090118 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 69 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

‘Too early’ to consider martial law extension by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

DESPITE a bombing in Sultan Kudarat that killed three people earlier this week, Malacañang said it could be “too early” to eye a martial law extension in Mindanao. Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque on Friday, August 31 clarified that President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to make any decisions regarding the current Wounded victims in the bomb explosion in Sultan Kudarat crowd the Provincial Hospital in Isulan town state in the southern region of on Tuesday, August 28. Suspected pro-Islamic State militants detonated a homemade bomb, leaving the country. three dead and 36 others wounded, nearly a month after they also set off a car bomb that left eleven u PAGE A2 people dead in the Island province of Basilan. Inquirer.net photo by Jeoffrey Maitem

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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

DOJ criticizes Harvard University over alleged discrimination of Asian Americans Groups including Asian Americans pledge support to the Ivy League university’s affirmative action policy

DUTERTE VISITS CEBU. President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with the guests during the 49th Charter Day celebration of Mandaue City at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex in Cebu on Thursday, August 30. Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo

Duterte faces new ICC complaint over EJKs

Philippine Supreme Court holds oral arguments on ICC withdrawal by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

ANOTHER complaint against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been filed with the International Criminal Court (ICC), this time by activists and the relatives of people killed as a result of the country’s war on drugs. The 50-page complaint sent to an ICC prosecutor on Tuesday, August 28 is the second to be filed with the Hague-based court. Like the first, it calls for Duterte’s indictment over the alleged extrajudicial killings carried out since becoming president. “It is our hope that with the court taking jurisdiction of herein complaint, it may force

President Duterte to re-examine, if not abandon, his distorted notion of mass murder to solve the country’s drug and crime problem. The intervention of the ICC will save thousands more from slaughter,” the complainants said. It added that, “the extrajudicial killings, mass arrests, and the inhumane acts committed by and under President Duterte, whether 4,410 killed as claimed by the Philippine government or 23,000 as claimed by human rights and media groups, the mass murder and rights violation are so grievous and so heinous that is so sufficient gravity to justify fur- The Bureau of Immigration on August 29 upheld the deportation against Sister Patricia Fox. According to the bureau, Fox failed to present new matters in her appeal that would warrant ther action of the Court.” a reversal of the ruling. Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales u PAGE A5

De Lima wants age of sexual consent BI junks appeal against Fox’s deportation in PH raised from 12 to 18 years

The U.S. Department of Justice this week came out against Harvard University’s admission practices by announcing its support of an anti-affirmative action group that sued the Ivy League university for allegedly discriminating by GABRIEL PABICO LALU against Asian American applicants in its admisInquirer.net sion policies. In a Statement of Interest filed in federal court TO protect minors a message — loud and Thursday, August 30, the Justice Department backed the Students for Fair Admissions group from sexual exploitation clear — the youth will be in claiming that Harvard University “has failed and abuse, Senator Leila protected by all means de Lima has filed Senate and at all costs,” de Lima u PAGE A6 Bill No. 1949 which aims said in a statement on to peg the age of sexual Thursday, August 30. “It is vital to delineate consent from the current childhood from adult12 years to 18 years. “In increasing the age hood, and to take a secof consent to 18 years ond look at the choices old, the State is sending u PAGE A2 Senator Leila de Lima

PH to receive the biggest share of security aid for Indo-Pacific from the US

THE Philippines will be one of the nations in the Indo-Pacific region to receive the biggest share in security assistance, a U.S. State Department official said this week. The amount of assistance given was determined given the long-standing relationship between the United States and the Philippines. “We have close to $300 million in security assistance. The country that receives the largest chunk, as far as I understand, is the Philippines,” U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Walter Douglas said on Wednesday, August 29. Of the $300 million, 20 percent of that will be given to the Philippines. “So we’re looking at about $60 million of that $300 million to come to the Philippines,” Douglas added. The deputy assistant explained that the U.S. chose the Philippines as the one that deserved the most amount due to the length of time the two nations have worked together on security matters. “It’s really a recognition of the long-term partnership we’ve had with the Philippines Jordan Clarkson and the Philippines soared above Syria in the 2018 Asian Games basketball u PAGE A6 event on Friday, August 31. Asian Games pool photo

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

Inquirer.net photo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) denied the appeal of Australian nun Sister Patricia Fox to remain in the Philippines due to allegations that she was engaged in partisan political activities. Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra confirmed this on Wednesday, August 29. However, Fox’s camp filed an appeal on Friday, August

31 to allow her continued stay in the country and asked the DOJ to reverse the deportation order. Guevarra also advised them to push complaints to the courts should there be any unfavorable decisions from the DOJ or OP. “Any adverse ruling of the DOJ or OP may further be reviewed by the courts,” Guevarra stated. Fox filed the motion for reconsideration on the BI’s Board of Commissioner’s (BOC)’s ruling u PAGE A3

Nationals, Jordan Clarkson carve out best finish at Asian Games in 16 years by NELSON

BELTRAN Philstar.com

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Team Philippines, a hastily formed squad unsure if it could win any game at all, showed it could beat them all soundly and win a championship as it closed out its basketball campaign in Asia’s biggest stage with an emphatic 109-55 victory over Syria and a decent fifth place finish in the 18th Asian Games men’s basketball competition at the Istora Gelano Bung Karno on Friday, August 31. Jordan Clarkson, Stanley Pringle, Maverick Ahanmisi, Poy Erram and Asi Taulava got the team to a swashbuckling start and the rest also played without fear, without mercy in another grand performance ending Team Philippines’ campaign in the Jakarta Games. Though missing a medal, they nonethe-

less made quite an impression with their no-nonsense effort that gave the country its best finish in Asian Games basketball since in 16 years. “What a journey. It’s not the result we wanted but fifth place is the best we’ve had in 16 years,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio. Clarkson sizzled with five three-pointers and a total of 29 points while Christian Standhardinger sparkled with 27 markers and 15 boards to lead the Nationals to their 54-point conquest of the hapless Syrian side. “We’re happy with the way we ended the tournament. We didn’t expect to win by a large margin against Syria. We knew their dangerous team, but the guys really wanted to win it for the country,” said national coach Yeng Guiao. u PAGE A5

A September 1-4, 2018 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL

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From the Front Page

‘Too early’ to consider martial... PAGE A1 t “Sa ngayon po tingin ko masyado pang maaga (I think it’s too early [to talk about the possible extension of martial law in Mindanao]),” Roque told reporters, according to The Manila Times. As of now, martial law in the region is in effect until December 31, 2018. It was first declared in

May last year in order to defeat the Maute group in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, then it was extended in December 2017 before Duterte asked for another prolongment for the end of 2018. “The truth is, December is still a long way off…We thank Congress for their cooperation but… the decision whether or not to

extend [martial law]will be pursuant to a recommendation to be made by our security forces,” Roque added. On Thursday, August 30, members of the House of Representatives, including Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said they would support extending martial law for the third time. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said on Wednesday, August 29 that the extension could be an “option.” “It is an option. We are trying to make it as easy as possible, but with what is happening, what are we going to do?” Medialdea posed. The executive secretary also assured the public that they are focusing on the situation. He also reminded them that the region is still under martial law. “We will assess the situation. We will look at it. Anyway, we are still under a state of lawless violence and martial law,” Medialdea said as reported by The Philippine Star. The explosion that killed three people and wounded 36 others originated from a bomb that was concealed in a bag. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said that eyewitnesses have seen the suspect buying fruits around

MODERN TRAINING ON RICE PRODUCTION. Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, along with PhilMech Director Baldwin Jallorina (2nd left) welcome participants to the training program on mechanization in the production of rice at Villar Sipag in Bacoor Cavite on Thursday, August 30. In partnership with the Department of Agriculture Regional Office 4-A and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), the two-day seminar will teach participants safety measures in farm operation and use of farm tools and equipment such as hand tractor ,4-wheel tractor, manual seeder, rice transplanter, irrigation solar pump among others. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

De Lima wants age of sexual consent...

PAGE A1 t we allow our children, despite the scarcity of their experience and wisdom to independently u PAGE A6 take,” she added.

According to de Lima, who currently works from her detention cell due to drug-related charges, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is alarmed with the Philippines’ age of sexual consent as it is one of the lowest worldwide, and is the lowest in the region. In a June 2015 report entitled “Analysis of Domestic Laws related to Violence against Children”, UNICEF advised lawmakers to raise the age of sexual consent to 16 years old. “Consider raising the age of consent to 16 years for sexual activity occurring between young people under 16 years and adults or persons more than five years older. Consider expanding the definition of sexual acts that are criminalized below the age of consent,” the report said. Currently, rape is committed if a victim is under 12 years or is suffering from mental illness, according to R.A. 8353 or the 1997 Anti-Rape Law. Under the law, persons having sexual relations with minors below 18 years would only be

penalized if it was done with force, threat, or intimidation. “In putting the age of consent on the same level as that of the age of majority, the State would safeguard the innocence of the youth, prevent sexual predators from deflowering our children, and finally put premium on the virtue of the hope of this nation,” de Lima explained. She also pointed out that the enactment of her proposal is necessary, as a 12-year old child, who is given a choice to engage in a sexual act under the law, is merely a Grade 6 student who has barely gone through puberty, much less buying contraceptives which will protect them from early pregnancies. “It is imperative that we look into the realities that surround the Filipino youth,” de Lima said. “Allowing our children at the tender age of 12 years old to decide on their own whether the time is proper to engage in sexual intercourse would be like abandoning them blindfold in a tunnel of mazes,” she added. n

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Nietes-Palicte meet & greet a rousing success

THERE were many Doubting Thomases when two unlikely partners decided to take it upon themselves to introduce two of the greatest Filipino Superflyweights— Donnie Nietes and Aston Palicte—to the Filipino community via a “Meet and Greet” event. But young Jhay Otamias and his mentor, Dr. Ed de la Vega, did not disappoint despite only having less than two weeks to put together an event, which takes many experienced spin makers months and months to prepare. With the support of many local Filipino businesses, that provided support including food from two well-known Filipino restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area, they pulled it off. Of course a great deal of the success was made possible with the help of the production people from Tom Loefllers’ 360 Promotions and the media outlet of Bernie Bahrmasel and Ricardo Jimenez. The 360 people brought the huge backdrop to provide a semblance of reality to the event and on top of that they invited two gorgeous “Tecate Girls” who graciously graced the event giving that “Vegas feeling” to the event. The fans had a great time taking photos with the two young ladies as well as with the boxers. The program was opened by

Nietes and Palicte pose during Wednesday’s media workout at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles, CA. Photos by Jhya Otamias/Philboxing.com

Nietes, Palicte hold media workout at Wildcard Gym in LA Photos by Brandon Magpantay

Dr. Ed de la Vega, who eventually passed the hosting job to Cynthia Conte, a Filipina-American journalist who is now with the 360 Promotions. Needless to say, Conte made

BI junks appeal against Fox’s...

PAGE A1 t

last July. The decision ordered her deportation to Australia, as well as her inclusion in the country’s blacklist - barring her from ever returning to the Philippines. The BI explained that the nun was in violation of the limitations and conditions of Commonwealth Act 613 otherwise known as The Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, specifically Section 9 that covers provisions for nonimmigrants with pre-arranged employment. The decision also mentioned Act No. 2711 or the Administrative Code Section 69 that discusses the deportation of subject to the foreign power. In the said act, “a subject of a foreign power residing in the Philippines shall not be deported, expelled, or excluded from said islands or repatriated to his own country by the President of the Philippines except upon pri-

or investigation, conducted by said Executive or his authorized agent, of the ground upon which such action is contemplated.” The provision also noted that the person involved should be “informed of the charge or charges against him and he shall be allowed not less than these days for the preparation of his defense. He shall also have the right to be heard by himself or counsel, to produce witnesses in his own behalf, and to cross-examine the opposing witnesses.” The BI backed their accusations with photographs showing the 71-year-old missionary participating in rallies demanding for the release of political prisoners, land distribution in Hacienda Luisita and labor rights in years 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Remarks from President Rodrigo Duterte were also deemed valuable in the said case against the missionary. The leader

the event super. Her style of hosting was amazing and it kept the program flowing smoothly from the minute she took hold of the microphone until the program ■

THREE division world champion Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes and Aston ‘Mighty’ Palicte held a workout for the media on Wednesday, August 29 at Freddie Roach’s Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles. The gathering was held ahead of their clash for the vacant WBO world super flyweight title fight in the co-feature match on Superfly 3 scheduled on September 8 at The Forum in Inglewood, CA to be broadcast on HBO. Filipinos Nietes and Palicte are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively by the WBO in the super flyweight division. Headlining the Superfly 3 event is former flyweight and super Donnie Nietes hits the speedball. flyweight world champion Juan Francisco Estrada who will go up ta. Also on the card is the matchagainst compatriot Felipe Orucu- up between Japanese Kazuto Ioka

claimed that Fox exercised disorderly conduct by participating in rallies, therefore subjecting her to deportation. The nun’s legal counsel argued that Fox’s fight for human rights was all part of her missionary work. They clearly noted that none of those assemblies were anti-government. “Mahal ko ang Pilipinas. Ayoko umalis na ganito ang kalagayan. Walang mali o masama sa pagtanggol ng karapatang pantao. Basic ito sa international law. Gusto ko din matapos ng maayos ang kaso para mapatunayan na wala ako masamang ginagawa (I love the Philippines. I don’t want to leave this way. There is nothing wrong in fighting for human rights. This is basic in international law. I want to have this case closed properly so I could prove that I have not done anything wrong),” said Fox at a news briefing in Quezon Nietes shows off his chiseled body. City on Friday. ■

Palicte flexes.

and Puerto Rico’s McWilliams Arroyo. (Philboxing.com)

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Over past 20 years, the percentage of Salinas honors Fil-Am kid who children with adhd nearly doubles broke Phelps swimming record by Rachel

Bluth Kaiser Health News

The number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADhD) has reached more than 10 percent, a significant increase during the past 20 years, according to a study released Friday. The rise was most pronounced in minority groups, suggesting that better access to health insurance and mental health treatment through the Affordable Care Act might have played some role in the increase. The rate of diagnosis during that time period doubled in girls, although it was still much lower than in boys. But the researchers say they found no evidence confirming frequent complaints that the condition is overdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The U.S. has significantly more instances of ADhD than other developed countries, which researchers said has led some to think Americans are overdiagnosing children. Dr.

Wei Bao, the lead author of the study, said in an interview that a review of studies around the world doesn’t support that. ”I don’t think overdiagnosis is the main issue,” he said. Nonetheless, those doubts persist. Dr. Stephen hinshaw, who co-authored a 2014 book called “The ADhD explosion: Myths, Medication, Money, and Today’s Push for Performance,” compared ADhD to depression. he said in an interview that neither condition has unequivocal biological markers, so it makes it hard to determine if a patient truly has the condition without lengthy psychological evaluations. Symptoms of ADhD can include inattention, fidgety behavior and impulsivity. “It’s probably not a true epidemic of ADhD,” said hinshaw, a professor of psychology at the University of California-Berkeley and a professor of psychiatry at UC-San Francisco. “It might be an epidemic of diagnosing it.” In interpreting their results,

however, the study’s authors tied the higher numbers to better understanding of the condition by doctors and the public, new standards for diagnosis and an increase in access to health insurance through the ACA. Because of the ACA, “some low-income families have improved access to services and referrals,” said Bao, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public health. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, used data from the National health Interview Survey, an annual federal survey of about 35,000 households. It found a steady increase in diagnoses among children from about 6 percent of children between 1997 and 1998 to more than 10 percent between 2015 and 2016. Advances in medical technology also may have contributed to the increase, according to the research. Twenty years ago, preterm or low-weight babies

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nucum Inquirer.net

SALINAS, California — After getting much coverage and accolades from broadcast, print, and internet-based news outlets worldwide, the 10-year-old Filipino American Superkid of swimming who broke a long-standing swim meet record held by Olympics champ Michael Phelps,got much deserved recognition from local leaders of his home city of Salinas, Monterey County, as well as the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco. Clark Kent Dungca Apuada, the new Long Course Far Western Championships 100-meter butterfly event record holder, was honored at the Salinas City Filipino Community Center by a jam-packed crowd, both Filipinos and non-Filipino friends and supporters led by Filipino American Community President Orly Jimenez Among those who personally u PAGE A6 honored Apuada were County District Supervisors John Phillips and Simon Salinas, Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter and Philippine Consul General to San Francisco henry Bensurto Jr. In is message, Bensurto said OVER 17 YEARS young Clark’s accomplishments brought honor to the City of Salinas and the entire Filipino American community all over the world and came at a time when “the Consulate is looking for young champions who can inspire other Filipino Americans to strive for excellence but at the same time be proud of their Filipino roots and heritage.” “You are an inspiration to many of us and we would like to highlight your achievements in the Darrick V. Tan, Esq. hope that it will encourage other Filipinos to dare to dream and Licensed in California for dream big. That is the magnitude over 17 years of what you had accomplished,”

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN SERVING MY FELLOW KABABAYANS FOR

by Jun

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

Dad Chris (left) and Mom Cynthia (right) prefer that no pressure is put on son Clark (center) despite all the praises and accolades heaped on their kid. Inquirer.net photos by Jun Nucum

Pictures of medals and certificates of records set by Superkid Clark Kent Apuada.

declared Bensurto. Supervisor Salinas, a former teacher, congratulated Clark’s special education teacher-parents, Chris and Cynthia, for being prestigious themselves as Clark is. “One thing that I tried to impress on public school students is to set their dreams and their goals. You were doing those swims that have now distinguished you as one of the greatest ten-year-old swimmers in the history of our country,” Salinas extolled Clark. Supervisor Phillips referred to Clark as not just the pride of the Filipino community, but also the pride of all the communities particularly in Monterey County. Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter, on the

Monterey County District 3 Supervisor Simon Salinas (left), District 2 Supervisor John Phillips, Philippine Consul General to San Francisco Henry Bensurto Jr. and Salinas City Mayor Joe Gunter listen intently as Clark Kent Apuada delivers his message.

other hand, promised to keep track of the direction that Clark takes “with the guidance of his loving parents, good teachers, and great coaches, Dia and Travis Rianda in swimming.” Other dignitaries that sent representatives, including Assemblymember Anna Caballero and Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo, represented by Cassandra Sanchez and Linda Gonzales, respectively. In his latest message to Clark, Olympics swimming champ Phelps urged Clark to keep up the good work and “don’t, don’t, don’t give up. It is not easy but if you want it, you can achieve it.” Phelps wants to see Clark compete in the future swims. Clark himself was amazed at the presence of a lot of supporters, admitting that “there are a lot of thoughts going in my mind and I couldn’t really express one particular feeling upon hearing Michael Phelps’ latest message. his message is inspirational to me.” Reacting to the accolades and all the praises heaped on him, Clark stressed, “I don’t feel any pressure really because those are the things to motivate me, pump

u PAGE A6

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Bill to increase access to ethnic studies ready for Gov. Brown’s signature

SACRAMENTO — State Assemblymember Jose Medina’s (D-Riverside) bill AB 2772, which increases access to ethnic studies education, was concurred upon on the Assembly Floor on Thursday, August 30. AB 2772 was amended in the Senate to create a pilot program that would allow up to 11 school districts add the completion of a course in ethnic studies to high school graduation requirements through an opt-in grant program, starting in the 2021-22 school year. The original version of the bill would have required high schools students to take a semester of ethnic studies in order to graduate. The ethnic studies curriculum that will be implemented is currently being developed by the In-

EXPENSIVE ‘GALUNGGONG’. The price of “galunggongâ€? (round scad) hits PHP180 per kilo at the Cogeo Market in Antipolo City, Rizal, on Friday, August 31. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel PiĂąol has approved the importation of up to 17 metric tons of galunggong between September and December to stabilize its price ahead of the fishing season’s closing. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Duterte faces new ICC complaint... PAGE A1 t

Filing the complaint were relatives of eight victims, represented by the National Union of People’s Lawyers, and rights group Rise Up for Life and for Rights. The first complaint filed by Filipino lawyer Jude Sabio in April 2017 is currently being examined by ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda. Before the filing, Bensouda said she was “deeply concernedâ€? about the alleged killings and “the fact that public statements of high officials of the Republic of the Philippines seem to condone such killings.â€? To Bensouda and international prosecutors, Duterte sent a message during a press conference saying that they “will never have jurisdictionâ€? over him “in a million years.â€? The Philippines, he said, “was never a member of the ICC.â€? “You do not have jurisdiction even to conduct a preliminary investigation,â€? said Duterte, taking aim at Bensouda. “So, you Ms. Fatou, don’t come here, because I will bar you. You cannot exercise any proceedings here without basis. That is illegal and I will arrest you,â€? said Duterte. The Philippines joined the court in 2011 under former president Benigno Aquino, becoming a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. By joining, the Philippines gave court prosecutors jurisdiction over alleged crimes done during its membership. In response to the latest complaint, MalacaĂąang on Tuesday downplayed its potential impact, saying that the filing was not yet a complaint since the ICC had not yet acted on it. “That’s not a complaint. That’s a communication because it’s still to be acted upon by the ICC,â€? said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. “Even the Pope has a communication filed against him. So that doesn’t

mean anything.� Roque is also the only Philippine lawyer authorized to practice in the ICC. “Again, my fearless prediction is it will not prosper dahil nga po doon sa konsepto ng complementarity (because of the concept of complementarity),� said Roque, acknowledging that the ICC is a court of last resort meant to take on cases from nations unable or unwilling to carry out investigations and prosecute perpetrators. ICC withdrawal Roque also described the new complaint as being “doomed� because the Philippines earlier this year announced its withdrawal from the ICC. Duterte unilaterally withdrew the Philippines from the tribunal in March, a move he said was “effective immediately.� But the treaty states that withdrawals from the court become effective a year after a country gives notice to the United Nations secretary-general. Also on Tuesday, Philippine lawmakers opposing the withdrawal joined oral arguments at the Supreme Court, arguing that the withdrawal required a twothird vote in the Senate. “A treaty already transformed into Philippine law cannot be undone by a one-sided act of the president. Only the Senate can undo its own act,� Romel Bagares, a lawyer for a coalition of campaigners, told the court as quoted by Agence FrancePresse. Associate Justice Marvic Leonen suggested that it was better the Senate pass a resolution on how to legally withdraw, rather than have the Supreme Court make the decision. “This Court may not want to become the judicial dictator of this country, overextending this power into realms which might be political in nature rather than legal,� said Leonen, as quoted

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by Rappler. Similarly, former Chief Justice Reynato Puno said, “The Court should strive to work out a constitutional equilibrium where each branch of government cannot dominate each other, an equilibrium where each branch in the exercise of its distinct power should be left alone yet bereft of a license to abuse.� Oral arguments will resume next Tuesday, September 4. n

structional Quality Commission of the State Board of Education. AB 2772, as amended, will also require the California Department of Education to provide resources and technical assistance to districts who are participating in the opt-in pilot program. Districts who participate in the pilot will be required to report to the Legislature by 2024 with best practices and findings from the pilot. These amendments ensure the state adopts a measurable approach to implementing ethnic studies as a graduation requirement and creates an opportunity for research and improvement strategies to work towards ultimately scaling this program across the state. “This bill allows for a thought-

ful approach on constructively impacting students both socially and academically,� said California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. “For these reasons, I support AB 2772.� “I am thrilled that the Legislature recognizes the value of ethnic studies education and has approved AB 2772,� said Medina. “Ethnic studies courses are shown to better engage and empower students, as well as improve academic performance. All students can benefit from this holistic curriculum that will help will them better understand the rich histories and cultures that make up the United States.� The bill now heads to Governor Jerry Brown’s desk for signature. n

Nationals, Jordan Clarkson carve out best... PAGE A1 t

“It’s too bad ngayon pa lang gumaganda ang laro ni Jordan Clarkson with the team. We know how good he is individually, but that individual ability of his is blending well with the team just now. It’s too bad kinulang sa oras,� Guiao also said. He felt one good break or two going with them against China could have made them a medal finisher. Iran and China fight for the gold while Korea and Chinese Taipei slug it out for the bronze today. “But we have no regrets,� said

Guiao. “Three weeks ago we never thought we could be coming here. I thought it’s a no-win situation and I had second thoughts. I was thinking we’re sending ourselves up to fail with the situation,� Guiao added. With a selection of players trained for a few days, Guiao himself was surprised with their showing here marked by victories against Kazakhstan, Japan and Syria, a near upset of China and a game against Korea that they lost in the last few minutes. “It could have been better

with breaks going our way. But it’s still a great experience. We’ll never forget this us a group,� said Guiao. Up ahead for half of the team is the FIBA World Cup qualifiers against Iran on Sept. 13 and against Qatar on Sept. 17. Pringle, Standhardinger, Erram, Beau Belga, Raymond Almazan, Gabe Norwood and Asi Taulava will report for practice Monday at the Meralco Gym along with Matthew Wright, Alex Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter, Scottie Thompson, Ian Sangalanga and Allein Malicsi. n

A September 1-4, 2018 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL

Dateline USa

Over past 20 years, the percentage of children... PAGE A5 t had a harder time surviving. Those factors increase the risk of being diagnosed with ADHD. The study also suggests that fewer stigmas about mental health care in minority communities may also lead to more people receiving an ADHD diagnosis. In the late 1990s, 7.2 percent of non-Hispanic white children, 4.7 percent of non-Hispanic black children and 3.6 of Hispanic children were diagnosed

with ADHD, according to the study. By 2016, it was 12 percent of white kids, 12.8 percent of blacks and 6.1 percent of Hispanics. Over the past several decades, Hinshaw said, there’s been an expanded view of who can develop ADHD. It’s no longer viewed as a disease that affects only white middle-class boys, as eating disorders are no longer seen as afflicting only white middle-class girls.

Still, he cautioned against overdiagnosing ADHD in communities where behavioral issues could be the result of social or environmental factors such as overcrowded classrooms. The study found rates of ADHD among girls rose from 3 to more than 6 percent over the study period. It said that was partly a result of a change in how the condition is classified. For years, ADHD pertained to children who were hyperactive. But in recent years, the American Psychiatric Association added to its guide of mental health conditions that diagnosis should also include some children who are inattentive, Bao said. That raised the number of girls, he explained, because it seems they are more likely to be in that second subtype. “If we compare these two, you can easily imagine people will easily recognize hyperactivity,” he said. That rang true for Ruth Hay, a 25-year-old student and cook from New York who now lives in Jerusalem. She was diagnosed with what was then called ADD the summer between second and third grade. Hay said her hyperactive tendencies aren’t as “loud” as some people’s. She’s less likely to bounce around a room than she is to bounce in her chair, she said. Yet despite her early diagnosis, Hay said, no one ever told her about other symptoms. For example, she said, she suffers from executive dysfunction, which leaves her feeling unable to accomplish tasks, no matter how much she wanted to or tried. “I grew up being called lazy in periods of time when I wasn’t,” Hay said. “If you look at a list of all the various ADHD symptoms, I have all of them to one degree or another, but the only ones ever discussed with me was you might be less focused and more fidgety.” “I don’t know how my brain would be if I didn’t have it,” she added. “I don’t know if I’d still be me, but all it has been for me is a disability.” KHN’s coverage of children’s health care issues is supported in part by the Heising-Simons Foundation. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n

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‘Too early’ to consider martial... PAGE A2 t the area and putting a bag under a motorcycle owned by a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU). The said bomb detonated around 8:30 pm Tuesday night, August 28 in front of J and H Marketing Barangay Kalawag Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. Regional police spokesman Supt. Aldrin Gonzalez said that the casualties include a 7-yearold girl identified as Devy Shane Alayon and a 51-year-old woman named Leny Dohina Ombrog. Another comatose victim died shortly and was identified as Wel Mark John Lapidez. They were part of the crowd celebrating the Hamungaya festival, the munici-

pality of Isulan’s founding anniversary. No militant group claimed responsibility for the attack. However, local officials and the military tagged the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) behind the bombing. The BIFF denied the accusation. Officials oppose the extension Vice President Leni Robredo and other government officials expressed their disapproval of another martial law extension in Mindanao. “There is a martial law there, but we have seen in the past months that it didn’t prevent violence. There was bombing in Lamitan, and in Sultan Kudarat,” Robredo pointed out.

The vice president also questioned the purpose of the military rule given that the security of the people is still compromised even with its implementation. “Terrorist activities continue to happen. So what is the assurance that another extension of martial law could prevent these from happening?” she asked. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said that he did not even think of the extension of martial law as the solution. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Senate President Vicente Sotto, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate all said it would be too early to recommend its extension. n

Salinas honors Fil-Am kid who broke... PAGE A4 t

up my energy level even more.” Clark’s father, Chris, said they were beyond words in expressing how important the recognition was to to Clark and their family. “We are very humbled with the warm reception of the community and the different leaders who came here to support to our son. Thank you for recognizing our son’s efforts in the field of sports. Sa mga kababayan po namin sa Pilipinas at buong mundo, tagumpay po nating lahat ito!” (to all our compatriots, this a victory for all of us) Chris said. Chris also acknowledged that everything was happening so fast that Clark is still very young to understand a lot of it.

Clark Apuada (fifth from left front) is shown with coaches Dia Rianda (extreme left) and Travis Rianda (third from right back with cap) together with his teammates in the Monterey County Aquatic Team that now looks to him as an inspiration. Inquirer.net photo by Jun Nucum

“We are always here to support his goals and dreams all the way. We want to make sure that he continues to be the child that he is, to continue to have the fun even in his drive to reach his goals. We don’t want him to feel

pressured. As parents, we want him to continue to be our son, the child who will have a happy and fulfilling life,” vows Chris Mom Cynthia agreed that there wouldn’t be any changes at all in their life as a family. n

PH to receive the biggest share of security aid... PAGE A1 t

on the security front, in addition to the other things, so therefore we see it as a priority to help the Philippines,” Douglas stated. Douglas also suggested the areas to which the donated funding should be appropriately allocated, as reported by Rappler. “And that will cover all sorts of areas — peacekeeping, maritime domain awareness, all sorts of areas that we think we’re working very well with the Philippines,” he added. Under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, the assistance works under the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy, which is to create more transparency in the region. “The idea is to create a situation here based on openness, based on transparency, based

on well-defined rules, so that private sector money will move out of those [money centers] and more will come into this region,” Douglas said. He explained that while the program also involves South Asia, particularly India, there are other areas included. The strategy ensures that the region it covers is free from coercion and maintains open seas and airways. “I’d also like to note that it’s called Indo-Pacific. And why Indo? First of all, it’s not just India-Pacific. It’s Indo-Pacific. And while India is certainly the biggest economy over there, it really includes Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka in that region,” Douglas said. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is also a key factor in the said strategy.

Trump first introduced the concept at a regional summit in Danang, Vietnam in November last year. “The fact that the president announced the Indo-Pacific in Danang is not a coincidence. It’s a recognition that ASEAN is where all these different geographic areas and these economies meet,” Douglas said. He also emphasized the essence of the international arbitration in deciding what is best for two nations with conflicts. “International law is the basis of so much of what we do, so I think it’s what the countries that are party to that should live up to, and then obviously others in the region should follow that too. There has been a legal ruling,” Douglas stated. (AJPress)

DOJ criticizes Harvard University over... PAGE A1 t

to show that it does not unlawfully discriminate against Asian Americans.” The lawsuit dates back to 2014 when Students for Fair Admissions sued the university for violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination in programs that receive federal financial assistance. “No American should be denied admission to school because of their race. As a recipient of taxpayer dollars, Harvard has a responsibility to conduct its admissions policy without racial discrimination by using meaningful admissions criteria that meet lawful requirements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He added that the case “is significant because the admissions policies at our colleges and universities are important and must be conducted lawfully.” Harvard, which moved to dismiss the suit, responded to the Justice Department’s statement and said that it was “deeply disappointed” in the government’s siding with the plaintiff, “recycling the same misleading and hollow arguments that prove nothing more than the emptiness of the case against Harvard.” “Harvard does not discriminate against applicants from any group, and will continue to vigorously defend the legal right of every college and university to consider race as one factor among many in college admissions, which the Supreme Court has consistently upheld for more than 40 years,” the university said. “Colleges and universities must have the freedom and flexibility to create the diverse communities that are vital to the learning experience of every student, and Harvard is proud to stand with the many organizations and individuals who are filing briefs in support of this position today.” Among the arguments used against the university is its “personal rating” factor that anti-affirmative action groups say may be biased against Asian Americans. In its filing, the Justice Department called the scoring system “vague and elusory.” In its press release, it said that the university “scores Asian-American applicants lower on the personal rating than white applicants.” According to the university, the

personal rating is meant to reflect on a “wide range of applicant information or applicant information, such as personal essays, which Harvard uses to understand the applicant’s full life story.” This, it added, includes where the student grew up, what opportunities or challenges they faced in their families or communities, and what “impact they might have both at Harvard and after they graduate, as citizens and leaders out in the world.” But as those against affirmative action got their nod of support from the U.S. government, a number of social scientists and scholars went on to pledge their support for Harvard. Groups pledge support for affirmative action Also on Thursday, over 500 social scientists and scholars filed their own briefs in support of Harvard’s admission policies. Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) in a press release said that the issues brought up by Students for Fair Admissions served to “further drive a wedge between Asian Americans and other communities of color.” “The reality is that racism and segregation continue to unfairly limit educational opportunities in K-12 for students of color,” said Nicole Ochi, supervising attorney at Advancing Justice - Los Angeles. “Race also shapes our life experience and is part of who we are and what we bring to the table. The consideration of race as one of many factors in holistic admissions recognizes those realities. That recognition should not be conflated with unlawful discrimination against Asian Americans.” She added: “The evidence is clear that Harvard’s constitutional consideration of race in a holistic admissions process benefits underrepresented minority students, including Asian Americans. As a civil rights organization that fights every day to end racism against Asian Americans and other people of color, we know that ending the inclusionary consideration of race will exacerbate, rather than ameliorate any problems with racial bias that Asian Americans experience.” Central to the case is the definition of “merit,” said Advancing Justice - LA, adding that flat nu-

merical indicators like SAT scores and grade point averages are not colorblind measures of merit. “Research also confirms that the most promising students are not always the ones with the highest SAT scores or the best high school grades and that non-academic factors that predict success like grit, resourcefulness, creativity, and critical thinking are independent of (or even correlate negatively with) these traditional academic measures,” the group added. Adding to the support of Harvard were some of the university’s current students who are allowed to submit evidence and participate in oral argument. “America’s version of meritocracy is not race-blind,” said Jang Lee, a senior at the university. “Though the opposition says we should not be using race to decide our children’s destinies, race had already bound our destinies since birth.” Alex Zhang, a junior at Harvard, said he benefited from the university’s “holistic, race-conscious admissions policy.” “At Harvard, I have found a community of Asian Americans and other students of color that immeasurably contributed to my personal development. I think that Harvard still has a long way to go when it comes to race. Improving the racial climate for Asian Americans and supporting affirmative action programs are not mutually exclusive, they are complementary efforts to reduce racial bias,” he said. Another student Daniel Lu, also a junior, said “Asian Americans will never have a fair shot at life in America until racism is eradicated from this country. “We need affirmative action to help address this racism, but it is far from enough,” he added. Harvard University is among the world’s most selective universities. Of this year’s entering class of 1,962 applicants, roughly 23 percent were Asian American. The suit is currently pending in a federal court in Boston, and the trial between Students for Fair Admissions and Harvard University is slated to begin midOctober. The outcome is one experts say may affect the future of affirmative action in higher education. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 1-4, 2018

A

Dateline PAnother hiliPPines Duterte rape joke stirs controversy

Former PH envoy, 5 other ‘Heroes of Hope in Asia’ cited at Ramon Magsaysay Awards by Neil JaysoN

servallos

ManilaTimes.net

FORMER Philippine ambassador Howard Dee led five other “Heroes of Hope in Asia” on Friday, August 31, in the Ramon Magsaysay Awards at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City. The awardees were Vo Thi Hoang Yen of Vietnam, Maria de Lourdes Martins Cruz of East Timor, Sonam Wangchuk and Bharat Vatwani of India, and Youk Chhang of Cambodia. Dee served as ambassador from 1986 to 1990 under former president Corazon Aquino. He The 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees pose for photos during the awarding ceremony at the was also lead convenor of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila on Friday, August 31: (From left) Vo Thi Hoang Yen National Peace Conference in (Vietnam), Sonam Wangchuk (India), Bharat Vatwani (India), Vice President Leni Robredo, Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation Chairman Senen Bacani, Howard Dee (Philippines), 1990. Dee, who also worked closely Maria de Lourdes Martins Cruz (East Timor), and Youk Chhang (Cambodia). ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina with indigenous people of the country, was Cabinet secretary as chairman of the government ly heroic half-century of service under the Office of the President negotiating team for peace talks to the Filipino people” which in 2002 as adviser on Indigenous with communist rebels. was carried by his pursuit of Peoples Affairs. He also served He was honored for his “quietu PAGE A10

House extends validity of funds for Marcos human rights victims MANILA — The House of Representatives has extended the validity of hundreds of millions of funds intended to compensate thousands of human rights victims during the Marcos regime. The extension authority is contained in Joint Resolution No. 26. The Senate version of the measure is still pending with

the chamber’s committee on justice and human rights. The resolution seeks to make compensation funds valid up to Dec. 31 next year. They were supposed to have been reverted to the national treasury last Aug. 11. The measure would also mandate the Land Bank of the Philip-

The extension authority is contained in Joint Resolution No. 26. The Senate version of the measure is still pending with the chamber’s committee on justice and human rights. Philstar.com photo

pines to continue releasing funds to qualified beneficiaries as determined by the defunct Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB). The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) would take over the function of overseeing the compensation program. The law authorizing reparation — Republic Act 10368 — appropriated P10 billion to compensate human rights victims. As of last June, the fund had a balance of P792.6 million. Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, principal author of the resolution, said the HRVCB qualified about 11,000 victims for compensation out of 75,000 applicants. However, he said the claims board, before its two-year life expired last May, was able to release payments to only 6,000 beneficiaries. Zarate said if the fund balance had already reverted to government coffers, the national treasury should return them to Land Bank for release to qualified applicants once Joint Resolution No. 26 becomes law. n

by edith

regalado Philstar.com

MANILA — In yet another controversial joke, President Rodrigo Duterte made light of the reported rise in rape cases in Davao City, attributing the spike to the many beautiful women in the locality that he governed for 23 years. He shrugged off the report, saying, “daghan mang gwapa sa Davao, mao na (there are many beautiful women in Davao City, that is why),” during the 49th founding anniversary of Mandaue City in Cebu on Wednesday, August 29. Duterte has been boasting of Davao City as one of the safest places to live in in the country. He has also showcased the city as a model for communities, describing it as “comfortable enough to live for families.” “Ingon sila nga daghang rape ang Davao. Basta daghang gwapa, daghang rape gyud na (They said there are so many rape cases in Davao. When there are many beautiful ladies, there would be many rape cases),” he was quoted as saying. “Nobody agrees to do it on the first try. That is rape. Even when they are inside the cinema, she will push him away. ‘No, don’t’ she will say,” he added in Visayan. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said on Friday, August 31, that the president’s statement should not be taken seriously, adding that humor in the Visayas and Mindanao is different from that in Luzon. “I don’t think we should give too much weight on what the President says by way of a joke. Some may not approve but you know, I can tell you this already, there’s a difference between sense of humor in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” he added. Duterte’s latest remark about rape was regarded by critics as an attempt to justify the high incidence of rape in Davao – 42 cases as recorded by the Philippine National Police from April to June this year. Quezon City followed with 41 cases; Manila, 32; Cagayan de Oro, 24; and Zamboanga City, 21. Duterte said he instilled discipline in Davao City during the 23 years that he was mayor. But

members of the City Council have expressed alarm over the seven percent increase in rape cases. It was not the first time that Duterte made headlines over jokes about rape. During the campaign in 2016, he was criticized for joking about an Australian missionary who was held hostage and raped, her

throat slashed before she was shot. He said then that the mayor should have been the first to rape her because she was beautiful. His critics and women advocates have raised a howl over his apparent lack of respect for women. “And from what I have seen

u PAGE A10

A8 SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

Transforming societies

FEATURES

THEY work outside the limelight, quietly pursuing their advocacies even in the face of adversity, devoting much of their lives to their causes. This week, the foundation named after Philippine president Ramon Magsaysay honored individuals who have dedicated their lives to transforming societies. Youk Chhang survived the brutalities of the Khmer Rouge in his native Cambodia, during which he lost his father, five siblings and about 60 other relatives. He now heads the Documentation Center of Cambodia, which investigates and documents the atrocities. Youk is being honored for preserving historical memory, in the process paving the way for both healing and justice. Maria de Lourdes Martins Cruz, the daughter of a wealthy coffee planter in East Timor, originally wanted to be a nun, but instead established an institute to give her impoverished compatriots access to education, health care, farming skills and other self-improvement initiatives. Vietnamese polio victim Vo Thi Hoang Yen founded a non-profit group in 2005 that has opened opportunities for some 15,000 persons with disabilities to become economically self-sufficient. Indian engineer Sonam Wangchuk initiated a movement in his native Ladakh region in the Himalayas that helps impoverished students hurdle

college entrance exams. He is cited for “harnessing nature, culture and education for community progress.” His fellow Indian Bharat Vatwani, cited for “restoring health and dignity to troubled lives,” used his background in psychiatry to launch a program that treats mental illness among the impoverished. And then there is the Philippines’ former ambassador to the Holy See, Howard Dee, who served as government peace negotiator with communists and has dedicated many years to peace-building efforts. Dee is cited for “championing the human face of peace, justice and economic growth.” The awards, deemed the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Prize, will be handed out today, the 111th birth anniversary of Ramon Magsaysay. The president is remembered for his integrity, courage as a guerrilla, and impressive rise from humble beginnings to the nation’s highest post. Like him, today’s awardees should inspire others to the kind of greatness that transforms lives. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

You seldom suffer alone

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA IF anyone were to tell a foreigner that the Philippines is a poor country and Filipinos can hardly afford three meals a day, he’d never believe it if he were to see the eating and drinking places in Manila. They are all full. I love coming home to Manila. It gives me a chance to re-live my Manileño days — from driving like a slalom competitor to engaging in this town’s favorite pastime: eating and drinking. And I hardly ever have to pull out my credit card. Pinoy hosts are the most galante, the most generous in the world. But in all the rounds of eating and drinking, the conversation invariably revolves around the fact that life in the Philippines is truly hard (Another glass of wine, sir?). And food is so expensive (Pulutan pa. Bring out

the lechon). And people are so poverty stricken (How about 18 holes tomorrow?). And most folks can’t afford the basic necessities (Take a look at my latest cell phone). Across the creek from my house in Parañaque is a squatters’ haven named Creek Drive. I know most of the people who live in the shanties. They’ve been living there since my kids were small (and I’m now a grandfather of their children). Between what one reads about the pitiful lives of the squatters and the sight of the drinking sessions thoughout the week, and the all-night eating, dancing and singing during the annual fiesta, one can get totally confused. If this is misery, what do they call happiness? It’s only when you sit back and ponder the situation that you begin to make some sense out of the contradictions. Eating and drinking are to Filipinos what drugs are to many Americans. A way of forgetting. A way of keeping a straight face and a stiff upper lip in the face

of the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, to paraphrase Hamlet. Sitting around a table over several cases of beer or bottles of gin or tuba — whichever the funds can afford — and sharing a meal of sardines or chicken or tuyo, and singing and dancing as if there were no cares in the world is the Pinoy’s way of daring the fates to inflict their worst. Because at the end of it all, he knows he will survive. He survived the Spaniards, the Americans, the Japanese. He survived Marcos, Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, Arroyo and Aquino Number Two. He expects to survive Duterte. The Pinoy doesn’t sulk or sink into the pit of depression. Instead, he eats and drinks while complaining about his miserable existence, managing to enjoy whatever he can of it. The recent suicide of TV host Anthony Bourdain and that of comedian Robin Williams, a few years ago, left people wondering why those who had so much

Shouldn’t DU30 enjoy a right to good health? ALL sorts of rumors are floating around about President Rodrigo Duterte’s state of health. This has to be expected. At 73, he has accumulated various medical ailments, of which he openly talks about. He says he’s got Buerger’s disease, Barrett esophagus, a continuing migraine, and in his latest direct quote in one banner headline, he said, “I am in perpetual pain (from a previous motorcycle accident), but not seriously sick.” Yet he has not allowed an authoritative medical bulletin to intervene, thereby encouraging the rumor mill to spawn its own “garbage.” Reports about him allegedly coughing blood before and after his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) have not been denied. And the former founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and his quondam political science professor, Jose Maria Sison, recently announced from Utrecht that his former student had gone into “a coma.” This was convincingly denied by Malacañang, after special assistant Christopher “Bong” Go said in Filipino that the former mayor was resting in bed (“nasa kama”), instead of being “in a coma.” Then the conversation shifted to the unusual darkening of DU30’s face as a symptom of an undiagnosed illness. A sunburnt face DU30 explained that he got his face sunburnt from having to climb mountains without the snow caps of Mt. Everest. Many laughed at this, and internet ac-

Commentary

FRANCISCO S. TATAD tivists quickly offered their own medical diagnoses. They rattled off a number of disorders — “cirrhosis” of the liver; “polycythemia” — a medical condition in which a person is said to produce excessive red blood cells, causing an enlargement of the spleen or the liver, and making his skin “ruddy” in color; and Addison’s disease, a medical condition in which the adrenal glands fail to produce enough hormones, and one gets easily fatigued, and so on and so forth. This has created an unhealthy and ugly situation in which the nation’s most important person of interest is reduced into a “non-person” or an “inanimate object” and his physical condition restlessly speculated upon by not necessarily qualified, and not always responsible, analysts. Although B.S. Aquino III used to say the president is the “servant” and therefore “public property” of the people, his basic dignity as a human being remains inviolable, and deserves respect and protection from idle speculation and gossip. The people may want to know the President’s real state of health at all times, but they do not deserve to be fed with every kind of garbage.

Under Marcos, rumor-mongering became a punishable offense. I am not sure that prohibition still stands, but I do not believe any law is strong enough, or could be strong enough, to prevent the most salacious political rumor from spreading under any circumstance. The best way for government to stop such rumors from going viral is for the president to be forthright about his actual state of health. Timely and adequate correct information should preempt the fake news. Section 12, Article VII of the Constitution provides: “In case of serious illness of the President, the public shall be informed of the state of his health. The members of the Cabinet in charge of national security and foreign relations and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, shall not be denied access to the President during such illness.” Yet the president does not have to be seriously ill to prompt a regular bulletin on his state of wellness or health. An elevated temperature should be enough. Let us have those regular medical bulletins on the president’s state of wellness then. Instead of letting DU30 talk about his own physical and mental state, let an authorized medical expert do it for him. This is the best way to protect the truth and build public trust and confidence. Before and after Marcos Before Marcos, Filipino presidents did not mind standing naked inside their glass house, as it were, and letting the public know if anything was wrong

Philstar.com photo

money and success would want to take their own lives – but they did, reportedly because they had no one to share their griefs with and no one who could help them fight their inner demons. Could Bourdain and Williams still be alive if they had been successful personalities in the Philippines? Years ago, in the San Francisco Bay Area, an aging Filipino security guard, despondent over a terminal illness, took the lives of three innocent people and then his own. Could the tragedy have been averted if he had friends and relatives to run to? There is every reason to believe so. In the Philippines, you seldom suffer alone. There will always be an ear to bend, a drinking buddy to pour your heartaches out to. There will always be a relative to provide support. A childhood friend to understand your frailties. A barkada to stand by you, right or wrong. In contrast, in the Western world, one bears the pain alone. For the young, their parents are too busy working to ensure their future, they have little time to at-

tend to the present. On the other hand, adult children are too busy with the rat race to spare some time for their aging parents. For many who are desperate to talk to someone, there is only the TV set in an empty room to bare one’s soul to. My late mother refused to live in the U.S. in the two instances that we brought her over. Her complaint was that she had no one to talk to. She would be all alone in the house in the daytime because everyone was at work or in school. And at night, we were either too tired or too engrossed with other things. We finally allowed her to return home to San Miguel, Leyte where she could visit her friends and relatives whenever she wished and where she felt useful raising funds for the church. In America, you can’t go out and have a barikan or a pa-morning-an any time you want to. It’s not easy rounding up friends or relatives. Work gets in the way of having a good time. Sure, there are psychiatrists and psychologists, guidance counselors and social workers – but there’s nothing like sitting

with friends and family, around a table over drinks and pulutan. There’s nothing like being able to complain how unbearable life is, how corrupt the politicians are, and how rapacious their cronies, and then insulting them aloud and offering a toast to better times. My elder sister, a practicing surgeon and general medical practitioner, decided to shift to psychiatry when she immigrated to the U.S. Aside from the high cost of malpractice insurance, psychiatry allowed a more lucrative practice. “More people need a head shrinker here,” she jokingly explained. For months now, political pundits have been predicting that the Philippines is headed for a Revolution ostensibly because of poverty and the high cost of living. But that may not happen soon. For the Pinoy, even the worst of times are as good a reason as any to eat, drink and be merry. And as long he can still do that, the revolution will have to wait. *** E-mail: (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

with them. There was little or no effort to fudge the facts. There was no attempt to hide the fact that Manuel L. Quezon was ailing in the U.S. and ultimately died of tuberculosis in Saranac Lake, New York. Subsequent presidents, while living in the Philippines, traveled to the U.S. for regular medical checkups, and had themselves examined at the Water Reed General Hospital in Washington, D.C. with no attempt at cover-up. This policy and practice vanished under Ferdinand Marcos, mainly for reasons of national security. From the time he declared martial law in 1972 until he fell at the 1986 EDSA revolt, Marcos ruled without a constitutionally designated successor — no vice president, no senate president, no speaker with a right to succeed. There was also no constitutionally designated “survivor” (as in the Netflix series) should an accident or a terrorist attack take down the entire government. This compelled Marcos to exercise utmost caution in sharing any sensitive information about his state of health, even with trusted members of his Cabinet. Any information that he had fallen ill could trigger a power play among those who had an eye on the leadership, so Marcos tried to keep his various infections — from the most common flu to his kidney transplant — a tightly guarded personal or family secret. DU30 lacks FM’s excuse DU30’s case is nowhere like this. His line of succession is clearly and permanently established. Should he ever be com-

pelled, for any reason whatsoever, to leave the presidency before 2022, the sitting vice president automatically and compulsorily takes over, unless the law of constitutional succession is unlawfully disrupted or overwhelmed. It is not therefore DU30’s duty to worry whether this successor is going to be Leni Robredo, who now occupies the office, or former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who is contesting it before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET). Even the ungodly and the unbeliever know our lives are all in the hands of God. Despite this, DU30’s most important duty is to make sure, to the extent within his mortal power, that he remains alive, and that the question of presidential succession does not arise before his time is up. It should not matter then if the whole world knew that he has gone to Fuda Cancer Hospital in Guangzhou, to Dr. Farrah Agustin-Bunch Natural Medical Center in Tarlac, to Cardinal Santos Medical Center at Greenhills, or anywhere else, and that he would be flying to Israel and possibly to the U.S. soon — in search of a cure for his known and unknown maladies. The only thing that matters is that he does everything to get himself cured. In the last few days, we have been bombarded with the news story that DU30 would be leaving for Israel soon, to reward a group of retired military and police officers for their past services, by taking them on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Foreign travel has become the primary activity of the DU30 presidency, and he obviously wants to win

the allegiance and loyalty of the uniformed sector by giving them various freebies. So, he does not have to put up an elaborate production to justify his latest junket. But certain arbitrary acts of his against innocent and defenseless officers have created strong resentments in the ranks. The V. Luna scandal One such act involves the summary firing of the officers running the Armed Forces Medical Center, previously known as the V. Luna General Hospital, without any prior investigation. DU30 sacked Brig. General Edwin Torrelavega and Col. Antonio Punzalan after the doctorwife of an important Cabinet member reportedly ratted on them for alleged but unverified ghost transactions amounting to P1.4 million. It turned out that the papers covering the alleged transactions had already been completed when DU30 sacked the officials for an alleged crime that did not happen and which they did not commit. A total disgrace. V. Luna rank and file apparently uniformly regard Torrelavega as an outstanding doctor, a highly respected soldier and a genuine public servant. He is loved by his co-workers. There is no pending charge against him, no suspicion of wrongdoing, in the AFP or elsewhere, but he stands disgraced by DU30’s arbitrary action. And the men and women at V. Luna, together with their friends in the other services, are demoralized and pissed off. They are the ones DU30 should probably invite on his next trip. Magdalo partylist Rep. Gary

u PAGE A9

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OpiniOn & Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 1-4, 2018

A

Boracay reopening to inspire sustainable development by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

A BETTEr and more sustainable Boracay is set to welcome back visitors on October 26 and is expected to usher in newer and bigger markets awaiting the island’s full recovery. Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito Bengzon Jr. reiterated that the Department of Tourism (DOT) is well on track with its 7.4 million target as the island’s closure also became an opportunity to introduce and boost travellers’ awareness of other tourism destinations in the country, which was key to retaining the country’s positive month-on-month performance on tourism arrivals. “The fact that we have kept ourselves afloat is a very strong reflection of how resilient the industry is, how quick we are to make adjustments with our marketing and promotions and I think, also a very strong communication of how prepared the other destinations are in welcoming the influx of tourists who otherwise would have gone to Boracay.� Undersecretary Bengzon said. The DOT executive earlier stated that despite the closure of one of the country’s flagship destinations, brand equity remains strong as this has been continuously built upon for decades and has ensured stability such that demands from the global market also remains significantly high even with sudden setbacks. A worldwide advertising cam-

Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito Bengzon Jr. Inquirer.net photo

paign is set to be launched by the DOT in the following months, to be accompanied by strengthened promotions for various PH destinations, including the much-awaited re-opening of the famous island. This campaign is projected to entice more travellers to visit more destinations in addition to Boracay, as trainings and workshops for better sustainability practices are now being disseminated to industry players all over the country, guaranteed to provide better services to future clients. “When you look at it overall, we really have to make sure that when we roll it out, when we relaunch Boracay, it would be a better destination, more environment-friendly, and it will be more secure and we have to make sure that, more important than anything else, we avoid the problems that led to its closure in the first place.�

The DOT’s thrust for sustainability is also accompanied with infrastructure developments aimed at the same goal. Among these developments are the new Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and an evident buildup in the accommodation sector expected to expand the destinations’ capacity in welcoming visitors from all over the world. Undersecretary Bengzon assures travellers of better visitor experiences with the DOT’s projects already laid out for the coming months. “For our part, we will make sure that the accommodation establishments comply with the DENr/DILG requirements before they qualify for DOT accreditation. Manpower training programs will be extended to the accredited establishments so that the frontline services are much improved prior to the closing. And lastly, we will have to work on a very intensive marketing promotions. So in our travel fairs, in our sales missions, Boracay will be showcased as a better destination for our markets.� In 2017, foreign tourist arrivals reached 6,620,908 in total and in the first half 2018, 3.706 million international arrivals was recorded, promising a positive run towards the 7.4 million goal by the end of the year. With the reopening of Boaracay, the country is looking forward to bringing in new markets as well as sustaining the growth of its key markets – South Korea, China and the United States. n

Skateboarder is 4th Pinay gold medalist A SKATEBOArDEr competing in the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, has brought pride to Filipinos. Margielyn Arda Didal from Cebu province captured the Philippines’ fourth gold medal on Wednesday, August 29, at the JSC Skate Park in Jakabaring Sports City in Palembang. She bested the competition in the women’s street finals of skateboarding by securing 30.4 points—a lead of more than five points over Japanese silver-medal finisher Kaya Isa of Japan (25 points)—for her smashing Asian Games debut. Indonesian Bunga Nyimas (19.8 points) settled for bronze after finishing third. “Sobrang saya po (I’m very happy),� Didal, 19, told reporters after her gold standard performance. “Sobrang laki hindi lamang sa

Pilipinas, Asia, kung hindi sa buong mundo po ang skateboarding (Skateboarding is too big not only in the Philippines, Asia, but also all over the world),� she said. “I will give my very best for the Philippines.� Didal, the only Southeast Asian skateboarder to be invited to the Street League championships in London in May, got an opening score of 6.7 points after doing a difficult board slide on the railings and then accomplished 14.4 points on her second run. In the tricks section, Didal posted 6.0 in her initial run before getting 3.7 points in the second and then sealed the gold with scores of 7.1 and 8.9 points in the third and fourth attempts, respectively. It was her backside’s 50-50, 360degree flip out performance in the last play that wowed the crowd. “Enjoy lang ako, kulit, kulit, kulit

lang at wag isipin ang kaba,� said the happy Didal, referring to what she felt prior to the competition when asked about pressure. When asked what she is going to do with cash incentives worth P6 million that await her in Manila from various sectors, she replied that she would invest the money in a business to help her family. “For family, probably business. Hindi sa lahat ng panahon makakapag skateboarding tayo (Not in our entire life we’re going to rely on skateboarding),� said Didal, whose mother, according to Asian Games pool reports, is a sidewalk vendor of kwekkwek (eggs fried in flour batter) in Lahug, Cebu City. Didal joined early Asian Games gold winners Hidilyn Diaz of weightlifting, golfer Yuka Saso and the Philippine women’s golf team for a total of four gold medals. (ManilaTimes.net)

KATIPUNAN FLAG PARADE. Different flags of Katipunan parade along the intersection of Pinaglabanan and Dr. P.A. Narciso Streets in San Juan City, in celebration of the 122nd anniversary of the Battle of Pinaglabanan with the theme “Pinag-isa ng Kalayaan tungo sa maunlad na kinabukasan� in San Juan City on Thursday, August 30. PNA photo by Joey Razon

Shouldn’t DU30 enjoy a right to... PAGE A8 t

Alejano has effectively punctured the President’s Israel balloon by saying the real purpose of the announced trip is medical in nature. He would like to consult some of the best Jewish doctors. Alejano is probably right, but I would not blame DU30 for it. For Jews, Christians and even Muslims, Israel is not only the birthplace of the great Abrahamic religions; it is also the meeting place of ancient wisdom and modern science; its health care is one of the best in the world, and its best known doctors take good care of the health of its leaders. Israel’s caregivers In the late 1990s, as a senator, I made a couple of pilgrimages there with my family. Some years later, I traveled there with then former vice president Jejomar Binay, then presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers’ concerns, and met with the late President Shimon Peres in his office. There I asked Peres, in light of the rise of terrorism and other disorders in the world, if he would care to revisit a statement he had made earlier, that “the hunting season is over.� It was one of the most illuminating conversations I ever had. Peres struck me as the biggest intellectual I have ever met, in the tradition of Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He described Israel as a small country whose primary export was “knowledge,� and which employed Filipinos as the only foreign “caregivers� in their hospitals, hospices, and other health institutions.

NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY. President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with the members of the Kampilan Veterans Association Inc. on the sidelines of the National Heroes’ Day commemoration at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, August 27. Malacaùang photo by Rey Baniquet

Should DU30 decide to visit any of these places, he would likely bump into some Filipino caregivers. We should not therefore begrudge him the opportunity; he may even learn some enduring Christian values and virtues from his own countrymen there. Ultimate stop: US? Some of my usually reliable sources in Davao insist that DU30 is also exploring the possibility of going to the U.S. for medical consultation and treatment. Ms. Honeylet AvanceĂąa, DU30’s well-known commonlaw partner, Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio’s chief of staff, and the President’s own brother Bong are reportedly in the U.S. trying to make the necessary “arrangements.â€? No one in the U.S. Embassy in Manila seems aware of any forthcoming DU30 visit to the US. But DU30 has a standing in-

vitation from President Donald Trump to visit him in Washington, D.C. or New York. Despite announced threats by antiDU30 and anti-Trump groups to meet such a visit with noisy street demonstrations, it cannot be completely discounted, the sources said. The fact that DU30 has begun to criticize China’s position in the South China Sea territorial dispute, and to soften his position on the U.S. on a number of issues, could be the clearest indication that the speculation on a possible medical furlough in the U.S. is not entirely without basis, the sources added. DU30’s recent loud unfiltered talk that the “CIA is out to kill him� is perhaps his way of forcing the U.S. government to assure him of maximum protection and comfort should he finally decide to visit, the sources explained. (ManilaTimes.net)

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Duterte set for historic visits to Israel, Jordan by Christine

AvendAño Inquirer.net

President rodrigo duterte embarks on historic visits to israel and Jordan from september 2 to 8, the country’s first ever leader to be making the journey. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary ernesto Abella on thursday said the President would arrive in israel on september 2 for a four-day state visit, highlighted by a meeting with Prime Minis-

ter Benjamin netanyahu. duterte will proceed on september 6 to Jordan’s capital, Amman, to meet with King Abdullah ii. “these trips will be the first by a sitting Philippine President to both countries. the visits will mark historic milestones, benefit trade and strengthen relationships with key partners in the Middle east,” Abella said in a press briefing. the president’s trip to Jordan ends on september 8.

On duterte’s trip to israel, Abella said the President “saw it fit” to visit the country after he was invited last year. ‘Enemies to none’ “the renewal and expansion of our relations with israel is in pursuit of our ‘friends to all, enemies to none’ foreign policy. the Philippines expects to do its part in promoting peace and stability in the region,” he said. Asked whether the president’s visit to israel might affect Manila’s relations with Arab countries which have not recognized the Jewish state, Abella said the government was aware of “certain sensitivities.” “But i believe we have reached the stage of maturity in our relations that they understand, each one of them,” he said. Abella said he did not believe these sensitivities would pose a challenge. Asked whether the president would visit the Holy Land while in israel, Abella only said the Chief executive would visit “significant spots” there. Abella also cited the agreements that would be signed during duterte’s visits to the two countries. the agreements with israel include a memorandum of agreement on the employment of Filipino caregivers, a memorandum of understanding on scientific cooperation and a memorandum of understanding between invest in israel and the Philippines’ Board of investments. Excessive placement fees “in the future, we expect improvements in deployment procedures and the elimination of excessive placement fees imposed on Filipino workers bound for israel,” Abella said. the agreements to be signed with Jordan include a deal on the employment of domestic workers, a memorandum of understanding on labor cooperation and a memorandum of agreement on defense cooperation. Abella said the government also expected political consultations between the two nations on trade and investments, as well as an investment agreement with the Jordanian investment Commission. “Lastly, a mutual recognition of standard of training and certification of watchkeepers for seafarers,” he said. n

XIAMEN SENATE HEARING. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade testifies at the Senate investigation, presided by Senator Grace Poe, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, on Wednesday, August 29 on the Xiamen Air mishap last August 16 that caused a number of flight cancellations and stranded thousands of passengers at the NAIA. Also in photo are Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Eddie V. Monreal (left) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Director General Jim C. Sydiongco (right). PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

3 more cases filed vs Janette Garin, 36 others by edu

PunAy Philstar.com

MAniLA — three more criminal cases were filed against former health secretary Janette Garin and 36 others before the department of Justice (dOJ) on Friday, August 31 over the deaths of school children inoculated with the controversial dengvaxia vaccine. A complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide under the revised Penal Code and violations of the Anti-torture Act and Consumer Act was filed against former health officials and executives of manufacturer sanofi Pasteur inc. and distributor Zuellig Pharma Corp. by the families of Clarissa Alcantara, erico Leabres and Christine Mae de Guzman. the three victims — Alcantara, 12, from Aurora; Leabres, 10, from nueva ecija and de Guzman, 10, from Bataan — all died after being inoculated with dengvaxia, according to complaints filed by their parents through the assistance of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO),

Former Health Secretary Janette Garin Philstar.com photo

which was tasked by the department of Justice (dOJ) to conduct fact-finding investigation and case buildup on the dengvaxia controversy. the latest cases brought to 15 the number of criminal cases filed against Garin and other respondents before the dOJ as the PAO has documented over 80 cases of deaths from the vaccine. Like previous cases, the latest complaint accused Garin and others of negligence through “arbitrarily, maliciously and deliberate failure to inform the

dengvaxia recipients and their parents/families of the dangers and risks related to dengvaxia and to obtain their informed consent.” it also cited the failure of the dOH under Garin to conduct proper screening of dengvaxia recipients and to implement active and aggressive monitoring and surveillance of the recipients, considering the risks posed by the vaccine to seronegative recipients or those who had no history of dengue. the PAO earlier filed 12 cases involving the deaths of victims Aejay Bautista, Angelica Pestilos, Lenard Baldonado, Zandro Colite, Abbie Hedia, Jansyn Bataan, Mark Axel ebonia, rey Justin Almagno, Alexander Jaime, naomi nimura, Michael tablate and John Paul rafael. Garin and other respondents have denied the charges and sought dismissal of the complaints. executives of sanofi and Zuellig have yet to appear before the dOJ as they needed to have their answers consularized in their respective embassies. n

Navy working to retrieve BRP Del Pilar from shoal MAniLA — the Philippine navy’s Western Command has deployed all its vessels to retrieve the BrP Gregorio del Pilar, which has run aground near Hasa-Hasa shoal in the West Philippine sea. the navy’s flagship ran aground on a shoal in waters that China also claims last Wednesday, August 29, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said. Col. noel detoyato, AFP public affairs office chief, said the Western Command has mobilized its assets to conduct assessment, retrieve the aground vessel, return to safe harbor and assist all personnel aboard the ship. “An investigation is expected in such situations to find out the possible causes of the grounding and to come up with steps to ensure that similar incidents will be prevented,” detoyato said in a statement released on Friday, August 31. none of the personnel aboard the navy vessel were hurt during the incident, according to the

In this January 2012 photo, BRP Gregorio del Pilar patrols the West Philippine Sea. Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

AFP. the military also noted that other nearby assets are on standby for any contingency. defense secretary delfin Lorenzana earlier confirmed that BrP del Pilar is still aground in Hasa-Hasa shoal while the navy is assessing the damage. the del Pilar is one of the

Hamilton-class cutters that the Philippine navy acquired from the United states Coast Guard in 2011 and has converted into frigates. the vessel has a 25-millimeter Bushmaster auto-cannon, a 76-millimeter Oto Melara cannon and machine guns. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)

Former PH envoy, 5 other ‘Heroes of Hope... PAGE A5 t

social justice and peace for the poor. dee said that the country was faced with dark times today but said peace was not impossible to be attained. “i detect a general sense of discouragement and even despair during these difficult times, but do not be discouraged for it is in these times that justice and peace will reign in our land,” dee said in his speech. Hoang Yen was cited for her “brave” work in breaking down physical and mental barriers that have discriminated persons with disabilities in Vietnam, despite her own. Chhang was honored for his efforts to preserve the truth and the memory of the Cambodian genocide in the 1970s. Cruz had an all-embracing humanitarian effort in uplifting timor Leste’s marginalized. Vatwani was recognized for having a big heart for the mentally-ill who idly wandered the

streets of india by giving them shelter, food and psychiatric assistance and helping them return to their families who have abandoned them. Wangchuk’s community-driven reform of learning systems in remote northern india, which helped improve the lives of the young, was recognized by the award-giving body. the six awardees were selected for addressing issues of human development in Asia “with courage and creativity, and in doing so have made contributions that have transformed their societies for the better.” Vice President Leonor “Leni” robredo, who presented the awards, said the awardees embodied the rich legacy of leadership that was well known in Asia. “the Asia we know carries a rich legacy of leadership where leaders inspire courage rather than fear, bringing the best in our people,” she said. she said the courage of the op-

pressed was what made a country resilient, which is manifested by the people that the awardees were able to help. “the age that we know carries a rich legacy of humanity that despite the threats and attacks on humankind we remain resilient. ensuring that no tyrant may snuff out these rights. We have had a long history of bloody struggles in dark times and i refuse to believe that we suffer them for nothing,” she added. the six awardees joined 324 others. each of them received a certificate, a medallion bearing the likeness of President Magsaysay, and a cash prize. ramon Magsaysay Foundation President Carmencita Abella said the 60thyear of the Asian equivalent of the nobel Peace Prize was made special by the awardees who were “unafraid to take on large causes.” Created in 1957, the awarding takes place annually during the birthday of the late president Magsaysay. n

Another Duterte rape joke... PAGE A5 t

myself, although i’m from Luzon, people in the south – particularly in Cebu and the Visayas –they don’t really take things as seriously as people in Luzon,” roque said. “they’re not OK with rape jokes but let’s just say that perhaps the standard of what is offensive and what is not offensive is more liberal in the south,” he added. Meanwhile, davao City still had the fourth lowest crime rate for

the period, next to Ormoc City in Leyte, Cotabato City in Maguindanao and Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Angeles City in Pampanga had the fifth lowest crime rate, according to the PnP’s average monthly crime rate from January to July 2018. the average monthly crime rate — the frequency of crime relative to the population of a locality over a certain period — pointed out that naga City emerged with the highest crime

rate at 202.80 percent. Average monthly crime rate includes index crimes — murder, rape, kidnapping, homicide and other serious offenses against person or property — and non-index crimes, which include less serious offenses such as that of special prohibitions and local ordinances.?naga was followed by Mandaue City in Cebu, 169.49 percent; Pasay City, 141.84 percent; iloilo, 139.24 percent; and Makati City, 130.74 percent. n

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Lawmaker optimistic of impeachment case vs 7 SC justices by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

GOLDEN GIRLS. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, golfers Yuka Saso, Loisa Kaye Go, and Bianca Pagdanganan proudly show the gold medals they won at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino Internationa Airport in Pasay City on Tuesday, August 28. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Robredo on Duterte rants: Focus on country’s problems by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte may have wanted to “flatter” Vice President Leni Robredo with his frequent mention of her in his speeches, but Robredo would have preferred that the chief executive focus his attention on more pressing matters. In a statement, Robredo said that the country is facing more important matters, such as the rising prices of basic goods and the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. “The allegations made by the president are recycled rants conveniently used to deflect attention from the failures of this administration,” said Robredo. On Thursday, August 30, the president accused Robredo’s brother-in-law of involvement in illegal drug trade, an issue that had been circulating since Jesse Robredo, the vice president’s husband who died in a plane crash in 2012, was mayor of Naga City. The vice president’s camp has dismissed the allegation, which was also floated online in 2017. “Perhaps, he can use his power to intervene when his appointed officials struggle to come up with coherent solutions to the rising prices of rice and other basic commodities,” the vice president said. Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol and officials of the National Food Administration are facing resignation calls over food security issues, including a seeming scarcity of rice—a staple on every Filipino table. Piñol earlier said that he would eat weevil-infested rice—imports from Thailand—to dismiss fears that these are unsafe to eat. The government is also consid-

Vice President Leni Robredo said reminded Pres. Rodrigo Duterte that the country is facing more important matters, such as the rising prices of basic goods and the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. Philstar.com photo

ering “legalizing” rice smuggling as a short-term solution. Focus on P6.8-billion shabu shipment instead According to Robredo, Duterte should, instead “not shrug off the insistent report of his own [Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency] chief regarding the magnetic lifters found in Cavite.” Duterte has downplayed the PDEA’s statement that a ton of shabu may have been circulating in the streets now as the shipment has slipped past the Bureau of Customs early in August. The Bureau of Customs has also disputed the PDEA’s claim, as they said that there is no intelligence report on drugs found in the magnetic lifters, but PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino has stood pat on his agency’s earlier statement. Robredo also stressed to Duterte that Naga City—her bailiwick—is a city thriving on good governance and is, in fact, supportive of the government’s war on drugs. Duterte has repeatedly lambasted Naga as a “hotbed” of shabu and a crime hotspot but the gov-

ernment has yet to provide data that would support this. Robredo reiterated that Naga City “staunchly supports the drug war,” as city officials said that they have continually implemented an anti-drug abuse campaign. The vice president also said that Duterte should work on uniting the people instead of “glorifying” the later strongman Ferdinand Marcos. She stressed that Marcos is a “dictator who stole billions from our country, drove the nation into debt, and presided over the murder and imprisonment of thousands of Filipinos.” Duterte has called the late strongman “one of the brightest Filipinos” and, on Thursday night, said that the country is better off with a dictator. His latest remark comes weeks after he said that he is “tired” but would want to hand the reins of leadership to someone like the late dictator’s son, former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Robredo and the younger Marcos are locked in a pending electoral case before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal. n

MANILA — Independent opposition Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay is optimistic the impeachment complaints they filed against Supreme Court (SC) justices led by now Chief Justice Teresita de Castro will see the light of day. “Without preempting the decision of the committee on justice, we believe that our impeachment complaints are sufficient in form and substance and would establish probable cause to justify further hearings to be conducted by the committee,” he told reporters. When asked if he believes it would prosper, unlike that of President Duterte in 2017, the titular head of the self-proclaimed Magnificent 7 replied: “Yes, yes, because they are well-anchored on legal arguments and settled jurisprudence.” Lagman said pronouncements made by Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo — his ally and former political benefactor — is not applicable to them “because impeachment complaints are meritorious, justified and very sufficient in form and in substance, as well as probable cause.”

Arroyo, who survived four impeachment suits when she was president, told House reporters that anybody could file an impeachment complaint, but making it prosper is another story. Citing the SC’s 8-6 vote in favor of the quo warranto case Solicitor General Jose Calida filed against then chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Lagman and his colleagues said De Castro and Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Andres Reyes Jr., Francis Jardeleza, Noel Tijam and Alexander Gesmundo should be removed for their supposed role in the former chief justice’s ouster in June. Oriental Mindoro Rep. Salvador Leachon, chairman of the House committee on justice that will hear the complaints, has assured the SC justices of fairness and utmost impartiality, just like the way Sereno’s case was handled. “I would like to reiterate that the complainants should not be worried about outright dismissal, unless otherwise the cases filed are definitely devoid of merit. I can assure them, we can definitely say that we will deal with

this with utmost impartiality,” he declared. Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday, August 31 urged De Castro to use her short stint in office to repair the SC, saying her appointment was a “done deal.” “I wish that she will use the two months that she will stay in office to strengthen the institution. I think the Supreme Court went through a lot during the quo warranto case. I hope that her stay in office will be used to repair that,” Robredo said in Filipino during an interview with reporters in Bohol. Robredo, who is facing an electoral protest before the SC sitting as presidential electoral tribunal, said a strong high court is essential to a democracy. She was among those who supported Sereno. Lawyer Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s counsel in the electoral case, lauded the appointment of De Castro as Chief Justice, saying: “It is indeed very gratifying to learn from Malacañang that the appointment of Teresita de Castro as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court ‘was due to seniority rule.’” n

Gloria Arroyo: ‘I am retiring, no plans for prime minister’ MANILA – House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is all set to leave politics after her term ends in 2019. “I am retiring. I don’t plan to run for anything in 2019,” Arroyo said in an interview with CNN Philippines aired on Wednesday, August 29. The former president even doused speculations she is aiming to become prime minister under a federal system of government, which President Rodrigo Duterte has prioritized as part of his agenda. “I have no plans to be prime minister because it’s not even in the draft of the committee (that drafted the federal charter),” she said. Arroyo, who represents Pampanga, shot back to fame last month after she unseated Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez to become the Lower House’s first female House Speaker. She rose to presidency after former president now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada was ousted from power through a people’s revolt in 2001. But suspicions on her real political plans is no longer new. In 2003, Arroyo said she would not join the

House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

presidential race, only to run and win another fresh six-year term in 2004. While the draft federal constitution indeed does not prescribe for the election of a prime minister, the charter proposal will go through Congress for amendments, where provisions may be inserted or dropped. “I’ve said before, many times, I don’t expect the fruition of the charter change during my term as

Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

Speaker. But to the fullest extent possible, (I will work on it) within the limitations of my term, in the hopes that who will take it up afterwards, would continue,” she explained. Discussions on the draft charter has not moved forward after some senators themselves expressed reservations because Arroyo’s name has been raised together with the prime minister position. (Philstar.com)

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018

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JOURNAL Jake Zyrus stars in Japanese Darren Espanto happy to represent film with K-pop star people with diabetes by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA singer Jake Zyrus, formerly known as Charice Pempengco, reportedly stars in the Japanese film “Yaru Onna (She’s The Killer).” Jake reportedly plays the role of Akira, the best friend of the lead star played by K-pop star and former KARA member KangJi Young. Apart from acting in the film, Jake also sang the movie’s soundtrack, “Out The Window.” The singer reportedly said in an interview that his voice in the movie is higher because they began filming before he changed to become a transgender man, which is why his former name, “Charice,” is the name used to

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA singer and now actor Darren Espanto is happy to portray diabetic people through his role in the blockbuster movie “The Hows of Us.” On his Twitter account, Darren posted how people with diabetes came to him after the premiere night of their movie. “It’s touching to have people Jake reportedly plays the role of Akira, the best friend of the lead star played by K-pop star and with diabetes actually come up former KARA member Kang-Ji Young. Apart from acting in the film, Jake also sang the movie’s to me after the movie and tell soundtrack, “Out The Window.” Photo from Youtube/gomorrhizer me how much they could relate to my character, Yohan,” he Written and directed by Kiji introduce him in the trailer. The movie is an action film Miyano, “Yaru Onna” premiered about a woman who seeks re- at the Bucheon International Fanvenge for the killing of her par- tastic Film Festival in South Koents, which she witnessed when rea last July and will be released in Japan on October 27. she was young.

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D.

Part II: Philippine Chamber Singers-LA give their all to OPM at the Walt Disney Hall

“THERE’S music in the air, waving, whistling. Whispering to me, backwards, giving it a chase. And if you turn it you couldn’t even sing it. Maybe this tune is going mad in my head. There’s a poem in the air, shouting, roaring. Dancing, rolling. But when you go together with your heart, you can’t really catch the tune. Maybe this is how falling in love feels like, singing like crazy. What is happening to me? I’m stuttering, can’t seem to speak. I ‘m trying hard to sing. But, I am tongue-tied, but, if you put sense to it, you can’t really catch it. Maybe this is how falling in love feels like, That I want it so bad to make it a song.” – “HIBANG SA AWIT,” originally composed

for the UP Concert Chorus in the ‘80’s, rearranged for the San Miguel Master Chorale and Philharmonic Orchestra and newly arranged by Ryan Cayabyab. The Philippine Chamber Singers-LA (PCS-LA) concert on Friday, August 17 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, had a theme, “HIBANG SA AWIT (Mad about Songs),” with a comprehensive program of 22 songs of Original Pilipino Music. It was PCS-LA’s second concert at this well-acclaimed venue. The concert featured 87 singers and musicians, which included Mon David, Kit Navarro, Ana Burog, Edward Granadosin, Marivic Francisco, and Noel An-

Rhizomes

(Part II of II)

zures in featured solos. Song arrangements were commissioned from toweringin-reputation gifted composers from the Philippines: Ryan Cayabyab (whose name is synonymous to the growth of Original Pilipino Music Industry for 50+ years), Robert Delgado, Ruben Federizon, Monet Silvestre, John Pamintuan, Jude Roldan and Teresa Vizconde-Roldan, the latter two have developed children’s choirs and taken them to tours abroad. Much like the Roldans, Pete Avendaño has taken the Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Children’s (IHM) Choir that has won medPAGE B2

wrote. In an interview with Philstar. com during the movie’s thanksgiving, after the movie earned a whopping P35.9 million on its first day, Darren said it felt amazing how he touched those people. “Sa premiere night marami pong nag-mention na they really have their insulin taken every day. Minsan kailangan talagang tusukin palagi ‘yung finger to get the blood test, so sobrang cool din na talagang may na-touch kang mga tao,” he said. Darren Espanto PAGE B4 Photo from Instagram/@darrenespanto

B SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

EntErtainmEnt

Part II: Philippine Chamber Singers-LA... PAGE B1 als in acclaimed competitions in Glendale, California, Oregon and Ohio. The IHM choir has performed in Carnegie Hall in New York and joined choirs around the U.S. to sing for Pope Francis in Rome and will be in London in 2019. During the Christmas season, IHM’s choir has been featured on PBS, and has since been delighting audiences in LA. This year, they joined forces with the Precious Blood School’s Choir to form a 50-strong choral group that took our hearts away with cute frontline voices, three feet in height, yet bold articulate voices which introduced the songs, having practiced them in a limited time after school, singing with gusto as one. The diverse, over two thousand member audience at Disney Hall underscored the loyal base of Sopranos: Kit Buhion, Anne Jeanette Dwight, Marivic Francisco, Anna Hurn, Maria Christina Navarro, and Charmaine Normandia; Altos: Kim Bautista, Ana Burog, Judith Guerrero, Melissa Eugenio Gutierrez, Jennifer Morelos, Apple Nestle Nazareno and Lisa Ulanday; Tenors: Noel Anzures, Aristotle Canlapan, Hero Emolaga, Gerry Francisco, Oscar Pantaleon, Jr. and Louie Ulanday; and Bass: Novem Cabios, Dale Francisco, Gelo Francisco, Emmanuel Miranda, Medard Obida, Dino Padallan and Dennis Quiambao. Gelo Francisco is their artistic director and co-founder along with Burog, Dale Francisco, Hurn, Padallan and Miranda, who is also its resident conductor. Grace Mercado Ouano, an author, was impressed: “I have had the pleasure of sponsoring Philippine Chamber Singers - Los Angeles’ [two] concerts now at the Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. They are the Pilipino community’s pride when it comes to representing Pilipino culture and arts in the mainstream scene. It is my first time to attend their event at this magnificent concert hall. And what better way to watch my first concert than by a Pilipino choir with an all Pilipino repertoire. I am really proud and happy that our community came out in full support for these talented performers. I thoroughly enjoyed the program that evening and judging by the warm and thun-

Lisa Ulanday (alto) singing “Anak” with PCS-LA

Top image is Mandaluyong Polyphonic Society and family. Bottom Image is PCS-LA and family. Photo courtesy of Gelo Francisco

derous applause (not to mention standing ovations), the audience really loved the concert. They are a representation of what the Pilipino community in Los Angeles can offer - quality and a balance of culture and art in a melting pot that is LA, much like healthy, balanced and quality recipes that one can find in Foodtrients [a book I authored]. I salute PCSLA in their endeavor to bringing out the best of Philippine music. Mabuhay!” PCS-LA’s program included Madz Men Alumni (Gerry Francisco, Oscar Pantaleon, Jr. Bong Imperial, Aris Canlapan, Edward Granadosin, Saunder Choi and Emmanuel Miranda), the Malaya Filipino Dance Arts and musicians Paul Concepcion (piano), Elson Trinidad (bass), Leonne

Castellas (drums), Jonathan Frias (double bass), and Kendro Calica (pianist for Children’s Choir.) The well-amplified male voices of Madz Men came through and were much appreciated, and one cannot miss Edward Granadosin’s solo. “Since its inception in 2004, PCS-LA has been at the forefront of celebrating the joy and pride in Filipino musical talents in the midst of Southern California’s multicultural and ethnically diverse tapestry. PCS highlights a century of classic and modern Filipino music created by some of the greatest and most accomplished Filipino composers,” Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz wrote in his program message. “PCS-LA is heir to a long tradition of Filipino university

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and church-based choirs wowing and moving audiences in almost every continent.” LAPhil.com described PCSLA as a “dynamic, diverse, and decorated group of Filipino singers,” that has performed at the Cathedral of Angels in Los Angeles, bishops’ special events, and even invited by LA Philharmonic’s preeminent conductor, Gustavo Dudamel to perform with LA’s musicians at the Hollywood Bowl. Cynthia Bonta, the mother of state Assemblymember Rob Bonta, who traveled from Northern California, raved about how “Gelo is a people’s artist – one that acknowledges and showcases people’s art. The children’s choir and Mon David have arisen from the masses – nothing is elitist about them – their art is people’s art as it connects with ease to a people’s sensitivities. By sharing the stage, [Gelo] uplifts our Filipino identity and culture. The ease of delivery of such difficult music left us in awe. The transitional speeches personally connected with the audience in their simplicity and warmth of expression. With singers, conductors, instrumentalists showing their enjoyment as they performed truly deepened the audience’s appreciation of the evening, [as mine].” Music is their heritage and priceless inheritance Nagbubungkal, nagtatanim, kumikinang (shoveling, planting, healthy vibrance) are features of hard work in growing crops. But, what if those activities were applied in nurturing families and growing communities? If one is born into music, what if someone aligned with that luck, applied himself in that path, keeping in mind the law of favorability, and that the Universe conspires to give us more favors to grow our luck? Much like Andrea Morricone — an Italian composer-son of Ennio Morricone, who speaks with a sense of certainty, in sharing himself “as perhaps already swimming in music,” while in the womb of his mother, Maria and listening to his father, Ennio who played the trumpet — Anthony Angelo “Gelo” Francisco has similar roots of “swimming in the musically-gifted womb” of

Herminia, a coloratura (soprano skilled in opera), his mother, and listening to Gerardo, his father, a singer. They became part of an erstwhile Mandaluyong Polyphonic Society’s (MPS) and as the photo accompanying this article shows, Francisco’s dad (bass) and mom (soprano), encircled in white, who with their group, performed at exclusive Cardinal’s events in the Philippines. At MPS, Gerardo met Herminia and they became a couple, giving birth to the youngest Gelo Francisco with 4 elder siblings, all with gifts of musicality. A similar PCS-LA gathering with their families are in another photo. Fast forward to this Music Center’s Disney Hall event and we find Gelo Francisco’s family integrated into PCS-LA as well, with wife Marivic (a soprano), in a featured solo, while their son, Joaquim Antonio Belo Francisco, (college-bound on his gap

year) strummed the kalatong, a bamboo percussion instrument with Gelo. Both Joaquim and his father (Gelo) played the kalatong bamboo drums to a fast rhythm that provided the background to “TINIG NG LUPA,” which earned a chorus of audience’s bravos. We celebrated that we saw how the Francisco family rose as one, passing on the legacy inherited from Gelo’s father and mother, and now Gelo and Marivic passing on their gifts of musicality to their first born, Joaquim, another professional artist born that night. The integrity of passion and conviction to good music shows Equally outstanding was the rendition of “ANAK,” a popular song of Freddie Aguilar, with new arrangements from John Pamintuan. It was a solo featuring alto Lisa Ulanday, accompanied by Malaya Filipino-American PAGE B5

Edward Granadosin with Louie Ulanday, Hero Emolaga and Ari Canlapan at Walt Disney Concert Hall

Noel Azures

Emmanuel Miranda, resident conductor

Photos by Rick Gavino / Courtesy of Gelo Francisco

Blind singer asks ABS-CBN for unpaid fees, network responds by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

ABS-CBN has responded to a controversy involving a blind finalist of “It’s Showtime’s” “Tawag ng Tanghalan.” Recently, stage director Paul Ballano posted on his Facebook account that the singing competition’s finalist, Carl Malone Montecido, has not yet received his prize money from the competition and the PWD is asking for his help. In a report by PEP.ph, Paul said that the Kapamilya network, through Laurenti Dyogi, assured that they will settle the problem. Paul added that ABS-CBN said that while it did not take two years to pay Montecido’s prize,

said that he already received the checks of Carl and he thanked the network giant for its fast response. “At last.. Carl Malone through his Tito got his checks now. Thank you ABSCBN sa inyong pag aksyon sa post ko. No more fighting just love,” the stage director wrote. He added that they will just wait for the checks from Carl’s Genaral Santos and Zamboanga events. “Tawag ng Tanghalan” finalist Carl Malone “Sa mga nasaktan, nagallit, Montecido Screenshot from nainis at naipit. We are sorry but YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment what is important is the waiting is the network admitted that it still now over. This picture was taken owes Carl some talent fees from by their staff and i posted it here. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!”, he his TV and mall shows. In a new Facebook post, Paul added.

Even KathNiel has to fight the fizzle by TeSSa

Mauricio-arriola ManilaTImes.net

“A very slice of life type of story,” is how box office director Cathy Garcia Molina describes “The Hows of Us”—reel and real-life lovers Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s eighth movie together. By that, Molina means showing KathNiel on the big screen tackling the real stuff that couples their age and in long-term relationships go through. Less of the teen-kilig feels of “Must Be Love” (2013), the long stolen glances of “Barcelona: A Love Untold” (2016), and the unusual premise of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” (2017). Pain therefore tops the list of emotions which The Hows of Us stirred in the two actors, and that which should touch movie audiences who have witnessed the couple grow from a love team to adults in a serious relationship. “Kaya masakit na pelikula itong The Hows of Us,” Molina declared, as she assured media she challenged KathNiel’s acting skills to the hilt because she needed to do so. “Kailangan na nilang dalawa gumawa ng bago kasi after ‘La Luna Sangre’ and ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ and Barcelona ano yung susunod? Uulit ba ba doon o panibago? Ano pa ba ang hindi nila napupuntahan? [The answer] is something more real—yung masakit, just like life.” As such, The Hows Of Us follows the story of Primo (Daniel Padilla) and George (Kathryn Bernardo), a couple in a longterm relationship and building a future together. Like most love stories, theirs is tested by personal situations and commitment issues that give way to minor irritation,

displeasure and hatred for one another. As they find themselves asking where the love had gone, each one realizes what brought them together in the first place, compelling them to answer the questions, “How can we save us?” In doing the movie, Kathry and Daniel admit they met many parallelisms between Primo and George and their real selves. “Iba na yung kilig namin noon kesa ngayon,” Daniel was first to come clean as he finally revealed he and Kathryn have been together for five years. “Mas may effort na magpa-kilig, pero hindi ibig sabihin n’un hindi ko na siya mahal. Kasi lang naging normal na sa amin [over the years]‘yung para sa iba eh nakakakilig pa.” Beautiful as they are and picture perfect to look at together, Kathryn and Daniel apparently go through moments in their relationship where they have to fight the intermittent fizzle in romance that every couple goes through. In fact, for Kathryn it’s in “being together all the time” that results in relationship hitches. “Sa six years na magkasama kayo [their courtship included], magkakapikunan kayo, mababalingan mo s’ya ng init ng ulo,” the actress revealed. “[To fight it] the secret is to grow together and huwag mo man lang isipin na ‘sawa na ako.’ And dapat bigyan n’yo ng space ang isa’t isa, para may buhay kayo separately and together with family and friends. Si DJ maraming friends, kaya hinahayaan ko siya if he wants to spend time with his friends without me.” “Siyempre, dumarating ‘yung time na, ‘Araw-araw na tayo magkasama, Kathryn, ‘no?’ Dumadating ‘yun pero nire-refresh lang

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s five-year relationship may look perfect in public but they admit like any couple, they have to work on staying together.

namin palagi,” stepped in Daniel, proving that every relationship needs working on, no matter how made for each other they may seem. The couple laughingly concedes too that their relationship can be dramatic as the heaviest confrontation scene in The Hows of Us, but just without the heartwrenching musical score and the pouring rain. “Kay Direk Cathy lang yung may ulan,” Kathryn gave way to a cackle, and sobering up, she put their own secret on how to save a relationship at its simplest. “Choice ninyong dalawa kung ipipilit o ilalaban n’yo pa because there is no perfect relationship. What’s important is that you both learn and grow from your disagreements, and move on together.” The Hows of Us is a production of Star Cinema and also stars Juan Miguel Severo, Alwyn Uytingco, Kit Thomson, Ria Atayde, Jean Garcia and singer Darren Espanto in his acting debut.

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Ken Chan gets another role of lifetime by LHAR

SANTIAGO ManilaTimes.net

CAREGIVER PETITION ALLOWS ISAAC TO BE REUNITED WITH HIS CHILDREN IN THE U.S. AS GREEN CARD HOLDERS. Driven by the desire to improve his life for his children’s sake, Isaac (left) jumped ship when his ship docked at Los Angeles in 2007. Fortunately, he found an employer who was willing to petition him as a caregiver. The employer’s petition was approved, but Isaac still had to wait several more years before his priority date was current and he was eligible for a green card. All that time, Isaac could not return to the Philippines due to his immigration status. But he still made that sacrifice, knowing it was the right way to do. For him, it was better to wait, if everything was done properly and legally. Isaac knew he was in capable hands under the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, who helped obtain green cards for Isaac and his two young sons. Watch this happy family reunion on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement)

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WHEN Ken Chan portrayed a transgender in “Destiny Rose,” he thought then it was the hardest role he could ever portray. Giving it his all—the “ultimate role” of his career—he received excellent reviews in his portrayal, turning the drama series into one of GMA Network’s notable hits. “At that time, I really paid close attention to my transgender friends. Inaral ko yung kilos nila, pati boses nila na high-pitched. Even when I was at home, I tried to be like Destiny that one time my mom cried! She said she was afraid I had lost my real identity and that they were already living with another person in the house. That’s how focused I was,” the talented actor recalled to Showbuzz. In fact, because Ken was so deep into his character, as he wasn’t able to shake off Destiny’s mannerisms when the show ended. He had to go on a two-week vacation in Hong Kong, where his dad was born and raised, to forget about her. When he returned, he was back to being Ken and ready for a new role. He was Yuan Lee in “Meant To Be” with Barbie Forteza, another hit series for the network. His character was a far cry from Destiny, describing Yuan as a “serious guy na may pagka-su-

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Ken Chan plays the role of Boyet, a 22-yearold man with autism, in ‘My Special Tatay.’ GMA photo

plado.” Interesting as Yuan was, the demand to portray him of course came nothing close to Destiny Rose. “Ang challenge nga for me was to make sure wag lalabas si Destiny kay Yuan,” he joked, “making me believe all the more that she was it. Mahirap nang i-top.” Until now, that is, for it seems GMA Network was just waiting for the right material to challenge this gifted actor anew. Admitting he may have spoken too soon, Ken excitedly talked about his latest assignment—another role of a lifetime—as Boyet in “My Special Tatay,” a 22-yearold man with autism. “When our GMA bosses called me to present the project, I was so happy but natakot rin ako.

Kasi I realized na napakabigat ng role,” he revealed. “How do you project a person who has intellectual disability pero slight lang. How do I portray it na hindi ako magmumukhang abnormal pero maipaparandam ko sa tao that there is something wrong in me? These were the questions racing in my mind. “Thankfully, the production team was ready to help me prepare, lining up immersions which took me to facilities where I could study individuals in the same condition,” he continued. Besides developing Boyet, Ken also valued the experience as one of enlightenment, saying, “Interacting with them made me understand the kind of thinking they have, and I really sensed their honesty and purity of heart.” As such, this was the character Showbuzz saw on the set of My Special Tatay—in the manner of speaking, moving and the emotions Ken gave Boyet, which were all very touching and real. Grateful for a whole new challenge, Ken—whose love life admittedly suffered when he was doing Destiny Rose—promises to give My Special Tatay his undivided attention all over again. “Relationships will have to take the back given such an opportunity. I’m young and have so much time left for love. It’ll just have to wait,” he declared.

LJ Reyes, Paolo Contis expecting first child who are as excited as we are. And to you @lj_reyes ... When we became a couple 3 years ago, I felt so lucky! With all the problems I had, all the baggage I carry, you still accepted me and became my partner and strength,” he wrote. “Yes, we do have our bad days (dahil matigas ang ulo ko) but we always manage to be okay and happy... And now that we are expecting... I promise to be beside you all the way. You will never ever be alone. Thank you for everything my love! Mahal na mahal kita! We feel so happy and blessed and we just can’t help but share this great news with everyone. Now, let’s celebrate!! #BabyContis2019,” he added. LJ thanked everyone who greeted them on her Instagram account. “Words can’t express how grateful we are for the love and

Paolo Contis and LJ Reyes with Aki, LJ’s son with actor Paulo Avelino. Photo from Instagram/@paolo_contis

warm greetings you all have been sending us! Please know that we want thank each one of you who took time to post/text/call for your greetings! We are very excited to be in this journey!” she said.

B4 SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Delay aging

to repair them. These damages lead to obvious signs of aging: sags, bulges and wrinkles, gray hair, loss of muscle, bone and PHILIP S. CHUA, nerve integrity, impairment of MD, FACS, FPCS hearing and vision, incompetence of various sphincters (bladder and WHY do we age? Just like machines and engines, anal, etc.), lowered immunity and our body ages because of the resistance, and increased suscepcumulative damages to our cells, tibility to diseases and infections. tissues, and organs (resulting The arteries all over the body from daily “wear and tear” and the undergo severe arteriosclerosis self-abuse humans are well known (hardening) which leads to circufor) that exceeds our body’s ability latory and oxygen deficits in vari-

ous organs (brain, heart, glands, legs, etc) causing stroke, heart attack, reduced libido and other hormonal deficits. Can we delay or reverse the aging process? There have been so many claims made, especially by unscrupulous manufacturers and distributors of “food supplements,” that their products can delay or reverse aging, make people five, ten, or more, years younger. There is nothing farther from the truth. Unfortunately, although we are all looking for that “fountain of youth,” the potion or lotion (or, in whatsoever form), medical science still has nothing to offer us in this department. Fifty one top scientists in the world recently refute claims of this “miracle treatment,” including stem cell therapy, as advertised all over the globe and warn the public against this fraud. All the infomercials currently flooding the market and media are bunk, aimed at deceiving the unsuspecting public for a fast buck. What is the danger of trying some “anti-aging” drugs? Some of these drugs have adverse side effects that could lead to illnesses. Some may not have bad effects but are simply worthless, useless, ineffective in what they are purported to do. Taking them is like taking an empty capsule or a capsule filled with water from the faucet. And they are invariably very expensive. So, if you wish to give away your hard earned money, it is best to stay away from these fraudulent vendors of deception, and instead you can donate it to your favorite charitable organization to aid our underprivileged fellowmen. This will definitely give you genuine joy and sense of fulfillment and inner peace, which could make you feel great and younger, without being deceived and cheated. How about herbal anti-aging medications? The same is true with herbs and “natural products” being marketed out there as anti-aging agents. They are worthless. The multi-billion dollar “anti-aging miracle” industry is so effective in their marketing schemes that gullible people all over the globe are duped into buying their products, only for the defenseless victims to realize a bit too late that have simply wasted their money. I would like to underscore the fact that to date, there is nothing, absolutely PAGE B5

BY MONET

LU

EVERY time the “Ber” months are about to start, I get a sense of nostalgia and astonishment on how fast the year goes by. This year has been bittersweet for me as I remember the friends, families and families of friends who passed on. While I have so much to be thankful for this year, I can’t help but wonder about my bereaved friends — especially those who have lost their soulmates. I was watching Lorna Tolentino on her latest soap opera and I remembered that it has been 10 years since her late husband Rudy “Daboy” Fernandez passed away from cancer. I remember because I was with her at that time and I got to know her a little bit when she was with Rudy undergoing treatment here in the U.S. It’s heartbreaking to see couples driven apart by an inevitable fate we all can’t escape. But surprisingly, a loved one’s death also has a way of unveiling our true selves. And for my dear friend, Lorna, she is happy being single – a status I haven’t seen in years in the midst of #hugot and #mayforever. What can I say, Tolentino — sometimes known as L.T. — has so much to live for. She can choose to be “single and ready-to-mingle” or she can just enjoy the projects she has and being a mom to sons Rap and Renz Fernandez. She had her one great love and that was it for her. Her love life is the last thing on her mind. She currently stars in the daytime action-drama series “Asintado” on ABS-CBN. She portrays the role of Miranda Ojeda, the mother of Gael (Paulo Avelino) and the Chief Strategist of Salvador del Mundo. She is ruthless and will go as far as breaking her son’s heart to protect Salvador’s political career. Senator del Mundo depends on her to orchestrate his every movement to the public. Throughout the years, Tolentino has already played a lot of roles in Kapamilya teleseryes, such as “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay,” “Dahil May Isang Ikaw,” “Momay,” and “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.” She first appeared in Prima Productions’ “My Little One,” using the screen name of Giselle.

Life Coaching in a Different Perspective STARGAZER IN my many years of counseling and looking through people, one of the most common of all questions is this: “Where am I heading for in life?” or “What is destined for me?” For most, this question bothers them and affects major decisions in their lives. They either stall or make hurried decisions, thinking that they are on the right track. But how will you know you are on the right path? It’s simple if you can follow these steps. First, make an assessment of what have you achieved in life. What have you conquered and overcome? Where have you been? Then look back and see whether you have reached what you aimed for. If there was any achievement, was it much or was it too little or not enough at all? Then, if you feel the inadequateness, identify where you have gone wrong. Be humble enough to assess truthfully what else you can improve on and be open to the transformation. What you can achieve must be based on what you are capable of or is capable of learning. Never try to aim for the heavens that are unreachable by you. In short, make a goal that you can realistically reach. After being able to assess your achievements, strengths and weaknesses and identify your realistic goals, it is now time to ask ourselves, “Do I really want this? Is this what I need in life?” Second, set your goal and do it. If the goal set is what you really like, act on it.

The ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ of the Beautiful Life celebration

Later she changed this to Lorna Tolentino, after Siony Tolentino, who helped her enter the movie world of FPJ Productions. She played the young Susan Roces in “Divina Gracia” in 1970. Her first starring role was in “Langit Ko ang Pag-Ibig Mo” with Eddie Garcia and Panchito. She was paired with Tirso Cruz III in “Dalagita” in 1976 and with Rudy Fernandez in “Leap year ngayon, lagot ka pipikutin kita.” The 1980s proved to be a turning point in her career when she was recognized by award-giving bodies. Her outstanding films of this period and the nominations she received were: “Moral,” where she got nominated for Gawad Urian Best Actress, Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), Star Award, Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP); “Init Sa Magdamag,” “Huwag Mo Kaming Isumpa,” “Maging Akin Ka Lamang,” “Natutulog Pa Ang Diyos,” “Kailan Mahuhugasan Ang Kasalanan?”; and “Kislap Sa Dilim.” Tolentino has had 14 FAMAS nominations for Best Actress and won three times. The first of which was for Best Child Performer in 1971, alongside best child actor Arnold Gamboa, her co-star. Her incredible feat in 1992 for the film “Narito Ang Puso Ko” earned her the monicker “Grandslam actress.” From FAP, she has three Best Actress Awards from her films, “Maging Akin Ka Lamang” (1987), “Narito Ang Puso Ko” (1992) and

“Abakada... Ina” (2001). From Gawad Urian she has had 10 nominations. She also has had her share of television work, including four very successful soap operas: “Kay Tagal Nang Hinintay,” “Timeless”; “Hanggang Kailan”; “Dahil May Isang Ikaw”; “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin”; and the hugely successful, “May Bukas Pa (2009-2010),” detailing the chronicles of a young boy who could talk to God. I could go on and on about her achievements and what has kept her busy all these years but one thing stands out to me is that this lady has been a dreamer and fighter in all aspects of life. She’s not about to give all that up because she is no longer part of a “couple.” She is the epitome of “single but not alone.” To the one and only “pictorial queen” and box-office queen, I am touched by your positivity and strength. I am honored to have known you and your family. I wish you all the happiness in the world. May your life continue to be an inspiration to many. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Find your place under the sun and shine

You cannot achieve if you just let dreams as dreams. You cannot reach heights if you do not move. In achieving these goals, you have to do your best. It is never half-half nor controlled enthusiasm. One has to give whatever s/he can and to the best s/he can. Third, watch out for the signs. There is such a thing as destiny or fate. If it is meant to be, it will be. What is not meant for you, will never happen no matter how hard you try. If one field is really for you, signs will be evident and you will be led to that specific endeavor. Things will be easier.. smoother. The path that is meant for you will simply unfold and things will unravel with ease. There will be no opposing forces at all. Fourth, be yourself. Never envy others nor try to copy them. Always be who you really are and never walk in the shadow of someone else. Copying others will make you a sorry copycat. Remember that you have strengths that others don’t have and they have attributes you don’t possess either. I often hear young people say that they want to be like me... and want to learn how I do things. I simply smile because our paths will never ever be the same. When people ask me if they could develop their extrasensory skills, I never get in the way and say no. Of course, they could always try and learn stuff that I learned several years ago to develop my skills as a psychic. But we will never be the same. One’s success can never be duplicated. It can either be unparalleled or exceeded. One’s

shoe will never fit the same with another because of differences in size and appearance. What is destined for one will never be the same for another. As simple as that. Fifth, compete only with yourself. Competing with others should never be your goal. It is a much better world if you try to better what you have achieved every year. By doing so, you are setting your standards basing on what you are capable of. As an outcome, there will be more peace and less hostility at work. People will not be at each other’s throats in competition. There will be more helping and sharing around everyone else. And lastly, sixth, have faith. Bring God along your journey and let Him steer you to success. A God-fearing person is more humane and conscious of his actions. Be easy to forgive and move on with simple problems in life. Just walk in the path of Karma — when you are aware of the consequences of your actions. Find your own place under the sun and shine in its brilliance. *** Stargazer is a life coach, aura reader, psychic/clairvoyant, and lecturer on the paranormal. She uses the aura, energies & vibrations as focal points of her psychic readings. Using several techniques involving the psychological, spiritual, paranormal and her own experience of the intricacies of life, Stargazer makes one get in touch with his inner and understand life in a positive manner. Faith in God and belief in self is what Stargazer emphasizes on. Currently, Stargazer is a radio anchor of DZMM Teleradyo, the radio arm of ABSCBN. Her show “Pinoy Vibes” has been airing every Sunday morning since Sept. 2007. For more information, please visit http://stargazer.ph/.

Darren Espanto happy to...

PAGE B1 “Mas naging malawak ‘yung kaalaman ko sa mga taong diabetic and also ‘yung hirap na they have to go through every day also depends kung anong type yung diabetes nila. Minsan mahirap

‘yung sa iba,” he added. Since it is his first time to act in a film, the singer said he is willing to act again if given a chance. “Tumaas ang respeto ko sa mga tao sa set ng isang pelikula.

For me po, it’s very different from singing talaga. Kailangan mo ibigay sa acting ‘yung kailangan mo ng ibigay sa singing. So if an opportunity like this comes again, I’d like to try it again.”

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Part II: Philippine Chamber Singers-LA... PAGE B2 Dance Arts and of course, PCSLA. Many Filipinos can sing “ANAK” as the tune is almost instinctive, having been born in the Philippines, a place where this song is heard in the plazas, musical halls, academic stages, television, and movies and like a prodigal son, one breaks off from family to grow independence and returns to home again. To have a Filipina-American like Ulanday sing this in Tagalog, which is not her primary language, took a lot of preparations from her as to style, enunciating the words and vowels with the punctuated emotions, and of course, the sound dynamics. She said, “I never thought simple words like ‘gatas’ (milk) could sound too aristocratic when I applied traditional choral singing vowels. I had to consciously add more ‘y’ in kamay (hand), so I didn’t sound hoitey toitey.” “How did you prepare for this?” I asked her, one evening, after putting her own anak to sleep. “First, I had to look up the translation for every single word as I only speak English and Ilocano. I probably know Spanish better than Tagalog because of four years of Spanish in high school. Next, I listened to Freddie Aguilar’s original and it struck me as folk sounding, melancholic and really relied on the lyrics to get the message and the emotions out of the song. I looked at Pamintuan’s arrange-

The crowd at Disney Hall

PAGE B4 nothing, that will slow down or reverse the aging process. Simply modifying your lifestyle to a healthier one, which will not entail added expenses (and in many instances even save you money), can make you look and feel younger, safely and wisely. What about growth hormones? Growth hormones (hGH) level, like other hormones naturally produced by our body, drop with age. Infomercials mislead the uninformed public into thinking that ingestion of the commercially available hGH will “normalize” the level of hGH, slow down or reverse aging, and restore vigor, sex drive, muscle tone, and a

sings her heart, her angst and anguish alone overtook the stage with that spot. I looked at it from that angle since I would not have the concert with microphones to help me get the message across. And of course, the message is universal, I have been the child and now I am the mother. I totally get it,” she reflected on her artistic process. Indeed, Lisa got it as the audience, who gave her a resounding chorus of bravos. We got it that she communicated why ANAK has become “arguably one of the most popular songs in the world, translated into several lancally prescribed as a part of the treatment regimen for some growth disorders in children, but some use them to reduce body fat and improve muscle tone. These hormones can “stimulate” the growth of tumors in the body. Additional bad side effects include excess bone growth, kidney problems, diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, lung and heart failure, and possible premature death. Do antioxidants have anti-aging effect? Unfortunately, they do not. Antioxidants, like Vitamin C, E, and A (beta carotene), are widely advertised to reverse aging and prolong life to age 120 years. Scientists are astounded and angry about this claim by marketers of these and other “food supplement” products, because the claim is unfounded and medically

baseless. However, scientists the world over recognize that anti-oxidant rich foods such as fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of illnesses like heart disease, cataracts and macular degeneration, and cancer. Megadoses of vitamin E and selenium can cause bleeding that could be fatal, and that of beta carotene may increase the risk of cancer. Beware: some food supplements on the market may have serious, sometimes even lifethreatening, side effects. How then can we “stay and feel” young? The process and effects of aging are faster in some individuals, slower in others. To some extent, the changes are within our control. While there is nothing to reverse or slow down the aging process, there are things we can do to protect our body, minimize

Pete Avendaño and IHM Children’s Choir with Precious Blood

Delay aging...

youthful appearance. This is not so. Taking hGH may make someone feel better but it is downright dangerous. Anyone who claims they can reverse the aging process is lying, according to S. Jay Olshansky, demographer of the University of Chicago. Can these drugs cause cancer? “Youth-enhancing” hormones, like DHEA, estrogen and testosterone, which are massively promoted as a miracle cure that will reverse aging and make people years younger, have been suspected of raising the risk of cancer of the breast and prostate. When is growth hormone used? Growth hormones are medi-

B

mine by diversion and default. Some journeys are direct, and some are circuitous; some are heroic, and some are fearful and muddled. But, every journey, honestly undertaken, stands a chance of taking us toward the place where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need,” Parker Palmer wrote in Let Your Life Speak. PCS-LA took their paths to Disney Hall with courage, boldness, community support and the audacity of being people’s artists, showcasing talented Joaquim, playing with Gelo and Marivic Francisco, who was singing soprano at Disney Hall artists like themselves, and collaborating with gifted musicians guages, generated hundreds of was one. The audience appreciated from the Philippines, here in Los cover versions, and sold millions of copies,” Emmanuel Miranda the ‘70s Rock Medley sang by Angeles, and wherever FilipinosAna Burog, Lisa Ulanday, Kim mad-about-songs are. It was as wrote in the program notes. As PCS-LA’s resident conduc- Bautista and Apple Nazareno. I wrote in Part I, magical, warm, tor, Miranda’s prowess came to It signaled to the audience that and tender! Footnote: This writer wrote the fore, as this writer observed this is the fun part. But also, the a July’s practice session, wherein “TSISMISAN,” where the audi- about Mon David, Ana Burog, Kit Navarro and Edward Granadosin the choral group had yet to gel ence was pleasantly surprised. Noel Anzures sang the solo of in Part I published in the Asian as one, with some trailing sounds that piqued the sharp ear of “HANGGANG SA MULI,” com- Journal - Los Angeles Weekend Miranda. He stopped them and posed by Ryan Cayabyab and edition on August 25, 2018. *** could not take the off sounding arranged by Moi Ortiz. It was notes. Like a father to a child, he dedicated to Alec Bao, an erst- Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a said: “Did you practice? Please while PCS-LA member, who re- weekly column for Asian Journal, called ceived a heartwarming applause “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ do not waste my time.” To this writer, the perceived and perhaps equally moved by Press for 10 years. She also contributes harshness was unnecessary. Yet, Noel’s heartfelt rendition, and to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and all that harshness is in the past, also Alec’s presence,“So many experiences are in science, food technology, forgotten and now all we see is songs sang coming for the heart/ law and community volunteerism for 4 that the hard work paid off, as Hoping we’ve made you smile decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree the concert showed the beauty just for a moment.” HIBANG SA AWIT did not from Whittier College School of Law in of a choral group singing as one. It called to mind the language disappoint, it lived up to the California and a certificate on 21st Century used by Gustavo Dudamel and audience’s expectations from Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School Andrea Morricone who practiced their first Disney Hall concert of of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. and conducted professional four years ago. “I enjoyed this concert more Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell members of their orchestras and through their exasperation, than their first, I dare say,” Cyn- Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over had this to say, “Almost perfect,” thia Bonta added. “Rosa Parks took her stand 22 national parks in the US, in her pursuit of motivating them to reach that summit of perfection, if there with clarity and courage. I took love for nature and the arts.

Photos by Rick Gavino / Courtesy of Gelo Francisco

ment next.” Note that she is describing knowing first the original, the traditional base of the song, before the new arrangement that is born out of the original with new twists. “The new arrangement is more staged, it could easily be a song for a musical. I thought half of these folks wouldn’t understand or hear the lyrics I am singing either because of a language barrier or distance from stage. I worked on performing as I would in a musical like Les Miserables, like Aida, like Miss Saigon. When the female lead

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018

natural wear and tear, and make us feel and look “younger.” Selfabuse (like smoking, drinking more than two alcoholic beverage a day, not doing exercises, eating high-fat, low-fiber diet, not having adequate hydration, not getting enough sleep and relaxation, not having peace of mind, taking everything in life too seriously) speeds up the aging process in our body, literally (anatomic and physiologic) and figuratively speaking. Putting an end to selfabuse and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, plus the prudent use of protective cosmetic products (to ensure proper hygiene and facial and skin moisture) tones not only our sagging dermal state but our mental and spiritual state as well. In addition, once-a-day multivitamins and minerals plus whatever prescription drugs we

take will certainly help us live a healthier life. Taking delicate care of our body by living a healthier lifestyle, without unwisely throwing money down the drain, will most assuredly make us look and feel younger and better. After all, our body and our pocketbook both deserve that. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

B SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Federal court order gives new hope to asylum seekers THE American Civil Liberties Union (â&#x20AC;&#x153;ACLUâ&#x20AC;?) recently won a court order requiring the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (â&#x20AC;&#x153;ICEâ&#x20AC;?) to follow their published guidelines regarding the release of asylum seekers from custody. The case (Damus v. Nielsen) specifically applies to asylum seekers who have passed their credible fear interviews. It gives new hope to asylum seekers who have recently arrived in the U.S. at a port of entry and who can show they are not a danger to the community and that they are likely to appear for future court proceedings. The U.S. District Court found that under the Trump administration, ICE has significantly changed its processing of parole requests for foreign national who arrive in the U.S. and are able to demonstrate a credible fear of persecution in their home country. For example, the Los Angeles Field Office denied 92% of these requests in 2017. However, in prior years, more than 90% of such requests were approved. This drastic swing convinced the court that ICE was no longer following its own established policy. Rather, it was arbitrarily denying parole to nearly every applicant. Therefore, in the class-action lawsuit, the court issued an emergency order requiring ICE to review all parole denials to members of the Damus class. In addition, pursuant to the Damus order, ICE must make a decision on most new applications for parole within two weeks of the credible fear determination. This case is important because being held in ICE custody has many negative effects. The detained person is separated from family and friends, work or school, and prevented from getting on with any kind of normal life. Visiting hours are limited, and most detention facilities are located in remote areas which make it inconvenient for family, friends, and attorneys to keep in regular contact with detainees. Many medical stud-

Your Immigration Solution ATTY. LORELLA T. HESS ies have shown that, especially for asylum seekers who are often already traumatized by the circumstances they fled in their home countries, prolonged detention exacerbates psychological symptoms. Likewise, family and friends on the outside may be struggling with extra financial strains or childcare responsibilities caused by the absence of the detained person, as well as with their own anxieties about their

den falls upon family members and friends on the outside, who are often less informed about the details of the case and may not know what to do. And of course, many asylum seekers have no friends or relatives in the United States. If an asylum applicant is detained, the attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first priority will be to determine whether release is possible. The Damus order now gives thousands of detained asylum-seekers new hope for release. Under Damus, most asylum-seekers who have received a positive credible fear determination should be released from ICE detention so long as they can reasonably prove their identity, they are not a danger to the community, and that they do not present a flight risk. A knowledgeable immigration attorney will be able to assist families in meeting all these requirements while their loved ones are detained. They will thereafter be able to present the best possible case for asylum and long-term safety in the United States. It is better for everyone when asylum seekers are allowed to fully assist in their own court cases. This allows for the best possible opportunity to remain safely in the United States while also allowing for immigrants to remain with family and friends throughout the duration of their case. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with ofďŹ ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. For more Information please call (800) 795- 8009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If an asylum applicant is detained, the attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first priority will be to determine whether release is possible. The Damus order now gives thousands of detained asylum seekers new hope for release.â&#x20AC;? loved oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fate. In addition, an immigrant is also at a significant disadvantage with regards to their court case when they are in ICE custody. The courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s detained docket moves very quickly, which makes it difficult to retain a good attorney and collect all the evidence needed to present a strong case. If expert testimony is required, it becomes more challenging for then expert to properly evaluate the case and effectively present their opinions to the court. Plus, the person who has most at stake in the case and who knows most about it - the one who is at risk for being deported from the United States - is often unable to offer much assistance while locked away in ICE detention. He or she cannot personally search for documents, obtain official records, or contact employers or other references. Thus, the bur-

*** 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.

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Pilgrimage to Some of ITALYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5(9 -2(/ %8*$6 ĹĄ 1RYHPEHU WR 1RYHPEHU 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; 86$ 520( 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH Upon our arrival in Rome, our Tour Escort will welcome us to Italy. Rome is the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all over the world. After a short panoramic orientation of this Eternal City to us Roman Catholics, we will have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 3DSDO $XGLHQFH 5RPH This morning before we continue with our tour, we will have a Papal Audience. Then after, we will visit the famous Coliseum and see the Forum, the Trevi Fountain 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 Fountain, before heading to our Hotel. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D)

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH %DVLOLFDV We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, and even ancient Greek and Roman artists. the largest church in Roman Catholicism, St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary Major, Followed by visit of the Basilica. We continue to visit the rest of the major Basilicas within the walls of Rome, and St. John Lateran, 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 steps that Christ ascended to receive Pilateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unjust condemnation. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY )UL Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of the stigmatization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year. San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina from 28 July, 1916 until his death on 23 September, 1968. Enjoy the drive going to San Giovanni, after we check in our Hotel. vWe visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated with him, such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace that contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditating, see his room, his confessional box and the cruciďŹ x that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Celebrate Holy Eucharist (Hotel Gran Paradiso) DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN San Giovanni Rotondo (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6DW Ĺ&#x; 6$1 *,29$11, 52721'2 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 awesome Basilica. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO (Hotel Gran Paradiso)

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6XQ Ĺ&#x; 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR /DQFLDQR /RUHWR MASS AND BREAKFAST. We arrive at Lanciano, famous for the Miracle of the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The miracle took place during the 8th century when a Basiline monk doubted the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. He found himself holding the host that had changed into Real Flesh and the Wine on the altar had changed into Real Blood. We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to see the famous sacred home of the most Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Since 1294 the holy home has been located inside the Basilica of Loreto. Celebrate Holy Eucharist in Lanciano. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi. 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; /RUHWR $VVLVL Today we explore the hilltop birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. In the Crypt of St Francis Basilica lies the tomb of one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Eucharist at the Crypt of St. Francis See the Basilica of St Clare, with her incorrupt body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its CruciďŹ x from which Jesus spoke to Francis about his mission in 1206: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go, Francis, and rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.â&#x20AC;? We visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi took place in 1240. The small Church of the Porziuncola is inside the Basilica itself. Pope Honorius III granted a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble Church on August 1st and 2nd every year, with Confession, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; $VVLVL 6LHQD )ORUHQFH We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built in the 13th century, it is a treasure chest of the Renaissance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history while admiring itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great medieval squares. Continue to Florence. (BB,D) We start with a guided walking tour of Florence, this fascinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giottoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist. Rest of the day free (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; )ORUHQFH 5RPH Leave Florence around 2PM Arrived Rome almost dinner time (BB.D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 86$ End of our wonderful Pilgrimage

Please call QTS Tour and Travel NOW at 1 (714) 288-0800 or (714) 761-6280 1095 N Main St. Suite O, Orange, CA 92867

C SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon IF you are delinquent on your debts, you may be able to avoid dealing with the bill collectors for a few months but sooner or later, you will still need to face the reality of your debt problems and do something to protect yourself. For example, creditors will probably wait until you are 60 days late before they hand over your account to their internal collections department. If you’ve had a loss of income, your creditors may even tell you about their hardship program that will allow you to make lower payments at a significantly reduced interest rate. Others will close your account which means that you can no longer use your credit card until the debt is paid in full. No matter what you are offered by the creditor at this point, however, it is only temporary and will not help you if your hardship continues for longer than a few months. Once you’re 90 days late, creditors start to become more aggressive. Some creditors will turn the account over to an outside collection agency. Of course, by this time, your debts continue to snowball as the creditors continue to add interest and penalties to the original amount owed. Federal and state collection laws prohibit abusive collection tactics but the reality is that a lot of bill

The Prophetic Voice ReVeRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAS (THIS is an article I wrote several years ago. I thought of posting it again to give some sense of hope and comfort to us in this time of crisis in the Catholic Church. Let’s pray for justice, healing, forgiveness, conversion, renewal, and strong leadership in the church. Let’s be one in prayer and right judgment.) It was eight o’clock on a quiet night in the municipality of Izalco in Sonsonate, El Salvador. The parish priest, Padre Napo and his vicar, Padre Jorge, invited me to come to a meeting with members of their parish pasto-

Community Journal

Warning: Before you hire a debt settlement company collectors do not follow these laws and will make your life miserable by harassing you for payment. If the creditor decides that you probably will not pay back the debt, they may write it off their books and report the account as a “charge off” to the credit bureaus. To recoup the creditor’s losses, the account can then be sold to a third-party collection agency who buys the account for a fraction of the original amount owed. At this point in the collection process, you may be able to negotiate a drastic reduction of the debt amount and pay the creditor 20-50% of the amount owed. Should you do it yourself, hire a lawyer or is hiring a debt settlement company a good idea? If you don’t feel confident dealing with creditors yourself, you may be tempted to hire a debt settlement company to avoid the expense of hiring an attorney. Don’t do it! Remember that a debt settlement company cannot legally represent you if you are sued and thus, they cannot protect your legal rights. Also keep in mind that some creditors will flat out inform you that they refuse to work with a debt settlement company and if this happens, that means you leave them no other option but to file a lawsuit against you. I have seen a lot of unscrupulous debt settlement companies who misrepresent their services to the public and offer false hopes

to unsuspecting consumers who are desperate for a solution. A lot of these debt settlement companies do not clearly explain to you how their debt settlement program works before they ask you to sign a contract with them. These dishonest companies’ advertising sounds so good and once you call them, they often tell you nothing but lies just to suck you in. They do not tell you anything about the potential downfalls of hiring them and often make big promises that they cannot deliver. Be careful in hiring a debt settlement company or you may end up in a worse situation with your credit with no solution to your debt problems. If you are in debt and think debt settlement or filing bankruptcy may be a solution for you, we are here to help you figure out your best option. For a free consultation, call my office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 and we will help you step by step in finding a solution that’s right for you. We 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)

”For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” – Matthew 18:20 in naturally, by overcoming any shyness and distance. They were interested in what I had to say. They asked questions about my origin, culture and ministry. They were delighted to hear my answers, and my stories. We kept chatting for an hour

Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

NO, merely renting out your house, condo, or apartment does not attract IRS audits. But yes, there are rental items that attract IRS scrutiny: • Deducting expenses that are disproportionately high compared to rent collected. • Deducting capital items that should be capitalized and depreciated. • Claiming to be real estate professional. Let’s discuss these items. Rental Properties Produce Rental losses: Most rental properties produce rental losses due to depreciation. Expenses for mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and repairs typically offset gross rents collected. It’s depreciation that produces tax losses. Such losses are considered passive and cannot be used to offset active income from wages and business income. However, you can deduct rental losses if you are an active participant in the management of your rental property. Passive rules allow you to deduct a maximum of $25,000 every year. Deducting

Does rental property attract IRS audit? more than that amount triggers IRS activity. Rental Losses For Real Estate Professionals: Rental losses produce tax shelters that investors crave to reduce tax liabilities. A regular rental owner can deduct a maximum loss of $25,000 as described above. Real Estate Professionals, on the other hand, can deduct more than that amount. In a simplified example, you can deduct $100,000 of rental losses to offset active income of $100,000 to end up with a zero tax – if you are a Real Estate Professional. Claiming status of Real Estate Professional is tough. You have to follow strict rules. You need to spend a minimum of 750 hours a year (14 hours a week for 52 weeks) working on your rental property. Operating your rentals should be your full-time job. If you have a fulltime job outside rental activities, things get tougher. IRS may do more digging to see if you meet the standards to take the deduction. In my personal experience of defending new clients, a designation as a Real Estate Professional in a year with huge losses guarantees an audit. New Rental Owners: New rental property owners who

prepare their own tax returns may not realize that some renovation costs need to be capitalized and depreciated over many years. Minor repairs to maintain your rental units in good operating condition can be expensed in the current year. However, costs that increase the value or extend its life have to be capitalized as an asset and depreciated over time (27.5 years for residential and 39 years for commercial property). A current deduction of $30,000 for kitchen renovation of a small 4-unit apartment is a red flag. It has to be depreciated over 27.5 years. *** 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)

Do I have a community property interest in a house which my spouse acquired before our marriage?

GENERALLY, in California, property acquired by a spouse prior to marriage is considered separate property under famuntil we all got up to sit for din- ily code section 770 while those ner at one table. We smiled acquired after marriage are conand laughed, as we shared sidered community assets under experiences and thought family code section 760. How do of meeting again someday. you characterize real property As I sat at the dinner table with purchased prior to marriage but this group of strangers, I felt some- with the mortgage principal paid thing profound. I did not feel like down using community income an outsider, I felt one with them. or funds during the marriage? We were speaking the same The community in this situation language: our faith in Jesus acquires a pro tanto interest in Christ, our church, discipleship the ratio that the payments on and leadership, our joys and sor- the purchase price made with rows and the beauty of all of these. community funds bear to the Much more than any feeling of total payments on the purchase oneness with them was my feel- price and any appreciation ing of Christ’s presence at that should be apportioned accordmoment. Jesus was in our midst. ingly. Marriage of Moore (1980) It was the same thing I sensed 28 C3d 366, 371, 373, 168 CR earlier that day, when I visited 662, 664, 665. Other expenses the tomb of Archbishop Oscar associated with the property are Romero and the chapel where he not considered in the calculation was martyred for the people of El such as mortgage interest, taxes, u PAGE C3 and insurance. In essence, the

Being united in trying times ral council. I didn’t know what to expect from this encounter. All I knew was that I was stepping outside my boundaries with a group of people, whom I will be meeting for the first time and will be chatting with only in Spanish. I introduced myself to blend

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Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS real property would accumulate both a separate property and a community property component by the date of separation. The appropriate remedy in this situation where separate property is subsequently paid with community funds is “apportionment.” The process of apportioning between the separate and community property component is laid out in the Marriage of Marsden. In that case, the court determined the ratio or percentage in which the mortgage loan principal was reduced during the marriage and applied that percentage to the appreciation of

the real property during the marriage. The community property component would then consist of the reduction in the mortgage loan principal during the marriage plus the portion of appreciation during the marriage applying the ratio discussed above. In the Marriage of Marsden, the real property was purchased by the husband for $38,300 prior to the marriage. The original mortgage was $30,000. By the time the husband got married, the house was now worth $65,000 while the mortgage has gone down by $7,000. Both the appreciation of $26,700 and the mortgage reduction of $7,000 would be separate property since it occurred prior to marriage. Marriage of Madsen (1982) 130 CA3d 426, 181 CR 910. During the marriage until the time of trial, the property has appreciated another $117,500 (property now valued

u PAGE C3

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Community Journal

Should employees pay the cost of “dress code” required at work? ALEXANDER Brown and Arik Silva worked as retail sales associates at Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a company that operates retail clothing stores throughout the United States. Brown and Silva sued their employer in a class action, claiming that the employer compelled them to patronize Abercrombie products in violation of California law. The employees claim that their employer compelled them to purchase Abercrombie clothing for two reasons: First, Abercrombie wanted to make profits from those purchases. Second, Abercrombie saw it as a marketing strategy so that the employees would be walking advertisements for Abercrombie. The employees argue that Abercrombie’s clothing policy essentially constitutes a requirement that employees wear a “uniform.” Hence, Abercrombie should have reimbursed employees for the expense of those uniforms. Abercrombie’s refusal to reimburse these expenses caused the employees’ wages to fall below the applicable minimum wage, which violated the wage laws of several states, including California. The case was consolidated with other cases filed against Abercrombie outside California. These cases affected approximately 258,000 non-exempt, mostly minimum-wage Abercrombie employees.

worn by wait staff since these persons can generally wear Protecting such uniforms wherever they Employee work. As the Abercrombie case & Consumer shows, the employer may not Rights exactly require a uniform. However, if the company Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. mandates its employees to wear clothes that the comCalifornia law allows employ- pany is selling, this practice ers to require its employees to may still be considered as a wear uniforms as a condition of requirement to wear a uniemployment. Employers may form. If this is the case, the prescribe the weight, color, tex- company must then pay the ture, style, form, and make of costs of these uniform. uniforms required to be worn After many years of litigaby their employees. However, tion, the parties agreed to setif employers require its em- tle the case. Abercrombie has ployees to wear uniforms, the agreed to pay $25 million to employer should either provide settle the claims by the retail the uniforms, or reimburse the employees. employees for the cost of buying *** the uniforms. Employers should also pay for the maintenance of The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. the uniforms. welcomes inquiries about this topic. The term “uniform” is defined All inquiries are confidential and at to include wearing apparel and no-cost. You can contact the office accessories of distinctive design at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. or color. Examples are tuxedos, joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook skirts, blouses, and jackets of page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., specific style, color, and quality. Esq. is an experienced trial attorney White shirts and dark pants or who has successfully recovered skirts are generally not consid- wages and other monetary damages ered uniforms if they are a gen- for thousands of employees and eral ordinary type of street cloth- consumers. He was named Top Labor ing, and the employer does not & Employment Attorney in California require any specific style, quality by the Daily Journal, consistently or material. Employers do not selected as Super Lawyer by the Los have to pay for uniforms gener- Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient ally usable in the employee’s oc- of PABA’s Community Champion Award cupation, such as nurses’ white for 2016.] uniforms and black and white uniforms of unspecified design (Advertising Supplement)

Will a business bankruptcy affect its owners? THE client and her husband are the only stockholders of an S corporation that has been doing well for the last 15 years. In fact, it’s still doing well and had a great year last year. What is the difference between an S corporation and a C corporation? In an S corporation, the business income is declared in the 1040 of the owners, while the C corporation files its own tax returns. But both corporations are legally separate entities from their owners. The corporation is a ‘person’ created by legal fiction. It can do whatever a real person does, legally. For instance, a corporation can buy and sell land, transact business in its own name, file a lawsuit and be sued in its own name, without affecting the owners of the corporation. In the client’s case, the problem is that her husband is ill and can no longer run the business. So the wife now will run the business. Her concern is that the corporation owes $1.5M to banks and suppliers, and that she has equity in her residence of $1.0M? So what is the connection between the two? The client is worried that if something happens to the business and it cannot pay the $1.5M, can the bank sue her and get her house? Let’s analyze the problem. The first thing that has to be determined is whether or not the husband, and/or client signed any personal guarantees that made them personally liable for the debts of the corporation. If neither one of them gave any written personal guaranty to any creditor for the debt of the business, then the answer is that the creditors of the business will not be able to get her house to satisfy the debts of the business. But certainly, the creditors will attempt to penetrate the veil of corporate fiction to get to client’s house. The creditors will sue the corporation and the client and allege that the corporate fiction should be invalidated or ‘pierced.’ Of course, the creditors will attempt to do this, but can they be successful in proving the allegation, and end up with a court order setting aside the corporate that shields

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng the personal assets of the owners of the corporation? To pierce the corporate veil to get to the house of the client, the creditors will have to prove that the corporation was simply the ‘alter ego’ of the owners, that it was not operated by owners like a real corporation. The easiest way to prove the ‘alter ego’ attack on the corporation is proven by a preponderance of the evidence that personal funds of the owners were being intermingled with the funds of the corporation. In other words, the owners were using the corporation as a ‘piggy bank.’ So, in the client’s case, if there was no intermingling of personal and corporate funds, the client’s house is secure because the creditors will not be able to pierce the corporate veil to get her house to pay for the debts of the corporation. Salary payments to the owners — because they are officers of the corporation — is not intermingling of funds. Money lent by owners to the corporation is considered to be a debt owed by the corporation to the owner-lender, just like any other debt. This is not intermingling of funds. However, if the owners use the corporate account to pay personal bills, this is an intermingling of funds. Another reason to pierce the corporate veil is that corporate formalities were not followed such as recording board resolutions for decisions made by the company. Yet another reason is that the owners perpetrated a financial fraud on the creditors. What is financial fraud? If the owners acted recklessly in their business transactions resulting in major debt that they knew the business had no chance in paying back, this could be viewed as financial fraud and could be used to pierce the corporate veil. Let’s say owners borrowed $5.0M from creditors based on project-

ed sales of $50M per year but in reality, sales came in at $1.0M a year, a case can be argued by the creditors saying that the owners were reckless in their decision to borrow $5.0M. But certainly, the owners may still prevail in proving that they were justified in their $50M sales projections but something happened that was totally unexpected. It’s really a matter of proof at trial. So what is the lesson here? If you own a business, do not ever personally guarantee the debts of the business. If the creditor requires your personal guaranty, go to another bank or supplier who will extend credit to your business without tying you in. If the business fails, at least you don’t lose any of your personal assets. You will still have a house to live in. There is no reason to ‘go for broke’ and put your family’s security at risk, is there? The other lesson is that do not intermingle personal funds with business funds, and make sure the corporation follows legal formalities and procedures. If you do this, then your corporation will do business by assuming its own debts and shield your personal assets from business debts. Now if the client wishes to not continue doing business, the S corporation itself can file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to handle the $1.5M of corporate debt. The corporate bankruptcy will not affect the personal assets of the client because as I said earlier, a corporation is a separate “person” created by legal fiction; therefore, it can file for bankruptcy without affecting the personal assets of the owners of the corporation. If you need debt relief, please set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789. (Advertising Supplement)

Do I have a community property interest... PAGE C2 t

at $182,500) while the mortgage has further declined by $9,200 up to the date of separation. The ratio at which community funds paid down the mortgage ($9,200) during the marriage to the original purchase price ($38,300) amounts to 24.02%. This percentage of the property appreciation during the marriage of $117,500 ($28,223.50) plus the reduction in mortgage balance during the marriage ($9,200) would constitute the community component of the real property. The rest was the husband’s separate property. The husband in that case was awarded his separate property component of the real property plus one half of the community property component. The Marsden apportionment method is also applicable to situations where a community real property is later transmuted into one spouse’s separate property through execution of a quit claim by the other spouse but is subse-

quently paid using community funds. Marriage of Broderick (1989) 209 CA3d 489, 257 CR 397. In litigation, the community interest in the situations mentioned about is proven through expert witness testimony typically by a forensic CPA. Since California case law allows the creation of a community interest in real property acquired prior to marriage, one has to consider vehicles to protect themselves if you own property and you are contemplating of getting married. There are several ways of avoiding the creation of a community interest on your separate real property. One, you can sign a prenuptial agreement. Two, the parties can execute a postnuptial agreement if the parties are already married. Three, the parties can execute a transmutation agreement with a waiver of any family code section 2640 reimbursement claim. If your divorce case involves complex issues of asset distribution, it is best to retain the representa-

tion of competent counsel. *** 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 (Advertising Supplement)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018

C

Rescinding removal/deportation order to allow for adjustment of status

WE have all heard the popular saying, “Timing is everything.” Unfortunately, this saying often adversely applies to those persons who have found an avenue from which to obtain a green card, only to be prohibited from doing so because he/she has a prior removal/deportation order. A typical scenario involves a person who entered the US years ago on a B-2 tourist visa, overstayed, and was ordered removed by the Immigration Court. Fast forward to today, that person who was ordered removed finds true love and marries a US Citizen. Seemingly close to finally obtaining permanent resident status, he/she is precluded from doing so because of the prior removal/deportation order. What options does one have in such a case? A motion to reopen the removal/deportation proceedings and rescind the removal/deportation order can be filed in Immigration Court. If the motion to reopen the proceedings and rescind the removal/deportation order is successful, the alien can pursue whatever relief from removal/deportation that is available to him/ her. For the scenario cited in the first paragraph, the relief would be adjustment of status to permanent resident via marriage to a US citizen spouse. The relief would be presented in Immigration Court, with the Immigration Judge to decide the merits of the adjustment of status application. Alternatively, if an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can be obtained to ter-

PAGE C2 t

Legal Advice Atty. DArriCk tAn minate the proceedings, a decision on the adjustment of status application can be made outside Immigration Court, by the USCIS. Generally, a motion to reopen removal/deportation proceedings must be filed within 90 days of the date of entry of the removal/deportation order. However, several bases upon which a motion to reopen may be filed past 90 days exist, and are discussed below. Under 8 CFR § 1003.23(b)(4), a motion to reopen can be filed at any time if notice of the proceedings was not received by the person subject to the removal/deportation order, and a removal/deportation order was entered in his absence. Written notice of the time and place of removal proceedings must be given in person to the alien, or shall be given by certified mail to the alien or to the alien’s counsel of record. INA §242B(a)(2)(A). Further, written notice of the proceedings, if provided by certified mail, must be provided at the most recent address reported by the alien. Matter of Grijalva, Interim Decision 3246 (BIA 1995). The requirements for notice of removal/deportation proceedings are strict, and careful analysis of a person’s immigration court file often results in finding evidence that DHS did not comply with required procedure, which can be

the basis for reopening the removal/deportation proceeding. Further, the Immigration Judge has discretionary authority to reopen or reconsider cases on his or her own motion (“sua sponte”) at any time providing a valid basis can be shown. 8 CFR § 1003.23(b)(1). Careful analysis of not only the immigration court file, but also the specific facts and circumstances of the case is necessary to put forward a valid basis on which the Immigration Judge can rely to reopen the proceedings. Some bases upon which cases I have been able to reopen cases include improper section cited by the DHS attorney in the charging document, insufficient evidence presented by the DHS attorney in proving up the case against the alien, and hardship and humanitarian concerns. If you have a prior removal/ deportation order which is preventing you from adjusting status, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney to ascertain the bases upon which a motion to reopen can be filed. *** 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)

Being united in trying times

Salvador. At each place, I became one with Archbishop Romero—in an intimate prayer of intercession for God’s people, priests, and bishops. It was the same feeling that I had for my host family—Mario and Maria Elena Ortiz with their daughter, Fatima and Maria’s mother, Cristina. They took me around for three days. It was also the same feeling I had for my hosts and friends in Guatemala during my visit there the prior week — Hector Castaneda and his beloved mother, Maria Luisa, and all their rela-

tives. Every encounter with them was a profound encounter with God. I learned this lesson again during my visit to Guatemala and El Salvador— that we need to have the courage to step outside our boundaries and comfort zones. It’s not easy, but it is a fundamental call of Christian discipleship. Stepping out of our boundaries means opening our hearts and homes to other people, learning their culture, sharing each other’s resources and most of all, loving God’s people, especially the poor and the downtrodden, However difficult it may be,

stepping out of our boundaries brings a surprising moment — we encounter God! He is alive and working in other people’s lives! *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

C4 SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Calendar of Events across

America

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People and Events CAAM documentary fund open call starts Sept. 1

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS SEPTEMBER 1

Philippine-American Society of Certified Public Accountants holds induction of new officers and members in Anaheim, CA Join the Philippine-American Society of Certified Public Accountants (PASCPA-LA) on Saturday, September 1 for an exciting night of networking, dinner, dancing and fun, as it welcomes the organization’s newest members and officers for the upcoming year. This event will include appearances from the accounting profession’s most honorable guest speakers and sponsors. Like previous PASCPA events, this will be a great networking opportunity for all accounting students, young professionals, and seasoned veterans. It will be held from 6 to 11:30 p.m. at the Anaheim Marriott (700 West Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802). The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and the fee is $65 (no host bar). Attire is formal. To RSVP, please go to www.installationofofficers.eventbrite.com.

S E P T E M B E R 4 -27

SIPA hosts 8-session Entrepreneur Training Program (ETP) in Los Angeles The Entrepreneur Training Program (ETP) is an 8-session skills building training program designed for startup entrepreneurs covering the A to Z of starting and running a successful business. This is open to all! If you want to start your own business and don’t know where to start or how to start, this program was made FOR YOU! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to learn from the experts and from business owners themselves on how to build the business of your dreams! Program details: One time fee of $100 covers food and beverage and training materials for all 8 sessions; 5 FREE slots are available for College/University students and low income families; FREE Parking on site. Parking lot is accessed on Robinson St.; Includes FREE one-on-one business counseling with SIPA’s counselor, Fidji Victoriano; and you will receive a Completion Certificate at the end of the program. The eight sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the whole month of September 2018: September 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Program will be held at the SIPA Multipurpose room at 3200 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (through Robinson St. entrance). For any questions or to register in person, please contact Fidji Victoriano at (424) 235-5011 or e-mail at fvictoriano@esipa.org. This program is brought by Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) in collaboration with the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Hollywood (FACCHO) and the support of Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program (APISBP) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

SEPTEMBER 8

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA hosts photoshop training “Adobe Photoshop Training” on Saturday, September 8 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. is a crash course for beginners to intermediate hosted by the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA). It will be held at BFG Boardroom (5121 Van Nuys Blvd), with instructor Peter Galace. Call to reserve your seat ($100) with Angelo Varsobia (818) 6469453 or Mary Trinidad at (661) 713-0014. Participants should bring their own computers, download a free version of Photoshop (https://bit.ly/2NYPbLW), and bring one USB thumb drive.

CAAM’s Media Fund will begin accepting submissions for documentary projects starting September 1, 2018. Applications will close on October 1, 2018. Check here for eligibility and apply here starting September 1.

With support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, CAAM provides production funding to independent producers for national public television. Documentaries are eligible for

production or post-production funding and must be intended for public television broadcast. Awards typically range between $15,000 and $50,000. For more information, visit https://caamedia.org/. ■

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S E P T E M B E R 1 3 -1 9

Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration for MVGFC ’68 in Las Vegas CLECSN (now MVGFC) class of ’68 in Cabanatuan City, Philippines will have its golden jubilee anniversary celebration in Las Vegas, Nevada from Thursday, Sept. 13 to Wednesday, Sept. 19. For more information, please contact Eddie C. Talusan at (415) 583-1300 or Cindy Frando Reyes at (949) 705 - 9324.

SEPTEMBER 15

Penafrancia Fiesta event in San Leandro, California In honor of the feast of Our Lady of Penafrañcia, a day of celebration will be held on Saturday, September 15 in San Leandro, California. It will begin at 9 a.m. with a 9th day rosary and novena prayer, followed by the Holy Mass at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church (2500 Bermuda Ave., San Leandro, CA 94577). At 11:30 a.m., the land & fluvial processions will happen from the church to Marina Park Lagoon. From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a picnic, entertainment, games and vigil mass at Marina Park (14001 Monarch Bay Dr., San Leandro, CA 94577).

SEPTEMBER 16

Los Angeles Skyline Lions Club holds masquerade ball The Los Angeles Skyline Lions Club (District 4-L3) cordially invites guests to join the masquerade ball to celebrate its 15th anniversary of continued support to local and global communities, alongside the annual fall harvest festival and installation of new club officers. Please join the fun celebration on Sunday, September 16 at the Signature Banquet Hall, 11130 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, CA. Doors open at 4 p.m. For any inquiries, you may call PDG Sol “Sunshine” Santiago at (213) 500-1927. See you all there and be ready to unmask your night!

S E P T E M B E R 22

Sto. Tomas Batangas Association of Southern California to celebrate 36th anniversary The Sto. Tomas Batangas Association of Southern California will celebrate its 36th anniversary & coronation Night on Saturday, September 22 at the Los Serranos Country Club (15656 Yorba Ave. Chino Hills, CA 91709). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For attendance, please call Willie Manacsa at (818) 400-7391, Offie Villanueva at (626) 9608407), Mylee Moncada at (818) 322-9429, Rosalie Nasu at (909)631-9356 or Rosie Sancianco at (951)898-7628.

S E P T E M B E R 26

United Architects of the Philippines - Southern California chapter hosts UAP president in Monterey Park, CA The United Architects of the Philippines - Southern California Chapter, Inc. (UAPSOCAL) a chartered member by the UAP, the only accredited architectural professional organization recognized by Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Philippines, will host the national president of UAP who will be in Los Angeles in connection with the induction of the incoming chapter officers and new members on Wednesday, September 26 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Monterey Hill Steak Restaurant (3700 W. Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park, CA 9175). Interested UAP corporate members, Filipino-American architects, designers, and allied professionals are welcome to attend the event and join the prestigious organization. For more information please contact Jun Joaquin at (323) 675-5042 / (323) 907-3050 or email at uapsocalchapter@ gmail.com.

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

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

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Serenata Filipina Ver. 2 goes onstage at the Ford Theatres Oct. 7 All-female headliners perform Filipino-penned songs in English and Tagalog

THE historic Ford Theatres will be the venue where prominent Filipina-American singers converge for an evening of nostalgic Filipino hits and more! Heading the pack are jazz diva Louie Reyes and vocalist Annie Nepomuceno, both of whom have graced the Ford stage multiple times. Audiences will enjoy the highcaliber performances of Ms. Reyes and Ms. Nepomuceno, who will bring their vocal expertise and award-winning talent from their home country, the Philippines, where both established active music careers. Both singers continue to perform in the diverse cultural landscape of Los Angeles. Ms. Reyes and Ms. Nepomuceno will put new twists on beloved songs, from Original Pilipino Music (OPM) to popular songs by artists that made an impact on both artists’ lives. Backed by a live band led by musical director Lorrie Ilustre, the evening promises to be a vibrant celebration of the female voice. Interestingly, both women played Lady Thiang in “The King and I,” for which Ms. Reyes made a celebrated move to Australia for the role in the early ‘90s, joined by her son Paolo, who played the young prince. Ms. Nepomuceno played the role opposite Deborah Gibson, an 80’s icon who transitioned to Broadway, for the Thousand Oaks Civic Center run in 2009. Ms. Reyes’ legacy is being the

vocalist of choice for top American jazz artists that toured the Philippines. She has performed with Noel Pointer, Bob James, Joe Sample, Dianne Reeves and David Benoit. She had also been pulled from the audience in a Stevie Wonder concert in his first concert in Manila at the ULTRA Stadium. Wonder was blown away by her singing pipes according to the news article in Woman Today magazine (1988). Both Ms. Reyes and Ms. Nepomuceno, also hail from popular singing groups. Ms. Reyes continues to travel to Manila for reunion performances with The New Minstrels, a popular vocal group which started in the late ‘70s. Ms. Nepomuceno was the pop soloist and one of the official arrangers of the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, one of the most awarded choirs in the world. She continues to do commercial and session work and has made two albums with her pop vocal trio Three of a Kind, Bay Area champs of the Harmony Sweepstakes, a popular acapella competition. Guest artists are hitmaker Odette Quesada, songstress Geneva Cruz, and host G. Tongi, who will round out the “Pinay Power” (Filipina power) theme. Ms. Quesada, often hailed as the “Carole King of the Philippines,” penned her first hit at the age of 17. Her vast catalog of hits, mostly written in English, continue to be remade and used in films and TV. She has won

Photo by Rick Gavino Geneva Cruz many songwriting competitions G. Tongi and is known for her hits “Don’t Know What to Do,” “Give Me a Chance,” “Til I Met You” and many others. Ms. Cruz is from a celebrity musical family and started her career as a young preteen in the celebrated group of Maestro Ryan Cayabayab, Smokey Mountain, where she performed the hits “Kailan,” “Mama” and “A Better World.” Her solo career brought her more hit records “Pangarap Ka” (You are My Dream), “I Like You” and “Anak ng Pasig” (Child of Pasig River). Ms. Tongi, a professional actress and former TV host on KSCI Annie Nepomuceno LA18’s “Kababayan Today,” will join in some songs along with serving as emcee. Aside from stage roles in the “Vagina Monologues” and East West Players’ “Crying Ladies,” she has sung in concerts with Ms. Quesada and Maestro Cayabyab. Other special guests include multi-instrumentalists Camille Ramirez and Jojo Ramirez, the Los Angeles Young Ambassadors (LAYA), teen dancers Revolutionary Steps, and the Kayamanan Ng Lahi-Pamana children folk dance troupes. Ticket prices start at $40; Reserved seating. Tickets are available at FordTheatres.org or 323-461-3673 (for non-visual media 323-GO-1-FORD). To learn about discounts for groups of 10 or more, please visit FordTheatres.org. ■ Louie Reyes

Contributed photo

Odette Quesada

Photo by Wanderlust Creatives

Photo by The Future Collective

Photo by Ed Leviste

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US citizen husband is considered “parent” of wife’s extramarital child, entitling that child to US citizenship

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ ON August 13, 2018, Monday the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, which is just below the U.S. Supreme Court, saved a person from deportation by concluding his “father” was a U.S. citizen at the time of his birth, even though his mother had cheated, and the U.S. citizen was not his biological father. The court ultimately ruled that “a child born into a lawful marriage is the lawful child of those parents, regardless of the existence or nonexistence of any biological link.” There may be many children who may not necessarily be the biological child of a U.S. citizen, but if they were born during the marriage, they would still be considered the U.S. citizen’s “child” and might be eligible for U.S. citizenship. In that case, the person was born outside the U.S. in 1972. His mother was married to a man who became a U.S. citizen in 1961, which was before the person’s birth. Apparently, during the marriage, his mother cheated, and had an extramarital affair with a different man, who was even listed as the person’s father. (Apparently, the U.S. citizen husband was very forgiving, as the couple had seven children

together and remain married for 47 years, until the U.S. citizen died in 1999.) Eventually, this person was convicted of criminal possession of drugs, and was placed in deportation/removal proceedings. He argued he was not deportable/removable because his “parent” (father) was a U.S. citizen, thereby conferring U.S. citizenship on him. Therefore the government cannot deport a U.S. citizen. The government argued there must be some form of biological or blood relationship in order for the citizen to be considered the child’s parent. The court disagreed. In its ruling, the court pointed out that the law in effect when the person was born did not define the word “parent.” Under ordinary or common law meaning, a child born into a lawful marriage is the lawful child of both parents, whether or not there is a biological and blood linkage. There was no requirement in the law when this person was born that the U.S. citizen be a biological parent to transmit citizenship. In other words, “a child born into a legal marriage is presumed to be the child of the marriage.” If you know of someone with a situation similar to this, it could be possible they may have a claim to U.S. citizenship. (i.e.

non-citizen wife cheats on U.S. citizen husband, or non-citizen husband cheats on US citizen wife, and has a child with someone else during the marriage.) But it depends on the date they were born (as the law was constantly changing and you have to apply the law in effect at the time of their birth), and if other requirements are met. That’s why you may want to consult with an attorney to determine if you may possibly be a U.S. citizen. ***

Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com 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

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Business Quote of the Week “I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.” - John D. Rockefeller, CEO of Standard Oil

D1

‘Trabaho’ worries US firms in PH

by ROY

STEPHEN C. CANIVEL Inquirer.net

MORE than half of American companies in the country warned they would not expand their operations if the government would insist on the scheduled transition to a new tax regime under the second package of the tax reform program. This is according to the position paper of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham). AmCham said 61 percent of its member firms had said the proposed transition period under the Duterte administration’s second tax package “would cause their firm to end further expansion.” This was based on a survey of around 750 member firms, mostly multinational firms that currently benefit from tax incentives under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. It was conducted in March and April. The majority of the companies are in manufacturing (30 percent) and business process outsourcing (30 percent). Regional operating headquarters and regional headquarters (ROHQs/RHQs), account for 10 percent of the respondents. The issue stemmed from what was formerly called the TRAIN 2,

and FI. Tax projections, an important part of calculations of future revenues, will be handicapped by this uncertainty,” the paper read. Against this backdrop, AmCham said the CIT and FI in countries competing against the Philippines for investments looked more certain and predictable. While the second tax package still offers some tax perks, it will remove the 5-percent gross income earned (GIE) tax applied to PEZA-registered firms in lieu of all other taxes. The package allows for a transition period of two to five years, depending on how long the company has been benePhoto courtesy of www.amchamphilippines.com fiting from the 5-percent GIE. “[When asked about] the prowhich rationalizes fiscal incen- posed time limit for fiscal incentives (FIs) and lowers the cor- tives, 78 [percent] of respondents porate income tax (CIT) from 30 stated that this would worsen their business,” AmCham said, percent to 20 percent. While lawmakers have pushed noting that the same number of a substitute bill for TRAIN 2 ear- firms consider fiscal incentives lier this month called “Trabaho,” before investing. Without the 5 percent GIE, a number of the earlier provicompanies will no longer be exsions remained. Hence, AmCham’s issues also empted from paying local taxes. According to the survey, 61 perremain. “Until the proposed [Trabaho] cent of respondents said that paybill is enacted, investors will face ing local taxes “will negate the uncertainty about the future CIT reduced income tax benefit.” ■

Consider the US in ‘Build, build, build’ program, PH urged by ROY

STEPHEN C. CANIVEL Inquirer.net

THE Philippines should see the United States as a “very positive alternative” in helping meet the country’s infrastructure needs, a U.S. official said. U.S. Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Manisha Singh said in a forum on Wednesday, August 29, that the government’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) infrastructure development program complements U.S. and Japanese efforts

in the region. “We want the Philippines, or the Philippine government to know, that there are alternatives,” she said. It is not clear if this is a reference to the country’s warmer ties to China, especially since the latter has been playing a significant role in the Philippines’ BBB strategy. The Duterte administration has been strengthening the country’s ties with China, seeking economic benefits while taking a softer stance on the territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea.

“There are many alternatives when looking to fulfill the infrastructure needs, and we certainly hope you will look to the United States as a very positive alternative,” she added. She said the BBB program was a “perfect complement” to the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, as well as with Japanese interests in the region. She added that the BBB program highlighted the need for better infrastructure, better cyber systems, and energy development.■

D SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Food retailers rake in $46.3 billion sales in 2017 by Louise

Maureen Philstar.com

siMeon

THE country’s food retail industry continued to expand last year amid growing consumer spending backed by sustained strong economy, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said. Based on the latest report of the USDA Global Agricultural Information Network, the local food retail market rose six percent to $46.3 billion with Filipino households spending more than half of their expenditures on food. “With increasing urbanization, a growing middle class, and a large, young population, the Philippines’ economic dynamism is rooted in consumer demand supported by rising incomes and robust remittances from overseas,” the agency said. Expenditures for food and non-alcoholic beverages comprised 38.7 percent of the total household final consumption expenditure, which rose 5.6 percent last year. The country’s traditional food retailer “sari-sari” stores still dominated the food retail market, which accounted for 58 percent. USDA said the continuous expansion of the local food retail industry creates robust opportunities for U.S. exporters of high-value, consumer-oriented

Based on the latest report of the USDA Global Agricultural Information Network, the local food retail market rose six percent to $46.3 billion with Filipino households spending more than half of their expenditures on food. File photo by Philstar.com

tralia with total imports of consumer-oriented food growing at an annual average of 10 percent. “The potential for greater imports of U.S. consumer-oriented food and beverage products to the Philippine retail sector is high for a wide diversity of products, including beef, pork, poulThe U.S. also remains the try, seafood, processed vegetaPhilippines’ largest supplier of bles, fresh and processed fruits, food, beverage and ingredient nuts, dairy products, juices, alproducts with a 16 percent share coholic beverages, condiments of the market. It is followed by and sauces, processed organic Indonesia, China, New Zealand, foods, bakery goods, snacks, and Thailand, Singapore and Aus- confectioneries,” USDA said. n food and beverage products. The Philippines is the largest market in Southeast Asia and the 12th largest export market in the world for U.S. consumer-oriented food and beverage products, importing a total of $964.3 million in 2017.

Malaysian debt watcher upgrades Philippines’ credit rating MALAYSIAN debt watcher upgrades Philippines’ credit rating The Philippines has secured a credit rating upgrade from a Malaysian debt watcher, which applauded the country’s fast economic growth, increasing foreign investments and economic reforms. In a statement on Thursday, August 30, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Malaysiabased RAM Ratings Services Berhad (RAM) raised the Philippines’ global rating to “gBBB2(pi),” or BBB equivalent for major credit raters, a notch above the minimum investment grade. It also raised the Philippines’ regional and Malaysia national ratings to AA3, three notches away from the highest rating of Triple A. A credit rating gauges a country’s capacity to service its debts. The higher the rating, the better

A credit rating gauges a country’s capacity to service its debts. The higher the rating, the better placed a country is believed to meet its obligations on time, allowing it to secure lower interest rates on its obligations. File photo by Philstar.com

placed a country is believed to meet its obligations on time, allowing it to secure lower interest rates on its obligations. Major global credit raters Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, and

Moody’s Investors Service all put the Philippines under investment grade bracket, suggesting it has more than enough capability to service its debts, making it appealPAGE D3

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Marketplace

Water shortage looms in 2021, Manila water warns by Louise

Maureen Philstar.com

siMeon

THE government’s non-approval of a P13-billion water treatment plant in Laguna Lake may result in water shortage in Metro Manila by 2021. Manila Water chief operating officer Geodino Carpio said the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is not keen on approving the company’s proposed Laguna Lake water supply system project because it is “expensive.” Manila Water said consumers should brace for water interruptions because supply from the current water sources would no longer be enough to meet demand in the next three years. “Since March 2017, we have been trying to get this approved. If not, the high areas of Montalban, San Mateo, Marikina, and other parts of Metro Manila may lose water supply, not permanently, but there will be outages,” Carpio said in a briefing Thursday, August 30. “We would have to do rotational supply and the pressure will be decreased. And the danger of not having 24/7 water supply is that surface water may infiltrate the pipes and may introduce contaminants into the water. And chlorine may not be strong enough to disinfect infiltration so health issues may occur,” he said. The MWSS argued that the Laguna Lake project, which will have a capacity of 250 million liters per day (MLD), is way expensive than the government’s flagship P12.2-billion Kaliwa

Manila Water chief operating officer Geodino Carpio said the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is not keen on approving the company’s proposed Laguna Lake water supply system project because it is “expensive.” Photo by Michael Vargas/Philstar.com

Dam project that could treat 600 MLD. However, Carpio maintained that MWSS is not seeing the whole picture as the Laguna Lake project is already the complete system, while the P12.2 billion Kaliwa Dam project will only consist of the dam and the transmission lines. He said the Kaliwa Dam would actually cost up to P44 billion, including the distribution lines from Manila Water and the other concessionaire, Maynilad Water Services Inc. It would also translate to higher cost to consumers of up to P73 per cubic meter compared to the P52 per cubic meter of the Laguna Lake project. The Laguna Lake project aims to complement the nearly

completed Rizal Province water supply improvement project in Cardona in Rizal which has a capacity of 100 MLD. Carpio said the Kaliwa project, which is targeted for completion by 2023, may already be too late to ensure stable water supply. “Our new plant in Rizal buys us two more years (of supply). We have sufficient water until 2021 but the next two years we will be short and that is assuming that Kaliwa will finish on time,” he said. “And Kaliwa has not even been awarded yet. That is why we are proposing that we be allowed to do the Laguna Lake project. If something happens to the Angat dam, where we get 96 percent of our water, we need another source,” he added. n

Malaysian debt watcher upgrades... PAGE D2 ing to investors to lend money. In the case of RAM, an upgrade may bode well on the Malaysian investor perception of the Philippines. In upgrading the country, RAM cited the Philippines’ strong economic growth as reason for the upgrade. This is despite growth slowing down to 6 percent in the second quarter, the slowest in three years. BSP said RAM is confident strong growth will be sustained, especially since the ambitious P8.44-trillion “Build, Build, Build”

infrastructure agenda is gaining traction. “The government’s ambitious infrastructure program is broadly on track,” the central bank quoted RAM as saying. Increasing foreign direct investments (FDI) were also cited. As of May, BSP data show net FDI inflows rose 49 percent to $4.8 billion. Recent legislative reforms were also applauded, including the passage of the first tax reform law, the Ease of Doing Business Act, as well as the National ID system. Finance Secretary Carlos

Dominguez welcomed the latest credit rating upgrade. “(This) keeps the Philippines on a positive credit rating momentum, solidifying our key message to investors and other international stakeholders that (the) reform-oriented leadership under the Duterte administration boosts economic competitiveness...,” Dominguez said. BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. also said the positive credit rating action is an “acknowledgment of sound governance on both the financial and monetary fronts.” (Philstar.com) n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018 D

D SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Maserati Alfa Romeo of Puente Hills holds grand opening, seeks to be No. 1 dealership in SoCal FOR those who are eyeing to buy a Maserati or Alfa Romeo in Southern California, look no further than Maserati Alfa Romeo of Puente Hills. Maserati Alfa Romeo of Puente Hills now occupies a brand new facility in the City of Industry, which was formally opened to the public in a grand opening ceremony last Saturday, August 25 hosted hosted by the New Century Auto Group, Maserati USA and Alfa Romeo USA. Officials from the city and other esteemed guests joined Maserati Alfa Romeo of Puente Hills executives to cut the ribbon. Guests were then invited to refreshments, live music, and test the features of the cars in the showroom and even test drive various models. For Manny Martinez, general manager of Maserati Alfa Romeo of Puente Hills, opening in the City of Industry makes it convenient for prospective buyers in the surrounding areas, such as those who don’t want to go all the way to Los Angeles. This is welcome news for the area’s residents who are predominantly Asian, a demographic considered among the top Maserati customers. “Eighty percent of Maserati customers are Asians, same thing for Alfa Romeo. Being in an affluent neighborhood, it’s a perfect brand. We are going probably going to be the No. 1 Maserati and Alfa Romeo dealership in Southern California and we’re going to work very hard to get that,” Martinez told the Asian Journal. He also shared that the dealership will do outreach in the Filipino community, “especially the

ones who are now driving BMW or Mercedes Benz, we’re going to try to convert those people to Maserati and Alfa Romeo.” Until October 1, the dealership has a few specials its offering, including a lease on a 2018 Maserati Levante (mid-size luxury crossover SUV) for $638/month + tax for 36 months and lease on a 2018 Maserati Ghibli for $698/month + tax for 36 months. For those look at Alfa Romeo, the facility has inventory including the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the 2018 Giulia. The staff is always ready to show customers around and get them in the driver’s seat of one of these luxe automobiles. Martinez, a seasoned professional in the car industry, assures Dennis Lin of New Century Automotive Group (center) receives a certificate from the City of Industry City Maserati Alfa Romeo of Puente Hills General Manager Manny Martinez that customers coming into Ma- Council following the ribbon cutting. serati Alfa Romeo of Puente Hills will receive world-class, personalized customer service. “We for sure are going to give them the best service. That’s what our goal is: to be No. 1 in customer satisfaction,” he said. “For our fellow Filipinos and kababayans, they’ll definitely be treated here like family. I hope they’ll give us the opportunity to earn their business and I promise them that they’re going to be very happy with us.” Maserati Alfa Romeo of Puente Hills is located at 17370 Gale Ave, City of Industry, CA 91748. Sales hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The Service Two Alfa Romeo models at the Maserati Alfa Romeo of Puente Hills showroom. A selection of Maserati vehicles available in the showroom. Department is opened from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. For more information, please visit https://www.maseratiofpuentehills.com/ or https:// www.alfaromeousaofpuentehills. com/. (AJPress). n

Dennis Lin of New Century Automotive Group (center) is joined by staff members of Maserati Alfa Romeo of Puente Hills and community leaders of the City of Industry during the grand opening of the new facility on Saturday, August 25.

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Maserati Alfa Romeo of Puente Hills is now open at 7370 Gale Ave, City of Industry, CA 91748.

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