June 30-July 3, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 53 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
Malacañang disputes destabilization plot by AUDREY
MORALLO Philstar.com
MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday, June 28 distanced itself from comments by Boy Saycon, a member of the panel appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to dialogue with the Catholic Church, that it could be behind efforts to destabilize the government and oust the chief executive. In a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that there were not such desMalacañang disputes destabilization plottabilization efforts being planned by the Catholic
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In this file photo, President Rodrigo Duterte was seen with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines President Romulo Valles. Valles is also the archbishop of Davao. Malacañang photo
PH MAYOR’S LEAGUE. President Rodrigo Duterte strikes his signature pose with the members of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) during their 25th Annual National Convention held at The Bellevue Hotel Resort in Panglao Island, Bohol on Thursday, June 28. Joining the president are Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino, Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Francis Tolentino, VMLP National President and Magsaysay, Davao del Sur Vice Mayor Donnabel Mejia, Bohol Province Governor Edgar Chatto, and Sec. Bong Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President. Malacañang photo by Alfred Frias
USA
DATELINE House rejects GOP compromise immigration bill
Church not being used in destabilization – CBCP
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
WITH the ongoing immigration debate in the United States, another bill seeking to address several immigration issues failed to push through this week. Despite President Donald Trump’s lastminute call to pass a compromise on immigration, the House of Representatives on Wednesday, June 27, rejected a GOP-led massive overhaul of the American immigration system. The bill failed with only 121 members voting for it and 301 members — including 112 Republicans — voting against it, highlighting the ongoing inefficacy of both chambers of Congress to resolve the problem with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which Trump arbitrarily terminated last year. The Border Security and Immigration Act was a collaboration among a tight-knit group of conservatives as a solution for the country’s long list of immigration problems. The measure applied many of Trump’s requests: create a new, merit-based visa program, allocate $25 billion for border security and the
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Under pressure, Calif. lawmakers ban soda taxes for 12 years
CALIFORNIA’S cities and counties will be barred from adopting soda taxes for the next 12 years under a legislative deal that marks a big victory for the influential beverage industry — one that state lawmakers said holds Californians “hostage.” On Thursday, June 28 the state legislature rushed to approve the last-minute, quid pro quo deal between one of the state’s largest labor unions and the American Beverage Association. Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown signed the measure shortly after the vote. The bill gives the industry a reprieve in California from any future local soda taxes until Jan. 1, 2031. In return, cities and counties will avoid a costly fight at the ballot box on a broader proposal that could have made it more difficult for them to raise general taxes and fees. It was a vote that several frustrated lawmak-
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by EVELYN
MACAIRAN Philstar.com
Marina Sula told the Sandiganbayan First Division that it was Luy who forged the signatures of former Sen. Ramon Revilla in various endorsement letters, which paved way for the release of the latter’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel to several bogus foundations supposedly owned by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged brains behind the pork scam. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban
Witness clears Bong Revilla in ‘pork barrel’ scam by ELIZABETH
MARCELO Philstar.com
MANILA — Marina Sula, who is under the Department of Justice’s witness protection program (WPP), has cleared former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla of involvement in the multibillion-peso pork barrel fund scam by disputing the testimony of the government’s star witness Benhur Luy. During her testimony at the continuation of the trial of the plunder case against Revilla on Thursday, June 28 Sula told the magistrates of the Sandiganbayan First Division that it was Luy who forged the signatures of Revilla in various endorsement letters, which paved
MANILA — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has denied that the Church is being used to destabilize the Duterte administration. “That is not true… definitely there is nothing like that. It is just a fabrication that came out of somewhere. Definitely, it did not come from the Church. I can assure you of that,” Cavite Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista, chair of the CBCP Public Affairs Committee, said on Thursday, June 28. Evangelista made the statement after political operator Pastor Boy Saycon said that the Catholic Church might be used to destabilize the Duterte administration. President Duterte appointed Saycon to the EDSA People Power Commission last January and as a member of the special team formed
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“That is not true… definitely there is nothing like that. It is just a fabrication that came out of somewhere. Definitely, it did not come from the Church. I can assure you of that,” Cavite Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista, chair of the CBCP Public Affairs Committee, said on Thursday, June 28. Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman
Amid immigration debate, several Filipinos arrested by ICE Filipino green card holder detained for decade-old conviction by RAE
ANN VARONA AJPress
WITH the current administration’s efforts to tighten immigration enforcement in the United States, several reports are emerging that Filipinos have been part of recent sweeps conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). One such case is that of Cloyd Edralin, a Filipino green card holder and U.S. resident of 30 years, who was arrested by ICE earlier this month for a prior conviction he served over a decade ago. As of this writing, the 47-year-old remains in detention and faces deportation. His 12-year-old daughter sobbed as she spoke to u PAGE A2
ralliers while standing on the Supreme Court steps in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, June 26. “My father loved his family. He appreciated the little things, even if it didn’t matter that much, “ said Michelle, the youngest child of Edralin. She said that she didn’t get to see her dad much due to his complicated work schedule. Edralin had reportedly recently started his new job as a machinist. “But the day I was gonna be able to see him when he got home from work, after I hadn’t seen him for two days, he got picked up by ICE and I couldn’t see him at all,” added the 12-year-old. Edralin, a resident of Highland Park, New Jersey, was
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Filipinas behind #BabaeAko campaign make it to TIME’s list of most influential people online by GAEA
Women activists hold a #BabaeAko march during the Independence Day celebration last June 12 at Manila’s Rizal Park to protest President Rodrigo Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande Duterte’s patriarchal rule.
KATREENA Philstar.com
CABICO
MANILA — The Filipino women who launched the #BabaeAko movement landed in TIME magazine’s roundup of most influential people on the internet. TIME recognized the women for calling out President Rodrigo Duterte’s sexist and misogynistic
pronouncements and behavior. “With every misogynistic statement, he is saying ‘you can do the same because I get away with it,’” Inday Espina-Varona, a journalist and one of the cofounders of the movement, was quoted by TIME as saying. The movement was launched last month following the controversial remark of Duterte that he
does not want the next ombudsman to be a woman. Filipinas, including former Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo and activist Mae Paner, took to social media their outrage against the president’s pronouncement through videos and vowed to fight back against sexism.
www.TravelTradeConsumer.com Asian Journal’s series of annual events showcasing tourism, trade, and business opportunities in the USA and Philippines.
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From the Front Page
Malacañang disputes destabilization... PAGE A1 t Church, which has been critical of Duterte’s actions and policies. He said that he was unaware where Saycon, whom he described as a “newbie” in government, got his information on the supposed plot. When asked if the palace had the same suspicions, Roque said,
“No, no. In the first place, the president is secure with his faith. The church is secure with its mission in the nation. We just want the two institutions to serve our society better.” “He did not talk to the media in my presence. I don’t know where got the information,” he added. This week, Duterte formed a
committee that would hold dialogues with churches to thresh out the differences they had with the government. Saycon, Roque and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella are the members of this panel. Earlier, Roque announced that Duterte has appointed Cabinet Secretary Leoncio “Jun” Evasco Jr., a former priest, as the fourth member of the panel formed to dialogue with the Catholic Church and other religious groups In an interview with Radyo Inquirer, Saycon said that the Catholic Church could be used to destabilize the Duterte administration. Saycon, who Roque said was chosen because of his extensive network within the Catholic Church, said that it had “radical ANOTHER LEPTOSPIROSIS OUTBREAK? Medical staff attend to leptospirosis patients at a makeshift ward inside the National Kidney Transplant Institute Hospital gymnasium in Quezon City on Thursday, June 28. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez members.” He clarified though that in general the leadership of the Church government, particularly the one did not meddle in such issues. that is spreading in social media Saycon doubled down on his the past few days,” said Fr. Roy comments and told GMA News PAGE A1 t reports that Manila Archbishop Bellen, head of the Archdiocese of that the destabilization plot by Duterte to talk with religious Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle is Manila Office of Communication. against Duterte was real. groups recently. urging the people to take over the “The Cardinal issued pastoral Roque said Saycon should be Other members of the special government. statements that encouraged the “more careful” about his state- panel are presidential spokesman “The Office of Communications faithful to participate in activities ments, adding that he will brief Harry Roque, Foreign Affairs Un- of the Archdiocese would like to that promote goodwill in parishes him about the communica- dersecretary Ernesto Abella and clarify that Manila Archbishop and communities. He also asked tion protocols the Office of the Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle the faithful to pray for the country Spokesperson observes in relay- a former Catholic priest. does not issue any statement or and for the Church,” he added. ing information to the media and The Archdiocese of Manila also message stating that the Church The Philippine National Police the public. branded as fake news social media should take leadership over the u PAGE A3 “I’ll have to tell him to be more careful about what he says to the the members of the prosecution public and the media, and there panel, especially by then Office the are vetting processes before Special Prosecutor director JoefPAGE A1 t we’re able to say anything to the Luy, in his previous testimonies, ferson Toribio to just corroborate media,” the presidential spokes- way for the release of the latter’s had admitted that he forged the Luy’s sworn affidavit. person said. Priority Development Assistance signatures of Revilla but mainToribio, who is now a judge in Roque also welcomed the state- Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel to sevtained that he emailed the “draft” Tarlac, used to head the ombudsment of Manila Archbishop Luis eral bogus foundations supposedendorsement letter to Revilla’s of- man’s prosecution team handling Antonio Cardinal Tagle urging ly owned by businesswoman Janet the plunder case against Revilla. fice for the senator’s approval. Catholics to “be at peace” despite Lim-Napoles, the alleged brains “I was told by the prosecution Revilla, through his former chief Duterte’s rants about God. behind the pork scam. of staff Richard Cambe, is accused panel to just corroborate the tes“We welcome the statement “Si Benhur, siya yung mahusay of receiving from Napoles P224.5 timony of Benhur because he was of Cardinal Tagle urging Catho- pumirma ng lawmakers at siya million in kickbacks or commis- the first one who testified during lics to respect the beliefs of other yung nakikita kong pumipirma sions in exchange for the alloca- the bail hearings of Revilla,” Sula religions including atheists,” he para sa lawmakers (It was Benhur tion of his PDAF to the latter’s said in Filippino. said, adding that Filipinos should who used to forge the signatures “Toribio said my testimony bogus non-government organizarespect the beliefs of one anoth- of lawmakers. He was good at that. should not be in conflict with what tions (NGOs). er. I used to see him signing letters on But during her testimony, Sula Luy said, that the letters were first Roque, however, failed to men- behalf of lawmakers),” Sula said said she did not personally see being sent through email to Reviltion that Duterte had failed to re- during examination by Revilla’s Revilla receiving money from la. The truth was, the letters were spect others’ beliefs by issuing at- lawyer Reody Anthony Balisi. Napoles or from any of Napoles’ never emailed. The documents tacks on the God of the Catholics “Wala pong alam si Senator aides, including her bodyguard were being prepared in the ofand called him “stupid” for the Revilla sa paggawa po ng enJohn Raymund de Asis and neph- fice,” Sula added, referring to the Christian creation story. dorsement letters (Revilla knew ew Ronald Lim. JLN Corp. office. Duterte also questioned the nothing about the preparation of Both Sula and Luy were former Sula said she had found inconLord’s Supper and falsely claimed his endorsement letters),” Sula sistencies with the testimonies of employees of Napoles’ JLN Corposome saints were there. n added. Luy, but she was “coached” by ration. n
Church not being used...
Witness clears Bong Revilla...
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DATELINE USA
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 30-JULY 3, 2018 A3
Defendants in diapers? Immigrant toddlers ordered to appear in court alone by CHRISTINA JEWETT AND
SHEFALI Kaiser Health News
AS the White House faces court orders to reunite families separated at the border, immigrant children as young as 3 are being ordered into court for their own deportation proceedings, according to attorneys in Texas, California and Washington, D.C. Requiring unaccompanied minors to go through deportation alone is not a new practice. But in the wake of the Trump administration’s controversial family separation policy, more young children — including toddlers — are being affected than in the past. The 2,000-plus children will likely need to deal with court proceedings even as they grapple with the ongoing trauma of being taken from their parents. “We were representing a 3year-old in court recently who had been separated from the parents. And the child — in the middle of the hearing — started climbing up on the table,” said Lindsay Toczylowski, executive director of Immigrant Defenders Law Center in Los Angeles. “It really highlighted the absurdity of what we’re doing with these kids.” The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which oversees the deportations of unauthorized immigrants, did not respond to a request for comment. Toczylowski said parents typically have been tried along with young children and have explained the often-violent circumstances that led them to seek asylum in the U.S. The children being detained under the new “zero tolerance” policy, though, are facing immigration proceedings without mom or dad by their side. “The parent might be the only one who knows why they fled from the home country, and the child is in a disadvantageous position to defend themselves,” Toczylowski said. Meanwhile, the broader legal situation is in flux. A federal judge Tuesday night, June 26 commanded the White House to reunify families within 14 days if the child is under 5 and 30 days if the child is older. The Justice Department has not indicated whether it will appeal. Attorneys who are involved in the cases said
LUTHRA
it’s unclear how the judge’s order will work in practice, and when and how it could take effect. “We don’t know how the judge’s order is going to play out with reunification of children. What if parents have already been deported?” said Cynthia Milian, a Texas-based attorney at the Powers Law Group. In the interim, she added, the implications for kids remain an urgent concern. Given the trauma the children faced in their home country that spurred their families to flee and the pain of being separated from a parent, the expectation that children can mount a legal defense is “unconscionable,” said Dr. Benard Dreyer, director of the division of developmental-behavioral pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine. “It’s certainly grossly inappropriate,” said Dreyer, who is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics advocacy committee. “I’m ashamed that we’re doing this.” Leaders at three legal services organizations and a private firm confirmed that the children are being served with notices to appear in court. They are not entitled to an attorney but rather are given a list of legal services organizations that might help them. Steve Lee, a UCLA child psychology professor, said expecting the children to advocate for themselves in court is an “incredibly misaligned expectation.” “That couldn’t be any less developmentally appropriate,” he said, adding that some children may not be mature enough to verbalize a response. More than 2,000 children who were separated from their parents at the border have been dispatched to the far corners of the nation to care facilities and foster homes. Officials with the Department of Health and Human Services emphasized Tuesday that the agency is working to unify children with either a parent or a sponsor. But it did not provide a timeline for how long that would take. “We are working across agencies for reunification of each child with [a] parent or family as soon as that is practical,” Jonathan White, HHS’ assistant secretary
for preparedness and response, said in a media call. HHS representatives said children in facilities run by the Office of Refugee Resettlement receive adequate care, including medical and mental health services, and at least two phone calls per week with family. Yet children who are just arriving at care facilities are still not connected with their families, said Megan McKenna, a spokeswoman for Kids in Need of Defense. She said the children arrive at care facilities without a parent’s tracking number, and parents don’t tend to have their kids’ numbers. After kids arrive in care facilities, HHS officials work on finding a “sponsor” to care for the child, such as a parent, guardian, family member or family friend. Historically, unaccompanied minors — who tended to be teens — found a sponsor in about a month and a half. However, Rachel Prandini, a staff attorney with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said finding a sponsor is more difficult now given recent fears that stepping forward to accept a child could trigger a sponsor’s deportation. In April, HHS entered into an agreement with law enforcement officials that requires sponsors and adult family members to submit fingerprints and be subject to a thorough immigration and criminal background check. HHS officials said the process is meant to protect the child. Immigration lawyers from around the country have been flying into Texas to help represent children and families, said George Tzamaras, a spokesman for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. It’s impossible to know how many children have begun deportation proceedings, Tzamaras said. “There have been reports of kids younger than 3 years old and others as old as 17.” Ashley Tabaddor, president of the National Association of Immigration Judges and a jurist in Los Angeles, said that unaccompanied minor cases are heard on a special docket there. She said the judges who take the cases were trained during the last administration on children’s developmental stages, impulse control and making sure the proceedings are understandable to children.
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BREAKING THE STIGMA. Resource speaker Dr. Rowalt C. Alibudbud gives some important tips to break the stigma of having a mental disorder or living with someone with the illness during the Mental Health Awareness Seminar of News and Information Bureau (NIB) personnel at La Consolacion College Auditorium in Mendiola, Manila on Friday, June 29. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez
Filipinas behind #BabaeAko campaign...
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Joining the Filipinas in the annual list were pop star Rihanna, United States President Donald Trump, rapper Kanye West, the students of Parkland, Florida, social media personality Kylie Jenner, K-pop group BTS, among others. TIME said it “evaluated contenders by looking at their global impact on social media and their overall ability to drive news.” Last Wednesday, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said that the #BabaeAko campaign is “doomed to fail” as her father has no respect for a person’s weakness regardless of gender. Duterte’s past remarks about
women The acid tongue chief executive has been heavily criticized for his anti-women remarks, saying such comments encourage objectification and violence against women. Duterte, when he was still campaigning for the presidency, talked about an Australian lay minister rape victim whom he described as beautiful. The then-mayor was denounced for saying that he should “have been first.” At the height of the fighting in Marawi City, the president told soldiers that he would answer for the consequences of military rule in Mindanao, including cases of rape by soldiers.
Church not being used... PAGE A2 t
(PNP) said it has not monitored any destabilization plot against the President. “Our intelligence monitoring has zero information,” PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said at a news briefing yesterday. Asked if he plans to talk to Saycon to get more details about his detabilization claims, Albayalde said: “I don’t even know if there is a need to talk to him about that.” Roque to lecture Saycon on protocol Malacañang was also quick to douse speculations that the creation of a special team to conduct
a dialogue with religious leaders is a move to quell “serious destabilization efforts” against the Duterte administration. Roque neither confirmed nor denied Saycon’s claim of destabilization plots. “You’d have to ask him. All I will say is, I’ll talk to Pastor Saycon and tell him about standard operating procedures of the Office of the (Presidential) Spokesperson now that he has joined the panel,” Roque said. “I’ll have to tell him to be more careful about what he says to the public and to the media, and that there are vetting processes before
When he was in India last January, the chief executive joked of using virgins to lure tourists to the Philippines. In February, he ordered soldiers to shoot female New People’s Army rebels in the vagina. Recently, Duterte kissed a married Filipina worker in South Korea. Women’s groups and other individuals appalled by the president’s action said the move manifested grave abuse of authority and was an awful display of sexism even if the act was consensual. The president’s men dismiss his remarks as mere wordplay or jokes and reflection of his frustration over relentless criticisms against his leadership. ■
we’re able to say anything to the media. So, I will discuss with him the communication protocols of the government,” he added. Roque explained that Saycon was chosen to be part of the special team because he has established “clear lines of communications” with many leaders of the Catholic Church and Saycon’s appointment has nothing to do with the rumored destabilization efforts. “No, none at all. The President is confident about his faith and the Catholic Church is also confident about their mission in our country. So we hope that both institutions will be able to work closely in serving the nation,” he added. (With Christina Mendez, Emmanuel Tupas) ■
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US RIMPAC exercises not directed at any country by Patricia
Lourdes Philstar.com
The US Navy kicks off the 26th Rim of the Pacific Exercises at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of U.S. Pacific Fleet
Viray
DESPITE China’s militarization of man-made islands in the South China Sea, this year’s Rim of the Pacific Exercises (RIMPAC) remain to be a venue for building relationships. U.S. 3rd Fleet Commander vice Adm. John Alexander, Combined Task Force commander of 2018 RIMPAC, said that multinational maritime exercises are not directed against any nation or country. “What we are doing here is training with fellow partners in the Indo Pacific region and the exercise we are conducting are against fictional countries that we have built geography in the water for,” Alexander said in a teleconference on Friday, June 29. He added that the decision of the U.S. Department of State to withdraw the invitation to China was based on the latter’s actions in the South China Sea. Beijing’s deployment of new weapons and electronic jammers in the disputed waters were inconsistent with the principles and purposes of the biannual exercises. “RIMPAC’s about inclusivity. It’s about following international rules and norms and so the senior civilian leadership felt that militarization is against the principles of RIMPAC and so they were disinvited,” Alexander said. About 26 countries from around the world will be participating in the RIMPAC exercises, including Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, The netherlands, new Zealand, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, United Kingdom, the United States and vietnam. A total of 46 ships, five submarines, approximately 200 aircraft and about 25,000 soldiers will be deployed in the exercises in Hawaii and Southern California. The Philippine navy has sent two waships, BRP Davao del Sur and BRP Andres Bonifacio, to participate in the joint naval exercises in the Pacific. This would be the first time that the Philippine navy sent a naval task force to participate in the world’s largest joint and combined naval exercise which will run until August 2. n
FRIENDLY VISITOR. Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III visits Sen. Leila De Lima at the PNP Custodial in Camp Crame on Thursday, June 28. Sotto said he visited de Lima to check on her well-being. They also discussed the bills de Lima is sponsoring and how the detained senator can join the hearings. Senate photo
ACA protections for sick patients still popular despite gop’s efforts to end them by Jordan rau Kaiser Health News
EvEn as many Republicans continue to back a repeal of the Affordable Care Act, a majority of GOP voters want to retain a core consumer protection of the law that prohibits insurers from denying care or charging more to people with histories of health problems, according to a poll released Wednesday, June 27. The requirement that insurers treat people with preexisting conditions the same as those with pristine health histories allowed the law to expand coverage to millions of previously uninsurable people starting in 2014. But the Trump administration has refused to defend it in a legal challenge against the law brought by 20 Republican state attorneys general. The administration called for the protections guaranteeing coverage to be nullified. The poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation showed 7 in 10 people think insurance companies should not be permitted to deny coverage because of a person’s medical history or charge them higher rates. Support for the preexisting conditions provision included 58 percent of Republicans. As the 2018 congressional elections near, Democratic and independent voters identify health care
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Infographic by Kaiser Health News
as “the most important issue” for candidates to discuss. Support for the provision is especially strong among households where someone has a preexisting condition. But it remains a second-tier priority for Republican voters, according to the poll, nearly tied with immigration and behind the economy and jobs. nearly 6 in 10 Republican voters place a priority on a candidate’s support for repealing the health law. There is more partisan agreement on President Donald Trump’s proposal to require that drugmakers publish list prices for their drugs in television commercials. Three-fourths of the public
support the idea. Those drug ads are ubiquitous on Tv, and 14 percent of people who said they saw an ad said they had talked with a doctor about the specific medicine, the poll found. More than half said the physician gave them the drug and 48 percent said they discussed the cost of the medicine with the doctor. The poll was conducted June 11-20 among 1,492 adults. The margin of error is +/-3 percentage points for the full sample. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n
Under pressure, Calif. lawmakers...
ers described as a reluctant but necessary choice that will safeguard city and county revenues. “The industry is aiming basically a nuclear weapon at government in California and saying, ‘If you don’t do what we want, we’re going to pull the trigger and you’re not going to be able to fund basic government services,’” said state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). “This is a ‘pick your poison’ kind of a situation, a Sophie’s Choice, if you will.” Backers of the initiative, which would have made it harder for local governments to raise taxes, had until Thursday to pull their measure off the november ballot, an election-year deadline that required lawmakers to act quickly and rush a deal crafted over the weekend to votes this week. In a message he sent after signing the bill, Brown called the barely averted ballot initiative “an abomination.” He said he had heard from the mayors of “countless cities,” who had called “to voice their alarm and to strongly support the compromise which this bill represents.” The initiative, called the Tax Fairness, Transparency and Accountability Act of 2018, was sponsored by the American Beverage Association. It sought to increase the voter threshold for cities and counties to levy taxes and fees from a simple majority to a two-thirds vote. It also would have required a two-thirds majority for tax and fee votes by local governing bodies, such as city councils and county boards. It was a tactic intended to make it harder for cities to get the votes for new taxes on soda, which has been a growing target of public health advocates and local governments across the country. But the initiative also would have affected new taxes and fees for libraries, public safety and other government services, triggering fears among local governments and unions that they might not be able to raise the revenue they need in the future. In a statement, the American Beverage Association said the legislature’s decision would “provide protections for working families, our customers and our consumers” and keep the cost of beverages and other groceries affordable in California. In the past few years, voters in Albany, Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco have passed local soda taxes, steering new tax revenues to public health programs
The bill gives the industry a reprieve in California from any future local soda taxes until Jan. 1, 2031. In return, cities and counties will avoid a costly fight at the ballot box on a broader proposal that could have made it more difficult for them to raise general taxes and fees. Photo courtesy of Kaiser Health News
and denting soda revenues. In Berkeley, for example, sales of sugary beverages fell by 9.6 percent in one year, according to one study. But the industry so far has thwarted legislative efforts to pass statewide soda taxes and require health warning labels. Studies have found that sugary drinks can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other chronic health conditions, with the American Diabetes Association recommending people avoid soda, fruit and energy drinks, and sweet tea. Soda taxes “are one of the most effective tools communities have to reduce the consumption of sweet and sugary beverages,” said Juliet Sims, program manager at the Prevention Institute, a nonprofit based in Oakland that promotes community health solutions. “When soda taxes are proposed, the industry will spend tens of millions to oppose them.” The beverage association said it understands that obesity is a serious health issue and is “committed to working with government, public health and others to find better ways to help consumers reduce sugar consumption.” Under the terms of the Capitol deal, existing soda taxes will remain in place if they were adopted before January 2018. The American Beverage Association had poured $7 million into the “tax fairness” initiative since January, according to filings with the secretary of state. By comparison, opponents including the Service Employees International Union California and the California League of Cities gave just slightly more than half a million dollars to defeat it. SEIU California Executive Director Alma Hernandez said the initiative would have compromised local emergency services, parks, libraries and other crucial community investments. “A temporary pause on further
local soda taxes gives California the opportunity to work on a statewide approach to the public health crisis of diabetes,” Hernandez said in a written statement. A January analysis by the Legislative Analyst’s Office found that roughly half of the tax measures enacted by local voters since 2012 would not have passed if they had required a two-thirds vote under the initiative. “This would make it harder for local governments to raise revenue. Their finances would be more constrained if the measure were to pass,” Ryan Miller, a fiscal and policy analyst at the LAO, said before the vote. “The effect on local governments could be substantial.” Some Republican lawmakers, however, voted against the deal because they viewed the initiative and its two-thirds voting requirement as a welcome proposal. They decried its removal from the ballot as a “backroom deal” that favors one industry. “The higher vote threshold means members of your community are in agreement and they see [taxes] as a priority,” Sen. Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) argued during Thursday’s floor debate. The deal was a classic, election-year political maneuver often used to force the legislature to act, prompting state Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel) to complain during a committee hearing earlier in the week that the ballot process had been “abused by one special interest” that had now insulated itself from future taxes. “I’m referring to big soda, the big soda industry that … uses that extraordinary monetary and economic influence to hold the citizens of California hostage,” Monning said. Kaiser Health News’ coverage of children’s health care issues is supported in part by the HeisingSimons Foundation. n
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Amid immigration debate, several... US ship aids stranded Filipino fishermen in West Philippine Sea
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arrested on the morning of June 4 as he was leaving to work. His wife Brandi DavidsonEdralin, a U.S. citizen, told local news that he was being held for a 2007 conviction in which he was found in possession of an airsoft gun at a traffic stop. Airsoft guns are considered to be replica or toy weapons which under federal law are not classified as firearms, but are in some states including New Jersey and are thus illegal without proper firearms licensing. Edralin had served his time and had even gotten his green card renewed more than five years after his conviction, a sign he and his family saw as meaning safety from deportation. “Out of nowhere for this to come up and for him to be held in detention while it is sorted out is unconscionable,” his wife told local reporters. ICE said in a statement, “Cloyd Tolentino Edralin, a citizen and national of the Philippines, is removable based on his felony conviction for possession of a handgun. He is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.” In a rally held outside the Reformed Church of Highland Park a few days after his arrest, Pastor Seth Kaper-Dale, who called for the rally, said the ICE was punishing “people for past mistakes that have already been paid in full.” In front of the Supreme Court building Tuesday, Kaper-Dale again spoke in front of demonstrators. “We’ve been torturing kids in the interior of the country as well as on the border through detention of dads,” said KaperDale, who is also a vocal immigrant advocate. Edralin’s arrest came during a five-day ICE sweep in New Jersey during which 90 others were arrested, according to the agency. ICE said arrests were targeted at at-large criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants, and other immigration violators. Of the total 91 arrests, 77 percent were convicted criminals, and 70 percent had prior felony convictions. John Tsoukaris, field office director of Enforcement and Removal Operations in Newark commended the arrests, saying, “The remarkable results of our officers and law enforcement partners highlight ICE’s ongoing commitment to public safety.” “This operation focuses on the arrest of individuals convicted of serious crimes and are a threat to public safety. Because of the targeted efforts of these professional officers, there are
91 fewer criminals in our communities,” added Tsoukaris. Compared to the crimes committed that were shared by ICE, Edralin’s possession of an airsoft gun pales in comparison. Crimes mentioned included drug distribution and possession, money laundering, homicide, kidnapping, assault, and membership in the MS-13 gang. On the Supreme Court steps, Michelle described her experience of having her dad in detention, an experience she described as horrible. “The fact that I can only see him an hour when I am able to see him. It’s so horrible,” she said. “He’s a green card holder. Why was he picked up for something he did 11 years ago and was convicted for?,” said Michelle. “He did his time!” ICE detainment of Filipinos The arrest comes as the United States deals with toughening immigration policies and an increasing fear among both illegal and permanent U.S. residents across the nation. While deportation of legal residents isn’t new, the Trump administration has made it clear that low-level offenders may no longer be off the hook. On Jan. 25 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring that non-citizens who have been convicted of any criminal offense may be a priority for removal. According to ICE, a total of four Filipinos including Edralin were arrested in the New Jersey sweep. One Filipino mentioned by the agency was a 58-year-old who has convictions for DUI, child abuse, and domestic violence assault. In Southern California, two Filipinos were apprehended early this month in a three-day ICE sweep that took in a total of 162 people, according to the agency. Three other Filipinos were reportedly said to also have been apprehended by ICE between June 7 to 14. Lolita Andrada Lledo, associate director at the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) in Los Angeles, told the Asian Journal that while many Latinos get taken in, ethnic communities such as Filipinos should be aware that ICE does look into groups. Recent Filipino apprehensions monitored by PWC included a caregiver who was arrested in Covina, and another from Panorama City who has been a U.S. resident for 17 years and whose wife said her husband was a victim of notary fraud in 1999. PWC is still monitoring the indi-
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House rejects GOP compromise... PAGE A1 t wall and establish a solution for recipients of DACA, an Obamaera program that granted benefits for eligible undocumented youth. It also called for ending family separation at the U.S.-Mexico border by having children remain in the custody of the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) for longer than 20 days along with their parents, who were previously held in the custody of the Justice Department if they were being prosecuted. Specifically, this bill would funnel more money into family detention centers. “Once again, Republican leaders put a partisan immigration bill on the floor, and it failed overwhelmingly,” said Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Maryland), the House minority whip. “When will they realize that the path forward on immigration and asylum reform must be a bipartisan one?” Wednesday’s rejection — which came before the House’s week-long recess — adds to the long list of immigration proposals that failed to achieve majority support. Not a single immigration compromise bill has been able to pass through Congress after several attempts by both political parties. Even the president’s lastminute plea to pass this current bill wasn’t enough to garner the
needed support. “HOUSE REPUBLICANS SHOULD PASS THE STRONG BUT FAIR IMMIGRATION BILL, KNOWN AS GOODLATTE II, IN THEIR AFTERNOON VOTE TODAY, EVEN THOUGH THE DEMS WON’T LET IT PASS IN THE SENATE. PASSAGE WILL SHOW THAT WE WANT STRONG BORDERS & SECURITY WHILE DEMS WANT OPEN BORDERS = CRIME. WIN!” the president tweeted early Wednesday. This year, the Senate rejected a string of immigration measures and Democrats have promised support for legislation that provides a legislative solution for DACA and bolstering border security. But they have not been willing to support measures with Trump’s more strict demands, including limiting the avenues for legal immigration such as family reunification and the Diversity Visa Program. The country’s sweeping immigration problem will likely be the de facto political issue going into the midterm elections. Democrats are harnessing the legislative failures of the GOP on the immigration front to push for folks to vote blue to flip both chambers of Congress, which are currently Republican-majority. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
Defendants in diapers?... PAGE A3 t
She said in a statement that the court’s work is vital: “This is not traffic court. A mistake on an asylum case can result in jail, torture or a death sentence,” Tabaddor said. “We are a nation of laws. We value fairness, justice and transparency.” She said children seeking asylum tend to make their case in a non-adversarial office setting with a hearing officer. But that isn’t always the case, Prandini said. Lawyers might choose a strategy that requires more time in the courtroom. “It’s difficult for adults at times. They go to court and they get nervous before a judge,” Milian said. “Now can you imagine a child having to go before a
judge and just explain to them why they’re having to flee their country?” Toczylowski said her organization is trying to help reunify the families so the children can be tried alongside the parents. “The kids don’t understand the intricacies that are involved with deportation and immigration court,” she said. “They do understand that they have been separated from their parents, and the primary goal is to get back with people they love.” Kaiser Health News’ coverage of children’s health care issues is supported in part by the HeisingSimons Foundation. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n
by Patricia
Lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
A GUIDED missile destroyer of the U.S. Navy assisted two distressed Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea after suffering an engine malfunction. According to a report from the U.S. Pacific Fleet, USS Mustin was conducting routine patrol on Tuesday, June 26 when watch standers spotted the fishermen frantically waving from their boat. The U.S. ship immediately provided assistance upon learning that the fishermen’s vessel had engine trouble and were unable to return to shore nor communicate with the Philippine coast guard. The Filipino fishermen had water onboard but did not have food, according to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The fishermen apparently did not have a radio and did not have a way of contacting the coast guard, only relying on the luck of finding other people out at sea for help. The crew of Mustin contacted a nearby fishing vessel to relay the situation of the stranded fishermen, deployed an inflatable boat and towed the adrift boat for the mariners to rejoin their fellow fishermen. Aside from towing the small fishing boat, Mustin crew also provided food good for three days to the distressed fishermen after making sure that they were safely back with other Filipino fishing vessels. Cmdr. Warren Smith, commander of USS Mustin, said that
Two Filipino fishermen signal they are in distress to sailors from USS Mustin (DDG 89), on Tuesday, June 26.
his crew feels fortunate that they were at the right place at the right time to assist the Filipino fishermen while patrolling in the South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea. The Mustin commander added that he was proud of his sailors for safely and professionaly assiting their fellow mariners at sea. Filipino-American watch standers aboard the U.S. Navy ship provided translation when Mustin assisted the local fishermen. “That pride extends from my bridge watch officers who spot-
ted the Filipino mariners in the distance indicating distress by waving their shirts over their heads, to our Tagalog speakers who could break through the language barrier to determine the extent of the distress, and finally to my small boat team for their ability to tow the fishing boat to safety during heavy rain, lightning, and thunderstorms,” Smith said. Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Nicasio Bone said that he used the ships’s announcing system in breaking the language barrier. “It is the right thing to do to help people in distress and if
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Sonja Wickard
anyone was put in the same position as me, they would bring the same help. I was really impressed by how the ship came together at the end of a long day to help these two fishermen; it seemed natural to do,” Bone said. Mustin is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations and conducting routine patrols in the Indo-Pacific region. The nuclear-powered “supercarrier” recently docked in Manila as part of its routine patrol in the Pacific. The U.S. ship will be in Philippine waters for four days. n
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Rights group calls for release of foreign missionaries by Gaea
NO TO FAKE GOODS. Law enforcement and regulatory member bodies of the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) and Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) destroy P11.8 million worth of pirated goods at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Thursday, June 28. The items are part of the P6.7-billion worth of seized illegal goods PNA photo by Joey O. Razon during the first five months of the year.
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A HUMAN rights group on Friday, June 29 called on the Philippine government to release a detained missionary from Zimbabwe and allow him and two other foreign missionaries to leave the country. United Methodist Church missionary Tawanda Chandiwana, 28, has been held since May 9 on the suspicion of being a subversive. The Zimbabwe citizen has denied any wrongdoing. Chandiwana was detained less than a month after Australian nun Patricia Fox was held by the Bureau of Immigration for supposedly participating in partisan political activities. He and other missionaries— Miracle Osman (24) from Malawi and Adam Shaw (29) from United States—were detained at police checkpoints in February while taking part in an international fact-finding investigation of alleged human rights violations in Mindanao. The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries said that Osman’s passport was confis-
Darrick V. Tan, Esq. Licensed in California for over 17 years Licensed in Nevada for over 12 years* UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science with Cum Laude honors Southwestern University Law School, Juris Doctor Admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association Member, Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles Former Member, Board of Governors, Philippine American Bar Association *Inactive
(From left to right) Miracle Osman, Tawanda Chandiwana and Adam Shaw. Photos courtesy of United Methodist Church
cated as she was extending a tourist visa while waiting for her missionary visa to be approved, while Shaw was informed that a leave order is imminent but it has not been served. “We call on the Duterte administration to stop the harassment and attacks against missionaries and human rights defenders,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said in a statement. Palabay claimed that the Duterte administration is “using and distorting” the country’s immigration laws to go after foreign missionaries. “Tumutulong na nga sa mga Pilipino, ginigipit niyo pa. They
are also merely exercising their right to provide international support and solidarity,” she said. United Methodist bishops earlier appealed to the Philippine government for the immediate release of the three missionaries, stressing they “pose no threat to the peace and tranquiliity” of the country. “Our request is that Chandiwana be released from detention, granted an exit visa and be allowed to leave the country as expeditiously as possible. We ask that Osman’s passport be returned and she be granted an exit visa and that Shaw be allowed to depart safely,” the bishops said. n
UN: Amphetamine use poses serious threat in Asia Lee-braGo Philstar.com
IMMIGRATION
FAMILY LAW
CabiCo
by Pia
• Breach of Contract and Fraud • Auto and Other Injury accidents
• Family and employment based green cards • Business and Investor Visas • Deportation defense • Motions to Reopen • Appeals • Humanitarian Reinstatement of revoked petition • Naturalization • H-1B and student visas
Katreena Philstar.com
AMPHeTAMINeS are one of the most worrying threats of drug use in east and Southeast Asia, the latest annual UN World Drug Report shows. Released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the 2018 report said health and security threats posed by the expansion of methamphetamine trafficking call for enhanced coordinated responses by countries along the drug supply chain and pose a serious health and security challenge to the population in the sub-region.
“The increasing flow of methamphetamine is likely to increase the number of people suffering from the negative health consequences of methamphetamine use and developing a substance use disorder, but not all countries in the sub-region are equipped to serve an increasing demand for treatment,” the report said. The UNODC called for more investment in prevention and treatment and closer collaboration in drug control will be needed at the regional and international level to develop effective responses to these challenges. In 2016, an estimated 34.2
million people worldwide, or 0.7 percent of the population aged 15–64 years, used amphetamines in the past year. “It is not possible to construct a specific estimate of use of amphetamines in east and Southeast Asia due to the chronic lack of data in the sub-region, but many countries in that subregion consider methamphetamine use to be one of the most worrying threats of drug use,” the report said. There are also concerns that an increasing number of countries are reporting methamphetamine use, especially among opioid users in West Asia. n
Dela Hoya: Pacquiao vs Matthysse going ‘full steam ahead’ by Dino
MaraGay Philstar.com
BOxING legend and now top promoter Oscar Dela Hoya has backed up Manny Pacquiao’s earlier assurance that the Filipino icon’s fight with Lucas Matthysse will push through as scheduled. Dela Hoya said the PacquiaoMatthysse title bout in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 15 is a go, despite previous reports claiming the fight faces possible cancellation. “I feel very, very confident the fight is going to happen. Let’s put it that way,” Dela Hoya, whose Golden Boy Promotions is co-promoting the event with Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, told veteran scribe Steve Kim of boxingscene.com. Dela Hoya issued the comments amid claims by Top Rank Inc. chief and longtime Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum that the fight is in serious jeopardy due to lack of funds. Arum even went as far as saying he’s ready to offer Matthysse a crack at Top Rank star Terence Crawford in case the
Sen. Manny Pacquiao trains at the Wildcard Gym in General Santos City. Photo courtesy of Manny Pacquiao Promotions
Argentine’s WBA welterweight title defense against Pacquiao gets cancelled. “I read comments on Bob Arum talking about Lucas Matthysse. Look, we have a fight with Pacquiao coming up within three weeks. He’s looking strong, he’s looking great, looking forward to it and [the] fight is full steam ahead,” added Dela Hoya, who fought Pacquiao in 2008 but lost lopsidedly. Pacquiao’s camp has already
cleared things up when they said everything is in order, and now Dela Hoya is on the same page. The multiple-division champ even said he’s ecstatic to make the trip to Kuala Lumpur. “I might be there for about 10 days. I want to go out there and help Manny promote and do my rounds in Malaysia. I have my plane tickets already. So we’re set to go, we have a fight,” said De La Hoya. n
Xi to US: China will not lose any inch of territory
CHINeSe President xi Jinping reiterated Beijing’s position on the disputed South China Sea in his meeting with United States Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. Becoming the first Pentagon chief to visit China since 2014, Mattis is in China to seek improved security dialogue with the country. Chinese state-run xinhua reported that xi said the U.S. and China should promote development of bilateral ties based on mutual respect and “win-win” cooperation. The Chinese leader, however, stressed that Beijing’s stance remains “steadfast and clear’cut” when it comes to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Any inch of territory passed down from ancestors can not be lost while we want nothing from others,” xi told Mattis, as quoted by xinhua. xi noted that military relations between China and the U.S. maintained “sound development momentum” in the past years.
“It has long been known that the real experts on military affairs do not want to employ military means to solve issues,” xi said. Mattis, meanwhile, said that Washington is willing to strengthen strategic communication and expand mutuallybeneficial cooperation as the U.S. attaches great importance to U.S.-Sino relations. However, both the American and Chinese sides made no mention of certain topics that strained the relationship of the two countries such as Taiwan, militarization of the South China Sea and the Korea peninsula. In their public comments, xi and Mattis focused on the importance of U.S.-China military relationship. “This is an important time in the history of China and the United States as we work our way forward. It reminds me just how important this is for both of our nations. So I’m here to keep our relationship on a great
trajectory, going in the right direction, and to share ideas with your leadership, your military leadership, as we look at the way ahead,” Mattis said. Mattis’ visit to China comes a month after the Pentagon disinvited the People’s Liberation Army Navy from participating in the 2018 Rim of the Pacific exercises, the world’s largest multionational naval exercise. The Pentagon chief has been vocal in his criticisms against China’s conduct in the South China Sea. The Pentagon withdrew its invitation for China as an “initial response” following reports that the latter had deployed anticruise ship missiles, surface-toair missiles and electronic jammers on the artificial islands in the Spratlys. The U.S. also expressed alarm over the Chinese Air Force’s deployment of a nuclear-capable bomber on Woody Island in the Paracel Islands. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar. com)
Amid immigration debate, several... PAGE A5 t
vidual’s status. Another in May was of a Filipino who was arrested in Torrance. Both the Covina and Torrance residents chose self-deportation, while the one from Panorama City has gotten a lawyer. Lledo expects more sweeps to happen as ICe agents make efforts to reach quotas. But Lledo said that the best way to understand the issue and
where one stands is to stay informed. PWC holds information sessions and legal clinics for those that need guidance. She added that if someone were to be apprehended, their best bet would be to not sign anything and answer questions only in the presence of a lawyer. “If they don’t have a lawyer, they can contact us and we can probably look for a pro-bono lawyer if they are low income,”
Lledo told the Asian Journal in an interview. But if deportation were to happen, Lledo said Filipinos must keep positive and make preparations such as obtaining a special power of attorney to take care of family affairs. In 2017, ICe deported 182 Philippine nationals, one down from the 183 deportation of Philippine nationals in 2016, according to agency statistics. n
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 30-JULy 3, 2018
A
D ateline PhiliPPines Samar misencounter an ‘ambush’ – PNP Joma Sison: No more peace talks with Duterte administration by Roy
NaRRa ManilaTimes.net
A misencounter between members of the Philippine national Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in samar was possibly an ambush and would have to be investigated, according to PnP chief oscar Albayalde. Albayalde, in a news briefing on thursday, June 28 said the 87th infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army that was in santa rita, samar, for five to six days may have been in a vantage position when they encountered the 805th mobile company, regional mobile Force Battalion 8. At such position, attackers have the element of surprise on their side against their enemy, he
explained. “that is why it looks like an ambush, although that is now being investigated. What we want to know is if they know that they [soldiers]encountered policemen and [yet]vthey still ambushed them,” he said in english and Filipino. Albayalde, however, said they “cannot possibly say immediately that this is an ambush.” “[Vantage positioning] is part of our combat tactics. [it is a] normal tactic,” he added. A Board of inquiry formed by the PnP is investigating the level of coordination between the police and the military and how it led to the misencounter that resulted in the death of six policemen on June 25.
by patRicia
LouRdes Philstar.com
PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde ManilaTimes.net photo
Albayalde said they may have results by next week. n
Russia to send first defense attaché to PH by JeffeRsoN
aNtipoRda ManilaTimes.net
russiAn President Vladimir Putin has ordered the designation of the first defense attaché to the Philippines as part of efforts to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries. Based on the tweet posted by the russian embassy in the Philippines, Putin signed the order deploying a defense attaché to manila on Wednesday, June 27. “russia is determined to strengthen military and military technical cooperation with the Philippines,” the embassy tweeted. the Philippines in may des-
ignated col. Dennis Pastor, the first Philippine Defense Attaché to russia, and his administrative assistant, technical sergeant Pablito igne. russian embassy Press Attaché natalia naumova explained that Putin’s order was a principal decision to establish the new position at the embassy and that they would start working on it. “the concrete person is not yet designated. Will start working on it as now we have the framework,” she said in a text message. the Philippine defense attaché in moscow is the official representative of the secretary of national defense and the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines. the Philippines and russia signed the Agreement on Defense cooperation in may 2017, which seeks to expand exchanges in terms of military training, seminars and best practices between the two countries. An agreement on military technical cooperation was also signed by manila and moscow in october that would allow the conduct of joint research, production support, and the possibility of exchange of experts and training of personnel. the Philippines established diplomatic ties with russia, then known as the union of soviet socialist republics, on June 2, 1976. n
LOW-PRICE GRAINS. A worker unloads a sack of rice from Thailand at a warehouse of the National Food Authority (NFA) in Quezon City. ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada
ViRay
mAniLA — communist rebels would rather join movements to oust President rodrigo Duterte than push through with the stalled peace negotiations, national Democratic Front of the Philippines political adviser Jose maria “Joma” sison said. in a statement released thursday, June 28 sison said that the nDFP, which represents the communist Party of the Philippines and new People’s Army, can no longer negotiate with an administration headed by Duterte. “so long as he heads the [government of the Philippines], the Filipino people, especially the oppressed and exploited, cannot expect any benefit from negotiating with the Duterte regime,” sison, founder of the cPP, said. He added that it would be easier for the communist group to prepare for peace negotiations with the administration after Duterte’s. Drafts of agreements in negotiations under the Duterte administration could be carried over to talks with the new administration, sison said. “the agreements and drafts already produced in the GrPnDFP peace talks can be used by peace advocates and people’s organizations for information and education campaigns among the people and for consultations with them,” the nDF founding chair said. Duterte admin isolated, Sison claims sison noted that the new People’s Army has been fighting the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine national Police while movements to oust Duterte have been growing. “Despite claims of everlasting popularity, the Duterte regime is already isolated and hated by the people because of its brutality, corruption, involvement in the drug traffic, the rising prices of basic goods and services, continuance of contractualization, rising unemployment and low/ inadequate incomes, the treasonous and sell-out of Philippine territory and sovereign rights to china, disrespect for religious beliefs of catholics and christians, and so on,” sison said.
Duterte and his policies remain popular according to surveys and to his administration’s spokespersons. sison also accused the Duterte administration of “practically debilitating and destroying itself” through its attempts to bring down the nPA all over the country. the deployment of military
and police forces for offensives against the rebels have been costly, overxtended and overstraining, sison said. Furthermore, the government has been responsible for repeatedly terminating peace negotiations. “it is indubitably responsible for the termination of peace ne-
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A8 JUNE 30-JULY 3, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
Saving kids from drug abuse
FEATURES
WITH the country facing a serious drug problem, parents would want to protect their children from the scourge. Going about this, however, needs careful planning and implementation. The law authorizes mandatory drug testing for students in high school and college. As the secretary of education has pointed out, however, grade school children are excluded from the coverage of the law. Now the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency is hoping to change this, by including elementary school students from fourth grade up or at least nine years old in the public school system to undergo drug testing. It’s not unusual for pre-adolescents to experiment with banned substances. Among the extremely poor, even rugby is sniffed for a cheap high and to assuage hunger. Drug abuse is also likely among children who are hired as mules by adult traffickers because the law exempts juveniles from criminal prosecution. Parents – unless they themselves are engaged in illegal drug deals – will want to protect their children from the drug menace. And they will normally accept any help from the government to see this happen. Children, however, need special handling and optimal privacy protection. Drug abuse is a com-
plex problem that is often linked to personal or family issues. Testing positive in a school drug test can stigmatize a child and aggravate the distress, especially if authorities are careless in sharing what should be confidential information. Department of Education officials have reminded the PDEA about the exemption of grade school pupils from mandatory drug testing under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. There is also the question of resources: DepEd officials estimate that drug testing for 14 million students will cost P2.8 billion. The PDEA is correct in wanting to clip drug abuse at a young age. It would be better for the PDEA, however, to first consult DepEd officials, educators, parent-teacher associations and even student groups to discuss measures for curbing substance abuse among the young. The intention of the drug-testing proposal may be good, but if badly implemented, there’s a well-known saying about what paves the road to hell. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Newsroom shooting in Maryland: Blood on your hands, President Trump “JOURNALISTS like all Americans should be free of the fear of being violently attacked while doing their jobs,” President Donald Trump said on Friday, June 29, a day after Jarrod Ramos opened fire in the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland and killed five individuals. The incident occurred on Thursday, June 28, which is considered the deadliest day for journalists who risk their lives just to report the truth so that the American people may be better informed and our government officials are made accountable. The shooter, who has been charged with five counts of murder, was reportedly motivated by a vendetta against the newspaper after he lost a defamation case he filed against Capital Gazette for a column published in 2012 that described his guilty plea to harassing a woman on social media. Trump’s comment came a day late after ignoring reporters’ questions about the tragedy, an unusual response for the president who would fire a barrage of attacks over Twitter to defend his loyal supporters like Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and even dictators he admires like Russia’s Vladimir Putin. What is ironic is the message of his statement because the truth is: Trump has been spearhead-
ing the attacks against journalists and has been fanning the flame The Fil-Am of doubt and hate against the free Perspective press. During the campaign and especially after he was sworn into office, Trump has demonized the news media (except Fox News) as the “number one en- GEL SANTOS-RELOS emy of the American people,” vilified them as “fake news” for reporting the truth and facts which do not serve Trump’s self-serving narcissistic of himself and his presidency. Many reporters have reportedly been verbally attacked by Trump supporters as a result, emboldened by Trump’s accusations and suggestions against news media, including liking a video on Twitter showing him attacking a man whose face was covered by a label “CNN.” As the Washington Post reported, the far-right provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos had sent out a message to reporters on Tuesday saying, ‘’I can’t wait for the vigilante squads to start gunning journalists down on sight.” Trump’s rhetoric — demonizing immigrants, people of color, the Muslims, the press, his critics among the Republican Party, President Barack
Obama, the Democratic Party, justices who do not support his agenda, the U.S. intelligence community, our allies in the international community, the United Nations, the members of the LGBTQ community, etc — has emboldened a lot of his fan base to act on the seeds of hate he has been planting in their consciousness. Hate crimes have risen dramatically since the 2016 election and continue to be on the rise since Trump became president. This climate has been the backdrop of this newsroom attack in Maryland. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution mandates that “Congress shall make no law.... abridging (limiting) the freedom of speech, or of the press…” According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), this constitutional mandate “is also an essential contributor to the American belief in government confined by a system of checks and balances, operating as a restraint on tyranny, corruption and ineptitude. For much of the world’s history, governments, following the impulse de-
scribed by Justice Holmes, have presumed to play the role of benevolent but firm censor, on the theory that the wise governance of men proceeds from the wise governance of their opinions. But the United States was founded on the more cantankerous revolutionary principles of John Locke, who taught that under the social compact sovereignty always rests with the people, who never surrender their natural right to protest, or even revolt, when the state exceeds the limits of legitimate authority. Speech is thus a means of ‘people-power,’ through which the people may ferret out corruption and discourage tyrannical excesses.” Trump should know and understand what Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black wrote in the decision of the landmark case New York Times Co. v. United States (1971): “The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.” The freedom of the press, protected by the First Amendment, is critical to a democracy in which the government is accountable to the people. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
No makeup, just lighting
Rhizomes
PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. [Editor’s Note: A version of this column was previously published in June 2012] BRYCE National Park in Southern Utah is known for its red rock spires and amphitheaters of columns. It is described by the Paiute Indians as “bad men turned into rock by coyotes.” The true story of this place began 60 million years ago. Oh! Ranger described it as “famous for its unique geology of red rock spires and horseshoeshaped amphitheaters, located on Utah Route 63, south of Utah Route 12 (a National Scenic Byway).” The history of Bryce Canyon began at the end of the Cretaceous period. The Claron Formation has been deposited, uplifted and eroded by ice, snowmelt, thunderstorms and the roots of plants and trees. As billions of tons of ground rock moved out of Bryce Canyon and into the Colorado River, amphitheaters of colorful temples, pillars, domes and spires were left standing. The park ranger (whom I spoke with) reported 3,300 visitors on June 21, 2012, and the Hoodoos (the park’s newsletter) reported 1.3 million visitors a year. Two decades ago, we visited Bryce Canyon National Park. On the way, we stopped to buy a bucket of fried chicken. All patrons glanced at my son and I. It was as if their eyes measured us from top to bottom, and their penetrating glares revealed their
aghast feelings, as if conveying: “who are you to come to our place?” or simply, “who are they?” Our young son (who was about nine that time) quickly got inside the car and told my husband, Enrique, to head back to Los Angeles. He felt that this state is inhospitable to folks like us, unlike California. Fast forward to 2012 — everyone we met was so friendly. At camp, a father struck up a conversation with my husband. He narrated that he once lived in Northridge, and now lives in Carlsbad. Hazel, a graduate of environmental science, grew up in West Hills, Pennsylvania. She loves the adventure of being outdoors at Bryce, while volunteering with interdenominational services at Bryce Canyon on Sundays. She is part of the Christian ministries, working with 40 national parks and deploying volunteers like her to serve at the lodge restaurant. At a pizza place where we ate, a world map is on the wall, with stick pins clustered on different continents: Europe, North America, Australia, Japan, and 20 folks from the Philippines. Another server asked me where I am from. She said she wants to go to Boracay because she saw pictures shared by J1 foreign exchange students from the Philippines and she fell in love with the place. That afternoon, we took a scenic drive from Rainbow Point, ending up in Bryce Point. At Bryce, the vista spanning 100 miles was awesome. I held my husband’s hands and thanked
him for driving us both to this magnificent place. The route he took got us through many scenic viewpoints: Rainbow Point to Black Birch Canyon, to Ponderosa Canyon, to Agua Canyon, to Natural Bridge, to Far View Point, Swamp Canyon and finally, Bryce Point. But first, a trip to the visitor’s center, where we watched an orientation film. It becomes a guide as to what viewpoints to cover and which viewpoints were promising for photographs. At sunrise, around 6:15 a.m., we went to Bryce Point. Here, the columns and spires appeared lighted from the inside, as if candles were hidden behind them, yet it was the sun reflecting on the red rock, giving a warm glow to the red rock columns. It contrasted with the deep green forest of bristlecone pines and the bleached white soil in some areas. While walking the trails, I heard different languages spoken: Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, French, German and East Indian language. My husband described what he saw at the viewpoint: a father pushing the wheelchair of his young daughter, who was holding a camera and was being kept alive by a cacophony of life support machines. My husband and I held each other, as we felt gratitude for what we have and said a prayer for the sacredness of duties that both these parents have, to give their child the best of experiences, for how many days she has on earth. That is how we feel — gratitude that we are able to travel and be outdoors with Mother Nature,
Photo courtesy of Bryce National Park’s Facebook page
that we are able to walk, to put one foot ahead of another, and to keep heading for the trails. The last trail we took, Queen’s Garden, was advertised as an easy 1.6 mile-roundtrip walk. But it was hardly easy. The mountain air zaps out the oxygen, leaving you with just 70 percent. The scorching heat of the sun is at 98 degrees Fahrenheit and two pints of water are not enough. As I walked uphill, I took cover in every shade of a tree I could find. I saw figures which resembled a teddy bear, the Santo Nino, Miss Piggy, and Queen Victoria. My husband, Enrique, held my hand at the last few yards and at the end of the trail, he went ahead. On the way back to meet me, he offered me a cold pint
of bottled water, which I drank halfway in seconds, to revive my wilting body’s energy. One drawback of heat is some bodies lose energy quickly, draining electrolytes. Water not only sculpts the red rock columns, it also restores a body to its normal capacity and cements a love bond between a couple. On the trail, I offered to take a picture of a young Asian couple. As I took a shot, I asked if they were married. The guy said yes, but the woman was not smiling. I imagine she wilted in the heat, just like me. “Smile, like you are in love for the very first time. See that guy over there, I have been married to him 33 years,” I said. The young husband smiled and said: “We will keep doing
the trails then.” The wife managed a smile. The murmur of the winds, the sweet tweeting sounds of brown stellar jays, the sounds of flute played by the Paiute Indians (one resort guide hushed us to stop and to listen, but I could not hear), with car sounds traveling on the highway, interrupted by the happy voices of tired cyclists, announcing hot showers (that includes moi), and the bliss of doing laundry at the general store (after wearing dusty clothes and smelly socks from hiking the trails), all seemed at peace, so serene and perfect with Mother Nature! I sat under the shade of the bristlecone pine trees with such bliss — a whole forest in front of me. I noticed the sweetness of the
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Justices who ousted Sereno urged to decline CJ nomination by LLanesca
Panti ManilaTimes.net
THE Supreme Court justices who voted for the ouster of former chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno should decline if they are nominated to succeed her, opposition lawmakers said. Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay led the call to Associate Justices Teresita de Castro, Presbitero Velasco, Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin, who all voted in favor of ousting Sereno via quo warranto, and are automatically nominated to succeed Sereno in their capacity as the most senior sitting Supreme Court justices. Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, who is also automatically nominated, already declined his nomination. Carpio had argued that he did not want to succeed Sereno because he voted against
Sereno’s removal via quo warranto. “The Justices who voted for the ouster of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno in the quo warranto petition must decline their respective nominations for the vacant post of Chief Magistrate. They must not profit from their controversial adverse decision against Sereno,” Lagman said in a statement. Akbayan Rep. Tomasito Villarin said: “Dapat mahiya naman sila (These justices should have some shame). This time, inhibiting themselves from applying for the Chief Justice post is common sense and basic decency.” The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) endorsed the nomination of Carpio for the chief justice position. “We are faced with the reality that the Supreme Court itself has
set into motion the appointment of Chief Justice vice Ma. Lourdes P. A. Sereno. We thus support the return to, and the recognition of the wisdom, of the longstanding tradition of seniority in the appointment to the highest office of the judiciary, the Supreme Court Chief Justice,” Fajardo said in a statement. The application for the position of chief justice has been opened by the Judicial and Bar Council, which vets judiciary applicants. The deadline for filing and completion of all requirements is on July 26, 2018. All applicants occupying government office must submit statements of assets, liabilities and net worth for the past 10 years, something Sereno failed to comply with, and which was the reason for her ouster through quo warranto. n
Sereno on running for public office: It’s an option by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Patag
MANILA — “I am open to running for public office. It’s an option.” Ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Thursday, June 28 told ANC’s “Headstart” that she is open to running for the Senate. On May 8, before the SC’s historic ruling on the government’s Former chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno Philstar.com photo quo warranto petition against her, Sereno said that she does ergy to hearing the people’s plight not “have such plans” to run for about the justice system. senator. But on Thursday, Sereno gave a After she was removed as the different reply, saying she is open country’s top judge through a vote to join the 2019 senatorial race. of her peers on May 11, Sereno Sereno said that the Liberal has not given a straight answer Party has yet to “officially talk” on whether she is gunning for a and invite her to join their slate. Senate seat. Sens. Paolo Benigno Aquino In her media appearances, and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan Sereno has, instead, said that she have not made it a secret that wanted to focus her time and en- they want the former chief jus-
PAGE A8 t
tice in the “Resistance Coalition,” an alliance among Liberal Party, Akbayan and Magdalo party-list groups, and Tindig Pilipinas. Asked whether she would consider joining the “Resistance Coalition,” Sereno said that she is “weighing all options now.” “My gut tells me I need more time,” she added. In an interview with ONE News’ The Chiefs last week, Sereno said her priority is “to encourage unity among all those who have coalesced their forces in order to fight for judicial independence.” On June 19, the SC upheld its voting on Solicitor General Jose Calido’s quo warranto petition that nullified Sereno’s appointment as chief justice with a vote of 8-6. The Judicial and Bar Council has officially opened the call for applications for the chief justice post last Monday, June 25. n
No makeup, just lighting
tweeting birds was matched by the rapport of a man with a squirrel, which posed long enough to have the animal’s photos taken. Happy Summer vacation to all of you! “Mother Nature is at its best with no makeup, just lighting! All you need to do is discover it,” said Enrique. [Author’s note: The stares I referred to in this article happened two decades ago, yet somehow,
these remnant bigoted practices have been revived, renewed and resurrected virulently under this Republican president’s administration, in June 2018, and at its worst form, separation of young children, as young as toddlers, from their parents. More on this at the next issue.]
*** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan
Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the US, in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.
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YAKAN TRIBE. Vice President Leni Robredo visited the Yakan Tribe of Lamitan City, Basilan on Friday, June 29, where she engaged with the weavers of the community, who continue to practice the traditional Tennun weaving. Here, they shared their experiences in weaving and in selling their products. VP Leni committed that her office will build a weaving center in the community, and will also help link the weavers directly to markets in order to make their craft more profitable. Photo courtesy of the Vice President
Joma Sison: No more peace talks with Duterte... PAGE A8 t
cided to cancel the resumption of peace negotiations. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque has also said that Duterte will use the time to review previous agreements that the government has signed with the rebels. Duterte said earlier this week that the government is ready to crush the communist rebels after the cancellation of peace ne-
gotiations. The president, who previously claimed to be a socialist, had revived talks with the CPP-NPANDFP. The negotiations had bogged down and were eventually scrapped during the Aquino administration over disagreements on immunity from arrest for NDFP peace consultants whom the government arrested as rebels. n
PANREHIYONG AWTORIDAD SA RILES NG TIMOG CALIFORNIA BINAGONG PAUNAWA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG TAUNANG BADYET NG TAON NG PANANALAPI 2018-19 National Democratic Front founding chair Jose Maria Sison earlier agreed to return to the Philippines for a supposed peace talks in August. OPAPP/File
gotiations, It is therefore just for the revolutionary forces and the people to wage people’s war for national liberation and democracy,” Sison said. Sison’s statement comes weeks before the government is scheduled to hold public consultations on draft agreements with communist rebels. The resumption of peace talks, originally scheduled for the end of June, have been pushed back for the public consultations. The NDFP said negotiating panels had already signed a stand-down order to pave way for the talks when Duterte de-
Ang Panrehiyong Awtoridad sa Riles ng Timog California (Southern California Regional Rail Authority, SCRRA) na nagpapatakbo ng Metrolink na sistema ng riles ng nagbibiyahe ay magsasagawa ng isang Pampublikong Pagdinig na nauukol sa pagpapatibay ng iminumungkahi nitong Taunang Badyet para sa Taon ng Pananalapi 2018-19. Ang pagdinig na ito ay nasa adyenda para sa Pulong ng Lupon ng SCRRA sa: Hulyo 13, 2018 sa 10:00 a.m. Silid ng Lupon ng Kapisanan ng mga Pamahalaan ng Timog California na matatagpuan sa: 900 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1700 Los Angeles, CA 90017 Ang mga kopya ng iminumungkahing Taunang Badyet para sa Taon ng Pananalapi 2018-19 ay makukuha para sa pagsisiyasat ng publiko Lunes hanggang Biyernes, mula 8:00 a.m. hanggang 5:00 p.m. sa opisina ng SCRRA, 900 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 90017 sa Hunyo 6 hanggang Hulyo 12, 2018, at sa elektronikong anyo sa aming website sa www.metrolinktrains.com CNS#3148625
A10 June 30-July 3, 2018 • lA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAl
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Philippines retains premier status in fight vs human trafficking by Jose
KatigbaK Philstar.com
THE Philippines has retained its tier 1 premier status in the U.S. State Department’s 2018 trafficking in persons (TIP) report for the third straight year, meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking. The TIP report issued on Thursday, June 28 said the Philippines was one of 39 countries among 186 surveyed that continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts to fight the problem. The report said the Duterte administration convicted and punished more traffickers and reduced the backlog of trafficking cases in the courts in the reporting period from April 2017 to March 2018. While tier 1 is the highest ranking, it does not mean that a country has no human trafficking problem or that it is doing enough to address the problem, the report stressed. To maintain the high ranking, governments need to demonstrate appreciable progress each year in combating trafficking. Of 186 countries evaluated in the latest TIP report, 81 were placed in tier 2 and 43 in the tier 2 watch list grouping. Twenty-three countries were
The TIP report issued on Thursday, June 28, said the Philippines was one of 39 countries among 186 surveyed that continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts to fight the problem. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban
in tier 3 and can be barred from receiving non-humanitarian, non-trade related foreign assistance. Included in this group are China, Myanmar and Laos. The Philippines was the only one of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations group in the elite tier 1 group. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam were in the tier 2 grouping of countries that do not fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking but are making significant efforts to do so.
The TIP report said during the reporting period Filipino authorities investigated 488 suspected trafficking cases, compared with 553 in 2016. These actions led to the arrest of 283 suspects, an increase from 272 in 2016. The government also initiated the prosecution of 177 alleged traffickers (441 in 2016) and convicted 65 traffickers (55 traffickers in 2016). Sentences imposed ranged from 12 years to life imprisonment, with most offenders sentenced to life imprisonment. n
Robredo to ask PET to reconsider P50,000 fine by LLanesca
Panti ManilaTimes.net
VICE PRESIDENT Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo will ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision imposing a P50,000 fine for violating the gag order on the pending poll protest filed by former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. against her 2016 election victory. Robredo, who was in Lamitan, Basilan for a visit to Yakan weavers as part of her office’s anti-poverty Angat-Buhay program, was referring to the fine slapped earlier this week on both her and Marcos by the high court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET). The Marcos camp said it would respect the ruling. “The Supreme Court fined us
for violating the gag order, and we will be filing a motion for reconsideration on this. If lies are being told to the public, we feel that we need to correct them,” Robredo, a lawyer, said. The recent bone of contention between the two camps is Robredo’s pending appeal asking the PET to set the valid vote threshold on shaded ovals in the ballot for the ongoing manual poll recount to 25 percent. This vote threshold was approved as a standard under a September 2016 Commission on Elections resolution. However, Marcos lawyers favor the much higher 50-percent threshold used by PET for election protests involving the 2010 polls. Robredo beat Marcos by
263,473 votes in the 2016 elections. Marcos is contesting Robredo’s victory and sought a manual recount of three provinces “best exemplifying poll fraud” – Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental. A PET insider earlier told The Manila Times that Marcos had yet to gain additional votes in the poll recount, which started last April 2. As she marked her second year in office, Robredo remained confident that she won the race for the second highest elected post in the country. “We are confident that in the end, we’ll know who the winner is. I am not bothered with anything because I am sure that I won the elections. I am sure that we had an honest and clean election,” Robredo said. n
1 in 4 Filipinos not aware of federalism by catherine
vaLente ManilaTimes.net
MAJORITY of Filipinos are not aware of the federal system of government being pushed by President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Thursday. The poll, conducted from March 23 to 27, 2018, showed that 75 percent of Filipino adults learned about the federal system only during the survey, while 25 percent had been aware of it.
Of the 1,200 respondents nationwide, the SWS said 37 percent agree with a federal system of government, consisting of 14 percent who strongly agree and 23 percent who somewhat agree. Twenty-nine percent of the respondents disagree with the federal system of government, with 12 percent saying they somewhat disagree and 17 percent saying they strongly disagree, while 34 percent remain undecided about the matter. This yields a net agreement
score of +7, classified by the SWS as “neutral.” The survey also showed that a majority, or 58 percent, “don’t know or were not familiar” about the federal system, 4 percent “do not agree with the change,” 4 percent said “there is no name yet,” and 1 percent said “no one in their locality is pushing federalism.” Two percent did not give an answer, according to the SWS. Of the 31 percent who were able to provide names, the top responses were Philippine State/ State of the Philippines/United States of the Philippines (2 percent), Dinagat State/State of Dinagat/United States of Dinagat (2 percent), State of Davao/Davao State (2 percent) and State of Cavite/Cavite State/United States of Cavite (2 percent). Public awareness about a federal system of government was highest in Mindanao at 37 percent, followed by Metro Manila at 28 percent, Visayas at 22 percent and Balance Luzon at 20 percent. Public awareness was highest among college graduates at 53 percent, followed by high school graduates at 26 percent, non-elementary graduates at 17 percent and elementary graduates at 16 percent. By religion, awareness about the federal system was highest among Muslims at 51 percent, followed by Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) members at 37 percent, other Christians at 32 percent and Catholics at 22 percent. Support for the federal system of government was highest in Mindanao with a very strong net agreement score of +43 (59 percent agree, 16 percent disagree), followed by Metro Manila at a neutral +7 (38 percent agree, 31 percent disagree), Visayas at a neutral +2 (32 percent agree, 30 percent disagree) and Balance Luzon at a neutral –8 (27 percent agree, 35 percent disagree). Net agreement with the federal system was higher in urban areas at +11 (39 percent agree, 28 percent disagree), compared to rural areas at a +4 (34 percent agree, 30 percent disagree). Support for a federal system of government was highest among college graduates at +27 (50 percent agree, 23 percent disagree), followed by high school graduates at +5 (37 percent agree, 32 percent disagree), non-elementary graduates at +4 (28 percent
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PREPARING FOR TAKEOFF. An Air Force officer walks as he passes by the aircraft during the acceptance, turnover, and blessing of two NC2121 light lift fixed-wing aircraft held at the Haribon Hangar in Clark Airbase in Pampanga on Tuesday, June 26, as part of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina
Aklan gov, 16 others face graft over Boracay neglect by ritcheL
MendioLa AJPress
THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed graft and administrative charges against Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling, and 15 other municipal officials on Wednesday, June 27, for neglect of duty that turned Boracay into what President Rodrigo Duterte described as a “cesspool.” Other provincial officials facing charges are Penro Valentin Talabero, Vice Mayor Abram L. Sualog, Sangguniang Bayan Members Natalie Cawaling-Paderes, Jupiter Aelred Gallenero, Frolibar Bautista, Lloyd Maming, Dalidig Sumndad, Maylynn Aguirre-Graf, Danilo Delos Santos, and Dante Pagsuguiron; Licensing Officer III Jen Salsona, Menro Edgardo Sancho, and Punong Barangays Hector Casidsid of Barangay Yapak, ChonaGabay of Barangay Manoc-Manoc, and Lilibeth Sacapano of Barangay Balabag. According to DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III, Milaflores has “general supervision over all component cities and municipalities in the province of Aklan” and failed when he allowed the proliferation of illegal establishments. The preventive suspension of the said officials is currently being sought by the DILG for reportedly causing undue injury to the government and administra-
DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III (left) pushes a trolley loaded with administrative and criminal complaints against Aklan officials at the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City on Wednesday, June 27. The officials were charged for neglect of duty that led to Boracay’s environmental crisis. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas
tively liable for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, conduct unbecoming of public officials and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Said officials failed to manage Boracay’s cleanliness and even issued business permits to establishments that did not comply with the requisite Fire Safety and Business Code. Densing said the alleged anomalous transaction involving the collection of environmental
fees in Boracay in the last five years was not included in the charges filed. He also said that the DILG is just waiting for the result a special audit by the Commission on Audit (COA) of the environmental fees to see if they can file another set of charges. “This is just the first tranche. We are talking about administrative and criminal charges against incumbent officials,’’ Densing said. n
Filipino-built microsatellite launched into space by Janvic
Mateo Philstar.com
MANILA — A cube satellite built by Filipino engineers was launched into space from the United States on Friday, June 29. Maya-1, the second Filipinomade satellite launched after Diwata-1 in 2016, was transported to the International Space Station (ISS) by a rocket launched in Cape Canaveral, Florida at 5:41 p.m. (Philippine time). According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the 10-cubic centimeter satellite carries two cameras that can capture images and minimum resolution videos for research purposes. It can also broadcast signals from various satellites, determine their locations and measure atmospheric density through orbital analysis. The DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) earlier said that Maya-1 also targets to conduct soil moisture anal-
Maya-1, the second Filipino-made satellite launched after Diwata-1 in 2016, was transported to the International Space Station (ISS) by a rocket launched in Cape Canaveral, Florida at 5:41 p.m. on Friday, June 29.
ysis of the country’s land surfaces for agricultural applications. The Philippine-made satellite is one of the three cube satellites transported by the SpaceX Falcon-9 CRS 15, which was on a resupply mission to the ISS.
Bhutan and Malaysia also launched their respective cube satellites, which will be a part of the second joint global multi-nation birds project of the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) in Japan. n
ASEAN, China agree to pursue South China Sea code consultations by Patricia
Lourdes Philstar.com
viray
MANILA — Senior officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China have agreed to move forward with consultations on the proposed Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). The officials recently met in China’s Hunan province for the 15th Senior Official’s Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the South China Sea. The Chinese government said that consultations on the COC will be based on the established framework so as to come up with a unified draft document. “All participants agreed that we will peacefully resolve the South China Sea disputes through negotiations, control differences within the framework set out by regional rules, enhance mutual trust and prevent unexpected incidents on the sea through cooperation, and jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Chinese
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a press briefing Thursday, June 28. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said that all participants in the meeting acknowledged the “sound and stable” situation in the South China Sea at the moment. The ASEAN and China senior officials all affirmed the need for a comprehensive and effective implementation of the DOC. Meanwhile, China criticized “non-regional” parties “hyping-up” the South China Sea dispute. “China and other regional countries have more reasons than any non-regional parties to hold dear peace and navigation freedom and security in the South China Sea, considering our own interests. Some external forces have been trying whatever they can to muddy the waters in the South China Sea, including through hyping up the non-existent proposition that navigation freedom and security is somewhat affected,” Lu said.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not specifically mention any country but it has been known that Beijing had been calling out Washington for “playing up” the militarization of artificial islands in the disputed waters. Lu called on countries outside the region to respect efforts made by concerned countries to promote peace and stability in the South China Sea. “They should refrain from stirring up trouble out of nothing,” Lu said. Last year, China agreed to work on the COC for the peaceful resolution of the maritime dispute. Beijing made the announcement after a bilateral meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Vietnam in November 2017. In August 2017, the ASEAN and China adopted a framework that would serve as an outline for the code. Its main objective was to establish a rules-based framework to guide the conduct of parties in the disputed waterway. n
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International tourist arrivals up 6% in first 4 months
growth, which was led by destinations in Southern and Mediterranean Europe and Western Europe, which both grew by eight-percent. Growth in the Americas is estimated at three percent, with the strongest results in South America, at eight percent. Similarly, Africa posted a sixpercent rise in arrivals in the first four months of the year, led by Subsaharan Africa (six percent) and North Africa (four percent). In contrast, the Caribbean saw a nine-percent decline in the period, which reflected the mixed performance of the region, as some destinations are still recovering from the impact of last year’s hurricanes. The UNWTO said the JanuaryApril period represents some 28 percent of the yearly total arrivals and includes the winter sports season in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere, the Chinese New Year and the Eastern holiday, among others. The Department of Tourism (DOT) earlier reported that the Philippines posted a 12.35-percent rise in international arrivals in the first four months of the year to 2.64 million tourists, higher than the 2.35 million in the same period last year. For this year, the country is targeting foreign arrivals of 7.4 In a report, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said the six-percent growth million under the National Tourism Development Plan. (Philrate is higher than the four-percent to five-percent growth forecast for this year. Philstar.com photo star.com) MANILA — Arrivals from January to April exceeded the growth target for the year as it registered a six-percent rise, driven by the Asia-Pacific region. In a report, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said the six-percent growth rate is higher than the four-percent to five-percent growth forecast for this year. “However, the first four months of the year are low season in many countries and therefore not necessarily indic-
ative of the full-year trend,” the UNWTO said. It added that the growth was a reflection of the strong trend seen in 2017, with full-year arrivals growing by seven percent. Asia-Pacific led the growth in the January-April period with an eight-percent increase in international arrivals, with Southeast Asia posting a 10-percent rise and South Asia recording a nine-percent increment. This was followed by Europe, which posted a seven-percent
1 in 4 Filipinos not aware... PAGE A10 t agree, 24 percent disagree) and elementary graduates at +3 (33 percent agree, 30 percent disagree). The survey showed that support for the federal system of government was highest among Muslims at +47 (61 percent agree, 14 percent disagree), followed by other Christians at +9 (35 percent agree, 26 percent disagree), Catholics at +4 (35 percent agree, 30 percent disagree, correctly rounded) and Iglesia ni Cristo members at +2 (39 percent agree, 37 percent disagree). “Support for the federal system of government was directly related to people’s trust in Rodrigo Duterte, their satisfaction with his performance as President and their satisfaction with the
overall Duterte administration,” the SWS said. The survey was conducted nationwide using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above), with sampling error margins of ±3 percent for national percentages, and ±6 percent each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Responding to the survey results, Malacanang spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said the Duterte government would “work harder” to raise greater public awareness on the proposed shift to federalism. “Well, apparently the information drive is not enough. We’ll need to work harder given that the shift to federalism is the cornerstone of the Duterte administration,” Roque said in a news
conference. “I think everyone in government should exert more effort in popularizing, number one, the need to shift to a federal form of government, its advantages to the people and its effect on everyday lives of the common people,” he added. Despite the low public awareness, Roque expressed confidence that the proposed federalism would be enacted during Duterte’s term. “That’s the cornerstone of the Duterte administration, together with the drive against corruption, the drive against illegal drugs, comfortable lives for all,” he said. Among Duterte’s campaign promises is a shift from the unitary presidential government to a federal form of government. n
ASEAN GENDER MAINSTREAMING. (H.E. Lim Jock Hoi of ASEAN Secretariat; Civil Service Commission Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala; Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Rhodora M. Bucoy; Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Florita Villar; and Office of the Cabinet Secretary Undersecretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado; pose during the Senior Officials Conference on Gender Mainstreaming in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Sectoral Bodies held at Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City on Wednesday, June 27. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.
De Lima asks SC to allow her to argue vs ICC withdrawal by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Patag
MANILA — Detained Sen. Leila de Lima has asked the Supreme Court to allow her to personally argue and defend the petition she and her colleagues filed challenging the Philippines’ withdrawal from the International Criminal Court. The senator filed a manifestation with motion asking the SC to allow her to personally argue, as one of the petitioners, during the oral arguments set at 2 p.m. on August 7. SC spokesperson Theodore Te said that the oral arguments has been moved from July 24 to a later date. De Lima is one of the minority senators who sought the nullification of the executive branch’s withdrawal of the country’s membership to the ICC due to lack of necessary concurrence from the Senate. In the 17-page petition filed last month, they cited Article VII Section 21 of the 1987 Constitution which states that “entering into treaty or international agreement requires participation of Congress, that is, through concurrence of at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.” De Lima stressed that while there are prohibitions on the appearance of members of the Congress before any court of justice, lawmakers are only barred from
Senator Leila de Lima raises her hand as she emerges from the PNP coaster to attend a hearing before the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court, Branch 34 on the ‘Disobedience to Summons’ charge filed against her by House leaders. De Lima flashes her “D5 handsign” to underscore her innocence from all the trumped-up cases that the Duterte administration filed against her. Senate photo
attending when the member of the Congress is a counsel to the case. In the said case, De Lima is one of the petitioners. She cited Section 14, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution which states: “No Senator or member of the House of Representatives may personally appear as counsel before any court of justice or before the Electoral Tribunals, or quasi-judicial and other administrative bodies.” The senator also asked the tribunal to “take judicial notice of permitting members of Congress to appear before it and argue their cases.” “The situation of Senator De Lima is not different from them,” the pleading reads.
Since February 2017, the senator has been detained at Camp Crame Detention Center over her drug cases pending before the Muntinlupa trial court. She is being accused of having a hand in the proliferation of drug trading inside the walls of the New Bilibid Prison during her stint as secretary of justice. In a hearing last week, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 denied De Lima’s motion to quash information. Her camp argued that the Justice department’s move to amend the charges against her—from drug trading to conspiracy in drug trade—merits a new probe, but the local court threw out De Lima’s motion. n
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Jennylyn Mercado on starting family KC Concepcion slams body shamers anew: I want to do it right this time’ by Deni
roSe BernarDo Philstar.com
really a bad habit to (always) comment about people’s weight. RECENtly, stars like Anne (It’s) always done in the PhilipCurtis-smith and Catriona Gray pines by our (titas) and friends have been hot topics on social and has become (like) a ‘Hello’ in media for being allegedly body- our society. (It’s) really not nice shamed. and not (proper). (Whether it’s) Anne was recently described gaining or losing weight, people by netizens as “looking preg- should stop. Really.” nant” in a family photo posted by Meanwhile, in an Instagram solenn Heussaff, while a netizen post by @titasofpageantry, a challenged Catriona to reveal her netizen asked: “May we know waistline and vital statistics. po anong vital stats ni Kat? Ba’t As response, Anne said: “No. parang hindi klaro parati ang I’m not pregnant. It’s just the waist nya? Or sadyang she has angle. And also all the egg tarts an elaborate rib cage?” I ate.” the country’s representative to solenn also came to Anne’s Miss Universe 2018 then replied: defense, saying: “Even if you “What number would be good for (are) saying cute things, (it’s) PAGE B2
by Lhar
Santiago ManilaTimes.net
It’s Jennylyn Mercado’s third year as endorser of a line of kitchen appliances. she is of course very thankful that the company considers her as an effective endorser, hence, the renewal of her contract and Jen couldn’t be happier. Endorsing kitchen appliances is something Jen feels fits her. “As everyone knows, laman ako ng kusina. Mahilig akong magluto. Kaya sulit na sulit sa akin lahat ng appliances specially the oven because I love baking. When I’m not busy with showbiz commitments, I spend my time cooking and baking. I cook for Jazz, for my Dad saka pag may bisita. I’m happy when I see that they like kung ano man ‘yung niluto ko o whatever I baked,” Jen enthused. If there’s one person that Jen loves feeding, it’s her son Jazz. “Hindi mahirap pakainin si Jazz. Whatever I cook, he eats. Everyday, kanin at ulam ang pagkain niya but he particularly loves the stuff I bake like cup cakes. He can finish a couple of them in one sitting. Kung ano ang paborito ni Jazz, ‘yun ang madalas kong niluluto.” Now that Jazz is still on vacation, he attends swimming classes. Jen is happy that her son really loves swimming. “Everyday, he goes swimming. Pagkadating na pagkadating pa lang niya sa swimming class, gusto niya, tumalon agad sa tubig. He really loves the water. that’s where I see him so happy. I see him laughing because he is having fun. Iba ‘yung aura niya pag nasa tubig. Pag nagswimming na siya, parang ayaw na niyang umahon. He doesn’t want the swimming class to end. I let him. Malay natin, maging swimmer siya, di ba?” Although Jen is carrying a relationship with Dennis trillo for long now, the actress doesn’t see
Jennylyn Mercado
herself having another child. Not in the immediate future, at least. “Matagal pa ‘yun. Hindi muna, ayokong maulit ‘yung katulad noon. this time, I wanna do it right. I want to have a complete family, of course, but I want to take the right path. ‘Yung baby, dadating ‘yun when the time and our situation is right.” Being a mom helps Jen to identify with her character Charity in the GMA primetime series “the Cure”. Just like Jen in real life, Charity loves her child so much that she is willing to do anything, even sacrifice her life for her kid. “I have lots of similarities with Charity. I think every mother will identify with her. Grabe rin ang pinagdaanan ni Charity na mga hirap just to make sure that her daughter is safe from any harm and her family is in tact,” Jen shared. What excites Jen now is the change in Charity’s character in
Photo from Instagram/@mercadojenny
the story. “Patindi na ng patindi. Now that Charity is separated from her husband Greg, she will learn to be tougher. she has evolved. Mas palaban na siya. she has become more aggressive and she doesn’t allow herself to be pushed around anymore, hindi na nagpapatalo. Kahit maraming nang-aaapi sa kanya, ang dami nang nangyayaring aksidente, she has even lost important people in her life but she remains steadfast. Charity has transformed into a strong and empowered woman.” In front of the camera, the characters of the cure are so serious. Off cam, however, the cast are always having fun. “Ang dami na namin na mga artista sa set and everybody is fun to work with. We’re like one big happy family on the set na nagbibiruan, nagtutuksuhan. Sabi ko nga, pag natapos na ang ‘the Cure,’ I will miss everyone. I will miss the happy set.”
KC Concepcion Photo from Instagram/@itskccomcepcion
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All is well with Mark months after his controversial book came out by Clarizel abanilla
Bookstore and so far okay naman ‘yung pagtanggap ng mga tao. Actor and balladeer Mark (It’s a bestseller at the National Bautista said all is well now Bookstore and so far, people months after he released his have accepted it well.)” controversial book “Beyond the In the book he released earlier Mark.” this year, Bautista spoke about At a recent press conference how he was sexually molested for his latest musical “Eto na! by a distant cousin when he was Musikal nAPo,” Bautista said, young. “Bestseller siya sa National For many years, Bautista did Inquirer.net
Christian Bautista, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Julie Ann San Jose Mark Bautista
Inquirer.net photo
not speak about what he went through. He now encourages parents to be more cautious about the people that their children interact with. Bautista also revealed in the book that he was bisexual, having had relationships with both men and women. During the press con, Bautista admitted that not everyone had a positive reaction to what he divulged in the book. “Siyempre hindi ko ma-please naman lahat. Maraming ibaibang reaction but now na nalagpasan ko siya, saka wala na nagsasabi na negative sa akin. ‘Yung first lang na lumabas may parang na-shock. (Of course I couldn’t please everyone. There were different reactions but I’ve gotten over it and no one is telling me anything negative about it. At first, however, there were some who were shocked.),” he said. “Siguro after noon, nabasa na nila or something, and alam na nila na malinis ‘yung intensyon ko for the book and now marami akong natatanggap na maraming nainspire sa book, marami na one way or the other, natulungan sila ng libro. (Perhaps after they read the book, they knew that my intentions were pure and I’ve been getting comments that many were inspired by the book, or were helped by the book, one way or the other.),” he added. He said he was grateful for the support of his fans not only for his book but for all he had undertaken throughout his 15 years in the industry.
GMA photos
Christian, Julie Anne & Regine in one memorable night by angel Javier Philstar.com
Cruz
AS the jam-packed crowd continued to cheer and the lights started to dim, christian Bautista, Julie Anne San Jose and regine Velasquez-Alcasid all took their well-deserved bows at the end of the “3 Stars, 1 Heart” concert held last June 16 at the Dubai World trade center. the show, which was widely regarded as the biggest and mostanticipated concert in Dubai this year, was a huge success with thousands of Kapuso abroad not just from Dubai, but also from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar experiencing a one-of-a-kind musical treat. GMA Pinoy tV, together with their partner carrier oSN and Fastpace, truly took over the Middle East by storm. Performing abroad isn’t new to christian but for him, the concert was more than just putting on a great show. “‘3 Stars, 1 Heart’ Dubai was one of the best shows
I’ve done,” he shared. “Singing with the great regine Velasquez and the multi-talented Julie Ann San Jose is always special, but performing for the Filipinos abroad always gives me an extra amount of heart and energy. they are working overseas to sacrifice and thrive for their families. the least I can do is to give them a boost of morale and to remind them that they are remembered and loved.” Julie Anne, for her part, said that the show was one for the books, “of course, iba ang warmth na naramdaman namin sa Dubai, especially when we saw the smiles of our kababayan out there. We felt really appreciated and loved since the day we arrived till our last day there. We wanted to make them feel closer to home through our show. And we’re very happy that we were able to connect with them. It was one for the books.” one unique segment in the international leg of the “3 Stars, 1 Heart” concert series was regine
by request, a chance for fans to send in their song requests and be lucky enough to be granted a personal serenade from the Songbird herself. this up-close encounter with the audience was a first for regine. “It was a good experience. It’s the first time na kinakantahan ko sila by request and it was nice to see their faces because normally, makikita mo sila nasa baba sila pero dito, eye level ko sila and they seemed to have been very happy,” she said. What also captivated the audience and even netizens are the glamorous gowns and suits donned by all three Kapuso stars in their numbers. these attires, which highlighted Pinoy pride as well, were provided by renowned Filipino designers Ezra Santos of EZrA couture, ryan Pacioles of Atelier Zuhra and Furne one of Amato couture. Despite their tight schedule, christian, Julie Anne and regine were still in high spirits as they trooped to their meet-and-greet event right after the show. Some will look at it as part of their jobs, but scrolling through the photos on social media, one can’t help but notice the genuineness in their smiles. Much can be said about the talent each one of them showcased on stage, but what made their show truly harmonious and what wowed the audience even from their regional legs was the palpable fact that they poured their souls into every performance they did. Each song and melody they belted out came from a place of passion that gave justice to the namesake of their show — three stars, one heart.
Heart Evangelista turns to art during difficult times by Clarizel abanilla Inquirer.net
AS for every artist, art is a platform for different expressions. For actress and painter Heart Evangelista, going back to her art has definitely helped her cope especially during difficult times. Setting aside her designer
bags, Evangelista returned to the canvass and finished an abstract painting depicting myriads of women in various colors. She wrote, “Art has always been a friend during difficult times. So I sat down and finally finished this piece. channeling all my emotions into creative projects has me looking forward with a
Photos from Instagram/@iamhearte
grateful heart…” the actress has been open about the emotional journey she’s been experiencing following the loss of her babies. over a few weeks ago, she happily announced that she and husband Senator Francis “chiz” Escudero would be having twins. A few days later, she informed the public that one of the twins unfortunately didn’t make it. Eventually, she lost the other fetus which was then into its 3rd month. Her fans and followers have expressed messages of support for the actress, calling her a “strong woman” and sending blessings and love her way.
KC Concepcion slams body... PAGE B1
you? What number constitutes my worth, or a ‘perfect’ figure? I hope you would see women as individuals whose worth are defined by what they do and who they are, not by numbers on a tape.” As a singer, actress, and tV host, Kc concepcion is no stranger to body-shaming as she and mom Sharon cuneta have been subjects of public scrutiny through the years. recently, Kc has also been reportedly body-shamed when she posted selfies on Instagram. Some netizens commented on her photos and called her “easy to get” and “feeling sexy.” During a recent beauty fair organized by e-commerce platform Shopee, Kc shared in a speech how being healthy is as important as being true to oneself. “My message for body-sham-
ers is to know exactly what you’re fighting for first of all kasi merong mga health issues ang mga tao kaya ganun ang mga katawan nila,” Kc said in a video interview by Philstar.com. According to Kc, weight loss is not as easy as dieting. “Kahit gusto nilang pumayat at hindi pumapayag ang katawan nila, they have to break the code. Kailangan alam nila kung anong nangyayari sa hormones, kung anong nangyayari sa stress factor, kung bakit kahit anong diet, anong exercise, hindi nagwowork,” Kc explained. Being slim, she said, is also not always an indication of good health. “the same goes sa mga people na sobrang payat. Meron silang reason kung bakit sila umaabot sa ganun. So sana, ‘wag silang manghusga masyado.” Instead of poking fun at peo-
ple’s weight, Kc wishes people would celebrate anyone who is happy and healthy with their bodies. Nonetheless, she still believes in the importance of maintaining one’s ideal weight through a healthy lifestyle. “Although agree ako na everyone should be at their happiest and healthiest body. Kasi hindi rin ako agree na okay lang din na masyadong mataba or masyadong payat,” she stressed. As a final word to body-shamers, Kc advised them to base their criticisms on scientific facts. “Agree naman ako dun sa ilang may mga pinaglalaban, pero siguro yung way lang na kung pano kayo manghusga minsan, baka hindi s’ya medically accurate. So unless doctor ‘yung nagsabi sainyo, best to really know kung anong pinag-dadaanan ng isang tao.”
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A different Christmas experience in Jesus’ birthplace of Israel by EMIL
PERITO
YOU may or may not expect much from Israel during Christmas, being that only around 140,000 Christians make up its population of roughly 7 million. Unlike in the U.S., Christmas isn’t a designated public or legal holiday, which means this year’s holiday falling on a Tuesday won’t warrant a day off for its residents. But there are a lot of festive things that can be done during the holiday season. After all, it is where Jesus — whose birth we celebrate — was born and spent many of His years on earth. No Christmas holiday in the Holy Land is complete without a trip to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. There, you can visit the famous Church of the Nativity — believed to be Jesus’ actual birth location — and experience its Christmas Eve Midnight Mass. The Church of the Nativity is one the world’s oldest churches still in use, having been preserved
and developed by the Crusaders and Persians throughout its rich history. Today it spans roughly 12,000 square meters and is used by three denominations being the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Armenian Church, with each controlling different areas. And then there’s Manger Square which is heavily visited during Christmas time and fea-
Photos courtesy of the Israel Ministry of Tourism
tures entertainers performing on its large stage, with festive activities surrounding it. The Christian-Arab town of Nazareth, where Jesus lived before His public ministry, is also a great place to visit and experience Christmas in Israel. Keep an eye out for more familiar Christmas images of Santa Claus and Christmas trees against backdrops of its unique old city environment. If at its annual Nazareth Christmas market, browse through the stalls of local vendors offering their local food, arts, and crafts. Depending on how you spend Christmas, the holidays in Israel may or may not be up to par with what you’re used to. But given its rich history, there’s just something special about celebrating the Christmas holidays in the land of Jesus’ birth which Air Plus Travel will be doing in its pilgrimage trip from December 27, 2018 to January 3, 2019. Established in 1995, Air Plus Travel specializes in religious travel. Join us in our pilgrimages, including our trip to Israel in December 2018 to January 2019. For more information, contact Air Plus Travel at (562) 863 - 0624, or visit us at www.airplustravel.net. (Advertising Supplement)
Jo Ann Cordero-Belen: A Pinay in the smash-hit Avengers: Infinity War
REMEMBER the Filipina visualeffects compositor featured in this corner a decade ago (A Pinay with the “Dark Knight” Team) when she worked on that movie starring Christian Bale and the late Heath Ledger as The Joker? She’s none other than Jo Ann CorderoBelen who has gone a long way since then. After “Dark Knight”, Jo Ann has worked on 31 more films including such other hits as “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them”, “Black Panther”, “Justice League”, “The Mummy”, “Fifty Shades Freed”, “Fifty Shades Darker”, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”, “Alice Through The Looking Glass”, “Spongebob Out of the Water”, “Jupiter Ascending”, “Transformers: Age of Extinction” and many more. “Jo Ann spent eight months of exhaustive work under the Method Studios just to make the visuals of ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ beautiful,” wrote Jo Ann’s mother, Rosalinda Cordero (of 22 Pacimar Estate, Angeles City), a public school teacher who, in a letter, updated Funfare on her daughter’s rise as one of Hollywood’s A-List visual-effects compositors. “Our family is so proud of her.” (Jo Ann’s father is Jose Cordero, a former public school teacher and an OFW.) And to think that the big dream of then starry-eyed teener Jo Ann was only to be her idol Steven Spielberg’s water girl! “That was the only way I could think of to enter the gate of Hollywood,” according to Jo Ann, who is also a part of the Avengers film. In that 2008 Funfare story, Jo Ann’s sister, Dr. Jocelyn CorderoBumanlag (of Angeles City), said that Jo Ann “is an alumna of the century-old (1908-2008) UP College of Fine Arts, batch 1992; and finished pre-school, elementary and secondary education also century-old (1907-2007) Holy Family Academy in Angeles City from 1986 to 1987.” When Dr. Jocelyn saw Jo Ann’s name at the end credits of Dark Knight, “I wanted to shout, ‘Hey, Jo Belen is my sister!’ That was how excited I was.” So how did Jo Ann’s journey to Hollywood begin? Jo Ann started her career in advertising design at Basic Foote & Belding. While working on Palmolive Shampoo, one of her accounts, she attended the shoots and the post-production/editing sessions. “That’s how I got interested in visual effects,” recalled Jo Ann in the previous Funfare story. She’s married to 3D artist/animator Norman Belen, a lecturer on traditional and 3D animation at Ngee Ann Polytechnic University in Singapore; they have three children…Joshua Neal, Justine
Jo Ann Cordero-Belen (front row, second from left) with the Method Studios visual-effects crew of Avengers: Infinity War. Philstar.com photo
Nicole and Jennifer Nadine…who are all artistic. “Armed with only passion and interest, I took the courage of applying for a job with neither any computer knowledge nor experience.” She was hired and trained by Optimal Digital Manila and
became one of the first FLAME artists in the Philippines doing visual effects for TV commercials, broadcast design, feature films and TV series, in the process receiving awards from the New York Festival for her work on such PAGE B5
FATHER AND DAUGHTER REUNITE AFTER 40 YEARS OF LIFE-CHANGING CHOICES AND “MISFORTUNES” ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Decades ago, Tatay Rolando left his wife and daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the U.S. After getting his green card, he petitioned his family, except for Anna Lyn (center) who had turned 21, and was left behind. The years that followed became a series of rough twists and turns for Anna Lyn, including being caught attempting to enter the U.S. on a fraudulent visa. After a fraud waiver prepared by another attorney was denied, leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel put together a convincing fraud waiver package that was quickly approved, paving the way for the much-awaited, happy reunion of this family on an encore episode of (Advertising Supplement) “Citizen Pinoy” – Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.
Karen Reyes on traveling, taking risks WHEN Karen Reyes auditioned for Pinoy Big Brother six years ago, no one thought she’ll be sharing the spotlight with other well-known local celebrities. A proven risk-taker at such a young age, she admitted that her mom has no knowledge she’d be joining the reality show. Her attitude, having no fear to try new things, made her reach the title Second Big Placer of “Pinoy Big Brother” and from there, the bright future ahead her continuously placed her to where she is today. Growing up from Oriental Mindoro, it is evident to Karen how low-key and approachable she is by the way she carries herself. Karen is full of happy thoughts; you hear nothing but all out fun from her. She’s a bursting bubble every time she answers questions. May it be about work, love, or life in general, an exchange of conversation with her is like a best friend chit-chat. She is very open, honest, and playful. When going places, she opts to do it just by herself but would love it even more when she gets to spend time traveling with her boyfriend. An adventurer at heart, she enjoys going to the beach and try all the water activities possible. An aficionado of unplanned road trips, it only justifies where her spontaneity is coming from. Karen normally goes to different local places at least once a month. Just to mention her recent travels, she went to Mt. Pinatubo with the TravelBook.ph team and was able to enjoy the bumpy 4 X 4 ride and strenuous hike. Amidst all the dirt, humid, and twohour long trek, Karen remained cheerful and lively. “Mas adventurer ako, kesa traveler,” she said. As for Karen’s dream travel destinations, she looks forward to visiting Batanes, Albay, and Palawan. Unlike other travelers who would excessively pack during trips, her essentials only include
The former ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ housemate is still a go-getter. ManilaTimes.net photo
clothes, a wallet, her mobile phone, a lip tint, and speakers. “Hindi ako madala ng gamit. Since most of my trips are unplanned, hindi ako aligaga palagi na kailangan ng ganito or ng ganyan. Kung ano lang talaga ‘yung pinakakailangan,” she explained. One thing to love about Karen is her willingness to take risks. She may be afraid at some point, but her go-getter personality sets her apart from the rest. She’s not afraid to venture new possibilities, to explore what the world has to offer, to seek the unknown, to wander around and get lost. Karen lives with no regrets as she fully knows what she wants and always goes for it. (ManilaTimes.net)
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Pala Casino Spa & Resort opens new smoke-free Reflecting on the Beautiful casino, Marquise Bar, expanded Luis Rey’s Restaurant Life Celebration’s past awardees
PALA, CA — Continuing its expansion and remodel, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, which on May 19 opened its new resort pool experience - Tourmaline and 420 new, additional parking spaces in its expanded hotel garage, today opened three additional resort attractions: Luis Rey’s Restaurant, Bar & Patio Lounge, Marquise Bar & Lounge and its new 15,000square-foot, glass-walled, smokefree casino area. “Our full-property remodel and expansion is well underway. The heavy construction is behind us and we are excited to be unveiling these new amenities to our guests ahead of the bustling summer season. We have introduced both new indoor and outdoor bars, lounges and resort spaces that we feel uniquely capitalize on Pala’s beautiful Southern California location,” said Pala Chief Executive Officer Bill Bembenek. One of the new indoor spaces that Pala believes will be popular is the new smoke-free casino space, which is enclosed with glass from floor-to-ceiling. Pala’s HVAC system has been augmented to ensure that positive air flows out from the smoke-free space into the casino area where smoking is allowed. “As part of our casino remodel and expansion, we are paying particular attention to our many guests who prefer to enjoy the smoke-free areas within our resort. We have created a beautifully-appointed casino area that will offer over 300 slot and video poker machines, live poker, casino cashier services and several restaurants and bars. Guests are able to enter the smoke-free casino directly through the smokefree hotel entrance utilizing our complimentary valet service,” Bembenek said. . The opening of the two new bars, Luis Rey’s and Marquise, gives Pala’s guests five spacious bars and lounges to choose from, several of which include stages with live entertainment. Luis Rey’s, a previously popular bar and lounge, has been doubled in size with a large centerpiece bar that is half indoors and half outdoors, and includes a glass retractable door through the middle. “Our intention with the Luis
Rey’s expansion is to invite the beautiful outdoors inside allowing our guests to enjoy cocktails, dine and enjoy live music all within the back drop of the beautiful mountains which surround the resort,” Bembenek said. Pala also opened the Marquise Bar, its newest casino bar and lounge. This opulent bar offers plush lounge space and ample seating right in the middle of the casino action. The bar is adorned with hundreds of strands of crystals and is the centerpiece of a new 10,000 square-foot gaming area, which will offer over 300 new slot and video poker machines along with new blackjack and roulette tables. The Marquise Bar offers a wide selection of specialty cocktails including Ginger Sweet Peach Tea, a Vesper, a Mezquila Cocktail, a Cosmopolitan Martini, a Chamomile Tequila Sour, a Volcan Palermo, a Mexican Mule, a Pineapple Strawberry Mojito, a Lemonhead Martini and a Bulleit Old Fashion, all for $13. Also available is a wide selection of domestic, craft and imported draft and bottled beers ranging from $5.25 to $13.50 per serving and a wide variety of white and red wine, including champagne and sparkling wine, from $9 to $24 per glass. The Marquise Bar is open from 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. daily and its lounge area from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. daily. Luis Rey’s offers a wide selection of appetizers, including Pala’s world-famous Street Tacos, Fish Tacos and Carne Asada Nachos. Soups and salads include The Chef Salad, Classic Caesar, Luis Rey’s Chopped and the chef’s daily soup selection. There is a wide selection of burgers, including the Signature Luis Rey’s Kobe Burger and sandwiches will include the Piled High Corn Beef, Pork Schnitzel, Beef & Cheddar, Philly Cheese Steak, Hot Pastrami, Classic Deli Club, the All-American and the Luis Rey’s BLAT. The specialty drink menu features a Classic Mojito, Paradise Punch, Chocolate Martini and selections of Margaritas (Classic, Strawberry, Mango and Skinny), Moscow Mule (Classic or Raspberry) and Michelada. Beer
selections will include 16 draft beer options in addition to a wide variety of Domestic, Imported and Craft options. Wine by the glass includes Pala’s Signature CAVE Red Blend, CAVE Pala Blend and CAVE Grenache in addition to a wide variety of select wines. The bar also offers a large selection of Tequilas. Luis Rey’s is open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., Sunday-Thursday, and 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. Happy Hour is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily and prices include Street Tacos (Chicken or Steak), $1; and Moscow Mules, Margaritas and Draft Beer, $3.75 each. Pala Casino Spa & Resort includes a Las Vegas-style casino with 2,250 slot machines, 84 table games and seven poker tables; a 507-room hotel; five swimming pool, two hot tubs and 14 cabanas a 10,000-square-foot, full-service spa and salon that features 17 treatment rooms, two cabanas and a state-of-the-art fitness center Pala also offers a 15,000-squarefoot, glass-walled, smoke-free casino area, 10 restaurants and 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Pala Casino Spa & Resort is an AAA Four-Diamond Award winner for 15 consecutive years. The new Pala RV Resort opened May 23, 2016, and offers 100 parking sites for RVs and trailers from 55 to 70 feet and full-service amenities for RVers. Pala RV Resort is rated a perfect 10/10*/10 by Good Sam, the national RV Resort rating publication for three consecutive years. Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines awarded Pala RV Resort its Gold Awards for 2016 and 2017 as Best RV Resort Casino and Best Campground Resort. Its state-of-the-art Pala Spa was named the number one spa in the casino industry and number two spa in North America for 2017 by Spas of America. The ranking marked the twelfth consecutive year that Pala Spa has been ranked in the Top 100 and Top 10. Pala Casino Spa & Resort was voted Best Casino in San Diego by the public in the 10News.com annual A-List poll sponsored by KGTV-TV 10 News in San Diego. For more information, visit http:// www.palacasino.com.
(Advertising Supplement)
By Monet
Lu
THROUGH the years, the Beautiful Life Celebration has been recognizing individuals, youth, organizations, and couples who have shaped and influenced their communities in extraordinary ways. Now that the organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary, I’d like to this opportunity to share with my readers how these four amazing people — who were awarded at the event in 2017 — have lived beautiful lives and inspire a lot of people in the process. Aida Jugo, Queen of the Philippines – International As an Assistant Vice President and Manager of Investigations (Unit for Money/ Wire Transfer Department) for Union Bank, Aida ensures that a customer’s money is safe from the hands of scammers and hackers. A good day for Aida is when she recovers funds out of erroneous transactions or when she is helping out a victim of a hacked account. Aida has been working with Union Bank for 25 years and this is her first – and only – job in the U.S. She began her career as a young employee processing loans and worked her way up to her current position. Growing up in La Union and Pangasinan, she felt like being in paradise, surrounded by rice fields and vegetable farms, fish ponds and free-roaming animals in acres and acres of land. Aida moved to Manila for college at the Philippine College of Commerce, with a double major in advertising and marketing. After graduating, her adventurous spirit brought her to the United States so she could experience a new life in the “land of opportunities.” “A Beautiful Life is doing the things you enjoy the most. Life is beautiful when you are surrounded by a loving family, good friends and when you are accomplishing your dreams…” she said.
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS
The ultra talented TNT Boys revel in the standing ovation Steve Harvey’s ‘Little Big Shots’ audience gave them in the U.S.
ABS-CBN photo
TNT Boys astonish music world over and over again by Arlo
Custodio ManilaTimes.net
JUST 10 months after the first “Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids” winner was declared in June 2017,threeofthe grandfinalists— 11-year-old FrancisConcepcion, 12-year-old MackieEmpuerto and 13-year-old KieferSanchez— collectively known as TNT Boys have conquered UK television. Their cover of Beyonce’s “Listen” on “Gandang Gabi Vice,” which became viral landed them on “Little Big Shots” where they performed the same song for the English audience in April. Their performance, according to comments on the show’s YouTube channel, brought goosebumps to viewers, many of whom were non-Filipinos. Not long after, they were on the original version of the show in the US hosted by Steve Harvey, and again, their rendition of the Beyonce hit commanded a standing ovation. Popular talk show host Ellen Degeneres, who is co-producer of the kiddie talent show, called out the former Destiny’s Child member on social media saying, “Beyonce, I hope you watch Sunday’s Little Big Shots.” Back home, the TNT Boys were selected as “Your Face Sounds Familiar” contestants, with them doing “Too Much Heaven” by the Bee Gees on the debut episode. Judge Gary Valenciano ex-
pressed amazement on how the boys excelled in their chosen song, while another judge, Sharon Cuneta, said she hoped Barry Gibb, the only surviving member of the trio brothers— after Maurice died in 2003 and Robin in 2008—was watching “so he’d know how talented this generation of Filipinos is.” True enough, Gibb tweeted, “Imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery! Thank you #TNTBoys @YourFacePH for your rendition of “Too Much Heaven” #MyBeeGees” sharing the YouTube link of the trio’s performance. In the next two weeks of the contest, they chose to impersonate the Apo Hiking Society with their rendition of “Mahirap Magmahal Ng Syota Ng Iba” then as Salbakuta for “S2pid Luv.” It was on the fourth week of the show that TNT Boys finally topped the competition as Destiny’s Child with “Survivor.” They did good as Aegis singing “Sinta” on the fifth week. Whether as all-boy, all-girl or mixed, the TNT Boys proved they can be as effective with their successive performances as The Supremes (“You Can’t Hurry Love”), Hagibis (“Nanggigigil”), and just last week, wresting back the top spot as Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men (“One Sweet Day”). On June 22, the trio returned to “Little Big Shots USA”, commanding a standing ovation
anew with their perfect harmonized rendition of rock band Queen’s “Somebody To Love.” In the official Facebook page of the show, the video clip is annotated with, “The TNT Boys harmonize in a way we have never heard before.” It then said, “The TNT Boys are back and ready to capture your heart for the second time.” The performance has been viewed more than 4.3 million times and shared 3,800 times as of this writing. One of the members of Queen—known for their song, “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are The Champions”—Brian May, shared the video saying, “Check out these lovely young lads from the Philippines. Brilliant. Great to see youngsters relating to Queen so well —and enjoying.” Other members are Roger Taylor, John Deacon and the late Freddie Mercury, whose biographical film is due for release in October. According to comments on the TNT Boys’ Facebook page, the trio will be seen and heard as Spice Girls next and also set to appear in the Australian edition of the kiddie talent show. They are also part of the “TNT All-Star Showdown” concert at the Araneta Coliseum on July 28 gathering the first and second season winners and grand finalists of the popular singing competition segment of the ABS-CBN noontime show.
HEART attack is a vicious killer, responsible for one death every 34 seconds in the United States alone. Among Americans, more than 2,500 succumb to heart disease every day, and one person develops a heart attack every twenty seconds. While the fact that heart attack kills is a common knowledge, most people do not know that the stenosis (blockage) of one particular coronary artery is the subtle and treacherous killer that usually victimize and claim the lives of younger and younger people today, many times suddenly, without warning. This culprit is the left main coronary artery that supplies the left ventricular muscle of the heart. Medically, this entity is known as the Widow Maker, since it has killed many a husband. Today, more and more women also suffer heart attacks. When this main artery is blocked more than 50 percent, the flow to the recipient heart muscle is compromised and that part of the heart muscle is deprived of enough blood (which carries essential oxygen and nutrients, etc., to the heart muscle). This is basically the course of events that leads to a heart attack. The left main coronary artery branches into two, the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery (supplying blood to the front segment of the left ventricle) and the circumflex coronary artery (supplying the back of the heart). The other main branch is the right coronary artery supplying the right ventricle, which is less dominant than the left main (the artery that supplies the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart). When we hear of sudden death from a heart attack, especially among the younger patients, this is usually caused by left main disease. And many times, without the classical symptoms of chest pains, or any indication at all that there is a blockage in the coronary artery. Here are some important data observed about heart disease: (1) Male pattern baldness, hair in the ear canals, and creased earlobes are apparently linked to a higher risk of coronary heart
Mrs. Corazon Rosete, Life- with a wonderful husband. God gave me a husband who loved time Achievement Awardee Cora is a retired registered me dearly.” Prinze and Geraldine nurse after 46 years of service in Kaiser Permanente. She started Scott, Outstanding Couple of as a head nurse at a community the Year Prinze is a registered respihospital in Hollywood. “That was my first job when ratory care practitioner for 10 I arrive in the US in 1968. After years and Geraldine is an office that, I transferred to Kaiser in manager of a hospice agency 1970 where they trained me to and the owner of TLC Services. be to be a critical nurse for three Geraldine also produces Filipino months: one month for intensive shows and concerts. The couple first met at Geralcare (ICU), another for critical care (CCU) then one month in dine’s sister’s house on Christmas open heart unit. They asked me to Day in 2002. Since then Prinze choose my specialty and I wanted never left Geraldine’s side. Geraldine and Prinze have to choose open heart unit at the time but due to [the] shortage of been together for 15 years. They successful open heart cases, they first got married back in 2008 couldn’t train for that specialty. when gay marriage was legalized Instead, they transferred me to in California. In September 2013, the coronary or intensive care they renewed their vows at CBS unit which is a combination of Studios in Los Angeles. “I love helping people escritical care patient, respiratory, pecially when they thank me medical and surgical.” Cora loves being a nurse be- personally for saving their lives cause of the continuous learning or their families’ lives,” Prinze and stable income it allows her to said. Prinze and Geraldine hope to provide for her family back in the Philippines. But most of all, it is have their own respiratory and the privilege of acting and caring hospice agency someday. for your patients like a primary *** doctor would. Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award“I feel like a doctor! ICU nurses winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own are trained to do their best when chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern there’s a ‘code blue’ in the event California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, that the doctor is not around, it is Monet is known as an all-around artiste who our job to try and save the patient produces sold-out fashion and awards shows the best way possible, the best as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. way we can,” she said. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary She mused, “A beautiful life all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, is having a job that gives you your solution to discoloration . To contact the capability to give back. Also, Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or a beautiful life is being blessed email him at monetsalon@aol.com
Left main: A killer
disease among white men. (2) betes you parents have, is fairly Elevated level of an amino acid high compared to the sedentary (homocysteine) is associated meat eaters who smoke. As we have stated in a previwith an increased risk of heart ous column, the impact of diet attack and stroke. (3) African-American women is most significant. Here is one have the highest death rate from report from almost two decades heart disease. (4) People who are ago: “1999 meta-analysis of five sedentary, who do not exercise studies comparing vegetarian regularly, have almost twice the and non-vegetarian mortality risk of developing a heart attack rates in Western countries found that in comparison with regular than those who do. (5) Males who are clinically meat-eaters, mortality from depressed have a higher risk ischemic heart disease was 34 for heart disease and heart at- percent lower in pescetarians, tack than those who are not 34 percent lower in ovo-lacto vegetarians, 26 percent lower depressed. (6) Genetics are involved in in vegans.” Individuals on pescatarian the development of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the artery, diet could achieve excellent which causes arterial blockages health and minimize heart atin the arteries all over the body). tacks, stroke, and other diseases (7) Red meat and egg eaters as long as they live a healthy are more prone to develop high lifestyle. Fish, eggs and other blood cholesterol and heart at- dairies, legumes, and nuts, are enough as sources of protein for tacks. (8) Those who eat beans at one to have good nutrition on least 4 times a week have a pescatarian diet. The opposite reduced level of heart disease is true among meat eaters as (19 percent lower) than those the data above and below show. who eat beans less than once Abstinence from red meat, esa week. (9) Those who abstain pecially processed meats (and from red meat and eggs and eat processed food items in general) a lot of vegetables, fruits, grains, is healthier. So, when it comes to health, nuts, and other high fiber foods are less prone to develop heart we are not what are parents are. We are more what lifestyle attack. The positive side of all these is we have chosen for ourselves. that medical science has proven Most of these diseases we face that the development of harden- today are mostly self-inflicted ing of the artery could be slowed and literally preventable. Makdown simply by eating the right ing the right choice and the food and regular physical exer- sacrifices may not be easy, but cise on a daily basis. We cannot maintaining good health and do anything about our genetics longevity to the fullest is worth (heredity), but environmental all our effort. My mother, who factors, of which lifestyle is most still watches her diet carefully, important, have been shown to who used to exercise daily up have the ability to effectively to the age of 88, and who, today, “buffer” the negative traits in still remembers the birthdays a person’s genetics. In simple of her children, grandchildren, terms, even if your parents have and great-grandchildren, said high blood pressure, heart dis- to me on her 100th birthday last ease, or even diabetes mellitus; November, “Healthy lifestyle is it does not necessarily mean the best antidote to diseases and that, as their child, you will have premature death…Trust me on this one.” these medical problems also. If their diet was high in cho*** lesterol (red meats, eggs, dairy Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac products) and carbohydrate Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and (rice, cakes, sweets, pop bever- chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to ages, etc.), and they smoke, are 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, sedentary and not medically where he holds the title of Physician compliant with their health care, Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, and, on the other hand, you are Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American eating mostly fish, vegetables, College of Surgeons, the Philippine College fruits, nuts and grains, doing of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley daily exercises, you don’t smoke, Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the and are carefully monitoring chairman of the Filipino United Network your health; then your chances – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation of NOT developing the hyperten- in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ sion, heart attack, stroke or dia- gmail.com
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Meaningful mornings for moms in ‘Magandang Buhay’ Stars react to Duterte’s ‘stupid God’ remark by Kane
errol Choa Philstar.com
tHrOuGH insightful conversations in Magandang buhay, every weekday morning becomes meaningful for moms. Aside from fun, laughter and exciting adventures, the show imparts valuable life lessons daily or what they call pulot of the day that are drawn from the experiences of its guests. “You can learn a lot from ‘Magandang buhay’ and from the pieces of advice they (hosts and guests) give every day. i personally learned about forgiveness and understanding people in your life,” said housewife Marie Dignos. “it has lessons for single moms like me. they said that we should never lose hope and use our children as inspiration to carry on with life,” said avid viewer Vilma Guerta. even hosts Melai Cantiveros, Karla estrada and Jolina Magdangal learn from their guests and share various pulot that they personally apply in their lives. “What makes the show beautiful is you get to learn every day. You learn to appreciate what you have more in life and overcome more challenges as well,” said Karla. Melai, on the other hand, found a deeper meaning in what they are doing in the program when she met a studio audience who related how the show has influenced views in life. “she is a mother who lost her husband. she was so sad then and she was at a point where she felt her life had no more meaning,” Melai recounted. “by watching ‘Magandang buhay’, she felt
by Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
Celebrities have expressed their dismay over President rodrigo Duterte’s new tirade against the Catholic Church. speaking in the opening of the 2018 National iCt summit in Davao City, Duterte questioned God’s logic in the creation story of the bible. “Who is this stupid God? estupido talaga itong p***** i** kung ganun. You created something perfect and then you think of an event that would tempt and destroy the quality of your work,” he said. On her instagram post, actress rita Avila said Duterte only respects himself. “this is a reflection of you, Mr. Momshies Melai Cantiveros, Karla Estrada and Jolina Magdangal ABS-CBN photo President. You only respect yourinspired to live life again and it sort is a mother who has been longing self. You look at us like garbage to have a fresh start. in 2013, she cans where you freely throw your of energized her.” in celebration of its second an- lost her son, and then three years trash. Wag naman ganun. Tao niversary and to continue to inspire after, her husband succumbed to kami,” rita wrote. people to live and celebrate life, the cancer. though her humble abode she also has a message for show picked two lucky momshies to in Dumaguete is filled with happy Duterte supporters. win two brand-new house and lot memories, momshie Francisca is “to all Duterte fans, i held much from bria Homes. the winners of still having a hard time to move on hope in him. but sorry, this is too the “Magandang buhay,” Magan- because her home reminds her so much. You can only help spreading dang bahay promo were Cely san- much of her son and husband. With more trash by bashing and hather new bria home, she has high ing but i wish you spread GOOD chez and Francisca tinaytina. Momshie Cely has been renting hopes that she can face life better WOrDs instead to help clean all since she was 17 years old. she now with her two children. of us up,” she wrote. the anniversary celebration also worked as an Overseas Filipino A known Duterte critic, singerWorker (OFW) for more than 20 took viewers to special Cebu and actress Agot isidro had brief words years, but was not able to build bohol adventures where momshies for the president as she shared the her dream house because all her showcased exciting spots and at- news about Duterte calling God earnings were used to support tractions. stupid. For two years now, “Magandang her children’s needs and educa“Pitiful, decaying, old man,” the tion. Now that she is a proud mom buhay” has been spreading good Famas best Actress wrote. to a nurse, an engineer and an vibes and valuable lessons in life to Also a known as a Duterte critic it specialist, it’s time that Cely avid viewers. it doesn’t only enter- and a former President benigno finally gets a house she can call tain but also inspires people to do Aquino iii supporter, singer Jim good, persevere in life and remain Paredes penned an open letter her own. Momshie Francisca, meanwhile, optimistic amidst struggles. through a twitter post addressed to Duterte. “Dear Dut. Du you really need to insult the Catholics and Christians.
Jo Ann Cordero-Belen: A Pinay in the... PAGE B3
GMA shows as “bubble Gang” and “election”, while other works she participated in were recognized by the Creative Guild and Advertising Congress. in 1996, she worked on two local films, “takot Ka ba sa Dilim” and “impakto”. then, Jo Ann moved to singapore where she continued working in post production. in 2001, she took a break and joined Discreet logic (a software company now known as Autodesk). she became the effects specialist for Asia Pacific where she did product demos and training services around the region, lecturing and mentoring students in Diploma for Visual effects and Animation at 3D
sense Media school. Her big break came when the Double Negative recruiting team visited singapore looking for artists to be trained and hired in london for Hollywood films. Her first Hollywood job was “Dark Knight”, followed by “Quantum of solace” and “Hellboy 2: the Golden Army” (also in 2008); “sherl o c k H o l m e s ” a n d “A n g e l s & D e m o n s ” ( 2 0 0 9 ) ; “ G re e n Z o n e ” , P ” r i n c e o f Pe r s i a” , “the sorcerer’s Apprentice”, “Harry Potter Deathly Hallows” and “iron Man 2”, all in 2010;” Captain America, the First Avenger” (2011); “Aveng ers 1” (2012); “the Great Gatsby” (2013); and other big films
mentioned earlier. between films, she managed to work on nine tV episodes including the “Punishers” (2017 ), “sWAt” and “Zoo”. “thanks to my work, i have traveled around the world,” said Jo Ann who has worked for such studios (in london, singapore, Australia and Canada) as industrial light & Magic, sony Pictures imageworks, Moving Pictures, Framestore, Animal logic logic, Method studios, iloura and Fuse FX. she’s currently working on the new “Avengers” movie. “thank you, Marvel,” Jo Ann ended her letter to Funfare. “i am proud to be part of your team.”
Agot Isidro and Alessandra De Rossi Philstar.com photos
Must you keep creating enemies? or do you really have mental illness, dementia, psychosis, etc.. and you can’t help it? in short, are you still in charge of your mental faculties?” the APO Hiking society member wrote. He also asked Duterte what he can say about other religions. “What can you say about the Muslim and Jewish faith, Dut? You seem to be quite a theologian now.. Pls be candid as you are regarding the Christian faith. We are awaiting
your profound insights.” in another tweet, Jim prayed for God to “Pls bless all stupid leaders and their followers” and “Heal their stupidity.” in an indirect tweet, Kapamilya actress Alessandra De rossi posted on twitter a verse from the bible. “exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name of the lord your God in vain, for the lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Happy sunday.”
B June 30-JuLy 3, 2018 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAL
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Supreme Court says some NTAs may be invalid
Your Immigration Solution AmAndA C. Kwong And nAnCy miller BEING placed into Immigration Court Removal Proceedings begins with the issuance and service of a Notice to Appear, also referred to as an NTA. The law requires that the NTA state the time and place of the first hearing in court. In the interest of expediency, however, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued many NTAs stating that the date and place of that first hearing will be provided at a later time. On June 21, 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States (“SCOTUS�) issued a decision, Pereira v. Sessions, that held that NTAs without a notice of time and place do not comply with law and are not valid. This is important because when a properly written NTA is properly served on the non-citizen, the time that the person is considered to be in the United States stops. This is known as the “stop-time rule�. This stop-time rule may prevent someone from being eligible for certain types of relief, including cancellation of removal for certain non-permanent residents (COR). But, if the NTA was not valid, the non-citizen can ask the court to terminate the case. If DHS issues a new NTA, the noncitizen will, obviously, have more physical presence at that time and may qualify for additional relief. In reaching this decision, the SCOTUS looked to the language of the relevant statute and found that the text itself was unambiguous. Under the stop-time rule, any period of continuous physical presence is deemed to end when the noncitizen is served with the NTA under a section of law that details the information that the NTA should contain. The SCOTUS determined that the information required in the NTA should at the very least
specify the time and place of the removal hearing. The Court also stated that the Notice to Appear consists of “three words‌mean that, at a minimum, the Government has to provide noncitizens “noticeâ€? of the information, i.e., the ‘time’ and ‘place’ that would enable them ‘to appear’ at the removal hearing in the first place.â€? So, this decision means that many noncitizens who did not previously qualify for COR, may now be eligible for relief before an immigration judge based on this clarification of the requirements of a valid NTA and its impact on the stop-time rule. Countless others may be able to reopen their cases after having
circumstances, and an experienced immigration attorney can explain to the judge why the factors, when taken cumulatively, warrant a favorable exercise of discretion. The stop-time rule applies not only to COR for noncitizens who had no status (which were the facts of the case), but also to COR for those who had permanent residence when removal proceedings started. In those cases, the requirements are slightly different, but the stop-time rule would still necessitate that the NTA provided the time and place. The requirements for COR for permanent residents are that they have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence for five years, resided in the US continuously for seven years after being admitted in any status, have no aggravated felony convictions, and warrant favorable exercises of discretion. This decision may dramatically affect the immigration situation for those currently in proceedings as well as some who have existing removal orders based on an invalid NTA. Anyone who received an NTA without a specific time and place of hearing should consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer immediately. Act now and see how this new case can impact your life.
“This stop-time rule may prevent someone from being eligible for certain types of relief, including cancellation of removal for certain non-permanent residents (COR).� been ordered removed. Other rules regarding continuous residence still apply. Where there is question as to whether a Respondent has met the 10-year requirement, there is a substantial evidence test based on the amount and type of evidence of residency provided. A parent’s residency cannot be applied to a child who does not meet the requirements. The noncitizen must also meet other requirements of good moral character (“GMC�) for the last ten years and has not been convicted of certain offenses. Because several years may have elapsed prior to this decision, the noncitizen may have accrued additional GMC that would be helpful to her case. Finally, the noncitizen must make a showing of “exceptional and extremely unusual hardship� to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child. It can be any combination of medical, emotional, and financial factors, in addition to family and community ties, and country of chargeability conditions. The hardship is viewed in totality of
*** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com website: www.rreeves.com *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS Madaba,Mt Nebo,Petra,Aqaba,Jordan
(Tiberias, Ceasarea, Haifa, Meggido,Magdala, Nazareth, Cana, Mt Carmel, Capernaum, Mt Beatitude, Jericho, Bethany, Mt.Tabor, Mount Zion, Mt. of Olives, Old & New Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Qumran, Masada Dead Sea,Allenby Bridge, Madaba, Mt Nebo Petra, Aqaba Jordan)
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
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 30 - jULY 3, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Minding Your Finances atty. Raymond Bulaon THIS is one thing I hear from people all the time: “If you ask me, I really hate doing this but I feel I have no choice.” Of course, no one ever wakes up one morning and decides to just file bankruptcy without seriously thinking it over. Usually, people spend a lot of time going over this option in their head before deciding and the questions seem endless. What will happen to me and my family if I file bankruptcy? Can I keep my home, car, and other assets? Is this going to ruin me forever? How long will the bankruptcy stay on my credit? Even picking up the phone to call an attorney can be a scary thing for most people because they have never had to deal with the legal system or any court their entire life. That’s understandable when you are dealing with something you are not fa-
The Prophetic Voice ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas KEEP praying to God. Keep praising him! See what He has done for you through the years. Bless him for guiding you, accompanying you through life’s challenges. Rejoice for God has granted you your wishes and prayers. The more that you see His graces makes you become freer to live a distracted and selfindulgent life. Speak of God’s sovereignty over your life and the world. Don’t let the self-proclaimed gods among you influence your life. Be humble to proclaim God’s power over the universe. He may be quiet sometimes, but He has his reasons for it. Don’t let any dissatisfaction, resentment, and anger destroy your faith in God. Don’t let these things break your spirit. Rather, trust the Lord’s goodness and consolation. Know that He has plans for you. Scripture has revealed God’s power over people’s lives in all
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Filing bankruptcy even when you don’t want to miliar with. However, waiting too long to seek legal help can also backfire. Property can be lost. Creditors may get the upper hand and take advantage of the fact that you don’t know your legal rights. I always tell people that bankruptcy laws were created to protect people, not hurt them. This is one area of the law where you can use the legal system to your advantage if you really need help. A lot of people who file for debt relief also go through a wide range of emotions. Most of them, of course, are relieved to find out that they do not need to struggle with their debt problems anymore and that they could finally start over. Life becomes normal once again. They don’t need to be afraid of picking up the phone anymore or opening their mailbox not knowing what they may find. Finally, these people can open a bank account again and start saving for the future. As I said, a lot of people who
end up filing for bankruptcy usually do so as a last resort. Deciding to file right away may not be the best thing to do in some situations. In other cases, it is necessary to file immediately in order to protect property, wages, bank accounts and other assets from being taken by creditors. An experienced bankruptcy attorney should be consulted without delay when there are doubts as to when a case should be filed. This is especially true when you have a lot of assets that may be at risk if creditors file lawsuits. Once a creditor obtains a judgment, that creditor may proceed to place a lien against property that you own, garnish your wages or clean out your bank accounts. Listen to me! You may be broke, but you don’t have to be broken. If you are honestly doing your best to pay your creditors but simply can’t, the law provides a remedy for your situation. Being bankrupt is not a conscious choice that people make
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Got God?
ages. This Sunday’s Readings gives a powerful statement about it: “God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. For he fashioned all things that they might have being…He formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him.” (Wisdom 1:13-15) God’s plan is to make you live meaningfully and joyously. God’s plan for you is beyond the things of this world. God’s plan for you is eternal life with him. After all, He created you and wants you to be united with him forever! As Christians, we believe that God’s climactic power and graciousness came in the Person of Jesus Christ, His only Son. Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection brought life to all, living and dead. Paul tells us in this Sunday’s Second Reading (2 Corinthians 8:7-9, 13-15) about the gracious act of his Son, Jesus Christ: “though he was rich, for your sake became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” Jesus became poor by becoming one like us in all things but sin, and by bearing the sins of humanity on the cross so that
all might be saved and have eternal life. The Gospel of Mark today, which intertwines two stories of healing—the daughter of Jairus and the hemorrhaging woman—illustrates the power of God to bring life in all us here on earth as in heaven. So why should you doubt God’s existence and power? If our ancient fathers and mothers, the prophets, saints, and all our ancestors testified to the workings of God in their lives, why should you falter in faith? If faith in God has moved so many people to dedicate their lives to preach the Gospel, to care for the poor and the suffering, to write volumes of books about God’s ways and teachings, and to die as a martyr, then why should you then question your faith? Absolutely, there are mysteries in life that we cannot solve. That’s because our minds cannot completely fathom God’s ways. So let the words of Psalm 63 be your prayer every day: O God, you are my God, for you I long; for you my soul is thirsting. My body pines for you like a dry, weary land without water. So I gaze on you in the sanctu-
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Should you file single, separate, or joint tax returns for a green card? OUR tax laws give you choices of filing status to prepare your income tax returns. Which one is appropriate for a married person petitioning (or being petitioned by) your spouse? I’m a tax professional, not a lawyer, so let’s discuss this case from a tax standpoint. Case in point: I had a new tax client who had been filing as single. He had gone back home to his homeland and got married. He was petitioning his bride for immigration. I browsed through his prior tax returns and noticed a glaring item - he filed as single after getting married! I wondered how any government official would react to tax returns filed as single by a married person who is sponsoring a mate from another country. He decided to amend prior years and file the current year as joint. Yes, our tax laws allow you to elect to file joint with a non-resident spouse. Let’s discuss these filing status choices: • Single. • Married filing separate. • Head of household. • Joint. Single: No, you are not single. You can’t use this status. Filing
Tax Tips victoR sy, cPa, mBa
as single may reveal a hidden agenda to marry for sponsorship purpose. Separate: If your fiancé arrived and is now living in the US, why are you even sponsoring somebody who is separated from you? Head of household: Taxpayers file as heads of household to avail of potentially lower tax brackets. However, be aware that tax rules for filing as head of household require that you: 1. Are unmarried on December 31, and 2. Pay more than half the costs of maintaining a home, and 3. Maintain that home for a dependent if you lived apart from your spouse before July 1 - December 31. Assuming that you satisfy the first two – that you are unmarried and that you paid more than half the cost of maintaining a home -
how would you satisfy the third? You are admitting that you lived apart from your spouse. This is a critical issue that you have to discuss with your lawyer. Joint: Filing joint makes sense for a husband and wife. Your tax returns affect your sponsorship. Sponsorship is a big deal that affects your life with your new spouse here in good old US of A. Provide a copy of your tax return for review by your immigration lawyer before filing. *** 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)
Grounds for annulling a marriage Most couples that want out of a marriage in California usually file for Divorce. There are circumstances though that allow a couple to have their marriage “voided” rather than “dissolved.” There is a big difference between the two concepts. With a voided marriage, it restores the couple to status of unmarried person as if they have never been married before. In a divorce, the couple would always be regarded to as married during the period of the marriage. Unlike Divorce which can be obtained regardless of the reason. Voiding a marriage may only be obtained based on certain grounds. It is void in cases of incest and bigamy. It is voidable in cases of minority, Unsound Mind, Fraud, Force, or Physical Incapacity. Marriages between parents, children, ancestors and descendants, brothers and sisters, half brothers and sisters, uncles and nieces, and aunts and nephews are incestuous and are void from the beginning. So are
Barrister’s Corner atty. Kenneth uRsua Reyes bigamist marriages where either party was still married to another person when they entered the marriage. Nevertheless, it is best to obtain a Nullity Judgment to clarify the legal status of the parties under these circumstances. Certain situations does not necessarily make a marriage void but makes it voidable on the parties option. One such circumstance is when the petitioner was under 18 years old when the petitioner married and the parents did not provide their consent. The Nullity petition based on this ground has to be filed within four years after the party turns 18. The parent of the minor may also file the Petition provided it is filed prior
to the minor turning 18. Another situation is a bigamist marriage where the first spouse has been absent and not known to be living for 5 years prior to the second marriage or if the party believed the spouse to be dead at the time of the second marriage. A Nullity based on this ground may be filed during the life of the other party. A marriage may be voided if either party was of unsound mind at the time of the marriage. Unsound Mind means a person is incapable of understanding the nature of the marriage contract and the duties and responsibilities it creates which depends on the degree of mental capacity of the party. This may not be a ground if the party later on came to reason yet continued to freely cohabitate with the spouse. Fraud is another ground for voiding a marriage. The false representation or concealment must relate to a substantive matter and directly affect the purpose
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Community Journal
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Recognizing pregnancy discrimination at work WHEN Otisha Woolbright became pregnant, her doctor instructed her to stop lifting 50-pound trays of chickens at Walmart. Ms. Woolbright informed her boss about this and her boss said she had seen Demi Moore do a flip on TV while pregnant so being pregnant was “no excuse.” Her boss also told her if she couldn’t lift chickens, she could “walk out those doors.” Ms. Woolbright was afraid to lose her job so she kept lifting until she felt pain and had to be rushed to the hospital to check on a possible miscarriage. Erin Murphy worked as a senior employee at Glencore, the world’s largest commodity trading company. She received excellent performance reviews for her work. When she became pregnant with her first child, she was told by her boss that her career would “definitely plateau.” When she got pregnant with her second child and wanted to discuss future career moves, her boss told her “You’re old and having babies so there’s nowhere for you to go.” Rachel Mountis was an award-winning top saleswoman at Merck. She became pregnant and was laid off from work three weeks before giving birth. The stories of these women were reported by the New York Times in an article titled Pregnancy Discrimination Is Rampant Inside America’s Biggest Companies. By no means are these stories unique. Even though the law prohibits pregnancy discrimination, the problem continues to affect pregnant employees in the workplace. Pregnancy discrimination is defined as discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. Prohibited conduct includes firing, demoting, harassing, retaliating, refusing health benefits, denying promotion, denying medical leave,
Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. and treating a pregnant employee differently. Under the law, pregnancy (and all its related medical conditions such as severe morning sickness, doctor-ordered bed rest, childbirth, recovery from childbirth) is considered a temporary disability. The employer must therefore give pregnant employees the same treatment and benefits that it gives to employees with other temporary disabilities. Does a current employee have to tell the employer about the pregnancy? If a current employee does not require or anticipate any kind of leave for medical visits or pregnancy-related sickness, and is otherwise able to perform the major functions of her job, she may choose not to share her pregnancy with her employer. However, if medical leave or visits are expected, the employee may have to ultimately disclose the pregnancy to the employer. Can the employer require the pregnant employee to take a leave? It is illegal for an employer to force a pregnant employee to go on maternity or disability leave while she is still able to work. Pregnant employees must be permitted to work as long as they are able to perform their jobs. If they have been absent from work as a result of a pregnancy-related condition and they recover, the employer may not require them to remain on leave until the baby’s birth. Also, an employer may not prevent them from returning to work for a predetermined length of time after childbirth. Can the employer prevent a pregnant employee from doing certain tasks for health and safety concerns?
No. If the employee is able to perform the basic functions of her job without harm to herself and others, she must be permitted to keep doing her job during pregnancy. If she asks for a modification of her job duties, then the employer must treat the request in the same way as other requests made by temporarily-disabled employees. What happens to the employee’s job while on pregnancy leave? Employers must hold open a job for a pregnancy-related absence the same length of time jobs are held open for employees on sick or disability leave. Any leave, seniority, or reinstatement rights other workers get from the employer when they cannot work for health reasons should be available to pregnant women and new mothers who are temporarily physically disabled. What are the remedies available to a discriminated pregnant employee? Discriminated pregnant employees may recover the following remedies: back pay, hiring, promotion, reinstatement, front pay, compensatory damages, including emotional pain and suffering, punitive damages, and other applicable remedies. Aggrieved employees may also recover attorneys’ fees, expert witness fees, and court costs. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.] (Advertising Supplement)
Homeowner files last-minute Chapter 13 without credit counseling as loan moderation is denied THE client is 59 and single. He has a decent job where he makes $4,000 a month gross. He doesn’t owe any credit card debt. He only owes three secured debts. He owes a mortgage on his house for $400,000 plus he has arrears of $83,000 on this mortgage. His mortgage payment is $2,000 a month, which means that he has not paid his mortgage for 41 months or 3 ½ years. He tells me that he has been working with a non-profit consumer advocacy group (whatever that means) to get the bank to give him a loan modification on his mortgage. Apparently, he’s been trying to get the loan modified since four years ago and received multiple prior denials. This explains why he hasn’t paid his mortgage for four years. Finally, the bank sets the foreclosure sale date for July 6, 2016. Whoever he is talking to at the non-profit consumer advocacy group tells him that he has to file a Chapter 13 to stop the foreclosure on July 6. Unfortunately, he is not told that he has to do credit counseling first before he can file for Chapter 13. On July 1, without a lawyer, he files his incomplete emergency Chapter 13 petition. The clerk looks for the credit counseling certificate and he says he doesn’t have one. Nevertheless, the clerk accepts the incomplete petition, which doesn’t have credit counseling, and has no schedules and gives him a list of deficiencies that have to be filed within 14 days otherwise his case will be dismissed. So, he ended up in my office and asks me to take over the case as his lawyer. Although I agreed to help him out, I had to explain to him that he has to give a satisfactory explanation to the court why he did not do credit counseling before he filed his case. If the court believes that the facts he alleges amount to exigent circumstances, the court may let him proceed with the case. Oth-
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrenCe yAng
erwise, his case will be dismissed for lack of pre-filing credit counseling. On the other hand, if the client had a disability that prevents him from taking credit counseling, he would be exempt from the requirement. Although the cli-
kind of problem to deal with. And avoid filing incomplete petitions. If you fail to file in one missing document, your case will be dismissed on the 15th day. So why even assume this kind of risk by filing an incomplete petition? Senior files Chapter 7 to discharge $35K in credit cards The other client is 70. He owes $35,000 of credit card debt. According to him, he is “sick” of paying for these cards. He has been paying for 20 years. He has been paying $1,000 a month for 20 years. He has paid only $240,000 in the last 20 years! But he still owes the same $35,000! But he is now 70 and living on social security, which is less than half of what his salary was. I told him that he should have filed at least ten years ago and saved $120,000. And he would still have perfect credit now at 70. I mean, file at 60, the 670 credit score will be 730 and on year 10, at 70, the credit bureaus remove the fact of filing from their credit reports as required by law; but better late than never. With Chapter 7, the client will have peace of mind at 70, because all of his $35,000 credit cards will be discharged. Who wants to have credit card debt when you now rely on social security? With social security income, credit card payments are a big drain on your budget. Getting rid of credit card debt with Chapter 7 is like surgery to remove a cancerous growth. It has to be done as soon as possible. Otherwise, you lose the capacity to save money every month. ***
“So why even assume this kind of risk by filing an incomplete petition?” ent is legally blind, that may not qualify as a disability to exempt him from the requirement to take the course because this course is also given over the phone. To be sure, many judges do not consider a foreclosure an exigent circumstance because the foreclosure process takes at least four months to complete before the house can be auctioned off in a non-judicial foreclosure proceeding. In any event, aside from explaining why he did not do credit counseling within 14 days from filing date, the client still has to do credit counseling within 30 days from filing date assuming the court agrees that he was faced with exigent circumstances that prevented him from doing credit- counseling pre-filing. As you can see, you have to go through a lot of hoops if you don’t do credit counseling pre-filing so why even get into this dire situation in the first place. Therefore, make sure you do credit counseling first before you file for bankruptcy, any kind of bankruptcy so you don’t have this
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.
Filing bankruptcy even when you don’t... PAGE C2 t
but rather a negative consequence of poor financial decisions that have already been made in the past. But the past is gone and life must go on. If you’ve made some mistakes (who hasn’t?) in the past, be willing to accept responsibility for where you are, forgive yourself and then move on. Accept the fact that you may need to file bankruptcy even if you don’t want to — if that’s your only hope
of starting over. When appropriate, bankruptcy may allow you to turn your situation around and help you get your life back on track. I have seen countless cases where Bankruptcy relief helped people save their businesses, their homes, their property and even their marriages. Our office can provide you a free confidential evaluation of your situation to determine whether bankruptcy relief may help. To schedule an appoint-
ment please call TOLL FREE 1866-477-7772. 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)
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 30 - JULY 3, 2018
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Can I get a green card if I had a previous marriage petition denied based on fraud? DEAR Attorney Tan, I recently married a US Citizen, who is my second husband. He has filed an immigrant visa petition and green card application for me. My husband recently received from USCIS a Notice of Intent to Deny the petition that he filed on my behalf. The Notice indicated that the immigrant visa petition could not be approved since the USCIS had determined that I previously entered into a fraudulent marriage to get a green card several years ago. My ex-husband previously filed an immigrant petition on my behalf several years ago, which was denied since USCIS determined that I only married him to get a green card. My second husband and I truly love each other. What are my options? -- In Love but Out of Status. Dear In Love but Out of Status, Under INA Section 204(c), a person who “attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage” in order to receive permanent resident status in the US is prohibited from obtaining USCIS approval of an immigrant visa petition. Simply stated, Section 204(c) prohibits approval of any immigrant visa petition if there has been a finding of “marriage fraud” in a prior marriage-based petition. Based on the above law, your case seems at first glance like an “open-and-shut” case in favor of denial. However, you still have hope of getting a green card—a person can apply for and get his immigrant petition approved despite the prior finding of “marriage fraud” under certain circumstances. You may ask, how is this possible? Isn’t Section 204(c)
Legal Advice Atty. DArriCk tAn straightforward? Not quite. The answer lies in the fact that USCIS must independently examine the prior finding of “marriage fraud” in considering the subsequently filed immigrant visa petition.
“ In cases in which the subsequent immigrant visa petition has already been denied, this new evidence should be submitted as part of a motion to reconsider.” Before invoking the Sec. 204(c) bar to approval of a subsequent visa petition, USCIS must make an independent determination of fraud based upon the record, including but not limited to any evidence gathered during adjudication of the prior visa petition, but may not parrot or rely on the conclusions made by other adjudicators. USCIS must have “substantial and probative” evidence of “marriage fraud.” Matter of Tawfik, 20 I. & N. Dec. 166, 168. The determination is to be made by the USCIS district director while adjudicating the subsequent visa petition. Matter of Samsen, 15 I. & N. Dec. 28,
Got God?
night for you have been my help; PAGE C2 t ary to see your strength and your in the shadow of your wings I reglory. joice. My soul clings to you; your For you love is better than life, right hand holds me fast. my lips will speak your praise. Amen! So I will bless you all my life, in *** your name I will lift up my hands. My soul shall be filled with From a Filipino immigrant family, Revera banquet, my mouth shall praise end Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to you with joy. the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary On you I muse through the in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor
1974 WL 29995 (B.I.A. 1974). The district director should not give conclusive effect to the determinations made in the prior proceedings, but should reach his own independent conclusion based on the evidence actually before him. Matter of F-, 9 I. & N. Dec. 684 (BIA 1962). Therefore, in cases such as yours in which the USCIS has indicated it intends to deny the subsequent immigrant visa petition due to the prior finding of “marriage fraud,” new evidence can be submitted that demonstrates that the prior finding of “marriage fraud” was incorrect—i.e., evidence that shows that the prior marriage petition was based on a bona fide marriage, or that explains that the prior denial was based on an incomplete or inaccurate assessment of the facts. In cases in which the subsequent immigrant visa petition has already been denied, this new evidence should be submitted as part of a motion to reconsider. I recommend that you seek an experienced attorney to assist you in properly presenting the law and facts to the USCIS adjudicator to address the Section 204(c) bar. *** 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)
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
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Calendar of Events across
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People and Events
DCFS celebrates Philippine Independence Day
J U LY 4
Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party in Los Angeles Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party returns as the county’s largest free July 4th celebration from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Featuring picnicking, games, art-making, music, dancing and a stunning fireworks show high above Downtown L.A., Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party is the ultimate summer holiday celebration. The highly popular event offers activities for all ages including soccer, tag, bubble fun and chalk art. Two stages featuring DJs and live musical performances will entertain audiences throughout the celebration. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. from the roof of The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and soar nearly 500 feet, making them visible throughout Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. The event offers a multitude of dining options from more than 40 vendors including the return of gourmet food trucks. Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party will encompass the entire park, from Grand Avenue to Spring Street, plus the surrounding streets.
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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.
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Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA celebrates 40th anniversary in Long Beach, CA Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA (PB-USA), one of the oldest non-profit and tax-exempt umbrella organizations in the U.S., will celebrate its 40th foundation anniversary coinciding with the induction of its officers on Saturday, July 7 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Marriott Hotel Long Beach on 4700 Airport Plaza Dr. This year’s PB-USA theme is, ”Believe it can be,” and will present the induction of new officers. Proceeds of this gala night are earmarked for the social programs of the organization that includes charitable projects, supplemental scholarship grants, Gawad Kalinga affordable homes, livelihood programs, disaster relief and youth projects, among others. For further inquiries, interested parties may call Bong B. Soriano at (909) 851-1493 and Jackie M. Ferrer at (714) 757-3502.
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LA Veterans Resource Expo in Pomona, 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.
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COFACC to host SoCal Family Picnic in San Dimas, CA The SoCal Family Picnic organized by the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC) will be held at 4 p.m. at J. Bonelli Park, San Dimas, CA. Friends and family are invited to join in some fellowship and camaraderie to strengthen bonds with the five Filipino-American Chamber chapter members from Greater LA (FACCCGLA), Orange County (FACCOC), San Bernardino, LA and Riverside (FACC-Tri-County), San Diego (FACC San Diego) and Hollywood (FACCHollywood).
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FACC Tri-County to hold presentation in Ontario, CA The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Tri-County (Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties) will host a ‘Land Banking Presentation,’ a free workshop on July 18, 6 p.m., at the Inland Valley Church of Christ Conference Room (1550 N. Palmetto Avenue, Ontario, CA 91762). “Southern California’s next major land boom is underway!” says speaker Tony Taverrite, Director of Sales & Marketing-Professional Land Corp. “Don’t you owe it to yourself to learn more?” added another speaker, Femie Cupit, Land Banking Sales Agent, a member of FACC Tri-County. For more information, contact Femie (858) 220-5487 or FACC Pres. Merwynn Montenegro (909) 319-3145.
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FACCGLA hosts import and export seminar in Sherman Oaks, CA Join the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) on Thursday, July 19 for the e-commerce, logistics, and compliance seminar. Learn how to import and export to and from the Philippines! This will be a prelude to the Trade, Trade & Consumer Roadshow on Aug. 4-5 at the SouthBay Pavilion. It will be held from 6:30 to 8:20 p.m. at 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. To join and register, please go to www.faccgla.org or call (888) 670-7717 or visit www.ecferrer.net / call (562) 422-6492.
J U LY 2 1
UPAAGLA Boodle Feast Fiesta in North Hills, CA University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) welcomes alumni of the University of the Philippines and their friends and family to meet, mix, mingle at this fun afternoon at 4 p.m. at 15255 Knapp St, North Hills, CA. Register on eventbrite.com or call President-Elect Ethel Rubio (818) 640-2946 or (800) 611-5705. Connect with UPAAGLA on Facebook or visit www.upaagla.org.
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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.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
Dancers perform “Pandanggo sa Ilaw,” a Philippine folk dance that involves balancing oil lamps on your head and hands. by FELI
GUTIERREZ DCFS adoption
REGIONAL Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services’ (DCFS) Glendora office, Aris Banico, spearheaded the celebration of the 120th Philippine Independence Day on June 12. This is the second year for this event. The activity was a showcase of Philippine culture, cuisine and hospitality. The attendees were not limited to Filipinos but also other ethnicities from various sections: social workers, clerks, eligibility assistants, supervisors and managers. The tables were decorated with centerpieces with historical facts on the Philippines. In addition to a sumptuous lunch of the famous adobo with rice, pancit, egg roll and Turon (banana roll), the highlight of the day was a demonstration of two folk dances that originated during the Spanish colonial era: Tinikling and Pandanggo. Tinikling is a dance consisting of dancers stepping in between two bamboo poles held at each end where the poles are alternately tapped against the ground and each other. The dancers try to dance avoiding being caught by the poles. The Pandanggo is a dance where the ladies hold candles in each hand and on top of their heads, balancing the candles while dancing to the music and twisting their hands and gracefully swaying their heads. Participants enjoyed the Pabi-
Event committee members boast their colorful costumes Photos courtesy of Feli Gutierrez
tin where they grab party favors consisting of native crafts from a trellis pulled up and down like they do with piñatas. A Tagalog 101 lesson forced groups to outdo each other by shouting words like lumpia, pancit, balut, ‘ano ba,’ and ‘magandang araw.’ Audience participation in line-dancing, musical bamboo pole and cha-cha was an ideal exercise for everyone. This celebration is a glimpse of the Bayanihan (team/cooperative) spirit of the Filipinos. Each individual contributed his/her talents and resources. Rowena Holt was the charismatic host and choreographer while Minette Tayag did the decorations and borrowed the native costumes from family and friends. Graziella Mora, Nenita Jaurigue, Janet Mata-Rozote, Lilian Ibale, Anibel Cuifir, Mary Ann Patos, Jasmine
Espino, Mary Lou Sims, Corazon Flores and their committee members concentrated on the food, dance practices and physical accommodations. Daniel Cardozo, Lawrence Moch, Eliseo Quintero, Jose Sanchez, Fabiola Lopez, Karina Carillo and Shine Quines deserve special recognition for readily embracing the Filipino culture by wearing traditional Filipino clothing/dancing and serving in the preparations despite their non-Filipino backgrounds. This heartwarming festivity serves to further the sense of community, diversity and inclusiveness for DCFS staff, which enhances their commitment to child safety, family development and permanency. For anyone interested in becoming foster parents or adopting, please call (888) 811-1121. ■
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East West Players announces 53rd anniversary season
PeoPle & events
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 30 - JULY 3, 2018
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Consul General Adelio Cruz joins the Knights of Rizal’s Historic Filipinotown Chapter in celebration of the 157th birth anniversary of Jose Rizal PHILIPPINE Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz joined the Knights of Rizal (KOR)-Historic Filipinotown (HFT) Chapter-Los Angeles in the celebration of the 157th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal held on June 20 at the Filipino American Service Group Inc. (FASGI) Bayanihan Center. The simple ceremony kicked off with the singing of the U.S. and Philippine national anthems, followed by a brief biography of Dr. Rizal recounted by Austin Baul, one of the executive officers of KOR-HFT Chapter. Baul remarked that to become worthy beneficiaries of the freedom, independence and consciousness bequeathed to us by Dr. Rizal, it is vital that Filipino-Americans work together as one community and Consul General Adelio S. Cruz (seated, second from right) with Chapter Commander Sir Orlando P. put aside their individual difCagampan (seated, third from right) and the officers and members of the Knights of Rizal-Historic ferences, regional divisions, Filipinotown-Los Angeles Chapter. sectoral distinctions and factional rivalries, and to unite for vered and remembered by the the solemn knighting ceremony the greater welfare and prestige next generation of Filipino-Amer- in which Consul General Adelio icans.” He also stressed the admi- Cruz, FASGI’s Board Director of all Filipinos. In his remarks, Consul General rable traits of Rizal as a hero: in- Geo Sargent and Kenneth Mejia, Cruz emphasized the importance tense love for the country, brave Filipino-American candidate for of honoring Rizal’s works, ideals commitment and strong belief in California’s Congressional Disand martyrdom, by celebrating the unity of the Filipinos, as well trict 34 were inducted into the both his birth anniversary and the need to propagate these ide- Order as new members of the commemoration of his heroism. als and teachings that Rizal left Knights of Rizal-HFT Chapter, conducted by Commander, Sir He said, “we should ensure that us to the emerging generation. The event also highlighted Orlando Cagampan. n this great man is rightfully re-
EAST West Players (EWP), the nation’s longest-running professional theatre of color in the country and the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work, is pleased to announce its 53rd anniversary season, “Culture Shock.” On the heels of EWP’s recordbreaking 52nd anniversary season, the upcoming 2018/2019 season takes place from Fall 2018 through Summer 2019 and consists of three productions, including a world premiere, a Los Angeles premiere, and an award-winning Broadway musical (to be announced at a later date). “For our 53rd season, I reflected on the surreal times that we live in and, in particular, the experience of what it means to be considered a ‘foreigner.’ To be an immigrant or a refugee— someone that crosses local and international borders—and the shock that one feels when being cast out or placed in the middle of another culture. Our season explores what it means to be an immigrant in this country and an ‘American’ abroad. How do we overcome the disorientation of political and cultural shocks, and when the boundary lines of propriety are breached? To that end, this season is about disrupting the status quo, taking charge of the ‘outsider’ narrative, and producing some cultural shocks of our own,” says EWP Producing Artistic Director Snehal Desai. EWP’s 53rd season commences with the Los Angeles premiere of “Vietgone,” written by Qui Nguyen and directed by Jennifer Chang. Vietgone spins a modern twist on the classic boy-meets-girl story: Quang and Tong are refugees fleeing the Vietnam War, who hook up and fall in love in a relocation camp in Arkansas. Bold, and fearless, Vietgone takes audiences on a hilariously rip-roaring ride across 1970s America with a hot soundtrack that serves up hiphop, sass, and revolution. Performances run from October 18 – November 11, 2018. Next is the world premiere of “Man of God,” written by Anna
Moench and directed by Jesca Prudencio. A hidden discovery in a hotel bathroom changes the lives of four Korean Christian girls on a mission trip to Thailand. Samantha is hurt that someone she trusted could betray her. Jen is worried about how this might affect her college applications. Kyung-Hwa thinks everyone should adjust their expectations. Mimi’s out for blood. Amid the neon lights and go go bars in Bangkok, the girls plot revenge in this funny, feminist thriller. Performances run from January 31 – February 24, 2019. EWP’s 53rd season closes with an award-winning Broadway musical (to be announced at a later date). Performances run from May 9 – June 9, 2019. Throughout the year, East West Players will also be presenting a series of community conversations and readings of new works titled, “Counter-Culture.” All performances will take place at East West Players’ David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Single ticket sales will be announced in August 2018. Season subscription options are available at www.eastwestplayers. org. For forthcoming information about the 53rd season, please visit www.eastwestplayers.org or call (213) 625-7000. Dates, details, and ticket prices are subject to change. As the nation’s premier Asian American theatre organization, East West Players produces artistic work and educational programs that foster dialogue exploring Asian Pacific Islander (API) experiences. Founded in 1965, at a time when APIs faced limited or no opportunities to see their experiences reflected outside of stereotypical and demeaning caricatures in the American landscape, EWP not only ensures that API stories are told, but works to increase access, inclusion, and representation in the economy. F o r more information about East West Players, please visit www. eastwestplayers.org. n
Grounds for annulling... PAGE C2 t
of the party deceived in entering the marriage. The fraud must go to the very essence of the marital relation before it is sufficient for an annulment. It is not sufficient simply to contend that your spouse turned out to be a lazy, drunken disappointment. Nullity based on fraud has to be filed within four years of discovering the fraud. Certain marriages that are entered into by force are voidable. Circumstances that meet these standards requires that the forced party’s free will to have been overcome by the spouse such as through the use of threats. These type of Nullity must be filed within four years from the date of marriage. A marriage where the spouse was found to be incapable of physically engaging in copulation may be voided. It can only be filed by the spouse that does not have the physical incapacity and must be filed within four years of the marriage. Before deciding weather a divorce is the appropriate avenue to end your marriage, parties should evaluate if a Nullity is a viable alternative and weather
it serves their best interest. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
)ROORZ XV RQ
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&July 2018 priority dates
Immigration Corner
The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: FAMILY CATEGORY:
ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again. Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an
First Preference
Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)
(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder
Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
February 15, 2008
June 1, 2006
December 1, 2017
June 22, 2016
(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder
December 15, 2007
February 1, 2007
Third Preference
Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.
August 1, 1995
April 15, 1995
Fourth Preference
Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.
December 1, 1995
March 22, 1995
Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
LABOR CERTIFICATION:
Second Preference
Advanced Degree (Masters)
Current
Current
Third Preference
Professional/ Skilled Workers
July 1, 2017
January 1, 2017
Other Workers
Non-Skilled Workers
July 1, 2017
January 1, 2017
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 Follow us on Facebook.com/ GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @ 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 “There’s an ongoing competition by global companies across all areas from products, technology development and hiring talented people to patent disputes. The market is big and opportunities are wide open, so we should find out new businesses that Samsung’s future will hinge on.” - Lee Kun-hee, chairman of Samsung Group
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Peso to finish the year at P54:$1 – BMI Research by MayvelIn
U. caraballo ManilaTimes.net
THE Philippine peso is looking both technically and fundamentally “bearish,” BMI Research said as it revised its end-2018 forecast for currency to a much lower P54 against the U.S. dollar. In a report released on Wednesday, June 27 the Fitch Group unit noted that the peso remained the worst-performing currency in the region, having weakened by more than 7 percent against the greenback year to date. It said the peso remained vulnerable given negative real interest rates as headline inflation — at 4.6 percent in May — was significantly above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) policy rate of 3.50 percent. “Technically, the PHP is looking bearish after breaking through support at around the PHP53.20/ USD level,” BMI said. “We see the next level of possible backstop at around PHP53.70/USD, followed by at approximately PHP56/USD if the support fails to hold,” it added. The peso, which fell to the P53:$1 level earlier this month, closed at P53.475:$1 on Wednesday, down half a centavo from the previous day. “Given that technicals and fundamentals on balance are pointing to further weakness, we are revising our forecast for the PHP to end the year around PHP54/USD, from PHP51/USD previously…,” BMI said. It also forecast the peso to average P52.59 per dollar this year
from P51.95:$1 in the first half. The Fitch unit said it was holding a neutral view on the local currency over the longer term as strong and stable remittances would likely support the currency, partially offsetting higher inflation and a wider trade deficit. On the positive side, large and stable remittance inflows — accounting for more than 10 percent of gross domestic product — to provide support for the external account and the currency. Latest data showed that personal remittances rose 4 percent to $10.426 billion during the first four months of 2018. “On the negative side, inflation and inflation expectations have risen considerably over the last two years and are likely to remain elevated relative to the U.S.,” BMI, added. It forecast Philippine inflation to average higher at 4 percent this year, versus an average of 2.1 percent in the U.S., as sustained high credit growth would put upside pressure on core inflation. Should there be a lack of a corresponding productivity gains in the export sector, BMI pointed out that this would necessitate allowing the peso to weaken against the dollar to prevent a loss of competitiveness. Although the Philippines can boast of strong economic growth, it said that a rising trade deficit as a result of President Rodrigo Duterte’s expansionary fiscal policy had not been offset by a corresponding inflow of foreign direct investment through the financial account. “The shortfall is set to persist
as the USD180 billion infrastructure plan pushes up imports and weigh on the PHP,” BMI added. The government, which is targeting 7.0-8.0 percent gross domestic product growth for 2018, is banking on its “Build Build Build” program to provide the impetus. At least 35 flagship projects have been approved and are ready for execution, while 10 will move for the construction stage this year. The ambitious infrastructure program will be bankrolled by tax reforms and concessional loans, with the overall budget expected to hit up to P9 trillion by 2022. BMI said that risks to its peso forecast were weighted to the downside as it acknowledged that the outbreak of a full-blown U.S.China trade war could lead to an increase in risk-off sentiment globally and emerging market assets were likely to bear the brunt of the capital flight to safety. It expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to keep pace with the U.S. Federal Reserve and hike interest rates by an additional 25 basis points over the remainder of 2018. The BSP’s policymaking Monetary Board has so far raised key interest rates by a total of 50 basis points, bringing the central bank’s overnight borrowing, lending and deposit rates to 3.5 percent, 4.0 percent and 3.0 percent, respectively. “Should the BSP fail to deliver a corresponding rate hike or the U.S. Fed hike interest rates more aggressively than expected, the peso could fall further against the dollar,” BMI said.
Economic growth expected to top 7% by ManilaTiMes.neT ECONOMIC growth will likely top 7 percent in the second quarter, First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) and the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) said in a report, given increased infrastructure spending, a surge in manufacturing output and a revenue boost from tax reforms. In the June edition of their joint Market Call report, the investment bank and private university said the quarter “started off at a high
note as infrastructure spending nearly doubled in April while manufacturing output and tax revenues surged with above 30percent gains”. “Very strong numbers in the real sector — infrastructure spending, manufacturing and new jobs — should combine with positive consumer sentiment … to push Q2 GDP (gross domestic product) growth to 7 percentplus,” they said. Inflation, which has been tagged as a threat to growth, is expected to peak in the first semester given
the arrival of rice imports and a decline in global crude prices. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) rate hikes, meanwhile, will ease pressures on the peso. FMIC and the UA&P downplayed the currency’s continued weakness, saying “its impact in both the short and medium term is net positive”. The rise in consumer prices to date, however, should prompt monetary authorities to implement another policy rate adjustment before the end of the year, bringing the year’s hikes to a total
Moody’s said that while political risks are still persistent in the Philippines, the government remains on track in pushing for key fiscal reforms like the TRAIN law, which plays a vital role in the Duterte administration’s ambitious economic agenda. Philstar.com photo
Moody’s on Philippines: Political risks ‘remain elevated’ but have not stalled reforms
MANILA, Philippines — Political noise in the Philippines remains loud, but it has not dented the economy nor the government’s ability to implement much-needed reforms, global debt watcher Moody’s Investors Service said Thursday, June 28. Some lawmakers have challenged the constitutionality of the Duterte administration’s Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, which have been partly blamed for the rising prices of basic commodities. Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte’s string of inflammatory remarks and policy shifts have fueled concerns that investor’s confidence in the country has eroded. But Moody’s Vice President – Senior Credit Officer Christian de Guzman said that while political risks are still persistent in the Philippines, the government remains on track in pushing for key fiscal reforms like the TRAIN
law, which plays a vital role in the Duterte administration’s ambitious economic agenda. “The key message here for the Philippines is that despite the political noise that we’ve had over the past year or so, that has not detracted this government’s performance in terms of being able to put together key reforms that we think are positive such as TRAIN,” De Guzman said at a media roundtable. “The concern here was that political risks could crystallize in a way that pre-empts reform. I think, however, fast-forward to 2018, you do see that that has not come to pass,” he added. Duterte had thrown his weight behind the TRAIN law, which lowers personal income taxes while raising excise levies on fuel and “sin” products, among others. Revenues from the tax reform law will partly fund the government’s massive infrastructure program in a bid to supercharge economic growth. For De Guzman, it is unlike-
ly that the TRAIN law will be scrapped given Duterte’s popularity. “So we haven’t changed our overall view on political risks. Those still remain elevated as what they were two years ago. At the same time we have not seen evidence of those political risks affecting this government’s ability to pass reforms,” he said. “I think what we see here is that in light of that political noise, the president can throw his political capital to support his Cabinet’s economic initiatives,” he added. Moody’s last year affirmed the Philippines’ “Baa2” sovereign credit rating—a notch above the minimum investment grade—and maintained the outlook at “stable” on expectations of strong economic growth. According to De Guzman, concerns on overheating have been allayed after the central bank hiked interest rates, adding that the Philipine economy is expected to remain resilient.
of 75 basis points. “Coupled with [the]faster uptick in inflation in H1, we think the BSP will raise policy rates again towards … Q4 in 2018 by another 25 bps,” FMIC and UA&P said. With regards to the bond market, meanwhile, they said: “The possibility of a 4th Fed rate hike,
and the escalating trade war between U.S. and China, EU, Mexico and Canada, darken the outlook for local bond investors.” ”Only a sharp and sustained drop in domestic inflation and easing of trade tensions can provide relief, not anytime soon,” they added.
Further consolidatation and sideways trading in the 7,0007,100 range, meanwhile, were forecast for the local stock market “without positive news and earnings surprises to temper anticipated continuous outflow of funds from the local bourse until August.”
by Ian
nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com
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IMF supports Duterte admin’s corporate tax reform Ayala leads efforts to by Ian
harness innovation
nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — The Duterte administration’s planned corporate tax changes will improve the country’s business environment, the International Monetary Fund’s regional director said. “The second package of tax reform represents a major step forward in modernizing corporate taxes in the Philippines,” IMF Asia and Pacific Department Director Changyong Rhee said in a statement. “It will help build a more equitable, efficient, and transparent corporate tax system with a lower corporate income tax rate for everyone and a clearer focus on the country’s development priorities,” Rhee added. House Bill 7458 provides for gradual and conditional cuts in the corporate income tax rate from the current 30 percent to 20 percent, as well as the modernization of investment incentives by ensuring that only qualified industries are given fiscal perks. Corporate tax reform comprises Package 2 of the Duterte administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program. BMI research earlier warned that investments could slow over the near-term amid “uncertainties” over the government’s proposed conditional corporate tax reduction and repealing of
ever before. You need to be able to look into the future and create a picture of what it looks like. In MANILA, Philippines — Ayala that future world, you’ve got to see Corp., the country’s oldest con- what the business impact is with glomerate, is spearheading efforts the growth gap and everything to harness innovation and effective else. From there, you’ll find your collaboration amid what it calls space to play in. And in that space, you can place teams that can run to “volatile times.” The aim is to better understand make things happen,” Patel said. Ernest Cu, president and CEO emerging disruptive forces, and discuss how to thrive in this era of Globe Telecom, discussed how of extreme change, said Jaime Globe’s burning platform mentalAugusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman ity helped the company anticipate disruptions in telecommunicaand CEO of Ayala Corp. Through a Creativity and In- tions. This, he said, enabled Globe novation Forum (C&I) held last week, Ayala engaged its key to pivot from being a pure telepartners and friends from out- communications provider, to a side the group, recognizing that digital lifestyle enabler powered the most impactful innovations by data. Cesar Romero, president and emerge from the power of creative combustion—the intersections of CEO at Pilipinas Shell Petroleum diverse cultures, experiences, and Corp, for his part, said Shell’s globally-recognized excellence capabilities. “In parallel to the challenge of principles and methodologies in adapting our organizations against forecasting scenarios, as well as disruption, we are also called to how the company proactively and build bridges of synergy between collaboratively responds to these organizations... Collaboration forecasts. Ayala said that while disruption between and among different groups is essential in all our efforts exists all around, innovation goes to harness innovation and solve beyond increasing a company’s the world’s biggest challenges,” bottomline—there is a bigger, more meaningful goal as organizaZobel said. Hitendra Patel, professor at tions respond to disruption. As such, Ayala and its partners Rotman School of Management of the University of Toronto, said remain committed to building a Philippine innovation ecosystem to disruptions happen very fast. “You need to move faster than drive the country forward. by IrIs
gonzales Philstar.com
House Bill 7458 provides for gradual and conditional cuts in the corporate income tax rate from the current 30 percent to 20 percent, as well as the modernization of investment incentives by ensuring that only qualified industries are given fiscal perks. Philstar.com photo
fiscal incentives, saying such a measure will likely make the Philippines less competitive versus its regional peers. But for IMF’s Rhee, early approval of the second tax reform package will help the Philip-
pines compete in the global economy. “It will again show the country’s determination to modernize its institutions; give confidence that the Philippines is committed to keep its public debt
manageable, while it scales up spending on infrastructure and social programs; and show to the world that the Philippines will continue to undertake important reforms to support more inclusive growth,” he explained.
PH not falling into ‘Chinese debt trap,’ say key Neda officials Three infrastructure projects to be pitched for China-led AIIB financing
by Ben
o. de Vera Inquirer.net
THE Philippines is extra “careful” in borrowing from China to finance big-ticket projects even as three upcoming infrastructure ventures will be pitched for loans from the Chinese-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, government economic managers said Wednesday, June 27. This was to address fears that the country might be falling into a Chinese debt trap as the government seems inclined to borrow heavily from China to fund projects. Asked about this, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia told a press conference that “given the various experiences of other countries that dealt
with China, we are now even more cautious, extra careful in having projects funded by China.” Pernia was referring to cases such as that of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port which was reportedly acquired by China. He said it was coowned by China “because the loan was converted to equity.” “We don’t want that to happen to us, that we convert loan to equity. We are trying to diversify as much as possible our funding sources to the extent that if we can handle that with local funds, we will do it (without borrowings). [South] Korea is also getting more interested now in funding our projects, so that is an additional source of funding,” he said. He said there was only one project so far that had been
signed for Chinese funding. He is referring to the P3.135-billion loan agreement for the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project, which is one of the flagship projects under the Duterte administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program. The $62.09-million US-dollar denominated loan will cover 85 percent of the project’s total contract amount of P3.689 billion. To be implemented by the National Irrigation Administration, the project will cost a total of P4.372 billion. The Chinese loan was slapped an interest of 2 percent a year, maturing in 20 years inclusive of a seven-year grace period. “If you notice in our China loans, they’re basically lending financing. When there’s a failure
of the project, they’re not in a way tied to the ownership of the land. The contractors are simply contractors, so if you have a port or a bridge that is financed by China, and if there’s a failure, the government simply takes on the property. It’s not going to the Chinese financiers,” Neda Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan said. “In terms of appraisal, these projects are treated as government projects whether funded by China, Japan or [South] Korea. At the end of the day, there is no sovereign equity or ownership being offered on the block with regard to ODA [official development assistance] financing. In fact, we take the position that if they cannot accelerate their support, they cannot support us in preparing
these projects and if there are conditionalities, we will have to review again these projects. So far there is no such risk with regard to these projects,” Neda Assistant Secretary Jonathan L. Uy said. “These are not in the same framework that Sri Lanka and Pakistan and other Central Asian projects had. That is not the framework we follow,” Uy added. Separately, the Department of Finance said in a statement that Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III was pitching to the China-based AIIB the following projects for possible financing support: Metro Manila Bus Rapid Transit System (Phase 3 from Bonifacio Global City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport); Pasacao-Balatan Tourism
Coastal Highway in Camarines Sur; and Camarines Sur Expressway Project (San Fernando-Pili Section). “We are hopeful that with the approval of the funding for [the Metro Manila Flood Management] project, the AIIB would find it feasible to invest in other bigticket infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program,” Dominguez said during the Asian Infrastructure Forum seminar on the sidelines of the multilateral lender’s third annual meeting in Mumbai, India. In September last year, the AIIB approved its cofinancing of the $500-million Metro Manila Flood Management Project, the first loan that the lender extended to the Philippines.
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On keeping Jollibee buzzing by Josiah
go
Inquirer.net
FRANCIS Flores won the Mansmith Young Market Masters Award (YMMA) in 2010 for leading the turnaround of Greenwich. He was promoted as the general manager and president of Greenwich from 2011 to 2013, transforming it into becoming the Philippines’ number 1 favorite pizza brand through innovative and award-winning campaigns. He started out his professional career with Unilever, where he assumed various sales and marketing management roles in the company within 10 years, capping off as regional brand director for Axe across Asia. Francis graduated cum laude at the University of the Philippines-Diliman with a degree in business administration. Here, he shares his insights on growing brands. Q: Jollibee is the digital engagement leader in the Quick Service Restaurant industry in the Philippines. What are the key factors in making a video go viral?
A: For Jollibee, deep consumer understanding, a passionate (and purpose-driven) team, coupled with intuition are key to creating blockbuster viral campaigns. With a 40-year love story with the Filipinos, Jollibee has been witness to countless stories of joy that have granted us complete understanding of our audience—of what makes them care and what makes them share. These stories are solidified to become powerful truths well told. Intuition is about having the confidence to make bold decisions without solely relying on market data. For “Kwentong Jollibee,” going against the grain of traditional advertisements— launching in long-form videos online and going after the hearts of its consumers is a decision highly driven by intuition. These very powerful tools only materialize with a passionate and purpose-driven team. In our case, the collaboration between Jollibee and our crea-
tive agencies Publicis Jimenez Basic and McCann Worldgroup Philippines is one built on a culture of trust and driven by purpose to create campaigns fit for a global brand. Aligning our passion, values and purpose creates the best campaigns. Q: You led the turnaround of Greenwich by aligning with pop culture and cheesy adver-
”What has also made Jollibee truly a cut above the rest is the meaning the brand gives its consumers: Jollibee is uniquely Pinoy and has become a symbol of pride, joy and family. ” tisements. How should brand owners turn around a declining brand? A: Declining brands all have one thing in common—they have failed to master the brand and business fundamentals. To diagnose a declining brand, the brand owners should start by having a thorough and objective brand review to identify and understand the real issues causing the decline. Most
Grab PH to continue giving incentives to drivers by Reicelene Joy ignacio ManilaTimes.net
GRAB Philippines said it would continue to give incentives and subsidies to drivers to encourage them to accept passengers, even if the company does not expect to see any return on investment yet. “Right now, we’re not chasing that [ROI]. [There is] none yet,” the transport network company’s country head Brian Cu said during a press briefing in Quezon City. “We need to rely on our investors,” he added. Cu earlier said Grab Philippines had not generated any profit yet since entering the local market. He said the company incurred a loss of P2.91 billion in 2017 after recording a loss of P1.56 billion in 2016. He said the revenues from the 20 percent commission charged by Grab Philippines to passengers are being utilized to fund
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of the time, these are fundamentals that were not properly executed. Identifying them are critical to come up with the right solutions. Q: In your various work assignments, what have you learned about the best way of choosing a target market? A: Choosing your target market is a key part of the brand’s strategy. It is important for the team to have a very clear and sharp description of the target market, and that also means knowing who you don’t want to target. In doing this, it allows the team to focus more. This focus will then lead to better execution and result to discipline required for sustainable growth. Q: Is it differentiation or popularity and availability that makes a brand grow and gain market shares? A: A brand gains (and sustains) market share by having a very clear differentiation and discipline to stick to it continuously. Popularity and brand growth go together. Jollibee has managed to grow market share and sustain market leadership through its quality products—a taste uniquely Pinoy, partnered with innovation in communication, addressing the consumer’s ever-changing behavior. Q: How does a brand get passionate consumers? A: Affordable and great-tasting food coupled with quality service have always been the
the incentives given to drivers. Grab Philippines recently rolled out fare subsidies to drivers as an incentive after noticing that drivers were hesitant to drive long distances to fetch passengers for fear of their trip being cancelled, leading to time and fuel wastage. “We will continue to implement the subsidy as long as the drivers earn. There is an income we believe the drivers should land,” Cu said, noting that income must be at P20,000 to P22,000 per month, particularly for drivers working around 10 to 12 hours per day. “Our Walang Luging Biyahe Program sets that goal,” he said. Grab Philippines also rolled out a training program for drivers called Grab Academy, which reportedly cost the company about P1 million, to boost drivers’ skills on the road and lecture drivers who have received poor ratings from passengers.
But Cu added he would like to see a shift in drivers’ perspective from being incentive-focused to being salary-focused instead, emphasizing the need for a reasonable fare. “I want to take everyone away from the mindset of incentives. They cannot look forward to incentives. Incentives is not a standard package, it is a bonus. It’s hard to keep people in a world where we live in bonuses,” Cu said. Aside from providing HMO packages to drivers, Grab Philippines is also looking to reduce the fuel cost for its drivers by P8 per liter through talks with an oil firm which Cu refused to name. “We’re looking at everything. It’s a holistic move, it’s everything from how much is their life insurance, their HMO they can extend to their family, gas, their daily expenses,” Cu said. Currently, Unioil gives a P4per liter discount to Grab drivers.
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Josiah Go
brand’s best-kept promises to its consumers. What has also made Jollibee truly a cut above the rest is the meaning the brand gives its consumers: Jollibee is uniquely Pinoy and has become a symbol of pride, joy and family. The brand continues to tug the heartstrings of its consumers because it stands for something that cannot simply be replicated and replaced. Q: As a QSR, how can you ensure brand identity is reflected at the store or delivery level? We make sure that our ad-
Inquirer.net photo
vertisements reflect the culture and values that Jollibee and its employees uphold, and not the other way around. The brand’s mission of spreading joy through great tasting food and a vision to be one of the top global QSRs is embedded in our ways of working, especially in our store teams. Jollibee’s spirit of family and fun and promotion of positive Filipino family values is intrinsic in the company culture and, in turn, echoed in quality of products and service we provide.
Peso weakness won’t affect infra goals by ed
Velasco ManilaTimes.net
THE peso’s decline will not affect the implementation of projects under the “Build Build Build” program, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Wednesday, June 27. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the government still expected to spend P1.879 trillion over the course of the program despite the currency having fallen to P53:$1 and amid expectations of a further decline. “Beyond NEDA Board approval, the projects will have to
go through the remaining phases of the project cycle. We must keep the infrastructure momentum and make sure there are no delays,” Pernia said during a media briefing. Delays being encountered, Asssistant Secretary Jonathan Uy said, were due to technical and not financial issues. “[The] peso weakness has no relation to delays in projects,” Uy stressed. He said that 32 out of 35 projects were now in various stages — budgeting, financing, detailed engineering design and procurement — before actual construction.
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The government plans to implement 75 flagship infrastructure projects and Pernia said the 35 already approved had undergone extensive review. “Since the start of this administration, the NEDA Board has approved projects at a quicker pace while ascertaining their technical, financial, economic and social merits,” he said. ”We are determined to close the infrastructure gap, a crucial endeavor for us to achieve our long term vision of a matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay (stable, prosperous and peaceful life) for all which everyone deserves,” Pernia added.
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