October 23-25, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 83 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages
USA
DATELINE HHS awards $16-M to help primary care practices address patients’ unhealthy alcohol use FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Gov’t targets to lift 1-M Filipinos out of poverty every year — Palace by NESTOR
CORRALES Inquirer.net
THE government has targeted to lift 1 million Filipinos out of poverty evTHE U.S. Department of Health and Human ery year, Malacañang said Tuesday, Services, through the Agency for Healthcare October 22. Research and Quality (AHRQ), announced on Tuesday, October 22, a $16 million initiative to help primary care practices increase efforts to address patients’ unhealthy alcohol use. Excessive alcohol use, which affects almost a third of adults, is the nation’s third leading cause of preventable death. It is a major risk factor for many health, social, and economic problems, and has an estimated annual economic burden of over $250 billion. “President Trump has promised Americans a healthcare system that’s patient-centric, and treats you like a person, not a number. That means caring for Americans’ full range of health needs, including substance use challenges such as unhealthy alcohol use,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Primary care providers have emerged as an important pathway for connecting patients to treatment for substance use challenges, and HHS is pleased to support, through
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued the statement after the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed fewer Filipino families labeled themselves poor. The survey showed 42 percent or some 10.3 million Filipino families
consider themselves poor as of September this year. Panelo said that “notwithstanding the latest survey showing favorable results, there is no denying that millions of families remain poor.” But he assured the public that
A STUDY conducted by the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) found that the Philippines has the “fastest growing epidemic” of the sexually transmitted disease, with a 203 percent rise in new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections from 2010 to 2018. Worldwide HIV cases, on the other hand, declined by at least 18 percent. Only Pakistan and Malaysia registered an increase in HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region, with 57 percent and 4 percent, respectively. “Fastest growing in terms of growth rate, comparing 2010 and 2018…” said UNAIDS country director Louie Ocampo in a forum on Monday, October 21. According to him, the growth of HIV cases can be attributed to vulnerable populations, such as the youth, which do not have access to contraceptives or do not effectively use them. “But in terms of absolute number, it is still very low and we have not defeated African countries when it comes to the number of cases,” Ocampo noted.
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US official denounces China’s action on SCS by BERNADETTE
E. TAMAYO
ManilaTimes.net
CHINA’S repeated provocative actions in the South China Sea (SCS or West Philippine Sea) inhibit Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, including the Philippines, from accessing over $2.5 trillion in energy reserves and have contributed to instability in the region. United States Assistant Secretary of State for East David Stilwell, U.S. assistant Asian and Pacific Affairs Dasecretary of state for East Asian vid Stilwell stressed this on October 16 before the Senand Pacific Affairs Photo from State.gov ate Foreign Relations Committee. “We remain skeptical of the PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) sincerity to negotiate a meaningful Code of
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UN body: PH the country with fastest growing epidemic of HIV
“bringing a comfortable life for all, with the objective of reducing poverty at a significant level, is the overarching socioeconomic goal of the Duterte administration.” He, however, said that “poverty
ROYAL CEREMONY. President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio, witnessing the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday, October 22. Malacañang photos
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‘Nene Pimentel would have made a good President’ by NEIL
WAKE OF NENE PIMENTEL. Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and his mother, Bing (seated), at the wake of the late Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City on Tuesday, October 22. The former senator’s remains will be brought to the Senate on Wednesday, October 23, and to the Cagayan de Oro City Hall in the afternoon until Friday, October 25. On Friday afternoon, Pimentel’s remains will be brought back to The Heritage Park in Taguig. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net
FORMER Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. would have made a good president. This was the pronouncement of former senator Bam Aquino on Tuesday, October 22, as he revealed that Pimentel was one of the leaders eyed to succeed former President Ferdinand Marcos. “Nung 80s kasi naaalala ko pa nung kasama namin siya noong panahon ng laban sa diktadura, I was very young at that time, siguro mga 6 or 7 years old (Back in the 80s, I remember when we were with him in fighting the dictatorship. I was very young at that time, maybe 6 or 7 years old),” Aquino told reporters at the Heritage Park in Taguig City where Pimentel’s wake was being held.
“Maraming meetings yung mga leaders ng opposition and I remember yung pagtingin kay Senator Nene Pimentel noong panahong ‘yun. Sabi, ‘balang araw ito kung magiging presidente ng Pilipinas (There were meetings among opposition leaders and I remember how Senator Nene Pimentel was viewed at that time. They say, ‘someday, he will become the President of the Philippines),’” he said. Asked if he thinks Pimentel would have made a good President, Aquino said: “Yes, definitely.” “Naaalala ko yung mga panahong yun, this was even before EDSA [People Power Revolution], isa siya sa mga nakikita nung mga tao noon na posibleng sumunod matapos ang mga Marcoses. Of course alam natin na nag-
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Drug, bribery raps filed vs Albayalde ‘2-year probationary period to force Filipinos to work abroad’ by WILLIAM
DEPASUPIL ManilaTimes.net
Former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde ManilaTimes.net photo
A SLEW of criminal charges were filed on Monday, October 21, against former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde for his alleged complicity in the recycling and selling of seized illegal drugs by so-called “ninja cops.” The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed before the Department of Justice (DoJ) an amended complaint naming Albayalde as a respondent. He will join the 13 police officers, or the ninja cops, who were earlier charged by the police before the Justice department. Lt. Col. Joseph Orsos, CIDG counsel, filed the complaint at the office of Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento. Albayalde was charged with violation of SectionS 27, 29, 32 and 92 of Republic Act
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by SHEILA
CRISOSTOMO Philstar.com
THE proposed two-year probationary period for newly hired employees has “wide-ranging implications,” including forcing Filipinos to seek employment abroad, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) warned Tuesday, October 22. TUCP president Raymond Mendoza said the proposed measure, if approved, will also “expand the gap between the rich and the poor and strengthen the short-term labor slavery practice in the country.” Mendoza noted that House Bill 4802 authored by Probinsiyano party-list Rep. Jose Singson Jr. “is very dangerous and highly disadvantageous to workers because of its deleterious effect on working people and their families once it is enforced.” “We are at a time when we are struggling to close the gap between the rich and the poor by eliminat- House Bill 4802 authored by Probinsiyano party-list Rep. Jose Singson Jr. the extension of ing this short-term endo (end-of-contract) and to the probationary period is being proposed to be prolonged from the current six months to
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two years. Singson claimed that six months are not enough for employers to determine if a worker deserves to be regularized. Philstar.com photo
A october 23-25, 2019 • Socal ASIAN JoUrNAL
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From the Front Page
Gov’t targets to lift 1M Filipinos...
PAGE A1 is a concern that cannot be addressed overnight and this administration recognizes this fact.� “[O]ur economic managers have intensified their efforts and targeted to lift one million Filipinos from poverty every year,�
he said. To realize this, he added that “pertinent departments and agencies have instituted social protection measures, which include rice liberalization and institutionalization of cash transfers, to ensure that no one is left behind as we progress as a
nation under the leadership of [Duterte].� He said the Executive Branch would “continue to implement medium to long-term programs to alleviate poverty, such as enhancing investments not only in infrastructure to address economic disparities in urban-rural areas but also investing in human capital, including ease of access to education and health, in order to make good the commitment of the President to deliver genuine and meaningful change to our society.� n
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND QUALIFICATIONS (RFIQ) LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS66091 - Real Estate Appraisal Services Bench at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/ Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Friday, November 1, 2019, 10:00 a.m., at One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Union Station: Room 0329. All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, December 5, 2019. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. PS66091. For a copy of the Proposal/Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Mark Marukian at marukianm@metro. net. 10/23/19 CNS-3305494# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
SEND OFF. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind troops the line escorted by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr., during the send-off ceremony after the Indian President’s five-day state visit on Monday, October 21. The Philippines and India signed four agreements for stronger trade and economic ties. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
‘Nene Pimentel would have made...
PAGE A1 unite yung oposisyon kay Tita Cory (former President Corazon Aquino) noong 1986 but at that time noong maraming leaders ng oposisyon, isa siya sa mga talagang tiningala (I still remember at that time, this was even before EDSA People Power Revolution, he was one of the people seen to succeed the Marcoses. Of course we know that the opposition united for [former President Corazon Aquino] in 1986 but at that time, when there were a lot of opposition leaders, he really was one of the leaders people looked up to),� Aquino said. Pimentel was one of the leaders who criticized the declaration of martial law under the Marcos
regime and decided to run for the interim national assembly under Lakas ng Bayan (Laban) with Benigno “Ninoy� Aquino Jr. In 1987, Pimentel won a senatorial seat following the EDSA People Power Revolution. “Si Tito Nene ay isa sa mga pinakamatapang na lider ng ating bayan—hindi pabago-bago ang kanyang pananaw sa mga issue. Pinaglaban nya ang mga bagaybagay na tingin nya’y mahalaga at importante sa ating mga kapwang Pilipino (Nene is one of the most courageous leaders in our country. He is consistent with his views on isles. He fought for the things that he sees are important for his fellow Filipinos),� he added.
Young leaders can learn from Pimentel, former senators Aquino said that many young leaders today would learn a lot from the senatorial batch that was elected following the EDSA People Power Revolution. “That was one of the best batches in Senate history,� Aquino said. He said that the country should pay its respects towards Pimentel. Pimentel died on October 20 after fighting lymphoma and pneumonia. His wake is currently being held in Taguig City, and is scheduled to be transferred to the Senate on Wednesday, October 23. n
US official denounces China’s action... PAGE A1 Conduct [in the South China Sea] that reinforces international law,� Stilwell said. He finds China’s maritime claims in the SCS, underscored by its self-imposed “nine-dash line,� unlawful, unreasonable and have no basis whatsoever. The islets and atolls in the SCS are said to have rich aquatic resources and mineral and gas deposits that remain untapped and are disputed by China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. China’s actions, such as patrolling the SCS, putting up structures
and bullying its neighbors, pose a threat “to all trading nations and all who value freedom of the seas and the peaceful settlement of disputes,� Stilwell said. “While claiming that they are committed to peaceful diplomacy, the reality is that Chinese leaders — through the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) navy, law enforcement agencies, and maritime militia — continue to intimidate and bully other countries,� he said. As emphasized in the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018, it is the policy of the United States to ensure freedom of navigation, overflight and other lawful uses
of the sea. Stilwell said the U.S. works closely with its allies in the IndoPacific region through joint maritime training and operations to maintain free and open access of the seas. “Along with the daily operations of U.S. ships and aircraft throughout the region, we conducted more Freedom of Navigation Operations in the South China Sea in 2019 than in any of the past 25 years, to demonstrate that the United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows,� Stilwell added. n
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DATELINE USA
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 23-25, 2019
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UN body: PH the country with fastest...
PAGE A1 The Department of Health in June released a report that 6,372 new cases had been recorded since the start of the year, accounting for about 10 percent of the total reported cases of 68,401 since 1984. 200,000 HIV cases in PH by 2025 The number of HIV cases in the Philippines is predicted to hit 201,000 by 2025 if the country fails to implement some “drastic Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno delivers his keynote address in front of Washington DC community members at a forum held at the Philippine Embassy on Wednesday, October 16.
Forum with BSP governor spotlights PH economy’s resilience WASHINGTON, D.C.— “The Philippines has come a long way but it is now recognized globally as among the fastest growing and most resilient economies in the world. Its future prospects are bright. However, the transformation was a product of a long list of structural reforms. It did not happen overnight,” declared Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno at a forum held at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, October 16. “The Bangko Sentral has always been the bulwark of continuity and stability. And we are honored to provide a platform in Washington DC for Governor Diokno to talk about the Philippine economy and our reform process. We are confident that with him guiding Philippine monetary policy, there will be continued business and investor confidence in the country,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement. In his remarks, Governor Diokno emphasized that Philippine economic performance is exceptional and sustainable, and powered through transformative reforms and political will. All the reforms — those undertaken in the past as well as being pursued today — are expected to support and sustain the currently favorable conditions of the economy that the Governor summarized in four key observations. Economic growth is solid and sustainable. The Philippines recorded its 82ndconsecutive quarter of uninterrupted economic growth in the second quarter of 2019. “This shows that we have managed to sail through the toughest external challenges from the Asian financial crisis to the global
financial crisis,” Governor Diokno pointed out. Inflation has been reduced and within-target. This is credited to a series of monetary actions by the BSP combined with administrative and legislative measures that addressed bottlenecks to food supply. Inflation fell to 0.9 percent in September 2019, and is expected to settle at 2.5 percent in 2019, and 2.9 percent for both 2020 and 2021. The country’s external position is also strong and is reflective of an economy driven by solid macroeconomic fundamentals and firm growth prospects. This is on account mainly of the lower deficit in the trade-in-goods account; increased trade-in-services net receipts; and rising investor confidence resulting in higher foreign direct investments. Finally, Governor Diokno noted that the robust and stable banking system likewise offers a sound basis for optimism. Banks remain sufficiently capitalized, and their past due ratios have consistently declined over the years. Stability is also supported by financial sector reforms; cybersecurity and technology risk management; counter-terrorist financing; and capital market development. “Our financial system is sound and it continues to effectively intermediate funds to productive sectors, thus promoting economic growth,” he added. “The Council welcomes Governor Diokno’s message of sustained economic reforms, paving the way for continued and sustained growth in the Philippines. The BSP’s focus on growth of digital payments and transitioning to a cash-light economy, as well as sustainable finance are areas of interest to U.S. business,” stated Alexander Feldman, President
and CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council, who moderated the wide-ranging conversation that followed the governor’s remarks. The conversation with Mr. Feldman and the Q&A with the audience fielded questions relating to Philippine and BSP policy and regulations on sustainable finance, cyber-security, financial inclusion including financial technology, data governance, and the recently launched national retail payment system. “The U.S.-Philippines Society applauds Governor Diokno’s remarkable record of public service and appreciates his willingness to share his unique perspective on regional and global developments, along with his optimistic outlook on the Philippine economy,” said Ambassador John Maisto, US-Philippines Society President, in a statement after the forum. “He made a persuasive case for Philippine resilience in the face of global uncertainties, stressed a commitment to sound macroeconomic policies and reform measures, and support for a stable banking system, building on more than a quarter century of positive economic growth,” Ambassador Maisto added. Among the guests at the forum were Philippine Monetary Board Member Peter B. Favila, former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Thomas Hubbard, BSP Deputy Governor Francis Dakila, other officials of the BSP, U.S. government officials, U.S. corporate executives, Embassy officers & staff, and some members of the Filipino-American community. The Forum was organized and hosted by the Philippine Embassy and the U.S.-Philippines Society with the support of the U.S.ASEAN Business Council. ■
moves,” according to UNAIDS. “The Philippines has been projected to have 201,000 HIV cases by 2025, up from 56,000 cases in 2016 and 142,000 cases in 2022,” Ocampo said. To help curb the epidemic, he stressed that the local governments should have a higher level of commitment to confront the disease like putting in place a functional local AIDS council and creating an investment plan.
Drug, bribery raps filed vs... PAGE A1 (RA) 9165 or the ‘Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002;’ qualified bribery; falsification of public documents; perjury; and dereliction of duty. Orsos said the case was based on the testimony of resource persons who attended the Senate investigation of the recycling of drugs. Based on what was gathered by the Senate, Orsos said Albayalde “is probably liable.” He, however, admitted that “there is no strong single evidence” against the former police chief.
Orsos explained that the drug charges arose from the phone calls made by Albayalde to other police officials because “somehow he’s trying to persuade on behalf of other respondents.” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Albayalde’s inclusion in the complaint “is a reflection of their assessment that General Albayalde may be held criminally liable for the acts or omissions alleged in the complaint.” “The DoJ will conduct a fair and thorough investigation of the old and new charges and will afford General Albayalde his right to due
He added that psychosocial support should be continuously provided to those living with HIV. Ocampo also said that it was important to “destigmatize and mainstream” condom use as well as to provide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) — which is only given by some HIV advocacy groups and not yet part of the national program — to highrisk groups. (Ritchel Mendiola/ AJPress)
process,” Guevarra added. Earlier charged by the CIDG were Maj. Rodney Baloyo 4th; Senior Insp. Joven Bognot Jr.; Senior Police Officers 1 Jules Maniago, Donald Roque, Ronaldo Santos, Rommel Vital, Alcindor Tinio and Eligio Valeroso; Police Officers 3 Dindo Dizon, Gilbert de Vera, Dante Dizon and Encarnacion Guerrero Jr.; and Police Officer 2 Anthony Lacsamana. All police officers were members of the team that conducted a raid in Mexico, Pampanga when
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PH retirement system among worst in the world A recent study revealed that the retirement or pension system of the Philippines is the 4th lowest out of 36 countries. According to the 2019 Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index — which takes into consideration the pension system’s sustainability, adequacy, and integrity — the Philippines had an overall index value of 43.7, placing it above turkey, Argentina, and thailand. the index also considers the level of retirement income provided to replace the previous level of employment earnings. “By benchmarking global retirement income systems, the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index can help both the public and private sectors in the Philippines understand how they can improve the country’s retirement system
and generate better outcomes for retirees,” Harold tan, wealth leader of Mercer Philippines, said. to improve the country’s index performance, the study recommended increasing the coverage of employees and support for the poorest aged individuals, setting aside public funds for the future, and introducing non-cash out options for retirement plan proceeds. the Philippine pension system is at the very bottom of the list in terms of integrity, an area that considered regulation and governance, protection and communication for members, as well as operating cost. In adequacy, an area that considered the benefits provided to the poor, as well as design features that enhance the efficacy of the overall pension system, the Philippines ranked the third lowest. However, the country placed in
the top 15 for the most sustainable in terms of level of funding, length of expected retirement, labor force participation rate of the older population, and the current level of government debt and economic growth. the netherlands ranked first with an overall index value of 81. this is followed by Denmark with an index value of 80, and Australia with 75. Other countries in the top 10 were Finland, Sweden, norway, Singapore, new Zealand, canada, and chile. “Systems around the world are facing unprecedented life expectancy and rising pressure on public resources to support the health and welfare of older citizens. It’s imperative that policy makers reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of their systems to ensure stronger long-term outcomes for the retirees of the future,” said David Knox, author of the study. n
SAcrAMentO, calif. – traffic collisions are the leading cause of death among teenagers, which is why the california Highway Patrol (cHP) is continuing its partnership with Impact teen Drivers (ItD). the traffic safety partners share the common goal of reducing the number of traffic collisions and teen traffic-related deaths in california. teenagers and motor vehicles can be a deadly combination. Young drivers are three times more likely than adults to be involved in a traffic collision due to distraction, and these crashes are 100 percent preventable. together, the cHP and ItD are using a grant-funded education program to have a positive impact on high-
way safety throughout california. “Working with ItD, our goal is to change the behaviors of these inexperienced drivers by making them aware of the dangers and consequences of reckless and distracted driving,” said cHP commissioner Warren Stanley. the teen Distracted Drivers education and enforcement IX grant campaign will focus on classroom education, community events, and active enforcement to change the mindset of teens and their parents, and to decrease the number of teen distracted driving traffic collisions and fatalities. this yearlong, statewide campaign began October 1, 2019, and will continue through September 30, 2020.
“We lose 11 teens every day to preventable car crashes in the United States. In california alone, we lose the equivalent of eight school buses each year to this deadly epidemic. It is time we stop thinking these are just sad accidents and, instead, empower ourselves and our newest drivers with the knowledge, attitude, and skills needed to make our roads safer for all californians. It will take all of us to stop the number one killer of teens,” said Dr. Kelly Browning, executive Director, ItD. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the california Office of traffic Safety through the national Highway traffic Safety Administration. n
by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
BATTLE FOR THE PACIFIC. (Photo L-R) John Law, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the United States of America; Mr. Robert O. Wefald, Commissioner, American Battle Monuments Commission; Larry A. Adkison, Pacific Superintendent, American Battle Monuments Commission; and Kelly K. McKeague, Director, Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency join the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Global City, Taguig City on Saturday, October 19 during the opening of the American Battle Monuments Commission’s (ABMC) new visitor center. The Manila Visitors Center is the first in the Pacific and tells the story of the war for the Pacific during World War II. PNA photo by Gil Calinga
Immigration alerts airports after ‘rescue’ CHP to focus on reducing teen distracted driving of 17 possible human trafficking victims
PH Army bags silver at world’s toughest patrolling test A PHILIPPIne Army team has bagged the silver medal at the recently concluded exercise cambrian Patrol in Wales, United Kingdom. An annual event organized by the British Army, the exercise cambrian Patrol is touted as the world’s toughest patrol exercise. the international exercise tests the basic soldiering skills, as well as qualities like leadership, teamwork, and physical fitness of the participating military units.
the eight-man Scout ranger team was able to carry out various military operations despite extreme weather and terrain conditions. “For 51 sleepless hours, the Army’s eight-man team successfully accomplished its mission by performing various military operations along the rugged cambrian Mountains of MidWales, with loads of logistics and minimal food and water,” said Army spokesperson Lt. col. ramon Zagala. Around 130 teams from differ-
ent overseas military units joined the exercises for this year. On Monday, October 21, the Scout ranger team that bagged the award was recognized by Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto in a ceremony at Fort Bonifacio in taguig. He said their accomplishment only proves the “world-class caliber” of the Philippine Army. “the challenge now is to how to enable many more of our soldiers reach the skills of these awardees,” he said. (Frances Mangosig/Inquire.net)
by Ratziel
San Juan Philstar.com
BUreAU of Immigration commissioner Jaime Morente warned Philippine airport personnel against “passengers disguised as tourists who were illegally recruited to work overseas.” A total of 17 women suspected to be victims of human trafficking were intercepted at the Mactancebu International Airport between Wednesday and thursday (October 16 and 17) last week, the agency said in a release tuesday, October 22. they were illegally hired to work as domestic workers in the Middle east, according to the Immigration. the women were turned over to the McIA Inter-Agency council Against trafficking for assistance and investigation. Immigration Port Operations Division chief Grifton Medina said
the passengers were stopped before they could board their flights to Hong Kong and Macau en route to their final destinations in the United Arab emirates and Qatar. “It appears that these victims were recruited by a syndicate which separately booked them on several flights in order to mislead our immigration officers on the purpose of their trip,” Medina said in a statement. “And that is to work abroad without documentation.” He also said trafficking syndicates are attempting to shift their operations to other exit ports in response to Immigration efforts. BI-McIA travel control and enforcement unit head Ma. Asuncion Palma-Gil said 13 of the women were hired to work in Dubai and the other four in Qatar. they were offloaded from five different flights. “they all admitted having UAe
and Qatari visas in their possession and that they were recruited by individuals they only met via Facebook or through people they know currently working in Dubai and Doha,” Palma-Gil said. She also said the passengers did not know their travel itinerary and would depend on instructions from their alleged handlers upon arrival in Hong Kong and Macau. “this is a clear case of human trafficking wherein victims who are jobless and have no visible means of support are sent abroad and put in harm’s way to satisfy the cravings for the profit of unscrupulous recruiters.” An estimated 6,300 left the Philippines daily to find work abroad in 2018, according to Migrante International, which monitors overseas Filipino workers. the figure is more than double the 2009 estimate of 2,500 Filipinos exiting the country for work abroad. n
HHS awards $16-M to help primary care practices... PAGE A1 AHrQ, the testing of innovative approaches toward this end.” Six grantees will work with more than 700 primary care practices over three years to implement and evaluate strategies to increase the use of evidence-based interventions such as screening for unhealthy alcohol use; brief interventions for adult patients who drink too much; and medication-assisted therapy for patients with an alcohol use disorder. “In keeping with HHS Secretary Azar’s commitment to confronting the challenges of substance misuse and addiction, we recognize that many Americans struggle with unhealthy alcohol use, and primary care clinicians are critical to helping patients understand and address this challenge,” said AHrQ Director Gopal Khanna, M.B.A. “these grants will help primary care
practices apply proven interventions to tackle this preventable problem.” Grantees will be supported by a community of learning that will provide resources, tools, and evidence-based practices. these activities will be facilitated by nOrc at the University of chicago, with tracy McPherson as principal investigator. Project interventions will be evaluated by the grantees and an external evaluator assigned to conduct an overarching assessment of the program. the grantees are: • Katharine Bradley, Kaiser Foundation research Institute, and Anya Day, Altarum Institute in Michigan • Alexander Krist, Virginia commonwealth University • Daniel Jonas, University of north carolina at chapel Hill • Perry Dickinson, University
of colorado Denver • Melinda Davis and John Muench, Oregon Health & Science University • Abel Kho and theresa Walunas, northwestern University this activity is funded by AHrQ’s Patient-centered Outcomes research (PcOr) initiative, which identifies research findings that could significantly improve patient outcomes through broader implementation in clinical practice. earlier this year, AHrQ funded another PcOr project, Increasing the Use of cardiac rehab After coronary events, a 3-year, $6 million effort designed to save lives by increasing patient participation in cardiac rehabilitation after cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, heart failure, angioplasty, or heart surgery. Access more information about AHrQ’s PcOr investments. n
‘2-year probationary period to force Filipinos...
PAGE A1 minimize all forms of contractualization employment scheme in the country and ensure a just and fair economic share for workers in a growing economy,” he added. Mendoza also said the bill would “practically empower abusive employment and business practice with a larger latitude and longer contractualization short-term work scheme.” Under HB 4802, the extension of the probationary period is being proposed to be prolonged from the current six months to two years. Singson claimed that six months are not enough for employers to determine if a worker deserves to be regularized. During this period, probationary workers do not enjoy security and other benefits afforded to regular workers, like vacation
and sick leave, separation pay, 13th month pay, christmas bonus, allowances and paternity and maternity leave. “extending the probationary employment period to two years is a race to the bottom scheme because it will improve the currently widely practiced endo labor slavery system and will make contractualized work permanent in the country,” Mendoza said. Under the current working conditions in the country, some 6,000 to 7,000 Filipinos are leaving every day to work abroad, according to the trade union leader. He added that if the bill becomes law, the number of Filipinos working abroad will increase, thus resulting in “greater brain drain” and more children suffering from having a parent or both parents away.
‘Mindless, heartless’ Meanwhile, Sen. Leila de Lima described as “mindless and heartless” Singson’s bill which, she said, is definitely not a solution to Filipino workers’ woes. De Lima said the proposed measure would only prolong the difficulty of the already difficult life of an ordinary working Filipino. “the proposal for a two-year probationary period for workers is not a solution at all to the long-time woes of Filipino workers. It will even prolong the agony of the workers. It is a fog in which to hide the real issue,” she said. the senator added this ominous fog of a proposal will not only enshroud the actual issue – the abusive “endo” practice – but will also “expose our workers to labor malpractice. (With Cecille Suerte Felipe)
Drug, bribery raps filed vs... PAGE A3 Albayalde was the province’s police chief. reports said the lawmen seized 160 kilos during the operation, but only a small portion was turned over to the police. Albayalde welcomed the filing of the complaint. “At least I will be accorded due process now,” he told reporters in camp crame. Albayalde stepped down as PnP chief last week. He is set to retire from the service in november. Justice Undersecretary Mark Perete said Albayalde would undergo preliminary investigation. “If there’s finding of probable cause, then makakasama siya (Albayalde) sa mga akusado (he will join the other accused) and it will go to the trial court,” Perete added. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon believes that the Senate investigation of the ninja cops yielded substantial evidence to support the filing of criminal case against
Albayalde and his former men. Drilon said he agreed with the joint report of the Senate blue ribbon committee and committee on Justice recommending the filing of graft and drug charges against Albayalde. Sen. Leila de Lima, on the other hand, said the Duterte administration “should now admit that it has miserably failed in stopping the scourge of illegal drugs in the country, and therefore, should make amends by holding these police drug protectors accountable for their crimes.” “they should re-assess their approach and strategies in combatting the scourge of illegal drugs,” the opposition senator added. But Sen. Francis tolentino on Monday said he has yet to read the report of the joint committees. He pointed out that the observations and recommendations made by the joint probe are not “100 percent conclusive.”
“We shall have to wait for the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) report, which is expected to come out anytime this week,” he added. the Senate blue ribbon committee, headed by Sen. richard Gordon, earlier released a preliminary report, saying the former police chief and his men violated provisions of anti-graft and anti-drug laws when they allegedly sold at least 160 kilograms of shabu (crystal meth) worth around P648 million seized in a raid in 2013. tolentino, a member of the blue ribbon and Justice committees, said whoever would be named as PnP chief should implement reforms. “the incident happened in 2013, kaya hindi na dapat na maulit pa (This should not be repeated),” he told The Manila Times. (With reports from Bernadette E. Tamayo and Javier Joe Ismael/Philstar. com)
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Dateline PMarcos’ hiliPPines camp asserts PET voted in its favor
Palace unfazed over possible raps vs Duterte in 2022
down from office. “It’s a free country. Everyone is entitled to file any case against MANILA — Malacañang re- whomsoever they think that mains unfazed over possible has violated the law and let the cases that may be filed against courts decide the validity of such President Rodrigo Duterte once complaint,” Panelo said in a Palhis term ends in 2022. ace briefing. Presidential spokesperson SalNUPL national chairperson vador Panelo issued the state- Neri Colmenares said they ment after the National Union of would also file civil cases against Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) said Duterte for the so0-called extrathey would file charges against judicial killings under his brutal Duterte in international and local war on drugs. courts after the president steps Asked if Duterte is worried by Nestor
Corrales Inquirer.net
about the possible cases he might face once he loses his immunity as president, the Palace official said: “The only worry that the president has is the sufferings of the people. That’s why he does a lot of things to make lives comfortable for them.” Duterte has gained international condemnation for his crackdown on illegal drugs – labeled as drug war – which so far has killed at least 5,000 mostly poor people nationwide. n
‘No resurgence of kidnapping in Mindanao’
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Relentless military operations have prevented the resurgence of kidnapping in Mindanao. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said recent reports of kidnapping could be the handiwork of mid-level Abu Sayyaf leaders who are out to make a living. “These sub-leaders are doing their own way of living. It’s the handiwork of those... who commission their contacts to snatch victims and likely bargain even for a small ransom,” Sobejana said.
He said the incidents have ”significantly reduced” if not prevented in the last three years. In 2015 and 2016, the number of captives reached 30, most of them foreign fishermen and sailors, who were taken by pirates and handed over the Abu Sayyaf. “It is sad that most of the kidnappings occurred in the waters off Malaysia and the victims were brought to our place,” Sobejana said. He said military offensives, particularly in Sulu, have prevented the bandits from making the island as its holding place for
their captives. Sobejana said trilateral maritime operations at the common border of Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines also prevented Abu Sayyaf leaders and their followers from hijacking foreign vessels and taking their crewmembers as captives. While the kidnapping of three Indonesian fishermen in the waters off Sabah on Sept. 23 were confirmed perpetrated by Abu Sayyaf bandits, the kidnappers of a couple taken in Zamboanga del Sur on Oct. 4 have yet to be determined. (Roel Pareño/Philstar.com)
Filipino scientist discovers ‘largest’caldera within Benham Rise by Gaea
KatreeNa Philstar.com
CabiCo
MANILA — A Filipino is part of a team of marine geophysicists that discovered the existence of what could be the largest caldera in the world. New Zealand-based Jenny Anne Barretto along with two other scientists recently published a paper describing a large caldera with a diameter of around 150 kilometers within Benham Rise—an underwater plateau off the waters of Aurora and is considered part of the Philippines’ continental shelf. A caldera is a volcanic feature formed by the collapse of a volcano into itself, making it a large, special form of volcanic crater. The caldera is named “Apolaki,” after the Filipino mythical god of sun and war. “Features like a breached rim, intra-caldera benches and a resurgent dome indicate a multiphase volcanic history consisting
The undersea Benham Rise, or Benham Plateau, is considered the Philippines’ extension as declared by the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. Photo courtesy of NAMRIA
of both quiet and explosive eruptions,” the paper’s abstract read. The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute suggests Apolaki caldera is twice the size of the famous Yellowstone caldera in Wyoming in the United States. “For comparison, Earth’s largest calderas, like the Yellowstone, is only about 60 km. The size is comparable to shield calderas in
Mars (Olympus Mons; 80 km x 65 km) and Venus (Sacajawea; 150 X 105 km),” UP MSI said in a Facebook post. The study of Barretto, Ray Wood and John Milson also revealed for the first time the structure of the Benham Rise—also called Philippine Rise—which is described as an “oceanic large igneous province at the western margin of the Philippine Sea.” n
by DiviNa
Nova Dela ManilaTimes.net
Cruz
FERDINAND Marcos Jr.’s camp has asserted that a recent resolution of the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) over his election protest, was in its favor, despite Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo’s lead in the recount and revision of votes. Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s legal counsel, earlier reiterated his call to dismiss the election protest based on PET’s Rule 65, which allows the electoral tribunal to dismiss the election protest if there had been no substantial recovery. Macalintal argued that based on the data culled from the PET’s resolution on October 15, Robredo had gained 17,520 votes from the three pilot provinces — Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental — which were chosen by Marcos for supposedly best exemplifying fraud or irregularities. Marcos, meanwhile, recovered 2,427 votes. Macalintal also earlier said the figures “prove that Robredo won in the recount of votes and gained substantial recovery” from the three pilot provinces. “While the rules mandates that a protestant, like Marcos, should make ‘substantial recovery’ from his pilot provinces, the above facts and figures show Marcos’ dismal and miserable failure to make any ‘substantial recovery.’ On the contrary, it was Robredo who made an overwhelming substantial recovery, which justifies the opinions of PET members, Justices Antonio Carpio and Alfredo Caguioa, to dismiss the election protest of Marcos,” he noted in a statement on Sunday. Vic Rodriguez, the spokesman for Marcos and one of the latter’s legal counsels in the election protest, argued the figures cited by Caguioa and Carpio in their dissenting opinions came from the revision report penned by Caguioa. Majority of the justices set aside the Caguioa proposal to dismiss the election protest and instead decided to release to the camps of Marcos and Robredo the report on the revision and appreciation of ballots in the three
pilot provinces and required them to submit their comments. “That is precisely why the majority of the tribunal, by a very decisive 11-2 vote, emphatically junked that Caguioa minority opinion favoring [Robredo], finding the figures presented before them to be outrageous and ordered the election protest to proceed with the parties to
file their comment and memoranda,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “It only confirmed our suspicion that Mrs. Robredo’s premature celebration and claim of another fake victory in the tribunal was a product of advance information she’s been receiving all along through a highly placed deep throat,” he added. n
A6 OCTOBER 23-25, 2019 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
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O PINION Stunted, obese
FEATURES
POOR diet is making Filipino children grow up stunted and in poor health. Those in their teens, meanwhile, are suffering from obesity. This assessment is contained in a global report prepared by the United Nations Children’s Fund, which called for interventions to promote a healthy diet among Filipino children. Unicef, in its State of the World’s Children: Children, Food and Nutrition report, warned that in the Philippines, one in three children under five years old is stunted while about seven percent of children are too thin for their height. Among Filipino adolescents, meanwhile, a tenth are overweight, UNICEF reported, making them vulnerable to diseases. UNICEF attributed this not only to inadequate nutrition but also to poor hygiene and unhealthy behavior as well as incomplete immunization, now worsened by a vaccination scare. UNICEF reported that by the age of 2, Filipino children who are undernourished in both quantity and nutrient needs were already irreversibly stunted and may be suffering from anemia. Wrong diet is also blamed for obesity, with children particularly from poor families consuming too much processed foods that are high in sugar, fats and salt but lacking in the nutrients that are essential for healthy growth. Adolescent obesity in the country
has tripled in the past 15 years. Proper nutrition need not be expensive. Many parents, however, need information on what types of food are needed for the healthy growth of their children, particularly in the first two years of life. UNICEF reported that among Filipino children aged 6 to 23 months, around 44 percent are not fed fruits and vegetables, which are readily available particularly in rural areas, while 59 percent are not fed eggs, dairy products, fish or meat. The importance of breastfeeding in healthy child growth also needs greater emphasis. UNICEF reported that only about a third of Filipino babies are breastfed during their first six months of life. To address these problems, the government has launched a program to promote nutritious diet during a child’s first 1,000 days. The program must get sufficient and sustained support, so that healthy eating can become ingrained in national life. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Trump’s actions impeach himself with his betrayal of presidential oath and defiance of the Constitution
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS KABABAYANS who are loyal fans of President Donald J. Trump have been contending that the launching of an impeachment inquiry into him is doing the country a disservice because it takes away valuable time and resources from Congress that should otherwise be spent in writing legislation that will help the life of ordinary hardworking Americans. Some Republicans refuse any inquiry or investigations and just wanted Congress to immediately make Representatives vote on Trump’s impeachment NOW, if they have the evidence that indeed, he committed impeachable offenses that warrant his ouster. There are also many Trump supporters echo the talking points of Republicans that instead of impeaching Trump, the American people should be given the power to vote him out of office. As the country is divided in this issue, we should just go by what the Founding Fathers of America have already stipulated in the Constitution to protect our democracy. The Founding Fathers, fearing the potential for abuse of execu-
tive power, considered impeachment so important that they made it part of the Constitution even BEFORE they defined the contours of the presidency, according to House records. “Impeachment, as Alexander Hamilton of New York explained in Federalist 65, varies from civil or criminal courts in that it strictly involves the ‘misconduct of public men, or in other words from the abuse or violation of some public trust.’ Individual state constitutions had provided for impeachment for ‘maladministration’ or ‘corruption’ before the U.S. Constitution was written,” the House website reads. To argue against impeachment in favor of elections is a dereliction of duties the Constitution has mandated Congress to perform, and is pure and simple political expediency for both the Democrats and the Republicans. While there may be so many other problems and issues that are important to the lives of the American people, nothing is more important than to hold the nation’s leaders accountable to the people and be required to be worthy of the public trust accorded to their position of power. Otherwise, government would
be remiss in truly serving the interest of ALL Americans just to benefit the people in power and those that are close to them. The Constitution gives the House of Representatives the sole power to impeach an official, and it makes the Senate the sole court for impeachment trials. The power of impeachment is limited to removal from office but also provides for a removed officer to be disqualified from holding future office. Fines and potential jail time for crimes committed while in office are left to civil courts. (House.gov) Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution stipulates: The President, Vice President and all Civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” As the Congressional Research Service explained,“The House impeachment process generally proceeds in three phases: (1) initiation of the impeachment process; (2) Judiciary Committee investigation, hearings, and markup of articles of impeachment; and (3) full House consideration of the articles of impeachment.”
WHERE are we now in the impeachment process? Congress has already started the impeachment investigations and have been issuing subpoenas for witnesses to appear before Congress and/or submit documents required of them. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office just released on Monday, October 21 a “fact sheet” which explains in details the allegations against President Trump amid the House Democrats’ ongoing impeachment inquiry. “President Trump has betrayed his oath of office, betrayed our national security and betrayed the integrity of our elections for his own personal political gain,” the document stated. Through the fact sheet, the Speaker’s office wants the American people to understand what Pelosi’s office calls proof of a “pressure campaign” and “cover up” by Trump related to Ukraine.” As the Hill reported, “The sheet includes quotes from Trump and the anonymous whistleblower who filed a complaint regarding Trump’s July 25 phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in which he pressed for an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden
and Biden’s son, Hunter.” This is is corroborated by, among others, the testimony behind closed doors by top US acting envoy in Ukraine William “Bill” Taylor before the House Intelligence, Oversight and Foreign Affairs committees on Tuesday, October 22. As National Public Radio reported , “President Trump orchestrated a parallel foreign policy for Ukraine that made U.S. aid to the country contingent on investigations to help himself politically.” “In a written statement to three House committees tasked with Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, Taylor said he ‘became increasingly concerned’ as ‘irregular, informal channels’ of policymaking diverged from official U.S. goals — led by Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani.” A copy of this opening statement was obtained and published by the Washington Post, New York Times and CNN. Trump, his cohorts, and many members of the Republican Party have been stonewalling the investigations and ignoring subpoenas — a blatant disregard of the rule of law and an obstruction of justice. For Trump to fight against this
constitutionally-mandated process and vilify Congress for doing its sacred duties to protect our democracy is a grave violation of the Constitution he has swore to uphold and protect. It also gives the message that he is above the law, precisely the cornerstone of the impeachment mandate in the Constitution. The impeachment process has to be made public because the American people has to be part of this civic exercise. Our government is a government of the people, for the people, by the people. Our elected leaders should therefore be made accountable to us, the people. We are a nation of laws and that violating this would have consequences. It also sends the message to all public servants, present and future, that no one is above the law, not even the president of the United States of America. *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.
Robredo: Our worst and most useless vice president ever
Commentary
RIGOBERTO TIGLAO TO very clearly see why Leonor Robredo — the Yellow Cult’s last pathetic attempt to create a false idol — has been the Republic’s worst vice president, one just has to remember our past vice presidents. In comparison to these, she is an intellectual and political pygmy. Let’s start with the most recent one. Jejomar Binay had been Makati mayor for six terms, and despite the Yellows’ intense campaign to paint him as corrupt in the past elections, his role in Makati’s growth as the country’s premier financial district is incontestable. Even as he won the vice presidential post in 2010 against the Yellows, he helped President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as chairman of the Housing Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). He was also presidential adviser for OFW concerns and head of the Task Force OFW, which assisted OFWs who were maltreated by their employers to return to the Philippines with the assistance of the government.
Did he spend his time criticizing his president, to the extent of sending messages to the United Nations and other bodies abroad full of lies about the current administration? No. His predecessor was Noli de Castro, one of the country’s most successful broadcast journalists who helped President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s often beleaguered administration survive the intense Yellow propaganda against her. For six years, he ably managed the country’s housing program as HUDCC chairman. Opposition Teofisto Guingona had been a veteran senator for 12 years, an executive secretary and justice secretary. In the first year of the Arroyo administration, he had been a voice of wisdom in the Cabinet, and was its foreign secretary. He resigned in 2002, as he was often at odds with Arroyo’s foreign affairs policy. He did support the Yellow opposition, especially after the so-called “Hello Garci” scandal broke out. But did he go around the country and the world spreading lies about the President then, as Robredo has been doing? No. A university economics professor and trade industry assistant secretary, President Joseph Estrada’s vice president, Arroyo, was a three-term representative
of Congress, and took on the job as Social Welfare and Development secretary, giving that department a boost in prestige and influence. She did go against her president, when she resigned her post, in October 2000, since Estrada’s clinging to the presidency had become untenable and damaging to the country’s stability. Even as she let the wheels of justice run to prosecute Estrada, did she ever go around the country and the world spreading lies to paint her former president evil? No. Even as he ran against Fidel Ramos’ party, Estrada, mayor of San Juan for 17 years and a senator, was extremely cooperative with his president, and took on the job as head of the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission, which effectively terminated — figuratively or not — the kidnapping gangs that had plagued the country during that time. Even as Ramos’ propaganda machine started to do him in in 1997, as he was emerging as the strongest candidate for the 1998 elections, did he ever badmouth his president, even as that administration’s alleged corruption had started to smell? No. Pre-martial law We can go to vice presidents in the pre-martial law era and what stands out is the fact that all of
them were both men of stature in the political firmament and supportive of their presidents, even if one, Diosdado Macapagal, would later run against his president and another, Fernando Lopez would throw the full weight of his clan’s media empire against his president, Ferdinand Marcos. Given such veritable political, intellectual or economic titans as our past vice presidents, it is indeed astonishing that such a lightweight as Robredo became vice president. It is explicable only if the allegations of massive cheating — such as cases of zero votes in Moro towns or districts where the Iglesia ni Cristo has proven in many elections to have solid command in elections — are true. Robredo was the Yellows’ pathetic attempt at repeating history — which therefore as the aphorism says it would result in — is a farce. She couldn’t have won election as barangay chairman if her husband Jesse had not died in an accident for the Yellow to use their old “necro-politics” playbook, and if the Yellows did not have such a formidable electoral cheating machine in the last elections. A more thinking vice president would do what Binay or Arroyo did, which was to fully support the incumbent president, to
prove she could be a leader of the nation. But what has she done in the past three or so years? Demonize her president, not only to the country, but to the world. Treason This verged on treason in 2017 when she sent a video message to the 60th meeting of the UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs, which was full of lies, among them that under the Duterte government “more than 7,000 people have been killed in summary executions.” Every chance she gets, she puts out some inane statement that criticizes the President for every policy, every move he makes. Assume that there were indeed extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during Duterte’s watch — and I myself believe there have been given that there are undeniably psychopaths in the police, in any police force anywhere in the world — what should a responsible vice president have done? She should have organized a task force of researchers, paralegals and lawyers to investigate each instance of alleged EJK, and with the prestige of her office, prosecuted these police criminals. Has she done this in even one case? No. Do you know who represented the parents of the 17-year-old
Kian Loyd de los Santos, whose murder by Caloocan police became the poster for the Yellows’ claims of EJKs under Duterte’s watch? Lawyers of the Public Attorney’s Office, an overworked, understaffed government office. She doesn’t even consult with the more mature and veteran Liberal Party stalwarts like Senators Franklin Drilon and Manuel “Mar” Roxas. The only two people she is said to listen to are her spokesman Ibarra Gutierrez of the pinko party Akbayan and the Quezon City congressman Jorge Banal, who seems to be always by her side, but whom she has said in a Facebook post as merely her “political close-in.” We taxpayers gave Robredo’s office P1.7 billion since July 2016 — and P700 million for next year — for her to spread lies around the world? Robredo is Exhibit A of the damage to our political system inflicted by the Yellows’ in their 18-year-old rule under Corazon Aquino, Ramos and Noynoy, so bad that it produced the worst vice president in our history, who probably even prays she can be president. And I always thought we were evolving toward a better kind of politics. Never again, I hope. (ManilaTimes.net)
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 23, 2019
LA’s first Filipino American police commander has a big task: Help solve the homeless crisis by
Christina M. Oriel / AJPress
There’s a new police commander in Los Angeles, and for the first time in the department’s 150-year history, it’s a Filipino American. Donald Graham, a 24-year veteran of the LA Police Department, was recently appointed to commander rank and to be the department’s coordinator in tackling the city’s homeless problem. Timed with Fil-Am history Month, Graham was formally recognized earlier this October at a reception hosted by several groups like the Law enforcement Association of Asian Pacifics, Filipino Association of Law enforcement Officers, and the LA Filipino Association of City
employees. “I don’t speak Tagalog and I might be a little light in the skin tone, but I know everything I need to know to be a Filipino American and I am proud to be the first Filipino American commander for the Los Angeles Police Department,” he told attendees, who included a mix of LAPD officials, Fil-Am city commissioners, and community members. At the celebration, LAPD chief Michel Moore praised the commander’s record — including back in 2003 when he witnessed Graham’s pacifying and problem solving skills by designating ‘picket majors’ who would be the bridge between
Donald Graham poses inside his office at LAPD’s headquarters in Downtown LA.
store management and the strikers during the southern California supermarket strike. “We saw a strike in the days and weeks after that largely went uneventful because for the most part, the picket lines with the picket majors took the responsibilities of working with store management at those sites and policing did what policing does best: We set a solution and step back and let people work together,” the police chief said. he added, “here is a man who, in everything that has followed, has been willing to step into difficult situations and not get discouraged.” From New Jersey to Graham poses with fellow Fil-Am LAPD officers. There are currently 241 Fil-Ams in the force. LA: Leading with heart, for family and community In 1984, Graham was a teenager when his mother Amalia moved him and his two siblings from Bayonne, New Jersey to Los Angeles’ san Fernando Valley. she raised the children as a single mother, while working as a nurse. “Because of my mom…I know Filipinos work hard and I know Filipinos fight,” he said. “I know most importantly, that we lead with our hearts and not just for our family, but for everyone around us, for our community and it doesn’t matter the racial divide.” It’s a relatable story that his mother, like many Filipina Graham thanks LAPD chief Michel Moore (left) for his speech at a celebratory reception on Wednesday, matriarchs, had hoped he would October 9.
enter the medical field. But being in LA, music and acting were more appealing to him. Though, that changed when he entered Los Angeles Valley College and shifted to history and political science instead. “To pass the time,” Graham said, he worked part-time at the campus police department. “As it turned out, the people that worked there, the officers that worked there were all retired LAPD officers and were some of the most high-quality people I’ve ever met in my entire life, people who dedicated their efforts not to blaming people, but to solving problems,” he recalled in his interview with the Asian Journal. he applied and was accepted into the LAPD Academy, where he graduated from in the fall of 1995. he completed his probation in the Pacific Division, before being assigned to the Devonshire station, which covers Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Granada hills, Northridge, North hills, Porter ranch, West hills and Winnetka. “I thought I was going to do this for about 10 years...take my pension and then walk away,” Graham said. “But like any corny story, you fall in love and I fell in love with doing this job.” Graham spent nine years as an officer in the Devonshire territory before being promoted to sergeant in the southeast
AJPress photos by Noel Ty
Graham hugs his mother Amalia after his remarks at a reception on Wednesday, October 9.
Division in 2006, sergeant II as a commander’s aide in the office of operations two years later, and then lieutenant in 2012 in the West Valley Patrol Division. In the last five years, the FilAm rose the ranks from captain to area commanding officer in North hollywood before his current position. Generation’s ‘social fight’ Graham’s appointment
comes as California has the country’s largest homeless population, even recently catching the attention of President Donald Trump who called it “a disgrace to our country.” The city of LA alone experienced a 16% increase this year with 36,000 individuals considered homeless. “[Graham] was one of the Continued on Page 3
Aga’s passion is acting, but family is now his priority by AllAn
PolicArPio Inquirer.net
WITH his twins turning 18 next month and gearing up to attend college abroad next year, Aga Muhlach couldn’t help but wax sentimental about the family he has been “blessed with.” “My daughter, Atasha, will study in London; my son, Andres, in the States,” he told the Inquirer at a recent press conference for his upcoming movie, the psychological thriller “Nuuk.” “It has been a fun household for us. We have had a nice and amazing journey. There’s nothing more I can ask for.” Aga, who has been married to Charlene Gonzales, also for 18 years, said it was
a “conscious effort” to have their children enroll in different schools. “That’s our choice, so that they can have different worlds,” related the 50-yearold actor. While his children have appeared in commercials in the past, the possibility of them entering show biz seems unlikely at the moment, Aga said, because the two will be focusing on their studies. “When they finish college, it’s up to them. When they’re in their 20s, they decide if they want it or not,” Aga said. While acting will always be his passion, family has been at the top of Aga’s priority since tying the knot with Charlene in 2001. And with Continued on Page 4 Aga Muhlach
entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 23, 2019
ABS-CBN photo
LA’s first Filipino American police... Marjorie Barretto: ‘Gretchen does not care about the family at all’ The Barretto sisters (from left) Claudine, Gretchen and Marjorie
From Page 2 first people to understand the challenges that you have with homelessness from public safety, both those as individuals experiencing as victims as well as people who hide within that population and prey upon others experiencing homelessness or people in communities,” Moore said of the decision to hand the responsibility to Graham. “It was also his ability to recognize that it’s really not going to be a policing solution. It’s going to be a solution with the whole of government and the whole of community.” During his time as captain for the city’s Central Patrol Division in 2014, Graham had experience with the issue as he was part of the team that helped restructure the Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement (HOPE), a task force under the department that works with other city services to provide resources to homeless individuals, as well as to maintain sanitary and safe streets. “It is the social fight of our generation so the fact that the chief of police has entrusted me to help him provide the leadership for the organization through this time is a huge honor for me,” Graham said. “I know it’s not going to be an easy job. I didn’t take this job because it’s easy.”
With regard to how to mitigate the city’s homeless population, he will be the department’s representative and make recommendations at these discussions and ensure that the LAPD is consistent in carrying out the policies. “We have to be able to be conversant in the laws, policies and philosophies of this homeless fight so we can have a good, engaging conversation with our community and help them with their expectations of what the police can do,” he said. One message Graham intends to get across is that calling the police on the homeless won’t fix the problem. “It’s unfortunate that many people in our community believe that you can pick up the phone, call the police and make the homeless people disappear,” he said. “That’s not going to happen. It’s not going to happen because of the legal environment that we exist in and it’s also not going to happen because we can’t build 54,000 jail cells.” When asked about his accomplishments during his nearly three decades with the department, Graham said it’s being able to mentor officers early in their careers and help people stay out of trouble after encounters with the law.
“As a Filipino American, as a New Jersey American, I can’t imagine having done anything else with the last 24 years of my life. This is the most incredible job, not just because it’s different every day, not just because there’s this visceral idea that people who prey on other people are the people who are afraid of us. Trust me, it’s a visceral feeling. But really what is the key to this job is how many people who have come back and have said ‘thank you,’” he said. With Fil-Ams considered one of the largest ethnic groups in LA, Graham said that should be reflected in the police force as well. Currently, there are 241 FilAm officers in the department. “If you know a young Filipino American who is thinking of a career in law enforcement, don’t tell them to go watch TV because every episode of whatever television program you watch is not going to give you a real look at what police work is,” he said, suggesting those interested to participate in a ride-along to shadow officers on duty. “When I think about that and my responsibility as a Filipino American in this role, that is what warms my heart because I have an ability to give back what I have been given,” he added.
a birthday lunch in his house, that was the day we rushed him to the hospital because MANILA, Philippines — “It of violent chills. Chills, not a heart attack, Gretchen. Claugoes to show that Gretchen does not care about the fam- dine should have known this, but obviously, she doesn’t.] ily at all.” “Violent chills. Yun pala This was Marjorie Barretto’s response to her older sis- may sepsis na yung father ko. ter Gretchen who alleged she Severe pneumonia, high fever was the reason for her father’ and all of that. So he did not “attack,” which eventually led die of an attack,” she added. [Violent chills. It turns out to his death. my father already had sepsis. “It goes to show that Gretchen does not care about Severe pneumonia, high fever and all of that. So he did not the family at all. My father died of acute respiratory fail- die of an attack.] Gretchen earlier claimed ure. He did not have a heart that it was Marjorie who attack,” Marjorie clarified in an interview aired on Tuesday triggered their late father’s attack because she did not over ABS-CBN’s “TV Patrol.” Marjorie said it was during even invite their mother to the gathering. their father’s birthday celBut Marjorie shot back ebration when they brought at Gretchen, saying it was him to the hospital due to her who did not invite their “violent chills.” mother. “The day that I gave him “Gretchen, stop diverting. a birthday lunch in his house, My mom is always invited. that was the day we rushed Why wouldn’t she be invited? him to the hospital because She is my mother, and she is of violent chills. Chills, hindi the wife of my father, and we po heart attack, Gretchen. are in good terms. If I did not Dapat alam din ni Claudine to, but obviously, hindi,” Mar- want my mother in the birthday celebration of my father, jorie said. I wouldn’t have done it in my [“The day that I gave him by Krissy
AguilAr Inquirer.net
Inquirer.net photo
house,” Marjorie said. “My dad claimed to us that my mom was ill that day. That’s why she was not able to join us, which is not unusual. There are birthdays that she really doesn’t go because she’s ill. My mom is 82 years old,” she continued. Marjorie then mentioned that Gretchen had been estranged from their parents. “Now when we talk about her painting me as a bad daughter, I will put my foot down,” Marjorie said. “I am a good daughter. I am present every Sunday, every family event, I throw their parties. I serve them. I visit my family.” “Speaking of not inviting your mother to your house, Gretchen, for more than 25 years, has never invited my parents to her house, any of her mansions and rest houses, not even to their garage. So don’t paint me as the bad daughter, Gretchen,” she added. Meanwhile, Gretchen took to Instagram to respond to Marjorie’s statement that she did not visit their father while he was confined at the Continued on Page 4
entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 23, 2019
Aga’s passion is acting... From Page 3 Atasha and Andres leaving soon, Aga feels the need to spend even more time at home. “Right now, i’m working on another movie, ‘Miracle in Cell no. 7.’ But once we finish that, i’m free again.
i will be with my family for Christmas and new Year. i just want to spend more time with my family. That has been my mindset ever since,” pointed out Aga, who stopped doing television for that very reason. The matinee idol was last
seen on the small screen as a judge in the 2016 talent search “Pinoy Boyband Superstar” on ABS-CBn. He’s not active on social media, either. “i have my personal accounts just for the sake of it. i just use them to watch videos and stuff [like] news. i’m not a social media person. i don’t vlog about my life. You could say i’m oldschool in that regard. i want my private life private,” he stressed. not that he needs the regular exposure to keep his name afloat in the industry. Aga, after all, is already of a certain stature that affords him to be selective of projects and that allows him to work at his own pace. After 2001, Aga did at least one film every year or two. He then stopped in 2012, before making a comeback in 2017 with “Seven Sundays.” “i see these projects as god’s gift. i don’t react, i don’t complain. i just let it be, let things unfold. Whatever comes my way,” he said. The same goes, he said, with “nuuk”—his reunion movie with Alice Dixson— which will open in cinemas on nov. 6. Produced by Viva Films in cooperation with the embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark, “nuuk” is the first Filipino movie shot in greenland. Set in the island’s Arctic landscapes, the story follows elaisa (Alice), a Filipina living in greenland who’s left reeling after her husband’s death. She crosses paths with Mark (Aga), a fellow Filipino, whom she falls for. Things take a strange turn, however, when she realizes that no one recognizes Mark but her. “Alice and i didn’t expect that, at this point in our lives, we will be able to work again together in a movie,” he said of the actress, whom he worked with in such films as “Hot Summer” in 1989 and “Sinungaling Mong Puso” in 1992. “She still looks amazing. i was just so excited. And on the set, we just gave it our best.”
Sheryl Cruz and Sunshine Dizon with their ‘Magkaagaw’ co-stars Jeric Gonzales and Klea Pineda
Sheryl Cruz and Sunshine Dizon as ‘Magkaagaw’ by Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
Beginning this week, the story of two successful women caught in the downward spiral of infidelity will unfold in gMA network’s newest Afternoon Prime drama series, “Magkaagaw.” Former on-screen rivals in “Bakekang” and two of the industry’s sought-after actresses, Sheryl Cruz as Veron and Sunshine Dizon as Laura, reunite in this highly intriguing drama hinged on love and vengeance. “i’m very happy because it’s been a while and ma-
ganda ‘yung team up namin ni Sunshine all the time. i also have to thank gMA for this project because it’s a different character — it’s my first time portraying a role of having an affair with a younger man,” Cruz said. “it’s a reunion project with Sheryl so that’s very exciting. We are also working with director gil Tejada Jr., who is our director in ‘Bakekang.’ What makes ‘Magkaagaw’ unique is first time matatackle dito ‘yung character ni Laura na hindi sinasadyang maging kabit. She was blind sided and put in a situation na wala siyang laban kasi hindi
niya alam. She did not intentionally ruin a relationship,” Dizon revealed. Meanwhile, the original drama also introduces the freshest team up of “StarStruck 6’s” Ultimate Female Survivor Klea Pineda as Clarisse and “Protégé Season 2” winner Jeric gonzales as Jio in their most daring roles yet. Completing the stellar cast of “Magkaagaw” are Polo Ravales, Dion ignacio, Dennis Padilla, Lovely Abella, isay Alvarez, Patricia Tumulak, Joanna Marie Tan, as well as the special participation of actor-politician Alfred Vargas. (ManilaTimes.net)
The prime of Gabby by ricky lo Philstar.com
FIRST thing first: Gabby Concepcion confirmed that his much-touted, long-overdue reteam-up with ex-wife Sharon Cuneta will finally be pushed through. They met by chance during the recent Gabay Guro event where they obliged lastminute requests for a duet. It was there where they seriously discussed the project which may be produced by either Viva Films or Regal Films, pending final negotiation. Who will finance it, Gabby didn’t tell. “All we need is a good story, something out-of-thebox,” said Gabby, clarifying rumors that the initial plan went pffft due to disagreement over talent fees. “No problem with that, actually. Kaya hindi natuloy noon because we didn’t have a good story.” (According to reports, the ex-couple’s talent fees will be given to their only daughter KC.) gabby was in a joking mood. Before he proceeded to the second floor of Relish restaurant (on Scout Limbaga St., Quezon City) for his launch as the newest addition to Beautederm’s gallery of starry endorsers, he gave Conversations a 20-minute “exclusive” which turned out to be so free-wheeling that gabby didn’t hold back, gamely answered all the questions even those prying into his bedroom activity. “Did you know that this is Obama’s favorite coffee?” he asked as he sipped from his first cup of coffee for the day. i shrugged. “i didn’t know.” “This is kape barako,” he cracked after two more sips. “Barako Obama! Hahaha!!!” internally,” as gabby put it, “i also have a health regimen. i mix vegetables that i grow in my farm in Lobo, Batangas, and i take it in the morning. i posted a video of me mixing the veggies on my instagram and i think Miss Rhea (Anicoche-Tan, Beautederm corporation president/ CeO) saw it. She asked, ‘Why don’t you try our products?’ That was it.” While we were at it, we asked gabby how he kept himself so trimmed and so sexy that, at his age, he can still send women’s hearts widely beating, never mind if he has survived (a veteran of) three marriages (all showbiz) before he settled down with a non-showbiz lady with whom he has two daughters. gabby’s wife, genevieve “ginbee” Yatco (from a prominent
In a free-wheeling conversation, the eternal matinee idol talks about taking care of his body, having daughters but without a son, and the certainty of his reunion movie with ex-wife Sharon Cuneta. Philstar.com photo
family in Laguna), is so private (even if she started as a fan of gabby) that she quietly kept herself and their children away from the limelight…and that must be what makes her “different” from gabby’s past relationships and why he loves ginbee dearly. “i do everything in moderation,” shared gabby, a familiar line we have heard from similarly-built gentlemen. “i taste everything…lahat nang inihahain sa atin ng mundo dapat tikman. Sabi nga ni Mary Fairchild…did i get the name right?...the famous lady who baked cakes in the ‘50s and who mixed all the sweet ingredients that she learned from her mother, ‘if you eat cake or pastries, you won’t get fat. Why? Because you won’t eat the whole cake.’ Just take a bite.” gabby would start his day with a big breakfast consisting of four eggs (poached, boiled or fried with olive oil) harvested from his farm, a little black or red rice (very seldom) or oatmeal, and black coffee without sugar. He joked (again!). “We produce our own eggs because mayroon kaming homestead,” cracking again, “kaya parating sariwa ang itlog ko every day, always fresh, hahaha!!!” Trivia: the farm in Batangas is different from gabby’s resort in Anilao, also in the same province, that was (in)famous for a “creaking bed” which was the deafand-mute witness to gabby’s (mis)adventures as a soughtafter young man. You can imagine what juicy stories those walls would tell if they could talk! gabby has sold that property. “i have a weakness for food,” admitted gabby. “Sabi nga nila, the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” no soft drinks for him, please, just water (seven to eight glasses a day) and (lots of) coffee. “i work out to burn calories. i do the treadmill or simply walk around my farm. Brisk walking is cardio
exercise, good for the heart. Forty-five minutes are enough to increase your heartbeat. Light exercises lang. i don’t over-exert myself.” Six hours of sleep is good enough for him, plus power naps between takes on the set. Asked what his favorite sleepwear is, gabby laughed. “Shorts, sometimes naked but i make sure that the kids are not around…and i lock the door. One pillow is good enough and it shouldn’t be too high, bad for the nape. Or i do away with it. The flatter the better.” (no need for an extra pillow to hug. ginbee is beside him.) gabby’s children are all girls — the others are one with ex-girlfriend grace ibuna, one with ex-wife Jenny Syquia and one with ex-wife Sharon Cuneta. Because he still feels like a teenager, gabby said that he’s not bothered by stress. neither do bashers piss him off. Did he see KC’s sexy photo on social media? Yes, said, gabby, “i tagged it; i ‘liked’ it. Ang ganda!” “i am a beach person. even just thinking of the beach in Lobo relaxes me. Maski sa shooting, my mind floats with thoughts of the beach.” The secret, he added, is to “go with the flow, roll with the punches. i am an optimist. Why look at the dark side of life when the world offers so many bright things. Life has been good to me. There’s nothing to complain about; so many things to be thankful for. not everybody is given a second chance, di ba?” Asked what his current state of being is, gabby broke into a smile, baring his perfect set of teeth (that made him one of Close-Up toothpaste’s earliest endorsers). “Happy and wise. Di ba sabi nila, wisdom is knowing that you don’t know everything. Life is never perfect but i’m contented with what i have.” And he wasn’t joking.
Marjorie Barretto: ‘Gretchen...
From Page 3 hospital. “i was not allowed to go to the hospital because of your outbursts & because there will be more tension for me to see eX MAYOR
eCHiVeRRi,” gretchen wrote, referring to the enrico echiverri, former Caloocan mayor and later House representative. Marjorie admitted in the same ABS-CBn interview that
echiverri is the father of her youngest daughter, erich. The Barretto sisters had a scuffle during their father’s wake last Oct. 16, which then continued as a feud on a social media.
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrence yAng THERE’S a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to harvest. There’s a time for everything. So states Ecclesiastes 3: “For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven… A time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build up; a time to cry and a time to laugh…” The client was 72. Three years ago, the client and his wife became my clients for a Chapter 13 case. They had a relatively small default on their residence, less than $20,000. And they owed about $18,000 to the IRS for back taxes, which were not yet dischargeable. The client and wife were still working, gainfully employed as members of a profession. But all of a sudden, the client’s kidneys start to fail. Diabetes is the culprit, and he needs to go for dialysis three times a week. He says he’s too old to wait for a kidney transplant as the wait is about
Chapter 13 client with house default dies. What happens next? 10 years. So, he’s decided to tough it out, just continue living with dialysis. It’s not hard to imagine that once you start needing dialysis, your whole life is now centered-around dialysis. Three times a week, each time four hours at least tethered to the machine to filter your blood. I wish God had not allowed diabetes to exist. So they fall behind on their mortgage since all of a sudden, their income gets substantially reduced from regular paychecks to social security. They owed about $14,000 of arrears in their mortgage, and they could no longer pay the $18,000 of income taxes that were due. Clients decided to file for Chapter 13. The plan allowed them to pay off the $14,000 owed on the mortgage over 60 months, and the $18,000 owed to the IRS over 60 months as well, without interest. The plan’s payment each month was about $650. Shortages were covered by family contributions by their children who are both adults and working. By year 3, the client died of a
massive stroke at 72. The wife, who is a joint debtor, is now wondering what she will do. What are her options? Option no. 1: since the house has $200,000 of equity now, she can sell the house while in Chapter 13. We will need to file two motions. One is to suspend plan payments. Another is to ask for court permission to sell the house subject to comments by the Chapter 13 trustee. The right time to do these motions and when there is a firm offer for the purchase of the house. The motion to sell will tell the court how much the sale price is, the net proceeds and who the escrow agent is. From the sale proceeds, the unpaid balance of the plan, since it has two more years to go, will be paid off. The balance will be given to the surviving spouse who happens to be the co-debtor’s wife. Let’s do the math. Net proceeds are $200,000. About $12,000 of this will be used to pay the balance of what is owed on the plan. $188,000, less whatever trustee expenses are, will be given to Continued on Page 6
community 5 The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 23, 2019
Putative spouse status as a defense to a petition for nullity of marriage ALL property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in California is community property. Family Code 760. However, there are situations in which the marriage may be held to be null and void. These situations include, but are not limited to entering into a bigamous marriage, fraud and misrepresentation in entering into a marriage, etc. The legal consequences of having your marriage annulled by your spouse is that it results to you not having any community property interest on property acquired by your spouse during the marriage. A nullity may also cut off your claim for spousal support. What options do you have if your spouse files a nullity against you? You may still have a claim to community property and support as a putative spouse. A party to a void or voidable marriage has “putative spouse” sta-
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes tus only if he or she believed in good faith the marriage was valid. Family.Code. 225; Marriage of Guo & Sun (2010) 186 CA4th 1491, 1493, 112 CR3d 906, 908; Marriage of Vryonis (1988) 202 CA3d 712, 721, 248 CR 807, 813. A party who has the requisite objectively reasonable “good faith” belief may be a putative spouse where any legal infirmity in formation of the marriage renders the marriage invalid. Domestic Partnership of Ellis & Arriaga (2008) 162 CA4th 1000, 1005, 76 CR3d 401, 404; Estate of DePasse (2002) 97 CA4th 92, 107, 118 CR2d 143,
155; see Marriage of Vryonis, supra, 202 CA3d at 718–719, 248 CR at 811–812. A party’s “good faith” belief in the validity of the marriage is not tested by whether he or she believed a “marriage” lawfully occurred under some private, secular or spiritual set of standards. A putative spouse must have had a good faith belief in the existence of a lawful California marriage. Estate of DePasse (2002) 97 CA4th 92, 107–108, 118 CR2d 143, 156; Welch v. State of Calif. (2000) 83 CA4th 1374, 1378–1379, 100 CR2d 430, 432–433; Marriage of Vryonis (1988) 202 CA3d 712, 723, 248 CR 807, 814–815 “Good faith” belief is tested by an objective standard based on facts that would cause a reasonable person under the circumstances to harbor a good faith belief in the existence of a valid California marriage. DoContinued on Page 6
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community
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 23, 2019
$1.2 million Edison Scholars Program 2020 application period begins ROSEMEAD, Calif. — High school seniors whose dreams are to power the future and make a difference through the study of science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) are invited to apply for Edison International’s $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program. Each year, Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, awards $40,000 scholarships, paid over four years, to 30 high school students who plan to major in designated STEM fields at a four-year accredited U.S. college or university. See the list of eligible STEM majors. Scholarship applications are now being accepted through Dec. 16. To apply and obtain additional eligibility information, visit: edisonscholars.com. Applicants must live in SCE’s service area and plan to be a fulltime undergraduate student majoring in a STEM field. Eligible students also must be a high school senior, have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Students from underserved communities and ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply. Depen-
dents of Edison International and SCE employees and retirees are not eligible for the Edison Scholars Program. “These future leaders have the opportunity to change lives, communities and perhaps even the world,” said Pedro Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International. “We are proud to help talented students realize their academic dreams and support these important STEM programs.” Scholarship recipients will be announced next spring. They may
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA
also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college. Since 2006, Edison International has awarded an estimated $9.9 million in scholarships to 640 students through the Edison Scholars Program. Edison International’s support of charitable causes, including the Edison Scholars Program, is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. SCE customers’ utility bill payments do not fund company donations.
Angels among us Last of 4 parts
“All God’s angels come to us disguised.” — James Russell Lowell
AN angel is an invisible presence that must be acknowledged to become ever stronger. God sends angels to keep watch over human beings and help them in every human challenge. There is, however, the element of free will in humans. You can acknowledge the presence of angels or deny it. It is your choice ultimately. The more angels are acknowledged and become a conduit to heaven, they become a hovering, guiding reality in one’s life growing ever stronger in their influence to shape every thought, word and deed in one’s life. On the other hand, if the dark side prevails repeatedly in one’s soul that is made progressively weak by severe addictions of any kind, whether chemical, sexual or the human inclination towards pride, disobedience and evil, then the angel’s influence becomes weak. The human protectee is like a a cell phone that is not receiving signals and be30 high school seniors were named the 2019 Edison Scholars, each winning a $40,000 scholarship comes dead on a skip zone. Only a direct divine intervenfrom Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, to help them follow their dreams in STEM (science, technology, engineering or math). Photo by Elisa Ferrari tion wrought by the most powerful force of intercessory, un-
ceasing prayers by one or more prayer warriors can avert the cosmic disaster of a soul lost forever to darkness, death and nothingness. There is a study of angels called angelology. In it, it is claimed that there is a hierarchy of celestial beings grouped into three spheres. According to Wikipedia, there is a First Sphere, the highest ranking of all because they are closest to God. This includes Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The Second Sphere includes Dominions, Virtues and Powers. In the Third Sphere can be found Principalities, Archangels and Angels. Our personal guardian angels fall in the last group. Each human being is believed to be assigned a personal guardian angel, Christian or not. The angels that keep watch over human beings belong to the lowest order of celestial beings and they are the ones concerned with the affairs of human beings. They are holy celestial beings who are agents of God intended as a help to mere mortals. They are powerful but we ourselves need to connect to
that power to take effect. If you acknowledge that you as a child of God was given a personal guardian angel from the time God conceived you in His thoughts, there should be no fear in our hearts to face even the unknown. An angelic relationship can be nurtured daily and can grow wonderfully through time until the end of human life. Who knows? In the end, we might be able to see this yet unseen godly presence, link up face to face, do a high-five, even dance a jig and thank our personal guardian angel, whether you gave him a name or not, whether he revealed his name to you or not, when we transition out to a celestial realm ourselves — finally free of ALL heavy worldly concerns and ALL constraints of time, space and gravity. Just perhaps, that light at the end of a long dark tunnel might give us a glimpse of the face of God himself. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
available to the surviving codebt spouse. Which is the best option to go for? Well, this all depends on how the wife feels about the house and what the children want to do with it. Right now, of course, the wife does not want to live in the house by herself, which is understandable. So she has quickly been able to rent the house. I feel bad for her but as stated by Ecclesiastes, there’s a time to be born and a time to die. There’s a time for everything. This is so true. All of us will be called by God one day and on that day; it will be our time to go. Even if you had all the money in the world, you can’t pay someone to die for you. You can’t even pay someone to be sick for you. Because of the original sin by Adam and Eve, we now have these frail bodies that suck. We all succumb to sickness and death. In heaven, I understand we will have glorified bodies that last for eter-
nity and will never get sick or die. So, the client now has a glorified body in heaven with Jesus and God the Father and God the Holy Spirit that will last him for eternity. Never again to need dialysis ever. Well, that’s a really sweet deal, right? So all you have to do is believe that Jesus is the Son of the one true God who died for our sins that we may have a chance to enter heaven. If you need debt relief, please set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South-Lower Level Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
Putative spouse status as a defense... Chapter 13 client with house default...
From Page 5 mestic Partnership of Ellis & Arriaga, supra, 162 CA4th at 1005, 76 CR3d at 404; Marriage of Guo & Sun (2010) 186 CA4th 1491, 1497, 112 CR3d 906, 911; Marriage of Ramirez & Llamas (2008) 165 CA4th 751, 756, 81 CR3d 180, 183. Whether a party had an objectively reasonable “good faith” belief is a question of fact to be determined in light of all the circumstances. Successfully proving putative spouse status or putative marriage status in court gives rise to certain property, support and attorney fees/costs rights, as well as certain other rights that ordinarily attach only between lawfully married persons. Property that would have been community or quasi-community property had the marriage been valid is deemed “quasi-marital property” and, in a proceeding to terminate the invalid marriage, “shall” be divided between the parties as if it were community. Family.Code. 2251(a)(2); Marriage of Tejeda (2009) 179 CA4th 973,
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983, 102 CR3d 361, 368; Quasimarital property divided pursuant to 2251 is also liable for the parties’ debts to the same extent as if it had been community or quasi-community property. Family. Code. 2252. In addition, “temporary” and “permanent” spousal support may also be awarded in a nullity proceeding in favor of a putative spouse “in the same manner as if the marriage had not been void or voidable” Family Code Section 2254. The court may also award attorney’s fees pursuant to family code section 2030 in favor of a party found to be “innocent of fraud or wrongdoing in inducing or entering into the marriage, and free from knowledge of the then existence of any prior marriage or other impediment to the contracting of the marriage for which a judgment of nullity is sought.” Family Code Section 2255. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only
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From Page 5 the wife. Option no. 2: Continue paying on the plan for another 24 months and complete all plan payments. On the 60th month, the wife will not have any arrears on the house, will be back on the current status with the lender, and will not owe anything to the IRS. And she will still own the house with equity of at least $200,000, and rising. Since she will still own the house, she can continue living in it, or rent it out and get rental income. Option no. 3: Ask the lender for a loan modification because her husband died to reduce mortgage payment. If this is approved, then the arrears will be added to the principal and she will be back to current status. The plan can be reduced by a motion to modify plan payments since only what is owed to the IRS will be left proportionately unpaid. These are three basic options
FOR RENT
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 23, 2019
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 23, 2019