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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
More Fil-Ams encouraged to enroll in Covered California as subsidies are not considered a public charge, officials clarify WITH debate surrounding the public charge changes set to take effect in October, Covered California officials and navigators emphasize that individuals who receive subsidized health care will not be considered a public charge. The public charge rule expands the federal government’s ability to penalize immigrants who seek green cards if they use taxpayerfunded programs, such as housing assistance, food stamps and Medicaid. This clarification is part of the conversation during a recent series of multiethnic roundtables Covered California has organized, in
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Anti-human trafficking summit highlights scope of trafficking within Filipino community
Panelo says ordering anybody’s ambush not Duterte’s style by DARYLL JOHN
ESGUERRA
Inquirer.net
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, who has been known for his hyperboles and tough-talking persona, can never order the ambush of anybody because it was not his style. Duterte’s spokesman and legal counsel Salvador Panelo said this Wednesday, September 18, as he again denied that Duterte “admitted� his involvement in the ambush of former Daanbantayan, Cebu mayor Vicente Loot, whom the president had accused of involvement in the drug trade. “He [Duterte] can never order the ambush of anybody. That’s not his style. Kung ‘yung mga per-
sonal na kalaban niya nga hindi niya pinapaambush, lalo pa ‘yung hindi niya kalaban,â€? Panelo told reporters in MalacaĂąang. He insisted that Duterte is a “good prosecutor and a good lawyerâ€? who knows the “consequences of whatever statement he makes.â€? In a speech on Tuesday, September 17, Duterte said he ordered the ambush on Loot, a former police general and one of the five “narco generalsâ€? he named in 2016. “General Loot. P***** in* mo. Nanalo pa ng mayor. In-ambush kita, animal ka. Buhay pa rin,â€? Duterte said before newly-appointed officials. But Panelo claimed that the president’s re-
mark was not an admission of involvement and was only a case of language “mix up.â€? He said Duterte intended to say: “Inambush ka na, buhay ka pa.â€? This was not the first time Panelo had to give his interpretation on Duterte’s controversial remarks, which he usually dismisses as mere jokes or taken out of context. To determine whether Duterte is joking or not, Panelo said the public should look at the consistency of his past statements over a certain issue. But when asked if Duterte’s remark of ordering Loot’s ambush was a case of unwarranted admission, Panelo said: “Hindi. Kayo naman, para kayong bago nang bago kay presidente.â€? â–
Senators reject ‘crazy’ idea to ban private cars along EDSA by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com
VIRAY
AFTER decades of enslavement, Fedelina Lugasan can finally breathe. This past July, the 83-year-old Filipina domestic worker was rescued in Northridge, California after more than 30 years of domestic servitude with meager pay and no days off. Born in Leyte, Philippines, Lugasan was 16 years old when she was recruited by the fam-
SENATORS have rejected the proposal of a lawmaker to ban private vehicles from EDSA during rush hours. Rep. Edgar Erice (Caloocan City) said EDSA should only be accessible to public utility vehicles from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Senate Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Erice’s proposal is a “crazy idea� but he is free to suggest solutions to the traffic crisis in Metro Manila. “I don’t take those seriously. Private car owners pay a lot of taxes. Excise, VAT, duties, road users tax on vehicles and excise, VAT on petroleum. Hundreds of billions a year,� Recto told reporters.
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“Nanay� Fedelina Lugasan recounts a life of modern slavery
Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
HISTORIC MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte gives a warm welcome to Communist Party of China (CPC) Chongqing Party Chief Chen Min’er who paid a courtesy call on the president at the Malacaùang Palace on Monday, September 16. A protÊgÊ of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chen is seen as a rising political star in China. He became the Communist Party Secretary of Chongqing two years ago and also joined the 25-member Politburo, the CPC’s top decision-making body. Chongqing is one of China’s leading cities and is typically lead by a party secretary from the Chinese Politburo. Malacaùang photo by Ace Morandante
PH Senate conducts ‘historic’ hearing on divorce bill Police numbers underreport drug war killings — think tank by PATRICIA LOURDES
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE Senate on Tuesday, September 17, conducted its first ever hearing on the proposed divorce law in the Philippines. Presiding over the hearing is Senate committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality chairperson Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who called this first deliberation on the divorce bill “historic.� “This is history in the making,� she said in her opening statement. “We are in the process of making history by crafting a policy to make dissolution of marriage available to all Filipinos who want second chances in love, to rebuild their families and start all over again,� she added.
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Philstar.com
Divorce bill. Senator Risa Hontiveros, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, and Family Relations, presides over the public hearing on proposed “Instituting Absolute Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage in the Philippines� at the Senate in Pasay city on Tuesday, September 17. Also in photo is Len Arcilla (inset), resource person from Divorce Coalition Pilipinas, narrating the suffering under her unsuccessful married life. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Palace hits US docufilm on Duterte as ‘derogatory, biased by CATHERINE
VALENTE ManilaTimes.net
MALACAĂ‘ANG on Tuesday, September 17, dismissed as “derogatory and biasedâ€? a documentary film, which looked into President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly campaign against drug dealers and users in the Philippines.
“The Palace is vexed by the continuous spread of disinformation against our country’s campaign against illegal drugs and criminality,� Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement. “Foreign audiences have been saturated with false and baseless
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VIRAY
FIGURES from the police are a “gross underestimation� of the killings linked to President Rodrigo Duterte’s so-called war on drugs, according to a New Yorkbased think tank. A report from the Columbia Journalism School’s Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism found that police numbers “do not give a true picture of the human cost� of the crackdown against illegal drugs. The study published July 2019 was based on drug-related killings in Manila, Caloocan and Quezon City from July 2016 to December 2017. While the police recorded a total of 764 killings in these three cities during the first 18 months of the drug war, the center documented
1,111 police killings based on both police and non-police sources. “Furthermore, we estimate that by taking into consideration the dark figure of undocumented killings, the true number is approximately 1,254,� the report read. The “dark figure� is the undocumented number of killings, which the think tank estimated through a statistical technique called mul-
tiple systems estimation. The think tank also observed a “more extreme� underreporting on drug-related killings committed by unidentified assailants. Data from the police showed 201 drug-related killings but the sources used in the report documented 1,201 killings. The estimated number of killings by un-
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From the Front Page
Anti-human trafficking summit...
PAGE A1 ily of Benedicta Cox as the family’s live-in housekeeper in Manila. When she was 28 years old, Lugasan was brought to the U.S. to care for Cox’s sister who was sick but little did Lugasan know that she would end up working for the entire family. For the next three decades, Lugasan served the Cox family, cooking, cleaning and caring for the children, all with no pay and days off. Although the home in Southern California had four bedrooms, Lugasan was forced to sleep on the floor with no mattress. “I worked so hard even when my body was really hurting, and when it got really bad, I would cry [and] tears would be coming out nonstop. But I couldn’t complain, I couldn’t protest, and I felt so helpless,” Lugasan said of her decades of servitude under Cox at a summit on human trafficking on Friday, September 13, in Los Angeles hosted by the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC).
Speaking with the conviction of Lugasan — who affectionately goes by Nanay Fedelina — recounted a lifetime of lies and neglect begat onto her by her employers, who mocked Lugasan whenever she said she wanted to leave, asking her, “Where would you go?” “[The Cox family] would threaten to call the police if I ever left and accuse me of stealing their things, which I never did. That scared me. I did not know anyone who could help me and of course, I didn’t want to go to jail for something that I didn’t do,” Lugasan recalled. PWC has estimated that throughout her decades of work, Lugasan’s back wages come to about $1.6 million, using California’s minimum wage at the time Lugasan began employment with the Cox family in 1980. But Lugasan’s lifelong experience in modern slavery isn’t unique at all. Just like Lugasan, tens of thousands of people all over the world are duped into
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promises of stable work and income in the United States only to be subjected to harsh working conditions, low pay and abuse. Trends show that a growing number of traffickers are utilizing social media platforms in order to coerce victims into sex work or domestic servitude. According to a report from the U.S. Health and Human Services, an estimated 50,000 people are trafficked into the U.S. annually, with a majority of them coming from Mexico and the Philippines. According to the Human Trafficking Hotline, a significant majority of victims are women and minors and an overwhelming majority of cases are reported in California. Filipinos may be recruited by individuals who promise things like stable income, shelter and a pathway to citizenship, or they may be tapped by agencies in hospitality, the service industry or homecare who end up exploiting workers and threaten them into submission.
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Police numbers underreport...
PAGE A1 identified assailants, including the dark figure, is at 1,587 victims. “The findings of this report are limited to only three cities for the first 18 months of the anti-drug campaign, but they raise questions about the accuracy and completeness of the police data on drug-linked killings,” the report read. The data used in this report was from more than 20 different sources in the Philippines, including police reports, news, churches and parishes, non-governmental organizations and human rights groups, and the Commission on Human Rights, among others. The data set of the Stabile Center noted that 80% of the 2,320
homicides recorded in the same time period were reported in police documents, 60% reported in the news while a small number has been recorded by churches and human rights groups. Earlier this year, rights watchdog Human Rights Watch warned that the human rights crisis in the Philippines has “deepened” during Duterte’s second year in office. In its annual report issued last January, HRW noted that the drug war has expanded to areas outside Metro Manila. As of November 2018, the government’s tally of drug-related deaths rose to 5,050. In a report last July, Londonbased Amnesty International
said the epicenter of the Philippines’ drug has shifted to Bulacan province, where 827 drug-related killings were observed from July 2016 to February 2019. Amnesty attributed the rise in killings in Bulacan to the transfer of police commanders previously based in Metro Manila to the province. “A closer looks shows that several commanders who previously held posts in Metro Manila when it was the region where most drugrelated killings were reported have been promoted and are now at the helm in various positions in Bulacan and the wider Central Luzon,” the Amnesty report read. (With reports from Gaea Katreena Cabico) n
Palace hits US docufilm on Duterte...
PAGE A1 narratives relative to the Philippine government’s anti-narcotics approach, specifically on the nature and number of deaths arising from police operations against it,” he added. “On The President’s Orders,” which was produced by awardwinning filmmakers James Jones and Olivier Sarbil, will debut at Cinema Village in New York on October 4 and Laemmle Theaters in Los Angeles on October 18. It will also air nationwide in the United States on PBS Broadcast in October. A special press preview is set for September 24 in Los Angeles. The documentary film was included as official selection of 2019 Sheffield DocFest in the United Kingdom; 2019 HotDocs Film Festival in Toronto, Canada; 2019 Human Rights Watch Film Festival in New York and 2019 CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, Denmark. Panelo, who also serves as Duterte’s top legal counsel, said the U.S. docufilm appeared to be the latest addition to the “unmitigated vilifications” against Duterte. “We find this derogatory and biased, if not outright fiction. It is obvious that the film medium is riding on the coattails of the president’s international popularity and success, and is being used as a medium to espouse a one-sided information bordering on black propaganda aimed at gullible foreign audiences who
know little or zero-knowledge about the Philippines and its government,” he said. Panelo further pointed out that “in creating a film, it is easy to select fractions of video clips or soundbites that serve the purpose of the filmmakers in falsely portraying a dangerous Philippines and a murderous government while omitting scenes that reflect the opposite.” “Moviegoers are more inclined to watch a thrilling film that depicts a country as menacing instead of a lackluster motion picture showcasing its progress and development,” Panelo said. “Those who will watch the movie is advised and informed that the Philippines is an archipelago where the illegal drug trade is a billion-peso industry, in that 97% of small villages which we call barangay, have or had already been infiltrated,” he added. Panelo maintained that “the government’s campaign against prohibited narcotics is anchored primarily on national security and public safety.” He also reiterated that “drugrelated killings are absolutely not state-initiated nor statesponsored.” “These killings result from violent resistance on the part of those sought to be arrested by police agents, proof of which is the death of scores of policemen and serious injuries to hundreds of others,” Panelo said, adding that “a number of these deaths is
also caused by members of the prohibited drug industry who kill each other because of, among others, rivalry, botched deals and swindling.” “The president, as strict enforcer of the law, does not tolerate abusive police officers. They are not – and will never be – exempted from administrative sanction and criminal prosecution should there be an abuse on their part,” he added. Panelo then echoed Duterte’s line in his State of the Nation Address that “those who abuse their authority will have hell to pay.” “The docufilm, together with its so-called cinematic investigation on drug-related deaths, evidently has been deliberately overdramatized for the purpose, apart from putting the Philippines in a bad light, of creating a better cinematic experience for its audience,” he said. “We caution its potential viewers to be circumspect in evaluating the truthfulness of the film,” the Palace official added. Duterte has overseen a narcotics crackdown in which police have killed more than 6,000 suspected drug offenders since he was elected three years ago. n Rights groups, however, say the actual number of dead is at least three times higher. Government has repeatedly denied involvement in summary killings, saying drug suspects slain in police operations had resisted arrest. n
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PH Senate conducts ‘historic’ hearing... More Fil-Ams encouraged to enroll...
PAGE A2 Hontiveros, while a staunch supporter of the institution of marriage, said Filipinos especially women and their children “should have the right to turn the page and be free from abusive and loveless relationships.” “My sympathy and support go out to my countrymen, especially since there are many women who are victims of domestic violence and psychological abuse,” she said in Filipino. “They, together with their children, deserve all the chances available in this world to build nurturing families and find true and meaningful relationships,” the senator added. Hontiveros also maintained that the divorce bill is “pro-marriage, pro-family and pro-children” as it will make people respect marriage more by being more discerning with their choices in life and protects children from abuse and rebuilds broken families. “It makes us respect marriage more by being more discerning with our choices in life. It protects children from abuse and rebuilds broken families,” she said. “We can call it whatever we want. Divorce. Dissolution of marriage or whatever. The important thing is, giving a second chance to our people,” Hontiveros added. Change of term According to Hontiveros, if the lawmakers have an issue with semantics, advocates were open to changing the term “divorce.” She said if the term “divorce” is contentious, then “dissolution of marriage” would be issued in the committee report she will draft. “The term dissolution of marriage is acceptable already for the advocates. It’s fine with them if the word divorce is already conten-
tious, as long as the grounds they are asking for to have a second chance [in life] is covered,” Hontiveros said. She added that some of her colleagues in the Senate are more inclined to support the “dissolution of marriage.” Senate President Vicente Sotto III himself had said that a measure with the term “dissolution of marriage” has a better fighting chance in the upper chamber than divorce. “I don’t have the exact numbers right now pero in terms of sensing, I do sense there is more openness to the dissolution of marriage bill compared to other contentious bills,” Hontiveros said. She also said that she is willing to hold more hearings or technical working group meetings before elevating it to the plenary should there be calls for extensive discussion on the issue. Banning divorce is ‘tortuously inhumane’ Resource persons who were at the hearing stressed that banning divorce does not only lead to exploitations but is also “tortuously inhumane.’ Marc Anthony Luna from the Divorce Coalition of the Philippines addressed the panel saying that annulment is “one of the milking cows” of lawyers. A former OFW, Luna said he didn’t pursue annulment because he doesn’t believe in it and it is a process that is being exploited. Independent journalist Ana Santos said that the divorce ban in the Philippines has created scammers who take advantage of married couples breaking up. Apart from lawyers (both fake and legitimate) who run away with their clients’ money, she also added that there are courts that manufacture annul-
Anti-human trafficking summit... PAGE A2 And it may be difficult to even identify a human trafficking situation on its face. PWC Executive Director Aquilina Versoza noted that, like Lugasan, oftentimes looks as normal as picking up kids from the school, running errands or working in the garden. But behind the pedestrian facade may be hiding something more sinister. “It just really sheds a light on how our judicial system fails to protect victims and that the need for anti-human trafficking reform in our legislation is more urgent than ever,” Versoza said at the summit. “We celebrate Nanay Fedelina’s freedom today, but as I’ve said, it’s bittersweet. Nobody should ever have to endure what she has endured for so many years.” Lugasan was finally rescued in 2018 when she collapsed in a hospital while watching over Cox who was sick at the time. In the days preceding the collapse, she had not been able to sleep or eat, and when hospital employees suspected mistreatment of the woman, they contacted law enforcement. The FBI then searched Cox’s residence and found all evidence of abuse and exploitation. Both the FBI and the PWC helped Lugasan during her rescue and
transition into normal life, helping her obtain health care, housing, food and legal services. (After a lengthy investigation, law enforcement put Cox on house arrest, sentenced her to five years probation and ordered her to pay $101,119.98 in restitution.) Through the help of the PWC and the Filipino American community at large, Lugasan said she’s now able to live the life she’s always wanted to live, and she feels emboldened as ever to be active in the fight against human trafficking. “Now that I am free from the abuse, I want to let all workers who might be in a similar situation to seek help and don’t let people mistreat or abuse you. Like PWC, there are so many of us who are looking to help. I felt so alone before, so I know how [isolating] it feels, but please know you are not alone,” Lugasan said. If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, the National Human Trafficking Hotline can connect you with services and support and, most importantly, confidentiality. Call the hotline at 1-888-373-7888, text 233733 or visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org to chat with a representative. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n
ment proceedings and decisions. Santos, who went through an annulment, said the divorce ban is “tortuously inhumane” as it “not only takes such a long time, not only bleed you of your money but it pits the couple against each other.” An annulment is a civil procedure in which a judge declares the marital union between a husband and a wife no longer valid. Proceedings cost at least P200,000 and it is the only option for Filipino couples who want to break up their marriage. A predominantly Catholic nation, the Philippines is one of the two countries that still ban divorce (the other one is Vatican City, an independent ecclesiastical sovereign city-state). The Family Code of the Philippines states that a marriage can only be annulled if: • The party in whose behalf it is sought to have the marriage annulled was 18 years of age or over but below 21 and the marriage was solemnized without the consent of the parents, guardian or person having substitute parental authority over the party • Either party was of unsound mind • The consent of either party was obtained by fraud • The consent of either party was obtained by force, intimidation or undue influence • Either party was physically incapable of consummating the marriage with the other and such incapacity continues and appears to be incurable • Either party was afflicted with a sexually-transmissible disease found to be serious and appears to be incurable. n
PAGE A1 an effort to shed light on the new changes coming in 2020 and to encourage higher enrollment in the upcoming period after noting a decline last year. “If you get a tax credit through Covered California to lower your cost, that is not considered a public charge. The rules are very clear that is not what is subject to the public charge rules. Similarly, if through Covered California, you get a benefit for a cautionary reduction subsidy, that does not count as a public charge,” Peter Lee, Covered California’s executive director, said in a recent roundtable with Asian American media. With the misinformation and fear surrounding the public charge, many health officials fear that it is sending a chilling effect within immigrant communities especially when it comes to applying for health care programs. “We are very worried about confusion around public charge, discouraging people who are eligible and can get benefits from applying for benefits,” Lee added. “What we shouldn’t do is confuse consumers in California how good the benefits are, the subsidies available and discourage people from signing up.” The new incentives come after Governor Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature passed a series of laws to increase enrollment in the coming year. For 2019, the state experienced a 23.7% drop in the number of new consumers enrolling in Covered California. Since 2013, close to a quarter of a million Asian American and Pa-
Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee (center) speaks at a recent Asian American media roundtable in Los Angeles about the new changes coming under Covered California in 2020. He was joined by representatives in the AAPI community, including Jagdip Dhillon, information officer at Covered California, and Albert Young of Allied Pacific IPA.
cific Islanders (AAPIs) have been insured under the state’s marketplace as part of the Affordable Care Act — 30,230 of whom are Filipinos. “Covered California continues to be a model for other states because it has made a commitment to do the outreach to many of the diverse communities in California,” said Doreena Wong, project director for Asian Americans Advancing Justice - LA’s Health Access Project. That’s why the state’s health care marketplace and its partners within the AAPI community are starting the education efforts months in advance.
“Amongst the Asian Pacific Islander community of people who had insurance, they didn’t drop them. They kept their insurance. They know the value of insurance when they have it,” Lee said. Lee told the Asian Journal that Filipino Americans have been among the top ethnic groups enrolled in Covered California but more are still eligible so it will continue its outreach, such as advertising in the community. “Even though we’ve had good enrollment, we’re going to keep going at it to make sure the Filipino community understands the benefits of financial health and
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs executive order to confront youth vaping pidemic SACRAMENTO – On Monday, September 16, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to confront the growing youth epidemic and health risks linked to vaping. The executive order directs the Department of Public Health (CDPH) to launch a $20 million statewide digital and social media public awareness campaign to educate youth, young adults and parents about the health risks of vaping nicotine and cannabis products. CDPH is also tasked with developing recommendations to reduce smoking among young adults and teens by establishing warning signs with health risks where vaping products are sold and on product advertisements. “We must take immediate action to meet the urgency behind this public health crisis and youth A WORKER hangs lanterns at a stall in Central Market in Manila three months before the official start of the Christmas season. The Philippines is the only country that begins celebrating the happiest season in September. ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina epidemic,” said Governor Newsom. “As a parent, I understand the anxiety caused by the deceptive marketing tactics and flavored options designed to target THE hashtag #Facebookdown that the Philippines is among the our kids. With mysterious lung trended on Twitter Philippines countries that reported having isillnesses and deaths on the rise, Sunday after several users com- sues with using Facebook. we have to educate our kids and Other countries such as the plained that they were experiencdo everything we can to tackle ing technical problems on the so- united States, Canada, Japan, this crisis. There is a broad and France, Hungary, Greece and cial networking site. bipartisan coalition of legislators Facebook users took to Twitter united Kingdom also reported seeking to protect our youth, and to report the issues they were ex- having Facebook problems. we are committed to working with The tech website said Facebook periencing with the social media the Legislature and stakeholders giant prompting the hashtag to has been having issues since 9:28 to build on these executive actions make it to the top trending topics a.m. and put forward a strong tobacco It added that users reported in the country since Sunday noon, reform package in 2020.” problems about logging in (48 September 15. The Governor also announced As of posting, Twitter recorded percent), total blackout (38 perPhilstar.com file photo that he signed SB 39 by Senator over 2,000 tweets about #Face- cent) and usage of Facebook apps (12 percent). bookdown. The social media giant has yet Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo), legislaThe website downdetector.ph to issue a confirmation or state- tion which will impose stricter A live outage map from website downdetector.ph, which reports said Facebook users in the Philip- ment regarding the reported tem- age verification requirements for the performance of Facebook pines also experienced problems porary Facebook outage. (Rosette tobacco products sold online or by mail. worldwide in real-time, showed on Saturday, September 14. Adel/Philstar.com) n Vaping devices are the most commonly used tobacco product in California and more than 80 percent of high-school teens who Viñas said Roche, who relied been confined at the Maria Reyna consume tobacco use a vaping deAuTHORITIES on Monday, September 16, ruled out foul play only on his pension for his daily Xavier university Hospital, where vice. Of the California teens who in the death of an American na- needs here, was left inside the he was diagnosed with acute tional inside his house here Sun- house alone on Sunday as Man- pancreatitis or inflammation of zano was out of the house for the pancreas, and hypertensive day night, September 15. Bryan Richard Roche, 59, a di- hours before she found the for- urgency. Viñas said the victim insisted PAGE A1 vorcee native of Boston, Massa- eigner dead in his room. “She must have been gone for on going out of the hospital chusetts, was found dead by his Senate President Tito Sotto, Filipina partner at 10:42 p.m. on hours and when she came back, against the doctor’s advice on meanwhile, said Erice’s suggesshe found Roche already dead,” Sept. 15. Sunday. tion was “not a well-thought-of He said Roche signed a waiver idea.” City police spokesperson Ma- Viñas said, referring to Manzano. Roche had been briefly de- and was released on Sunday afjor Evan Viñas said Roche, a reWhile the Caloocan solon sugtired u.S. Army soldier, who ar- tained at a local police station on ternoon. “He told his partner he gested adding buses during rush rived here about two years ago, June 6 this year for grave threats would rather stay at home than at hours, Sotto questioned where to was “already lifeless” when his filed by a neighbor but the com- the hospital,” Viñas said. “dump” public vehicles during The u.S. Embassy in Manila non-rush hours. Filipina partner Lani Manzano, plaint was later dropped. Senior Master Sergeant Neil had been informed of Roche’s 49, checked on him inside their “My original suggestion is still rented apartment in Barangay Apollo delas Alas, the investiga- death. (Jigger Jerusalem/Inquir- the best, no parking in the entire tor, said the American had earlier er.net) n Camaman-an here. Metro Manila streets from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.,” Sotto said. Sotto earlier suggested implementing a “no parking” policy in all city streets to encourage private vehicles to take alternative routes to their destinations. This would decongest EDSA as private vehicles would no longer have to pass through the major thoroughfare in Metro Manila, Sotto said. n
Is #Facebookdown? Hashtag trend as users report problems
Police rule out foul play in American’s death in Cagayan de Oro
California Governor Gavin Newsom Photo courtesy of latimes.com
consume tobacco products, 86.4 percent report using a flavored tobacco product. There are over 15,500 e-liquid flavors, some of which have proven to cause significant health effects. From 2016 to 2018, vaping among California high school students rose 27 percent. In 2018, 10.9 percent of California high school students reported using e-cigarettes and 14.7 percent reported using cannabis. “As a state, we can no longer stand by as a new generation falls victim to big tobacco, with vaping products that directly target our children,” said California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “The Governor’s action will raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco products and the risks associated with e-cigarettes and vaping, as well as look at enforcement actions that show Californians the gravity of targeting young people and their health.” The Governor’s executive order includes: • Increased enforcement of ecigarettes: The Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) will develop recommendations to remove illegal or counterfeit vaping products from stores and re-
ducing youth vaping consumption through increased enforcement and incorporating nicotine content into the calculation of the existing tax on electronic cigarettes. CDTFA shall consider revenues currently derived from taxation of electronic cigarettes and the revenues that may be collected from a nicotine-based tax, the potential for evasion and the feasibility of instituting a stamping requirement to maximize compliance. CDTFA shall submit its recommendations to the Governor’s office by October 29, 2019. • Warning signs at retailers and on advertisements: The CDPH is directed to develop recommendations to reduce the availability of vaping devices to persons under 21 years of age, which includes the establishment of warning signs about the health risks of vaping at retailers where any vaping product is sold and in any vaping advertisements. This includes increased enforcement regarding sales of vaping products and specifically e-liquid flavors, to youth. In addition, the CDPH shall make recommendations regarding the establishment of standards for nicotine content and uniform packaging for purposes of including nicotine content in the calculation of the existing tax on electronic cigarettes. The Department of Public Health shall submit its recommendations to the Governor’s Office by October 14, 2019. • Program Funds for Vaping Awareness Campaign: The CDPH is immediately directed to allocate a total of at least $20 million in tobacco and cannabis program funds for a vaping awareness campaign, including digital and social media messaging focused on youth, young adults and parents. This will build upon the award-wining and longest running anti-tobacco program in the nation. n
Senators reject ‘crazy’ idea to ban private cars...
In this Sept. 13, 2019 photo, motorists plying EDSA northbound in Quezon City experience bumper-to-bumper traffic during the morning rush hour traffic. Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzmana
More Fil-Ams encouraged to enroll...
PAGE A3 gets insured,” he added. Around 922,000 Californians — including over 20,000 AAPIs — will be eligible for the new state subsidies that will help lower the cost of their coverage in 2020. “Filipino Americans across the state can benefit tremendously from Covered California because [it] is the only place where they can get federal premium assistance to help them purchase a brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act,” Nida Fisher of D’Access Central, an accredited navigator for Covered California. For example, middle-income consumers who previously did not qualify for financial help be-
cause they exceeded federal income requirements will be eligible to receive an average of $172 per household per month. Those enrollees (around 663,000 individuals) who currently receive federal financial help could be entitled to receive an average of an additional $15 per household per month which will help them save an average of 5% on their current premiums. Also in 2020, California’s individual market will see an average rate change of 0.8 percent, considered the lowest change since Covered California’s launch, due to new state affordability initiatives designed to lower costs and encourage enrollment. People who choose to go without coverage they can afford in 2020 will be subject to paying
the penalty as part of their annual state tax filing, officials warn. Penalties could go up to $2,100 per family, which is based on 2.5 percent of household income or a minimum of $695 per adult, whichever is greater. “A $2,000 penalty is nothing compared to not getting to that right specialty physician or to not getting a condition diagnosed early,” Lee said. The 2020 open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 15, 2019 for a January 1, 2020 effective date. Those who do not avail of this period may still get coverage if they qualify for the special enrollment period or Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). (Christina M. Oriel/ AJPress) n
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 20-26, 2019
Dateline PhiliPPines
A
‘Smuggling costs govt P200B every year’ Group to DA: Stop all pork imports by eireene Jairee
by Jaime
PilaPil Manilatimes.net
A PARTY-list lawmaker urged the government to intensify efforts to curb smuggling, saying P200 billion is lost every year because of this illegal activity. “Instead of introducing new tax reforms to raise revenue for the government’s social services and infrastructure programs, the government should be looking into the issue of smuggling at BoC (Bureau of Customs), especially steel,” Buhay party-list Rep. Jose ‘Lito’ Atienza said. He lamented that the Customs bureau has yet to implement a provision of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act on the pre-inspection of container vans. Section 440 of the law mandates that container vans should be inspected at their ports of origin. “They should be cleared at the port of origin before shipment. When the Duterte administration came in, we expected that it would be implemented, but until now, nothing has changed. Obviously, the DoF (Department of Finance) is not keen on its implementation,” the lawmaker said
Manilatimes.net file photo
when the House of Representatives deliberated on the budget of the DoF. “Obviously, the government— the BoC and the DoF—don’t want to know what is inside the container vans. They are merely dependent on the declaration of importers. Industry analysts say that a minimum of P200 billion is lost every year due to unabated smuggling,” Atienza said. “The huge amount of tax revenues the government is losing due to this malpractice could be
used to fund infrastructure projects under the President’s ‘Build, Build, Build‘ ”programs, particularly those that are intended to alleviate the country’s transportation system to ease the commuters’ daily burden,” he added. The lawmaker earlier urged the government to look into the possible collusion between Customs officials and large steel makers, saying lost tax revenues rooted on corruption could be enough to fund social services and infrastructure projects. n
Immunity from suit only applies to president – SC by Jomar
Canlas ManilaTimes.net
THE Supreme Court has ruled that immunity from suit does not extend to the alter egos of the president. The high court denied the petition for review on certiorari filed by former Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) chairman Camilo Sabio, who was convicted by the Sandiganbayan for violating the AntiGraft. The case stemmed from the lease agreement involving 11 motor vehicles entered into by the PCGG with the United Coconut Planters Bank Leasing and Finance Corp. from 2007 to 2009. The project did not undergo the required bidding. “Sabio cannot claim immunity from suit for being an alter ego of the president. It was the PCGG, through Sabio and his commissioners, not the president, who entered into the subject lease agreements without the requisite public bidding,” the court’s third division said in its ruling. The ruling, penned by Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta, said it would be “ridiculous to hold that alter egos of the president are, likewise, immune from suit simply because their acts are considered acts of the president if not repudiated.” “In fact, the 1987 Constitution is replete with provisions on
the constitutional principles of accountability and good governance that should guide a public servant. The rule is that unlawful acts of public officials are not acts of the State and the officer who acts illegally is not acting as such, but stands in the same footing as any other trespasser,” it added. It said Republic Act 9184, or the “Government Procurement Reform Act,” provides that all government procurement shall be done through competitive bidding, except as provided for in Article XVI the same law. As a result, the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Sandiganbayan in 2017 convicting Sabio. The high tribunal held that there was bad faith on Sabio’s part in entering into the lease agreements without “undertaking the required procurement process; and subjecting government funds to unnecessary expenditure without pre-allocation and the necessity for the same.” “As correctly ruled by the Sandiganbayan, Sabio’s acts unmistakably reflect a dishonest purpose or some moral obliquity and conscious doing of a wrong; a breach of sworn duty through some motive or intent or ill will,” it said. It also noted that Sabio was a member of the Board the of United Coconut Planters Bank, the parent company of UCPB Leasing
Probe should focus on implementation – Robredo
Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo by Benadette
e. tamayo ManilaTimes.net
VICE President Maria Leonor Robredo on Monday, September 16 said the Senate investigation of the questionable release of prisoners should focus on the implementation of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law. She made the remark amid reports that detained Sen. Leila de Lima and former Interior and Local Government secretary Manuel Roxas 2nd, who crafted the law’s implementing rules and implementation (IRR), were being blamed for the mess. Based on data released by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), 1,914 prisoners convicted of heinous crimes were granted early release under the GCTA Law, which provides incentives to inmates for good conduct. “Dapat ang tanong ano ba dahilan kung bakit nagkaloko-loko ang implementation ng GCTA (The question is what was the reason behind the mess)? Is it because of the law o dahil ba sa implementation ng law (Is it be-
Gomez
ManilaTimes.net
Manilatimes.net file photo
cause of the law itself or because of the law’s implementation)?” Robredo said in an interview. The vice president was at the Senate to defend the 2020 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) amounting to over P673 million. The Senate Committee on Finance approved the OVP’s budget. Robredo noted that the previous Senate Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry led to the discovery of several “money-making” activities at the BuCor and New Bilibid Prison. “Sana iyon ang sentro ng hearing kasi kapag nalihis siya sa tunay na pangyayari, iyong focus nandoon na sa sino iyung gumawa ng IRR, hindi doon sa sino ba iyong mga involved sa korapsyon (I hope that the hearing will center on [corruption] because if it is diverted from the real event, the focus will be on who made the IRR, and not on who were involved in the corruption),” Robredo said. De Lima has chided President Rodrigo Duterte for blaming her and Roxas for the GCTA mess. n
when the lease agreements were entered into, thus giving unwarranted benefit and advantage in favor of UCPB Leasing. n
A BIG group composed of dozens of organizations has called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to immediately stop the importation of pork and processed pork meat. The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) appealed to DA Secretary William Dar to suspend the issuance of sanitary and pytho-sanitary (SPS) permits and cancel all permits that have been issued for pork imports. The group pointed to tainted pork imports as the source of the ASF virus that had affected hogs in several areas in Luzon. “Protecting the local agriculture and supporting the interest of Filipino farmers at this time of an outbreak, through the non-issuance of SPS does not violate our commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO),” Sinag President Rosendo So said. He explained that when there is an outbreak of diseases, countries are allowed to protect their agriculture. “Under WTO rules, there is always that assumption of regularity on whatever policy of the national government. Countries/ trading partners are free to sue us at the WTO dispute settlement body. But nobody will do that,” So added. Sinag Executive Director Jayson Cainglet said the country should not allow pork imports
Prices of pork cuts are listed near a stall of a meat vendor at the Paco Market in Manila. Some groups have warned that the prices of pork have dropped because of the swine fever cases reported in several areas in Luzon. Manilatimes.net photo by DJ Diosina
from all countries, not just from nations affected by swine fever. He cited an incident when the country imported 250 kilos of pork from Germany, which was not affected by ASF. However, the meat was instead found to have come from Poland, which reported swine fever cases. “The DA should be very strict since it’s so tricky now whether or not the pork we import is infected by ASF. If we really want to prevent the spread here, then just suspend the pork importation from all countries,” Cainglet told The Manila Times in a phone interview. “Besides, we have enough supply. What we also need to do is to help address the plunging prices of pork at the farm gate level, as
there are some reports that prices have gone down to P60 or P70 per kilo,” he added. The group also urged all concerned agencies to increase border control and fully implement quarantine policies. “We ask our partners at the local government units to remain vigilant against imported frozen meat being sold at the wet markets. We ask the public to continue to patronize our local pork that remains safe, clean and wholesome,” Sinag said. The group counts as its members the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc., United Broilers and Raisers Association, Philippine Maize Federation Inc., Philippine Confederation of
u PAGE A7
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SEPTEMBER 20-26, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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O PINION Beyond emergency powers
FEATURES
AFTER three years, it looks like senators remain lukewarm to proposals to give President Duterte emergency powers to untangle the traffic mess particularly on EDSA. The bone of contention has always been the Senate’s request for the administration to specify exactly what powers are being requested or for what specific purposes. Senators have refused to grant blanket authorization that might open doors to corruption, by circumventing procurement laws or the constitutional separation of powers, for example. An exasperated President Duterte has said he’s no longer interested in the emergency powers. This should not mean he is giving up on the traffic mess in Metro Manila, which experts estimate is costing the country billions in lost economic productivity. A recent report said patients in ambulances have died because heavy traffic in Metro Manila prevented the vehicles from reaching hospitals on time. The president’s spokesman facetiously suggested that helicopters be deployed for such emergencies. No one stuck in infernal traffic can afford to laugh. In fact some officials are showing that certain things can be done, even without emergency powers, to improve traffic flow. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno cleared some of the most congested streets in the country of vendors, illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions, opening the streets to vehicular traffic. He has
so far sustained his campaign without incurring a lawsuit. Schemes to rationalize bus deployment and movement on EDSA have been proposed, with at least one measure involving provincial buses now the subject of a court injunction. Even without emergency powers, authorities can clamp down on “colorum” buses and prune the number of franchises covering EDSA. The president can use his considerable political capital to get industry players to cooperate in rationalizing the deployment of buses, so that they don’t have to engage in cutthroat competition for passengers and turn various stops into virtual terminals. There are also several schemes being considered to reduce the volume of private vehicles. Police traffic teams are exploring tighter enforcement to keep vehicle flow moving along EDSA. As for long-term measures, emergency powers will not solve bureaucratic bottlenecks and inefficient processes in implementing infrastructure projects necessary for reducing traffic.
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS SUICIDE — the act of taking one’s own life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2017, the 10th cause of death in the United States was suicide. Worse, suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents 10 to 19 years old. Suicide follows heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia, kidney disease on the causes of mortality, according to the report of the CDC. It has now become a public health problem that is begging to be talked about, understood and addressed. What causes suicide? What drives a person, who is equipped with life instinct for life preservation, harm him/herself to end it all? According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there is no one cause for suicide. However, this tragedy
DAN STEINBOCK President Duterte’s joint exploration framework with China is a historic breakthrough. But since it has potential to de-escalate tensions over time, it is opposed by those interests that prefer rearmament, even if that would lead to a split of Southeast Asia and new nuclearization. IN early 2018, the Philippines and China agreed to set up a special panel to work out how the two could jointly explore oil and gas in parts of the South China Sea (SCS) that both sides claim without having to address the issue of sovereignty. That was something of a breakthrough. Last fall, President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the Philippines resulted in the bilateral memorandum of understanding on oil and gas development in the contested SCS. It was one of the some 30 documents signed during Xi’s visit in Manila. Following a recent meeting with Xi, Duterte said the Philippines could set aside the ruling of the international arbitral tribunal on China’s SCS claims, in exchange for a joint oil and gas exploration deal with Beijing. Xi-Duterte framework relative to Malampaya To undermine the breakthrough and cooperation, critics argue that Duterte is “abandoning” the in-
enjoy the support of homeowners. The president has immense persuasive powers that can be applied to get everyone on board. Even without special powers, many things can be done in the name of public interest. (Philstar.com)
What we need to know about suicide, the 10th cause of death in the US
“often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life.” HOWEVER, SUICIDE CAN BE PREVENTED. We just have to be better informed about what it is all about, what the warning signs are and how we can respond appropriately to help your self, a loved one, a co-worker, a friend, a student or anybody that exhibits such warning signs. It is not just about being “malungkot” all the time. Some people can be functional or have a smiling brave front, but deep inside they are hurting and dying in spirit. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention cautions that we need to be on the lookout for “a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behav-
iors.” The foundation explains that “this is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.” Warning signs: Watch what they say or post on social media or write about. If a person talks about: • Killing themselves • Feeling hopeless • Having no reason to live • Being a burden to others • Feeling trapped • Unbearable pain Be mindful of their behavior. Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change: • Increased use of alcohol or drugs • Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods • Withdrawing from activities • Isolating from family and friends • Sleeping too much or too little • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
PH, China and US: Joint exploration vs rearmament Commentary
Some agencies have started opening to the public roads in private subdivisions, even without approval from homeowners, to ease traffic along main thoroughfares. This can be done without emergency powers, and it may be carried out in a way that would
ternational ruling on the disputed sea. In reality, setting aside the ruling does not mean abandoning it. As I have argued since the early 2010s, the friction between the Philippines and China can be overcome by focusing on the economic cooperative potential, suspending the stated bilateral differences, creating mechanisms to settle those disagreements over time and fostering joint confidence-building measures. That’s what most Asean countries aspire to, including those that have SCS disagreements with China. It may be useful to compare the stated joint exploration framework with another historical precedent. In 1989, during the rule of President Corazon Aquino, a gas field was discovered off the shore of Palawan. Following successful appraisal in the 1990s — during the presidencies of Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada — the Malampaya field became operational in 2001. According to its operators’ estimate, as of 2018, the Malampaya, whose supply is forecast to start declining by 2022, has surpassed $10 billion in Philippine government revenues. That’s a nice way to say that that 90 percent of the Malampaya revenues go to multinationals in Europe and the US. In reality, the Philippine interest in the gas field is just 10 percent, as opposed to the British-Dutch Shell (45 percent) and the U.S. Chevron (45 percent). According to President Duterte’s statement, China has promised to give the Philippines 60 percent of the profits from any gas or oil deal
as opposed to China’s 40 percent. That’s a breakthrough, something that none of Duterte’s precursors achieved in the past decades. Of course, there is another possible approach to the SCS issues, as well. After Duterte’s statement, Vice President Leni Robredo, the last major holdout of the Liberal Party meltdown following the 2016 election, blamed Duterte for a “shameful” sellout to China over the joint-exploration deal. In turn, Duterte has argued that the Philippines needs to stop the “foolishness” of such scenarios. Where would such scenarios lead? The other scenario In the April phone conversation between U.S. President Trump and Duterte, Trump boasted about two U.S. nuclear submarines near North Korea. “We have a lot of firepower over there,” Trump said. “We have two nuclear submarines — not that we want to use them at all.” The willingness to use nuclear weapons in the region is the latest phase in the ongoing rearmament. During the Cold War, Washington created the security architecture in the region, including the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (Seato) signed in Manila in the mid-1950s. The Seato’s stated task was to contain Soviet communism. Hence, the U.S.-led wars from the Korean Peninsula in the early 1950s and the massacre of almost a million Chinese communists in Indonesia in the mid1960s, to the war in Vietnam and subsequent conflicts in the former Indochina in the 1970s until the Seato’s dissolution.
• Giving away prized possessions • Aggression • Fatigue Be sensitive about their mood changes. People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods: • Depression • Anxiety • Loss of interest • Irritability • Humiliation/Shame • Agitation/Anger • Relief/Sudden Improvement Who could be at risk? The foundation discusses the characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take their life: Health factors • Mental health conditions • Depression • Substance use problems • Bipolar disorder • Schizophrenia • Personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships • Conduct disorder • Anxiety disorders • Serious physical health conditions including pain • Traumatic brain injury Environmental factors
• Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs • Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment • Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss • Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide Historical factors • Previous suicide attempts • Family history of suicide • Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma How you can help: The Foundation for Suicide Prevention advises that if you think someone is thinking about suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Here’s how to talk to someone who may be struggling with their mental health. • Talk to them in private • Listen to their story • Tell them you care about them • Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide • Encourage them to seek treatment or to contact their
doctor or therapist • Avoid debating the value of life, minimizing their problems or giving advice If a person says they are considering suicide: • Take the person seriously • Stay with them • Help them remove lethal means • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-2738255 • Text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7 • Escort them to mental health services or an emergency room LASTLY, if I may add, let us pray for them and their families. Let us visualize the light of God surrounding them like a shield, dissipating the dark clouds hovering above them, and healing them to wholeness. GOD BLESS YOU. ***
Today, the region looks very different. In relative terms, America’s economic role has been descending. Meanwhile, China has matured into a major economic contributor, as reflected by the economic spillovers associated with One Road One Belt initiatives. Ever since President Obama’s Pivot to Asia in the early 2010s, the Pentagon has been pushing rearmament in the region, through arms sales. In 2017, the U.S. sold $42 billion in weapons to foreign countries, but $8 billion (20 percent of the total) in the “Indo-Pacific” region. Yet, in global arms transfers, Asia Pacific is the most lucrative region (over 40 percent of world total). Consequently, US defense contractors would like to double their revenues in the region. The Pentagon’s highest executives have a personal stake in rearmament. Former U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis served on the board of General Dynamics, a leading U.S. defense contractor. His successor Patrick Shanahan served over 30 years in executive roles at Boeing, the largest U.S. military exporter. Current Defense Secretary Mark Esper has been recognized as America’s top military lobbyist. He spent seven years as the head of government relations at the leading defense contractor Raytheon. In the early 2010s, the strategic goals of the former Aquino government and those of current Vice President Robredo have largely converged with the U.S. “pivot to Asia.” As President Obama’s Defense Secretary Leon Panetta affirmed in 2012, this plan was predicated on the deployment of
60 percent of U.S. warships to Asia Pacific by 2020 — that is, next year. Last month, the Pentagon’s new chief Esper illuminated the next phase of U.S. rearmament in the region. Pentagon’s missile aspirations in Asia A day after Washington withdrew from the landmark Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty with Russia — that President Reagan and Gorbachev in 1987 hoped would ensure peace in the 21st century — Esper stated the U.S. will be looking to deploy new ground-launched, intermediate- range missiles in Asia. According to Pentagon estimates, a low-flying cruise missile with a potential range of about 1,000 kilometers could be ready for deployment in 18 months. The U.S. continues to have almost 4,000 nuclear warheads. Esper has acknowledged the U.S. is considering placing new medium-range conventional weapons in Asia: “We would like to deploy a capability sooner rather than later.” While he has not specified where the U.S. intends to deploy these weapons, U.S. allies in the region are historically prioritized. In brief, geopolitical pressure toward missile deployments is about to begin in Southeast Asia. Asean vs nightmare scenarios In the Philippines, the history of nuclear deployments has been largely covert. Article II Section 8 of the Philippine Constitution forbids the presence of nuclear weapons in the country. But such clauses do not constrain its allies. During the Cold War Marcos era, U.S. nuclear warheads were
secretly stockpiled in the Philippines. When the U.S. Navy withdrew from Subic Bay naval base in 1992, it was due to the failure to iron out differences, including Manila’s ban on nuclear weapons. By 1995, the Asean countries agreed on the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty. The Bangkok treaty entered into force on March 28, 1997 and obliges its members not to develop, manufacture or otherwise acquire, possess or have control over nuclear weapons. However, allies are not constrained by such limitations. When President Aquino and Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario agreed with the U.S. on a rotating U.S. military presence in Philippine bases in March 2016 — right before Duterte’s landslide win — the effort seems to have been to lock in a path to closer military alignment (which eventually would require such deployments). That scenario could bury the economic promise of the Philippines in the 21st century. President Duterte’s rebalancing, including a joint exploration deal, is an effort to foster new economic cooperation with China, in addition to the old ties with the U.S. That rebalancing is very much in line with Asean’s efforts at peaceful, regional economic integration. Rearmament and nuclearization aren’t. (ManilaTimes. net) ***
Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Dr. Dan Steinbock is the founder of Difference Group and has served at the India, China and America Institute (US), Shanghai Institute for International Studies (China) and the European Union Center (Singapore). For more, see http:// www.differencegroup.net/
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Government revives Marcos-era stores by Louise
Maureen Philstar.com
siMeon
MANILA — The government has revived the Marcos-era Kadiwa store system in Metro Manila in a bid to stabilize prices and help both farmers and consumers. The Department of Agriculture (DA) recently launched the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita at the Food and Development Center in Taguig City, where major agricultural goods will be sold at reasonably low prices to aid poor Filipino households. “We are now reviving a very important government project which targets to support both farmers and consumers through a direct marketing scheme,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said. The Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita is a collaborative project of the DA, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Food Terminal Inc. The Kadiwa store system was originally introduced by former
Philstar.com file photo
president Ferdinand Marcos to help bring down the prices of agricultural commodities. It was also implemented by former president Joseph Estrada during his brief term in 1998 to arrest the skyrocketing prices of basic goods and commodities and help farmers get the best prices for their crops. “Through Kadiwa, we can be sure that farmers get the best prices for their goods, while providing
affordable, safe, and nutritious food to the consumers,” Dar said. The project was envisioned to empower the farmers and the community through their involvement in a direct and effective farmto-consumer food supply chain. This will also ensure that produce of the farmers reaches the consumers without passing through a multi-layered marketing system that puts the farmers most of the time at the losing end. n
floating in the Marikina River. “Offenders should be prosecuted as this is apparently a violation of certain memorandum act of DA regarding the disposal of dead hogs,” said Pcafi President Danilo Fausto. “Stricter implementation of biosecurity procedures should be observed,” he added. Edwin Chen, president of the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, said hog raisers, particularly those from small backyards, should be advised on proper procedures in the disposal of dead hogs. “If the farm is in the backyard, the hogs [affected by the disease] should be culled first, then buried immediately outside the farm at a depth [that may not be disturbed by other animals]. Depending on the number, it should be within a certain depth, maybe 2 meters if there are only a few.” “In commercial farms or in a locality, DA people have a designated areas for burying. The site should not be near a waterway or a creek,” he added. Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro on Monday, September 16 told The Manila Times that he had directed the City Health Office to spearhead the said test, which can be completed at least a day. “I have ordered for harvesting
of some fish samples for the test. We have a laboratory in our city health office, [which] can do the test and we expect the results to be out in one day at the least. We are doing this because our priority is really the safety of our residents in Marikina,” the mayor said in a phone interview. This order came after the city government submitted water samples to the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission and the Laguna Lake Development Authority to test the water quality in the Marikina River. Teodoro also said the results of a separate laboratory test on blood samples from dead pigs were scheduled to be released by the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry on Monday. The test was expected to identify if the retrieved pigs were infected by ASF. The city authorities earlier banned fishing, swimming and any other water-related activities. “So far, we haven’t caught any violators. If there’s any, we will confiscate the fish caught and even their fishing gears to really prevent them from fishing here,” Teodoro said. Sinag is one of the strongest lobby groups in the farm sector in the country, composing of 33 allied industry groups across commodities. n
Group to DA: Stop all pork imports PAGE A5 Grains Association, Philippine Association of Feed Millers Inc., as well as irrigators and farm inputs associations across the country. Dar admitted that the country could suspend pork importation from all countries. He, however, said the DA’s Crisis Management Task Force would study the proosal “and make a pronouncement as soon as possible.” The Agriculture chief clarified that while the ASF episodes in several areas in Bulacan and Rizal provinces may be considered an outbreak, there is yet no epidemic of swine fever. He gave assurances that ASF cases had been contained in Barangay Pritil, Guiguinto, Bulacan; and in several areas in Rodriguez, San Mateo and Antipolo, all in Rizal. “The incident will not affect the supply and prices of pork in the market, the ASF is confined and specific in certain areas only and not in the entire country,” Dar said. Protocols Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (Pcafi) urged the DA and local government units to implement protocol on the disposal of dead hogs. The group made the call following reports that carcasses of pigs were found
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SEPTEMBER 20-26, 2019 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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Master artist and puppeteer Carlito Camahalan Amalla: Creating an instrument for societal change Kularts’ Puppetry Workshop to be held on September 24 & 25
ANY form of art can be a powerful tool of communication. It relays information, educates, inspires and moves people to decide on an important issue. We are mostly familiar to art forms that are frequently practiced by artists like paintings, illustration, dance, music, sculpture or mixed media. However, Carlito Camahalan Amalla brings in another medium that is probably less used — puppets. A member of the Manobo Indigenous Peoples of Agusan, Southern Philippines,
Amalla is a visual artist, puppeteer, and music and dance performer who has toured internationally throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. He studied wayang kulit (traditional form of puppet-shadow play) in Indonesia and bunraku, Japan’s traditional form of puppet theatre. He performed in Papet Pasyon, Papet Ramayana, Papet Maskara, Papet Kalikasan and at the International Puppetry Festival - Bangkok. His solo exhibitions include “Pasaog” (2019) in New York City, “Tribu” (2016) in Bel-
gium, and “Paglantaw” (2014) at the University of the Philippines. Amalla is also professor at De La Salle-College of St Benilde, School of Design & Art in Manila. “I decided to go into puppetry 15 years ago,” Amalla said. “I (was) inspired to create puppetry because I love culture and I like teaching young learners to be creative and innovative. Sharing and serving makes me happy.” With this in mind, Amalla is eager to share his knowledge via a Puppetry Workshop to be held on September 24 and 25 at the Bayanihan Community Center in San Francisco. In the workshop, participants will learn how to plan, design and create puppets from simple to complex construction. Amalla’s puppets are of course, unique. He creates his own two- and three-dimensional puppets, and all inspired by his indigenous heritage. For him, a puppet is not only a form of entertainment, but also a tool to tell a story and educate people about the issues and concerns of indigenous people. “Puppetry is the extension of our creativity and identity,” he said and then added, “It is a reflection of our personality and country. (A) puppet or puppetry creates a story, (can be) a problem solver and a source of inspiration and entertainment.” He also stressed that crea-
tivity is a powerful instrument for societal change. “The purpose of making art or puppet is to record our ideas and feelings to become a good person. Amalla’s Puppetry Workshop is a program by Kularts and will be on September 24 and 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. at the Bayanihan Community Center, 1010 Mission Street, San Francisco. Tickets are $15 (for one workshop) and $25 (for both workshops). To register, log on to https:// docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLSegp9PRcmhjfXk MnjtK_SX5235CvBPyUdvkxiDvRjFjMd3tKw/viewform. (AJPress)
Photos from Kularts/Carlito Camahalan Amalla’s Facebook
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Immigration Corner
October 2019 priority dates The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
January 01, 2009
July 01, 2008
August 01, 2019
Current
(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holders
March 01, 2009
September 01, 2008
Third Preference
Married sons and daughters of US Citizens
October 01, 1998
April 01, 1998
Fourth Preference
Brothers and sisters of US Citizens
January 08, 1999
July 08, 1998
LABOR CERTIFICATION:
Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
Second Preference Advanced Degree (Masters)
Current
Current
FAMILY CATEGORY:
Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date A CREWMAN WHO JUMPED SHIP WENT HOME TO THE PHILIPPINES ON AN APPROVED PROVISIONAL WAIVER, BUT WAS CHARGED WITH FRAUD FOR OVERSTAYING, is earlier than the cut-off date AND COULD NO LONGER RETURN TO THE U.S. Jimmy entered the U.S. in 1999 and jumped ship. When the provisional waiver regulations came out, (which also listed below. If your priority date included crewmen), Jimmy immediately applied for it in his desire to “do the right thing” and legalize his status. When USCIS approved his provisional waiver was “current,” but later retro(thereby “forgiving” his overstay), Jimmy traveled back to the Philippines for his immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy, thinking he would be back in gressed (or “moved backwards” the U.S. in a few weeks. However, the Embassy charged him with fraud by imposing a new “90-day rule” for his having overstayed almost 20 years ago. He and became unavailable) before found himself stuck in the Philippines while his wife lay in a coma in the U.S. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel never abandoned Jimmy your immigrant visa was issued or his case, and kept fighting for him. Witness a heart-tugging and heart-wrenching homecoming and reunion on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on (or before you adjusted status in Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement) the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again. Beginning in October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they by AllAn PolicArPio can already file for adjustment Inquirer.net of status and work authorization THE past few years saw (provided they are otherwise Alden Richards pursuing more eligible and USCIS indicates projects that don’t necessaron its website it will use the ily revolve around a particular Application Filing Date for that love team. month). This could allow people There’s the 2018 superhero to obtain work authorization series, “Victor Magtanggol,” much sooner than before, where and most recently, the record- they had to wait for the priority breaking romantic drama date to be current (in the Visa “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” Issuance or Final Action Date which may have very well column) in order to both file for sealed for him the “Box Office adjustment and be eligible for a King” title this year. green card. And moving forward, it *** seems that Alden is staying on able to do projects that make that same path: His coming me proud of myself. And I’m primetime soap, “The Gift,” happy with the decisions I features him to top the bill. have made,” he told reporters With or without a perennial at a recent press conference screen partner, the 27-yearfor “The Gift.” old actor is happy with the The show, which starts way his career has been airing today, will have Alden unfolding. playing Sep, a vendor who “It’s a blessing, in a way, miraculously survives a shot because I was given a chance Alden Richards Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichard02 to grow. It feels great being to his head during a riot at a
Why Alden considers having no constant screen partner ‘a blessing’
First Preference
Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)
(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holders
Third Preference
Professional/ Skilled Workers
Current
October 15, 2017
Other Workers
Non-Skilled Workers
Current
October 15, 2017
Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or
legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE:www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook. com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @ GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES
public market. He loses his eyesight in the process. But in exchange, Sep acquires the power of clairvoyance—an ability that could end up becoming a double-edged sword. “My character has been through a lot. He got separated from his parents when he was just a child, and was
raised by people who treated him as their own. Things will get more complicated, however, when Sep finds out his real identity. He will be forced to make crucial and difficult choices,” he related. Taking on pivotal supporting roles are Jean Garcia, who plays Nadia, Sep’s biological Continued on Page SF5
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 20, 2019
celebrity world
Carlo Aquino and Maine Mendoza star in new movie
By Ferdie Villar ACTOR Carlo Aquino and Dubsmash Queen Maine Mendoza (half of the popular tandem AlDub) star in Black Sheep’s new movie, “Isa Pa With Feelings.” Black Sheep is a film subsidiary of ABS-CBN Films, and sister company of Star Cinema. Last Sunday, September 16, the first teaser for their movie was released. The teaser has been viewed almost 2.5 million times in 24 hours of its release. The movie is about two people who are neighbors in a condominium building and met the first time in the elevator. Carlo plays a deaf person, who later found out that Maine is her sign language teacher. The trailer (which is barely two minutes long) didn’t give away much, except that it is a romantic story between the characters. It will be really interesting how their relationship unfolds.
“Isa Pa With Feelings” is directed by Prime Cruz, and will open in cinemas on October 16. It is Maine’s first project under an ABS-CBN company. Maine’s former loveteam Alden Richards also made a movie under Star Cinema, the blockbuster “Hello Love, Goodbye” — which has already earned P881 million — with Kathryn Bernardo. *** Congratulations are in order again for celebrity couple Nico Bolzico and Solenn Heussaff after they found out that they are having a baby girl. In a very long Instagram post last September 8, Nico announced that he has some warnings to all the guys who will possibly court his daughter, who isn’t even born yet. “First, in my head, nobody is good enough for my girl, I might be wrong, but nobody will make me change my mind. For all my
friends with baby boys aged from -2 (not born yet) to 5, no matter how close we are, you must know that our friendship will expire in 14 years,” he wrote. The Argentinian businessmanturned-celebrity also enumerated multi-level conditions, which included challenges with their pets turtles Patato and Pechuga, and dogs Pochola and El Gato. Dubsmash Queen Maine Mendoza teams up with actor Carlo Aquino in Black The last challenge (if the suitor Sheep’s movie “Isa Pa With Feelings” which will be shown in cinemas on passed all the pets) will be to face Actor Carlo Aquino and Dubsmash Queen Maine Mendoza star in Black Ship’s new movie, “Isa Pa With Feelings.” October 16. Nico for an interrogation. Nico elaborated, “The suitor will sit down with me, in a dark room with one light in one table, where I will ask 100 questions and he must answer fast. Failing in one answer question will result in elimination. “After, the suitor will have earned the right to take my girl on a date. The first 3 dates I will personally join in a separate table.” He ended his caption saying Solenn, whom he fondly calls “wifezilla,” thinks Nico is crazy for coming up with this plan. “#Wifezilla thinks I am crazy Bea Binene, one of the sexiest and talented and doesnt want to be part of actresses of GMA Pinoy TV, is one of the lead stars this! I guess she is not a modern Nico Bolzico recently announce on Instagram that he and wife Solenn Heussaff are having a baby girl. in the new teleserye “Beautiful Justice.” parent as me,” wrote Nico. Solenn announced that she was four months pregnant last August.
Actress Yam Concepcion will be part of the new ABS-CBN teleserye, “Love Thy Woman,” together with Kim Chium and Xian Lim.
BANKRUPTCY
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Business couple from Northern California Gilbert Lee and Eunice Bejar-Lee recently arrived from the Philippines to visit Eunice’s mother, Mrs. Ester Bejar, who just celebrated her 86th birthday.
Erwin and Brenda Padilla of Daly City celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary with a candlelight dinner at Hilton Hotel in San Mateo last weekend.
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community SF Marvel artist on PH heroine Wave: Fan response has been insane The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 20, 2019
by Oliver M. PuluMbarit Inquirer.net
As McDonald’s delivery business builds global momentum, the company hosts third annual McDelivery event across 50 countries and six continents
Global ‘McDelivery Night In’ includes ‘Staying In’ clothing line dropping Sept. 19 ChiCago — McDonald’s now delivers to more than one million customers around the world every day. To honor this milestone, on September 19th McDonald’s and Uber Eats are encouraging customers to enjoy a “global McDelivery Night in” – one night dedicated to enjoying their craveable and delicious McDelivery favorites where they order it most: at home. With 60% of McDelivery orders being placed at night, and a growing culture of coziness and relaxation emerging around the world, McDonald’s has created a line of apparel and accessories designed to take quiet nights in to the next level – whether it’s curling up on the couch for a night of relaxation or spending time with loved ones – with McDelivery. items offered in the McDelivery Night in line, a unique collection of comfortable, ontrend items to enjoy at home including plush loungewear, socks, slippers, games and more. “With McDelivery we’re meeting our customers on their terms,and providing more ways to get their McDonald’s favorites than ever before,” said Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s CEo. “in fact globally there are more than 10 McDelivery orders placed every second. With our third annual McDelivery celebration, we’re calling on our customers around the world to take a break and join us for a well-deserved night in.” around the world, countries across six continents will bring McDelivery Night in to life on September 19th. in the U.S., customers can order McDelivery with
Uber Eats from a participating McDonald’s to receive a limited edition item from the McDelivery Night in line* with $10 minimum purchase beginning at 5 p.m. local time, while supplies last. available items in the U.S. include items ranging from cozy socks to slippers perfect for kicking up your feet in style with a Big Mac. in the United Kingdom and ireland, well-loved TV personalities will kick-off the activation, encouraging their fans and followers to join the big night in. There will be a £0 delivery fee for Uber Eats throughout the country on the 19th, and cozy socks will be given away with orders between 5-7pm, while supplies last. Canada will be celebrating McDelivery Night in through a partnership with Drake general Store – a Canadian retail and e-commerce shop. one hundred percent of the proceeds from all McDelivery Night in line items sold will go to supporting Ronald McDonald house Charities® Canada. With over two decades of delivery experience in asia and the Middle East, McDonald’s is already one of the largest global delivery players, offering the service in more than 21,000 restaurants across more than 80 countries. McDelivery is expected to be a $4 billion business globally in 2019, and leverages several different models, including partnering with various third parties for ordering and delivery fulfillment. McDelivery launched in the U.S. in 2017 with partners including Uber Eats, and by the end of 2019 will be available in 10,000 restaurants, more than 70% of
From Page SF3 mother who loses her faith in god after her first husband’s death and the disappearance of his son; and Elizabeth oropesa and Jo Berry who play Sep’s adoptive guardians (Lola Char and Strawberry, respectively) who took him in after being seen loitering in Quiapo. To make sure he’s up for the task, alden went on an immersion visit to the Resources of the Blind—an organization that seeks to help the visually impaired to reach their full potential in life. “i interviewed people who have lost their vision and their depression is real. We tend to take what we have for granted. You just wake up in the morning and you’re oK … you can see, you can talk just fine. But in their case, that has been taken away from them in an instant, whether because of an accident or a sickness,” he related. Tackling such a role had never really crossed alden’s mind. But he’s glad he was offered to do so, because he believes it will help shed light on the challenges the visually impaired constantly face. “hopefully, it gives viewers some insight on how the blind lead their lives. i want to tell
their stories,” he said. “This is a potentially sensitive area, so we can’t take anything for granted [when it comes to the production]—’di pwedeng kulang o sobra.” Because many fans consider the expressiveness of alden’s eyes as one of his biggest assets as an actor, playing a blind man could prove to be a big challenge in terms of acting. “Pero kakayanin po,” he quipped. “as an actor, you should always be open to possibilities of doing all sorts of characters. You have to push your self and acknowledge pressure; that feeling of having to prove something,” he added. “That’s better than being relaxed and staying in your comfort zone.” in line with the show’s title, alden was asked what he thinks is the best gift he has ever received. he need not dig too deep for an answer: it’s being an actor. “it has changed my life. and i hope i’m helping change other people’s lives, too, with the inspiration they get from the projects i do. i love my job, and i love it even more when people come up to me and say that something i did changed their lives,” he said. “Maybe that’s our job’s higher purpose.”
Why Alden considers...
the U.S. system. For more information on McDelivery Night in, visit McDeliveryNightin.com.
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MaRVEL Comics’ new superheroine Wave debuted just a few months ago, but Filipino fan reception has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Pinoy comic book artist Leinil Francis Yu. “The response has been insane,” Yu told the inquirer of the Cebuana character he cocreated with “agents of atlas” writer greg Pak. “i couldn’t be happier. i really am surprised by how fast she has been accepted and how far she’s come, considering she’s just a few months old.” Yu, who is currently the penciler of a new “X-Men” title, related, “My editors reached out to me, like with most projects. We all worked closely together via email.” Wave, aka Pearl Pangan, is a hydrokinetic, or a person with the power to control water. Design-wise, her look was influenced by the illustrator’s music and game preferences, aside from the writer’s ideas. “i started out with a fullbody wet suit as suggested by
Leinil Francis Yu
greg and worked from there,” he recalled. “She is water- and tech-based so i added the sci-fi armor. i used [the color] teal, as the band Weezer’s ‘Teal album’ just came out that time, and i
Contributed photos
thought it works well with gold or yellow. i added the fins to drive home the fact that she is mobile in water. i am very much influenced by video game Continued on Page SF6
All the small things: Issues that come up people & events in divorce when there are minor children CTV Marvel artist on PH heroine Wave... The Files
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From Page SF5 design. To add a Filipino touch without explicitly plastering the flag on her, I gave her kampilan/ lapu-lapu swords with a sci-fi twist.” While not the first Filipino superhero in American comics—artist Whilce Portacio created Grail for his Image series “Wetworks” in the early ’90s, and writer Matt Fraction introduced superteam Triumph Division in Marvel’s “Iron Man” in 2008—Wave received immediate interest since the announcement of her existence in March. She debuted in “War of the Realms: new Agents of Atlas” in May. Some fans, having just seen “Avengers: endgame,” hoped that she would translate to Marvel’s live-action world, eventually. The character is already crossing over to another medium. “Her involvement in [the game] ‘Marvel: Future Fight’ will be substantial,” Yu said. “I look forward to seeing more video game iterations on her design.” The artist, who also drew DC Comics’ “Superman: Birthright” in 2003, works using a Wacom Cintiq and the program Clip Studio, but still does traditional covers using a Pentel pocket brush pen and disposable Mi-
cron pens. On his longtime partnership with Marvel Comics, he reiterated important disciplines: “Dependability and work ethics. Make sure you return emails and calls and always be honest with deadlines and your capabilities. Many good artists lose their shot because they choke under pressure, and worse, go radio silent when editors come looking for them.” Apart from comics, Yu designed vehicles for Joss Whedon’s science fiction film “Serenity” in 2005. “It was a good experience and a chance for me to try new things,” disclosed Yu. “I did work on other films but they were uncredited. I also did some video game designs a while back. The main difference from comics is the sheer amount of revisions involved in film and concept art design. Then there is the secrecy, and nDAs (nondisclosure agreements), where a huge amount of work may never be seen by the public, until years later.” Having drawn Marvel’s popular mutants, first in “Wolverine” in 1997 and in subsequent “X-Men” titles, Yu is illustrating the team’s adventures again in another flagship series. “I thought I wasn’t ready yet at that time,” he recounted.
Wave stars in “New Agents of Atlas”
“I always dreamed of drawing the X-Men but my skills weren’t ready yet. Too many characters to draw, too.” Of all the characters he’s penciled, which is he most proud to have drawn? “The Avengers and Wolverine, but now it’s definitely the X-Men,” declared Yu. On the massive success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Yu said, “It’s tremendous, but I am not sure how much of it translates to comic sales. It can only help. Marvel characters are now back to being household names.”
other parent of important dates or events. Say one parent consistently refuses to notify the other of important medical appointments or extracurricular activities. The thing is, both parents Atty. LiLLi BAcuLi coLLins, EsQ should make note of these important dates and events. ReCenTlY, I was asked if Because you have now chosen we here at Chua Tinsay & Vega, to live separate lives, then you APlC handle divorce cases. Yes, must now live separate lives. we do! We handle divorce cases If both parents are awarded here in California, including legal custody, then both have a Division of Community Assets right to information regarding and Debts, Child Custody, Child their children. But with this right Support, Spousal Support, with comes the responsibility to, well, special handling of issues relatbe a parent. Tell the school of ing to Military Divorces. the situation and put your name Divorce, especially in the and your contact information beginning stages, is a highly down so you are included in the emotional event in people’s school mailer or emails from the lives. There are those who see teacher. As well, let the pediatri“red” and want to “attack” in cian (or other care providers) anger, and there are those who know of the situation and make shut down and want to avoid sure you are on the call list or the discussion altogether. For emergency contact list. Alternathese reasons, I would strongly tively, if parents are unable to suggest seeking the help of a co-parent smoothly, a request licensed therapist to help with can be made for the court give coping mechanisms and how an order specifying a minimum to move on. The job of the attime frame in which such infortorney, on the other hand, is to mation is to be provided. guide you through the details. When parent communicalet’s take child custody or tion is cut off because of parco-parenting. Things you have enting time-share schedule. not thought about before may Sometimes, because of the and will come up. Here are some alternation of custodial time, examples: the lower timeshare parent may When one parent consishave periods of time in which tently refuses to notify the contact with the child is severed for days or even weeks at a time. I always ask my clients this question – Do we really need to go to court for this? As with anything, and even the courts will say so, if the parents are in mutual agreement then that is all for the better! Yet, there are those parents who simply cannot function with the black and white of a Court Order in which case, for this particular issue parties then need to make sure that there is an order providing for regular phone contacts for both parents. Some orders even specify the time of the call, and the manner (Skype, phone, Facetime). When a Parent travels with child(ren) without notifying the other parent. Things you didn’t think you
had to worry about: hopping in the family car for a spontaneous trip with your children on a fine sunny summer day. except that now, you are co-parenting and it’s an issue. number one, know that you can’t do that anymore, at least without providing notice to the other parent as well as contact information during the trip. It is now standard that custody orders include that parents provide a detailed itinerary, which should include regular contact information if the trip is long, or emergency contact information if the trip is short. It is important that both parents have knowledge of the whereabouts of the children, and both parents must always provide the other with their current contact information (phone number and address). Standard orders regarding vacation or trips with the child(ren) now typically require a minimum amount of advance notice to the other parent of a planned vacation, and in certain cases require written authorization of the other parent when appropriate (i.e., for outof-state or out-of-the-country travel) depending on the specific needs of the individual case. For those considering filing for Divorce or already in the thick of a long divorce battle, consider consulting with a family law attorney who can assist you in navigating through the details. And, particularly if there are minor children involved, it is important to keep an eye on the details and safeguard your and your children’s rights under California Family laws. *** Atty. Lilli Baculi Collins is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full-service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 9556277; (415) 495-8088; lbaculi@ctvattys.com; www.chuatinsayvega.com. (Advertising Supplement)
UPAAA 20th Grand Reunion & Convention
THe University of the Philippines (UP) Alumni Association in America’s (UPAAA) 20th Grand Reunion & Convention, co-hosted by UP Alumni Association of San Francisco, was held recently at Crowne Plaza, Burlingame CA from August 30-September 1. Gala headliner was no other than singer/songwriter Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes, an alumna of U.P. College of Music.
Seated L-R: Alex Inocentes, Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes, Minda & Max Azarcon, Atty. Ted & Josie Laguatan. Standing L-R: UPAAA Board Member Joe & Lynn Santos, and Butch Ungco.
Singer/Songwriter Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes performed for the audience during the gala.
UPAAA Board Member Joe Santos and singer/songwriter Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes.
Mon Cargo celebrates 33rd anniversary
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 20, 2019
‘Taos puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat na aming mga suki at magiging suki sa inyong walang sawang pagtangkilik at pagtitiwala’ DELIVERY intact. Satisfaction is guaranteed. This is the approach taken by Agnes Doniego Singh, President for Marketing and Operations of Mon Cargo who provides her personal guarantee that balikbayan boxes will get to destinations in the Philippines intact. In a saturated market, Mon Cargo sets itself apart by being very accommodating to its clientele. “In all our dealings, we strive to be friendly and courteous; as well as fair and compassionate,” Agnes said. For instance, she makes sure her marketing staff speaks in as soft-spoken manner. She calls it “Pilipinang-Pilipina ang dating.” And it works on both old-time and new clients who comment favorably on her staff’s customer service. Agnes says customer satisfaction has been the company’s top priority. Mr. Mon dela Vega Singh, the founder of Mon Cargo, started the business mindful of unmet needs for “a reliable company with a proven track record of honesty, efficiency and reliability.” According to Agnes, Mon Cargo has been in business for 33 years. And just like most businesses, holidays like Christmas are peak seasons in cargo forwarding. “These are the times when Filipinos abroad remember to share some of their fortunes
Miss World Philippines 2019 Michelle Dee
Michelle Dee crowned Miss World PH by Nika Roque ManilaTimes.net
MICHELLE Dee, the daughter of former supermodel and 1979 Miss International Melanie Marquez and former action star Derek Dee, was crowned Miss World Philippines on Sunday, Mon Cargo is a proud sponsor of OPM Hitmakers’ “The Final Tour.” Photo shows Rowena Tolentino (left), September 15, at the Araneta marketing assistant and Rene Peralta (right), agent of Mon Cargo. Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon at www.moncargoservices.com City. acquired abroad. Due to the for photos, testimonies from utmost love and care of FilipiShe will represent the countheir very satisfied customers nos sending their boxes. Mon try at the global Miss World and more information. Cargo makes sure every box is pageant in London, United To avail of Mon Cargo’s handled with the same devoKingdom on December 19. tion,” she says of her husband’s promotions please call 1-800The 24-year-old, an eye432-4300 or (510) 636-4743. business philosophy. catcher from the start of the (Advertising supplement) pageant, also won special Mon Cargo offers the following services: Container shipments for returning residents, crating, home appliances, and airfare tickets. Pick-up service, replacement box, and strapping are FREE. Visit Mon Cargo’s website
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Angel chooses to skip ABS-CBN Ball 2019 for a good reason by RyaN aRcadio Inquirer.net
ANGEL Locsin did not attend this year’s ABS-CBN Ball and instead opted to donate directly to the program’s beneficiary, Bantay Bata 163. The actress took to Instagram on the day of the ball, yesterday, Sept. 14 to explain her absence at the event, which was held at Shangri-La at the Fort in Taguig City. “I salute my friends at the ABS-CBN Ball who are doing their share to promote awareness on children’s rights,” she said. “And to help the beneficiaries of Bantay Bata 163 get the education that everyone deserves.” Meanwhile, Locsin opted to share in a way that she could “probably be more of use.” “I think it would be better for me to donate directly to Bantay Bata the amount that I’m supposed to spend in the ball,” Locsin explained. “It’s not much, but [it] will help make a difference to someone else’s
Photo courtesy of Miss World Philippines
Angel Locsin Photo from Instagram/@therealangellocsin
life.” Locsin encouraged those who want to “help a child to have a bright future” to donate to Bantay Bata as well. Aside from her donation yesterday, the actress previously gave scholarships to 31 students earlier this June, in celebration of amassing five million followers on her Instagram page. The ball also honored the late Gina Lopez, founder of Bantay Bata 163. Last year, the event raised P5 million for the construction and rehabilitation of the Children’s Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan.
awards — Miss BlueWater Day Spa, Miss Myra E, Miss Best Skin and Miss Bench. She was crowned by last year’s winner Katarina Rodriguez and pageant judge Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso. Dee, whose advocacies include the care of children with autism, bested 39 other candidates. The other winners were Kelley Day, Miss Eco Philippines; Katrina Llegado, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas; Isabelle de Leon, Miss Multinational; Glyssa Perez, Miss Tourism Philippines; Va-
nessa Mae Walters, Miss Eco Teen Philippines; Shannon Christie Kerver, First Princess, Miss World Philippines; and Cassie Banks, Second Princess, Miss World Philippines. A psychology graduate from De La Salle University, Dee was a model for clothing brand Bench in 2016. She also appeared in several films. Dee was a supporting character in the 2019 film “Because I Love You,” starring David Licuaco and Shaira Diaz, and also played roles on the small screen, most notably as Mochi in the primetime teleserye “Love You Two.”
SF8
The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 20, 2019