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SePtember 27-OctOber 3, 2018 Volume 29 - No. 37 • 2 Sections – 20 Pages
T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r
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Duterte: Some soldiers conspiring with Reds, opposition to oust me by AJPress
PresIDeNt rodrigo Duterte claimed he was displeased that some soldiers are in cahoots with the opposition to oust him from his post. Duterte on monday evening, september 24, told reporters in Jolo, sulu that some of his troops were supporting sen. Antonio trillanes IV, and were involved in plans to remove him from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discusses matters with the officials from the Department of power. “Ang sakit ko dito, kayong TRUMP IN LAS VEGAS. President Donald Trump interacts with Senator Dean Heller (R-Nev.) during a Make America Great rally at the Las Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte–National Executive Coordinating Committee during a meeting at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, September mga Liberal pati ‘yung ibang sa Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas on Thursday, September 20. The president rallied for republicans in several key races in Nevada. 25.
Malacañang photo by Rolando Mailo
DATELINE
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USA
UNDoCUmeNteD immigrants who receive food stamps, medicaid, housing vouchers or other public benefits may be denied green cards, the trump administration announced on friday, september 22. the Dept. of homeland security (Dhs) said that a new proposal would classify current and previous recipients of some public benefits as a “heavily weighed negative factor” if they apply to be lawful permanent residence, a key step on the pathway toward naturalization, and seeks to fulfill the primary goal of ensuring that those who enter the U.s. or adjust their status are “self-sufficient.” “this proposed rule will implement a law passed by Congress intended to promote immigrant self-sufficiency and protect finite resources by ensuring that they are not likely to become burdens on American taxpayers,”
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Filipino freed after 3 months in ICE detention
A fILIPINo legal immigrant, who has a valid green card and has lived in the United states for 30 years, was freed from an immigration detention facility after 3 1/2 months. Cloyd edralin of highland Park, New JerA judge released Cloyd Edralin of sey, who was Highland Park, New Jersey from arrested in June ICE custody. Photo screengrabbed from for deportation Youtube/TFCBalitangAmerica due 12-year-old weapon conviction, was released last week after a judge ordered a “Cancellation of removal.” Immigration and Customs enforcement
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Trump endorses Sen. Heller’s re-election Former Trump critic rallies with the president, praises his achievements at Las Vegas rally
by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Trump administration plans to cut green cards to immigrants on public assistance programs
AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
As the midterm elections approach, republicans are making last ditch efforts to secure their party’s majority in the U.s. senate. on thursday, september 20, the president attended another Senate President Vicente Sotto III tells reporters during a press conference rally of supporters in Las Vegas Tuesday, September 25. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo to pledge his full-fledged support
Sotto seeks to lower the age of criminal liability to 12 by AJPress
seNAte President Vicente sotto III continuously sought to lower the minimum age for criminal liability from 15 to 12 years old as he filed the senate Bill 2026 on monday, september 24. “this bill will finally give clarity to the true intention of the law. the amendment to the law will institutionalize the criminal liability of teenagers who commit a serious criminal offense,” sotto said in a statement on tuesday, september 23, as reported by the Philippine Daily inquirer. sotto filed the sB 2026 in order to amend republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, which labels that the lowest minimum age for criminal liability to 15 years old. the said law no longer applies to the present condition according to sotto.
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for republican sen. Dean heller of Nevada, who is running for re-election in November. Before trump got elected, heller “vehemently” opposed trump but now supports the administration and embraced the president’s support for his re-election campaign. “mr. President, it’s an honor to work with you and put Nevada back to work,” heller told the
president followed by vociferous cheers from trump supporters. on their rocky relationship, trump describes a pair of butting heads that progressed into a political bromance, saying, “We started out, we weren’t friends. But as we fought and fought... believe it or not we started to respect each other, then we started to like each other, then
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Trillanes: Democracy lost today by AJPress the makati regional trial Court (rtC) on tuesday, september 25, ordered the arrest of senator Antonio trillanes IV on revived charges against him for failed uprisings in 2003 and 2007. trillanes is the second opposition senator to be arrested under the Duterte presidency. Judge elmo Alameda of makati rtC Branch 150 issued the arSen. Antonio Trillanes IV’s mug shot is taken rest warrant 21 days after Duterte at the Makati City Police Office, after Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 50 ordered his voided the former Navy officer’s arrest on rebellion charges related to the 2003 2011 amnesty and set the bail at Oakwood mutiny. He posted P200,000 bail and P200,000. “Democracy lost today. offireturned to the Senate right after. Photo courtesy of NCRPO cially, we have no democracy. this
case goes beyond me,” trillanes said as he left his senate office to go with police officers and post bail at the makati City Central Police station. he was accompanied by fellow opposition senators Kiko Pangilinan, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, and risa hontiveros; as well as his magdalo party mates. Respect warrant — Palace According to trillanes, his arrest was a clear example of the President harassing his critics — “the ones telling the truth who he could not face.” “for all intents and purposes, darkness and evil prevailed in our country. so whatever happens
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De Lima urges DFA to adhere to international human rights protocol by AJPress seNAtor Leila de Lima on Wednesday, september 26, urged the Department of foreign Affairs (DfA) to accede to the optional Protocol to the International Covenant on economic, social and Cultural rights (oP-ICesCr) in order to show their commitment to human rights. “the senate urges the DfA to seriously consider the possible adherence to, and adoption of the oP-ICesCr as further proof and affirmation by the Philippine government of the principle of universality and indivisibility of human rights,” senate resolution 898 stated. the said protocol provides for a
communications procedure allowing victims of human rights violations to present complaints before a committee on economic, social and cultural rights. It also allows the committee to start an investigation if it receives information that a state party has violated the ICesCr as reported by The Philippine Star. “Certain individuals and sectors are vulnerable to civil and political rights violations given their economic, social, and cultural conditions,” De Lima said. the senator claimed that poverty played a key role in the proliferation of human rights violation. such a situation, according to her, necessitated the adherence to an international committee.
“Grinding poverty still persists in our country, despite the considerable economic growth rate in recent years. Despite the considerable economic growth rate in recent years, 2015 data from the Philippine statistics Authority reveals that 16.5 percent of filipino families, or 21.6 percent of the entire population, are poor,” the resolution read. optional protocols, according to the United Nations (UN), are supplementary treaties. they may “either provide for procedures with regard to the treaty or address a substantive area related to the (main) treaty.” In other words, they are mainly treaties in their own right. As such,
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Sen. Leila de Lima
Inquirer.net photo
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september 27-OctOber 3, 2018 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JOUrNAL
From The FronT Page
Duterte: Some soldiers conspiring... PAGE A1 military, nakipag-ugnayan sila… yung mga sundalo na rebelde… Hindi ko maintindihan ang utak kung saan ang loyalty nila (I was hurt because some people in the military are communicating with the Liberal Party, those rebel soldiers. I can’t understand their loyalty),” he said. “That’s my ill feeling toward
those soldiers. I have no problem with them being angry with me. That’s nothing. But to go into a cahoots with the enemy? I can step down anytime. But the problem is the nation…If you are true to your country, do not bed with the enemy,” he added. Duterte also said that if the opposition is determined to remove him from office, it should wait for
the elections in 2022. “If you do not like me as president – Duterte is inept, clueless, it’s okay. Fine. Just wait for the elections three years away,” he said. Duterte dared the military to launch a coup if they think he is no longer capable of leading the country earlier this month. According to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, the dare was made because Duterte was confident that the soldiers would not join destabilization plots against the government. Last week, Armed Forces Deputy Chief for Operations Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade claimed members of Trillanes’ Magdalo group, the Liberal Party, and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) have hatched a plot dubbed “Red October.” This movement aims to destabilize the government next month, and would coincide with the international celebrations for Marxism and communism. Duterte said unless it is supported by government forces, a destabilization plan would not succeed. “You know, this plot, plot, plot. I have one thing to say: Nothing will succeed without the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. If the military, the armed forces and the police think I am no longer fit to become president, they just have to tell me,” he said. “No more fights. They will end up fighting each other. If they want me replaced, I’ll go,” he added. Robredo not involved in ouster plot According to Malacañang, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo was not connected with the ouster plans. This was on Tuesday, September 25, after Robredo claimed that the Red October plot was a “dangerous and baseless” claim. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said, “Well, as far as VP Leni is concerned, that’s a fair statement, because as far I know, she was not amongst those specifically named to be part of the conspiracy. She is after all the second highest elected official.” “She took an oath to support the Constitution and she’s expected not to support any unconstitutional means to remove the PAGE A4
Karagdagang kaalaman sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan sa: www.ClarkCountyNV.gov/votetag
NOTICE TO ELECTORS OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2018 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Registrar of Voters of Clark County, Nevada, will conduct a registration of qualified electors for the General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Any qualified elector whose name does not appear on the official registry list may apply for registration in person, by mail, or online in the manner approved by law according to the deadlines listed below.
2018 GENERAL ELECTION VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES AND EXTENDED OFFICE HOURS Clark County Election Offices
Clark County Election Department 1st Floor Clark County Government Center 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV
Method of Registering
Dates
Hours
Both Mail And Over the Counter
Tuesday, October 9
8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesday, October 10 thru Friday, October 12
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, October 13; Sunday, October 14
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday, October 15; Tuesday, October 16
8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday, October 10
8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesday, October 10 thru Friday, October 12
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, October 13; Sunday, October 14
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday, October 15; Tuesday, October 16
8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
In-Person Registration Only
Both Mail And Over the Counter
Clark County Election Department 965 Trade Drive, Suite A North Las Vegas, NV
In-Person Registration Only
(702) 455-VOTE(8683)
Voter registration applications and registration information updates will be accepted that are completed or mailed up until 28 days before the election. Thereafter until 21 days before the election, voter registration applications and registration information updates must be filed online at www.ClarkCountyNV.gov/votetag or in-person at either office of the Clark County Registrar of Voters. A qualified elector who possesses a Nevada driver license or DMV-issued Identification Card may register or update his/her voter registration information online until 11:59 p.m., October 18, 2018, exclusively at only one website (Nevada Secretary of State), which is accessible through www.ClarkCountyNV.gov/votetag. Nevada and federal law require first-time registrants to provide an identifying number (Nevada driver license number or the last four digits of their social security number). If these do not match the records maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles or Social Security Administration, the registrant will be required to present identification before being allowed to vote. Forms of current and valid identification include a Nevada Driver’s License, Nevada I.D. Card, military identification card, OR a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or document issued by a government entity, listing the registrant’s name, and residential address. These individuals have been notified by mail of this requirement. In person registration for electors for the 2018 General Election will be closed after 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 16, 2018. Online registration for electors for the 2018 General Election will be closed after 11:59 p.m., Thursday, October 18, 2018. DATED September 6, 2018
JOSEPH P. GLORIA Registrar of Voters PUB: September 20, 27 and October 4 and 11, 2018 Las Vegas Asian Journal
AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
Trump endorses Sen. Heller’s... PAGE A1
we started to love each other.” Trump continued, “Ever since I won the election he’s been there for us,” urging his supporters in Nevada to vote for Heller because the narrowing Republican majority in the Senate (50 Republicans to 49 Democrats). Heller warmly welcomed the president’s praise and responded with his own benevolent remarks about Trump, saying that “eighty percent of what this president has done has been very, very good, very positive,” especially in regards to the economy, unemployment, job growth and trade. The senior U.S. senator acknowledged the several scandals in which the president has been embroiled and sought to distance himself from them, saying, “the other 20 percent...he has a real-
ity show.” The president’s presence in Sin City could be attributed to the fact that Heller’s opponent, Democrat Rep. Jacky Rosen, has been leading in the polls, but by a slim margin. RealClearPolitics’ aggregated poll number show that Rosen is 0.7 points above Heller, making the tight race anyone’s game. The pressure for Republicans to maintain dominance in the Senate has intensified in the last few months, especially in historically densely red states like Texas, where Sen. Ted Cruz faces off against a vigorous campaign from Democratic Rep. Beto O’Rourke. Nevada is a swing state that, as of October 2017, has more registered Democrats than Republicans. In 2016, Democrat
Sen. Catherine Cortez-Masto won the junior Senate seat and broke ground as the first Latina-American to serve in the Senate. Nevertheless Heller remains vigilant in his re-election effort, and with the support of the president, possess no doubts about the election. “Oh yeah, oh yeah. I’ll win,” Heller confidently told reporters in Reno recently. Rosen has yet to confirm her invite from Heller to debate on October 8., but the pair are confirmed to face off on October 19 in a televised debate. The midterm elections will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 6. To check whether voter registration status or to register to vote for the first time, visit https://www. nvsos.gov/sos/elections/voters/ registering-to-vote. n
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 27-OctObER 3, 2018
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Sotto seeks to lower the age of criminal... Video of white woman yelling racist remarks at Filipina goes viral PAGE A1 “The aforesaid law must be further amended to lower the minimum age of criminal liability in order to adapt to the changing times,” he said. Sotto showed viral videos of minors committing criminal acts. He even cited a study conducted by the Child Rights International Network wherein the average minimum age of criminal responsibility in Asia and Africa — 11, in the U.S. and Europe — 13 and in some U.S .federal states — none. “It theoretically allows a child to be sentenced to criminal penalties at any age,” Sotto added. Sotto said that SB 2026 “is consistent with President Rodrigo Duterte’s goal to curb criminality in the country.” Early in his campaign back in 2016, it can be recalled that Duterte sought to change the said Juvenile Justice Act of 2006 to lower the minimum age.
“Not only was the law abused by criminals but the innocence of these youngsters were deliberately taken from them,” the Senate president said. The current Juvenile Justice Act RA 9344 was amended in 2013 through RA 10630. It basically retains the minimum age at 15 but allows children as young as 12 to be institutionalized for serious crimes such as rape, murder, and homicide. Sotto further proposed to allow children as young as 10 years old who committed grave crimes to be detained in youth care facilities. However, there is a possibility that lowering the age of criminal liability would lead to an increase of children in conflict with the law (CICL) in facilities. In the said Senate bill, Sotto explained that the funding for construction of juvenile facilities which comprises a total of P400 million should now be issued di-
rectly to the local government units (LGUs) and not anymore to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon filed a similar bill in 2017 to the committee on justice and human rights but no committee hearing has been conducted to date. The proposal of the two lawmakers in terms of the minimum age requirement for criminal liability is higher than the proposal of the lower house which was 9 years old. Psychologists, prochild groups and social workers deemed this as problematic since a child’s brain, according to them has not yet fully developed during adolescence. Pulse Asia March 2017 survey proved that most Filipinos are against the said bill. The said survey stated that 55 percent of Filipinos believe that the age should be kept at 15 years old. n
De Lima urges DFA to adhere to... PAGE A1 they are open to “signature, accession or ratification by countries who are party to the main treaty.” “The OP-ICESCR can provide further impetus to the development and crafting of more meaningful laws and policies that uplift the dignity of all, and strengthen the existing legal system that addressed the myriad of issues related to the economic, social and cultural right
of the Filipinos,” the resolution stated. The Philippines became one of the 184 member-states of the UN that ratified the ICESCR. The ICESCR and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, along with the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, formed the International Bill of Rights. “It would be ideal for the country to adopt the optional protocol in the spirit of the Constitution and
PAGE A1 DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said. The proposal would primarily affect immigrants applying for green cards through familybased petitioning. According to DHS’ 2016 Yearbook of Immigration Statistics, most individuals who immigrate to the U.S. are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or have a sponsor who can petition them. The DHS published the 447page proposal last weekend and will appear in the Federal Register “in the coming weeks.” A 60day public comment period will commence before the measure takes effect. According to the department, the proposal “will clearly define long-standing law to ensure that those seeking to enter and remain in the United States either temporarily or permanently can
support themselves financially and will not be reliant on public benefits.” Current federal law already requires green card applicants to prove that they will not be a “burden” or “public charge” to taxpayers, but the new DHS rules detail specific programs that could disqualify applicants, including food stamps, Section 8 housing vouchers, Medicaid and Medicare Part D Low Income subsidy which helps lower costs for prescription medication. The DHS proposal was announced weeks before the crucial midterm elections on November 6, and the Trump administration’s mission to cut legal and illegal immigration has become a contentious issue that could motivate voters. Trump has proposed to eliminate the diversity visa program as well as family reunification programs in which
the Philippines’ adherence to the ICESCR,” De Lima said. According to the 1987 Constitution, “the Congress shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity, reduce social, economic, and political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities by equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the common good.” n
Trump administration plans to cut green cards...
family members who are related to U.S. citizens can be petitioned for a green card. Immigration advocates warned that withholding these benefits from undocumented immigrants who opt not to apply for public benefits for fear of denied visas. That could put them at risk for homelessness and worsening health issues. “How you contribute to your community, and not what you look like or the contents of your wallet, should be what matters most,” said Marielena Hincapie, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center. “This proposed rule does the opposite and makes clear that the Trump administration continues to prioritize money over family unity by ensuring that only the wealthiest can afford to build a future in this country.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
Fil-Am tells the Asian Journal that the encounter is a reminder that racism and harassment ‘can really happen anywhere’ by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
WHAT began as an innocent outing for donuts in turned into an upsetting, but familiar affair of bigoted attitudes and racist verbal harassment toward a person of color. Last week, Selina Cairel, who is half-Filipina and half-English, posted a video on her Facebook page of a young white woman, Sierra Measelle, hurling racist and xenophobic remarks at Cairel outside a donut shop in downtown Portland, Oregon on the evening of Tuesday, September 11. That video, which was posted the following day, quickly circulated throughout social media when national news outlets picked it up, garnering more than 2 million views. According to Cairel, after getting donuts that Tuesday, she and her three friends got into her car and started to back out of the spot. That was when Cairel saw Measelle and her friend walked behind her car, so she pressed the brakes. Cairel said that she “wasn’t even close to hitting them” but asked the two girls if they were OK. That was when the insults began. “[Measelle] literally took one good look at me and started laughing and was like, ‘She’s Asian. She can’t see that’s why she can’t drive,’” Cairel, 22, told the Asian Journal in a phone interview. “I didn’t know this person, she didn’t know me and she knew nothing about me, but said that.” Although the remark was shocking to Cairel (who was the only person of color in the car), she “wanted to be the bigger person” and just leave. But she felt compelled to ask Measelle, who is reportedly in her mid-twenties, why she would say that to her, to which Measelle laughed, pulled out her phone first to start recording and said, “this is going on Instagram.” “So, she pulled out her phone first, and began saying these nasty things about Asian folks, saying, ‘You’re all illegals.’ She made fun of my accent because she thought I’d have an Asian accent, and both she and her friend
Screen grab from a Facebook video shows Sierra Measelle making racial taunts from her car in Portland, Oregon. Filipina Selina Cairel (inset), the target of the rant, posted the video online so others may see ‘this kind of behavior and how people of color encounter this all the time.’
just kept on laughing,” Cairel recounted. That was when Cairel decided to record the interaction because she wanted people to “know that this kind of behavior shouldn’t be accepted.” In the 30-second video, Measelle, laughing, tells Cairel, “Before you say anything, you might want to make sure you’re actual legals, and then call the cops.” After Measelle drove away, Cairel recounts an insistent feeling of shock that this had happened to her. She decided to post the video on her Facebook page for her friends and family with a caption detailing her disturbance by the interaction with a complete stranger. But after her friends and family shared the video, people across the country did, too, and they mirrored that sense of shock and disgust at Measelle’s comments. “I was really overwhelmed, and I kind of didn’t expect anyone to care at all,” Cairel shared. “I was so surprised that actual people cared and I felt very appreciated by that. And it got my hopes up that there are good, nice people out there in the world!” Portland — which is famously branded as a liberal’s haven — is Cairel’s “home away from home.” Cairel — who was born in the Philippines, but relocated with her family in Washington state when she was 11 — lives about an hour’s drive north of Portland in Vancouver, Washington and regularly visits the Rose City.
But this is the first time she’s ever had an encounter like this before, and it opened her eyes to the sobering reality that racism and bigotry “can really happen anywhere and to anybody at anytime.” Shortly after Cairel’s video went viral, Internet sleuthers doxxed (Internet speak for the foraging and release of someone’s personal information) Measelle and publicly posted her full name, address, occupation and her place of work. (Because of the video, her employer reportedly fired her.) This opened the door to bullying, threats and general hostility towards Measelle, who ended up deleting her social media accounts, a consequence that Cairel doesn’t agree with. “I felt a little bit of guilt because people just started exposing her. It did not feel good, and it was uncalled for, regardless of what she said to me and what she has done. It’s still not OK,” Cairel affirmed. After the video went viral Measelle apologized to Cairel via Instagram direct message, and later publicly, writing in an Instagram post on Sunday, Sept. 16: “I am sorry for the ignorant, hateful comments I made to [Cairel] and her friend. I’m ashamed that I let my emotions get the best of me, and I reacted in such a hurtful manner that goes completely against my beliefs and morals. I’m extremely disappointed in PAGE A4
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september 27-OctOber 3, 2018 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JOUrNAL
Trillanes: Democracy lost... PAGE A1 next is in the hands of the Filipinos,” he said. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, for his part, told ANC, “That warrant of arrest is immediately executory and he should show respect for our court processes, voluntarily surrender and face the charges against him.” “Whatever Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has to say can be addressed to the court. Let us stop the drama by presscon and allow the legal process to take its course,” he added.
Trillanes said he wanted to fulfill his promise that he would honor a warrant of arrest issued by a civilian court — “no matter how unjust that warrant may be,” he stressed — which is why he decided to go with the arresting team. He claimed his arrest had nothing to do with anything except Duterte’s anger and vindictiveness. In the past, Duterte had vowed to imprison Trillanes after the senator disclosed what he called secret bank accounts of the then mayor of Davao City that contained hun-
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dreds of millions of pesos in unexplained wealth during the 2016 presidential election campaign. Trillanes also linked one of the president’s sons, Paolo Duterte, and his son-in-law, Manses Carpio, to drug smuggling from China and extortion last year. Failed democracy “They forced and twisted the law, which is why democracy and our institutions failed,” Trillanes said after he had debunked all the arguments that the Duterte administration had raised to justify the revoking of his amnesty. Vice President Leni Robredo said Trillanes’ arrest was a sad development. “We feel that dissent is important in a healthy democracy. We should give space for dissenting views,” she said. “Blackeye for democracy,” was how Hontiveros described the arrest of Trillanes. Aquino urged the Duterte administration to stop intimidating and attempting to scare its critics, while Sen. Grace Poe pointed out that if Trillanes’ amnesty could be questioned, all other amnesty grants would also be in peril. “So how can there be trust?,” Poe asked. House reactions According to Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, Trillanes’ arrest was “an assault to the whole Philippine justice system.” “With the issuance of the warrant of arrest against Senator Trillanes, the pretensions of the Duterte administration that we are still in a democracy has been removed. We are in a dictatorship now,” Alejano said. Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said that instead of issuing a warrant of arrest, the lower court should have reported the results of its “fact-finding” to the Supreme Court, which is hearing Trillanes’ challenge to the legality of Proclamation 572. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, on the other hand, said the order to arrest Trillanes was significant. According to him, it showed “the court’s recognition that the rebellion case is still alive.” The Makati RTC Branch 148 has recently been asked by the DOJ to reopen the coup d’état case and order the arrest of Trillanes. “As it is, we are waiting for a miracle from Branch 148. We’re slightly more hopeful, but we have to expect the worst,” Trillanes said. “You have to expect the worst because the enemy is the devil,” he added. n
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IMPORTED RICE. Around 1.4 metric tons or 28,927 bags of rice from Thailand are unloaded at a National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City on Tuesday, September 25. PNA photo by Rico H. Borja
Documentary highlights Facebook ‘cleaners’ ‘The Cleaners’ to be shown at 8th Human Rights Documentary Film Festival in Hong Kong
by Rae
ann VaRona
AJPress
MILLIONS of new content are uploaded to the internet every single day, entering the timelines and feeds of the internet’s over 4.2 billion users. That includes 500 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute, over 90 million photos added each day to Instagram, and over 6,000 Tweets posted every second. WIth such high volume of content being added so quickly, it’s an unfortunate fact that malicious content also makes way into the internet’s main stream. But what most may not know is that it isn’t artificial intelligence or special algorithms that are getting rid of reported posts. Rather, the taking down of content is done through a more manual method of human hands, many of which are in the Philippines. Created by German filmmakers Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck, a new documentary called “The Cleaners” — which will be shown at the upcoming Human Rights Documentary Film Festival in Hong Kong — follows the tasks of Filipino workers in Manila who spend hours each day clicking through large amounts of inappropriate content so that everyday social media users wouldn’t have to. As the film’s trailer states, “everything that goes up, doesn’t always stay up.” The content ranges from graphic photos of child abuse, images of self-harm, and posts of terrorist attacks, among others. The documentary shows how 15 to 20 content moderators in Manila, who were hired by outsourcing companies and stayed anonymous in the film, decide
whether to “ignore” or “delete” tens of thousands of posts a day. “For most of them, it’s a job they are proud of,” explained Riesewieck in an interview with the South China Morning Post (SCMP). “You have to consider many people have jobs that are much less prestigious than working in such nice looking buildings in one of the best parts of Manila.” The Filipino workers get paid around $1 to $3 an hour, which compared to other jobs, is rather decent. “With this money, they can care for the whole family of five, six, or seven persons,” added Riesewieck. “They are the breadwinners and they are happy to get this job.” One moderator likened the job to that of security. “I am passionate about my job,” he said. “As a moderator, you’re like security. You protect the used.” Given the nature of the content, the film also raises questions on how being regularly exposed to the often hard to stomach content may affect the moderators mentally. This, as moderators see approximately 25,000 images a day, a number one joked should get him a Guinness Book of World Records. According to the directors, many of moderators did not even know what their jobs would entail when applying. They only found out about the content after signing the contract. On the personal reaction Block had when filming the documentary, Block told The Globe and Mail, “It is tough, but the main difference is that I can talk about my feelings, I can take a break and talk to psychologists.” He added, “These content moderators are not allowed to
speak a word to their nearest friend or their families, because they signed non-disclosure agreements. This is the worst you can do if you’re traumatized. This can lead to the worst consequence, which is also part of our movie: The suicide is extremely high.” Last year, Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a plan to add 3,000 new employees worldwide to scour through harm and harassment reports on the multibillion company’s platforms. With a staff number of roughly 4,500 before the hiring, the increase of staff by over 50 percent all the more proved how serious the problem of malicious content was. “Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen people hurting themselves and others on Facebook — either live or in video posted later. It’s heartbreaking, and I’ve been reflecting on how we can do better for our community,” said Zuckerberg in the announcing statement. “If we’re going to build a safe community, we need to respond quickly,” he continued. “We’re working to make these videos easier to report so we can take the right action sooner — whether that’s responding quickly when someone needs help or taking a post down.” Facebook’s vice president of operations Ellen Silver, commented on the job and said that it wasn’t one that just anyone can do. “This job is not for everyone — so to set people up for success, it’s important that we hire people who will be able to handle inevitable challenges that the role represents,” said Silver. “Just as we look for language proficiency and cultural competency, we also screen for resiliency.” n
Video of white woman yelling racist... PAGE A3
myself and my lack of empathy.” Cairel decided not to respond to Measelle, remarking, “It was all still fresh and it just kept replaying in my mind: what she said to me, her laughing, her voice. It’s going to take some time for me to find forgiveness.” The ubiquity of social media has captured these moments has given a rise to the exposure to the taunting of certain minority groups all throughout the country. Like Cairel, the individuals posting the videos — who are often the targets of such bullying and harassment — do so to expose the prevalence of racism. Though Asians aren’t the most targeted minority group, according to FBI hate crime statistics, Filipinos have been more frequently subjected to racist and xenophobic heckling by strangers, as reported by the Asian
Journal. In Las Vegas last year, a woman called a Filipino-American man and all Filipinos “orange savages,” launching into a tirade: “If it weren’t for Teddy Roosevelt needing a f—ing port in the Philippines, you’d be speaking Chinese or Russian now.” Earlier this year, a FilipinoAmerican family was taunted by a woman in the line of a grocery store in Daly City, California, where the woman scoffed at the amount of food the family bought and falsely classified the family as immigrants and accused the family (and all immigrants) of “taking our food” and “taking our jobs.” In Los Angeles, a Filipina nurse was verbally harassed by a white couple in the parking lot of the Eagle Rock Plaza, where the woman of the couple actually went up to the nurse and struck
her, causing swelling and bruising on her temple. Though Cairel said that she still feels shock from the encounter with Measelle, she said it hasn’t broken her spirit and, actually, has faith that society is actually moving towards acceptance of all people and hopes that people who has similar incidents stands up for themselves. “I have a really positive view of the world, believe it or not, that we’re progressing towards leaving all the racism, discrimination and prejudice behind, especially with [millennials],” Cairel beamed. “It made me proud of who I am as a Filipino and as an American and proud of my parents who worked so hard to bring us here. Be proud of who you are and stand up for yourself if this happens to you. Don’t let this disrespectful behavior go unseen.” n
Duterte: Some soldiers conspiring... PAGE A2
president,” he added. He said Robredo’s name was never mentioned by the military as part of the plot. He also stood by the accuracy of military intelligence information.
“We stand by the intelligence information as gathered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, these are documents seized from members of the CPP and NPA (New People’s Army). It clearly provides for creating
a broad coalition with Liberal Party members and the Magdalo. But again, I stress: you can do everything, nothing will happen. The support of the people is overwhelming for the president,” Roque said. n
Filipino freed after 3 months in... PAGE A1 agents arrested Edralin outside his home June 4 as he got ready for work. “They were asking if I had the weapon, so I was a bit confused. And then when they said, ‘You have weapons charges,’ I said, ‘That’s back in 2007.’ ‘So, where’s the weapon?’” Edralin told News
12 New Jersey. Edralin had been cited for possessing a BB gun when he was pulled over by police for a traffic stop in 2007. He was put on probation for four years. He is among many immigrants detained by ICE since President Donald Trump came into office. Members of his community
rallied around his wife and children. He can now apply to become an American citizen. Edralin’s attorney, Justin English, told News 12 New Jersey that it has been a difficult climate for immigrants under the Trump administration. “Under a different administration Cloyd would not be on the radar of ICE.” (Inquirer.net)
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D ateline PhiliPPines PET sets aside 50-percent Former VP Binay to run for Congress in 2019 shading threshold for VP recount by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Patag
MANILA — The Presidential Electoral Tribunal has partially granted Vice President Leni Robredo’s plea to set aside an earlier resolution that imposed the a 50-percent threshold in determining that validity of votes in the ongoing electoral recount. In a 20-page resolution, the PET said: “After assiduously going through the parties’ comments and arguments, the Court herein resolves to partially grant the Subject Motion insofar as setting aside the use of fifty percent (50%) threshold in the revision proceedings is concerned.” ‘Fifty-percent threshold not used in 2016 polls’ The tribunal has also stated that the “for the purposes of the 2016 elections, the fifty percent shading threshold was no longer applied.” Robredo asked for the “immediate imposition of a 25-percent threshold by the Head Revisors” in relation to the instant protest. The Commission on Elections backed Robredo’s stand in its own comment, and said that it “has decided to calibrate the automated voter counting system
Vice President Leni Robredo has earlier asked the tribunal to apply the 25-percent threshold, not 50 percent, in determining the validity of votes. Philstar.com photo
for the May 9, 2016 National and Local Elections to read as valid votes, marks that cover at least about 25% (when seen by human eyes) of the oval for each candidate.” The Comelec’s stand was a departure from the Office of the Solicitor General, that represents government agencies. Solicitor General Jose Calida took the stand of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and urged the PET to drop Robredo’s appeal and stand by its earlier resolution, stating that votes shaded by 50 percent will
Paolo Duterte tells Trillanes: ‘Dakdak. See you in court!’ by AJPress PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s eldest son Paolo Duterte told Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to prove in court that he was involved in the P6.4-billion drug smuggling case on Monday. “Dakdak na naman (You’re all talk). See you in court!,” he responded after Trillanes issued a statement on Sunday, September 23, saying he has a plan to have the younger Duterte as a hostile witness in a Senate drug-smuggling probe. “I welcome the filing of the libel case because it will be an opportunity to call Polong as a hostile witness, so he would be compelled to show his tattoo on his back
to prove that he is a member of a Chinese triad drug syndicate,” Trillanes said in his statement. “It would also be an opportunity for me to have his bank accounts subpoenaed,” he added. The libel case he mentioned refers to the one Paolo filed on Wednesday, September 19, after after the opposition senator linked him to P6.4 billion-worth of shabu (methamphetamine) that slipped through the Bureau of Customs last year. Paolo, in his complaint, said Trillanes described him and his father of being “illegal drug smugglers.” He has since negated this claim made by Trillanes. “Evidently, it was intended to
be counted as valid. PET not informed of change in vote threshold The PET clarified that, contrary to the claim of Robredo and the Comelec, the tribunal was not informed that the commission used a 25-percent threshold. It stressed that Comelec resolution was not attached to the letter sent to the tribunal in September 2016. “Given that at the time of the drafting the approval of the 2018 PET Revisor’s Guide and the commencement of the revision
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Former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte Philstar.com photo
malign, destroy and kill my good name and reputation, locally, nationally and internationally. This is especially so as I am the eldest son of our sitting president,” the former Davao City vice mayor said. n
by AJPress FORMER Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday, September 24, decided to once again return to public office and run as the second district representative in Makati City in the upcoming May 2019 elections. Binay’s spokesperson Joey Salgado confirmed that the former vice president is eyeing for a government position along with three of his family members — his daughters Senator Nancy Binay and Makati Mayor Mar-Len Abigail Binay-Campos, and son-in-law, Makati City Second District Representative Luis Campos — all of whom are vying for a reelection. “I am confirming that former VP Binay will run as Representative for the First District,” Salgado said in a statement as reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The spokesperson also said that Binay would be a constructive voice should he be elected in office. “He does not believe in obstructionist politics or opposing just for the sake of opposing. The former vice president will be a constructive voice in Congress,” he added. Salgado believed that the former vice president will be able to help alleviate the situations of those who live in poverty. “He intends to support policies and programs that will improve the lives of the poor and the middle class. In the same manner, he will point out policies and programs that could burden our countrymen. But he will also propose solutions,” Salgado said. Salgado also announced that the former long-time mayor would join “the ticket of Mayor Abby” as they are members of the political party United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), presided by Senator Nancy. However, the senator claimed to be as surprised as everybody when her father publicly announced that he will return in government service. “We haven’t talked about it. All I knew was that he would go to Italy to pray,” she said. The current Makati City mayor, Abby, also welcomed her father’s plan as she honored her father
onstage during a flag ceremony. “It’s a big honor to stand on a stage with a person who taught and showed me the true essence of faithfulness in service, the beloved of Makati City, my father Jojo Binay,” she said as reported by The Manila Times. Undoubtedly, the Binays were often accused of perpetuating a
Atty. Kimberley Schaefer
political dynasty given that everyone in their family has been in power at some point. Senator Nancy said that they were elected officials and that the people must have placed them there for a reason. “At the end of the day, the people will choose who they will
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September 27-october 3, 2018 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL
OpiniOn
Changing the anthem
Features
THE national anthem has undergone changes since Julian Felipe wrote the melody in 1898 and Jose Palma wrote the original lyrics in Spanish in 1899. Apart from being translated into English and finally Filipino, the beat of “Lupang Hinirang” has also been slightly modified. Its current version, however, is now protected by Republic Act 8491, the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, and altering the anthem when it is sung in public can warrant a court indictment and penalties. Any change in the lyrics, as proposed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, will require amending RA 8491 and must be approved in a public referendum. Another senator has proposed to change the design of the flag, adding a ninth ray to the sun to represent Muslims. At least one historian has pointed out that this would destroy the historical significance of the design, which symbolizes the eight provinces suspected by Spain of joining the revolution against the colonial government. If Congress approves the addition of a ninth ray, there is another valid concern: how much will it cost taxpayers to change all flags in government offices and on official documents? This leads to another question: why is any design
change needed? The same questions are being asked in the proposal to tweak the lyrics of “Lupang Hinirang.” Specifically, Sotto is proposing to change the last line from the current one that declares the Filipino’s readiness, when faced with an oppressor, to die for the country — ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo — into one that vows to defend freedom — ang ipaglaban ang kalayaan mo. Perhaps concepts of patriotism and heroism are evolving, and should be reflected in national symbols. Opponents of any change, on the other hand, point out that these symbols reflect significant events in the history of the nation and must be preserved rather than changed. National symbols can be dynamic and the debate over the possible changes is fine. But various quarters are also asking: with so many problems besetting the country and limited time for legislation, don’t senators have more urgent things to do? (Philstar.com)
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-reloS LESS than six weeks before the consequential midterm elections, President Donald Trump and the members of the Republican Party are urgently scrambling, moving heaven and earth to confirm Trump’s nominee for Supreme Court (SC) Justice after the retirement of Justice Robert Kennedy. Brilliant legal mind with stellar credentials Kavanaugh has, they assert, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the SC nominee will get up-or-down vote in the “near future”, blasting Senate Democrats for delaying the confirmation of Trump’s chosen one. “The Democrats have already made up their minds and chosen their tactics,” McConnell said on the august chamber of the Senate. “Delay. Obstruct. Resist.” Such strong words against his Democratic colleagues are so antithetical and even hypocritical for the party that would not even conduct confirmation hearings for President Barack Obama’s highly qualified Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland to fill the seat vacated by the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia, one of the most conservative members of the highest court. President Obama said when he announced Garland’s nomination: “I have selected a nominee who is widely recognized not only as
Philstar.com photo
Confirming SC nominee Brett Kavanaugh: Do or die for Trump and the GOP’s political survival one of America’s sharpest legal minds, but someone who brings to his work a spirit of decency, modesty, integrity, even-handedness and excellence. Presidents do not stop working in the final year of their term; neither should a Senator.” Obama stated: “To suggest that someone as qualified and respected as Merrick Garland does not even deserve a hearing, let alone an up-or-down vote, to join an institution as important as our Supreme Court, when two-thirds of Americans believe otherwise— that would be unprecedented.” The Senate Republicans nevertheless obstructed and resisted to vote on Garland’s nomination. McConnell then said “the decision the Senate made weeks ago remains about a principle, not a person.” That newly hatched principle he was referring to was that no nomination should be confirmed for a lifetime position like that of a Supreme Court Justice during an election year, and that President Obama was a lame duck president. “The American people are perfectly capable of having their say on this issue, so let’s give them a voice. Let’s let the American people decide,” argued McConnell. “The Senate will appropriately revisit the matter when it considers the qualifications of the nominee the next president nominates,
whoever that might be.” That nominee now happens to be Kavanaugh, whom Trump picked so speedily and wanted confirmed right away, despite allegations of sexual assault he made against women years ago. Trump, Kavanaugh and the Republicans immediately dismissed the allegations as “tactic” and “lies”, despite the call of one credible woman who spoke out to give material information she believes the American people to know about Trump’s nominee to be SC Justice. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s called for an FBI investigation on Kavanaugh and expressed her willingness to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The same vilification, victim blaming and shaming had also been done by Trump and his Republican cohorts against the second woman who came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh Deborah Ramirez - who attended college with the SC nominee. See the pattern here from Trump and the party who claim they value and respect women, fair investigation and transparency? Senate Democrats assert that no vote on Kavanaugh should be in order until these serious allegations and questions against the Supreme Court nominee had been looked into, but Trump and the GOP want to railroad the due
process to really examine the man vying for the lifetime job of being a Supreme Court Justice. WHY THE RUSH? Because Trump needs Kavanaugh to be sworn in as SC Justice so that if Special Counsel Robert Mueller indicts Trump to testify in the Russia probe and this legal battle goes all the way up to the SC, then the vote of Kavanaugh— who has written about his legal opinion that no sitting president should be indicted — could save Trump. Because Trump and the Republicans know that if Kavanaugh is not confirmed before the midterm elections and the Democrats take over the majority of the Senate and the House, then Kavanaugh would never be in the Supreme Court. The Dems taking over the majority could also mean they will have the numbers to impeach Trump. Now who are these Republicans in Congress really serving and protecting - we, the American people, or Trump and their political agenda? Think about it. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh
Admiral John McCain and the unprecedented PH Dollar Remittance Program PeaceMaker Former Speaker JoSe C. de VeneCia, Jr. (Part 3 of 3)
AFTER the session, Calalang and Benedicto remarked: “Had the Dollar Plan been devised and implemented since 1946, there would have been no need in the past for import and exchange controls.” We were tasked to supervise the dollar-plan’s implementation. Newspaper columnists and opinion makers reacted with profuse praises for the remittance program. “It is the most brilliant monetary maneuver in recent times,” observed the Daily Mirror. The Manila Times, in its editorial, praised the plan as “one of the most outstanding Philippine achievements” and gave us due
recognition. Joe Guevarra, a Manila Times columnist wrote, “The first $100 million project was a successful assertion of Philippine economic sovereignty without irritation to both sides.” In its final form, the large-scale dollar remittance proposal with the seal of American approval included five main items: First was the “lipstick formula.” Red overprints — much like lipstick smudges — were used on the checks and treasury warrants to ensure they would be cashed only with the CBPNB and authorized commercial banks and cashable only in pesos. This would dry up the black market through which veterans and pension checks had been channelled for years. Second was the payment in pesos from exclusive sales of U.S. dollars to the Central Bank, allowing the CB-PNB to maintain an exchange market at a fixed negotiated rate. Third were the salaries, hence-
forth to be paid in dollars, of about 16,000 Filipinos employed worldwide by the U.S. Navy. Fourth was a provision that included expenditures of U.S. military transients in Philippinebased U.S. military installations as a dollar source. Fifth was the large-scale remittance to the Philippines of dollar earnings of Filipinos in the Pacific U.S. bases, in Hawaii, etc. and the U.S. mainland. Our economic diplomacy was a smashing success. The legendary Foreign Secretary Carlos P. Romulo, who succeeded Narciso Ramos, himself one of the original architects of the now successful ASEAN, said economic diplomacy was a “basic plank” of the country’s foreign policy and praised us for what he called our “stellar performance.” He instructed Philippine missions and embassies abroad “to stress trade promotion and the search for markets and investments.” We took a more expansive view
that a diplomat’s principal task in a developing or underdeveloped economy is to “utilize and harness foreign affairs to help solve economic problems at home.” In 2007 alone, remittances from overseas Filipino workers hit over $14 billion, part of almost $200 billion that had already made its way through to the Philippine banks. This was unimaginable in 1967, at the program’s launching, when the Philippines total bank reserves were about $400 million. Whatever the political environment at home, the economic impact of the remittances came to be felt strongly especially in times of crisis: the 60 percent peso devaluation in 1970, the oil shocks of the 1970s, the economic depression in the many years of the Marcos administration, the crisis years of the rightist military rebellion against President Cory Aquino, the Asian financial crisis that ravaged the Philippines in 1997-98 of the Ramos period, the
ouster of Estrada, the series of coup and impeachment attempts against President Arroyo. The dollar remittance model has encouraged copies of the system in India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Bangladesh, among other nations, enriching their foreign-exchange reserves, financing economic development, mass housing, and the small businesses of recipients in the countryside. In 2005, believing the program could be more successful, we wrote the Central Bank, “The remittances are substantial but there is about 20-30 percent left that’s not remitted here. We have to create an Overseas Filipino Fund for the Filipino technicians abroad, who could put their monies in safe investments, instead of keeping them in saving deposits in banks abroad that pay 1 to 2 percent in high-yielding instruments, mass housing, etc. The international banks like ING Bank, HSBC and
others can assist us in its implementation because they have global reach, and if we can get the Filipinos in America, Europe, and the Middle East through the Bank of America or Citibank and European banks, you can see the numbers add up fast. The sky is the limit.” On July 8, 2005, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas under the outgoing Governor Rafael Buenaventura and his incoming successor, Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., honored us with a rare national decoration. The man who conceived and carried out the program, negotiated with the U.S. state treasury and defense representations, finally won effusive praise from the very institution that had almost succeeded in killing it. (From the book, “Global Filipino” the Jose de Venecia Jr. biography by former Wall Street Journal Editor Brett Decker, published in Washington D.C., 2008). (To be continued next week)
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 27-OctObER 3, 2018
Supreme Court junks Peter Lim’s plea to block DOJ probe into drug charges MANILA — The Supreme Court has dismissed Peter Lim’s plea to block the Department of Justice’s earlier probe into his drug links. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra shared a copy of the SC’s Third Division notice that stated that Lim’s petition for certiorari was junked “for failure to show any grave abuse of discretion in rendering the challenged order and resolution.� The SC also said that the DOJ’s action on his case “on the contrary, appear to be in accord with the facts and the applicable law and jurisprudence.�
Last June, Lim asked the high court to nullify the order issued by former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II voiding an earlier resolution dismissing the complaints against him. Aguirre created a new panel of prosecutors to look into the case after the dismissal reaped public outrage. Lim, in his petition, alleged that the new investigation into the case violated his rights to life, liberty, due process of law and speedy disposition of case. The businessman also said that the DOJ committed grave abuse of discretion for nullifying the
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first resolution on the case. Lim charged for drug trading conspiracy On August 10, the DOJ indicted Lim on charges of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading the Makati regional trial court. Makati RTC Branch 65 Acting Presiding Judge Gina Bibat-Palamos issued a warrant of arrest against Lim on August 14. Lim is facing two counts of violations of Section 26 (B) in relation to Section 5, Article II of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The Cebu-based businessman is still at large. (Philstar.com)
PET sets aside 50-percent shading... PAGE A5 process...the Tribunal was therefore constrained to follow the fifty percent threshold under the 2010 PET Rules,� it added. But the PET said that following the submission of documents by Robredo and the poll commission, “show that during the 2016 elections, instead of a single numerical threshold that ranged from twenty percent to twentyfive percent of the oval spaces in the ballots.� No decrease in votes The PET also told Robredo that with the ongoing recount or revision proceedings, “there is yet no final deduction or addition
of votes.� Robredo earlier noted in a her motion for reconsideration that in vote counting at Barangay Laganac in Balatan, Camarines Sur where Robredo received 358 votes. Upon the application of the 50 percent threshold, a physical recount on the ballot yielded 346 votes for the vice president. Votes for Marcos did not change in the tally. But the tribunal said that it would be “highly premature� of the Robredo camp to claim deduction of votes at this stage. “The purpose of revision is simply to conduct a physical
recount of the ballots and thereafter record the objections or claims of the parties with respect to the ballots under revision,� it added. The recount of the ballots from Marcos’ identified pilot provinces started on April 2. Robredo, in her motion, said that her appeal remains pending while the recount has already moved to ballots from Iloilo province. If Marcos wins his case, it will be a big step in his family’s continuing effort to rehabilitate its name and reclaim the presidency, more than 32 years after his father was ousted from power in 1986. n
Former VP Binay to run for Congress...
Former Vice President Jejomar Binay
Inquirer.net photo
PAGE A5 vote for. It’s still the will of the people,â€? she said. She also expressed her support in his father’s plan. She firmly believed that the public still trusts her father because of his service to them. “I don’t think that could be erased. It will always be there,â€? the senator said. Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) member and action movie star Monsour del Rosario is the current representative of the first district Makati. However, he is rumored to be vying for a Senate run. There are also claims that former Makati Vice Mayor Romulo “Kidâ€? PeĂąa Jr. would become the former vice president’s opponent. The said first district is labeled as the wealthy part of the city. It encompasses the areas of Forbes Park, DasmariĂąas, Magallanes, Bel-Air, San Antonio, San Lorenzo, and Urdaneta villages. n
Pilgrimage to Some of ITALY’s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5(9 -2(/ %8*$6 ĹĄ 1RYHPEHU WR 1RYHPEHU 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; 86$ 520( 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH Upon our arrival in Rome, our Tour Escort will welcome us to Italy. Rome is the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all over the world. After a short panoramic orientation of this Eternal City to us Roman Catholics, we will have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 3DSDO $XGLHQFH 5RPH This morning before we continue with our tour, we will have a Papal Audience. Then after, we will visit the famous Coliseum and see the Forum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi Fountain, before heading to our Hotel. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D)
'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH %DVLOLFDV We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, and even ancient Greek and Roman artists. the largest church in Roman Catholicism, St. Peter’s Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary Major, Followed by visit of the Basilica. We continue to visit the rest of the major Basilicas within the walls of Rome, and St. John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same steps that Christ ascended to receive Pilate’s unjust condemnation. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY )UL Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of the stigmatization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year. San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina from 28 July, 1916 until his death on 23 September, 1968. Enjoy the drive going to San Giovanni, after we check in our Hotel. vWe visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated with him, such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace that contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditating, see his room, his confessional box and the cruciďŹ x that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Celebrate Holy Eucharist (Hotel Gran Paradiso) DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN San Giovanni Rotondo (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6DW Ĺ&#x; 6$1 *,29$11, 52721'2 This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body. Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesome Basilica. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO (Hotel Gran Paradiso)
'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6XQ Ĺ&#x; 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR /DQFLDQR /RUHWR MASS AND BREAKFAST. We arrive at Lanciano, famous for the Miracle of the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The miracle took place during the 8th century when a Basiline monk doubted the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. He found himself holding the host that had changed into Real Flesh and the Wine on the altar had changed into Real Blood. We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to see the famous sacred home of the most Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Since 1294 the holy home has been located inside the Basilica of Loreto. Celebrate Holy Eucharist in Lanciano. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi. 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; /RUHWR $VVLVL Today we explore the hilltop birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. In the Crypt of St Francis Basilica lies the tomb of one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Eucharist at the Crypt of St. Francis See the Basilica of St Clare, with her incorrupt body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its CruciďŹ x from which Jesus spoke to Francis about his mission in 1206: “Go, Francis, and rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.â€? We visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi took place in 1240. The small Church of the Porziuncola is inside the Basilica itself. Pope Honorius III granted a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble Church on August 1st and 2nd every year, with Confession, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; $VVLVL 6LHQD )ORUHQFH We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built in the 13th century, it is a treasure chest of the Renaissance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the city’s history while admiring it’s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s great medieval squares. Continue to Florence. (BB,D) We start with a guided walking tour of Florence, this fascinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist. Rest of the day free (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; )ORUHQFH 5RPH Leave Florence around 2PM Arrived Rome almost dinner time (BB.D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 86$ End of our wonderful Pilgrimage
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Fil-Am Broadway actor Joshua Dela Cruz headlines ‘Blue’s Clues’ as new host by cody
cepeda Inquirer.net
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach gets her hair matched with samples by artists of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.
Photo courtesy of Buensalido PR
Pia Wurtzbach becomes first Filipino to get Madame Tussauds wax figure By Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
FORMER Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach makes history again as the first Filipino to be immortalized as a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. Wurtzbach, who recently went through the MTHK sitting where they took up detailed measurements of the beauty queen and photos of her from every angle to capture the perfect reference, took the news to Instagram. “I have a big announcement! Starting early next year, I’ll be residing in Hong Kong! Well, my wax figure will! So excited to be the first Filipino part of Madame Tussauds! What a birthday treat! Please visit me there. Will be waiting for you!,” her post read. Madame Tussauds General
Manager Jenny You said, “Leading up to this moment, we of course did our own research, and this is our way to showing the Filipino community living and visiting Hong Kong as well as our neighbor SEA cities that we heard them well. With Pia’s sweet, positive and fun personality, we really could not have imagined having anyone but her to represent the Philippines in this way.” “More than being a queen, she has all the makings of an icon and we’re proud to be able to house her wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong for the rest of the world to be able to interact with,” she added. “When I found out, I was so excited. I couldn’t believe it! In my head, this is something only happens to big stars. I go
to Madame Tussauds, so I know what it’s like and how fun it is there. And now, thinking that I’m going to be one of them, I’m very honored, I’m very grateful, and I can’t wait to see it,” Wurtzbach said in a press statement. She also told Preview that it gives her “more motivation to keep on doing better” and “just keep representing the Philippines as best as I can even after Ms. Universe.” Madame Tussauds is a wax museum that first opened in Europe back in 1835. It has since opened museums in major cities all over the world. Wurtzbach’s wax figure is slated to be unveiled in early 2019. She will be joining the likes of Michael Jackson, Barack Obama, Anne Hathaway, and many more.
NEW YORK-based FilipinoAmerican actor Joshua Dela Cruz was recently announced as the new host of beloved 1996 children’s show “Blue’s Clues.” The official Twitter account of Nickelodeon’s NickSplat! made the news known last Sept. 13 when it shared a video on the social media platform introducing Dela Cruz as the show’s new host. It’s a feat that requires some big shoes to fill as Dela Cruz replaces Steve Burns, the original host of the show, and Donovan Patton (Joe), who succeeded Burns after his departure in 2002. In the video, Dela Cruz shared his journey in becoming the “Blue’s Clues” host. “My journey to get here was really wild,” Dela Cruz said. “When I auditioned for ‘Blue’s Clues,’ Steve was in the room.”
Dela Cruz shared that he felt “starstruck” upon seeing Burns in the flesh. “I was starstruck, but at the same time immediately felt comfortable with him. He was just so generous with his time and his energy. It was a huge, huge moment for me to meet the person that I was watching on TV growing up and to find out that he was so cool.” Dela Cruz further shared that it was “Blue’s Clues” that taught him to be curious and also what got him into singing. Dela Cruz is a Broadway actor and is currently understudying for Aladdin on Broadway. Being the new host of “Blue’s Clues” still hasn’t fully sunk in for Dela Cruz, as he still thinks of it all as a dream. “It’s a wild, wild dream. One day I’ll wake up. I don’t plan on doing that anytime Joshua Dela Cruz Photo from Instagram/@j_deecee PAGE B2
Stars react to proposal to change national anthem lyrics by Jan
Milo SeveRo Philstar.com
Vice Ganda
Bianca Gonzalez-Intal
CELEBRITIES have turned to social media to share their views on the proposal to change the lyrics of the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang.” Comedian and TV host Vice Ganda first posted on his Twitter account: “E kung palitan na lang yung last line ng national anthem ng ‘Ang matraffic ng dahil sa’yo’??!! Mas keri ba?” Then, at the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” segment on “It’s Showtime” on Saturday, September 22, the TV host again blasted the idea, saying: “Sa sobrang dami nilang ginagawa, naisip nilang palitan yata ang huling linya ng national anthem.” “Pinagdedebatehan ngayon iyan ng karaniwang tao, kung bakit papalitan ang last line ng national anthem. Sa dinami-dami ng nangyayari ngayon, ha, napansin Inquirer.net photos nila yun... ‘Ay, hindi pala maganda
‘yung line, palitan natin.’ Ba’t ‘yung trapik hindi niyo napansin? ‘Yun na lang ang palitan niyo kaya?” Vice added. “Papalitan daw ‘yung, ‘Ang mamamatay ng dahil sa ’yo.’ Bakit hindi na lang ang mamatay dahil sa trapik? Ang mamatay dahil sa mataas na bilihin? Ang mamatay ng dahil sa bukbok ng NFA? Lahat na lang pinapalitan, nakakaloka!” The video clip became instantly viral in different fan pages on Facebook. On his Facebook account, comedian and radio commentator Ogie Diaz asked that if the national anthem will be revised, will the real problem of the Philippines be solved? “’Pag pinalitan na po ba ang linyang yon sa Lupang Hinirang, bababa na po ang inflation? Mababawasan na ba ang lumalagong bilang ng corrupt officials?” he asked. PAGE B2
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Asian American Group holds 15th Community Awards & Gala Night On Saturday, September 22, the Asian American Group (AAG) presented Community Achievement Awards to 12 outstanding Las Vegas citizens and organizations, who have worked diligently to make a positive difference in Southern nevada. This is the 15th anniversary of the Gala Awards night. The event was held at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino Grand Ballroom. There were cocktails and silent auction items prior to the program, which included performances by Li Linhong Chinese Music Ensemble, World Taekwondo School, Shirley Chen & Dancers, Tangling & the Vegas Oriels Choir, Zhilin Dance Studio, & AnJL a Las Vegas Born POP and R&B singer. The individuals and organizations who were honored are as follows in order of presentation:
Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, Raiders Foundation, Yen-Soon Kim, Department Chair; Food & Beverage and Event Management-UnLV Harrah’s Hospitality College, Dr. Phan nguyen, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Kate Zhong, Senior Director, Clinical Research and Development; Cleveland Clinic, Doc Michael StaJuana, Host & Segment Producer; FILAM Asian TV news, Dr. Rhigel Jay Alforque Tan, Board Member of The nevada State Board of nursing & Director of nursing Practice Advance nurse Practitioner, Dr. Wael Did, Board Certified Pulmonary, Critical Care,& Sleep; United Critical Care Lung Sleep Medicine, Andy Liu, CEO, nevada US China Cultural Association, Salim AbiKaram, VP of Airport; Enterprise Holdings, Ruel Rodriguez, President Cavite Association of nevada,
and Alden Crowley, President & CEO Pinnacle Partners & Founder Another Joy Foundation nGO. The AAG is an organization with a mission of unifying and strengthening the community. It has united Asian leaders in the community to work with law Vegas Golden Knights enforcement, other charity and elected officials. Recognizing the outstanding contributors to the community each year and to identify and help areas of the community in need. In previous years the AAG has distributed over 1,300 turkeys in collaboration with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in various areas. Also, 1,300 toys were distributed to the students of Matt Kelley & Mariion E Cahlan Elementary School.
AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
Raiders Foundation
Dr. Yen-Soon Kim
Dr Phan Nguyen
Dr. Kate Zhong
Doc Michael StaJuana
Dr. Rhigel Jay Alforque Tan
Dr. Wael Eid
Andy Liu
Salim Abi-Karam
Ruel Rodriguez
Alden Crowley
Dingdong, Marian expecting baby No. 2 by Christina
alpad ManilaTimes.net
A nEW “royal baby” is on the way. Actors Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera — dubbed as local show business’ royal couple — confirmed on Tuesday. September 25, that they were expecting a second baby. On her Instagram account @ marianrivera, the 34-year-old actress posted a photo of her sonogram with the text “We’re expecting!” Accompanying the photo was the caption, “ My heart overflows with gratitude and humility. Dong and I, with our Zia, have been gifted with the miracle of life!” “Looking forward to meeting our ‘little one’ soon,” Rivera added. She also wittily added the hashtags #YesAnotherDantes #BigSisZia #YESmayIsananamangDantes #4DnaKami #YesImBuntis to her post. Meanwhile, husband Dantes also confirmed Rivera’s pregnancy coupled with his official announcement regarding rumors that he will be running for a government post. “Marami ang nagtatanong kung tatakbo ako sa darating na eleksyon, at marami rin ang humihingi ng pormal na sagot (A lot of people are asking if I will be running in the coming elections and a lot of people are also waiting for a formal answer),” he began his lengthy message on his Instagram @dongdantes. The actor then admitted that his stint as Commissioner-at-Large
Dingdong Dantes and Mrian Rivera with daughter Zia
of the national Youth Commission and his volunteer works for YesPinoy Foundation and YesPH Community Development have inspired him to continue serving the country. “Pero naniniwala ako na ang pagiging ‘public servant’ ay isang mabigat na responsibilidad na dapat pinag-aaralan, pinaghahandaan, at higit sa lahat, ipinagdarasal. (But I believe that being a public servant is a heavy responsibility that should be studied, get ready for, and most of all, prayed over.)” As such, Dantes said he underwent discernment through prayers and said he received God’s response “in the most surprising and beautiful way.” “natupad na rin ang matagal nang dasal naming mag-asawa, lalung-lalo na ni Zia (Our prayers, especially that of Zia’s, have been answered),” he continued. The 38-year-old also wrote that the pregnancy news was a clear indication that he should give his
Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera
all to his growing family. “My discernment revealed what is truly important in my life – panahon ito para suportahan ang padadalang-tao ng aking asawa. (... this is the time for me to support my wife’s pregnancy.)” Thanking his friends and supporters who have been pushing him to run, Dantes said he would continue his humble service to the public albeit in a different form and level in the future. Finally, Dantes asked for prayers of protection and good healthy for his family, especially Rivera’s second pregnancy. As of posting time, no further details — how far the actress was in her pregnancy or the gender of their upcoming baby, among other details — have been added. The couple welcomed their first child, Maria Letizia in november 2015. Their wedding meanwhile, hogged the headlines and was declared as one of the most glamorous weddings in local show business.
Fil-Am Broadway actor Joshua Dela Cruz...
PAGE B1 soon because this is amazing. To be part of such an iconic show, I am over the moon happy.” But while Dela Cruz may find himself still in disbelief, former host Burns shared that he knew Dela Cruz was the right person
for the role the moment he walked in during auditions. And he beat out the thousands of people who auditioned, including American wrestler and actor John Cena. “I know that they saw thousands and thousands of people. And when we saw Josh, I turned
Stars react to proposal to change...
PAGE B1 “Magkakaisa na ba ang DDS, Dilawan at yung mga worried at concerned lang naman? Kung mangyayari po ito, nako, kahit po ‘Ama namin’ at ‘Hail Mary,’ palitan nyo na rin po ang mga linya,” he added. On the other hand, TV host Bianca Gonzalez-Intal posted on her Twitter account a brief statement
regarding the suggested change of lyrics. “With all due respect, no thank you to changing our national anthem lyrics,” she wrote. Meanwhile, singer Yeng Constantino said on her YouTube channel that the last line of the national anthem is not “defeatist.” “Hindi siya defeatist. It’s the greatest thing you could do for
to everyone and said we can start filming tomorrow,” Burns told the Huffington Post last Sept. 13. “He was phenomenal from Day One.” Well, it seems it won’t just be kids who’ll be tuning in on the upcoming reboot. Congratulations, Josh!
someone. Kaya nga natin hini-hail yung mga heroes, e,” she said. “Kung papalitan, mas mababaw siya kasi mas matindi ‘yung you will die for your country. That is more heroic than just fighting… Kung nakakapagsalita ang Motherland natin, sobra siguro siyang touched na sabihin natin sa kanya na, ‘I am willing to die for you’,” she said.
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 3, 2018
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B10 september 27-october 3, 2018 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JoUrNAL Your Immigration Solution Atty. BrittAny MilliAsseAu For years Maria dreamed of visiting the United States. However, she believed that her chances of being granted a tourist visa were pretty slim due to the fact that she has numerous close family members living in the U.S. and an approved immigrant visa petition from a U.S. employer. Maria, whose name has been changed for confidentiality reasons, thought that it would be nearly impossible for her to obtain a tourist visa at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, as she heard many stories from family and friends who time after time were denied tourist visas. To be eligible for a B-2 tourist visa, a noncitizen must demonstrate that they have a foreign resi-
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette ADevA MAglAyA (Sixteenth of a series) [Select a handful of those things in your bucket list that have the highest chance of coming to fruition given your time frame. In tech speak, this means before your life’s energy goes into ‘low batt mode’ and life has run out of sockets to plug into.] TrAVEL is a pure metaphor for our life’s journey. There are two choices in the way we can travel. We can travel light or we can load up on stuff and literally become a beast of burden. The reality for most of us is that we heft and carry far too much physical and emotional baggage over time. I am focusing on the physical baggage aspect only. The emotional baggage aspect is yet for another day. our journey becomes tedious and cumbersome. All we want when we are too heavily laden with stuff while on the road, at sea or in flight, is to get to our destination fast so we can rest our weary bones and aching muscles and put our feet up. The fun is gone because tedium and fatigue have taken over. It shouldn’t be so because there is truth in what they say
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Tourist visa granted despite unfavorable factors
dence that they have no intention of abandoning, and that they will only be visiting the U.S. temporarily for tourism or pleasure. The burden is on the visa applicant to show they do not have “immigrant intent” — that is, their visit to the U.S. will be only temporary. In determining whether to grant the visa, consular officers look at a variety of factors including whether the applicant has stable employment in their home country, a family and a home to which they can return, and sufficient funds to support their temporary stay in the U.S. While Maria had many favorable factors in her case, she also had numerous adverse factors that could lead an officer to conclude she had immigrant intent. Several years ago Maria applied for a job with a U.S. employer who subsequently filed an employment-based petition on her behalf. The employment-based petition was approved, but for
various reasons Maria was unable to immigrate to the U.S. at that time and she remained in the Philippines. Even though Maria had long abandoned her plan to immigrate to the U.S. to work for that employer, the approved petition still remained in her immigration record and was available for a consular officer to see and use as potential support for a finding of immigrant intent. In addition to the approved employment-based petition, Maria also has numerous family members living in the U.S., including U.S. citizen parents and siblings - other factors that would heavily weigh against her in being granted a tourist visa. Maria was also hesitant to apply for a tourist visa as both her children had previously applied for tourist visas and were ultimately denied after being told by the consular officer that their applications had been denied because their mother had an approved immigrant visa
The bucket list
strong documentation, but she went into the visa interview wellprepared and with confidence. After so many years filled with doubt and uncertainty as to whether she would ever get to visit the U.S., Maria’s dream finally became a reality. Her tourist visa application was approved, and Maria will now be able to use her B-1/B-2 visa to come to the U.S. multiple times over the next 10 years. While it may seem like obtaining a tourist visa should be a relatively painless task, obtaining one at a consular post where there are historically high rates of denials (China, Mexico, and the Philippines), is definitely not easy. Heightened screening and vetting of applications for visas and other immigration benefits has been underway for the past several months and has made it even more difficult to obtain visas. However, as Maria’s story shows, with competent immigra-
Health@Heart
Aspirin: Anti-cancer, etc.?
Travel light
”He who must travel happily must travel light.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupery about any journey. Half the fun should be getting there. Very few of us are born wise old souls who already know what is important and what is frivolous at the get-go from a very young age. For most of us ordinary beings who have to learn from scratch, our learning curves can be steep. It takes a long while for us to know the difference between a NEED and a WANT. We all know the drill. Needs are the things required for basic human existence: food, shelter and clothing. Wants are those that our ego or an infomercial tells us we should acquire to feel better, look better and improve our status in society such as the latest car model, the new smartphone, large screen TV sets or luxury items or anything else that advertisers tell us we ought to have to make our lives better or feel important. The distinction should be easy enough if our mental faculties are grounded in common sense and just basic understanding of what is important and what isn’t. Those of us who have wise
parents may try to tell us so until they are blue in the face but for the most part, unless and until we go through life experiences that shape our understanding and appreciation of what truly matters in life, it is guaranteed that we will bungle our way through just learning to distinguish between a basic need and a frivolous want. A need is probably owning one quality watch to help us manage our time. A want is having 12 different watches to match what we wear. We will acquire mountains of stuff through our lifetimes. It’s not our fault we live in a consumer society where acquiring stuff is the default behavior. Consider the success of companies that rent out public storage spaces. If you are one of those who rent such spaces in addition to your home’s bulging garage and storage spaces for long periods of time, it may be time to assess the quality of your life’s journey and begin divesting promptly, either gradually or drastically and choosing to travel light. The stuff we acquire is just that. Stuff and PAGE B11
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tion counsel and the right preparation, obtaining a tourist visa is not impossible even with multiple adverse factors. Maria is now able to finally visit her loved ones in the U.S. after so many years and is looking forward to the wonderful memories they will make during her temporary visit. ***
petition. Despite all of the above, Maria was not willing to give up her dream of visiting the U.S. She contacted reeves Immigration Law Group (rILG) to see if she had any chance at obtaining a tourist visa. The attorneys at rILG explained that obtaining a tourist visa was possible, but that she would need to submit a very detailed application with supporting documents and make sure she was thoroughly prepared for the visa interview. Tired of being unable to visit friends and family members in the U.S., Maria retained rILG to assist her in her tourist visa application. The team at rILG guided Maria through the entire visa application process step-by-step, from document collection and review, to completion of application forms, to thorough preparation for the visa interview. Not only did Maria have a complete application packet and
PhiliP s. ChuA, MD, FACs, FPCs Does caffeine hurt our health? researchers have found that coffee chasers have increased blood pressure, faster heart rate, and higher stress hormone level, compared to non-coffee drinkers. The substance responsible for these changes is caffeine, which is also found in cola drink and chocolates. These changes in the physiology of the body are considered harmful to health. Somehow, tea, which also contains one variety of caffeine, has been deemed to be good for our body, especially green tea. Does aspirin protect us against cancer? Yes, according to clinical studies conducted on patients taking daily aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) for conditions like arthritis, etc., or among heart patients taking aspirin to thin their blood to prevent blood clots and blockages in the coronary (heart) arteries. The findings show that those taking daily dose of aspirin (as low as 81 mg a day) have almost 43 percent lesser risk in developing pancreatic cancer, compared to those who do not take aspirin daily. More investigation is underway to
find out the explanation for this apparent link, and also if aspirin similarly protects us against colon cancer, other malignancies and against other conditions. Indeed, our longtime household friend, aspirin, so commonly simple and inexpensive medication for the usual headaches and pains, is truly an amazing wonder drug. What is the cause of stomach ulcers? In the past, the medical community thought that stomach ulcers were caused by hyperacidity (high acid content in the stomach), by eating spicy food, alcohol ingestion, or even by prolonged hunger. This was what physicians and other healthcare personnel were taught, and the prevailing scientific opinion at the time. Today, we know better. The cause of majority of stomach ulcers is an infection, caused by H. pylori bug. When the researcher who discovered this initially presented his theory and findings to the world medical community, he was scorned and literally laughed at, until various independent and extensive laboratory and clinical studies proved him right. He became a hero who had revolutionized the treatment of gastric ulcers, transforming this disease entity from a surgical illness to a medical condition manageable by pills, instead of by a knife in the operating room. Can vasectomy be reversed?
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Vasectomy is a sterilization procedure in the male where the left and right vas deferens (about 4 mm in diameter) are surgically cut and tied to prevent the sperm from getting through, thus rendering the man infertile. The ejaculation thereafter contains seminal fluids devoid of sperm. With modern surgical technology utilizing microsurgical procedure with the aid of surgical loops (magnifying eye lenses with built-in light), vasectomy can be reversed. The cut ends of the vas deferens on both sides are prepared (trimmed and cleaned) and re-anastomosed (re-connected) together, like joining two water pipes end to end. This will then allow the sperm to pass through, making the man fertile once again. This reversal is desired by men whose only child had died, or by those who had remarried, etc. Why is the combination of viagra and nitrates fatal? Viagra (Sildenafil citrate) is the very effective “anti-impotent” pill prescribed for male erectile dysfunction, whose chemical action allows the veins in the penis to dilate and fill with more blood to cause engorgement and erection, enabling the individual to successful penetration and intercourse. Nitrates are heart medications that also dilate blood vessels (arteries and veins in the heart and all over PAGE B11
Features
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 27-OctObER 3, 2018 B11
Filipino-American Actor, Darren Criss wins his first Emmy By Monet
Lu
CONGRATULATIONS are in order for this fine actor for winning best actor – the first FilipinoAmerican to do so. Darren Criss won his first Emmy for his role as Andrew Cunanan in FX’s The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story where he won best actor in a limited series or movie. He fended off tough competition, including Patrick Melrose’s Benedict Cumberbatch, Genius: Picasso’s Antonio Banderas, The Looming Tower’s Jeff Daniels, USS Callister’s Jesse Plemons and Jesus Christ Superstar’s John Legend. “Oh, my God, you guys are witnessing the most extraordinary moment of my life thus far. I’m very privileged to be in this room among so many people who inspire the crap out of me, and I’m so honored to be nominated,” he said in his acceptance speech. “A lot of you guys, I’ve been a fan of for such a long time. Actors are really only as good as the moments they are given and the moments they are granted. So I am profoundly indebted to my friend Ryan Murphy for entrusting me with this opportunity of a lifetime and for believing in me.” Criss also thanked his mom and dad, saying: “Unlike the character I played, I was lucky enough to be raised in a home that was very loving and emphasized the value of hard work, compassion and not taking yourself too seriously.”He concluded by thanking his fiancée, producer Mia Swier. I have admired this young actor. I like his performance in Glee and just love how he is proud of his Filipino roots. In his interview on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, the Hollywood actor shared his love for the Filipino cuisine, namedropping his favorite Pinoy restaurant in Los Angeles.
“Tuesday morning, I said to my mom, ‘Let’s go get some fatty, unhealthy Filipino food,’ as you do when you want to celebrate and you’re half-Filipino,” he quipped. He then mentioned LA Rose Cafe Hollywood, a restaurant established by Lemuel Balagot in 1982, before saying: “I go there all the time. It’s very, very Filipino.” “The guy that runs the place will give you a hard time if you don’t finish your food, like a real Filipino uncle,” he added. Darren’s mother is from Cebu City. As a young kid, he has always loved music and performing. Criss opened up about stepping into Cunanan’s shoes for the acclaimed Murphy-directed and -produced series. Though Cunanan murdered fashion designer Gianni Versace in July 1997 — and killed himself not long after — Criss explained how he learned to sympathize with his infamous character. “I had a friend tell me when I got the part, ‘You’re playing the gay boogeyman,’ he said. “I was like, ‘Excuse me?’ He was like, ‘When he was on the run, we would all spook each other [by saying] Andrew Cunanan is going to come get you.’ The things that are said about him in the show aren’t crazy.” “Andrew didn’t really creep me out as much as he broke my heart. He had so much potential, but somehow went from being a bright, promising young man to a murderer,” said the actor. “He felt like he was nothing and had nothing in the world.” When it came to playing Cunanan, Criss wanted to make sure he was portraying all of the complex aspects of his character, which included everything from killing in cold blood to singing Laura Branigan’s “Gloria” at the top of his lungs in his car. “Human beings are so complex,” he said. “We are capable of so many different emotions
2018 IHEART RADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL. The 2018 IHEARTRADIO Music Festival was held at T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas last Friday, September 21,. Actor Ken Jeong was the main stage presenter of the night and shared how he was so thrilled to have met the iconic rock group Fleetwood Mac backstage. Ryan Seacrest hosted the sold-out concert. Diva Mariah Carey was among the main performers of the night. Photos by Raoul Gatchalian
and the reasons behind those emotions. I’m not asking people to empathize or pardon anything that Andrew has done, but I do like people unconsciously figuring out how much they can relate to this person whether how little or how much.” He added: “It is my job to humanize him, but the hope is that we’re not glamorizing anything.” Well, that explains why this guy deserves the award. He gave it his all and just dedicated so much to make sure he gives justice to his role. Something, I believe, is very Filipino of him. To Darren Criss: I can’t wait to see more of you in the Hollywood scene. Good luck and continue making us proud. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
THE PRODIGAL SON RETURNS. The legendary great ballad singer Engelbert Humperdinck performed in Orleans Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Sunday, September 23. He performed all of his hit songs like “Release Me”, “Am I That Easy To Forget” and other wonderful songs to a full packed crowd. His first Las Vegas show was in 1968. And at 82 years old, Engelbert is tireless! Photos by Raoul Gatchalian
The bucket list
PAGE B10 nothing more … When we own something, that something owns us. We are responsible for its care and maintenance to keep it functioning and useful. When that something has outgrown its usefulness or has become passé, we are responsible for its disposition. When we acquire something new, we probably need to dispose of 3 other items, just to keep us in balance. One day, if we let ourselves listen and learn from that small, quiet and wise voice within us, we will discover that important things are not stuff. They are
largely intangible things — like health of mind, body and spirit, faith, hope and love, joy, sacrifice, a sense of wonder and humor to cushion us from the rough shocks of life. So next time we find ourselves meandering about armed to the teeth with credit cards in those huge shopping malls, outlets or flea markets, try to go on browsing mode only. Hold off on splurging next month’s paycheck. This is likewise true for those who go online shopping, indulging themselves in retail therapy in the comfort of their own homes in their pajamas. Look at the merchandise and appreciate the
craftsmanship and give yourself time to decide if owning it will answer a need or just satisfy an impulsive want. Window shop, if you must. It would be like going to a museum where you can look, appreciate beauty and quality while having a great time and leaving as light and unencumbered as you came in, without a shopping cart full of stuff. Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List … *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
Aspirin: Anti-cancer...
PAGE B10 the body). When the blood vessels in the body are dilated “too much” (as the combination of Viagra and nitrates will do), the blood pressure of the person falls very low, and uncontrollably leads to shock, and death in some patients. Viagra is a very safe drug to take, as the millions and millions of men taking it could attest, as long as it is taken under the supervision of a physician and not taken by heart patients who are on medications that contain nitrates. Do we really need sleep? Many times, we hear people (young and old) claiming that they do not need sleep, or that an hour or two was enough sleep for them. It is unhealthy not to have adequate sleep. While there is no magic number, having at least 8 hours of a restful sleep is considered good for the body. This brief “hibernation” gives our body time to recharge and repair itself, including our immune system. With inadequate sleep, our body functions less than optimal, our brain and other organs less efficient, and our disposition a bit cloudy and irritable. Those who have enough restful sleep also feel and look better, and are more
pleasant, positive and productive. On the other hand, sleeping more than 10 hours daily (except for babies and young children) does not confer extra benefits, and might even make one lazier and more sluggish. Is it bad to wash our face often? Washing our face 2 or 3 times a day, and as needed, on top of a daily shower, is not bad; provided we do not use harsh soap and we replace the moisture that is lost with washing by applying moisturizing cream or lotion after each wash or shower. Washing our face cleanses our face of bacteria and dirt, so it is healthy to do it at least twice a day, followed by a facial moisturizer. Why does blood not clot inside our blood vessels? This is one of the wonders of our body, which is replete with various multi-layer defensive mechanisms (and offensive ones against bacteria, viruses and other intruders or potential diseases or injuries), mediated by chemical reactions within us, all aimed at protecting us and keeping us healthier by constantly maintaining homeostasis (physiologic balance within our body). Blood circulating in
our arteries and veins does not clot because we have natural built-in anticoagulant (anti-clot) substances produced by our body. Also, the smoothness of the endothelium (lining of the inner wall of the blood vessels), which contains negatively charged protein, repels the clotting factors and platelets to maintain the fluidity of blood. These chemicals keep our blood “just right,” not too thin for us to have spontaneous bleeding and not too thick to produce clotting and blockages in our blood vessels. Our lifestyle (including smoking or medications we take) could adversely affect this homeostasis and throw it helter-skelter. When this homeostasis is off-balance, an unphysiologic condition ensues and an ailment develops.
*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
Asian Chamber of Commerce PAC endorses Susie Lee for Congress LAS VEGAS – The Asian Chamber of Commerce PAC, which advocates for Nevada’s growing Asian-American business community, announced its endorsement of Susie Lee for Congress in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District. “I’m proud to have the support of the Asian Chamber of Commerce PAC” said Susie Lee. “In Congress, I’ll be a champion for small business owners, working across the aisle to ensure that entrepreneurs in our community have the ability to thrive and that our education system is providing students with the skills local businesses need.” “Susie Lee understands the needs of Asian-American entrepreneurs here in southern Ne-
vada,” said Sonny Vinuya, Vice Chair of the Asian Chamber of Commerce PAC & President of the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce. “We are confident that Susie Lee will roll up her sleeves, solve problems, and get results in Washington on behalf of the business community in southern Nevada.” Susie Lee is the Democratic nominee in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District. Since launching her campaign, Lee has been endorsed by dozens of local and national elected officials and organizations. Susie is a longtime education advocate and nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience serving Nevada students and families Susie Lee, candidate for Nevada’s 3rd and obtaining real results that Congressional District improve people’s lives. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
B12 september 27-october 3, 2018 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JoUrNAL
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