the weight of evidence fails to preponderate in the Republic’s favor,” the high tribunal said. The SC stressed that the PCGG failed to prove that it exerted efforts to produce the original copies of documentary evidences. “when the Sandiganbayan inquired as to whether the Republic will present the original or certified true copy of its documentary exhibits, the Republic answered that it will do so if necessary, as the originals are kept in the Central Bank vault. Despite knowledge of the existence and whereabouts of the documents’ originals, the Republic failed to present the same and contented itself with the presentation of mere photocopies,” it added.
The case stemmed from the PCGG’s complaint 31 years ago alleging that the Marcoses and their so-called “cronies” engaged in “schemes, devices or stratagems” to acquire ill-gotten assets. Named respondents were former First Lady Imelda Marcos, representative of the Marcos estate, former construction magnate Rodolfo Cuenca, his son Roberto Cuenca, former Philippine National Bank president Panfilo o. Domingo, former Trade Minister Roberto ongpin, former Development Bank of the Philippines officer Don Ferry, and 11 others. In its complaint, the PCGG said Cuenca and the Marcoses connived to create the Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines (CDCP), the predecessor of the
Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC), in order to obtain ill-gotten wealth. It alleged that the CDCP obtained public works contracts amounting to billions of pesos from the Department of Public works, which later became the Department of Public works and Highways (DPwH), and from the National Irrigation Administration, such as the construction of sugar centrals, the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR), the Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corporation (PHILPHoS), and the Light Railway Transit Project (LRT), among others, under terms and conditions “manifestly disadvantageous to the government.” It also alleged that CDCP secured loans and financial assistance from government financial institutions without sufficient collateral, contrary to banking laws and sound banking practices. n
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JUNE 22-28 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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Environmental groups back bill to phase out power plants that adversely affect air quality As renewable energy increases, SB 64 would study how to reduce negative air quality impacts without affecting grid’s reliability local air districts and the public. It also requires local air districts to set limits on cycling when reviewing or revising plant permits. On bad air days, when conditions are expected to exceed state or federal air quality standards, the bill requires local districts to limit the plants’ operations, if doing so would not affect the grid’s reliability. “Two tough and related problems facing California today are our unclean and unhealthful air and the growing impact of climate change on our coasts and inland communities,� said Laura Wisland, senior manager of western energy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. “State leaders have an opportunity to make inroads on both of these problems with SB 64. If signed into law, the state will have the tools it needs to first, better understand how the hundreds of natural gas plants in California are negatively affecting our air quality and then take steps to reduce the plants’ pollution impacts on the worst air quality days. Lon-
SACRAMENTO – On Monday, June 18, several environmental justice organizations spoke in support of legislation by Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) to ensure that local air quality standards are met and a study is undertaken to prioritize the eventual retirement of natural gas facilities impacting the air quality of disadvantaged communities. The Assembly Natural Resources Committee approved Wieckowski’s legislation, SB 64, to help California transition to more renewable energy. “As we expand the use of renewable energy and rely on natural gas plants to backup this energy supply, we need to gather better data and limit the harmful effects that cycling power plants has on our communities,� said Wieckowski, chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. “Some communities in California already breathe some of the unhealthiest air in the nation.� The bill requires that data on natural gas plant startups, shutdowns and cycling be available for
ger term, this legislation will ensure we have a much-needed plan to turn down our natural gas use in an orderly and equitable way.� The operation of a single power plant can significantly impact ambient air. In its analysis for the Pio Pico facility in unincorporated San Diego, the California Energy Commission (CEC) found that emissions from the facility could nearly double the one-hour concentration of nitrogen oxide from background levels. The CEC also found the Pio Pico facility in would contribute to the area’s nonattainment of federal air quality standards for fine and coarse particulate matter. In addition to the Union of Concerned Scientists, SB 64 is supported by the California Environmental Justice Alliance, Asian Pacific Environmental Network, Coalition for Clean Air, Clean Power Campaign, Community for a Better Environment, Clean Water Action, Sierra Club, Fossil Free California and several other environmental groups. n
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Peter Lee, the executive director of Covered California, says the decision by Congress to eliminate the tax penalty on people who choose not to buy insurance will weigh on 2019 premiums. Recent projections by the exchange show an average 11 percent rate hike in 2019, along with a 12 percent drop in enrollment. Photo by Ana B. Ibarra/Kaiser Health News
Calif. Exchange chief sees no rate impact from latest Trump challenge to ACA by BarBara
Feder OstrOv Kaiser Health News
COVERED California’s premiums are expected to rise significantly next year, but the head of the state’s insurance exchange said the Trump administration’s legal bid to dismantle protections for people with preexisting medical conditions will likely not contribute to the increases. Health plans will only be “pricing for the changes that they can absolutely see,� Peter Lee, executive director of the agency, told California Healthline on Wednesday. And because the legal challenge will take time to work its way through the courts, California will have “an opportunity to implement state protections� should they be needed, Lee said. In fact, Californians would already be temporarily cushioned by existing state rules that protect people with preexisting conditions for 12 months if that portion of the Affordable Care Act is struck down. The preexisting conditions clause prohibits insurers from refusing coverage to people with prior illnesses, or charging them more because of it. Lee is expected to address the matter at a Covered California board meeting later today. Last week, the administration announced it would not defend the key pillars of the ACA in court. It argued that those provisions, including the health law’s protection for people with preexisting conditions, should be declared unconstitutional. One federal health care move that will factor into Covered California’s 2019 premiums, Lee said, is the decision by Congress to eliminate the tax penalty on people who choose not to buy insurance starting next year. Many experts believe that without any consequences for not having insurance, more young and healthy people will decide to forgo it, leaving health plans with a higher concentration of elderly and ill — and more expensive — people. The repeal of the tax penalty could add 1.7 million Californians to the ranks of the uninsured by 2027, according to the University of California-Berkeley Labor Center. Covered California, which currently provides coverage for about 1.5 million people, last month
unveiled preliminary projections showing that its health plan rates could spike about 11 percent on average next year, in tandem with an enrollment drop of about 12 percent. The elimination of the tax penalty accounts for more than half the projected premium spike, according to Covered California’s analysis. But actual premiums have not been set yet. Covered California is still negotiating with insurance companies and is expected to announce 2019 rate increases, and the lineup of participating insurers, next month. The premium increases in question apply only to health plans covering the approximately 2.3 million people — about 5.8 percent of the state’s population — who buy health insurance either through Covered California or the private individual market outside the exchange. Most Californians, like most Americans, get their health coverage through an employer or a government program such as Medicare or Medicaid. Despite Lee’s prediction, some observers believe that Trump’s legal assault on the preexisting conditions rule will intensify tumult in the industry, making it more difficult for insurers to make wellinformed business decisions for next year. “Insurers are going to have an extremely difficult time projecting rates for 2019 given this degree of uncertainty,� said Gerald Kominski, director of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. He said the impact on “California’s marketplace would be complicated.� Nationally, premiums in the individual market, including health plans sold both on and off government-run insurance exchanges, are expected to rise about 10 percent annually in most years through 2027, propelled by the elimination of the penalty, according to an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office. The average premium hikes in some states could be even higher: Washington state’s exchange recently projected an average rate hike of 19 percent, and New York estimates an average increase of 24 percent, with about half of that rise attributed to the repeal of the tax penalty. But officials in both states caution that these are preliminary proposals and final rates may be different.
The good news is that most people who buy their insurance through state-run exchanges, or the federal one, will not feel the bite of the higher premiums. That’s because nearly 90 percent of exchange customers get federal tax credits to offset the cost of their premiums, and the amount of those credits rises as premiums do. However, higher-income enrollees, who don’t qualify for financial assistance, will bear the brunt of the premium hikes, said James Scullary, a Covered California spokesman. Whatever the final rate increase, it will only be a statewide average, meaning rates will vary — as they always do — by geography, age, insurer and the level of coverage you purchase. California’s Central Coast communities, for example, have seen higher-than-average premium increases in recent years than other regions of the state. The extent to which the expected decline in Covered California enrollment will affect the stability of the exchange remains to be seen. As younger, healthier people drop coverage, leaving a costlier insurance pool, insurers could decide at some point that it’s no longer worthwhile to stay. There’s plenty of precedent for that: UnitedHealth Group terminated individual coverage in California last year — both on and off the exchange — blaming “smaller overall market size� and a “higherrisk profile.� Anthem pulled out of most of California’s individual market this year, citing changing federal rules and an “increasing lack of predictability.� Anthem blamed its decision in part on uncertainty over whether the Trump administration would maintain subsidies that help reduce medical costs for some lowincome individuals. The administration ultimately stopped funding those subsidies, a decision that contributed to this year’s rate increases. Covered California sees marketing and outreach as countermeasures to federal policies that weaken the ACA, and it budgeted a whopping $111 million for them this year. While waiting for the outcome of factors beyond its control, “we will do everything we can to remind Californians that to go without insurance is a bad gamble,� Lee said. n
Elderly woman goes on racist rant against... PAGE A1 t
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“I’ve got a family to feed,� to which the woman replied, “So what? Go back to your country.� The husband replied, “This is our country.� “You’re lying, you’re lying, you’re lying, just like how you got here,� the woman retorted. Vela’s Instagram post, which was published before she made her account private, was captioned: “I’ve never felt so angry and sad overall because I had my 5-year-old with me.� The Vela family told ABS-CBN that they were shocked by the encounter. Jenny Vela said that she was especially taken aback because she had grown up in Daly City, an ethnically diverse
city. A majority of the comments posted under the video mirrored that shock and many expressed outrage at the white woman’s comments. “We’re thankful that everyone is able to see this, and we have a community that supports us and loves us,� Jenny Vela said of the video, which has more than half a million views on various social media platforms, as of this writing. Alfred Vela said, “It’s not right that we have to put up with this type of bigotry, racism, prejudice behavior, especially coming from an elderly woman.� After the video went viral on social media, Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo, who is Fil-Am,
said she was appalled by the act of racism and “anti-immigrant� rhetoric occurring in her city. “Hearing the racial slurs and also the anti-immigrant sentiment was something I would have never expected at a local grocery store we all go to,� Manolo said. “People in our community need to know that this is something Daly City, or myself as mayor, do not condone.� The video was also posted by a friend of the family, Danika Aquino, who said that she “was told by one of the cashiers that they had took the woman in the back [of the store] and talked to her, but no one knows further information about what happened after.� n
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FIGHTING FOR LGBT RIGHTS. LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) group members light candles in front of the Supreme Court in Padre Faura in Ermita, Manila during a rally in support of the LGBT community on Tuesday, June 19. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 22-28, 2018
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
A5
‘Hero’ Henry is finally home
THE remains of Henry John Acorda, the overseas Filipino worker beaten to death while defending a fellow Filipino in Slovakia, was flown home on Tuesday, June 19. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration head Hans Leo Cacdac, and other officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) joined Acorda’s family and friends in welcoming the “hero.” Acorda, 36, who worked as a financial analyst, was mauled by a Slovak on May 26 and died on May 31 in a hospital. The 28-year-old suspect Juraj Hossu, a weightlifter believed to be a Neo-Nazi, is under police custody and facing a charge of manslaughter. Cayetano said the remains of Acorda will be brought to Heritage Park and will be laid to rest on Saturday, June 23. He said
Relatives and friends of Henry Acorda wait for the plane that carried the Filipino worker who was mauled to death in Slovakia. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina
the city of Taguig is planning to set up an OFW center in honor of Acorda. “Although it was a tragic incident, we will not let his death be in vain,” Cayetano told reporters. The family of the victim would receive P220,000 from the Over-
seas Workers Welfare Administration in death and burial benefits while the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) would provide additional financial assistance for the expenses incurred by the family. (Jefferson Antiporda and Benjie Vergara/ManilaTimes.net)
Lesbians, gays rally as SC holds oral arguments on same-sex marriage AS the Supreme Court (SC) started oral arguments on a petition from gays and lesbians to allow same-sex marriage in the Philippines on Tuesday, June 19, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community gathered in front of its office in Manila to express support for the plea. “Hindi issue kung parte ka ng LGBT community, ang mahalaga ay may puso ka at may kakayahang mag-mahal. Sana puso ang pairalin nila,” said one of the rallyists during a program entitled “Rally for Marriage Equality.” The rainbow flag, which is the primary symbol of the LGBT community, was raised in the rally. The Metropolitan Community Church, a Christian church that accepts members of the LGBT community, expressed its support. “Hari nawa ang petition ni Atty. Falcis ay maisabatas ngunit ganoon pa man, kahit maisabatas ang marriage equality sa Senado, hindi pa rin po natatapos ang laban ng mga LGBT at ng maraming mga minorya. Hindi porket magkakaroon ng batas ay
Members of the LGBT community hold candles as they take part in a rally in front of the Supreme Court in Manila on June 19, 2018. The Supreme Court heard arguments on June 19 for the legalization of gay marriage, a historic first in the overwhelmingly Catholic nation. ManilaTimes.net photo by Pauline Mae Monje
magbabago na ang isip at puso ng lipunan. Malayo-layo pa ang tatahakin ng mga minorya,” a pastor of the church said. Lawyer Jesus Falcis, in his petition, urged the high tribunal to revoke Articles 1 and 2 of the Family Code of the Philippines, which explicitly dictates that marriage within the country
must only be “between a man and a woman” and Articles 46 and 55 as it mentioned homosexuality and lesbianism to be legal grounds for annulment and separation. The Office of the Solicitor General sought for a dismissal of Falcis’ petition. (Kim Malait/ ManilaTimes.net)
PH-JAPAN PARTNERSHIP. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez shakes hands with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar during the Philippine Economic Briefing in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday, June 19. PCOO gives the infrastructure cluster of both governments an update of the digital terrestrial television broadcasting and early warning broadcast system project for People’s Television Network (PTV-4), which is an undertaking dependent on the loan provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). PNA photo
New tanim bala? Duterte wants NAIA report by EDITH
REGALADO Philstar.com
DAVAO CITY — President Duterte expects the management of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to submit its report on an alleged bullet planting or tanim-bala incident involving a passenger bound for Zamboanga City last Friday, June 15. Airport authorities say Kristine Bumanglag-Moran’s luggage had shown a 9mm bullet when it went through x-ray inspection. Moran claimed the bullet was planted. The bullet was confiscated by NAIA personnel after the incident was recorded. Moran and her companions were then allowed to take their flight to Zamboanga. “We assure the public that tanim bala is already a thing of the past. We will not condone any act contrary to the directive given to us by no less than President Duterte,” NAIA said in a statement. “We shall punish erring airport personnel if proven guilty of any abuse hurled against them,” the statement added. NAIA appealed to the public to be more circumspect in reacting to social media posts, as the management suspects some people are out to discredit them on social media. Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go said Duterte
An x-ray image released by the Manila International Airport Authority shows what looks like a bullet in the luggage of Kristine Bumanglag-Moran, who alleged that an airport employee planted the bullet. Philstar.com photo
had given NAIA management 24 hours to resolve the incident, which has gone viral on the internet since it happened. “We reiterate that the Duterte administration will never tolerate this modus operandi. We have ordered the concerned agencies to address this within 24 hours. We are expecting them to comply or suffer the consequences,” Go said. Go reiterated the president’s warning that he will force those who plant the bullets to swallow them whole. “I assure everyone, he will really do it,” Go said.
He added that the president’s office is open to receive complaints of whatever nature, including tanim-bala incidents at the country’s leading airports, Go told reporters in an interview following the Eid’l Fitr celebration at the SMX Convention Center last Friday, June 16. Go said the Department of Transportation, Manila International Airport Authority and Office for Transportation Security have concluded their investigation into Moran’s complaint, with the agencies ready to submit their report within Duterte’s 24-hour deadline. ■
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June 22-28, 2018 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
Dateline PhiliPPines
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DOT: No Madrid Fusion Manila this year by rosette
adel
Philstar.com
Karapatan called the crackdown on tambays “patently illegal” as these affect the rights of individuals against illegal arrests, illegal search and seizure, and impede their rights to mobility. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban
‘Tambay’ roundup reminiscent of martial law, rights group says by Gaea
Katreena Philstar.com
CabiCo
rests, illegal search and seizure, and impede their rights to mobility. “Such acts can even be remiMANILA — A rights group on Tuesday, June 19, likened Presi- niscent of Marcos’ martial law dent Rodrigo Duterte’s direc- when curfews were enforced by tive to law enforcers to round up his brutal state forces,” it said. The group, moreover, questambays (loiterers) to the situationed the classification of indition during martial law. Karapatan called the recently viduals as tambays. “[It] is very arbitrary, giving ramped-up roundup of tambays “patently illegal” as police ac- broad and vast powers to the potions directly affect the rights lice in accosting anyone on the of individuals against illegal ar- streets at night time, especially
when laws on vagrancy have been repealed,” Karapatan said. The Philippine National Police is still working on its guidelines on the enforcement of local ordinances against loitering. Vagrancy was decriminalized in 2012 although local governments can and have enacted ordinances against ‘tambays’. In a speech last week, Duterte ordered the Philippine National Police to go after tambays. Defending the president’s or-
MANILA — The annual international food event Madrid Fusion Manila will not push through this year after all. This was confirmed by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat at the annual meeting of the Manila Business Club on Tuesday, June 19. In a chance interview, Puyat said Madrid Fusion was originally scheduled for April this year. However, it was moved to July and moved again to September leaving the department too little time to conduct bidding. “But when I was looking at the timelines, we need to bid – no venue, no organizer [yet]. So, we’ve decided not to pursue with it this year because by the time we end bidding, it may be August already. No more time,” Puyat told Philstar.com in a mix of English and Filipino. Puyat said she has already talk-
ed to the Madrid Fusion organization and asked them to move the culinary event to April next year. “Let’s not hasten it. You have to go through the proper process,” she added. Madrid Fusion Manila is the only Asian edition of the culinary food event, which is regarded as “the single most important international gastronomy congress in the 21st century.” It is a gastronomy event that has been celebrated annually in Madrid, Spain since 2003. The Asian edition was intended to put Filipino culinary artists on the map, especially in Europe. This food congress started when Ramon Jimenez, was Tourism secretary and had been drawing tourists for three years. The Department of Tourism under Wanda Tulfo-Teo, who has since resigned over allegations of corruption, last January announced that the country would host the event anew.
However, in April, reports surfaced that the food congress was no longer pushing through and would be replaced by “Buhay Carinderia Redefined.” The Tourism Promotions Board, which is in charge of the event, clarified that it might still push trough this year. Cesar Montano, who has also since resigned as TPB chief operating officer, said the board management initially considered the deferment of the international food event until 2019 due to the non-availability of participating international chefs and exhibitors. News of the postponement of Madrid Fusion Manila was followed by an announcement that the World Street Food Congress, another annual event, would not push through this year. Puyat earlier mentioned that she worked with the DOT through the Madrid Fusion Manila while she was still at the Department of Agriculture. n
der, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the crackdown on loiterers is meant to keep the streets in the Philippines safe. “The president’s remarks are for the police to ask those who stay late at night in the streets to go home. Now, should they be arrested if they refuse? The president as a lawyer knows that if no crime has been committed, there is no basis for arrest,” he said. According to the Philippine National Police, around 3,000 supposed ‘tambays’ have been arrested since the president gave his order.
In this November 2017 photo, President Rodrigo Duterte meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Vietnam. Malacañang photo
Duterte: I was harsh to Xi Jinping by PatriCia lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte claimed he was “a bit harsh” to Chinese President Xi Jinping the first time they met in October 2016. Speaking during the 120th founding anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Duterte recalled how he opened the discussion of the West Philippine Sea with his Chinese counterpart. “I told Xi Jinping that, ‘I come here to talk about purchasing of arms, but on the sides maybe if we can discuss about our claim in the West Philippine Sea,’” Duterte said. Duterte said that he told Xi that the Philippines has always had an outpost in the area since 1974, referring to Pag-asa Island which the Philippine marines occupied in that year. He added that nobody contested the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippine Sea until the “ruckus” with the United States. “Now I said that it is my firm belief that we own China Sea. And I will go there to dig oil. I told it straight in the face of Mr. Xi Jinping,” Duterte said. “I said, ‘That is ours, I will get oil there.’ And so we were dragged into a long process. It was about three hours — just talked about peace, talking about security and everything,” he added. Last year, Duterte claimed that Xi threatened to go to war if he would force the issue after raising the arbitral ruling with his Chinese counterpart. This time, the Philippine leader claims Xi told him, “it’s too early to go into trouble for after all your visit here is a sign that you want good will to prevail.” Duterte then proceeded to talk about arms with Xi as he had been reading intelligence reports in Mindanao.
The president noted that the Philippine troops’ weapons were “old and beaten ones, used several times.” “You know those rifles vintage if you may want to call it. So I need to replenish and I was thinking about Marawi already. Without meaning to be discorteous to our military men,” the president. It should be recalled that the first meeting of Duterte and Xi, which he was talking about in this speech, was in October 2016 while the Marawi siege broke off in May 2017. If so, this means that the president was aware of the plans of ISISinspired local terrorists as early as six months before the Maute group took control of Marawi City last year. “Not prophetic because I come from Mindanao. I have my cousins there in Lanao del Sur and they were texting me already what was happening and they said that those who would want to fight in the name of ideology that is so corrupt and bankrupt,” Duterte said. Duterte said that this was the reason why he went to China to buy arms. “So I went there to buy arms. And after that long talk of almost three hours in a bilateral meeting, Mr. Xi Jinping said, ‘It’s okay. You do not have to buy. I’ll give you the arms free,’” Duterte said. The president then said that he decided to acquire more arms so he went to Moscow. Duterte was in Russia when the conflict in Marawi City broke out in May 23, 2017, resulting to the declaration of martial law in Mindanao. In his previous speeches, Duterte has always been grateful to China for providing military assistance for the clearing operations in Marawi City. Duterte claimed that “it was only China who gave it on time and plenty.”
COMMUTER WOES. Commuters ride on the rear (estribo) of the jeepney as the people find it difficult to hail a ride to work due to traffic congestion along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City on Monday, June 18. PNA photo by Joey Razon
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Business news
BSP seen to follow Fed rate hike by lawrence
agcaoIlI Philstar.com
BRiTish banking giant hsBC said the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas (BsP) would likely lift benchmark rates after the U.s. Federal Reserve jacked up interest rates. noelan arbis, economist at hsBC, said a more hawkish U.s. Fed adds to the complex environment in which the BsP must navigate after the U.s. central bank last week raised interest rates for the second time this year. “despite easing inflationary pressures, the BsP also looks at external developments for policy consideration. We believe the Fed’s more hawkish stance prompts another 25 basis point hike from the BsP as early as its June 20 policy meeting,” he said. The U.s. Fed is also looking at two more rate hikes this year. “amidst an already-strong Us dollar environment, we believe the Fed’s more hawkish stance on June 13 places the onus on the BsP and many other emerging market central banksto follow-suit,” arbis said. arbis said the BsP has always factored in external developments to its policy rate decisions, despite domestic factors being the primary consideration. Last May 10, the BsP’s Monetary Board raised interest rates for the first time in more than three years. it raised benchmark rates by 25 basis points to curb additional inflationary pressures arising from higher oil prices and the impact of the implementation
by DaxIm
l. lucas Philstar.com
doLLaRs sent home by expatriate Filipinos rose during the first four months of the year driven by the growth in remittances from both land- and sea-based workers, the central bank said on Monday, June 18. in a press statement, the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas said that personal remittances from overseas Filipinos for the first four months of the year totaled $10.4 billion, 4 percent higher than the
level recorded in the comparable period in 2017. For april 2018 alone, remittances increased by 12.9 percent year-on-year to reach $2.6 billion. “The continued growth in personal remittances during the first four months of 2018 was driven by steady remittance inflows from land-based overseas Filipino workers with work contracts of one year or more, which aggregated to $8.1 billion, and compensation of sea-based workers and land-based workers
with short-term contracts, which reached $2.1 billion,” BsP governor nestor espenilla Jr. said. Cash remittances from overseas workers coursed through banks posted a 12.7 percent yearon-year growth at $2.3 billion in april 2018. Remittances sent by land-based workers at $1.8 billion and sea-based workers at $500 million increased by 15.1 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively, compared to the levels posted in the same month a year ago. The primary contributors to the PAGE A9
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Grab to give fare subsidies amid drop in driver earnings by Ian
nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com
RideshaRing company grab Philippines on Monday, June 18, said it will spend around P100 million monthly for a “fare-subsidy scheme” to help offset the drop in driver earnings after transport regulators suspended its P2 per minute travel time charge. grab said it will subsidize trips that fall below P5.50 per minute to guarantee drivers that costs are covered in all trips and encourage them to service more passengers amid high demand. “since P2 per minute component was suspended, we received Noelan Arbis, economist at HSBC, said a more hawkish US Fed adds to the complex environment a lot of painful complaints from in which the BSP must navigate after the US central bank last week raised interest rates for our partners that their earnings the second time this year. Philstar.com file photo are not sufficient anymore to make of Republic act 10963 or the Tax the BsP would have to avoid. a decent living. That’s why we dedownward pressures on rice cided to step in,” grab Philippines Reform for acceleration and inprices emerge after the govern- Country head Brian Cu said. clusion (TRain) Law. inflation averaged 4.1 percent ment approved the importation “For example, if a ride from in the first five months of the of up to 805,200 tons. Makati to BgC takes an hour be“indeed, it would likely bode cause of heavy traffic despite short year, exceeding the two to four well for the BsP to strike a more distance, and fare is computed at percent target set by the BsP. The consumer price index neutral tone following next P120 only, grab will return to the (CPi) climbed to a fresh five-year week’s policy meeting to stem high of 4.6 percent in May from any significant outflows and further weakness to the currency,” 4.5 percent in april. “We still expect headline infla- arbis said. he said the domestic economtion to peak on a yearly basis in the second half but mainly due ic conditions would continue to to base effects and higher oil reign supreme in the BsP’s deciprices. But we believe this alone sion-making. “if economic data continue isn’t enough reason for additional monetary tightening,” arbis to point to slowing inflationary momentum and headline CPi is said. The economist said one of the still expected to retreat to the key things to watch out for do- BsP’s two to four percent target mestically are rising wages as by 2019, we don’t expect any adany significant increase would ditional rate hikes this year,” he trigger even higher prices that said.
Dollar remittances spike in April; 4-month total up 4%, says BSP
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 22-28, 2018
Ridesharing company Grab Philippines on Monday, June 18, said it will spend around P100 million monthly for a “fare-subsidy scheme” to help offset the drop in driver earnings after transport regulators suspended its P2 per minute travel time charge. Philstar.com photo
driver the P210 difference to make sure he made P330 for that onehour trip,” Cu explained. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, in an order last april 18, directed grab to immediately suspend the collection of travel time charge pending the “extensive review and resolution” of its legality, which was challenged by a lawmaker. The LTFRB’s move came after grab bought Uber’s ride-sharing and food delivery business in
southeast asia, the industry’s biggest acquisition in the region. grab later appealed the decision, saying the order “would cause grave or irreparable damage” not only to grab but also to the operators and drivers of other transport network vehicles. grab likewise told the LTFRB that the suspension of the travel time charge was “an infringement of the equal protection clause guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution.”
A8
JUNE 22-28, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
OPINION
Loitering
FEATURES
THERE are many reasons why people loiter in the streets. One is that they intend to foment mischief or commit a crime, especially petty offenses such as vandalism. A number of them look for pockets to pick and purses or mobile phones to snatch. Some are part of the flesh trade. Others amuse themselves by making wolf-whistles and catcalls at passing women. People welcome any effort to rid the streets of such individuals, including the latest campaign that has seen hundreds of loiterers or istambay rounded up by police in the city of Manila alone. The campaign, however, needs careful implementation, because there are many other reasons for spending idle time in the streets. One is that the loiterer has nothing else to do; jobless individuals and out-of-school youth usually spend their idle time outside their homes. This raises another reason for loitering on the street, which is that the idler’s home is too cramped and poorly ventilated so the person prefers to while the time outdoors. This is why police are rounding up the largest number of istambays in the slums, where there is hardly room to move in the shanties. Still another reason for loitering is the lack of parks
and other public recreational areas where residents especially the youth can gather and pass the time. In Metro Manila and other urban centers, residents have set up makeshift basketball courts right on the street, further slowing down traffic flow. Children also play hopscotch and other games on the streets and sidewalks. Crime prevention measures are always welcome especially in a country with Asia’s highest homicide rate and a serious drug problem. The roundup of loiterers, however, must be done with caution as it could violate certain basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution. If the government wants to discourage loitering, it should take away the reasons for it, by providing meaningful employment and public venues for community recreational activities. (Philstar. com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Trump has the power to reverse his policy that separates families but uses kids as pawns for his wall you do if your child IF you are a parent is among those poor like I am, would you do The Fil-Am helpless kids? Would everything humanely Perspective you not do anything possible to bring your and just coldly and children out of danger, defiantly say “They famine, threats, oppresare illegal. They desion — just like what serve to be there. the Europeans did when GEL SANTOS-RELOS Blame their parents. they sought refuge and asylum and settled in the land of the Blame the Democrats”? Would that be American Indians that we now call the how you would respond if your own child is being traumatized? United States of America? This is exactly what is going on now This was exactly what the parents of some 2000 young children, includ- since the Trump administration aning babies, did when they took the risk nounced its “zero tolerance policy” to and crossed (or attempted to cross) the punish undocumented immigrants crossing or attempting to cross the border. southern border of America. Most of these parents did not know that Young children had been separated from in taking this risk to give a safer better life their parents and would never know when for their children, their young kids would they could ever see them again. Amid the backlash and criticisms of be ripped from them and be detained in metal cages away from their own deten- this inhumane policy, President Donald Trump said, “I hate children being taken tion centers. For a moment, put yourself in the posi- away. The Democrats have to change tion of these parents. What would you feel their law. That’s their law!” NO, Mr. Trump. That is your policy. knowing your children have been wailing and crying, looking for you, amid strang- While we have to protect our borders ers and other children lost and wonder- and impose immigration laws and fix our ing where their parent could be? Would broken immigration system by passing a comprehensive reform, you are lying to that not break your heart? What would you say and what would the American people by saying this is the
Democrats’ law. No, Mr. President. You caused this problem. You traumatized those detained children in cages. You separated them from their parents. You scarred them for life. “While it is true that at the height of the 2014 migrant crisis, when there was a surge in unaccompanied minors crossing the border, the Obama administration placed a large number of families in detention centers. But these families—many of them fleeing violence in Central America—were allowed to remain together while their claims were being processed. “Under Trump’s ‘zero-tolerance’ policy, however, all adults caught crossing the border are criminally prosecuted, with no exceptions. As a result, thousands of children have been taken away from their parents and treated as if they had tried to cross the border alone. In some cases, undocumented adults are being deported without their children, who remain detained in federal immigration facilities with no way to contact their parents. Immigration experts worry that some families may be permanently separated.” (Vanity Fair, June 18, 2018) YES, Mr. President. You are using these small helpless children as pawns, as leverage with Democrats to agree to
fund your border wall, just as you used the young undocumented immigrants brought into the United States illegally with no fault of their own. And you even tweeted, “Democrats are the problem. They don’t care about crime and want illegal immigrants, no matter how bad they may be, to pour into and infest our Country, like MS-13. They can’t win on their terrible policies, so they view them as potential voters.” “INFEST”? Do you regard immigrants as pests? I know you wrote “undocumented” but your other policies and rhetoric sure reveal what is in your heart and soul: Make America WHITE again. Did you not hear the outrage among both the Democrats and Republicans, and among people all over the world, Mr. President? Sure you did. You pulled the United States out of the United Nations Human Rights Council a day after the UN’s top human rights official criticized the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy. Did you hear that a bipartisan group of more than 70 former U.S. attorneys are calling on your Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reverse the Trump administration’s policy of prosecuting all people who cross the border illegally, saying it
is “dangerous, expensive, and inconsistent” with the values of the Justice Department? Did you know that a big majority of Americans, 66 percent, oppose the separation of immigrant families at the border, according to the latest Quinnipiac Poll? The truth of the matter is, if indeed you feel bad about these children being traumatized by being separated from their parents, YOU HAVE THE POWER TO STOP THIS in the interim! Do what President Barack Obama did and detain these kids together with their parents as their cases are being heard. Fix the broken immigration system and stop that fixation in building your wall that you promised Mexico will pay. What is happening now is so very much against the soul of America and the values that we stand for. Use your power to do what is humane and just, President Trump. MAKE AMERICA HUMANE AGAIN! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Yes, Senate must investigate how Aquino, Trillanes and Del Rosario lost Panatag
neither Aquino, del SEN. Loren Legarda, Rosario, nor Trillanes the chairman of the Commentary have disputed them Senate’s committee on after I pointed this foreign relations, said out in several colthe other day that she umns in 2015 and welcomed a probe into 2016. These are the the country’s handling same facts reported of its territorial dispute in other accounts with China in the South RIGOBERTO TIGLAO of the episode, for China Sea. That would be great, not only so we instance, in Richard Javad Heydarian’s would learn invaluable lessons on how to book, Asia’s New Battlefield (pages 164 handle the territorial dispute. But just as to 165), although the intellectually timid important, such an investigation will finally or pro-Aquino author, even as the facts inform the nation—and it will be written stared him in the face, couldn’t get himin our history books—how President self to state that we lost Panatag because Aquino, his foreign secretary Albert del of Aquino’s bungling. Some background: Although China Rosario, and Sen. Antonio Trillanes lost Panatag Shoal (Scarborough) to the and the Philippines had each been layChinese in 2012 because of their bungling. ing claim to Scarborough Shoal, there We lost Panatag also partly because of was never been an attempt from either Aquino and del Rosario’s colossal error the Chinese or Philippine forces to perof trusting the U.S. too much, as the manently station troops there. Fishermen from both countries acted as though following account will show. Trillanes of course strived to put the there were no dispute, fished around and blame on del Rosario, whom he even in the area, and routinely used its lagoon accused of treason in an interview in a as a refuge from storms. Aquino broke the “peaceful coexisGMA News segment on the Panatag incident, which he claimed was part of the tence” of sorts in April 2012. April 10, 2012: Sailors from a Philipforeign secretary’s strategy to create a rift between China and the Philippines. pine Navy surveillance ship board eight Trillanes also claimed that in the end, Chinese fishing vessels anchored in the Aquino had blamed del Rosario for the shoal’s lagoon. They try to arrest the Chinese fishermen allegedly for illegal fishfiasco. Such an investigation will teach us ing. However, two vessels from the China valuable lessons on how to handle our Maritime Surveillance (CMS) come to the territorial disputes with China. For in- rescue of the Chinese and prevent the arstance, Acting Chief Justice Antonio Car- rests in circumstances that are unclear. Aquino immediately orders the Navy’s pio was either so misinformed on how we lost Panatag or was simply trying to push biggest warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar President Duterte in making the same (a refurbished cutter from the U.S. Coast colossal mistake as Aquino did in 2012 Guard) to confront the Chinese at Panawhen he urged him to send the Navy to tag Shoal. “What is important is we take care of our sovereignty. We cannot give the area to enforce our sovereignty. That kind of move was precisely what [Panatag] away and we cannot depend Aquino stupidly did in 2012 that triggered on others but ourselves,” Aquino blusthe events that with his ineptness led to tered. April 12, 2012: Three CMS ships enour loss of Panatag to the Chinese. ter the shoal, bringing with them a floIndisputable facts Here are the indisputable facts, and tilla of 31 Chinese fishing boats and 50
dinghies. Aquino suddenly orders BRP Gregorio del Pilar to leave and return to its La Union base. Aquino had apparently been told by Washington that sending a naval warship was a stupid move, as it made the Philippines appear as the aggressor. The CMS vessels were civilian vessels of China’s State Oceanic Administration, which in 2013 merged with the Chinese Coast Guard. Aquino played into China’s hands. Beijing claimed to the whole world that the Philippines had militarized the dispute by sending a “warship,” even though the vessel was a hand-me-down from the U.S. Coast Guard that the President like a kid with a new toy had been itching to deploy. China, therefore, felt it had the right to retaliate and occupy the shoal. Sea-borne People Power Cleverly, though, instead of deploying any number of its 400 warships that has made China the second biggest navy in the world—as it did in its battle with the Vietnamese in the Paracels in 1974—China launched a seaborne People Power of sorts. Escorted of course by three CMS vessels, 90 small Chinese fishing boats occupied the shoal’s lagoon, which is actually the most strategic or useful area of Panatag as it provides a sanctuary for vessels during rough seas. When the BRP Gregorio del Pilar left, Aquino could deploy only one vessel of our Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and two Coast Guard vessels to remain near the entrance to the shoal’s lagoon. A stand-off ensued that lasted for a month and a half, with neither side of course unwilling to fire the first shot. China even managed to take advantage of another of Aquino’s blunders, which was to appoint Trillanes as his secret envoy to resolve the stand-off peacefully. Trillanes only confused the situation. April 12 to June 2: The Chinese CMS vessels and 90 fishing boats occupy the lagoon, while about seven Philippine BFAR and Coast guard vessels position
themselves just outside the entrance to it in a stand-off. June 2: After his trip to China to talk with his “contacts” — “of Politburo rank,” he told me — Trillanes told Aquino that the Chinese agreed on a simultaneous withdrawal of the Chinese ships and the Philippine vessels. “PNoy directed me to work on the sequential withdrawal of government ships inside the shoal,” Trillanes wrote in his aide-memoire on the crisis, which was made available to me. June 3: Aquino orders the remaining two Coast Guard vessels to leave the area.The Chinese didn’t.They haven’t left the area to this day. That’s how we lost Panatag. “PNoy called me to inform me that our two BFAR vessels already left the shoal but China reneged on the agreement of simultaneous withdrawal of their ships, so two of them [were] still inside the shoal,” Trillanes wrote. In his aide memoire on his “Backchannel Talks” made available to me, Trillanes put the blame squarely on del Rosario: “I asked him who agreed with what, since I was just hammering out the details of the sequential withdrawal because the mouth of the shoal was too narrow for a simultaneous withdrawal. The president told me that Sec. del Rosario told him about the agreement reached in Washington,” Trillanes wrote. “This time I asked PNoy: ‘If the agreement was simultaneous withdrawal, why did we leave first?’ PNoy responded to this effect: “Kaya nga sinabihan ko si Albert kung bakit niya pinalabas yung BFAR na hindi ko nalalaman.” (“That’s why I asked Albert [del Rosario]why he ordered the BFAR vessels to leave without my permission.”) Since that time no Filipino ship or fishing vessel has been able to enter the shoal, now occupied by CMS vessels and Chinese fishing boats. China has imposed a 15-nautical mile restriction perimeter around the shoal, and prevents any ves-
sel from going into the shoal’s lagoon. Laughing at Aquino Chinese strategists must have rolling on the ground laughing at Aquino. They cleverly manipulated Trillanes, del Rosario and their U.S. contacts to fool Aquino that they would withdraw their ships from Scarborough if we did. They didn’t. Even American generals closely monitoring the Spratly territorial disputes must have been pulling their hair out in utter frustration at how their puppet Aquino dropped the ball. A November 2014 report of the Center for Naval Analyses (CAN) — a thinktank for the U.S. military — entitled “The South China Sea: Assessing U.S. Policy and Options for the Future” pointed out matter-of-factly that in the past 40 years, China has been able to take other nations’ territory only in two instances. The first was in 1974 when Chinese troops and vessels fought South Vietnamese forces on the Paracel islands, resulting in 53 Vietnamese soldiers being killed and dozens wounded. Chinese forces have since occupied the area. The second territory acquired by China, the CAN reported, was Scarborough Shoal, though in this case, because of a bungling President, no single shot was fired: “From its perspective, China resolved the sovereignty dispute with the Philippines over Scarborough Shoal in 2012 when it established control over the shoal. Again, it is unlikely to relinquish it. The government of the Philippines is in no position to even begin to contemplate the use of force to recover Scarborough, and the United States is not going to become involved in any attempt to expel the Chinese.” (Emphasis mine.) Aquino filed the arbitration case against China in January 2013 to cover up for our loss of Panatag because of his ineptness, which was successful in terms of public perception because of his control over media during his administration. (ManilaTimes.net)
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Business news
Philippines manufacturers may benefit from US, China trade war by Richmond
meRcuRio Philstar.com
ThE Philippines could further stand to benefit from the ongoing trade war between two of the world’s largest economies, this time as a production site for affected manufacturers. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez reiterated Sunday, June 17, the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China would not have a major impact on the Philippines and may in fact, benefit the country in some aspects. According to Lopez, the U.S. is using three provisions in its trade laws as bases for tariff imposition. “First is Section 301 of its National Trade Act that authorizes the U.S. president to impose tariff or any retaliatory acts against foreign countries that violate trade agreements or engage in unfair trade practices, in this case against China for intellectual property rights related issues. Thus, the U.S. will impose a tariff of 25 percent on $50 billion imports from China. The latter stated that it shall also impose retaliatory moves against the U.S.,” he said. “This will have a huge impact on the economies of the two countries, as their higher import costs will affect their respec-
tive consumers and imported inputs-using manufacturers. Trade volume between the two countries will decline. This can backfire on the U.S. as costs and competitiveness will affect their industries. This may also lead to moves by affected manufacturers to shift their production activities to other countries like the Philippines,” Lopez said. he said another trade move of the U.S. is to invoke Sec. 232, imposing tariff on products to address issues on national security, wherein products covered are steel (25 percent tariff) and aluminum (10 percent). “Philippines is a not a major exporter of steel and aluminum. Philippines trade representatives are meeting with USTR to also file for exemption because of de minimis levels or below three percent of U.S. imports. As we see no major impact to Philippines, we may stand to benefit if other affected manufacturers in countries affected shift their production base to the Philippines to avoid facing higher tariff rates,” Lopez said. Lastly, Lopez said the other trade move of the U.S. is not country-specific, but product specific, and will affect not only China, but other countries. By invoking Sec 201 of the U.S. Trade Act, the U.S. can im-
pose duties and non tariff barriers on products that injure or threaten to injure their local industries. Affected products are solar panels and washing machines. “For the Philippines, there is no impact for washing machines, but there is an impact for solar panels since there is one major exporter, Sunpower Inc. The company has submitted position for exemption,” Lopez said. The Philippines, as a heavy consumer of steel and aluminum because of its Build, Build, Build infrastructure program, was earlier expected to benefit from lower prices from the imposition of steep import tariffs on the said products. Meanwhile, Lopez said the Philippines still enjoys the General System of Preference privilege with the U.S., covering 3,500 product lines that enter the U.S. market at zero percent duty. As for China, he said the goodwill established by President Duterte with President Xi Jinping continues to open up huge market opportunities for Philippine products to enter the Chinese market. “Of course, we hope the trade issue does not worsen and world trade goes back to globalization mode,” Lopez said.
Dollar remittances spike in April...
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growth in remittances during the month are the U.S. with 4.2 percentage points contribution to the 12.7 aggregated growth, Canada (1.9 percentage points) and Singapore (1.0 percentage points). The increase in the cash remittances in April 2018 brought the cumulative cash remittances for the first four months of the year to $9.4 billion, higher by 3.5 percent year-on-year. By country source, the bulk of cash remittances during the period came from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Qatar and Kuwait. The combined remittances from these countries accounted for almost 80 percent of total cash remittances. Personal remittances represent the sum of net compensation of employees (i.e., gross earnings of overseas Filipino workers with work contracts of less than one
In a press statement, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said that personal remittances from overseas Filipinos for the first four months of the year totaled $10.4 billion, 4 percent higher than the level recorded in the comparable period in 2017. Philstar.com photo
year, including all sea-based workers, less taxes, social contributions, and transportation and travel expenditures in their host countries), personal transfers (i.e., all current transfers in cash or in kind by Filipinos with work contracts of one year or more as well as other household-to-household transfers between Filipinos who
have migrated abroad and their families in the Philippines), and capital transfers between households (i.e., the provision of resources for capital purposes, such as for construction of residential houses, between resident and non-resident households without anything of economic value being supplied in return).
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 22-28, 2018
Why invest in cybersecurity?
WhAT would it entail to protect one’s enterprise from a cyberattack? And will it be worth the investment? The heads of Philippine companies, especially small-to-medium-sized enterprises, may be aware of the danger that a cyberattack can do to their systems and bottom line, but still hesitate to make the necessary investment for two reasons. First is the entrenched belief that companies in emerging countries like ours would not draw in the attention of the same hackers that brought Yahoo and Equifax down. The second is their apprehension at the perceived cost of investment in cybersecurity that they think they may not be able to afford. Stanley Young, the co-founder of the Macon Young Philippines Technology Services, warns Filipino business leaders not to underestimate the end game that hackers are playing. he says that the bolder ones can breach Philippine IT systems to use it as a “gateway and enter the Asean networks.” Meanwhle, Fred Perito, IT Security Consultant for Infrastructure who manages a team of engineers handling the system of a global beverage company, says that some cybercriminals make emerging countries like the Philippines a testing ground before they try their skills on sturdier neighbors like Australia and Singapore. he warns, “A small company that does not have a popular brand can suffer an attack like ransomware. There have been instances when the ransom asked is just $50. But that’s because the hacker is just preparing himself to launch bigger attacks on bigger companies.” Data breach, identity theft, ransomware, spyware, and distributed denial-of-service are the common attacks that some Filipino enterprises have experienced. A lot of them go unreported because any leak of the attack, even if eventually remediated, can scare customers and cost the victimized company loss of millions of dollars in revenues. Still, the increase in number is beginning to make many enterprise heads realize that investment in IT security is inevitable. Perito differentiates an IS or IT Security department from the standard IT department that many firms now have. “IT takes care of the company’s IT system, hardware, software, and their operations,” he says. “But Information Security is different – it
A
The heads of Philippine companies, especially small-to-medium-sized enterprises, may be aware of the danger that a cyberattack can do to their systems and bottom line, but still hesitate to make the necessary investment for two reasons. ManilaTimes.net photo
means putting in the right antivirus and solutions that counter threats. It means compliance with and governance of the IT protocols that keep a company safe. Not all IT experts are versed in IS.” Instead of just expecting the current IT manager to take care of IS, putting up an IS-centric department might be ideal. This practice is already being adapted in developed countries. To get to that level, Young points out that the executive management of the company – or the business owner of the SME – must buy in to the idea. he says, “It will not work until the people at the top take this seriously. The role of Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) has been vacant from the corporate leadership team for years, and only recently has it changed, but more needs to be done. Moving forward, small and large enterprises should embark on a pragmatic approach to identify their risk exposure across all business lines, current and future digital threat surfaces, their existing in-house cyber security capabilities/skills, and regulatory compliance. After identifying your threat landscape, the next step is to develop a resilient, corporate wide cybersecurity framework to build your infrastructure upon.” Building that framework would entail making a long-term financial commitment to obtain the appropriate if costly IT solutions that can neutralize incoming attacks. It also can mean sending key people overseas to get the
training and necessary certifications that would amount to six figures. Perito elaborates, “Finishing the Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISP) course will certify the IT professional as an IS expert. But it costs S$6,000. Philippine companies or business owners will not immediately invest in their personnel because of the cost.” The training of all personnel in cyber matters may be more manageable financially, but it is equally urgent. Perito explains, “Regardless of which department he belongs to, each staffer must undergo and pass cybersecurity training within a given time frame. For example, they should be taught that writing down their company-generated password on a piece of paper or even a notebook can expose the company to a breach. Or they should learn that installing unlicensed software on their devices that they use for the office can put the company at risk. Unlicensed software makes the company vulnerable. Pirated ones with a trojan virus can be data harvesters that gather data about the company from the staffer’s laptop.” Ultimately, though, it all begins with the engagement of the CEO or the company decision-maker. Young concludes, “The first step is awareness. Company leadership should first become familiar with the topic of cybersecurity and how it relates to their industry, company and lastly, their specific business unit. “ (Manilatimes.net)
A10 June 22-28, 2018 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
Friday, June 22, 2018
Photos courtesy of Center Theatre Group / Craig Schwartz on cover
SF2
cover story T he Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - J une 22, 2 0 1 8
FIL-AM ACTOR CONRAD RICAMORA IN ‘SOFT POWER’
A POLITICAL MUSICAL THROUGH ASIAN LENS by CHRISTINA M. ORIEL / AJPRESS
“DO you mind if I’m on the elliptical during this?” actor Conrad Ricamora asks on a recent afternoon during a phone interview. For the next 30 minutes, Ricamora talks about the latest stage role that has been filling his time before ABC’s legal drama series “How to Get Away with Murder” — in which he plays Oliver Hampton — starts filming season five this summer. This entire conversation is devoid of any indication that he’s out of breath. “It’s good training,” he says with a laugh. In two hours, he’ll then make his way to the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, where he’s starring in “Soft Power,” a The cast of “Soft Power” musical by Tony Award winning on musicals like “The King and playwright David Henry Hwang I.” What if American culture and (“M. Butterfly”) and composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home”) that historical events were told from an outside perspective? premiered on May 16. “A part of what David and The production, billed as a Jeanine are doing is sincerely “play with a musical,” is produced by Center Theatre Group, turning the idea of ‘The King and I’ on its head. Rodgers and Hamdirected by Leigh Silverman and merstein, who are white people, choreographed by Sam Pinklewrote ‘The King and I,’ probably ton. with really good intentions but Coming back to the stage feels like home for Ricamora, who without any real knowledge of Thailand or anywhere in that area. spends most of his year working What happened years down on the TV show. the road when China is now the “There is no replacement for that immediate sharing of energy world power, what America was like way back 100 years ago, and with an audience in that theater what they would write about it, that you can’t get from TV or film. Those two forms have great they might get it wrong the way Rodgers and Hammerstein probthings too that theater doesn’t, ably got a lot of things wrong but that shared experience that when they wrote ‘The King and lives and dies every single night I,’” Ricamora says. is something you can’t replicate Hwang, the only Asian Amerior find anywhere else. Also, there can playwright to win a Tony is a sense of ensemble that hapAward, has stated in interviews pens in theater because everyhis complicated relationship with one shows up at the same time “The King and I” and how that every night to tell a story. There largely influenced the writing are times where I go a week or of “Soft Power.” The story was two without seeing some of the originally part of a commission cast on the TV show because we to mark the 50th anniversary of don’t shoot the same scene,” he the Center Theatre Group’s Mark says. Taper Forum. In “Soft Power,” Ricamora “I’ve always loved ‘The King plays Xue Xing, a Chinese film and I,’ it’s been a show that has executive who visits the United moved me since I was a kid. But States trying to do an American as I’ve gotten older, there’s this show set in Shanghai. There, complicated feeling where I know he meets with a man named David Henry Hwang (Francis Jue) it is kind of inauthentic and making a political point subtly—re— who is loosely based on the real playwright — and encounters inforcing the dominance of the West. But it’s done so beautifully presidential candidate Hillary that by the end of it I’m still in Clinton (Alyse Alan Louis). tears,” Hwang said previously in “It is such a complex show a conversation with CTG’s Artistic about really sensitive topDirector Michael Ritchie. ics. People should just go see For Ricamora, whose past it…they are bound to have an work includes Lun Tha in “The experience like no other in the theater,” Ricamora says, trying to King and I,” being able to take describe all the elements that go a critical look at the beloved musical and star in a production into the musical. written by someone who is Asian Another layer of the story jumps 50 years later and recounts American, alongside fellow Asian American actors, is unprecthe 2016 presidential election edented. from a Chinese lens and with A recent study by the Asian China as the main world leader. American Performers Action Essentially, this turns the tables
Ricamora as Xue Xing and Alyse Alan Louis as Hillary Clinton
Fil-Am actor Conrad Ricamora stars as Xue Xing, a Chinese film executive in “Soft Power.” Photo by Craig Schwartz
Photos by Craig Schwartz
Coalition found that in 2015-16, the number of Asian Americans decreased to 4 percent, the steepest drop among all the groups. “It’s been an interesting process because the production of ‘The King and I’ that I did at the Lincoln Center was done with a lot of integrity. But when you start with something that was written by people who never even went to the area where the show takes place, then there is bound to be inaccuracies,” he said. “What’s so great about ‘Soft Power’ is turning that convention on its head and to finally be able to play an Asian man who is three-dimensional and what if all of the white characters on the show are based on ideas that Chinese people had of America even if they were trying to do it with the best of intentions.” Ricamora, who is of Filipino descent on his father’s side, says that acting has in some respects brought him closer to his heritage. His father came to the United States from the Philippines at 10 years old and “tried to be very American.” “Even when he was raising us, my brother and [me], he didn’t teach us Tagalog…I think maybe because he left when he was a little kid, he didn’t want us to have an accent or anything. But we did go to Fil-Am events and I remember that sense of camaraderie,” he recalls, mentioning that he mainly grew up in the South. One of this notable roles was Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. in “Here Lies Love” — the musical about former Philippines first lady Imelda Marcos — which was an “immediate immersion into Filipino history.” “That meant the world to me to learn about the country that runs through my blood that I’ve never had the chance to talk or learn about. I got to do it on stage for a couple of years alongside other Filipinos,” he
Ricamora and Kendyl Ito
shares. “It felt very rewarding and it was a safe space for us to all be ourselves and tell our stories.” For “Soft Power,” Ricamora was offered the role of Xue Xing the same day he got a call back. Leading up to rehearsals, he worked with a dialect coach to master the way his character speaks. “It lends a lot to how [my character] moves through the world and gets what he wants and I don’t want to say aggression… but his determination to really get his country and culture seen,” he says. “It’s something that I feel all Asian people can tap into because we haven’t been able to see ourselves on screen. We talk about shows that are whitewashing Asian characters so that kind of desire to move forward our representation in media is something that was really easy for me to tap into.” The cast of “Soft Power” is predominantly Asian American, including Filipino-Americans Billy Bustamante (whose Broadway credits include “Miss Saigon”), Jaygee Macapugay (“School of Rock”), Maria-Christina Oliveras (“Amelie”), and Geena Quintos (“Miss Saigon”). Ricamora has worked with most of the cast members before so “it feels like family” to reunite with them. With the 24/7 information cycle and saturation of news, perhaps a political musical is the last thing viewers may want to see. There are no mentions of the current U.S. president’s name in it. However, Ricamora believes “Soft Power” provides that space for the audience to take a step back from what’s happening outside the theater’s walls. Reviews for it have mostly been written in praise for its boldness. “It’s the ability to laugh at the things that have happened in the last two years since the 2016 presidential election,” he says of his main takeaway of the musical. “It has been such a dark and trying time filled with so much doubt, fear, and anger so it’s nice to go to the theater and just laugh about it and get new insight into it as well. It’s a release for all the things that have been happening and I think that has been a great joy. Also the conversations that people are immediately having during and after the show.” That’s the beauty of an art form like theater. It doesn’t remain stagnant and each performance is never truly the same as the one that came before it. Having to keep up with real-life updates and changes has kept Ricamora on his toes. “Working with David and Jeanine has been the greatest challenge. Their ability to shift dialogue and the story and sharpen and specify things is really, really
L-R: Maria-Christina Oliveras (obscured), Geena Quintos, Billy Bustamante, Ricamora, Jaygee Macapugay, Jon Hoche and Daniel May Photo by Craig Schwartz
L-R: Ricamora, Austin Ku, Francis Jue, Geena Quintos, Billy Bustamante and Raymond J. Lee Photo by Craig Schwartz
quick. Being able to keep up with that has been one of the most rewarding and challenging things I’ve ever done in my career,” he says. On the morning of this interview with Ricamora, news broke that the U.S. would pull out of an upcoming summit with North Korea. “I’ve never been part of a show where headlines can really change it,” he muses. “It’s constantly evolving every day, isn’t it? The news today, it talks about how precarious [U.S.-Asia relations] are. I just read something in the New York Times about how backing out from the summit with North Korea could potentially benefit China, giving it a leg up in world politics. That’s what our show is about: imagining if China becomes a dominant leader, not just politically, but culturally as well. There are signs of that starting to happen because we’re not willing to work and have that dialogue with other nations.” There are symbols within “Soft Power” that satirize the image of today’s American society, especially abroad, including McDonald’s and being gun-obsessed. The week before, yet another mass shooting at a school occurred in Santa Fe, Texas and that “completely changed the tone of our show,” Ricamora mentions. “It’s a very much living and breathing work of art in a way that I’ve never been a part of before,” he adds. “Soft Power” is running at The Curran Theatre in San Francisco from June 20 to July 8. After that, Ricamora heads back to the studio for the fifth season of “How to Get Away with Murder,” which will film until next February. “I wish I knew. They don’t tell us anything,” he says, laughing, of what the audience can expect of Oliver in the upcoming season. “They’re in the writers’ room right now cooking up all kinds of
stories but they’re sending us any updates or anything. You’ll know when I know.” Ricamora was promoted as a series regular in season three for his portrayal of Oliver, an IT specialist and HIV-positive gay man who is the love interest of Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee), one of Annalise Keating’s (Viola Davis) law students. “The main thing that I identify with is how Oliver really wants love in his life and wants a relationship. He struggles with that and I’ve struggled with that in less dramatic ways but I definitely identify with wanting to have that closeness with someone else but not knowing how to do that. Now that he’s a part of this group, he blossomed into feeling at home with these people,” he says. To be an Asian American actor as a regular on primetime network show is “huge,” Ricamora says, because he didn’t see representation for himself growing up. “It’s not something I usually think about until someone shows up at the stage door, like someone did a week ago, in tears because they finally feel like they have representation. There are all these letters that come into the theater from people all over the country who are thanking me for just being on TV. It’s very strange to take credit for because I’m not a politician out there making new laws for representation. I’m just doing my job as an actor, but it’s an unexpected reward for doing the work that I want to do,” he says, adding, “I’m glad I can be that for other people.” “Soft Power” is at The Curran Theatre in San Francisco until July 8. with performances at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 8 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday). For tickets: https://currantheatre. box-officetickets.com.
Erich on Enchong: I feel his genuine love and care
Brazilian-Japanese model-actor is now dating Polish model Karolina Pisarek.) HE was with me during the Erich said the experience difficult times. I feel his genuine had taught her a lot. “Yes, I love and care,” said Erich Goncarry with me the lessons of zales of Enchong Dee, her costar the past,” she declared, adding in “The Blood Sisters.” that she was able to survive “It helps that I’m working with the help of family and with someone who I am really good friends like Enchong, close to,” added Erich, who whom she first worked with in portrays the triplets Agatha, Car- 2009 in her launching TV series, rie and Erika in the drama series. “Katorse.” “Our relationship continues even “With all the good things after work.” that’s happening in my life right The actress got embroiled now, I have no more time for in a controversy that led to the anything negative, or anybreakup of her relationship with thing that’s not worth getting Daniel Matsunaga in 2016. (The stressed about,” she said. by MARINEL
R. CRUZ
Inquirer.net
Erich Gonzales with Enchong Dee in Paris.
Photo from Instagram/@erichgg
The actor related: “I’ve always been a confidant to her. We’re part of a bigger group, and we all support each member. Yes, I was with her during that stage in her life when she was really down emotionally.” “I would respond to her call and spend time with her—no matter how expensive the restaurant she chose … I was there,” Enchong quipped. “Friendship is the foundation of our relationship. We would text each other whenever we feel like it, wherever we are in the world. We never fail to show each other that we care.” Enchong also has this to
say about Erich as a co-actor: “I’ve been saying this in my interviews; she’s become a really good actress now. I think she was able to learn a lot from whomever she has worked with in the past and is able to apply them now,” he observed, adding that Erich “deserved the success and the attention” she is currently experiencing. “They are gifts from God. They are her reward for surviving tough times,” he pointed out. “This show is really for her. Everything that we are doing here is for her. We’re working hard as one unit to help her and the show succeed.”
community SF3 Dingdong Dantes still mum on political run by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net
WITH a showbiz career that spans almost three decades, Dingdong Dantes has certainly built a name as one of the most promising actors of his generation. Add to that, he has also earned admiration for his social consciousness what with numerous advocacies he personally initiated and pursues to this very day. It can be recalled that the 37-year-old actor and philanthropist set up the YesPinoy Foundation in August 2009 to help bridge the gap in country’s education system by providing full college scholarships. He has since assisted as many out-ofschool youths as possible go attain degrees, taking on scholars year after year. Moreover, Dantes is known to join relief operations together with the Philippine Marine Corps where he is a reservist, even bringing along volunteers from his foundation to help communities devastated by Typhoon Ondoy in 2009. For his advocacies, Dantes received the Youth Leadership Achievement award from the Department of Education in September 2010 and was recognized as one of People Asia magazine’s “2010 People of the Year” awardees. Further using his celebrity to generate public interest and assistance in promoting Philippine arts and culture, Dantes is also a staunch supporter of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. In 2014, former president President Benigno Aquino III appointed Dantes as commissioner-at-large of the National Youth Commission. He held the position until 2016 when he decided to resign from the agency in order to throw his support behind Sen. Grace Poe and then Rep. Leni Robredo’s respective bids for president and vice president. Even then, Dantes’ name had been floated for a senate
T h e As ian Jou r n al S F MAGAZ IN E – Ju n e 2 2 , 2 0 1 8
Your Immigration Solution Atty. SArA N. CroSS ANd NANCy Miller
Dingdong Dantes
run, disappointing those reeling him into the political arena by choosing to endorse and campaign for his chosen candidates instead. But now that the 2019 general elections are just around the corner, questions as to whether he will finally heed the call of government service have risen to the surface anew, and this is what Dingdong Dantes has to say: “Ito ang parati kong sinasabi, let’s put it this way… Ako I value my work, my job as an actor. I love my family very much. I also value my community work and yung accountability ko parati is nasa viewers, nasa aking pamilya at siyempre nasa bayan. I plan to have this mantra and way of thinking for a very long time regardless of form.” The actor gave this ever-safe answer to The Manila Times during an ambush interview, following the launch of his latest television project. He also accommodated questions regarding his viral comment last week reacting to Sen. Wyn Gatchalian’s comparison of President Rodrigo Duterte kissing a married Filipina in South Korea with the work of professional actors. Dantes wrote on Twitter, “Ngayon ko lang nakita [referring to Gatchalian’s video
NEWS of largescale workplace raids conducted by the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) have proliferated the media in recent months. Recent high-profile worksite immigration enforcement operations include the raid conducted on April 5, 2018 in Bean Station, Tennessee on the Southeastern Provision meat-processing plant which resulted in the arrest and detention of GMA photo 97 individuals for suspected interview]. Kaming mga artista immigration violations; the ay gumaganap ng isang karakraid ICE conducted on June ter. Minsan nga puwede kaming 5, 2018 at Corso’s Flower and umayaw kung ‘di namin trip Garden Centers in Sandusky dahil kani-kaniyang values at and Castalio, Ohio where 114 interpretation yan. ‘Di porket workers were arrested and sinabi ng direktor at script na detained on suspected imtalon ay tatalon ka na.” migration violations. Locally, At a direct swipe on Mr. a widespread immigration Duterte and Gatchalian, he enforcement operation was further posted, “As actors, we conducted by ICE across Los are accountable to our viewers, Angeles between February our producers and the manner 11th through the 15th of this of delivering the story. Aba’y year, which resulted in the ibang usapan yan kapag public arrest and detention of over official ka. Kaya’t huwag dapat 200 people, while raids in ihambing gamit ang ganiyang Northern California on Februargumento.” ary 27th, resulted in the arrest Of his comment, Dantes and detention of 150 people told the press, “Ano lang on suspected immigration naman yun… pag nakokomviolations. promiso na ang mga bagay na For the relatives of those mahahalaga sa akin… Alam niyo arrested, the aftermath of naman ang mga bagay na masuch raids are frightening and hahalaga sa akin di ba? So yun filled with uncertainty. Howlang naman ang dahilan doon.” ever, for many people caught Meanwhile, asked about in these types of workplace publicly supporting Kris Aquino raids, detention doesn’t have (along with his wife Marian Rito mean the end of their life in vera) on social media, when the the U.S. or that their situation youngest daughter of slain Sen. is hopeless. After a person is Ninoy Aquino called out Comarrested and detained by ICE, munications Assistant Secretary the first thing that everyone Mocha Uson for comparing Mr. wants is for the person who Duterte’s South Korea antic with is detained to be released. two admirers kissing her father The initial bond determinashortly before he was assastion is made by a deportation sinated, Dantes said, “Siyempre officer. If the officer denies alam ko yung sakit na pinagdabond or sets it at an unreachContinued on Page SF4 able amount, it is important to
Getting your detained family member out on bond
know that they are legally entitled to a review of this initial bond determination by an immigration judge. The request for a bond redetermination can be made orally but is best if presented in writing with strong supporting documentation. Some people, such as those with previous criminal convictions, those who are being charged as removable on certain terrorist or political grounds, and those who already have a prior order of removal entered against them, are subject to mandatory detention and are not eligible to be released on bond. However, if a person has no prior criminal convictions and their only arrest and detention is in the present immigration context, they may be eligible to be released on bond while their case proceeds, which is why requesting a bond redetermination when they appear before the Immigration Judge is important. During a bond redetermination hearing, the person who is detained (the “detainee”) bears the responsibility to demonstrate to the Immigration Judge that he or she does not pose a danger to the community and should be released on bond while their immigration proceedings are ongoing. The detainee must also demonstrate that they do not pose a danger to national security, that they do not pose a flight risk, and that they are not a poor bail risk. When deciding whether to grant release on bond, the Immigration Judge may consider many factors. These factors can include, but aren’t limited to, whether the detainee has a fixed address in the United States, how long he or she has resided the U.S., if the detainee has local family ties and whether those ties may enable them to obtain legal immigration status, any immigration
relief that may be available to the detainee, the detainee’s employments history, membership or participation in any community organizations, ownership of any property in the U.S., if he or she has any prior immigration violations, how the detainee entered the U.S., if the detainee is facing any pending criminal charges, any previous immoral acts or participation in subversive activities, as well as his or her financial ability to post bond if granted. This is not an exclusive list of factors the Immigration Judge may consider, as what is relevant varies from person to person and is greatly dependent on the facts of each case. Additionally, it is important to understand that after the initial bond redetermination by the Immigration Judge, a request for a subsequent redetermination can only be made in writing and must demonstrate that, “circumstances have changed materially since the prior bond redetermination.” Therefore, it is important to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable in immigration law and is familiar with proceedings before the Immigration Court, as the detainee will generally have one chance to present their case to the Immigration Judge as to why they should be released on bond, absent any material change in their circumstances. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com website: www.rreeves.com
*** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
SF4
celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 22, 2018
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar Mariel rodriguez is back to work after her hiatus from showbiz for two years. Her fans missed seeing her that time because she was advised by her doctor during her pregnancy with her first child with action star-husband robin Padilla. last Tuesday, June 19, Mariel was warmly received by her aBS-CBN and “it’s Showtime” family. among those excited for her was her good friend, model and “Cinema News” host Bianca Gonzalez, who posted their pic on her instagram account. Bianca wrote, “i am so happy to be here liVe for your first day back at work!! So proud of you, @marieltpadilla!! love you!!” Mariel’s other co-hosts Vice
Ganda, anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Karylle and amy Perez also formally welcomed Mariel back to the show. in 2016, Mariel had to get a leave of absence from “it’s Showtime” due to her pregnancy. although she avoided a miscarriage, her doctor advised her complete rest. On November 14, 2016, Mariel gave birth to a baby girl, Baby Maria isabella. *** So it’s confirmed: Modelactress ellen adarna is indeed pregnant and is due anytime now. Of course, there is no question that actor John lloyd is the father, since they have been in the news for quite some time. But the confirmation was due to photos uploaded by Newsgraph on their Facebook
Mariel Rodriguez returns to ‘It’s Showtime’ after two years
page. in the photo showed the rumored couple leaving a doctor’s clinic in Cebu City, with a clear image of ellen’s baby bump. Just behind her was John lloyd, smiling. another incident that confirmed the actress’ pregnancy was a TV5 report saying that John lloyd allegedly mentioned that ellen’s condition was the reason why she cannot attend the preliminary investigation for the cases filed against her. The actress-model is facing
Model and “Cinema News” host Bianca Gonzalez welcomed good friend Mariel Rodriguez on her first day Photo from Instagram @iamsuperbianca back in “It’s Showtime.” Mariel Rodriguez is back with her ABS-CBN and “It’s Showtime” family after being absent for two years. The actress-host had to take a leave of absence in 2016 while she was pregnant with her first child with husband Robin Padilla.
Model-actress Ellen Adarna’s pregnacy was confirmed when a news site posted a photo of her and rumored boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz leaving a hospital in Cebu City.
Beautiful actress Sunshine Dizon is back on TV again in the well-liked GMA 7 teleserye, “Kambal Karibal.”
Katrina Halili, known as the “Primera Kontrabida of the Philippines” last year, is now part of the GMA Pinoy TV series, “The Stepdaughters.”
a violation of ra 7610 or antiChild abuse law and ra 10175 or anti-Cybercrime law. The parents of the alleged teenage paparazzi she posted on her instagram account filed the cases against her. in the two hearings, ellen did not appear on both, but John lloyd attended the last hearing that lasted only less than 30 minutes and has been rescheduled on June 25.
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA [Select a handful of those things in your bucket list that have the highest chance of coming to fruition given your time frame. In tech speak, this means before your life’s energy goes into ‘low batt mode’ and life has run out of sockets to plug into.] aS you begin considering to pare down the stuff you have accumulated unwittingly over a lifetime, you begin to realize that perhaps going through experiences might be a more worthwhile pursuit. Getting a massage is one of those supreme indulgences many people can’t seem to get enough of. Head massage, facial massage, whole boy massage, foot massage – there’s plenty to choose from in many spas that are becoming big business. Some salons are offering these as part of their services because there is a real need for it. People who are part of a work-a-day world doing stressful jobs that have deadlines and quotas would probably love for their employers to give them vouchers to have a weekly or monthly massage as part of
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach recently shared that she and boyfriend car racer Marlon Stockinger are very much in love with each other, but are not hurry to settle down.
Filipino student leader from Hercules Michael Diaz Cabrera celebrated his 18th birthday last June 8 at Ristorante in Pinole. Shown in photo are (L-R) Elaine Estabrooks, Ronald Villar, mother of the celebrant Myrna Diaz Cabrera, father Edward Villar Cabrera, Mark, Abigail, Anthony, Vangie, Angeline, Roxie, AJ Perez and Joselito Cabrera.
The bucket list
Pamper yourself with a massage (Fourth of a series)
“I have a massage when I want to relax. I love being pampered. I love island massages when you’re outside in the fresh air. —Angie Stone their benefits package. Their nerves and muscles tied up in knots could be loosened up and made to relax with a massage. if you haven’t had a massage in your life, indulge in one. it can be pretty pricey though since they go by hourly rates. But if you do so only once in a great while, the experience of a full body massage can be exhilarating. There are kiosks in the mall that offer this. it is usually the men who patronize this since the public exposure may be a turn-off for ladies who may prefer the privacy of spas instead. in a vacation at Boracay many years ago, on the spur of the moment, i had a massage by the beach done by a blind, elderly woman, licensed by the Philippine Department of Tourism. She was good. it was as though all the knotted areas in my neck and back disappeared. Foot massages are wonderful as well. in the hands of an
Dingdong Dantes still mum... From Page SF3 anan niya nung panahon na yun. We just wanted to show support that’s all.” Happily, amid all the controversies hinged on politics, Dantes continues to thrive in his showbiz career, still on a high from the box office success of his movie with anne Curtis, “Sid & aya.” Produced by Viva entertainment, the unique love story has been declared the No. 1 movie thus far for 2018, raking in earned P132 million at the cinemas and counting. “Officially nasabi sa akin na it is No. 1. So sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa mga nanood, nanonood at mga manonood pa lang dahil isipin mo kahit na bumabagyo, nakita ko sa Glorietta na marami talagang
pumipila at nanonood,” he said. as for his newest television show on GMa Network, Dantes will begin hosting an infotainment program titled “amazing earth” beginning June 17. The show is the Philippine version of British Broadcasting Company’s (BBC) award-winning series “Planet earth 2,” where the celebrity will be tasked to present extraordinary and exceptional wildlife from all over the world as well as the most beautiful places in the Philippines with natural formations, varied terrains and fascinating flora and fauna. Known to be adventurous, Dantes is thrilled to host “amazing earth”. “i love to travel. in my every destination, i always discover na
expert masseuse, a foot massage can feel like all the tired bones and muscles in the feet are given attention and care on a cellular level. Your feet, and by extension, the entire body, would become rejuvenated with the human touch. if you walk, jog or run regularly as part of your fitness routine, try getting a foot massage sometime. leg cramps may be a way of telling us that we need to treat our legs and feet with the same tender loving care we give our faces. after all, the feet that carries our weight all day deserve some pampering. if you have happy feet, your day and even nights will be restful. You are likely to wake up energized ready to take on the next day. Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List … *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com marami pa talaga akong hindi nalalaman at dapat ma-explore about how beautiful this planet is. Kaya naman in this show, expect me to be part of the journey of every viewer—that in every episode, i will be learning side-by-side with them.” Moreover, as an advocate of education, youth development and the environment, Dantes is especially excited for the show to highlight specific ways in which everyone can help protect all things great and small. “Masaya ako kasi while doing this, i realize how it teaches me the value of respect—for the people, the animals and our planet. in the complexities of this current world, we should all find this balance where we could all co-exist and live as how we were all designed,” he ended.
community The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 22, 2018
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ In a recent ruling, Attorney General Jeff Sessions ruled that women who were victims of domestic violence, and people fleeing gang violence in their home country, are not eligible for asylum in the U.S. This ruling is now binding on both immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). ABANDONED BY HER BIRTH PARENTS, WILL NIKKA BE LEFT BEHIND AGAIN WHEN USCIS CHALLENGED HER ADOPTIVE PARENT’S ELIGIBILITY TO PETITION HER? Lilia This decision could also have profound effects on Filipinos (right) and her husband Peter filed a petition to adopt Nikka (left) when the child was 12 years old. The adoption decree was issued six (6) days before Nikka turned 16 years old, and the certificate of finality came out two (2) months after Nikka’s 16th birthday. When Lilia and Peter filed an Immediate Relative Petition who filed for asylum based on for Nikka, the USCIS served a Request for Evidence (RFE), challenging their eligibility to adopt Nikka. Lilia and Peter were devastated, depressed, and in despair. their fear the nPA was after Would this mean losing the chance to be reunited with their adopted child - whom they loved and considered their own? Watch how leading U.S. immigration atthem. torney Michael J. Gurfinkel came to the rescue and secured approval of their petition in a mere two months, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday By way of background, the at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. BIA determined in 2014 that a woman who had fled her home country because her husband repeatedly raped her was entitled to asylum because she was a “member of a social Is one cellular phone worse group” – women abused by What is the current theory? than the other? It is postulated, but not their husbands in a country with The ones which are with dual a macho culture. Many other scientifically confirmed, that the PhiliP S. chuA, band (1800 MHz) are said to be women relied on this case and frequent and extended use of a MD, fAcS, fPcS cellular phone (where the phone worse than the regular ones with poured into America, claiming THE controversy about the only 900 MHz. Obviously, there is right at the user’s cheek, the asylum, because they were also increased risk of brain cancer are other factors, like length of earpiece smack against the being abused by their husand other health concerns exposure and proximity of the ear) might be associated with bands. Other people claimed among avid users of cellular cellular phone to the brain, etc. increased incidence of brain that they had been victims of phone is upon us once again. What other illness can celcancer. As I have stated, this gang violence in their home The Internet is flooded with lular phone use cause? has not be proven yet. Clinical country, and their government claims and counterclaims, and The other condition often studies are underway around was unable or unwilling to stop some misinformation. mentioned is leukemia. Again, the world. or control that violence. In this column in May 2000, we would like to emphasize that How could the cellular Atty. Gen. Sessions deterwe wrote about the “possible” we do not have scientific data phone “cause” harm? mined that asylum is available adverse health effects of the to support this suspicion at this The cellular phone antenna only for those people who fear frequent and prolonged use of time. is the “probable culprit” in this persecution because of their cellular phone. Following are Are microwave ovens safe? race, religion, nationality, politiunconfirmed medical suspicion. excerpts from that article, which It is theorized that the antenna, The normal use of microare still current technical/mediwave ovens is safe, provided the which receives electromagnetic advisable not to go too close to cal information: protective shield is not broken. waves (EMW) or signals, transthe TV or monitor. The fact that Is the use of cellular phone mits the same EMW to the brain However, we caution users not safe? to bring their face near the oven medical science does not have of the person using the cellular any evidence that these EMW So far, it seems to be. While phone (since the unit is in close door while the oven is on, bethere are some concerns that cause the microwaves can harm are harmful does not mean they proximity to the brain), and are totally safe. It is best to be the use of cellular phones might that these EMW might explain the eyes by causing premature cautious and view the television be harmful to the users, the final the suspected increase in the cataracts. A leaking microwave at least 5 feet away from you. word has not been said yet. incidence of brain cancer among oven can also affect (inhibit) Does cellular phone use There are medical investigations chronic users. Whether this obcardiac pacemakers. currently going on to find out How about television sets? cause infertility? servation is valid or not, we still There is no factual basis if there are any health risks asSince television sets or comdo not know for sure, but it is for this concern. We do not sociated with the use of cellular only prudent for cellular phone puter monitors also emit some have any reason to believe that phones. electromagnetic radiation, it is users to take some precautions.
Health@Heart
Cellphone-cancer debate
SF5
Attorney general sessions getting tougher on asylum applicants cal opinion, or membership in a particular social group. (It could also include other abuses where the home government is unwilling or unable to control those abuses). However, according to Atty. Gen. Sessions, there are no legal grounds for asylum claims based on domestic violence or gang abuse. According to Atty. Gen. Sessions, “the asylum statute does not provide redress for all misfortune…. The mere fact that a country may have problems effectively policing certain crimes – such as domestic violence or gang violence – or that certain populations are more likely to be victims of crimes, cannot itself establish an asylum claim.” Moreover, the failure of local police to respond to a report of an individual crime victim, “does not necessarily mean that the government is unwilling or unable to control crime, any more than it would in the United States.” With this decision, Atty. Gen. Sessions has restricted those people who may be eligible for asylum, and it shows the U.S. government is getting very tough with granting asylum. In the past, many Filipinos applied for asylum, claiming persecution based on fabricated stories that the nPA was coming after them, or demanding money. They may have been able to obtain work authorization, and so were infertility or impotence can be caused by the use of cellular phones, or having one in a holster by the hip or in a purse. A renewed warning Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, released a warning earlier last year to his own faculty and staff, advising them to “limit cell phone use because of the possible risk of cancer,” in spite of the lack of
happy for the time being. But these asylum applicants will eventually be called in for interview, and they will not be able to prove eligibility for asylum. In that situation, their asylum claim would be denied, and they would be placed in removal proceedings. If you ever applied for political asylum in the past, and you are now seeking other benefits, or if you already have a deportation order based on a denied asylum claim, you should definitely consult with an attorney, who can evaluate your situation, and determine your eligibility for any other benefits and whether it’s safe to apply. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar 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. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
evidence and absence of any alarm from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The UPCI researcher based his concern and stated that science might take some time to provide the public with a definitive conclusion. He admonishes everyone to take the proper precaution now. “Really at the heart of my concern is that we shouldn’t Continued on Page SF7
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community The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 22, 2018
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 J U N E 2 1 -3 0
SIPA presents Filipino Summer Program (Session 1) in LA Join SIPA’s Filipino Summer Program that showcases LA youth the beauty of Filipino culture and history. Every single day students will learn and gain a better understanding of different aspects of the Filipino culture and community, such as Filipino food, Pilipinx cultural dances, Filipino Martial Arts, etc. The last day of the program will be a SIPA Summer Party where the families can come join SIPA as we celebrate the end of the program with food, music, and fun! Youth ages 6-15 are eligible for the program. Those over the age of 16 can volunteer. Participants do not need to be Filipino. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are served for all students! Session 1 is from June 21-30 (excluding Sundays). Registration ends on Thursday, June 14 at 11:59 p.m. Drop-Off of children begins at 8 a.m., and pick-up ends by 6 p.m. at SIPA Office (3200 W Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026). The application and more information is at bit.ly/sipasummer18.
J U N E 28
United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys, CA United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley’s 8th annual Valley Mega Mixer Register early for a unique networking opportunity on Thursday, June 28! At the 8th annual Valley Mega Mixer, connect with hundreds of business decision makers in one night! The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at at Anheuser-Busch (15800 Roscoe Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91406). In order to attend, register through the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) where members pay only $20 online by June 27, $30 at the door. Non-members pay $40. Includes light appetizers. Register online at http://faccgla. org/8th-annual-valley-mega-mixer/.
J U LY 4
Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party in Los Angeles Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party returns as the county’s largest free July 4th celebration from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Featuring picnicking, games, art-making, music, dancing and a stunning fireworks show high above Downtown L.A., Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party is the ultimate summer holiday celebration. The highly popular event offers activities for all ages including soccer, tag, bubble fun and chalk art. Two stages featuring DJs and live musical performances will entertain audiences throughout the celebration. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. from the roof of The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and soar nearly 500 feet, making them visible throughout Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. The event offers a multitude of dining options from more than 40 vendors including the return of gourmet food trucks. Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party will encompass the entire park, from Grand Avenue to Spring Street, plus the surrounding streets.
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
FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS Madaba,Mt Nebo,Petra,Aqaba,Jordan
(Tiberias, Ceasarea, Haifa, Meggido,Magdala, Nazareth, Cana, Mt Carmel, Capernaum, Mt Beatitude, Jericho, Bethany, Mt.Tabor, Mount Zion, Mt. of Olives, Old & New Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Qumran, Masada Dead Sea,Allenby Bridge, Madaba, Mt Nebo Petra, Aqaba Jordan)
California divorce: Frequently Asked Questions
ATTY. LILLI B. BACULI I JUST moved to California last month, and I’d like to file for divorce. Can I file now? To file for divorce in the State of California, the person filing (called the “Petitioner�) must first meet the jurisdictional requirements: (i) residence in the state of California from the past 6 months; and (ii) residence in the county where that person is filing (e.g., San Diego County) for the past 3 months. Residence – put simply, where the Petitioner lives – also determines which courthouse the Petition for Divorce should be filed. “What if my husband/wife does not want to sign the divorce?� or “My husband/wife does not want to sign the divorce papers, what can I do.� California is a no-fault divorce
Oct 19, 2018 (Fri) Day 2 – Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv/ Tiberias Ćž "/ 4" )" / **&$/ 1&,+ +! 201,*0Çž 4" 4&)) *""1 ,2/ ), ) $2&!"Çž 4%, 4&)) " 4&1% 20 !2/&+$ ,2/ 01 6 &+ ,)6 +!Ç˝ "+',6 1%" - +,/ *& 3&"4 ,# 1%" "!&1"// +" +Ç˝ " 4&)) 0-"+! ,2/ Ćœ /01 +&$%1 in Tiberias. Dinner and overnight (D). Beach Holy Eucharist Oct 20, 2018 (Sat) Day 3 – Tiberias/ Meggido/ Nazareth/ Cana/ Mt Tabor We will have short stop in Meggido and the Plains of We will have short stop in Meggido and the Plains of Armageddon, known in Hebrew as Meggido, a giant fortress and City built by King Solomon.
+ 1%" "4 "01 *"+1 ,,( ,# "3") 1&,+Çž &1 &0 /"#"//"! 0 1%" 0&1"0 ,# 1%" ČŠĆœ + ) 11)"Č‹Ç˝ /,* 1%"/"Çž 4" 4&)) ,+1&+2" ,2/ !/&3" &+1, Nazareth, where we will have Mass in the Church of the Annunciation ,the Cave of the Annunciation and and visit Joseph’s Work0%,- +! %"+ 4" 4&)) *,3" ,+ 1, + ,# )&)""Çž 4%"/" 2/ ,/! -"/#,/*"! &0 Ćœ /01 *&/ )"Çż % +$&+$ 4 1"/ &+1, 4&+" 1 1%" 4"!Č’ ding feast. We will invite couples to Bless their marriage vows,Con1&+2" 1, ,2+1 ,/ Çž0&1" ,# "020 / +0Ćœ $2/ 1&,+Ç˝ Ćž "/4 /!Çž 4" will head to Tiberias. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. (B/D). Oct 21, 2018 (Sun) Day 4 – Tiberias/Mount Beatitude/ Multiplication / Primacy/ Capernum/Boat Ride “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heavenâ€? Early AM departures to Mt. Beatitude Drive up to Mount Beatitudes, visit the site of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus preached to the people., Eucharistic Celebration . "+',6 0 "+& , 1 /&!" /,00 1%" " ,# )&)"" 1, -"/+ 2*Çž %,*" ,# 2/ ,/! !2/&+$ %&0 *&+&01/6Ç˝ Ćž "/ 3&0&1&+$ 1%" 6+ $,$2" where he taught, proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the ), 3"0 +! Ćœ 0%"0Ç˝ %"+ 1, 1%" %2/ % /&* 6 ,# 1 "1"/0Ç˝ Č› Çž Čœ Oct 22, 2018 (Mon) Day 5 – Magdala 2)) ! 6 /"1/" 1Çž , 20 4&)) + )2!" -/,$/ *0 0"! ,+ 1%" %&01,/&Č’ ) +! ")&$&,20 3 )2" ,# 1%" $! ) 0&1"0 More info coming up as we get closer to the dates Çž 0/ ") Č” Ç—Ç•Ç•Çž &0 ,3"/&"0 #/,* +"4 / % ",),$& ) !&$ are creating excitement in the area where Jesus began his ministry. The village is called Magdala (Migdal in Hebrew), and it’s the %,*" ,# /6 $! )"+"ǽȋ %" )&3"! %"/" +! 0%" *"1 "020 %"/" and she continued with Him. Yes, it’s that place The most important discovery in Magdala has been a synagogue dating back to the 1&*" ,# "020Ç˝ ,/!&+$ 1, / % ",),$&010Çž &1ȉ0 1%" Ćœ /01 ,+" !&0 ,3Č’ "/"! &+ 1%" )&)""Ç˝ Oct 23, 2018 (Tues) Day 6 – Jordan Valley/ Jericho/ Bethany/ Jerusalem Mass at the Church in Bethany Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" %" ! 1, "/& %,Çž 1%" ,)!"01 &+% &1"! &16 &+ 1%" 4,/)!Ç˝ &"4 1%" ,2+1 ,# "*-1 1&,+Çž 4%"/" "020 0-"+1 ǙǕ days fasting in the desert. We will visit the ancient ruins of the wall. We will continue to Bethany and will have mass to celebrate Holy 2 % /&01 1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ 7 /20Ç˝ %"+ 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" -Č’ 1&0* ) 0&1" &+ &3"/ ,/! +Ç˝ -,+ //&3 ) &+ ,2+1 ,-20 *" +&+$ Mount of the Watchmen/Sentinels, is a mountain in northeast Je/20 )"*Ç˝ +',6 1%" Ćœ /01 3&"4 ,# "/20 )"*Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" ! 6ȉ0 1,2/Çž 4" will check in at our hotel in Jerusalem (B/D) Oct 24, 2018 (Wed) Day 7 – Jerusalem (Old City)/ Via Dolorosa/ Mount Zion Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place ,# 0(2))Çž 4%& % &0 ))"! &+ 1%" " /"4 ,)$,1% ǽȋ Č› ,%+ Ç–ÇžÇżÇ–ÇœČœ We will enter the Old City of Jerusalem and will follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) and say the Station of the Cross to the holiest shrine in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, 3&0&1 ,)$,1% +! 1%" ,* ,# 2/ ,/!Ç˝ Ćž "/ * 00Çž 4" /"12/+ 1, the hotel for breakfast. Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) "+1"/ 1%" )! &16Çž 0&+$ %6*+ &+ 1%" Church of St. Anne and view the Pool of Bethesda. Then we will 3&0&1 1%" % -") ,# ) $")) 1&,+Çž &1%,01/ 1,0 Č›4%"/" 1%" 0,)!&"/0 -) 6"! 1%" *" ,# &+$0Čœ +! 1%" / % ,# 1%" ČŠ " ,*,Č‹Ç˝ Dinner/Overnight
Oct 25, 2018 (Thurs) Day 8 – Jerusalem Mass at the Holy Eucharist Church of St Peter in Gallicantu ČŠ %" ,/! " *" Ć? "0% +! !4")1 *,+$ 20ǽǽǽȋ Č› ,%+ Ç–ÇżÇ–Ç™Čœ " 4&)) 4 )( 1, 3&"4 1%" ,*" ,# 1%" , ( #/,* 1%" ,210&!"Çž +! visit the Western Wall,( Wailing Wall ) the only part of the Herodian Temple still standing and the most sacred place in the world for "40Ç˝ %"+Çž 4" 4&)) !/&3" 1, 1Ç˝ &,+Çž 1, 3&0&1 1%" --"/ ,,*Çž /"Č’ 3"/"! 0 1%" 0&1" ,# 1%" 01 2--"/Çž 1%"+ 02/3"6 1%" ,/*&1&,+ "6Çž +! 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ "1"/ &+ ))& +12Çž %" 0&1" 4%"/" "1"/ !"+&"! "020 1%/"" 1&*"0Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" ! 6ȉ0 1,2/Çž we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Jerusalem (B, D) Oct 26, 2018 (Fri) Day 9 – Mount of Olives/ Gethsemane/ Bethlehem/ Jerusalem (New City)/ Ein Karem Mass at the Church of Nativity ČŠ *,2+1 &+ ,# ,!Çž /" "&3" *"Çž *,1%"/Çž 4&1% *6 %&)!ǽȋ Č› /,1,Č’ "3 +$")&2* ,# *"0 Ç—Ç—ÇżÇ˜Čœ " 4&)) //&3" 1 1%" ,2+1 ,# )&3"0Çž 1, "+',6 +,1%"/ 3&"4 ,# "/2Č’ salem, visit the Chapel of Ascension, Pater Noster Church and the ,*&+20 )"3&1 țȊ ,! 4"-1Č‹Čœ 0 + 12 /6Ç˝ "51Çž 4"ȉ)) 4 )( 1%" )* 2+! 6 , ! 1, 1%" /!"+ ,# "1%0"* +"Çž +! 3&0&1 1%" , ( ,# $,+6 +! 1%" %2/ % ,# )) 1&,+0Ç˝ + 1%" Ćž "/+,,+Çž 4"ȉ)) !/&3" to Bethlehem, a city whose name is recognized around the world. Ćž "/ ")" / 1&+$ 00 1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1&3&16Çž 4" 4&)) 0"" 1%" +$"/Č€ 3&0&1 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ 1%"/&+"Çž 1%" /,11, ,# 1Ç˝ "/,*" +! 1%" %"-%"/!0ȉ &")!0Ç˝ Then we will return to Jerusalem (New City), to view the Temple Model to see how it looked during the time of Jesus. Here, we will gain a better understanding between the old and new cities of "/20 )"*Ç˝ - +"51 &0 1/&- 1, &+ /"*Çž &/1%-) " ,# 1Ç˝ ,%+ the Baptist, to see the Visitation Church, where Mary proclaimed %"/ # *,20 ČŠ $+&Ćœ 1Č‹Ç˝ " 4&)) "+! ,2/ ! 6 6 /"12/+&+$ 1, ,2/ Hotel. (B/D) Oct 27, 2018 (Sat) Day 10 – Jerusalem/ Dead Sea/ Qumran/ Masada Mass at the Church of all Nations Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) ")" / 1" * 00 1 1%" %2/ % ,# )) 1&,+0 and then we will drive to Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Visit Qumran; see the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, visit Herod’s fortress and the Jew’s last 01/,+$%,)! $ &+01 1%" ,* +Ç˝ "12/+ 1, "/20 )"* #,/ !&++"/ and Overnight (B, D) Oct 28, 2018,(Sun) Day 11 – Jerusalem/ Allenby Bridge/ Madaba /Jordan/ Mt. Nebo/ Aqaba Mass at Mount Nebo On this day, we head to Allenby Bridge and cross into Jordan. We 4&)) $, 1, 1%" -1&0* ) &1" 1 "1% +6Çž 4%& % ,-" ,%+ 2)
3&0&1"! &+ Ç—Ç•Ç•Ç•Ç˝ %"+Çž &1ȉ0 ,+ 1, ,2+1 " ,Çž 4%"/" ,0"0 3&"4"! 1%" /,*&0"! +!Ç˝ 2/ +"51 01,- 4&)) " 1%" %2/ % ,# 1Ç˝ ",/$" &+ ! Çž 4%& % %,010 1%" # *,20 *,0 & * - ,# 1%" ,)6 +!Ç˝ Then we will drive down to Aqaba. Overnight in Aqaba (B/D). Mov"+-& ( "0,/1 Ç” "0&!"+ "Ç˝ Oct 29, 2018 (Mon) Day 12 – Aqaba/Petra Mass at Stella Maris Church – Aqaba Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) ',2/+"6 1%/,2$% 1%" &.Çž 2+1&) 4" $"1 ,2/ Ćœ /01 $)&*-0" ,# 1%" % 7+"% Č› /" 02/6ČœÇ˝ %"+ 4&)) 4" 4 )( !,4+ 1, visit the Temple and view the many caves all around the Theater. At the end of the tour, we will drive back to Aqaba for overnight and !&++"/ Č› ČĄ ČœÇ˝ ,3"+-& ( "0,/1 Ç” "0&!"+ " Oct 30, 2018 (Tues) Day 13 – Aqaba/ Jerusalem We Cross the Jordanian Border to return to Jerusalem. Dinner/ Overnight Oct 31, 2018 (Wed) Day 14 – Jerusalem /Yad Vashem Museum/ TLV/ LAX Ćž "/ /" (# 01Çž 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" ! 0%"* 20"2*Çž&0 0/ ")ȉ0 ,Ć› & & ) *"*,/& ) 1, 1%" 3& 1&*0 ,# 1%" ,), 201Ç˝ 1 &0 !"!& 1"! to preserving the memory of the dead; honoring Jews who fought $ &+01 1%"&/ 7& ,--/"00,/0 +! "+1&)"0 4%, 0")Ć? "00)6 &!"! Jews in need; and researching the phenomenon of the Holocaust in particular and genocide in general, with the aim of avoiding 02 % "3"+10 &+ 1%" #212/"Ç˝ Ćž "/ 1%" "01"/+ ))Çž ! 0%"* &0 1%" 0" ,+!Č’*,01Č’3&0&1"! 0/ ")& 1,2/&01 0&1"Ç˝ "12/+ 1, 1%" %,1") #,/ )2+ % +! /") 5 1&,+ &+ -/"- / 1&,+ #,/ ,2/ /"12/+ Ć? &$%1 ( 1, 1%" Ćž "/ !&++"/ 4&)) " 1/ +0#"//"! 1, 1%" &/-,/1 #,/ ǖǿǕǕ * )&$%1 ,3 ǖǞǗǕǖÇ? Č› %2/0! 6Čœ
Note that “proper service� is defined in the Family Code and must be followed, and the validity of any Judgment for Divorce rests on the proper service of the Respondent. “What? I have to share my retirement earnings? This is mine, I worked hard for it!� California is a community property state and so once you get married, all property acquired during marriage is community property. Separate property are “all property acquired before marriage; all gifts, bequests, devise, or descents. All property acquired or exchanged with traceable separate property; and all property acquired after separation.� However, if anything out of the community property is used towards separate property, the community might have a claim on part(s) of separate property. “I don’t want to pay spousal support.� Whether you like it or not, spousal support will be ordered if the other party makes a request, and the court deems that the circumstances Continued on Page SF7
Cellphone-cancer debate From Page SF5 wait for a definitive study to come out, but err on the side of being safe rather than sorry later,� Herberman said. In the advisory he sent to about 3,000 faculty and staff, he also suggested that “children should use cell phones only for emergencies because their brains are still developing.� What is the public to do? Since there are serious medical concerns raised about the safety of the frequent use of the cellular phone in spite of numerous initial studies that showed, in particular, that there “is no increased risk of brain cancer among cell phone users,� the public finds itself in the middle of this medical debate, while waiting for the final confirmatory studies. There is no question that the cell phone is one of the most wonderful devices man
Some precautionary measures we can take are: (1) Limit our use of the cell phone to necessary calls only, and as has ever invented and one that briefly as possible; (2) Use text is most vital in today’s world, in business as well as for family and messaging, instead, especially for children; and, (2) For all calls, personal use. It is here to stay, use hands-free devices. And, if like all the other electronic gadyou want to meet God sooner, gets that make life easier, more comfortable, more secure, more text and drive! Let us enjoy our cell phone efficient, and more productive safely and wisely. It is a fabulous for the majority of the people friend. around the globe. *** While the medical controPhilip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac versy rages on, it is prudent for Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana everyone using a cell phone to use the common sense approach and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University to the situation at hand. If we suspected our tap water Hospital, where he holds the title of to be contaminated, what would Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of we do? We would surely boil it properly or use bottled water, in- the American College of Surgeons, the stead. In other words, we would Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical take the necessary precaution Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino on the basis of the suspicion, even before a pending bacterial United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) culture analysis is obtained, even humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua. without a definite proof as yet. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com It’s better to be safe than sorry later. (Advertising Supplement)
Pilgrimage to Some of ITALY’s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist Nov 12, 2018 to Nov 22,2018 Spiritual Director REV.JOEL BUGAS
OCTOBER 18 to Nov 1, 2018 SPIRITUAL CHAPLAIN: REV. ANTONIO FLORES Oct 18, 2018 (Thur) Day 1 – Lax to Tel Aviv, Israel / +0Č’ 1) +1& Ć? &$%1 #/,* 1, "+ 2/&,+ +1"/+ 1&,+ ) &/-,/1Çž ") 3&3Çž 0/ ")Ç˝ Č› " )0 0"/3"! &+Č’Ć? &$%1Čœ
state. A party filing for divorce does not need the consent of the other in order to file a Petition for Dissolution (Divorce) or, in some instances, to get a judgment of divorce. What is “Service of Process?� Can I just mail the divorce papers to my exspouse? Service of Process is a crucial procedural step in the divorce proceedings, because the law reserves for the exspouse (called the “Respondent�) the right to respond and appear in court, if s/he wants to. In proceeding in an action for divorce, there are procedural requirements dictated by law that must be followed to ensure that the other party has notice of the action (that is, that s/he is being brought to court for an action of divorce) and that s/he is given time to respond. However, there is no requirement for the other party to respond. There is no requirement that s/he sign any document at all. All that needs to happen is that s/he is properly served with process according to the rules.
The CTV Files
Day 1 – 12 Nov 2018 – (Mon) Day 2 – 13Nov 2018 – (Tues)
- USA - ROME - Rome -,+ ,2/ //&3 ) &+ ,*"Çž our Tour Escort will wel,*" 20 1, 1 )6Ç˝ ,*" &0 the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all ,3"/ 1%" 4,/)!Ç˝ Ćž "/ short panoramic orienta1&,+ ,# 1%&0 1"/+ ) &16 1, 20 ,* + 1%,)& 0Çž 4" 4&)) have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City.
Č› Çž Čœ Day 3 – 14 Nov 2018 (Wed) – Rome / Papal Audience/ Rome
This morning before we continue with our tour, we will % 3" - ) 2!&"+ "Ç˝ %"+ Ćž "/Çž 4" 4&)) 3&0&1 1%" # Č’ *,20 ,)&0"2* +! 0"" 1%" ,/2*Çž 1%" /"3& ,2+1 &+ and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi ,2+1 &+Çž "#,/" %" !&+$ 1, ,2/ ,1")
Č› Çž Čœ Day 4 – 15 Nov 2018 (Thurs) – Rome / Basilicas We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, +! "3"+ + &"+1 /""( +! ,Č’ man artists. the largest church &+ ,* + 1%,)& &0*Çž 1Ç˝ "1"/ȉ0 Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary ',/Çž ,)),4"! 6 3&0&1 ,# 1%" Č’ silica. We continue to visit the rest ,# 1%" * ',/ 0&)& 0 4&1%&+ 1%" 4 ))0 ,# ,*"Çž +! 1Ç˝ ,%+ 1"/Č’ an, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same 01"-0 1% 1 %/&01 0 "+!"! 1, /" "&3" &) 1"ȉ0 2+'201 ,+Č’ demnation.
Č› Çž Čœ Day 5 – 16 Nov 2018 (Fri)–Rome /San Giovanni Rotondo Ç—Ç•Ç–Ç? &0 1%" Ç–Ç•Ç•1% ++&3"/0 /6 ,# 1%" 01&$Č’ matization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year . + &,3 ++& ,1,+!,Çž 1%" %,*" ,# 1 Č’ !/" &, ,# &"1/") &+ #/,* Ç—Ç? 2)6Çž ǖǞǖǛ 2+Č’ 1&) %&0 !" 1% ,+ Ǘǘ "-1"* "/Çž ǖǞǛÇ?Ç˝ +',6 1%" !/&3" $,&+$ 1, + &,3 ++&Çž Ćž "/ 4" check in our Hotel. We visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated 4&1% %&* Çž 02 % 0 1%" %/&+" ,# 2/ !6 ,# / " 1% 1 contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditat&+$Çž 0"" %&0 /,,*Çž %&0 ,+#"00&,+ ) ,5 +! 1%" /2 &Ćœ 5 that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Cel" / 1" ,)6 2 % /&01 Č› ,1") / + / !&0, Čœ
+ &,3 ++& ,1,+!, (BB,D) Day 6 – 17 Nov 2018 (Sat) – SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body .Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesomeBasilica.
Č› ,1") / + / !&0,Čœ Day 7–18 Nov2018 – (Sun) – San Giovanni Rotondo / Lanciano /Loreto Ç˝ " //&3" 1 + & +,Çž # *,20 #,/ 1%" &/ )" ,# the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The mira)" 1,,( -) " !2/&+$ 1%" Ç?1% "+12/6 when a Basiline monk doubted the " ) /"0"+ " ,# ,2/ ,/! &+ 1%" 2 % /&01Ç˝ " #,2+! %&*Č’ 0")# %,)!&+$ 1%" %,01 1% 1 % ! % +$"! &+1, " ) )"0% +! 1%" &+" ,+ 1%" )1 / % ! % +$"! &+1, " ) ),,!Ç˝ We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine ,# ,/"1, 1, 0"" 1%" # *,20 0 /"! %,*" ,# 1%" *,01 ,)6 *&)6Çž "020Çž /6Çž +! ,0"-%Ç˝ &+ " ǖǗǞǙ 1%" %,)6 %,*" % 0 ""+ ), 1"! &+0&!" 1%" 0&)& ,# ,/"1,Ç˝ ")" / 1" ,)6 2 % /&01 &+ + & +, DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi Day 8 –19 Nov 2018 – ( Mon) Loreto/ Assisi ,! 6 4" "5-),/" 1%" %&))1,- &/1%-) " ,# 1 / + &0 ,# 00&0&Ç˝ + 1%" /6-1 ,# 1 / + &0 0&)& )&"0 1%" 1,* ,# one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, 1Ç˝ / + &0 ,# 00&0&Çž ,)6 2 % /&01 1 1%" /6-1 ,# / + &0 "" 1%" 0&)& ,# 1 ) /"Çž 4&1% %"/ &+ ,//2-1 body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its Cru&Ćœ 5 #/,* 4%& % "020 0-,(" 1, / + &0 ,21 %&0 *&0Č’ 0&,+ &+ ǖǗǕǛǿ ČŠ ,Çž / + &0Çž +! /" 2&)! *6 %,20"Çž 4%& % 0 6,2 0"" &0 # ))&+$ &+1, /2&+ǽȋ " 3&0&1 1%" 0&)& ,# 1Ç˝ Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi 1,,( -) " &+ ǖǗǙǕǽ %" 0* )) %2/ % ,# 1%" ,/7&2+ ,Č’ ) &0 &+0&!" 1%" 0&)& &10")#Ç˝ ,-" ,+,/&20
$/ +1"!
a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble %2/ % ,+ 2$201 Ç–01 +! Ç—+! "3"/6 6" /Çž 4&1% ,+#"0Č’ sion, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) Day 9 – 20 Nov 2018 – (Tues) – Assisi / Siena / Florence We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built &+ 1%" ǖǘ1% "+12/6Çž &1 &0 1/" 02/" %"01 ,# 1%" "+ &0Č’ sance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the city’s history while admiring it’s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s great *"!&"3 ) 0.2 /"0Ç˝ ,+1&+2" 1, ),/"+ "Ç˝ Č› Çž Čœ " 01 /1 4&1% $2&!"! 4 )(&+$ 1,2/ ,# ),/"+ "Çž 1%&0 # 0Č’ cinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria !") &,/"Çž &,11,ȉ0 ")) ,4"/Çž 1%" -1&01"/6 ,# 1Ç˝ ,%+ the Baptist. "01 ,# 1%" ! 6 #/"" Č› Çž Čœ Day 10 – 21 Nov 2018 (Wed) – Florence / Rome " 3" ),/"+ " /,2+! Ç— //&3"! ,*" )*,01 !&++"/ time (BB.D) Day 11 – 22 Nov 2018 (Thurs) – Rome / USA End of our wonderful Pilgrimage .
Please call QTS Tour and Travel NOW at 1 (714) 288-0800 or (714) 761-6280 1095 N Main St. Suite O, Orange, CA 92867
Summer is a great time to get healthy, active, and quit smoking SAN DIEGO – With summer here, there’s now more time to enjoy the outdoors and have a fresh restart for those who have neglected their resolutions from the beginning of the year. The weather’s getting warmer, school’s out, and people have another chance to renew their commitment to live a smoke-free life. Here are some tips on how to enjoy this summer by taking steps to quit smoking: • Make a list of all the reasons why you want to quit smoking. Knowing why you want to quit will help you stay motivated and keep your eyes on the goal. Imagine a life without being dependent on cigarettes. Your list could include health reasons, concerns about your physical appearance, or even wanting to be less isolated from family and friends who want you to quit. Review your list daily to serve as a reminder. • Walk in the park. Enjoy the outdoors and fresh air by taking a walk in the park, or hiking in the mountains. Most parks don’t allow smoking, which will help you resist the urge to smoke, and you’ll be getting great exercise. • Spend time with your supporters. Every person trying to quit smoking needs support from friends and or family.
James Reid and Nadine Lustre
Spending time with non-smokers can help you in your efforts to quit for good. • Call the Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ): Mandarin & Cantonese 1-800-838-8917, Korean 1-800-556-5564 or Vietnamese 1-800-778-8440. Another way to find support is by calling the Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ), a free nationwide telephone assistance for those who want to quit smoking. • When you’re on vacation, try avoiding triggers. Plan and engage in smoke-free activities. Book a smoke-free room, or use a rental car. Start new traditions. Pass on the alcohol or other triggers that tempt you to reach for a cigarette. “Remember, keep trying and every quit attempt counts!” said Cherrie Ng, a project manager of ASQ. ASQ is operated by the Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ). ASQ provides FREE evidencebased smoking cessation services in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese to Asian communities in the U.S. Studies have shown that smokers who enroll in ASQ services double their chances of quitting successfully. We encourage all smokers to call ASQ if they want free help quitting smoking. Friends and family of smokers may also enroll to learn how to help smokers
Inquirer.net photo
JaDine out to establish an ‘Epik Universe’ by MJ
MARfoRi ManilaTimes.net
in our own folklore stories?” acknowledged the AustralianTHERE is no stopping power Filipino singer-actor. “I’ve been couple James Reid and Nadine training in Muay Thai since 2017 Lustre from taking their young but I’ll be intensifying my training celebrity far and wide. even more because Pedro will be With an intense fanbase to shown in the fourth quarter of this support their every move—their year.” own Careless music label, soap Penduko and Makiling will run operas, movies and endorseas separate projects but James ments—they are practically assures JaDine fans he will have considered superheroes among no love interest as Pedro. millennials, and about to be so. “This will be a very different James and Nadine just landed Pedro Penduko from what you major roles for newly launched guys have watched. We will also content creator Epik Studios be working with people from by Cignal, which named them Marvel and Netflix so I’m super the Pedro Penduko and Maria psyched for that.” Makiling of the new generation. As for Nadine whom we As the proudly Filipino super hecaught for a chat at the Samsung roes, they will star in the opening J6 on Friday, June 15, she said of salvo of a decade-long installment their new assignments, “I’m not of homegrown comic book charsure about the love team [appearacters for the big screen. ing within the two projects] but I Make way for ‘Epik Universe’ understand they will call for it [at Marvel boys and girls! some point] para sa makakabuti Apparently James has been sa kanilang dalawa.” training since last year when he She went on, “But I was really learned about the super hero so excited to learn about doing project. Maria Makiling because I’ve “What better way to influalways wanted a very actionence the youth than by starring packed role.”
California divorce: Frequently... From Page SF6 call for it. Some of the factors that the Court will look at to determine whether there is basis for support, and if so, in what amount, are – length of marriage, age of parties, if there are minor children in the marriage, income of both parties. “Why do I need an attorney?” You don’t need an attorney. There is no requirement that you must have an attorney. However, in cases involving issues such as domestic violence, custody disputes, child support, spousal support, and division of community property assets it would be wise to seek advice from a licensed and experienced attorney so as not to waste your time and money, not to mention the court’s time and resources, especially when you have to keep going back to court because of incomplete or missing documents that could have been addressed from the
very beginning by a competent and knowledgeable attorney. Not all divorce cases are the same. It is important to be properly informed about your rights and responsibilities under California law in divorce proceedings. The wrong advice or information can and will hurt you, and waste your time and money. Consult a licensed and experienced family law attorney to help you navigate through your divorce. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 4958088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys. com. For general information visit www. chuatinsayvega.com. (Advertising Supplement)
quit. Cessation advisors who speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean or Vietnamese are ready to offer useful information. Smokers can receive a free two-week supply of nicotine patches while supplies last. We encourage health care providers and community leaders to refer [smokers by visiting our website and selecting “Web Referral.” ASQ will provide cessation advice and free patches at no cost to your patients. Visit www.asq-shop.org to order free promotional materials and fact sheets about smoking. Shipping is free. Over 10,000 Asian language speakers from all 50 states have enrolled in ASQ services since 2012. ASQ is funded by the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ASQ is open Monday through Friday, 7am to 9pm Pacific Time (10am – Midnight Eastern Time). To enroll, call or register online today! • Mandarin & Cantonese - 1-800-838-8917 / www.asqchinese.org • Korean - 1-800-556-5564 / www.asq-korean.org • Vietnamese - 1-800-7788440 / www.asq-viet.org To learn more about ASQ in English, visit: www.asiansmokersquitline.org. (Advertising Supplement)
entertainment SF7 Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres-Gomez mark 20th wedding anniversary The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – June 22, 2018
by Deni
Rose A. BeRnARDo Philstar.com
CELEBRITY couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez marked their 20th wedding anniversary last April. When asked how they spent their anniversary, Lucy told Philstar.com that she and Richard went on a second honeymoon abroad. “It was a very nice time for us together as a couple, very rarely now,” Lucy said in an interview following a “Balik Saya” fashion show of terno pieces at the newly opened National Museum of Natural History in Manila. According to her, what she likes the most from their relationship is that they are free to pursue their interests, “but when we come together we have so much in common.” She thinks that the key to their successful #RelationshipGoals is finding the right balance and having quality time for each other. What do they wish for each other in the coming years of their marriage? “The simple things,” she enthused. “The best things are very random, very unexpected.
Richard Gomez with wife Lucy Torres-Gomez and their daughter Juliana.
Life naman is all about many beautiful days you count to-
Photo from Instagram/@lucytgomez
gether, so you try to make each day count!”
SF8
people & events The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 22, 2018
Social Security combined Trust Fund Reserves Depletion Year remains 2034 says Board of Trustees
Discovery Cove: Drop-in childcare center
Do you need time for yourself? Are you in need of emergency childcare and your day care is closed? Do you have errands or appointments you would rather do without of more than $941 billion in calendar year 2017. There were your kids? If so, Discovery Cove is the drop-in childcare about 62 million beneficiaries at you need! the end of the calendar year. • The projected actuarial Discovery Cove offers dropdeficit over the 75-year longin, hourly childcare up to 12 range period is 2.84 percent of hours per week at $7 per hour. taxable payroll – slightly larger You can relax and enjoy your than the 2.83 percent projected outing knowing that your chilin last year’s report. • During 2017, an estimated dren are safe and supervised. 174 million people had earnings Children ages 2 to 10 years old will experience a wondercovered by Social Security and ful time filled with structured paid payroll taxes. activities. Discovery Cove is • The cost of $6.5 billion to administer the Social Security located at the Family Resource program in 2017 was a very low Center, 39155 Liberty St., Suite 0.7 percent of total expenditures. H850, in Fremont, and oper• The combined Trust Fund ates Monday through Friday, asset reserves earned interest at an effective annual rate of 3.0 percent in 2017. The Board of Trustees usually comprises six members. Four serve by virtue of their positions with the federal government: Steven T. Mnuchin, Secretary ANTIoCH youth ages 17 of the Treasury and Managing and under can purchase a sumTrustee; Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Secu- mer bus pass for only $25.00. rity; Alex M. Azar II, Secretary of Residents are receiving a Health and Human Services; and 50 percent discount on the R. Alexander Acosta, Secretary Tri-Delta Transit summer youth of Labor. The two public trustee bus pass that allows unlimited positions are currently vacant. rides June 1-August 31, 2018. View the 2018 Trustees The Antioch City Council apReport at www.socialsecurity. proved funding to support gov/oACT/TR/2018/. Antioch youth transportation during the summer months when this program is active. A summer pass increases opportunities to enjoy recreational attractions such as the water park, and travel independently
Disability Fund improves by four years
The Social Security Board of Trustees recently released its annual report on the longterm financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined asset reserves of the old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (oASDI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2034, the same as projected last year, with 79 percent of benefits payable at that time. The oASI Trust Fund is projected to become depleted in late 2034, as compared to last year’s estimate of early 2035, with 77 percent of benefits payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund will become depleted in 2032, extended from last year’s estimate of 2028, with 96 percent of benefits still payable. In the 2018 Annual Report to Congress, the Trustees announced: • The asset reserves of the combined oASDI Trust Funds increased by $44 billion in 2017 to a total of $2.89 trillion. • The total annual cost of the program is projected to exceed total annual income in 2018 for the first time since 1982, and remain higher throughout the 75year projection period. As a result, asset reserves are expected to decline during 2018. Social
Security’s cost has exceeded its non-interest income since 2010. • The year when the combined trust fund reserves are projected to become depleted, if Congress does not act before then, is 2034 – the same as projected last year. At that time, there will be sufficient income coming in to pay 79 percent of scheduled benefits. “The Trustees’ projected depletion date of the combined Social Security Trust Funds has not changed, and slightly more than three-fourths of benefits would still be payable after depletion,” said Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “But the fact remains that Congress can keep Social Security strong by taking action to ensure the future of the program.” other highlights of the Trustees Report include: • Total income, including interest, to the combined oASDI Trust Funds amounted to $997 billion in 2017. ($874 billion from net payroll tax contributions, $38 billion from taxation of benefits, and $85 billion in interest) • Total expenditures from the combined oASDI Trust Funds amounted to more than $952 billion in 2017. • Social Security paid benefits
Supervisors vote unanimously to ban sales of flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarette juices and menthol cigarettes
EMPLOYMENT
juice flavors like cotton candy and bubble gum that directly appeal to children,” Canepa said. “Passage of this ordinance is a clear message to Big Tobacco that luring new customers with these deceptive products will not be tolerated in San Mateo County.” The board approved the ban on the same day residents in San Francisco vote on whether to repeal a ban on menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products the city’s board approved in 2017.
ages 2 months to 12 years). For more information, call (510) 574-2010 or (510) 4944381.
City of Antioch offers additional discount on youth bus passes
San Mateo County bans menthol, flavored tobacco
REDWooD CITY – The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on Tuesday, June 5, to ban the sales of menthol and flavored tobacco products in unincorporated county lands. The ordinance was sponsored by supervisors Carole Groom and David J. Canepa. “Big Tobacco is in decline and desperate to groom lifelong addicts. They are trying to create a new generation of smokers by luring them with e-cigarettes and thousands of
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For parents attending an FRC appointment, childcare is free during that time only (for children
around town. The regular cost for the summer bus pass is $50.00 and this discount is available for residents living in Antioch only. Youth 17 and under must verify that they reside in the Antioch City limits. Proof of residency can be provided by the family in the following ways: parent driver’s license, family utility bill such as PG&E, City water bill, or AUSD student ID. Antioch residents can purchase the Summer Youth Pass in-person at the following locations:
The R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company has spent at least $12.7 million to repeal the ban of flavored tobacco products in THE Asingan Association of Northern California, San Francisco. Inc. (AANCI) will host a get together on July 8, at 11 The San Mateo County a.m. at the Tomi Sushi & Seafood Buffet Restaurant Board of Supervisors approved at 1604 De Coto Rd. Union City, California. All Asina resolution in 2011 calling on the Food and Drug Administration to ban menthol products. Recent court decisions, however, allow local municipalities to THE Santiagenians of the USA will be holdnow ban the sales of menthol ing its 44th anniversary dinner and dance on and other flavored tobacco July 21, 2018 at the University Plaza Waterfront products, including cigarillos Hotel in Stockton, Calif. Highlight of the eveand e-juices for vaping. ning will be the coronation of Mr. Santiagenian
• Antioch City Hall, First Floor Customer Service windows 200 H Street, Antioch CA 94509/8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday - Friday • Antioch Community Center 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch CA 94531 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday - Friday To learn more about the Antioch discount for the Summer Youth Bus Pass, please call (925) 776-3070 or visit the City’s website at http://www. ci.antioch.ca.us.
The Asingan Association of Northern California ganians living in the region are welcome to attend. To get more details and to make reservation, please contact Marides Manansala at (510) 456-5058.
The Santiagenians of the USA 44th anniversary
EMPLOYMENT
2018. All Santiago, Ilocos Sur compatriots and friends are invited to come and attend to reconnect with our kakailians. For additional details call Meno Escalona at (209) 610-6864.
SERVICES
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 22, 2018
SF9
SF10
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 22, 2018