June 23-26, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 51 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
PH won’t follow US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
President Donald Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, in the Oval Office on Wednesday, June 20 as he signed the executive order to end family separations at the border. White House photo by Shealah Craighead
Confusion ensues at the US border following Trump’s executive order
DESPITE President Rodrigo Duterte voicing out his opinions against the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on multiple occasions, Malacañang announced that the Philippines will not be following the move made by the United States to withdraw from the body.
In a press briefing on Thursday, June 21, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the Palace respects the U.S.’ decision but will not follow suit. “We’re not following suit if that’s the question. The president has no reaction on what the Americans have decided to do,” Roque said. The Philippines is part of the 47member rights council. The U.S. announced it was withdraw-
ing on Tuesday, June 19, pointing out the rights body’s hypocrisy and bias against U.S. ally, Israel. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley called it “an organization that is not worthy of its name.” The U.S. now joins Iran, North Korea, and Eritrea as the countries that refuse to be participants in the council’s meetings and deliberations. UN human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al-
Hussein said the move was “disappointing, if not really surprising.” In a tweet, he expressed his opinion that the U.S. should be “stepping up, not stepping back” given the current state of human rights internationally. Zeid defended multilateralism and sounded out on the rise of what he described as “chauvinistic nationalism” as the greatest threat to the world at the
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FLOTUS visits Texas detention center, sparks outrage over “insensitive” jacket choice
AFTER President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week to seize separating families seeking asylum at the U.S.Mexico border, there is reportedly widespread uncertainty among federal agencies on how to enact the measure.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque
Inquirer.net photo
‘PH not yet ready for PH embassy defends same-sex marriage’ Independence Day party at Trump hotel u PAGE A3
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 RoPhilippine Ambassador to the U.S. mualdez deemed Jose Manuel Romualdez it fitting to hold Photo by Boyet Loverita the Philippine Embassy’s 120th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Trump International Hotel, an elegant and historic venue in Washington, D.C.”
MALACAÑANG on Thursday, June 21 said that the Philippines may not be ready yet for same-sex marriage despite the start of oral arguments before the Supreme Court (SC) for a petition to legalize it in the country. In a Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque believed that “there is a right time for these kind[s] of issues.” He also said that the SC and the country “are not yet ready for same-sex marriage” because it may still be “too revolutionary.” On Wednesday, June 20, the New Yorkbased Human Rights Watch (HRW) expressed hope that same-sex marriage would be legalized. According to the group, granting the petition for same-sex marriage would allow the Philippines to have equal marriage laws. Roque, however, said the HRW was “detached” from the SC’s proceedings. “I think they are detached from what’s happening in the Philippines’ Supreme Court because based on the declarations of justices, it seems that this case is difficult to win,” he said. The SC, on Tuesday, started holding oral arguments for and against same-sex mar-
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NATIONAL CONVENTION. President Rodrigo Duterte bows as he takes centerstage during the 2nd Quarterly National Executive Officers and National Board Meeting of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) and the 5th Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP) at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) in Mandurriao, Iloilo City on Wednesday, June 20. Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante
Bongbong considers returning to Malacañang as president by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
IN an interview with Londonbased newspaper Financial Times, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed his desire to run for the presidency and return to Malacanñang after President Rodrigo Duterte’s term ends. “My career is politics, and, in fact, you aspire to as excessive a stature inside your chosen area as you can possibly obtain—and that might be president in my case,” Marcos said.
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Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos
Maria Lourdes Baltazar: A conversation on her unexpected role in Malacañang, knowing Duterte, and ‘political will’ by RAE
ANN VARONA
AJPress
THESE days, Maria Lourdes Baltazar — more often referred to as “Girlie” — spends a good amount of her time working at the Philippines’ presidential Malacañang Palace. However, she did not grow up having political ambitions, despite being surrounded by it for a good part of her life. “It’s a lot of phone calls and answering emails. And as much as I could, I would refrain from meeting people in mornings so I can focus on what has been the day before,” Baltazar said of her
Cayetano, Pompeo reaffirm PH-US ties in Washington by FRANCES
MANGOSING Inquirer.net
FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met for the first time in Washington to reaffirm the long-standing alliance between the Philippines and United States. “Secretary Cayetano and Secretary Pompeo had an open and cordial interaction at the State Department today and we are optimistic this would reinforce the ties that bind the relations between our two countries and peoples,” Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said in a news release on Friday, June 22. The meeting also allowed Cayetano to share the Philippine government’s “independent for-
daily activities during a recent interview with the Asian Journal. Born in Manila to an Ilocano mother and Visayan father, Baltazar was raised in the Zamboanga del Sur town of Molave which was founded by her grandfather, Bernardo Guillen. Her father, Paciano Guillen, served there as mayor for nearly twenty five years. From Molave, she found herself in Cebu’s Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción for high school. That was followed by university in Manila where she studied nutrition and graduated a dietitian, a profession she didn’t really practice until becoming
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Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman
Maria Lourdes Baltazar
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From the Front Page
PH won’t follow US withdrawal... PAGE A1 t
comment on the issue, he said start of the Council’s 38th session Duterte is conscious about making on Monday — his last session be- certain comments. fore his mandate ends. “The president is very careful UN Secretary-General António never to comment on sovereign Guterres also voiced out his opin- decisions, in the same way that he ion and said he would have much does not want other states compreferred for the U.S. to remain in menting on domestic sovereign the UNHRC. decisions,” he said. When Roque was sought for He added, “So we leave it at
that. That’s the decision of the Americans, so be it.” However, Roque said that the decision of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration reflected Duterte’s own views. “I guess the latest decision of the United States reflects a sentiment that President [Duterte] himself has articulated and apparently we are not alone in this perception that there is bias amongst human rights groups,” he said. Duterte has been continually criticized here and abroad for the extrajudicial killings that tarnished his administration’s campaign against drugs. Due to this, he decided to withdraw the Philippines as a signatory of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which established four core international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the OFF TO MARAWI. Members of the 12th Civil Military Operation Battalion salute before boarding a plane for Marawi City, where they will help crime of aggression. The Philippines ratified the trea- keep the peace while rehabilitation work is ongoing. The Philippine Army deployed additional troops to the Islamic City, including ‘Hijab’ troopers, on Thursday, June 21. ManilaTimes.net photo by Andrea De La Cruz ty in 2011. n
‘PH not yet ready for same-sex... PAGE A1 t
riage based on a petition filed by lawyer Jesus Falcis III. According to Falcis, he filed the petition seeking to legalize same-sex marriage in the country before the Supreme Court because the 1987 Constitution did not specify that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. The petition was met with criticism by some justices. Roque said, “That’s why the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community is
pushing for the SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression) bill. Not just SOGI but (a bill that seeks to) recognize at least the civil partnership between individuals of the same sex because they know it is too revolutionary to accept same-sex marriage.” President Rodrigo Duterte, for his part, has changed his views on same-sex marriage. “There was a time he (Duterte) says that he was against it. There was a time he said he’s for it. So this is fluid,” Roque said. n
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
Bongbong considers returning to Malacañang... PAGE A1 t Although according to him, the presidency is “not something that I wake up in the morning and plan on.” He does, however, want to build a “more egalitarian system of government,” as he told FT. “In my father’s administration, I kept hearing ‘nationbuilding,’ and I do not hear that phrase anymore,” he said. He added that the Philippines must “come to some kind of
modus vivendi” with China, as well. “With the Philippines being such a strategic place and with your traditional strong relationship with the U.S. and China as an emerging superpower, it puts us in a very difficult spot,” he explained. Marcos also divulged that supporting civil servants and teachers, and making appointments based on merit instead of political loyalty might be included in his platform — the
latter being a slight swipe at Duterte who has a strict policy of not appointing or hiring people he doesn’t know. “Because he’s now in the national area, he must take advantage of the talent that’s available out there,” he said. Marcos lost the vice presidency in 2016 to Leni Robredo with narrow margin. This had prompted him to challenge the contested poll, leading to a recount that started in April. Many critics vocalized their
concerns, however, over the possibility of the rehabilitation of the Marcos family if the recount were to go Marcos’ way; after all, he has been in politics since 2010, his sister Imee has been the governor of Ilocos Norte since 2016, and his mother Imelda has been serving as the representative of the second district of Ilocos Norte. According to Amnesty International’s estimates, 70,000 people were imprisoned, 34,000 were tortured and 3,240 were killed during the martial law that Marcos’ father implemented. n
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DATELINE USA
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 23-26, 2018
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1 in 5 immigrant children detained during ‘zero tolerance’ border policy are under 13 by SHEFALI LUTHRA AND
MARISA Kaiser Health News
THE Trump administration has detained 2,322 children 12 years old or younger amid its border crackdown, a Department of Health and Human Services official told Kaiser Health News on Wednesday. They represent almost 20 percent of the immigrant children currently held by the U.S. government in the wake of its latest immigrant prosecution policy. Their welfare is being overseen by a small division of the Department of Health and Human Services — the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) — which has little experience or expertise in handling very young children. The number of children has exploded in the past six weeks since the Trump administration moved to stop parents and their children at the U.S. border and separate and detain them in different facilities. A total of 11,786 children under age 18 are currently detained, the official said. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday that seeks to detain parents and children together. The order also changes oversight of detention from HHS to the Department of Homeland Security. But it’s unclear whether the children currently detained by HHS will be transferred and whether the order will comply with a court standard for the treatment of children in custody, known as the Flores agreement.
TAYLOR
Since 2003, ORR has been charged with sheltering and finding suitable homes for “unaccompanied alien children” — generally teenaged immigrants who reach the United States without a parent or guardian. But its responsibilities have morphed and multiplied since April because the immigration crackdown means that the ORR is now responsible for detaining not only more children, but minors who are far younger than those who had come in the past, experts said. Beyond specialized medical care, younger children have different food and housing needs, and require more personal attention. “The children are younger and will be there for a longer time and are deeply traumatized by being forcibly separated from their parents,” said Mark Greenberg, a former administration official at HHS’ Administration for Children and Families, which oversees the ORR. “All of that makes it much more difficult to operate the program.” The complex crisis is magnified by the inexperience of some of the political appointees leading the response, said critics who include former officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations of the past decade. ORR Director Scott Lloyd is a lawyer whose career has been focused on anti-abortion ef-
forts. He led the Trump administration’s legal efforts to prevent abortions for detained teen immigrants. Lloyd’s main immigration experience before leading ORR was research for a report on refugees for the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic service organization with an anti-abortion stance, according to a deposition he gave in lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union. Kenneth Wolfe, the HHS spokesman who provided the figures, declined to address how many people are currently working at ORR or whether ORR had secured additional staff or expertise to cope with the influx of young children. He also would not say how many of the 2,322 children 12 and younger have been separated from their families. The administration had previously refused to provide the ages of the children separated from their families — saying only that about 2,300 children have been separated and detained since the policy took effect. The detention conditions, which include children being held in chain-link holding pens and “tent cities,” have ignited a political firestorm over possible abuse in the treatment of children as young as 4. Some of these younger children — including toddlers — are being sent to “tender age” shelters, according to media reports. The care is also costly: Tents alone cost HHS $775 per person per day, according to media reports.
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Cayetano, Pompeo reaffirm PH-US ties... PAGE A1 t eign policy” and its positions on the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea. Cayetano also delivered a personal letter from President Rodrigo Duterte congratulating President Donald Trump for the successful summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore early this month. Cayetano and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon also thanked Pompeo for the U.S. assistance in Marawi City. Romualdez said that Pompeo “expressed hope” for another meeting between Duterte and PH Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano met with US Secretary of State Michael Trump. ■ Pompeo in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, June 21. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Embassy
QUAKE DRILL. A teacher coaches her students at the Pembo Elementary School during the earthquake drill held in Makati City on Thursday, June 21. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina
Confusion ensues at the border ahead... PAGE A1 t As previously reported by the Asian Journal, the president signed the order on Wednesday, June 20 after facing intense political pressure for enforcing a measure in his “zero-tolerance policy” that separated more than 2,300 children from their parents or guardians at the border. Previously, the president defended the policy, insisting it was the law and that he was legally unable to reverse the measure. His signing of the executive order signaled a political retreat after overwhelming rebuke over images, video and audio of children being detained in cage-like facilities captured the world’s indignation toward the administration. The executive order directed the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) to keep families detained together from here on, but it didn’t articulate a clear plan or measure to reunite the currently separated families. According to the Associated Press, a senior Trump administration official said that 500 of the children who have been separated have been reunited, but it wasn’t clear how many of these children were still detained with their families. In the two days after the executive order was signed, chaos ensued among confused migrant families and equally
confused government officials at the border and in Washington because it was unclear as to what the practical execution of the order should be. Children have been taken to juvenile shelters far away from the parents’ detention centers. Some parents have been deported without their children, like one Guatemalan mother who was deported without her son, according to a New York Times story. According to the Pentagon, there would be space available for 20,000 migrant children on four military basis, but it wasn’t certain if this space was for unaccompanied minors or families. Additionally, the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) said in a statement that it is “awaiting further guidance on the implementation of the executive order” before providing shelter. Trump’s executive order did not calm the outrage propagated by the widespread family separation at the border. Americans, activist organizations and lawmakers across all political spectrums and causes came out in opposition to the Trump administration’s handling of the crisis at the border over the last few weeks. The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), an alliance of Fil-Am organizations, officially condemned the Trump admin-
istration for the recent events and ordered Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform to put an end to “inhumane” practices like family separation. “Like many of our Filipino family members, immigrants come to America to pursue opportunity, escape poverty, or reunite with their loved ones,” said NaFFAA National Chairman Brendan Flores in a statement. “We urge Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform that creates a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers and protects the family-based immigration system.” Lawmakers have also been making moves to address the border crisis and immigration as a whole. Before the executive order was signed, Democrat and Republican lawmakers swiftly introduced bills to reverse the family separation practice. Taiwanese-American Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), who has been a fervent and vocal advocate for immigrants’ rights and opposer of Trump, played the widely-circulated ProPublica audio of children crying in detention centers to advocate for immediate action at the border on House floor despite the presiding Republican urging him to stop for violating House rules of “decorum.”
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A4 JUNE 23-26, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
DATELINE USA
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Survey bares barriers facing Asian Americans in workplace
PH DRAGON BOAT TEAM. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque poses with the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat National Team, which bagged both the grand prize and the third place in the 2018 Beijing International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament on June 9, during a courtesy call at the Senate on Wednesday, June 20. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Pacquiao assures fight with Matthysse will happen by DINO
MARAGAY Philstar.com
MANNY Pacquiao’s fight with WBA welterweight titlist Lucas Matthysse will go on as planned on July 15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, despite claims that the bout is in serious jeopardy. In a text message to Philstar. com, Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz said the Filipino icon himself gave him the assurance. “Our fight will push through as I spoke to Manny an hour ago,” Koncz told Philstar.com. Reports about the fight being in danger have been circulating the past few days, citing financial problems. A story by ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael claimed that Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, which is promoting the event, is still $2 million short in funds. The report said it’s been a month since Pacquiao’s side has missed the deadline for delivering the rest of the money. MP Promotions has reportedly made an initial payment of $500,000 to the camp of Matthysse and event co-promoter Golden Boy Promotions. Koncz did not clarify the promotions’ financial status, but he expressed confidence that everything is in order. Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s former promoter Bob Arum, whose Top
“2,300 kids were ripped away from parents with no real plan to reunite them. I can’t play the @ProPublica audio of their cries for help because of ‘decorum’? F*** decorum. @realDonaldTrump engaged in the functional equivalent of kidnapping. The American people need to hear this,” Lieu tweeted on Friday, June 22. Per the executive order, the Trump administration orders border patrol agents to “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
ety. “This is a great opportunity to make sure that both direct and indirect communication channels are available between employees and managers to accommodate and address such differences.” To explore the nature, severity, and possible ways to address this gap, for the first time the 2018 survey included 400 non-APA employees in addition to 2,800 APA employees across the United States working in various industries. ‘Bamboo Ceiling’ The 2018 survey also found that APA employees were more likely to report a shortage of role models, executives, and board directors representing their cultural backgrounds. Over a third of respondents reported no APA presence in the leadership. “We are seeing a vicious cycle in the workplace. APA employees often do not get considered for senior positions. In turn, this means aspiring Asian employees do not have role models to look up to,” noted Reid.
In comparison to their nonAsian counterparts, Asian employees had a much lower favorability on a set of measures: • Asian respondents felt that their companies did not comprehensively implement initiatives as stated in their company’s mission statement, programs, policies and procedures. • Asian respondents also indicated lower favorability on how their managers support the professional growth of employees of Asian background. • Due to this dissatisfaction, Asian respondents were less likely to care about their company’s overall success and less likely to stay if offered a comparable position somewhere else. The Asian Corporate Survey is developed in consultation with Asia Society’s Global Talent and Diversity Council, which is comprised of more than 20 diversity leaders from Fortune 500 companies. It includes direct responses from APA employees as well as Diversity & Inclusion/ HR departments. (Inquirer.net)
WHO: Compulsive video gaming now a mental health problem by MAYEN JAYMALIN Philstar.com
Manny Pacquiao works on the mitts with trainer Buboy Fernandez during a recent training session in General Santos City. Photo by Wendell Rupert Alinea/Manny Pacquiao Promotions
Rank Inc. will handle the fight’s TV broadcast in the US, has expressed uncertainty in the bout pushing through. Arum even went as far as saying he’s ready to offer Matthysse a crack at Top Rank star Terence Crawford in case the Argentine’s title defense against Pacquiao gets cancelled. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with the fight, but if it doesn’t happen, I would hope to talk to Golden Boy about having Matthysse fight Crawford,” Arum said in the same ESPN. com report.
Crawford recently turned himself into a major player in the 147-pound division after knocking out Jeff Horn to become the new WBO welterweight champion. Pacquiao and Matthysse, for their part, continue training at their respective camps in General Santos City and Indio, California, hardly showing any concern. Koncz, for his part, made a parting shot to critics. “When the fight happens, all these doubters can eat their words,” he said. ■
Confusion ensues at the border ahead...
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NEW YORK — Asian and Asian Pacific American (APA) employees in the United States are less likely to attain senior leadership positions, according to Asia Society’s 2018 Asian Corporate Survey. The forthcoming survey suggests this is partly because APA participants self-reported being less assertive and less likely to speak up and share their perspectives compared to their non-APA counterparts. Among the five most frequently cited barriers to workplace advancement by APA survey participants are “cultural background” and “communication skills.” “There is a cultural mismatch that many U.S. employers may be unaware of, with many APA employees stating they believe they are less likely than their non-APA counterparts to be considered for senior roles at their companies due to cultural differences,” said David Whitelaw Reid, executive director, Corporate Programs and Talent Initiatives at Asia Soci-
separated, according to the executive order. The sharp increase of Central American 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. While the executive order changes the procedure from when it was signed, it does not provide any clear plan for any of the federal agencies as well as the families. Unless the administration does enact a clear
plan to reunite these children with their families, many of them will be placed with family members in the U.S. or sponsors who will take them in. Trump said that he was pressured by First Lady Melania Trump and his daughter and White House senior advisor Ivanka Trump to sign the executive order. “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 continues to be a zero-tolerance. We have zero tolerance for people that enter our country illegally.”
COMPULSIVE video-gaming is now considered a mental illness, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported. In a newly released disease classification manual, WHO said that compulsive video gaming now qualifies as a mental health condition affecting about three percent of video gamers. The global health agency said classifying “gaming disorder” as a medical condition would help governments and healthcare providers to be more vigilant to identify the risks. The decision to list compulsive video gaming as a new health problem was based on scientific In a newly released disease classification manual, WHO said that compulsive video gaming now qualifies
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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 is untrue. As previously reported by the Asian Journal, the practice of separation children from their parents — as well as husbands from wives — was a feature in Trump’s “zero-tolerance policy” which automatically prosecutes all border crossers, even those seeking asylum. That means on top of an immigration case (which could take months to process), they are also hit with a criminal charge. Since children cannot be prosecuted, they were to be detained separately from their parents awaiting adjudication. The policy was first announced in May by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who described fam-
as a mental health condition affecting about three percent of video gamers.
ily separation as deterrence to discourage people from seeking refuge in the U.S. The First Lady causes outrage at Texas detention visit After expressing opposition to the family separations, First Lady Melania Trump hastily paid a visit to a youth detention center in McAllen, Texas on Thursday, June 21 to get an in-person look at the crisis affecting hundreds of families at the border. “I want to thank you for your hard work, your compassion and your kindness,” the first lady told the medical staff and social workers at the Upbring New Hope Children’s Shelter. The FLOTUS was the first member of Trump’s inner circle to take a firsthand look at the situation. “She wants to see what’s real,” FLOTUS spokeswoman
Philstar.com photo
Stephanie Grisham said on CNN in a news briefing. However, what she wore en route to McAllen caught more attention than her visit. The first lady was photographed boarding the plane in Washington wearing an olive green jacket from Zara which said on the back: “I really don’t care. Do U?” The immediate assumption implicit in the outrage was that the message was directed at those she was visiting and at the issue of inhumane immigration practices in general. The first lady’s team insisted there was no hidden undertones to her wardrobe choice, Grisham saying, “It’s a jacket. There was no hidden message. After today’s important visit to Texas, I hope the media isn’t going to choose to focus on her wardrobe.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
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Dateline USa
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 23-26, 2018
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Int’l lawyers’ group urges Philippines Renowned Fil-Am artist Nilo Santiago exhibits recent to hold peace talks in foreign country works on PH historic churches, women’s fashion by Gaea
Katreena Philstar.com
CabiCo
THE International Association of Democratic Lawyers of Friday called on the Philippine government to hold the next round of peace talks abroad instead in the country as demanded by Malacañang. In a resolution, members of the governing bureau of IADL urged the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to abide by their agreements and resume the peace negotiations in a foreign neutral venue. The group said the demand of the government to hold the peace talks in Manila is “a position divergent from a binding agreement between the parties that it be held in a foreign neutral
venue.” “Mainly for security reasons, history and universal practice teach us that most, if not all, peace negotiations between two warring parties were generally held in a foreign neutral venue outside the countries of territories where their respective armed forces are,” it explained. The Kingdom of Norway has been a third-party facilitator between the communist rebels and the Philippine government. In February, Norway’s special envoy to the peace process reiterated the European country’s commitment to the talks. But Palace insisted that there is no need to go abroad to talk peace with fellow Filipinos, saying President Rodrigo Duterte has already guaranteed the
1 in 5 immigrant children...
safety of rebel negotiators and consultants. Should the Philippines become the next venue of the talks, there will be no need for a third-party facilitator anymore although help from other countries will be welcomed, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said. Duterte, in several occasions, asked Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison to come home and even offered to shoulder all of his former professor’s expenses. The government on Thursday suspended all backchannel talks with the communist movement for three months pending the review of all signed agreements. Last week, it was announced that the supposed resumption of talks would not push through. n
arrived on their own. Together, that makes reunification more difficult. And that’s a problem PAGE A3 t Many ORR employees, Carey experts worry will persist, even if Republicans, including former added, are career staffers with family separations cease. first lady Laura Bush, have called deep knowledge about immi“It does not look like they’ve on the administration to stop the gration and child welfare, with figured out this process,” said policy. Trump has blamed Con- whom he frequently worked a former HHS official, who regress for the detentions, but top while in office. quested anonymity because she “The kids are going into the could face professional ramificaWhite House advisers were actively promoting family separa- custody of ORR without adequate tions for speaking publicly. As a resources,” said Shadi Houshyar, result, she added, “the time the tions as a policy shift. News reports have described who directs early childhood and child stays in ORR could be sigchildren as young as 5 being child welfare initiatives at Fami- nificantly longer” — which in scolded for playing, one teenager lies USA, an advocacy group. turn adds to trauma and causes teaching others how to change a “It’s definitely going to result in other long-term problems. small child’s diaper, and caretak- some potentially damaging deciThis story was produced by ers not being permitted to touch sions being made. The capacity, Kaiser Health News, an editorichildren. ProPublica reported training and fundamental orien- ally independent program of the that more than 100 children de- tation — while understanding Kaiser Family Foundation. n the needs of children — is not tained are younger than 4. ORR, experts add, is already at the orientation that ORR has.” While ORR has a history of a disadvantage. “It’s significantly challenging placing teenagers who arrive on to create that capacity, and quite their own with relatives of famiexpensive,” noted Robert Carey, lies in the U.S., that challenge is a former ORR director from the heightened by the policy of sepaObama administration. “All the as- rating children, who are young pects of care are dramatically dif- and may understand little of the ferent based on age. … You need experience or be able to identify people who are trained in early relatives who could take them in. Making matters more complichildhood development or care.” That’s a heavy lift for an office cated, when families are sepathat, experts stress, was never rated, parents and children are built to serve as a long-term tracked by different federal agencies — the parents by the U.S. housing system. It’s not clear, Carey and others Department of Homeland Secusaid, that the administration has rity, and the children by ORR. had sufficient time or support to Children are also tracked and treated the same as minors who adapt.
WHO: Compulsive video gaming... PAGE A4 t evidence, according to Shekhar Saxena, director of WHO department for mental health and substance abuse. Saxena said parents and friends of video game enthusiasts should be mindful of a potentially harmful problem. “Be on the look out,” Saxena said while noting concerns should be raised if the gaming habit appears to be taking over. “If it’s interfering with expected functions of the person – whether studies, socialization or work – then you need to be cautious and perhaps seek help,” he said.
According to Saxena, there is a need and demand for treatment of video gaming addiction in many parts of the world. The British Psychological Society, however, stressed that not every child who spends hours in the room playing games is an addict. But the American Psychiatric Association has not classified gaming disorder to be a new mental health problem, saying more clinical research is needed before it might be considered for inclusion. The group said that much of the scientific literature about compulsive gamers is based on evidence from young men in Asia. n
PH embassy defends Independence Day... PAGE A1 t 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” Romualdez, 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.
government 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 celebration, to try to curry favor with President Trump,” Malaya Movement’s Eric Lachica said. Romualdez, for his part, responded to the backlash and insisted that the event was not extravagant. “Extravagance is a matter of interpretation. For us this is not extravagant,” he said. “First of all, the Philippine government is not spending for this affair. This is donated by my friends, my personal friends.” (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)
Maria Lourdes ‘Girlie’ Baltazar... PAGE A1 t caterer to Malacañang under former President Cory Aquino, she admitted. But that wasn’t the moment that drew her into the political sphere. That moment came much later at the invitation of a close family friend by the name of Rodrigo Roa Duterte. “They were very, very good friends,” said Baltazar of the current president and her late husband Eulogio Baltazar, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy who eventually rose through the ranks while assigned to Davao City. Her husband served as the city’s
commanding officer back when it was dubbed the country’s “murder capital” — about the same time Duterte became mayor and vowed to make it a safer place. For Baltazar who took on a rather traditional role of wife and eventually mother, she recalled following her husband everywhere he was assigned to, all while working as a jeweler on the side — manufacturing, exporting, and traveling to the United States. The 1970s and 1980s allowed the Philippines to be one of the few countries able to export jewelry to the states tax free along with India, Thailand, and Hong Kong, said Baltazar. She took advantage
u PAGE A6
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sentro Rizal Washington DC and the Philippine Arts, Letters and Media Council, Inc. (PALM) collaborated to mount an exhibition of the recent works of renowned Filipino-American artist Nilo M. Santiago at the Philippine Chancery Building, in commemoration of the 157thBirth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal. The exhibit was inaugurated on 20 June 2018. A graduate of UST Fine Arts School in Manila, Nilo M. Santiago has been working for the past twenty years as an artist in the metropolitan Washington area – as a creative designer, a commercial printer, and a painter in various media. He is a winner of numerous awards in national competitions in the United States and served as the official illustrator of the U.S. Air Force for many years. For this exhibition, he is showcasing his works on Philippine Historic Churches and Women’s Fashion at the Turn of the Century. “I wanted to preserve the look of those old churches in my mind and in my paintings which led to my Series on Historic Churches,” Mr. Santiago explained during his presentation. “I am also glad to show the progression of women’s fashion through the ages in the Philippines. I am amazed by the materials like piña cloth and the incredible weaving and embroideries which took hours, days, or even weeks to accomplish,” he further said. The experience of appreciating Nilo Santiago’s draw-
Guests view and admire the works of Nilo M. Santiago. Nilo Santiago has said that he prefers subjects that are “interesting, colorful and at times, thought-provoking”.
ings of Women’s Fashion at the Turn of the Century, is enhanced by the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino (Textiles of the Filipino People) exhibition featuring piña-seda cloths, which debuted in the United States on 10 June 2018. The launch of Nilo Santiago’s exhibition is a result of the tireless efforts of PALM’s Steering Committee, which is composed of history professor and culture enthusiast Dr. Bernardita Churchill; Ms. Lyta Sese; Ms. Arabella Harmon Horwitz, who turned over books to the Sentro Rizal Library; and Ms. Rosalinda Yangas, who introduced the artist at the exhibit launch. In her remarks, Ms. Darell Artates, Public Diplomacy Officer of the Philippine Embassy and the Administrator of Sentro Rizal Washington DC, outlined the upcoming activities of the center, including a possible film-showing in August, and the launch of the
book, The New Filipino Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from Around the Globeon 27 September 2018 at Kramerbooks and Afterwords in Washington, D.C. On behalf of Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, she also thanked the individuals and groups who continue to support Sentro Rizal Washington DC. Ms. Artates cited Manila-based painter Celeste Lecaroz and the youth-led advocacy group Project Saysay whose contributions of a portrait of Dr. Jose Rizal and ten (10) portraits of great Filipinos, respectively, have considerably enriched the cultural resources of the center. The exhibition of Nilo M. Santiago’s recent works and the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino piña-seda displays are open for viewing at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex until July 16, 2018 from 10am to 4pm, except on weekends and holidays. n
A june 23-26, 2018 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn jOuRnAL
Maria Lourdes ‘Girlie’ Baltazar... PAGE A5 t of the situation, traveling back and forth between manila and new York where she spent countless hours selling jewelry to hospital staff from morning, afternoon, and midnight shifts. “i was working like crazy. i was like a walking store,” said Baltazar, adding that the work was enough to give her family a comfortable life. “The midnight shifts were the big time buyers and clients because they had extra pay for that slot,” she shared, adding that many of her clients often allotted the extra income just for their jewelry purchases. Baltazar and her husband first met Duterte in Davao where they stayed for over 20 years — way before Duterte became the country’s president, and even before he became the city’s mayor. “president Duterte was only a fiscal then when they became good friends,” shared Baltazar, adding that back then, fiscals were chosen rather than raffled like they are today. “Then being good friends with Duterte, [with] all of these cases, he would tell his soldiers, ‘oh, drop it off with Digong’,” Baltazar said, laughing reminiscently. Digong is one of Duterte’s many nicknames. Just as her husband reached retirement, he then went back to work as the Department of environment and natural resources provincial director in Davao oriental where he vowed to be a stalwart of environmental issues — especially issues of illegal logging and illegal mining. But in September of 2009, eulogio was gunned down while eating at a restaurant. Authorities began to suspect that the assassination was connected to his campaign against illegal logging and other sorts of environment damaging problems in the area. Her husband was then buried at the famous libingan ng mga Bayani, or Heroes’ cemetery, a final resting place for many of the country’s military personnel, martyrs, and heroes. He was given full military honors. Also in attendance was mayor Duterte. The tragic death of her husband naturally had a big impact on Baltazar who after happily spending time alongside her husband and his duties was suddenly presented with a new reality. “After that, i really got lost,” shared Baltazar. “i didn’t know anymore where i belonged.” Following his death, Baltazar
Baltazar with Pres. Rodrigo Duterte
continued to spend years working and traveling between the philippines and the states, whilst still figuring out where to settle. All the while, Duterte tried convincing her to stay home and serve the country. initially brushing it off, she admitted that the question of how she would be able to serve the country often came to mind. “of course in my prayers, i would be asking myself, ‘How could i serve my country?’” she shared. “But there was no answer yet.” That is until Duterte won the election and again called her up, sounding more convincing — offering her a position that would allow her to serve the country while still holding her dual citizenship. Malacañang, Duterte, and “political will” At the palace, Baltazar works close with the country’s national defense and military, bringing her full circle to her time spent alongside her husband. Work now includes duties from meeting with foreign investors, to making sure projects like the development of the V. luna General Hospital (also known as the Armed Forces of the philippines medical center), or the modernization of the country’s Armed Forces go smoothly. The transition, she shared, wasn’t too bad having been raised by a mayor as a father. Having known Duterte from his rise to Davao’s mayor of 30 years, and eventually the philippines’ 16th president, Baltazar said not much has changed about the controversial leader. “You know, if there’s anyone in the government — and you can very well say who has power, who was been bestowed to have that power and authority, and you would expect people to change — this one person didn’t change at all,” Baltazar said of her friend. “What you see is what you
Dateline USa get. And whoever he was before, it’s still the same right now. What changed is only the title,” she added. Since campaigning for office, Duterte has reached international spotlight with supporters hailing him as a political get-things-done rockstar, and critics seeing him as a notorious human rights violator. “He is so passionate with work, he hates corruption, and he hates drugs,” said Baltazar of Duterte who has become widely known for his controversial war on drugs. He’s also captured headlines through his brazen comments and actions towards women, which he’s before stated was just his style. Some mind it, and others don’t. “Well, that never changed too,” continued Baltazar, again laughing. “He’s always been like that.” other people Baltazar said hasn’t changed? national Defense Secretary Delfin lorenzana. “Still the same humble, sincere, passionate with work,” said Baltazar. Also unchanging is customs commissioner and long-time policeman isidro lapeña who her family also has known since the early Davao days. But most have changed, she said. “You can tell. Ay nako. people that use to be very approachable. now? Gosh. To get an appointment, to get a minute just for a phone call, you can’t even get to them anymore,” she said. “power has gotten into their heads.” of the challenges experienced by the current administration, big is the seemingly long standing issue of corruption. “Since it involves people who are monied and powerful, no matter what you do, it gets to a dead end,” said Baltazar. “And you know, it’s frustrating.” She gave the example of the nation’s purchasing law in which explained corruption starts right at bidding. “no matter how you convince the end user to choose the one with integrity and all that. Ay nako,” she said, using the Filipino expression of frustration. The lower bidder is not always the best choice, she added. Another issue she took was that of diminishing patriotism and integrity which she said could especially be seen in the country’s younger generation. “even kids — they do understand what is lagay. can you believe that?” she asked. She added, “Unlike before
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Fil-Am Jalen Green included in US FIBA U-17 World Cup roster by Rick
OlivaRes Philstar.com
Filipino-AmericAn Jalen Green, who made waves in the recent Sm-nBTc national championships playing for Fil-Am Sports, will represent the Stars and Stripes in the upcoming FiBA Under-17 World cup in Argentina. During the national finals where the 6’5” Green led the Fil-Am team to the elite eight, he averaged 33.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.5 assists, including posting a tournamenthigh 51 points against eventual champion*national University. The 16-year-old’s dunk over seven-foot Kai Sotto during the All-Star Game went viral. named to Team USA were Scottie Barnes, Vernon carey Jr., rJ Hampton, De’Vion Harmon, evan mobley, Wendell moore Jr., isaac okoro, Jeremy roach, isaiah Stewart, Jalen Suggs, romeo Weems and Green. The 12man squad will be coach by Don Showalter, USA Basketball Youth Division coach director. Assisting him are Scott Fitch and Stan Waterman. The Fresno-born Green, who is currently enrolled at San Joaquin memorial High School, was named to the four-time gold med-
alists. The Americans will open their defense of the U-17 crown when they face china on June 30, followed by mali on July 1 and Serbia on July 3. Bong Ulep, his coach for FilAm Sports, was ecstatic about
Green being named to the US roster. “i’m proud of Jalen! He’s blessed to be part of Team USA at the world stage in Argentina. He’s been grinding hard while staying low key,” he said. n
when we were kids, we would kill for the president. But look at people how they talk bad about the president — we only have one president who is not even going to last long.” “Why don’t we all just support and be united for our country?,” she continued. “Ay nako. Wala pa rin (Still no).” She pointed out how schools in the philippines no longer require kids to recite the panatang makabayan, or the country’s equivalence to the U.S. pledge of Allegiance which too has has seen its share of problems. “We’ve lost it somehow along the way. We should put it back,” she said. But there are of course many positives going on in the country, said Baltazar. Among them is the administration’s thrust to build more infrastructure and encourage new developments, as well as new modes of transportation. The philippines, she said, had been idle for too long, getting left behind other ASeAn countries. Another big positive she said
was the fact that the philippines is now looking to tap into its own natural resources such as natural gas and minerals. “We’re rich in natural resources. if only people don’t steal it, we really have enough. We have more than enough,” said Baltazar, adding that the philippines is one of the top gold producing countries in the world. Then there’s the president’s dream of transitioning into federalism through his consultative committee (concom), which she said would be beneficial especially for the provinces of Visayas and mindanao. “ever since, we’ve always been centralized. it’s always manila. And people — me, being from mindanao — i can see that. And i can really feel that we are so neglected down south,” shared Baltazar. Speaking again of Duterte, Baltazar further praised his leadership style which she said and as many of his supporters like to highlight, has left the philippine streets quieter, safer, and free of alleged hoodlums walking about.
“pwede naman pala (It could be done after all),” said Baltazar, a line often said by many of the president’s supporters. “Why didn’t we do it before?” she asked. “political will.” Life after Malacañang Asked of her ambitions after leaving the palace, Baltazar said she sees entering retirement as her next step. “i’m not the political person,” reaffirmed Baltazar. “i’m speaking from being a government servant. That’s just about it. no ambitions to run for any position. i’m glad that finally that question of how to serve my country is here.” “i would happily retire as a grandmother. i will do my apostolic job,” she added, laughing. She praised her three kids as being all hard working, just like mom. All were able to study at some of the philippines’ top schools, as well as abroad in england. “And i would go back to farming,” she added, saying she had inherited a nice farm in Zamboanga del Sur. “And maybe travel a bit. enjoy the retirement.” n
Green with fellow Fil-Am Elijah Jackson racking up trophies in the last NBTC tourney. Philstar.com photo by Rick Olivares
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 23-26, 2018
A
D ateline PhiliPPines Palace: More Aquino allies should be charged over DAP Mangudadatu clan hopeful for a conviction by aJPress
MoRE allies of former Philippine President Benigno Simeon “noynoy” aquino iii should face charges in connection with the controversial disbursement acceleration Program (daP), Malacañang said on Thursday, June 21. The statement was made by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque a day after the ombudsman ordered the filing of charges against aquino for usurping Congress’ budgetary powers when he approved the daP. on the same day of aquino’s indictment, President Rodrigo duterte criticized ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales for the “selective indictment” against the previous administration over the daP issue. Roque said duterte has obtained documents incriminating others related to the controversial economic stimulus project implemented by the past administration. “ang reklamo po talaga at hindi lang nanggagaling naman sa Presidente, ang kinasuhan lang sa daP talaga iyong oposisyon noong mga panahon ni Presidente aquino; kaya nga po ang reklamo ng marami – selective justice (The complaint — and this did not just come from president — is that those who were charged over the DAP are from the opposition during the time of President Aquino. Many are complaining about selective justice),” Roque said in a Palace press briefing. Morales was accused of go-
ing against enemies of aquino only by duterte, adding that he would release more information about the daP cases. “i am sure po marami pang dapat kasuhan na hindi pa nakakasuhan at iyon po ang tinutukoy ng presidente na may hawak siyang mga dokumento, dahil ito po ay mga kaalyado ng dating administrasyon na hindi po nakasuhan (So I am sure many people who should have been charged have yet to be charged and that was what the president meant when he said he has documents. These are allies of the previous administration who have not been charged),” Roque added. duterte complained about the selective justice pursued by ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales with regard to the alleged irregular implementation of the daP during his visit in iloilo City on Wednesday, June 20. He claimed that he is planning to publicize the information he obtained regarding those involved in the daP, which the ombudsman supposedly ignored. “one day i will show to you the daP, yung hindi niya ginalaw (the one she did not touch). We’ll publish it,” he said. The ombudsman, earlier, found probable cause to charge the former president before the Sandiganbayan with the usurpation of legislative powers in implementing the daP, which is punishable with imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to six years. under abad, the budget department allowed the with-
drawal of P72 billion worth of unobligated funds of government agencies under the executive department. according to the officials of the previous administration, the disbursement was intended to spur economic activity. Several acts under the daP have been deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court for going against the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers — among them are the crossborder transfers of savings of the executive to augment funds of agencies outside the department and the withdrawal of unobligated allotments from implementing agencies and their use as savings before the end of a fiscal year. aquino’s political party, the Liberal Party, for its part, said the program sought to “deliver the services and infrastructure needed by the people” and was “guided by the laws available to the executive.” Roque welcomed the indictment, but questioned the amount of time it took for the decision to come out. “We welcome, of course, any effort to bring about accountability of public officers. However, if you will recall i was the one who argued at the Supreme Court against the constitutionality of daP. of course, i personally am asking why it took all this time before anyone could be charged with daP,” he said. Roque also questioned why the ombudsman did not file heavier penalties against aquino.
u PAGE A9
Duterte slams De Lima for her ‘kiss remark’ by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
PRESidEnT Rodrigo duterte slammed Senator Leila de Lima for criticizing his gesture of kissing a married overseas Filipino worker (oFW) during his recent visit to Seoul, South Korea. de Lima called it “sickening” — to which duterte responded by threatening to release her alleged sex video. “There’s a lady nakakulong, sabi niya na bastos daw ‘yung
ginawa ko. Eh nagpermiso ako, tinanong ko. Sabi niya, what i did was indecent, bastos. Eh kung may screen lang kayo dito, ipapakita ko ‘yung x-rated niya,” duterte said in his speech at the distribution of the Certificate of Land ownership award in Cabatuan, iloilo on Wednesday, June 20. after duterte defended himself by saying he asked for permission before kissing the Filipina, he went on to call the detained senator the “most lewd” senator, pointing out that
she either lacks common sense or is simply desperate to forget her supposed moral failings. “Nakalimutan niya, siya ang unang pinakabastos dito. Kulang ka sa common sense for you are desperate, when you begin to be judgmental and you forget conveniently that you started the most lewd act that a senator can do,” he said. de Lima has been detained at the Philippine national Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame since last year over drug-related charges. n
in Maguindanao massacre case this year by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
Maguindanao gov. Esmael Mangudadatu is optimistic of an initial judgment this year for the 2009 Maguindanao massacre as wished by President Rodrigo duterte. “We look forward to that. We fought this battle the legal way because we believe that the court is the only venue where we can seek redress,” he said on Thursday, June 21. Mangudadatu’s wife, his two sisters, and several other relatives were included among the 58 people killed in the attack. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, on Tuesday, June 20, said that duterte is hoping for an initial conviction on the case. according to him, duterte has directed the department of Justice to exhaust its finest in securing partial court ruling on the massacre case. Roque also went on to say that the justice department is doing its best in handling the case, which is being litigated by Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Regional Trial Court Branch 221 in Quezon City. Kampilan Press Corps, whose members include trained peace and conflict-sensitive journalists covering the army’s 6th infantry division, and other media blocs in Maguindanao were happy with the pronouncement. The 58 people who perished in the massacre were on their way to the provincial capitol in Shariff aguak, Maguindanao to file there for Mangudadatu his candidacy for governor in the May 2010 elections when they were flagged down by gunmen, positioned along the highway, and killed using machine guns and assault rifles. The gunmen were allegedly led by leaders of the ampatuan family, who led the province then. ampatuan, Jr. is now detained, being prosecuted for his alleged involvement in the killings. Five months after the gruesome and tragic incident, Mangudadatu was elected governor of Maguindanao. He got re-elected in 2013 and 2016 provincial elections. “My clan is a noble Moro war-
rior clan. our ancestors were datus who fought the Spaniards, the americans and the Japanese in the 1940s. That massacre was a slap on our faces but we managed our tempers and did not retaliate because we believe in the integrity of the judiciary,”
Mangudadatu said. Mangudadatu, on Thursday, shared that he, too, dreams of witnessing the conviction of the culprits before his term ends on June 30, 2019. He is now on his third and last term as Maguindanao provincial governor. n
A8 JUNE 23-26, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
Truth and justice delayed
FEATURES
CAN he be held liable or not? As of the other day, the word from the Office of the Ombudsman was that former president Benigno Aquino III should face trial for the Disbursement Acceleration Program or DAP. The ruling reversed the initial clearance of Aquino, under whose watch the DAP was designed and implemented by the budget department under Florencio Abad. The two are now co-defendants in the case for usurpation of legislative powers – a criminal offense under Article 239 of the Revised Penal Code. As the name implies, the DAP was supposedly meant to speed up the disbursement of funds and ramp up implementation of various government projects using unobligated allotments and unreleased appropriations, which were classified as savings. The ombudsman said this unlawfully encroached on the power of Congress. In 2014, the SC had declared as unconstitutional certain acts under DAP, including this encroachment as well as the transfer of the savings to offices outside the executive branch. DAP funds were allegedly used to reward senators who voted for the conviction and ouster of Renato Corona as chief justice in his impeachment trial in 2012. The Aquino administration denied this.
The next step is to make sure that this case will not become bogged down in snail-paced litigation, like the cases filed in connection with the misuse of fertilizer funds in the 2004 presidential campaign as well as the diversion of the congressional pork barrel to bogus non-government organizations. Defendants in plunder cases have found a convenient way out of their legal predicament: “inordinate delay” in their prosecution. Several public personalities have successfully used this argument to get the cases against them dismissed in connection with the misuse of the fertilizer subsidy and Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel. The inordinate delay also constitutes an injustice to the innocent. Wrongdoing in government persists because the whole truth is rarely established and no one is sent to prison for breaking the law. Whether or not those indicted for the DAP controversy betrayed public trust, the nation deserves to know the truth and see justice done, speedily, with no inordinate delay. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Anthony Bourdain made us reach beyond our biases
Rhizomes
PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “THE Oprah Winfrey Show” on Channel 7, KABC was the last television show I developed an attachment for, which lasted 25 years. On her shows, she had a way of looking at her guests’ eyes, to which she would describe “lighting up,” when she would bring up something dear to their hearts or in tears, when her question triggered a sad experience or even transcending a struggle within themselves. Once, in LA, at the party for the film, “Precious,” I told Oprah in passing: “Thanks for bringing the light,” while she was being ushered out by her female bodyguards. “Yes, we all need the light,” she glanced and looked at me over her shoulder. Last Friday, June 8, 2018, her exhibit opened at the National African American Museum that will continue until June 2019. June 8 was the same day that Anthony Bourdain, at age 61, was found dead from an apparent suicide, by chef Eric Ripert, his best friend. They were working on an
episode for “Parts Unknown,” Bourdain’s CNN television show. Word of his death traveled fast, through social media, and fans left flowers, love letters and notes of gratitude on the windows and doors of Brasserie Les Halles, a New York restaurant, where he was the executive chef. In 1999, he wrote an essay, “Don’t Eat Before Reading This,” and his mother suggested he submit it to The New Yorker, which he did, and got a call back offering him $50,000 to write a book. At that time, he was dunking French fries, and writing this book gave him a better alternative. “Kitchen Confidential” became a bestseller as it was “pulling back the curtain on the restaurant industry,” wrote Sarah Berger of CNBC.com. That big break from “Kitchen Confidential” led to shows on the Food Network, Travel Channel and for 11 seasons now, on CNN. “Parts Unknown,” streaming on Netflix, would have ended June 16, but fans clamored after his death and now, the streaming continues. Many binge-watched past episodes, and posted their grief and shock on social media, while many others wrote about meet-
ing him. Angela Dimayuga wrote a piece on BonAppetit.com which made me cry. She wrote, “We talked about my new position at The Standard, and he said, ‘That’s a perfect job for you, and suits you. They are lucky to have you. It will be a place you can grow your vision.’ “He had noticed all the collaborative work I had been doing, and he said that my work with artists was especially intriguing to him. He told me that my intersectional approach to work and craft was necessary to the food industry, and that what I’m doing for the future of the food world is important. I felt so seen: I knew he was keeping on eye on me, but I never thought he was looking this closely. Then he offered to become my mentor. He said there weren’t many people he’d be happy to pick up a call from at any hour of the day, but that I could call him at 2 a.m. and he’d answer. I came home that night feeling transformed. I had an instinct, an excited stirring in my belly that told me that something important was happening and my life was about to change drastically. I was excited for our intertwined futures.” Personally, I have since rewatched six episodes of “Parts
Unknown.” In these episodes, one senses his intense passion for good food, equally curious about folks he meets, spending time to discern their personal and cultural strengths, as much as absorbing their wisdom. His people-centered sensibilities were particularly obvious in his episode in Manila, where he opens with the balikbayan box and follows a matriarch of the family who cooks kare-kare. Bourdain finds the time to share a letter from a man, raised by this matriarch in the U.S., whom she cared for 30 years before coming home to retire. One wonders if his boundless energy would ever run out. In Myanmar, he rode the train to Bagan, where thousands of the oldest Buddhist temples were built centuries ago. The grueling train ride of ten hours became nineteen hours. He realized that he was either “getting back on the train or a coffin,” given “derailment and rail slips.” After 75 stops, samosas and a bouquet of fish bought from street vendors at train stops, beers, and a nap, he arrived at his destination. Built by artisans, Bourdain sadly narrates that slave labor made these temples possible. He climbed the temple steps,
paused long enough to appreciate the landscape with red steeples sprouting as if trees in the verdant background, with thousands more red brick temples, as far as the eyes can see. In Quebec, he traveled by train with two chefs, in “wind-shipped streets where testicles shrink,” while his friend jokingly refers to the city “where the frigid cold keeps out EBOLA.” They partake of their breakfasts of bagels with cream cheese and caviar; “serviceable omelettes, foie gras, and garnished with truffle shavings.” Where did the black truffles come from, one might ask, as they are not a staple of rail service? His chefs-friends came prepared with their own supply of expensive truffles, and a grater. A chef joked that their “food is feces in the making,” while Bourdain gives the cuisine a rating of beyond excellent, and appreciated flambé dinners that were served in Quebec’s continental restaurants. He has a unique sense of wonder, delightful at times, childlike in tasting ingredients foreign to him, but with an openness to try them all, and while he knew about politics in the countries he visited, he noticed the incremental changes, especially with
his multiple visits to Vietnam. He treated each country he visited with respect, as its people. In Myanmar, ruled by the military for five decades, he sought interviews with previously jailed publishers of newspapers and the absurdity of the censored press. There, the military leaders would cut and paste news from foreign sources and even chose musical lyrics for composed songs. One wonders what happened to Bourdain — the curious, lively, joyful person that was transparently conveyed in these episodes. He often said that his travels affected him, as much as he left his footprints in these countries. Especially poignant was his trip to Vietnam when his tour guide showed him an earlier photo of Bourdain, with black hair, next to the tour guide’s young boy. The metamorphosis is obvious for both – Bourdain now has silver hair and the once young boy is now an adult. In Vietnam, Bourdain shared a meal with former President Barack Obama and asked him: “Would my daughter be able to come here and eat, bun cha?” Bourdain acknowledged the diplomacy inroads that the president has made, including reaching out to Iran and Cuba. Cuba
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Sereno got to be Chief Justice because of Aquino’s DAP
Commentary
RIGOBERTO D. TIGLAO IT is poetic justice that the day after the Supreme Court ruled “with finality” that Maria Lourdes Sereno was a fake chief justice and booted her out, the Ombudsman announced its decision to indict her patron and boss, former President Benigno Aquino 3rd, for his colossal fund scam, camouflaged as the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). Without the DAP, Sereno wouldn’t have been a chief justice in a million years. Some P6.5 billion from the DAP was used to bribe Congress to remove then Chief Justice Renato Corona, to be replaced by Sereno. Aquino’s DAP scheme was so illegally brazen and so huge in scale that only an Aquino, prodded by the schemer par excellence and brain trust, his budget secretary Florencio Abad, had the gall to pull it off. It was an unprecedented assault on our republican system, one pillar of which is he principle that Congress determines the use of taxpayers’ money rather than the President. Through the DAP, Aquino was in effect a dictator who used taxpayers’ money at his whim. Aquino and Abad imperiously
declared as “savings” funds of agencies the Congress had allocated to them, and put these all into a contrived DAP fund that was purportedly to be disbursed in order to stimulate the economy. The World Bank, however, belied that DAP stimulated the economy, pointing out that the DAP meant only “mere realignment of funds” and that the DAP amounts were “minuscule, at less than 0.01 percentage points, relative to the size of the economy.” Much of the P72 billion in total DAP funds was disbursed — at Aquino’s total discretion — for such purposes as the P2 billion used to build infrastructure at his overbuilt home province of Tarlac and the P10 billion to bribe Muslim leaders to acquiesce to his Bangsamoro bill project. Recipients of the DAP’ s largesse were also for projects in the home provinces and agencies of Aquino’s main minions, among them Sen. Franklin Drilon, P100 million for “Relocation sites for informal settlers along Iloilo River and its tributaries;” Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, P4.5 billion in LGU support fund; and even peace negotiations adviser Teresita Deles, P1.8 billion for “peace activities.” Main intent These DAP uses though served to hide its main intent, for which
it was originally conceived: to remove Corona, not only because Aquino detested that he was appointed by Gloria Arroyo, but also because he wouldn’t acquiesce to his clan’s wish that the Supreme Court award it P10 billion in compensation for putting Hacienda Luisita under land reform. Aquino’s pork-barrel funds were not enough for such an extraordinary assault on the Supreme Court, that he needed bigger money to undertake it. The DAP provided the P6.5 billion to bribe — in the pork-barrel style of infrastructure funds directed by the lawmakers — first the House of Representatives, led by then Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and justice committee chairman Niel Tupas, Jr., to pass, hardly with debate, the impeachment complaint against Corona. And then it was used to bribe the Senate as the impeachment court to vote Corona guilty. The Aquino-controlled media had shamelessly undertaken one of the biggest hatchet jobs in media history against a person of the highest integrity. The website Rappler — hurriedly set up in time for the persecution of Corona — and the Philippine Daily Inquirer bannered a claim that he cheated to get his Ph.D. from the UST (totally debunked). They alleged that he had 45
The Philippine Daily Inquirer’s banner story on February 24, 2014.
properties (he only had four). They even dragged his daughter into the mud, falsely alleging that she bought for her father a property in Los Angeles — although it turned out she was a physical therapist working 14-hour days to raise the down payment that got her the house at dirt cheap prices during the U.S. real estate crisis. While these media lies fooled the gullible portion of our middle
class that Corona wasn’t fit to be Chief Justice, our more streetsmart legislators of course needed more than propaganda for them to remove the Chief Justice. It was the P6.5 billion from the DAP that convinced them. I have written 20 columns to expose one of Aquino’s biggest crimes that was the DAP, and even provided images there of secret government documents involving its use. Just to point out
that there were others who exposed this crime, I’m reproducing here excerpts from a February 24, 2014 article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, reported by Gil Cabacungan, an extraordinary one because of the paper’s unabashed bias for Aquino: Inquirer article “The Aquino administration used P6.5 billion from the little-known Disbursement Ac-
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OpiniOn & Features
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 23-26, 2018
A
Number of Pinoy crime victims drops in Q1 – SWS by Catherine
S. Valente ManilaTimes.net
THE number of Filipinos who became victims of crimes dropped during the first quarter of 2018, a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed. The poll, conducted from March 23 to 27. showed that 6.6 percent or an estimated 1.5 million families were victims of common crimes. This was 1.0 point below the 7.6 percent or an estimated 1.7 million families recorded in December 2017, but 0.5 point above the 6.1 percent annual average victimization by any of the common crimes for 2017. Those who lost property to street robbers, burglars or car thieves were up 6.1 percent or an estimated 1.4 million families. The figure was 1.0 point below the 7.1 percent (estimated 1.6 million) in December 2017, but 0.5 above the 2017 annual average victimization by property crimes of 5.6 percent. There was a slight drop in the number of victims of physical violence — 0.6 percent or
145,000 families within the past six months — compared with the 188,000 families in December 2017. The SWS said there were more crimes reported in its survey than those reported to the police. “Except in March 2013 and June 2016 when it was at 10.5 percent and 11.4 percent respectively, victimization of families by any common crime was at single-digit levels from March 2012 to March 2018,” it added. “Meanwhile, except in June 2016 when it was 10.9 percent, victimization of property crimes was also at single-digit levels from March 2012 to March 2018,” the survey said. It found 2.2 percent or an estimated 516,000 families victimized by break-ins, down by 1.2 points from the 3.4 percent or an estimated 790,000 in December 2017. The SWS said 0.5 percent or an estimated 51,000 families were robbed of their vehicles in the past six months, down by 0.7 from 1.2 percent or an estimated 108,000 in December
2017. The survey also found that 4.6 percent or an estimated 1.1 million families were victimized by street robbers during the past six months, unchanged from December 2017. Fear of crimes fell by 5 points from 59 percent in December 2017 to 55 percent in March. The SWS reported that 46 percent of the respondents agreed that “people are usually afraid to walk in the street at night because it is not safe” in their neighborhood. This was down by two points from the 48 percent in December 2017, and the lowest since the 42 percent in April 2016. The number of respondents who said there are “many” drug addicts in their neighborhoods COASTAL CLEAN-UP. Senator Cynthia Villar (2nd from left), and Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla (right) lead the kick-off ceremony of the Manila was at 40 percent, down by 2 Bay Coastal Clean-Up of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 4A held at the shorelines of the Island Cove, Kawit, Cavite points from the 42 percent in on Wednesday, June 20. With the theme “Manila Bay: Gawing MMK (Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan),” BFAR hopes to rouse public awareness and December 2017. involvement in transforming Manila Bay into a clean, thriving body of water, where fisheries resources are sustainably managed and protected. The survey, conducted using PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide, has sampling error margins of ±2.5 points for national percentages, and ±6 P6.5 billion augmentation for Tobias Tiangco said: ‘Based on points each for Metro Manila, PAGE A8 t reports and by its own admisBalance Luzon the Visayas and celeration Program before, dur- the PDAF. “They said they were asked by sion, the DBM used the DAP being and after the impeachment Mindanao. n trial of then Chief Justice Renato the DBM to give their preferred fore, during and after the Corona Corona to bend Congress to its LGUs and beneficiaries for their impeachment trial between 2011 and 2012.’ will, two members of the House DAP allocations. “Asked for comment, Speaker “Tiangco said the DAP was of Representatives told the InFeliciano Belmonte said: ‘I can- ‘used as an excuse to cover the dare say you too, increased your quirer. “The sources estimated that the not remember the incident. P50-million bribe to senators karma, by helping folks anonymously reach their dreams. We House got as much as P5 billion Haven’t heard of DAP back then. and P10 million given to congressmen for the conviction’ of are just too sad that you slipped in DAP funds, while the senators We will check.’ “In a statement, Navotas Rep. Corona.” (ManilaTimes.net) received the remaining P1.5 bilaway so fast and too soon! lion, as admitted by the Depart*** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly ment of Budget and Management column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” (DBM) itself. “The sources, who did not wish She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. to be identified because of the Her training and experiences are in science, food confidential information involved, technology, law and community volunteerism said the DBM released to the repfor 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the resentatives at least P10 million University of the Philippines, a law degree from each from the DAP, supposedly Whittier College School of Law in California and a novel scheme to stimulate the a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from economy. “The funds released to conHarvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing gressmen from the DAP, whose Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 constitutionality has been quesyears and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled tioned in the Supreme Court, to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Costa Rica, were on top of the P70 million in Mexico and over 22 national parks in the US, in annual allocations from the Priority Development Assistance Fund her pursuit of love for nature and the arts. (PDAF), or pork barrel. “The sources said that the House leadership and its impeachment team were rewarded you know, charging him with between P25 million and P50 something that would entail million in DAP funds after Coimprisonment of six months, rona was convicted in May 2012, which is probationable, is not or seven months after Budget proportionate to what the court Secretary Florencio Abad andecided – in my very own case,” nounced the P70.5-billion spending plan for the DAP, including a he added. n
Anthony Bourdain made us reach... PAGE A8 t
has had sanctions imposed on them for decades, which were lifted, while Iran had sanctions lifted by Obama, only to be reimposed by Trump. Obama reassured Bourdain that progress is not linear, that while at times we might not see the changes, yet there has been a lot. And yes, his daughter can travel to Vietnam and enjoy her bun cha one day. I wondered even then as he put the question to the president why he did not include himself as part of this future trip to Vietnam, a favorite country of his to visit? Did he have a premonition, as his casual references to death in some of his episodes or the bodies lost to war and conflicts’ casualties?
Psychologists say that suicide leaves a permanent shadow on the surviving family members, much like Ernest Hemingway — that even after several generations have passed, his descendants worry about their genetic predisposition to suicide. In Bourdain’s case, his 11year-old daughter, Ariane, was “strong and brave” performing at a concert, two days after her father’s apparent suicide at a hotel in France. Bourdain, as you travel to the pearly gates, may you be surrounded by God’s angels and may you find your peace. It is appropriate that you once wrote about how people in a country performed good acts, their form of “merit accumulations” as a way of increasing karma, and I
Palace: More Aquino allies should be... PAGE A7 t
In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, the presidential spokesperson said, “I would have filed something more serious because the court was very clear that there was grave abuse
of discretion and that is why it was invalidated, despite the fact that normally courts would assume presumption of regularity of discharge of function.” “It was a very serious breach of the Constitution and I think,
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Sereno got to be Chief Justice because...
A10 June 23-26, 2018 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAL
Dateline PhiliPPines
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Mental Health Law finally in the Philippines by Rae
ann VaRona AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the long awaited Philippine Mental Health Law, which would equip Filipinos with accessible and affordable mental health services. “Help is finally here,” posted Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday, June 21. “Everyday, seven Filipinos turn to suicide. One in five Filipino adults also suffer from a form of mental disorder.” “The Mental Health Law ce-
ments the government’s commitment to a more holistic approach to healthcare — without sound mental health, there can be no genuine physical health,” she added. Filed last October 2016, the Republic Act No. 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law would finally “secure the rights and welfare of people with mental health needs,” according to Hontiveros who authored the bill and was its principal sponsor. She said that it would further
“provide mental health services down to the barangays, integrate psychiatric, psychosocial, and neurologic services in regional, provincial, and tertiary hospitals; improve the country’s mental health care facilities, and promote mental health education in schools and workplaces.” Also authoring the bill was Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senators Loren Legarda, Antonio Trillanes IV, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Juan Edgardo Angara, and Joel Villanueva. Commending the signing, Angara acknowledged early intervention and prevention as being crucial in mental illness treatment. Following the signing, he renewed his call for PhilHealth to provide coverage for psychiatric consultations and medicines. Currently, PhilHealth covers only hospitalization due to acute attacks of mental and behavioral disorders at a package rate of PHP 7,800. “We hope that in the drafting of the IRR, free psychiatric consultations and medicines shall be made available for all Filipinos,” said Angara. Under the Mental Health Act, he said PhilHealth must “ensure that insurance packages equivalent to those covering physical disorders of comparable impact are available to patients affected by mental disorders.” Mental health services have long been a need in the Philippines. A World Health Organization (WHO) report in 2014 said that there were 2,558 mental health related suicide cases among Filipinos in 2012 alone. In the U.S., where the issue of mental health awareness has also been gaining traction, so too has the issue been increasingly discussed among Asian Americans who have often considered the issue a stigma. Asian Americans were found to be three times less likely to seek out mental health services than white Americans, according to the National Latino and Asian American Study. Compared to the nearly 18 percent of the U.S. general population who sought out mental health services, only 8.6 percent of Asian Americans did. Reasons for the stigma have often stemmed from pressure to succeed or live up to the “model minority” stereotype, family obligations based on cultural values
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ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Ana Maria Banaag (3rd from left) speaks before senators during the public hearing on Strengthening the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Servants presided by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV at the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday, June 20. Also present during the hearing are Philippine Information Agency Director General Harold Clavite, News and Information Bureau Director Virginia Arcilla-Agtay, and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
CHR probes death of ‘tambay’ in jail by JanVic
Mateo Philstar.com
MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has started an investigation on the death last Tuesday, June 19 of a 22-year-old man who was arrested in an anti-loitering operation of local policemen in Quezon City last week. CHR chairman Chito Gascon said their investigators are looking into the case of Genesis Argoncillo, who died while in detention after he was arrested in Novaliches for not wearing a shirt outside his house in Area 5B Barangay Sauyo last Friday night. Argoncillo’s family alleged that the victim was beaten while in detention and died on June 19. The police, however, denied this and said that Argoncillo died after he complained of shortness of breath. Gascon said the CHR is willing to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The CHR earlier warned the Philippine National Police (PNP) against its campaign to round up loiterers on the streets. CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said it is illegal to arrest those who are believed to be loiterers simply because they are “potential trouble for the public.” “No one should be deprived of their freedom without going through due process mandated by the law,” she said in Filipino. “Unless a person commits an illegal act, there is no reason for him to be arrested,” she added. De Guia noted that the law prohibits warrantless arrests except in certain circumstances. She said it is not right to identify all loiterers as criminals. PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde stood by the statement of the Quezon City police that Argoncillo died of difficulty in breathing contrary to the claim of his family that he succumbed to police brutality. Albayalde said there is no reason for Quezon City Police District director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel to hide the true cause behind the death of Argoncillo, alias Tisoy, at the Novaliches police station. No less than Argoncillo’s attending doctor Jethiel Fabon certified that the detainee’s body bore no signs of external injuries. He pointed out that Argoncillo was one of five detainees in the congested jail of the Novaliches station who died due to difficulty in breathing the past days. Even during his term at the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Albayalde said at least 26 detainees died due to various illnesses brought about by jail congestion. Esquivel said that the death of Argoncillo was due to the congested jails and not because he was maltreated at the police station. “We would like to make it clear there was no violent and inhumane treatment on Arconcillo contrary to allegations of the family, citing a supposed broken rib and bruise marks on the cadaver,” he said in a statement. Argoncillo’s sister Marilou said in a public social media post that the family is seeking justice for the death of her brother, who she claimed was picked up by police for not wearing a shirt on the night of June 15. However, QCPD said that Argoncillo was arrested for alarm and scandal after police received a complaint that he was drunk and looking for trouble. Esquivel said that his policemen are under strict orders to follow protocols that respect the human rights of suspects and detainees. Still, he said they are conducting a thorough investigation on Argoncillo’s death and will prosecute policemen if they were involved in violence. “Should any police be involved, we assure the public and the family of the deceased of full transparency,” Esquivel said. He said they are investigating if Argoncillo was killed by other detainees inside the detention fa-
CHR chairman Chito Gascon said their investigators are looking into the case of Genesis Argoncillo, who died while in detention after he was arrested in Novaliches for not wearing a shirt outside his house in Area 5B Barangay Sauyo last Friday, June 22. Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos
cility of the Novaliches police. Esquivel said he immediately ordered the relief of the Novaliches police station commander and the assigned jail officer to pave the way for investigation on possible lapses which might have led to Argoncillo’s death. Relieved were Supt. Carlito Grijaldo and jail officer Police Officer 3 Dennis Saño. He also said the police have in custody two suspects in Argoncillo’s death, identified as Justin Mercado and Richard Bautista, members of the Sputnik gang. Witnesses identified the two suspects as the ones who beat up Argoncillo. Still, Esquivel maintained that he received a report from the attending physician that there were no external injuries on Argoncillo’s body at the time of his death. Argoncillo’s relatives, however, reportedly gave police investigators a death certificate that showed that the victim died of blunt force trauma to the head, chest and neck. The QCPD head said he is ready to face investigations on his possible command responsibility over the incident. Argoncillo was the fifth detainee to die inside jail cells of the QCPD in less than a month. A day before Argoncillo’s death, Alex Andaman, 41, who was held on illegal gambling charges, died shortly after he was taken to the hospital for fever. On May 29, Jeffrey Norio, detained at the Novaliches police station for illegal gambling, was declared dead on arrival in the hospital. After a few days, another inmate arrested for physical injury and unjust vexation, Niño Cruz, 39, died while being taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, Paulo Lopez, who was a detainee of the Cubao Police station, died on June 4. Leftist party-list group Bayan Muna urged the House of Representatives to look into the death of Argoncillo. “This is really condemnable considering that Tisoy was just supposedly sitting near his house when he was arrested by the police. There is no reason to arrest him in the first place, even if they use the Civil Code for public nuisance,” Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said. “Tisoy’s actions hardly fall under any of these categories and he certainly does not deserve to be arrested or killed for sitting near his house. We are calling for a congressional investigation,” he said. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said that the crackdown on tambays is another brazen attempt to enforce the undeclared martial law nationwide. The CPP said they stand together with the broad democratic sectors in denouncing the Duterte regime’s latest wholesale violation of human rights with the tambay crackdown. The CPP said that this fascist move is anti-poor and violates the rights of the downtrodden. Barangay officials Albayalde said that barangay officials should be at the forefront of President Duterte’s order to clear the streets of tambays or vagrants. Albayalde pointed out that barangay officials know almost
everybody in their neighborhood and they should lead the campaign against tambay, with the police as backup, and file necessary charges in court. “We should coordinate with barangay officials and ask them to join us in our campaign as they know almost everybody in the neighborhood,” explained Albayalde. “They would guide us in enforcing ordinances because they know who are those with criminal minds from those law-abiding ones.” The PNP chief said that Undersecretary Martin Diño of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has proposed the involvement of barangay officials in the government’s campaign to rid the streets of tambays. Albayalde directed policemen to be properly guided by the police operational procedure (POP) while performing their duty so the PNP will have uniform guidelines for the implementation of the campaign. Albayalde pointed out that the POP is in the PNP’s manual and policemen enforcing the campaign against tambays should memorize them to be guided accordingly and prevent erroneous arrests. The PNP issued the guidelines for the uniform implementation of the campaign against tambays following complaints by several persons arrested by mistake in Makati City, which led to the relief of a precinct commander and one of his men. Albayalde said ground commanders, or even station commanders, should accompany their men in enforcing city ordinances. “The ground commanders knew whether a person standing in a street corner is waiting for a tricycle ride or has something else in mind,” he said. But he emphasized that what is paramount in their task to rid the streets of tambays is respect for human rights. Albayalde explained that the PNP has a hard time enforcing city ordinances, especially in Metro Manila, because each city has different penalties imposed against violators. In the first week of implementation, a total of 7,291 vagrants were arrested in Metro Manila, showing a rapid increase each day the NCRPO conducts the campaign. To prevent congestion in jails, Albayalde urged police commanders to innovate, like imposing penalties such as pushups or community service for those arrested, instead of jail time. According to Albayalde, those arrested for violations of city ordinances should not be put in jail but instead confined in vacant offices. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. disputed the reports of the PNP indicating that over 7,000 have been arrested during the police operations against tambays. “I dispute if 7,000 people were actually arrested. We don’t have the space for that, given that we have overcrowding in our jail facilities,” Roque said at a press briefing in Malacañang. “I think it’s physically impossible for one day to accommodate 7,000. They could have been ac-
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Advocates hailed the law as “the first legislation that protects rights and welfare of people with mental health conditions.” Photo from Youth For Mental Health Coalition Facebook page
Mental Health Law finally in the... PAGE A10 t
or traditions, and the problem of mental health concerns as simply being considered taboo among others. Aside from the stigma, many in the U.S. also face challenges with accessing resources due to language barriers. But the signing of the Philippine Mental Health Law has been hailed a victory with many groups
praising its passing. The Youth for Mental Health Coalition in the Philippines commended its passing in a post hashtagged #HelpIsHere, calling it the “first legislation that protects rights and welfare of people with mental health conditions, shifts focus of care to the community, improves access to services, and integrates mental health in the schools and
workplaces.” On social media, others have expressed support through other hashtags like #MentalHealthForAll and #MoveForMH. “No longer shall Filipinos suffer silently in the dark. The people’s mental health issues will now cease to be seen as an invisible sickness spoken only in whispers. Finally, help is here,” said Hontiveros. n
CHR probes death of ‘tambay’... PAGE A10 t costed, not actually arrested,” he said. He also defended the President’s order, which is aimed at reducing the commission of crimes. “We need to send the message to communities that the cops are going around to deter crimes,” Roque said, adding Duterte can issue such directive as the chief implementor of the law. The Eastern Police District (EPD) would continue to enforce city ordinances in its jurisdiction to make the area a safe place to live, work and do business, a ranking police official said. Chief Supt. Alfred Corpus, EPD director, issued his directive after his command topped the arrests made during the implementation of the campaign against tambays from June 13 to 20. Records showed that the EPD posted the highest number of arrests made for the period with 2,237, closely followed by the Southern Police District (SPD)
with 2,046. The QCPD arrested 1,146, while Northern Police District and Manila Police District with 1,011 and 851, respectively. Supt. Jenny Tecson, SPD spokesperson, said that 566 alleged vagrants were arrested from Wednesday until Thursday morning. She said the tambays were rounded up in Pasay, Makati, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Taguig and Pateros. Tecson said that 299 of the 566 arrested persons are minors, 118 for being topless, 117 for drinking liquor in public places, 30 for smoking in public places and two alleged illegal barkers. Northern Police District (NPD) Director Chief Supt. Gregorio Lim yesterday said the 125 alleged tambays were arrested from Wednesday to Thursday in Caloocan, Valenzuela, Malabon and Navotas. The Bulacan police rounded up 167 persons on Wednesday night and early yesterday morning.
The police operations were conducted in the cities of San Jose del Monte, Meycauayan and the towns of Angat, Bocaue, Bulakan, Bustos, Calumpit, Hagonoy, Marilao, Pandi, Plaridel and Pulilan. Policemen in Pagbilao, Quezon also arrested three persons as part of the campaign against tambayslast Wednesday night. Sen. Panfilo Lacson said yesterday the campaign against tambays should be left at the local level. Lacson, a former PNP chief, said the issue of tambays is best addressed at the local level, “without having to elevate it to the national level.” Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito cited the experience of San Juan City where the rounding up of tambayswas done on a caseto-case basis. – With Non Alquitran, Jose Rodel Clapano, Romina Cabrera, Jess Diaz, Robertzon Ramirez, Emmanuel Tupas, Marvin Sy, Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Michelle Zoleta, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Artemio Dumlao
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Journal Ariel Layug: A chef fulfills his potential Pia welcomes move not to hold Miss Universe in Philippines with dream job at Cirque du Soleil by MoMar
by
G. Visaya
When he was a young boy growing up in the Philippines, Ariel Layug would look at his school’s atlas and collection of encyclopedias and wonder in general about life in other parts of the globe.“I never really thought back then that I would leave the Philippines, that I would travel the world. And now, to be able to work in a well-known company and have the Philippine flag out there, it is a great experience,” Layug told the Asian Journal. Working for Cirque du Soleil has brought him to many parts of the world including Australia, europe, Mexico, USA and Canada. he is now on his tenth year with the company and Volta is his fourth touring show, after Dralion, Totem and Kurios. Volta is currently in the tristate area and will be in Uniondale, nY until July 1. Launched in April 2017 in Montreal, Volta is the newest Big Top production from Cirque du Soleil. After visiting three cities in Canada, it played engagements in Miami
Nathalie toMada Philstar.com
AJPress
FORMeR Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach welcomed the government’s move not to host the international pageant in the Philippines this year. The country has previously hosted Miss U three times — 1974, 1994 and most recently in January 2017. In reports, newly appointed Tourism Sec. Berna Romulo-Puyat scrapped the supposed plans due to budget constraints even if it will have the same arrangement as the last time where expenses were mostly shouldered by the private
Ariel Layug, head chef at Cirque du Soleil’s Volta
and Tampa and just recently, east Rutherford in new Jersey. As the head chef and kitchen manager of the touring company, Layug is in charge of feeding more than a hundred people every day.
AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya
This includes the artists, technicians, admin staff, and sometimes with visiting family members and local staff. “I get inspired by a lot of things PAGE B2
The Philippine flag waves proudly along with other flags outside the Big Top tents, made famous by Cirque du Soleil.
sector. To recall, her predecessor Wanda Tulfo-Teo had said that even Pres. Duterte wanted the Miss U to be held in Boracay when it is re-opened after a six-month rehabilitation. Pia, who continues to be an ambassador for the Miss U Organization after her 2015 reign, agreed with the decision. “We just had the pageant here anyways, so I think it’s OK. If there are other countries that are bidding to be host country and they can do a great job at it, and do a credible show, then go, why PAGE B2
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach Photo from Instagram@piawurtzbach
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Jeremy Buendia traces his Filipino roots Philippine Expressions Bookshop by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
When reigning (fourth-time) Men’s Physique Mr. Olympia Jeremy Buendia first visited the country four years ago, he took a side trip to Cebu where he bonded with homeless children who, he claimed, “melted” his heart. “I spent time with them and taught them how to exercise and how to eat right,” recalled Jeremy who is half-Filipino (paternal side; his grandfather was from Bulacan). “They are my inspiration. If I win for the fifth time, I plan to donate a portion of my winnings to charities that will help the street children of the Philippines.” It’s true: big men are gentle by nature, easily moved by small things. Dave Batista, the wrestler/mixed martial artist who ventured into acting, unashamedly confessed in an interview with The STAR (during the 2014 Seoul junket for Guardians of the Galaxy) that he cried easily. “That is the Filipino side of me,” he said. Born to a Greek mother and a Filipino father, Batista showed his Filipino-ness by having a flag of the Philippines tattooed on his bicep. Another half-Filipino martial artist is Brandon Vera who has also ventured into showbiz, with Anne Curtis as his leading lady
in Buy Bust, a forthcoming action-adventure film directed by erik Matti. By affinity, another giant, Vin Diesel, has a soft spot for Filipinos because his twin brother is married to a Filipina. After guesting at a body-building competition in Manila last month, Jeremy is back in preparation for the Men’s Physique Mr. Olympia competition in Las Vegas in September. he’s the current endorser of evogen nutrition Philippines, the official distributor of evogen which offers top-of-theline health supplements (including Fat Burner, Whey Protein, Pre-workout, BCAA, Greens, etc., all available in health outlets nationwide). “I am here to help make a difference,” Jeremy told The STAR in an exclusive interview. “There’s a lot of opportunities for Filipino body-builders and I hope to bring them to the next level. The number of Filipino body-builders is growing and it’s a good sign. Filipino men have great genetics. They are good-looking, with small waist and small joints and round muscles. They have an overall aesthetic appeal.” Jeremy, 28, stands 5’8”; weighs 185 lbs. onstage (“And 205 lbs. off stage,” he said); and measures 20” (arms), 26” (waist) and 54” (chest). The Orange County (Cali-
Broadthink - AJ Ad_June2018_111_Layout 1 6/20/18 4:26 PM Page 1 Jeremy Buendia Philstar.com photo
fornia) resident is so, yes, huge that to prove it, ABS-CBn reporter Jeff Fernando and I, both several sizes smaller, tried to “hide” behind him in a photo op. What does it take to maintain such a body? These: eight egg whites drunk raw (burp!!!); a healthy diet (sweet potatoes, chicken, fish, salmon, veggies, brown rice and sweet potatoes; enough sleep; and lots of water. “Taking care of my body takes a lot of hard work,” he added. “I’ve been working out since I was 12…consistently. That means I’ve been doing it for more than 16 years. And I’m still at it.” Sleep is important, he emphasized. “Athletes like me spend time working out at the gym, tearing up muscles. We replenish our body with nutrients and enough sleep to allow them to re-grow. Water is just as important because our body is 70 percent water, so we have to be hydrated all the time.” Jeremy claimed that weightlifting is part of the family life. “My dad has turned our garage into a gym. Since I was a kid, I would wake up watching him lifting weights. he’s 65 and he’s got a beautiful six-pack. he continues to work out, lifts weights.” As part of his health regimen, Jeremy sees his doctor every two months and has blood chemistry every three months — “To make sure that my liver and my heart are okay.” Asked who his idol is, Jeremy named Arnold Schwarzenegger who gained prominence when he won Mr. Universe in 1967, became a big movie star and a California governor. Jeremy recalled meeting Schwarzenegger during a pictorial for a muscle-fitness magazine last year. “he’s the king of body-builders,” said Jeremy (who also considers Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as another idol). “he’s every athlete’s inspiration because he rose from nothing to something. he gave body-building a name and a platform to inspire others to aspire for bigger things, to achieve their own American Dream.” If ever Jeremy followed in the footsteps of Schwarzenegger (an immigrant from Austria), it would not be to politics but, maybe, to showbiz. “I idolize him but I’m not a follower,” Jeremy clarified. “I follow my own path.”
age gracefully
Mangoes: All Hail the ‘King of Fruits’! For those of us who grew up in Southeast Asia, mangoes are as common there as apples are here in North America—they are everywhere and in just about everything. My mom encouraged me to eat mangoes every day and I was happy to oblige. Originally cultivated at the foot of the Himalayas 4,000 years ago, mangoes are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Mangoes are low in calories (135 for a whole mango), they have been found to help to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers, can lower cholesterol, promote eye health, help your skin, improve digestion, regulate blood sugar, and boost your immune system. There are hundreds of mango varieties grown throughout the world, and six of them are the main varieties available in the United States. I’m very partial to the Ataulfos which are a lot like the ones in the Philippines. They are golden in color and have a relatively small seed, so there’s more of the juicy flesh, and they don’t have the slight aftertaste that some mangoes have. Ataulfos are available fresh March through July. The Kent variety is mostly green on the outside and very good for juicing. It’s available January to March and June to August. The most commonly grown mangoes in the U.S. are the Tommy Atkins which have green skins with a pinkish-red blush. Semi-ripe mangoes are tarter than fully ripe mangoes and hold their shape better. I like
SAn PeDRO, CA — Philippine expressions Bookshop will host a book talk on Saturday, June 30, 2018 featuring “We Were There Too, Uncle”, a compendium of stories and essays about the civilian prisoners in Japanese-occupied Philippines during World War ll. Open and Free to the public, the event is from 3:00pm – 6:000pm and will be held at the bookshop’s venue at 479 West Sixth St., Suite 105, San Pedro, CA. According to bookshop owner Linda nietes-Little, the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines was a dark phase of our history and more young people should really know what happened then, so that they will better understand and appreciate the sacrifices of those who died for our freedom. Filipino soldiers have fought bravely side by side with American soldiers. It has been 73 years since WWll ended, but the “scars and trauma have remained in the Filipino psyche,” nietes pointed out. ` “While we may have forgiven the atrocities of the Japanese, we should not forget this phase in our history so that history will not repeat itself,” nietes added. “We Were There Too, Uncle” talks about life in captivity of allied prisoners kept by the Japanese Imperial Army at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp (STIC) within the campus of the historic University of Santo Tomas. The book is wellresearched which goes through the different perspectives and personal stories of the internees -- imprisoned children, housewives, company executives and civilian members of the American, British and other foreign com-
munities caught in Manila by the war. They were rounded up and detained at STIC until they were liberated by Allied forces guided by Filipino guerrilla forces. They experienced and saw the war first hand, especially the bombing and the Liberation of Manila. Book Talk speaker and book editor Angus Lorenzen was one of the imprisoned children at STIC. he will share memories of the war through the eyes of a child. he was seven years old when he, his Mom and sister were interned at STIC. he came out of the internment at age 10 thoroughly traumatized. A retired engineer with a degree from UC-Berkeley, he now resides in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. People in the U.S. think that only Japanese citizens were held in internment camps by America. The book reminds us that the Japanese in east Asia held almost 14,000 American civilians, and over 100,000 Allied civilians, under far worse conditions. The American government, despite large bonuses to Japanese-Americans (and also
Japanese-Americans who returned to Japan after the war), have not recognized the American civilians held as prisoners by the Japanese. Of 13,996 Americans held by Japan, 992 died, and 544 disappeared without accountability. At times the book is grim and morose, especially when going through detail by intricate detail about the Battle of Manila and how hundreds of thousands Filipinos died as a result of the Japanese occupation. But it does offer some brief moments of hope and optimism, as it tells in cartoons and anecdotal accounts about how people survived in the Philippines around the same time period. nietes said that people who experienced WWll first hand have an obligation to share the stories to the younger generation, to serve as “living libraries” of events past. “This is my legacy to young people who would care to listen, and I share events willingly in whatever way I can,” she said. Book Talks of this nature is her way of sharing because it give the audience a chance to hear from the authors themselves. nietes said that “she enjoys these opportunities where she can listen to authors speak about their books and their experiences. It always adds to my knowledge. nowadays, it is an asset to be street-smart and knowledgeable! Do not walkaround with an empty mind!” Regular Book Talks are sponsored by the bookshop as part of their community-outreach program. It also increases awareness for the Filipino presence in America. For more information about the book talk, or to RSVP for the event, call (310) 514-9139; or send an email to info@philippinebookshop.com.
Pia welcomes move not to hold Miss Universe... PAGE B1 not?” she told The Star on Tuesday, June 19. There are reports that it will be held in either Macau or South Korea. “It usually takes a long time before they announce (the venue). Like when Miss Universe was held here, it was almost a few months nalang. So, maybe soon. June pa naman ngayon. We’ll see. I’m excited for what’s in store. Sana malapit lang para madaling puntahan ng mga Pilipino.” nevertheless, she said that plans to hold it in Asia would be good news for the Fiipino pageant fans. “I think wherever the Miss Universe will be held, lilipad pa rin yung mga Pilipino dyan at makakagawa ng paraan. And yung Russia nga dati, nagawan natin ng
paraan. Yung malalapit pa kaya? If indeed, it is Macau or South Korea, then malapit lang yun. That’s good news.” She believes it is also good news for the country’s bet, Catriona Gay. “It’s good news for Catriona because maraming makakapunta na Filipinos, and I think it’s a nice feeling to compete abroad. I feel like it’s also special to do it here because you’re doing it in front of your countrymen but perhaps it’s also a nice feeling when you’re packing your bags, you’re leaving and riding the plane, so it would be nice that Catriona will be able to experience that.” Catriona has a good shot at winning the beauty contest, according to Pia, who became the third Pinay to wear the Miss U crown after Margie Moran (1974)
and Gloria Diaz (1969). “I think that she has a very good chance. She’s a total package. When I say she’s a total package, you have nothing negative to say against her. So, very exciting ang Miss Universe this year.” Meanwhile, Pia has always been vocal about her intention to pursue a career in the U.S. but she admitted that it has to take a backseat for now. After doing the movie My Perfect You early this year, she will be back both on the big and small screens. “May show, may movie, it’s very exciting,” she said but begged off from dishing out other details. “Right now, I have a lot of work and commitments that I have to fulfill here before I could move back to the States to fulfill my other dreams,” she said.
Ariel Layug: A chef fulfills his potential...
to use them in my Mango Shrimp Cocktail, mango shakes and mango preserve. If you like more sweetness, use ripe mangoes instead of green ones.
Mango Shrimp Cocktail Serves 4 ½ cup fresh lime juice ¼ cup sliced scallions 2 tsp. sliced jalapenos 1–2 tsp. sea salt 1–2 tsp. hot sauce 2 cups diced green (semi-ripe) mangoes 1½ cups diced Roma tomatoes 1 cup julienned young coconut meat ¼ cup minced cilantro 2 cups medium wild shrimp, steamed or grilled Tortilla chips
1. In a glass bowl, combine the lime juice, scallions, jalapenos, salt, and hot sauce. 2. Fold in the mangoes, tomatoes, coconut meat, and cilantro. 3. Carefully fold in shrimp. 4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. 5. Spoon into martini glasses. NOTE: Depending on your taste for spicy foods, you can, adjust the amount of hot sauce and jalapenos.
© 2018 by FoodTrients.com
BY GRACE O
to launch World War II book
GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooks — The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently won Gourmand’s ‘Best in the World’ Award for Innovation. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry. Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com
PAGE B1 and I use that [inspiration] when we prepare our food,” he shared. “I try to open up people’s minds, I love it when I get people to try different dishes.” As part of introducing global cuisine to the company, he has prepared Filipino dishes, including “adobo madalas, lechon kawali, pancit, longganisa, tortang talong for the vegetarians, kare kare.” “They go crazy for the lumpiang sariwa because it’s fresh and we make our own crepes. I try to do something different every time I do Filipino cuisine,” he added. Journey to Cirque Layug moved to Australia when he was a young boy and spent almost 12 years there. he didn’t know what he wanted to do then so he stopped university (“I wasn’t enjoying it as much and at the time I was working in a restaurant”). There was a college near their home that offered short courses on bartending so he did that, and when he finished, his parents told him to study more. he gave culinary school a try and he enjoyed it. Layug became a chef in Sydney and had a chance encounter with some people on tour who encouraged him to join Cirque. he said he’d give it a try. It was supposed to be a temporary job for a year. he was first hired as a sous chef and became chef de cuisine. he was promoted as a kitchen manager last year. he credits his grandmother Consolacion Layug for the inspiration he didn’t even realize was already in him. Growing up in the province, he saw his Lola foraging for food, not just in their backyard but in the forest even and their neighbors then thought that it was weird. “She was a very good cook and quite picky with the ingredients when we went to the markets. She was also very particular with how
Photo by Michael Kass
the dishes taste,” he said. “Feeding people and watching them enjoy was something she did on a regular basis.” Which is exactly what he is doing now. his team feeds 124 people from 25 different countries and most of them are well-travelled. They don’t repeat dishes for the entire two months, the length of time that they stay in a particular city. Challenges Layug says being here in the tri state area is amazing because of the proximity to new York and the diversity of the ingredients available, compared in other cities where there is a severe shortage of ingredients and there are few Asian and Latino stores. Touring life follows a routine, something that he has grown to master and love. “We have a routine, we take the city bus to get our bearings right, we find our barber, coffee shop, grocery store. We travel with a few items, which we put in our rooms, apartments just so it feels like home,” Layug shared.
Their operation is like a pop up restaurant that is in a particular city for two months. And one by one, the pieces come together – the barbecue and picnic tables, then the tent, then the main kitchen is built and they move in and set it up. For their final meal in each tour, the kitchen team prepares only one thing: spaghetti Bolognese. “It has never been broken in the entire history of the Cirque touring shows. It’s a very simple meal but after two months in a city, everyone craves for it,” he said. But sometimes the biggest challenge comes not in the feeding of more than a hundred people. “It’s not always necessarily the volume because it is not that hard to scale up the operations. Sometimes a bigger challenge is being able to guess what people would want to eat,” he said. “When we plan our menus, it is not just about writing stuff. I check the weather and see what’s available. I also eavesdrop sometimes, and I also ask them what they want to eat. Then put all of that together and make sure that it doesn’t feel repetitive. It is challenging but it is definitely fun.” In a sense, chef Ariel Layug’s journey mirrors the story of Volta since the show is about transformation and how one becomes his true self through self-acceptance and freedom, the same process he had to go through himself. With the Philippine flag waving outside the big tents along with the flags of more than 20 other countries, Layug is bursting with pride, which he shares with his husband edonn erwin who is part of Volta’s VIP services. “By having the Filipino flag out there, you know, ‘I am Filipino’ and I am proud of what I am doing. This is who I am, I can even cook Filipino dishes for other and they enjoy it,” he said.
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Let Super Vacation take you on a five-day trip through Oregon & beyond TheRe is more to exploring the United States’ West Coast than just California. Take Oregon for example — home to scenic byways, captivating vistas, and even incredibly blue waters. From California’s world renowned Wine Country, to Oregon’s most treasured Crater Lake National Park, Super Vacation has you covered this summer with its five day trip through some of the West Coast’s most famous outdoor destinations. here are just some of the highlights featured in Super Vacation’s 5 day Oregon—Crater Lake Deluxe Tour: Sequoia National Park Located in central California, Sequoia National Park is rightly nicknamed as the World of the Giants. While there, visit the General Grant (named after 18th U.S. President, Ulysses S. Grant), the second largest tree by volume after the General Sherman Tree also found in Sequoia. The General Grant’s long history of inspiration has further dubbed it the Nation’s Christmas Tree. Napa Valley Also known as the world famous Wine Country, Napa Valley has long been a California getaway destination. See an endless view of grape vines before enjoying some picks from local winery favorites. Redwood National Forest entering Redwood National Forest brings you into the “Avenue of the Giants”, a worldfamous scenic drive that runs
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS The controversy about the increased risk of brain cancer and other health concerns among avid users of cellular phone is upon us once again. The Internet is flooded with claims and counterclaims, and some misinformation. In this column in May 2000, we wrote about the “possible” adverse health effects of the frequent and prolonged use of cellular phone. Following are excerpts from that article, which are still current technical/medical information: Is the use of cellular phone safe? So far, it seems to be. While there are some concerns that the use of cellular phones might be harmful to the users, the final word has not been said yet. There are medical investigations currently going on to find out if there are any health risks associated with the use of cellular phones. What is the current theory? It is postulated, but not scientifically confirmed, that the frequent and extended use of a cellular phone (where the phone is right at the user’s cheek, the earpiece smack against the ear) might be associated with increased incidence of brain cancer. As I have stated, this has not be proven yet. Clinical studies are underway around the world. How could the cellular phone “cause” harm? The cellular phone antenna is the “probable culprit” in this unconfirmed medical suspicion. It is theorized that the antenna, which receives electromagnetic waves (eMW) or signals, transmits the same eMW to the brain of the person using the cellular phone (since the unit is in close proximity to the brain), and that these eMW might explain the suspected increase in the incidence of brain cancer among
ABANDONED BY HER BIRTH PARENTS, WILL NIKKA BE LEFT BEHIND AGAIN WHEN USCIS CHALLENGED HER ADOPTIVE PARENT’S ELIGIBILITY TO PETITION HER? Lilia (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 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. 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 attorney 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 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.
through acres of spectacular redwoods. Crater Lake National Park The only national park in Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is a prized destination of the
state as evident by its image on the license plates of many Oregon residents. Around 400,000 people visit yearly to see it’s blue waters — among the bluest in the world. Reaching 1,949 feet deep, Crater Lake is also the deepest in the nation and was formed from the collapse of volcano Mount Mazama some 7,700 years ago. Mount Shasta Get a view of the enormous White Mountain Peak which stands 2,000 feet over Mr. Fuji, before exploring the fascinating Lake Shasta Caverns. Formed roughly 200 million years ago by flowing water, the entire cave is made of limestone with its wide variety of formations, stalagmites, soda straws, and flowstone. Also pay a visit to the world’s largest sundial at the translucent glass decked Sundial Bridge! Roaring Camp Railroads What better way to get a final view of the West Coast’s redwood groves than by old fashion sightseeing train. Take a morning ride on the Roaring Camp Railroads in Santa Cruz through redwood groves, all the way to the top of Bear Mountain. established in 1981, Super Vacation specializes in travel packages throughout the U.S. and Canada. To book, or get more information on their tours and rates, call them at (626) 571 2988, or visit them online at www. americanasia.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Cellphone-cancer debate chronic users. Whether this observation is valid or not, we still do not know for sure, but it is only prudent for cellular phone users to take some precautions. Is one cellular phone worse than the other? The ones which are with dual band (1800 Mhz) are said to be worse than the regular ones with only 900 Mhz. Obviously, there are other factors, like length of exposure and proximity of the cellular phone to the brain, etc. What other illness can cellular phone use cause? The other condition often mentioned is leukemia. Again, we would like to emphasize that we do not have scientific data to support this suspicion at this time. Are microwave ovens safe? The normal use of microwave ovens is safe, provided the protective shield is not broken. however, we caution users not to bring their face near the oven door while the oven is on, because the microwaves can harm the eyes by causing premature cataracts. A leaking microwave oven can also affect (inhibit) cardiac pacemakers. How about television sets? Since television sets or computer monitors also emit some electromagnetic radiation, it is advisable not to go too close to the TV or monitor. The fact that medical science does not have any evidence that these eMW are harmful does not mean they are totally safe. It is best to be cautious and view the television at least 5 feet away from you. Does cellular phone use cause infertility? There is no factual basis for this concern. We do not have any reason to believe that 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 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 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 has ever invented and one that is most vital in today’s world, in business as well as for family and personal use. It is here to stay, like all the other electronic gadgets that make life easier, more comfortable, more secure, more efficient, and more productive for the majority of the people around the globe. While the medical controversy rages on, it is prudent for everyone using a cell phone to use the common sense approach to the situation at hand. If we suspected our tap water to be contaminated, what would we do? We would surely boil it properly or use bottled water, inPAGE B4
JC Santos to go daring with Bela Padilla by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com
AFTeR the success of “100 Tula Para Kay Stella,” Kapamilya actor JC Santos revealed that his next movie with Kapamilya actress Bela Padilla is more mature and daring. Speaking with reporters at the recent Gawad Urian 2018 red carpet, JC said their movie “A Day After Valentines” is going to be “a different story” with a “different highlight.” “It’s (going to have) a different plot and characters. Mas mature, daring. Ibang iba sa ‘100 Tula’,” JC assured. The theater-actor-turnedmovie-star said he is now more comfortable with Bela in their upcoming movie. “The second time around is sweeter kasi nga mas comfortable kami sa isa’t isa and nag-eenjoy nalang kami eh. Usually two takes nalang eh kasi nga chemistry
wise, okay na eh,” he said. Rather than being pressured in sculpting their bodies for the daring scenes, JC admitted he and Bela are feeling more pressured on how they play their roles and how the viewers will embrace their new movie. “Mas pressured kami ni Bela kung paano namin bubuuin ‘yung characters,” he shared. Beside the movie with Bela, JC is also doing a love story movie with Angelica Panganiban to be shot this July. he is also in the hit teleserye “Ang Probinsyano,” portraying the role of the new lover of Alyana, played by Yassi Pressman. “Si Yassi kasi is really a good actress. We’re friends na eh. Hindi naman kami ‘yung parang ngayon palang nagkakilala tapos game na agad, so parang hindi na kailangan ng workshops,” he said when asked how comfortable they are in being lovers in the show. JC Santos with Bela Padilla
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Paolo Ballesteros confirms Coco-Vic Sotto team up, hopes to showdown with ‘Paloma’ KAPUSO actor Paolo Ballesteros confirmed that Vic Sotto and Coco Martin will team up for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). When asked who will be Coco’s love interest in the MMFF movie with “Bossing,” Paolo said in a jest: “Sana ako! Charot!” During a red carpet interview at the recent Gawad Urian 2018,
Paolo clarified though that he is not already a part of the movie. “Hindi ko pa alam, sana kasama kami kay Bossing,” the “Die Beautiful” star and last year’s Gawad Urian Best Actor said. Known for his makeup transformations, Paolo said he saw Coco’s Paloma role in the hit teleserye “Ang Probinsyano” and he hopes to have a show-
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Resetting your life
Life Coaching in a Different Perspective Stargazer (Part 2 of 3)
In my previous column, we had part one of resetting your life. now here are the other tips on how to do it. Ready? now let’s start RESETTInG YOUR LIFE. First, we talked about breathing. Proper breathing will CLEAR your MInD. It will relax and slow you down a bit. When I get tired, I take a break. I usually go out of town with a friend in tow just to breathe fresh air. I do nothing but laugh, talk or walk. I go to places I’ve never been and commune with nature. Sometimes I go to far away churches and say a little prayer of thanks. Or, I explore new restaurants and spend coffee time with a very good friend. In short, I try to focus on other things rather than work and worries. I take time to have that “me time” — the alone time with myself. It makes me contemplate. It makes me rethink. next, while taking this break and relaxing, reassess your goals, reevaluate situations in your life. What makes you happy? What activities make you more positive? On a fine Black Saturday, I was leisurely soaking in the pool, when thoughts came into Paolo Ballesteros and Coco Martin as Paloma Philstar.com photos
down with the matinee idol soon. After the success of his movie “My 2 Mommies,” which had a U.S. and a Vietnam screening, Paolo is busy doing the TV show “Born Beautiful.” “Same people kasi, same crew, same staff kaya parang bumalik ‘yung panahon nung ‘Die Beautiful.’ Masisipag pa rin lahat, inuumaga pa rin pero masaya,” Paolo shared. Christian Babbes, who plays the part of Barbs in the movie, has been replaced by Martin del Rosario in the TV series. According to Christian, his management is the one that decided to pull him out of the show for an undisclosed reason. (Phistar.com)
my mind. I pondered about a lot of things and re-evaluated my goals. I thought aloud. What is it that I need to tweak in my life goals? Do I need to stop in the middle of what I am doing or should I simply let go of some things I don’t need anymore? After that relaxing dip, I got a pen and paper and started to write under the mango trees with the luxury of real birds chirping. Ah, it was very timely since Easter was fast coming up. Easter symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. It was the season of forgiveness and renewing of ties, of sharing and letting go of hurts. It was a perfect time to contemplate. And I started writing. On the blank sheet of paper, I first wrote down the goals I had 10 years ago. For those who have none, write down what you have achieved. Do it. Highlight all the goals you were able to reach. Then let us jot down all your smiles and laughter, record your triumphs and moments of pride in another paper. What brought happiness into your life for the past years? Describe each moment. Feel the happiness of each wonderful moment of your life. Pause and say a prayer of gratitude to the Almighty. Say to yourself... I am grateful. I am happy. Breathe in and breathe out... Take a moment to reflect. Then on take another piece of paper write down your failures and disappointments. Write down everything that made you
sad or caused your tears to fall. It may be painful to relive the hurt and each disappointment but you have to be strong enough to recall everything. now count the happy ones and compare it to the bad ones. Which one weighs more than the other? Compare. Did the happy moments offset the bad ones? How worst were the bad ones? Then fold the “happy paper,” place it inside an envelope and label it with a smile. Do the same with the not so good experiences and label the envelope, “I can do better.” Set this aside until another day. Remember to breathe in and breathe out. Simply breathe. My next column will be the last part of this how to reset your life series. I will also share with you a simple meditation technique that will bring positivity into your life. *** Stargazer is a life coach, aura reader, psychic/clairvoyant, and lecturer on the paranormal. She uses the aura, energies & vibrations as focal points of her psychic readings. Using several techniques involving the psychological, spiritual, paranormal and her own experience of the intricacies of life, Stargazer makes one get in touch with his inner and understand life in a positive manner. faith in God and belief in self is what Stargazer emphasizes on. Currently, Stargazer is a radio anchor of DZMM teleradyo, the radio arm of aBS-CBN. Her show “Pinoy Vibes” has been airing every Sunday morning since Sept. 2007. for more information, please visit http:// stargazer.ph/.
Spotted: Two Filipino food innovators who are making waves in the San Fernando Valley By Monet
Lu
“A LOT of traditional Filipino food has sour and bitter notes, which are very unfamiliar to American palates of a few years ago. American palates have changed drastically. I think there’s a really bright future.” – Anthony Bourdain Before his tragic demise a few weeks ago, world-renowned top chef Anthony Bourdain has prophesied the future of Filipino cuisine saying, “Filipino food is the next big thing.” I couldn’t agree more. And if he is still alive today, he would definitely check out these two hole-in-the-wall food hubs that are tucked in the San Fernando Valley. I can already imagine him eating sisig and crispy pata with these chefs; nay, food innovators – who are making the San Fernando Valley the next hot spot for “Pinoy Food.” Meet Chef “JR” Martin (chef and owner of Tatang in North Hollywood) Jamby Roi “JR” Martin is coowner/operator and head chef at Tatang restaurant in north Hollywood. He leads a professional team dedicated to providing culinary excellence and a top-tier guest experience while overseeing all restaurant operations, culinary offerings, and media outreach. Chef JR holds a degree from Le Cordon Bleu, Pasadena. He has gained renowned exposure in high-profile venues and events throughout the United States associated with Wolfgang Puck, Patina; national Events: Kentucky Derby, Grammy Awards, X-Games; Major Sports Leagues: nBA, PGA, nHL, MLS, USTA, nASCAR; Corporate/Political/Religious Entities: Lexus, American Express, Ralph Lauren, La Coste, SPACE-X, TESLA, President Clinton, Catholic Archdiocese of Oakland & Los Angeles, just to name a few. Prior to starting a professional culinary career and his own restaurant business, JR spent his teenage years learning how to plan for, cook and feed his large extended family. This includes his mother, her 15 siblings and the +50 progeny that comes with the lineage. He spent over 15 years passionately pursuing business knowledge within the industry alongside his culinary expertise. Tatang, which translates in Ta-
Chef Jamby roi “Jr” Martin, co-owner/operator and head chef, tatang Photo by Jennifer oh
Chef Lamberto “Jun” reyes, owner/head chef, Goto@Silog
galog as father, was aptly named in honor of the chef’s late grandfather. Tatang Restaurant is known for its Filipino fusion and their modern take on famous Filipino dishes such as lumpia (fried spring rolls), chicken adobo, chicken sisig, longganisa, pork liempo, pancit and mami, among others. One of the restaurant patrons described the food as “good for health-conscious people” as most of its ingredients are organic and not too oily compared to other Filipino restaurants. Chef JR aims to bring the north Hollywood and greater Los Angeles area a unique culinary experience that will bring the community together through that same love of good food and company. He plans to offer a wide range of programs and services, from gastronomic education to business development and community-enhancing workshops. Meet Chef “Jun” Lamberto Reyes (chef and owner of Goto@Silog in Panorama City) His traditional and homecooked way of preparing Pinoy food will take you back to the good old days when your mom or lola used to fix you some “meryenda” after an afternoon’s worth of playing under the scorching sun. Such is Chef Reyes’ vision of Goto@ Silog: comfort Filipino food that soothes every Filipino’s soul. Known to his frends as “Jun,” his passion for cooking started way back when he was still in the Philippines. Before coming to the U.S., he worked in Saudi Arabia, yet his love for cooking didn’t escape him. He would usually cook for his co-workers when he is off-duty. After his job in Saudi ended, he moved to the U.S., where he got his first job at a Senior Care Facility as a cook. He also worked in other Filipino restaurants and became one of Chowking’s first employees when
they opened in Cerritos. He worked there for seven years. Jun decided to shift careers and worked as a contractor. He told himself that he’ll only go back to the food industry when he already has his own restaurant. This, of course, was easier said than done. A job opportunity opened up for him and guess what? Yep, you’ve probably guessed right – cooking found its way back to him when he accepted a job at a Filipino restaurant in Cerritos. When that restaurant closed, he pursued Culinary Arts to further his education. It took him six years until he was ready to manage a restaurant. Still not his own, yet as close as owning one, he rented out the restaurant’s name and took care of all the expenses. After a few years, he decided to buy it out to open his own restaurant and named it,“Goto@Silog.” For the past four years, Goto@Silog has been serving Filipino comfort food specializing in meryenda such as goto, as well and breakfast rice toppers or “tapsilogs.” He has since added some Filipino favorites such as their famous crispy pata and bulalo ng Batangas, which is their bestseller – and I must say – to die for. Chef Jun is planning an expansion very soon and is in the lookout for a good location to share his talent and love for Filipino cuisine. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . to contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
Cellphone-cancer debate
PAGE B3 stead. In other words, we would take the necessary precaution on the basis of the suspicion, even before a pending bacterial culture analysis is obtained, even without a definite proof as yet. It’s better to be safe than sorry later. Some precautionary measures we can take are: (1) Limit our use of the cell phone to neces-
sary calls only, and as briefly as possible; (2) Use text messaging, instead, especially for children; and, (2) For all calls, use handsfree devices. And, if you want to meet God sooner, text and drive! Let us enjoy our cell phone safely and wisely. It is a fabulous friend. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, faCS, fPCS, Cardiac
Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a fellow of the american College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton a. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the filipino United Network – USa, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
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Getting your detained family member out on bond 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 97 individuals for suspected immigration violations; the raid ICE conducted on June 5, 2018 at Corso’s Flower and Garden Centers in Sandusky and Castalio, Ohio where 114 workers were arrested and detained on suspected immigration violations. Locally, a widespread immigration enforcement operation was conducted by ICE across Los Angeles between February 11th through the 15th of this year, which resulted in the arrest and detention of over 200 people, while raids in Northern California on February 27th, resulted in the arrest and detention of 150 people on suspected immigration violations. For the relatives of those arrested, the aftermath of such raids are frightening and filled with uncertainty. However, for many people caught in these types of workplace raids, detention doesn’t have to mean the end of their life in the U.S. or that their situation is hopeless. After a person is arrested and detained by ICE, the first thing that everyone wants is for the person who is detained to be released. The initial bond determination is made by a deportation officer. If the officer denies bond or sets it at an unreachable amount, it is important to 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,
Your Immigration Solution Atty. SArA CroSS & NANCy Miller 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
“For the relatives of those arrested, the aftermath of such raids are frightening and filled with uncertainty.� 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 immi-
gration 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.
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*** 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)
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)
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? &$%1Čœ Oct 19, 2018 (Fri) Day 2 – Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv/ Tiberias Ćž "/ 4" )" / **&$/ 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
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FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS
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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 .
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C JUNE 23-26, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Minding Your Finances atty. Raymond Bulaon A LOT of people in debt often already know what they need to do once they realize that bankruptcy is their only way out. But they usually delay the decision to file because they try their best to avoid it if at all possible and will only rush to act when they face an immediate threat from creditors such as a lawsuit or wage garnishment. However, sometimes the decision to delay can hurt you. Let me explain. If you wait too long and continue to use all your financial resources to temporarily keep you afloat, in the end you might be sorry that you did this. For example, I have seen a lot of people go through all their savings, retirement plans, kid’s college funds, etc. in the hopes this will fix their financial situation. They often find out the hard way that it is not, and ultimately end up filing bankruptcy anyway. Of course, no one has a crystal ball that can predict the future, but unless you miraculously come up with the money you need when you’re already drowning in debt, chances are that things will just continue to get worse. This can put you at an extreme disadvantage, making financial recovery
The Prophetic Voice ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas “WHAT, then, will this child be?” It was the question that Zachariah and Elizabeth’s relatives and neighbors asked one another at seeing God’s hand working in the life of this elderly couple. In their old age and through their persevering faith, God finally blessed them with a son. The relatives and neighbors could not help but get involved in the elderly couple’s affairs, even in the choice of name for this child. We should name after his father, Zechariah, they retorted. To which Elizabeth responded, “No, he will be called John.” Zechariah confirmed the choice of this name by writing on a tab-
Community Journal
Waiting to file for bankruptcy can sometimes hurt you
more difficult than it should be. When you are depleting assets while facing debt collections lawsuits, it may be difficult to cover even basic living expenses such as rent or mortgage, food, utilities, car payments, etc. Sure you may be avoiding bankruptcy temporarily, but all you’re doing is putting a band-aid on a big, gaping wound. This is especially true if your wages are being garnished and you have other creditors who are just waiting to do the same. If you completely use up all your assets so that you have zero at the time of filing bankruptcy, you may find it more difficult to regain your financial footing and start your new life after bankruptcy. Most retirement plans are also exempt in bankruptcy and had you not used all your retirement money to pay debts before filing, you would have been able to protect what little you have and still have some type of savings after bankruptcy. I have clients whose debt payments are more than 30-40 percent of their monthly income and they wonder why they’re broke every payday. Keep in mind that if you are in that situation, you are only living on 60-70 percent of your actual income and that is why you feel that there is never enough money to go around no
matter how hard you work. What this means is that you are on “survival mode” and as long as you stay there, you’re never going to be able to plan for your financial future. And remember that if you “fail to plan, you plan to fail.” I am sure this is not what you want for yourself and your family. If bankruptcy is your best solution, please don’t be too hard on yourself by looking at your filing as a sign of personal failure. Bankruptcy is not the end of your financial life. But rather, it can be a useful tool to be able to rebuild your finances, your credit and your life if you are no longer able to solve your debt problems on your own. If you are in debt and don’t know what to do, let me help you understand your options. I will give you a free initial consultation so we can talk about your situation. Just call 866-477-7772 and schedule an appointment. I have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)
To be prophets of our time
let since he became temporarily mute during the discovery of his wife’s pregnancy. At the mention of this name, his tongues loosened and started praising God! “What, then, will this child be?” Deep in the hearts of Zachariah and Elizabeth, they knew that God has a plan for their child. But as parents, they would do their part in raising this child to become what God intended him to be. They would facilitate God’s plan for John. They could not be a stumbling block to God’s mission in the life of their son. The question, “What, then, will this child be?” sounds relevant in today’s time, especially in the recent days when the news of children who were separated from their parents as they crossed the U.S.-Mexican border shook our world and deeply polarized us again as a political society. When it comes to these vulnerable members of our society, our
hearts are moved with pity and compassion, no matter what our political leanings are. We can imagine our children that anyone can take away from us. This separation would be the most painful thing that a family can experience. And so in appropriating the question, “What, then, will this child be?” in this Sunday’s Gospel on the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist, in conscience we must ask ourselves these hard questions: What must our response be as a nation and as Christians regarding the flight of thousands of children, including toddlers, that are at detention centers without the presence of their parents? And to go further on this issue, what must governments and nations do with refugees around the world who are helpless and powerless without any land or
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Tax Tips victoR sy, cPa, mBa
YES, you can be. It’s terrible, but it happens. In a landmark case, the Supreme Court held that a conviction for willfully filing a false tax return is a deportable offense under our immigration laws. It reached the same conclusion with respect to a conviction for aiding and abetting in the preparation of a false return. Facts of Case: • Akio and Fusako Kawashima, both Japanese citizens, were lawful permanent residents of the U.S. • Mr. Kawashima pleaded guilty to one count of willfully filing a false tax return. • Mrs. Kawashima pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. • Following their convictions, the Immigration and Naturalization Service charged the Kawashimas with being deportable from the U.S. as aliens who have been convicted of aggravated felony. • Aggravated felony is an offense that involves fraud or deceit in which the loss exceeds $10,000. • The loss exceeded $10,000;
Legal-Ease: An Attorney’s Perspective Judd matsunaGa esq
MEDICARE, Medicaid, MediCal. If your 65th birthday is on the horizon, then these terms may have begun to appear on your radar. Unfortunately, because the three are so similar in name, people tend to confuse one program with another. So what exactly are the differences? Medicare is a federally funded program that provides basic healthcare coverage for Americans ages 65 and above (and certain disabled individuals). If you have a heart attack and are admitted to the hospital for a few days, Medicare will typically cover that short-term stay. Medicare is an entitlement program, meaning just about any 65-year-old American is eligible – even someone as rich as Donald Trump. Medicaid is a jointly funded u PAGE C3 federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage for individuals with limited income and resources. It is a needsbased program, which means you have to qualify in order to receive benefits. Medi-Cal is California’s version of Medicaid (the “Cal” stands for “California”). Most people are concerned with the type of Medi-Cal that deals with long-term care, i.e., skilled nursing facilities. Unfortunately, the “Medi” mix-ups generate a lot of misinformation about Medi-Cal eligibility and qualification process and as a result, there is a general misunderstanding about the way the program operates. This article intends to identify the three most common Medi-Cal myths and explain why they are false. Myth #1: “I have too much money to qualify for Medi-Cal.” By far the most common reason why people do not explore the Medi-Cal program is because they believe their income or assets are too high to receive benefits. The first thing to note is that long-term care Medi-Cal is de-
Can you be deported for filing false tax returns?
therefore, their convictions were considered as aggravated felonies. • At their deportation hearing, they argued that their convictions were not aggravated felonies. Court Decision: • The Immigration Judge disagreed with taxpayers and ordered their deportation. • They appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals which affirmed the Judge’s decision. • The case went up all the way to the Supreme Court which agreed that convictions in which the Government’s revenue loss exceeds $10,000 qualify as aggravated felonies. • The Supreme Court rejected the Kawashimas’ argument that they could not be deported for the commission of an “aggravated felony” because their crimes did not involve fraud or deceit. • The Court stated that the taxpayers involved in deceitful conduct when they knowingly and willfully submitted a tax return that was false as to a material matter. • Mrs. Kawashima committed a felony involving deceit by knowingly and willfully assisting her husband’s filing of a materially
false return. • In short, the taxpayers lost. Their tax evasion case was therefore a deportable offense. Ouch. Lesson: • Tax evasion is a felony punishable by a maximum fine of $100,000 or five years imprisonment. • A person who signs a tax return that is false as to any material matter is guilty of a felony. • It becomes aggravated felony when loss to the government exceeds $10,000 – a deportable offense. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Top 3 Medi-Cal myths debunked termined by the amount of assets you have; it is not determined by your income. As long as you are below the requisite asset limit, you are Medi-Cal eligible. While it is true that you cannot receive Medi-Cal benefits if you have too many assets, it does not mean that you are permanently ineligible. There are legal ways to protect, purchase, transfer, and/or liquidate your assets in order to qualify. If done correctly and by the book, this can be a tremendous way to protect your life savings and receive longterm care benefits. Myth #2: “I have to wait 3-5 years because Medi-Cal can ‘look back’ to see if I’ve transferred my assets.” The Medi-Cal “look back” period is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the healthcare system. As I mentioned, there are ways to protect your assets and qualify for Medi-Cal…but it must be done properly. The easiest way to explain the look back period is through an example. Let’s say Donald Trump needed nursing home care and wanted Medi-Cal to pay for it. If he applied, he would get denied due to his abundance of assets. As a result, President Trump gifts his properties, money, and other countable assets to his three children. Now that he’s under the asset limit, he will receive Medi-Cal benefits, right? Wrong. Currently, Medi-Cal can “look back” to see if you’ve made significant transfers like this within the past 30 months (2.5 years). A new law, the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA), will change this timeframe to 60 months (5 years). If you have made a significant transfer, then you will be penalized with a period of ineligibility. In Donald Trump’s case, even if he has no assets, he will be ineligible from receiving Medi-Cal until 2020 (under current laws) or 2023 (under the DRA). Many people dismiss the possibility of receiving Medi-Cal when they hear about the look back period, but it’s not as discourag-
ing as it seems. An experienced attorney can help you navigate through Medi-Cal’s labyrinth of rules to legally transfer your assets without triggering any penalty period. Myth #3: “If I use Medi-Cal, the State of California will take my home when I die.” If you use Medi-Cal benefits during your lifetime, then the State of California will try to recoup the money they spent on your medical care after you’re gone. Essentially, the State can recover assets (like your home) left in your probate estate. This is when people tend to panic. The good news is that an estate recovery is 100% preventable. There are several ways to protect your home and ensure that your assets are passed on to your children (or other loved ones). As long as your home is funded into a revocable living trust, your home is shielded from Medi-Cal recovery. There are several other ways to shelter your home and other countable assets. Strategies differ depending upon the individual, but a plan can be customized to fit your personal circumstances and goals. It’s easy to see how these Medi-Cal myths can deter someone from trying to apply for benefits. Though the intricacies of the rules and regulations are difficult to translate, it is possible to protect your life savings, protect your home, and have your long-term care paid for with the assistance of an experienced attorney. *** Judd Matsunaga, Esq. is the founding attorney of Elder Law Services of California and practices Medi-Cal Planning, Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration. Judd can be contacted at (310) 348-2995 or judd@elderlawcalifornia.com. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Asian American Journal. The information presented does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. (Advertising Supplement)
Do I have community property interest in a house which my spouse acquired before our marriage? GENERALLY, in California, property acquired by a spouse prior to marriage is considered separate property under family code section 770 while those acquired after marriage are considered community assets under family code section 760. How do you characterize real property purchased prior to marriage but with the mortgage principal paid down using community income or funds during the marriage? The community in this situation acquires a pro tanto interest in the ratio that the payments on the purchase price made with community funds bear to the total payments on the purchase price and any appreciation should be apportioned accordingly. Marriage of Moore (1980) 28 C3d 366, 371, 373, 168 CR 662, 664, 665. Other expenses associated with the property are not considered in the calculation such as mortgage interest, taxes, and insurance. In essence, the real property would accumulate both a separate property and a community property component by the date of separation. The appropriate remedy in this situation where separate property is subsequently paid with community funds is “apportionment.” The process of apportioning
Barrister’s Corner atty. Kenneth uRsua Reyes between the separate and community property component is laid out in the Marriage of Marsden. In that case, the court determined the ratio or percentage in which the mortgage loan principal was reduced during the marriage and applied that percentage to the appreciation of the real property during the marriage. The community property component would then consist of the reduction in the mortgage loan principal during the marriage plus the portion of appreciation during the marriage applying the ratio discussed above. In the Marriage of Marsden, the real property was purchased by the husband for $38,300 prior to the marriage. The original mortgage was $30,000. By the time the husband got married, the house was now worth $65,000 while the mortgage has gone down by $7,000. Both the appreciation of $26,700 and the
mortgage reduction of $7,000 would be separate property since it occurred prior to marriage. Marriage of Madsen (1982) 130 CA3d 426, 181 CR 910. During the marriage until the time of trial, the property has appreciated another $117,500 (property now valued at $182,500) while the mortgage has further declined by $9,200 up to the date of separation. The ratio at which community funds paid down the mortgage ($9,200) during the marriage to the original purchase price ($38,300) amounts to 24.02%. This percentage of the property appreciation during the marriage of $117,500 ($28,223.50) plus the reduction in mortgage balance during the marriage ($9,200) would constitute the community component of the real property. The rest was the husband’s separate property. The husband in that case was awarded his separate property component of the real property plus one half of the community property component. The Marsden apportionment method is also applicable to situations where a community real property is later transmuted into one spouse’s separate property through execution of a quit claim
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Community Journal
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 23-26, 2018
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Employee misclassification results AC 21: Changing the employer of your in serious injustice to workers employment-based green card application (“Independent contractors” lose employment rights) Legal EDUARDO Garcia worked 15-hour days as a port truck driver for Tradelink Transport. Even after working 15 hours, his boss would wave him back to work. If he said no, he would not be given work the next day. So he went back to work. Jovanni Castillo worked 20 hours per day, six days a week driving for Imperial CFS. If he did not drive 20 hours a day his company fined him $200. Ho Lee had been paying $1,600 a month for two years for a truck in a lease-to-own scheme. When he fell sick and missed a week of work, the company fired him, took his truck and he lost everything he had paid on it. The above are some of the workers detailed in USA Today Network’s investigative report into the trucking industry. The report highlighted the industry-wide but unlawful practice of classifying drivers as “independent contractors.” USA Today Network’s report found that: Employers charged drivers with hundreds of dollars a month for insurance and diesel fuel. Drivers are forced to falsify work logs that track hours or their companies would not pay them. Many drivers thought they
the type of tasks to accomplish and how to accomplish them, Protecting then the worker is likely an emEmployee ployee. Our law firm has helped hun& Consumer dreds of misclassified workers Rights recover back wages owed to them by companies. More imAtty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. portantly, through litigation, we helped them be correctly were paying into their truck like classified as employees. Evaluating whether a worker a mortgage. Instead, when they lost their job, they also lost their is correctly classified as an IC truck, along with everything they may become highly technical. Workers should not hesitate paid toward it. Serious injustice could result to consult with experienced when workers are misclassified employment attorneys to deteras independent contractors (IC). mine if they are really employSuch workers are deprived of the ees entitled to greater rights protections afforded to employ- and protections under the law. ees, such as the right to be paid *** for each and every hour worked, and the right to be paid for over- The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. time, or missed breaks. They are welcomes inquiries about this topic. also deprived of benefits such as All inquiries are confidential and at nohealth insurance, pension, and cost. You can contact the office at (818) workers’ compensation protec- 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com tion. They do not have the usual or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. recourse against wrongful termi- Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced nation. Worse, companies pass trial attorney who has successfully on the costs of doing business recovered wages and other monetary to them by deducting expenses damages for thousands of employees from their pay. and consumers. He was named Top Labor True independent contrac- & Employment Attorney in California by tor status is defined by law. The the Daily Journal, consistently selected most important factor to consider as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles whether a worker is an employee Magazine, and is the recipient of or an IC is the employer’s right to PABA’s Community Champion Award control the worker in performing for 2016.] (Advertising Supplement) the job. If the employer dictates
Business owner choose Chapter 7 for $250K in personal guarantees on business loans THE client is 45. He is actually a medical professional in his country of origin. It would have been great for him if he could practice his profession here in the U.S. Unfortunately, his professional license is not recognized here. He is required to study another two years here in California to complete his professional degree, and thereafter pass the licensing board. Since the client already has a family with a wife and two kids aged 6 and 7, he believes his priority is to make money to support his family, and not to study further to get his professional degree and qualify for a license to practice his profession here. His wife is a teacher and makes about $4,000 a month. The client decided to set up a business. He set up a trucking business with a business partner. They established a C-corporation with each owning 50 percent. The corporation purchased three trucks with installment financing provided by a bank and leased two trucks. The client and partner both drove two trucks, and they hired three drivers for the other three. Each truck was generating about $100,000 a year of gross receipt. In their first year, gross receipts were about half a million dollars, less operating expenses of $480,000. Considering that each partner got paid a salary of $2,000 a month, which was part of operating expenses, plus the net profit of $20,000 and the end of the first year of operations, the client’s trucking business was ok, but not that great. The business was able to pay all installment and lease payments and all expenses on time. The problem came about when one of the trucks got into a serious rear-end accident out of state. Their truck rear-ended a car on the freeway that stopped all of a sudden. It caused a chain collision of six cars with drivers and passengers suffering a lot of physical injuries. The client’s insurance carrier had limited liability, which was insufficient to pay for all damages. So now, the injured parties are suing the business for $700,000 for injuries caused not covered by insurance. Their own driver was badly injured, and could no lon-
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrenCe yAng
ger drive. The business started losing money, and could not pay the banks and the leases. Eventually, the truck that caused the accident was returned to the leasing company. Subsequently, the other truck was also returned to the leasing company. Each truck had a lease return deficiency of $40,000 each. Unfortunately, client personally guaranteed the leases, so the leasing companies have now sent a demand to the client for $80,000 of lease deficiencies. To make matters worse, the banks have also sent a demand letter to client for $140,000 to call on his personal guaranty on the bank loans for the purchase of three trucks,
“Do not sign personal guarantees for business loans because you will be on the hook if the business cannot pay the loan.” which are now also seriously delinquent. What did I say many times before? Do not sign personal guarantees for business loans because you will be on the hook if the business cannot pay the loans. If you own a house, why risk your house with a personal guaranty for a business loan? In any event, the client is now about to face lawsuits to collect on his personal guaranty for $220K! It doesn’t even end at $220K. The business itself will be facing lawsuits arising from the accident for $700K. Fortunately for the client, even though he owns a house, the equity in the house is only $60,000, well within the homestead exemption of $100,000. So client opts for Chapter 7 to wipe out the $220,000, keep his house and all his assets, to start life again without lawsuits. He
can be productive again. Maybe he might even be able to go back to school and get his professional degree and license. In two years, with his degree and professional license, the client should have no difficulty making $250,000 gross a year. Senior files Chapter 7 for $55K in credit cards The other client is 62. He still works a mid-level management position and grosses $60,000 a year. The wife is a licensed vocational nurse and makes $36,000 a year. They make about $100,000 a year, which is good. They still have a daughter in college. They send her $1,500 a month out of state. The wife has a sister abroad with a big family and insufficient income so the wife sends her sister $500 a month. The husband has $40,000 of credit card debt. He pays $1,200 of that to keep current. The wife owes $15,000 of credit cards. She pays $600 of minimum payments to keep them current. So, credit card payments are almost $2,000 a month, just to keep them current. The client says that they have been paying for these cards for ten years. They have paid $240,000 in 10 years, and still owe the same $40,000 and $15,000. However, the client anticipates that he may just continue working for another year or so. What happens then? His income will be gone, and he will rely on social security, which is less than $2,000 a month. Might as well wipe out all credit cards now and save $24,000 this year, and another $24,000 next year, or save $48,000 in two years. He should have done it, Chapter 7, to wipe out all his credit cards 10 years ago, and set aside $240,000 more in his retirement account! And now, he would have $240,000 cash in is retirement accounts plus, he would have perfect credit today, if he filed for Chapter 7 10 years ago! *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.
Do I have community property interest... PAGE C2 t
by the other spouse but is subsequently paid using community funds. Marriage of Broderick (1989) 209 CA3d 489, 257 CR 397. In litigation, the community interest in the situations mentioned about is proven through expert witness testimony typically by a forensic CPA. Since California case law allows the creation of a community interest in real property acquired prior to marriage, one has to consider vehicles to protect themselves if you own property and you are contemplating of getting married. There are several ways of avoiding the creation of a community interest on your separate real property. One, you can sign a prenuptial agreement. Two,
the parties can execute a postnuptial agreement if the parties are already married. Three, the parties can execute a transmutation agreement with a waiver of any family code section 2640 reimbursement claim. If your divorce case involves complex issues of asset distribution, it is best to retain the representation of competent counsel.
would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.
*** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration *** law section of the Los Angeles County Please note that this article is not Bar Association. He has extensive CPA legal advice and is not intended as experience prior to law practice. LAW legal advice. The article is intended OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is to provide only general, non-specific located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, legal information. This article is not Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 intended to cover all the issues re- or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit lated to the topic discussed. The spe- our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. cific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than (Advertising Supplement)
DEAR Attorney Tan, I have an approved I-140 immigrant petition which was filed by Company A on my behalf. Company A would like to employ me as a bookkeeper. Based on that approved I-140 petition, I filed an application for green card (I-485 adjustment of status) in August 2014. Since that time, my green card application has been pending, as USCIS has requested additional documents in support of my application. Recently, another company, Company B, has expressed interest in hiring me for a payroll clerk position. Company B is a more established company based in the Midwest and pays $10,000.00 less but offers much better benefits. Is there a way I can substitute Company B as the employer in my green card application? --P.T. Dear P.T. Under INA Section 204(j), commonly referred to as AC 21, an approved I-140 employmentbased immigrant petition filed by one employer can be used by or “ported” to another employer providing certain requirements are met. First, a green card (I-485 adjustment of status) application must have been filed and must be pending for at least 180 days. Second, the “new” job offered by the second employer must be in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the first employer filed the I-140 petition. In your situation, you meet the first requirement in that
Advice
Atty. DArriCk tAn your application for green card (I-485) was filed in August 2014. Your application has been pending for over 1 year, which is more than the required 180 days under AC 21. In depth analysis in your case is needed as to whether Company B’s job of “payroll clerk” is considered a “similar occupational classification” to Company A’s job of “bookkeeper,” for which Company A petitioned you. In determining whether one job is similar enough to another job for AC 21 purposes, the USCIS takes into account the totality of the circumstances, including the job duties of both positions, the Standard Occupational Code (SOC) from the approved I-140 and the SOC code for the job offered by the new prospective employer, as well as the offered wages for each position. In your case, analysis would begin with the job duties of each position. The more similarity in job duties between bookkeeper and payroll clerk, the greater the likelihood that USCIS would consider them similar. Also, the SOC code for the 2 jobs would be taken into account. In addition, the wages offered by each employer would be considered. The existence of a big disparity
in wages offered by each employer is not by itself a reason to conclude that the jobs are not similar. In your case, the fact that Company B is offering $10,000 less than Company A has to take into account the fact that the Midwest has a lower cost of living, as well as the fact that better benefits are being offered by Company B. If it is considered a “similar occupational classification,” Company B may be substituted in as the employer in your pending green card application, and Company B will not have to start the process from the beginning by filing a labor certification application and by obtaining an approved I-140 petition. The analysis of whether you can use or “port” your approved I-140 requires additional analysis, and consulting with an experienced attorney is recommended. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 6390277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
To be prophets of our time PAGE C2 t
country to live? And if we put ourselves in the shoes of our desperate neighbors—we who are fortunate to have the rights and privileges of a nation--how would we feel and what we can do too? Indeed, what little things each of us can contribute in bringing solutions to these problems? I know that these are difficult and complicated questions and issues and there are no easy answers for them. But the bottom line is that the Scriptures mandate us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, to take care of
the least of among us, the little ones, to welcome the stranger, to feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty. We can learn from the passion, zeal, and courage of the person whose birth we celebrate in today’s liturgy. John the Baptist grew up to become a fearless prophet, speaking up against the evils of the world, unyielding to the influence of corrupt and worldly power, and urging people to reform their lives. We can at least possess a bit of his integrity and solidity of character. We too can be prophets of
our times!
*** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
C4 JUNE 23-26, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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People and Events
Celebrate Independence Day in San Gabriel
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/.
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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.
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Solo exhibit of Fil-Am Artist Lynda A. N. Reyes in Burbank The Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, the municipal gallery of Burbank, is proud to present the Solo Exhibit of artist Lynda A. N. Reyes from July 6 to the 26,2018. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, July 6 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The gallery is located at 1100 West Clarke Avenue, Burbank, California 91506. The exhibit will highlight her watercolor and oil paintings that have been featured in museum exhibits in California, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Montana and in national juried shows in Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Sta. Monica, Glendale, Brea in Orange County and in international shows in Kentucky, Canada, Maryland, Wisconsin, Colorado and New York. Paintings that have given her recognition, as well as new works will all in one big venue. For more information about the artist, visit www.lyndaanreyes.com or contact her at lyndaanreyes@gmail.com. For information about the gallery, call 818-238-5397 or visit www. burbankca.gov/cac. The gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
J U LY 7
Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA celebrates 40th anniversary in Long Beach, CA On Friday, July 13, LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis presents the LA Veterans Resource Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pomona Fairplex Bldg. 4 (1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768). The day will feature information on jobs, health & resources. FREE admission and parking at Gate 17 entrance. Participant registration also available the day of the event. For more information about the event, please visit www.LAVetExpo.com.
J U LY 1 3
LA Veterans Resource Expo in Pomona, CA The Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, the municipal gallery of Burbank, is proud to present the Solo Exhibit of artist Lynda A. N. Reyes from July 6 to the 26,2018. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, July 6 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The gallery is located at 1100 West Clarke Avenue, Burbank, California 91506. The exhibit will highlight her watercolor and oil paintings that have been featured in museum exhibits in California, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Montana and in national juried shows in Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Sta. Monica, Glendale, Brea in Orange County and in international shows in Kentucky, Canada, Maryland, Wisconsin, Colorado and New York. Paintings that have given her recognition, as well as new works will all in one big venue. For more information about the artist, visit www.lyndaanreyes.com or contact her at lyndaanreyes@gmail.com. For information about the gallery, call 818-238-5397 or visit www. burbankca.gov/cac. The gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
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Valentine in July concert in Los Angeles This two-and-a-half hour concert on Sunday, July 22 will feature two of the music industry’s best Singer-Songwriters then and today, David Pomeranz and Rey Valera. Their timeless and classic love songs became the movie/tele-serye themesongs in the Philippines. The event will be held at the Aratani Theater (244 S San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012) at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available via www.thesgprod.com or by calling (424)232-6781.
J U LY 28
LA Builder Lions Club to hold installation of new officers The Los Angeles Builder Lions Club will hold their 28th Installation on new officers on Saturday, July 28 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Oxford Palace Hotel (745 S. Oxford Ave, Los Angeles, CA). Music will be provided by Lion Willie Manacsa. Please RSVP to any of the following officers: Lion President Ken Marchand (818)749-1076; Lion Tita James (818)203-2325 or PZC Lion Yoli Ramo at (213)305-1332.
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SPEND your Independence Day at San Gabriel’s Kids’ Day and 4th of July parade! The festivities will be held Wednesday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Staff from the City and committee volunteers have worked hard to plan this year’s event, which provides an opportunity to celebrate our nation. The parade will begin at 9
a.m. at Plaza Park located at 428 South Mission Drive. The parade will travel north on Mission Drive and then east on Broadway. Following the parade, there will be a free Kids’ Day picnic at Smith Park, complete with a delicious barbecue, picnic games, community booths, watermelon eating contest, and
much more! Parade entries will be accepted the day of the parade at Plaza Park. Be sure to bring your swim suit because there will also be free swimming at the Smith Park Pool from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We hope that you will come out and join us for this fun celebration! ■
City of Walnut Fourth of July event and fireworks Free community event will feature live music, face painting, food trucks and fireworks
THE City of Walnut’s annual Fourth of July celebration will be held on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Suzanne Park (625 Suzanne Rd, Walnut CA). This FREE event will feature live music (Classic Rock by Steel Imagination), a Patriotic Pooch Parade, face painting, a pie-eating contest and food trucks. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, canopies and picnic baskets and enjoy the festivities with us. Sorry, but please note that alcohol, smoking, drones, personal fireworks, BBQ’s grills or other cooking appliances are not allowed. The Fireworks Show will begin at approximately at 9 p.m. The best places to see the fireworks are at Suzanne Park and the Wal-
nut High School and Suzanne park beginning at approximately Middle School Soccer Fields. 8:45 p.m. For more information, please Plan to come early since there will be road closures around the call (909) 598-5605.■
City of Pasadena introduces Smartboot technology to recover unpaid parking violations THE City of Pasadena has entered into an agreement with PayLock, LLC to provide SmartBoot technology in an effort to recover unpaid parking violations throughout the city. The City’s scofflaw program enforces the State of California motor vehicle code, aimed at the most serious parking violators who have five or more unpaid parking tickets “While the California Vehicle Code allows us to impound vehicles with five or more unpaid parking citations, we wanted to find a way to collect these unpaid citations that was less punitive,” said Jon Hamblen, the City’s Parking Manager. “Instead of having to come to our office and then to a tow yard, motorists can now simply call Paylock, make a payment and have access to their vehicle in minutes.” When Parking Enforcement officers identify a vehicle eligible for impounding, a SmartBoot is
placed on the vehicle. Once all fines and fees are paid, the registered owner of the vehicle is given a six-digit code to release the SmartBoot. Motorists may pay outstanding violations 24-hours a day, seven days a week by calling a multi-lingual, live-operator customer Help Center or on any mobile device. In most cases, the process takes less than 10 minutes. Cash payments are made at 221 E. Walnut Street, Suite 199, Pasadena, CA 91101. Under the current system, vehicles with five or more parking violations are towed to one of three impound lots. Going forward, an identified vehicle will have a SmartBoot immobilization device attached by a Pasadena Department of Transportation officer. The SmartBoot weighs approximately 16 pounds and has an electronic keypad that may be unlocked by the motorist after payment is made. Once removed,
the motorist returns the boot to a specified return location. If a motorist chooses not to remove the boot on their own, an officer will be dispatched to assist. PayLock introduced self-release booting in 2004. Since then, the company has partnered with more than 20 municipalities on parking enforcement solutions. To date, the company has processed more than one million self-release booting transactions, helping cities recover badlyneeded vehicle debt. Motorists with five or more parking violations are encouraged to pay outstanding tickets at the City of Pasadena Department of Transportation located at: City of Pasadena Parking Citation Section 221 E Walnut St, #199 Pasadena, CA 91101 (626) 744-4360 https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/transportation/ ■
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Three Monrovia Unified schools named to Calif. honor roll for improvements in English and math MONROVIA High, Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet, and Plymouth Elementary have been named to the 2017-18 California Honor Roll in recognition of their performance in math and English language arts (ELA). The honor is awarded by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and sponsored by the Campaign for Businesses and Educational Excellence (CBEE), based on the results of state standardized tests in math and ELA taken in spring 2017. All three schools were named Star Schools, a category for schools with a higher percentage of socio-economically disadvantaged students. “Congratulations to Monrovia High, Santa Fe and Clifton for being recognized across the state for improving our students’ math and reading scores,” Monrovia Unified Board President Terrence Williams said. “Our schools implemented and strengthened programs tailored to the needs of our students so that they can continue to improve year after year.” Monrovia High uses state funding to provide extended professional development and collaboration time for its English and math departments. The teams review student assessment data and strategize ways to personalize instruction. Monrovia offers incoming freshmen enrollment in two, four-year intensive academic programs – the
Math and Science Academy and Humanities Academy. “Monrovia’s attention to curricular standards was also an area of focus in the professional development and this has played an important role in our gains in reading and math scores,” Monrovia High Principal Kirk McGinnis said. Santa Fe is a computer science magnet school that encourages independent reading development, augmented by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s California Collections curriculum, which draws students into modern and classic literature, spurring classroom discussion. The computer science program Code to the Future also boosts student engagement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects. “Santa Fe employs a ‘System of Belief’ in children that enhances learning and supports all students,” Santa Fe Principal Geoffrey Zamarripa said. “We prioritized English language learners to maximize their potential.” Plymouth focused on strong leadership and collaboration amongst its administrators and teachers to target student needs throughout the school year. The school’s Instructional Leadership Team, which included the principal, teachers from each grade level, and intervention specialists, monitored student learning and achievement and adjusted
ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
lesson and curriculum plans to individualized needs in the classroom. Teachers also participated in Professional Learning Communities to analyze student achievement data and worked together to plan additional student support for continued academic improvement. “Our Plymouth team identified four themes that have contributed to our success – collaboration, instructional strategies, data charts, and community,” Plymouth Principal Greg Gero said. “An important factor to learning is to establish an atmosphere of trust between teacher and student.” Composed of local and state business and education leaders, the ERP/CBEE coalition seeks recognition for schools and districts dedicated to narrowing the achievement gap and preparing their students for a 21st-century economy. The Honor Roll is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and highlight practices that improve outcomes for schools. “Our California Honor Roll schools are examples of the commitment of all of our administrators in furthering the success of our students,” Monrovia Unified Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “All of our students are working hard to achieve their goals. These recognitions showcase their dedication to continually improve each year.”n
Torrance police implement body-worn and in-car cameras THE Torrance Police Department has now incorporated the use of a Mobile Video Audio Recording System. After several months of testing and evaluation, the Torrance Police Department has begun implementing this technology. Fifty (50) vehicles within the fleet including patrol units, traffic units, and motorcycles will be equipped with mobile cameras. Officers will also be personally outfitted with a body-worn camera attached to their uniform. This camera is similar in size to a standard cellular phone. The Torrance Police Department plans for this new system to be fully operational within a few weeks. All recordings will be kept pursuant to applicable retention periods. The Torrance Police Department believes this technology will be vital in providing timely information to Department personnel, enhancing crime scene investigations, and keeping our officers and community members safe. The Torrance Police Department values the support we receive from our residents and neighbors, and understands this technology will enhance transparency with our community.n
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Attorney General Sessions getting tougher on asylum applicants
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). This decision could also have profound effects on Filipinos who filed for asylum based on their fear the NPA was after them. By way of background, the 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 group” – women abused by their husbands in a country with a macho culture. Many other women relied on this case and poured into America, claiming asylum, because they were also being abused by their husbands. Other people claimed that they had been victims of gang violence in their home country, and their government was unable or unwilling to stop or control that violence. Atty. Gen. Sessions determined that asylum is available only for those people who fear persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political 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 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 has been an attorney for over 35 years and 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 re-enactments) 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 attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Fo l l o w u s o n Fa c e b o o k . c o m / G u r f i n k e l L a w a n d Tw i t t e r @ GurfinkelLaw 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)
Business Quote of the Week “The most dangerous poison is the feeling of achievement. The antidote is to every evening think what can be done better tomorrow.” – Ingvar Kamprad, founder Ikea
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PCC sets sights on ‘anticompetitive’ manufacturers by Roy
Stephen C. Canivel Inquirer.net
THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is set to probe “anticompetitive” sectors in the manufacturing industry, specifically those that have a high impact on consumers. On the sidelines of a public forum, PCC Chair Arsenio Balisacan told reporters that the antitrust body would look into a study that listed priority sectors most exposed to anticompetitive behavior. The study was led by Erlinda Medalla, a renowned research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). These sectors include those that produce: refined petroleum products, fertilizers and nitrogen compounds, milk-based infant and dietetic food, dairy
products, agricultural and forestry machinery, pens and pencils, sports and energy drinks, refractory ceramic products, power-driven hand tools, cement and sugar. The list also included the cement sector, which has been under PCC investigation since January last year. In listing these high-risk manufacturing sectors, Medalla considered, among other factors, market concentration and high price cost margins. Balisacan, however, said that the list still needed to be vetted using other considerations, particularly their impact on consumers and a probe’s “probability of success.” He said the list would just help PCC in knowing which sectors to prioritize, since the commission has “very limited
resources.” “We’ll have to bring in other data to supplement data we’ve seen here,” he told reporters. “If this sector has high probability [of] anticompetitive practices, the next question you ask is how important is that [sector] to consumers [and] to the overall economy,” he said. He said they would have to look into a sector’s effects on consumers, whether direct or indirect, as well as the probability of an actual case succeeding. He said Medalla’s list would be of paramount use for PCC’s workshop next month, wherein the competition watchdog will discuss the priorities for 2019. “We want to make sure that our direction is well-informed, such that we will fight for these priorities in terms of budget support,” he said.
Unido launches first PH program by ManilaTiMes.neT The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Unido) has launched its first country program for the Philippines on the occasion of a visit by the UN agency’s chief, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Friday, June 22. “The country program is proof of Unido’s continuing support for the Philippines and our common desire to achieve inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth that will benefit all parts of society, with all people being given equal opportunities for prosperity,” Unido Director-General Li Yong was quoted as saying in a joint statement. The country program will focus on “supporting inclusive, sustainable, and innovationled industrialization; fostering green and resilient industrial communities; and cultivating effective partnerships for inclusive and sustainable development,” the NEDA said. It will ultimately “support the government’s efforts to revitalize manufacturing in selected sectors, and to develop the biotech industry”. The UN agency’s current port-
folio for the Philippines covers industry, energy, environment, and post-disaster economic recovery sectors. Initiatives under this will be continued under the country program, which will run from 2018 to 2023. The NEDA said that Li’s visit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the signing of a basic cooperation agreement between Unido and the Philippines. The UN agency’s work in the
country, Socieconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said, had helped advance industrial development. “Unido’s presence in the Philippines has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive and sustainable industrial sector.” Pernia said, adding that it also complemented the 2017-2022 Philippine Development Plan and the AmBisyon Natin 2040 program.
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PLDT sees enterprise business growing double digits by LoueLLa
DesiDerio Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — Telco and digital services provider PLDT Inc. expects to achieve doubledigit growth in revenues from the enterprise business this year as it rolls out new managed data services and as more business clients adopt technology. PLDT chief revenue officer Eric Alberto told reporters during the Philippine Digital Convention yesterday, June 22 the firm has set an 11 percent growth target for revenues from the enterprise business this year. “That’s the target guidance this year, but we are tracking nine percent and a half. You know, it’s a build up. You are trying to build your pipeline. We’re still very optimistic that hopefully, business cycles are not that terrible that we are not able to meet that. We are still tracking and hopeful that we will be able to do at least double-
digit (growth),” he said. Last year, revenues from PLDT’s enterprise business grew by 11 percent to P34.1 billion. Alberto said while the bulk, or more than 60 percent of the revenues of the enterprise business is generated from mainstream voice services, more and more clients are availing of PLDT’s data and information communications technology (ICT) solutions and services. “We’re actually steadily shifting our revenue sources from mainstream voice services and moreover to data and ICT as more and more enterprises actually become fearless and adopt technology in the way they do their businesses,” he said. While voice services are expected to remain relevant for enterprise clients, Alberto said demand for data services is expected to grow in the future to enable businesses to relate more with their customers.
With more enterprises seen to embrace technology to allow them to improve the way they do business, PLDT is also hopeful the launch of the software-defined wide-area network technology (SD-WAN) or next generation of managed data services, would contribute to revenues this year. SD-WAN interconnects enterprise networks, data centers, and the cloud with each other to allow a customer to be agile despite geographical distances via a powerful and secure platform. “We are very excited to introduce SD-WAN technology to the Philippine market. Local enterprises are always looking for ways to easily scale their business requirements up or down, and this will allow them to do so in realtime making for simpler, more efficient management of resources,” Jovy Hernandez, senior vice president and head of PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. enterprise business groups said.
New export development plan up for Duterte approval by Czeriza
VaLenCia Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — The Economic Development Cluster (EDC) has submitted for President Duterte’s approval a new medium-term export development plan aimed at improving the global competitiveness of the country’s goods and services, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said yesterday, June 22. Chaired by the Department of Finance, the EDC was created to promote inclusive, sustainable and rapid economic growth. It is comprised of 15 government agencies including NEDA. The Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2018-2022 is a five-year roadmap aimed at improving business conditions for exporters and exploiting new trade opportunities. “Our latest exports numbers (April 2018) have not been so good. All products showed negative growth rates, except mineral and forest products, as well as electronics. We expect the PEDP to ramp up our exports,
thereby meeting our targets in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA chief Ernesto Pernia. The PDP 2017-2022 targets a yield of $122 billion to $130.8 billion in revenues from the export of goods and services by 2022. In 2017, the country’s merchandise exports grew 10.15 percent to $63.2 billion against $57.4 billion in 2016. Top exports were coconut products, sugar products, forest products, mineral products, and electronics. Pernia said the PEDP 20182022 is very much aligned with the PDP, which calls for boosting services exports, increasing the competitiveness of Philippine exports, and exploring new markets for Philippine products. The first strategy under the new roadmap is to improve the overall climate for export development by removing regulatory impediments, enhancing trade facilitation, and fostering forward and backward linkages. Another is to exploit existing
and prospective opportunities from trading arrangements, and to design comprehensive packages to promote select products and service sectors. The PEDP also identifies as urgent the passing of the National Quality Infrastructure Bill, which seeks to harmonize product standards and quality accreditation to guide law enforcement on consumer protection and conform to the requirements of the global market. The PEDP also calls for the strict implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Law, which was signed into law by President Duterte last May 28. Other government programs the PEDP recommends to boost exports are the following: Regional Interactive Platform for Philippine Exporters (RIPPLES Plus) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Expositions (ASPIRE) of the Department of Agriculture, and the National Single Window Program of the Department of Finance, among others.
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Red tape, restrictions weighing on PH growth by ed
VeLAsco
ManilaTimes.net
THE Philippines must streamline the bureaucracy, improve property rights protection, reduce corruption and open up restricted sectors of economy if it wants to accelerate growth and be at par with its Southeast Asian neighbors, an economist and former Finance undersecretary said. Romeo Bernardo, the local partner of US-based think tank GlobalSource Partners, pointed to a “myriad of government regula-
tions” and a protracted approval process as weighing on the country’s attractiveness to investors. “The classic example is the 200 signatories it takes to get a power plant going. The Philippine Institute of Development Studies documented this,” he said. Property rights and other related problems pertaining to ownership also have to be addressed to help the country grow faster, he said. “Property rights include such problems as squatting, uncertainty surrounding land title
system, asserting creditor claims due to slow judicial processes for asset resolution, land reforms and issuance of permit of DAR,” Bernardo said. Corruption, meanwhile, is a very serious issue and the economy must also open up to foreign players. The Duterte awdministration, which has pledged to clean up the bureaucracy, is going “in the right direction,” Bernardo said. “Of course, let’s see how government can execute,” he added.
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Weak peso good for some sectors by ed
VeLAsco ManilaTimes.net
A weak peso is good for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, merchandise exports, and local tourism, an analyst said. This came as a former Socioeconomic Planning secretary said the currency hitting P55 against the US dollar was unlikely, even if inflation hits 5 percent this month. In an interview on Wednesday, June 20 Christina Ulang, head of research at First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC), said those claiming that a weak peso had more drawbacks than benefits must look at its impact more
broadly. The Philippines’ dollar earnings should be looked at “if we want to fully evaluate if the current rate of the peso against the greenback is financially unhealthy or not,” she added. The peso was P53.46 to the dollar at Thursday’s close. According to her, almost half of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP)—40 percent— comes from dollar earnings, which are now increasing. “[The] weak peso will benefit these sectors—OFWs, BPOs, tourism, and merchandise exports,” Ulang said. The FMIC research head denied that a weak peso is disadvantageous to the country’s debt servicing, which is mostly dollar-
denominated. “Philippine government debt [is]now at a lower 41 percent of GDP, compared [with]70 percent 10 years ago,” she said. In a text message, former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Romulo Neri said the peso reaching P55 would not happen if “export growth decline is corrected and recovers.” Filipinos should think of the export revenues that the currency’s weakness can bring, he said. “Forget about [the]peso recovering. Let’s just hope [that the]peso depreciation would encourage more exports” and import substitution, “and discourage too [many imports of consumer goods],” Neri said.
erative Bank) and Sta. Monica of Pangantucan Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The initial loans were released last April with a loan repayment period of one year, the company said. The PLEA program allows small farmers and fisherfolk to avail of a maximum loan amount of P50,000 to finance the production of their crops, livestock, poultry and requirements for fishing activities. For high value crops like coffee, the maximum loanable amount is P150,000. Farmers with land totaling three hectares or below are eligible to apply for the PLEA program, which features a very low interest rate of 6 percent per annum payable in two to 10 years, depending on the commodity or activity. The loan program does not require any collateral and comes with free insurance from Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation
(PCIC). “Following the successful partnership with DA-ACPC, Nestlé Philippines is committed to continuing the collaboration in order to assist more coffee farmers in the provinces of Bukidnon and Sultan Kudarat to avail of loans under the PLEA program,” Nestlé Philippines said. The company’s effort to link coffee farmers to credit sources is a component of the Nescafé Plan, a global initiative that aims to increase the supply of local Robusta coffee while helping Filipino farmers increase their yield and income from coffee farming. Under the program, coffee farmers gain access to good quality plantlets at cost, technology transfer through training across the country, a support network of agronomists, and strategically located buying stations close to coffee areas so they can sell coffee beans directly to Nestlé.
With 10 ‘Build’ projects in the bag so far, PH says it’s ready for business Nestlé boosts credit support for coffee farmers by Ben
o. de VerA Inquirer.net
WITH 10 big-ticket infrastructure projects worth a total of over P59 billion moving to the construction stage this year, the Philippine government is enjoining global institutional investors to pour money into its ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program. “We have identified 75 strategic infrastructure projects to be completed over the medium term. Of these, 35 have gone through the approval process and are ready for execution. These projects will make the movement of people and goods across the archipelago more efficient. It will bring all the islands into the mainstream of economic growth. No island and community will be left behind because of poor logistics,” Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said in a speech before the Asia-Pacific Investors Cooperation in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday, June 21.
“The modernization of our infrastructure and our governance will bring enhanced connectivity to the Philippine economy. They will open many opportunities for the global investment community. I hope that you will examine our ongoing programs and decide to participate in the strong emergence of the Philippine economy,” Dominguez said. To speed up the “Build, Build, Build” program, Dominguez said the government continued to streamline processes while cutting red tape. “It is our desire to see the strategic projects completed at the shortest possible time in order to immediately realize their economic value and lessen unnecessary financing costs,” Dominguez said. Documents provided by the Department of Finance to reporters showed that at least 10 of the 75 flagship infrastructure projects under “Build, Build, Build” will start construction in 2018.
The biggest project to begin this year is the P35.3-billion Mindanao Rail Project (Phase 1), which will build 102 kilometers of nonelectrified single-track rail system connecting Davao City, Digos and Tagum in the Davao Region. The massive railway project will be financed by the national budget and a loan from China. Three projects to be financed by China will also start construction in 2018: the P4.6-billion Binondo-Intramuros and P1.4billion Estrella-Pantaleon bridges along Pasig River via grants and the P4.4-billion Chico River Pump Irrigation Project in northern Luzon via a loan. Under a loan from South Korea, construction will commence for the P4.9-billion Panguil Bay Bridge Project in Mindanao. In all, 30 flagship infrastructure projects worth a total of P1.04 trillion will start implementation in 2018, according to the National Economic and Development Authority.
by eireene JAiree
Gomez
ManilaTimes.net
FOOD giant Nestlé Philippines is beefing up its support for the country’s coffee industry in a bid to improve farmers’ incomes and ensure a sustainable supply of quality green coffee for its consumers. The company has partnered with the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s (DA-ACPC) Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) Program. On Monday, June 18 Nestlé Philippines said it had successfully released P1.29 million loan funds to some 45 coffee farmers from the municipalities of Maramag, Pangantucan and Lantapan in Bukidnon. DA-ACPC’s lending conduits in the province include the Mindanao Consolidated Cooperative Bank (formerly Bukidnon Coop-
PH down 10 spots in world digital competitiveness rankings
petitiveness (WDC) report, issued by Switzerland’s International Institute for Management THE Philippines’ global com- Development (IMD), also ranked petitiveness ranking in digital the Philippines among the lowterms has fallen by 10 notches, est in the Asia Pacific at 12th to 56th out of 63 countries out of 14, down one rung from from last year’s 46th, based on last year. The United States topped the a report released on Tuesday, WDC rankings, followed by SinJune 19. The 2018 World Digital Com- gapore, Sweden, Denmark and
Switzerland. Taking the bottom five spots, in descending order, were Colombia, Peru, Mongolia, Indonesia and Venezuela. The report’s release followed last month’s announcement that the Philippines’ overall competitiveness ranking had fallen nine notches to 50th out of 63 economies in the IMD’s World
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by AnnA LeAh
e. GonzALes ManilaTimes.net
Competitiveness Yearbook. The WDC report evaluated countries using 50 indicators spread across three factors: knowledge, technology, and future readiness. The Philippines improved in terms of knowledge, to 50th from 53rd last year, but fell in term of technology (58th from 51st) and future readiness (52nd
from 43rd). The low technology ranking was traced to weaknesses the regulatory and technological frameworks, with the country ranked 61st in both starting a business and enforcing contracts and 62nd in terms of communication technology. It was also 58th with regard to internet users and 61st in terms
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of internet bandwidth speeds. The country’s top strengths across the three main factors, meanwhile, were graduates in sciences (5th) and female researchers (8th) for knowledge; investments in telecommunications (12th) and high-tech exports (2nd) for technology; and innovative firms (10th) for future readiness.
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