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OCTOBER 24-30, 2019
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
Volume 30 - No. 43 • 16 Pages
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Comelec ready to hold special polls for VP post by SHEILA
CRISOSTOMO Philstar.com
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is ready to conduct special polls in three provinces in Mindanao in connection with the electoral protest of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. But Comelec spokesman James Jimenez posted on Twitter that this is the call of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), which
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is hearing Marcos’ protest case against Vice President Leni Robredo. “It is the Comelec’s job to hold elections. So, obviously, yes, the Comelec would be able to do it if it becomes necessary,” Jimenez said. The statement comes in the wake of a pending petition of Marcos for the annulment of election results for the position of vice president in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Basilan.
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This is the third cause of action that Marcos took to nullify Robredo’s proclamation after he was defeated by a margin of 263,473 votes in the 2016 elections. Marcos claimed there were terrorism, intimidation, cheating and harassment in the three provinces during the elections. Jimenez said it is the PET, not the Comelec, that must first determine if there was a failure of elections in these areas that warrants the holding of special polls. ■
RESOLUTION. Senate President Vicente Sotto III (7th from right) presents Senate Resolution No. 17, expressing the Senate’s sympathy and condolences to Bing Pimentel, wife of former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr., during the necrological service held Wednesday, October 23, in honor of the late senator. Also in photo are (from right) Senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Ronald dela Rosa, Risa Hontiveros, Pia Cayetano, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, his wife Kathryna, and sister Gwen, and other members of the Pimentel family. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Duterte to disclose result of medical consultation – Palace by AJPRESS
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
New committee seeks to ensure all Filipinos are counted in 2020 census Fil-Am leaders in Los Angeles launch Filipino Complete Count Committee of LA County
IN an effort to combat an undercount, Filipino American leaders in the Los Angeles area have established a new outreach endeavor to ensure a full count of Filipino residents in the United States in the 2020 census. On a bright morning in Unidad Park in Historic Filipinotown, the Filipino Complete Count Committee of LA County (FCCCLC) was launched on Saturday, October 12 with the comprehensive mission to increase Filipino participation for the decennial count scheduled for April 1, 2020. “We need to make the concerted effort to count every single member of our Filipino community,” Executive Director of the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and co-chair of the FCCCLC Aquilina Soriano Versoza said at the committee’s launch. Distributed to every household in the U.S.
President Rodrigo Duterte bids farewell to one of the members of the send-off party before his departure at the Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday, October 22. The president attended the Ceremonies of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito. Malacañang photo by Simeon Celi
Following court injunctions, immigration experts weigh in on the future of public charge
CHINA’S repeated provocative actions in the South China Sea (SCS or West Philippine Sea) inhibit Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, including the Philippines, from accessing over $2.5 trillion in energy reserves and have contributed to instability in the region. United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell stressed this on October 16 before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “We remain skeptical of the PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) sincerity to negotiate a meaningful Code of Conduct [in the South China Sea] that reinforces international law,” Stilwell said. He finds China’s maritime claims in the SCS, underscored by its self-imposed “ninedash line,” unlawful, unreasonable and have no basis whatsoever. The islets and atolls in the SCS are said to have rich aquatic resources and mineral and gas deposits that remain untapped and are disputed by China, the Philippines, Brunei,
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Five judges impose injunctions, delaying implementation of the new rule that would expand the definition of public charge in immigration by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
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US official denounces China’s action on SCS
MALACAÑANG on Wednesday, October 23, vowed that President Rodrigo Duterte will disclose to the public the result of his medical consultation after concerns were raised due to the chief executive’s motorcycle accident last week and an abbreviated trip to Japan. Duterte’s visit to Japan was cut short on Tuesday, October 22, because of an “unbearable” pain in the president’s spine and pelvic area, according to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo. He added that Duterte will see a doctor for consultation and assured that the public “need not be apprehensive about the President’s health.” “His consultation with a doctor is aimed at determining the medical condition of his
body, as well as finding out whether his previous spinal injury from a past motorcycle accident has been aggravated by his recent fall,” Panelo said in a statement. “The president shall inform our countrymen on the result of his medical consultation,” he added. Duterte’s health has been a recurring issue in his presidency, with the public expressing concern over his health condition. Under the Constitution, information about the state of the president’s health should always be available to the public in case the chief executive has a serious illness. “In case of serious illness of the president, the public shall be informed of the state of his health. The members of the Cabinet in charge of national security and foreign relations and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the
AFTER multiple judges halted the Trump administration’s proposed changes to the public charge rule, immigration experts and attorneys are assessing the impact of public charge in immigration law and the next steps.
As previously reported by the Asian Journal, federal judges in California, Illinois, Maryland, New York and Washington State blocked the controversial new rule regarding government assistance programs for applicants seeking permanent residency or a non-immigrant visa from taking effect. (It was to take effect on Tuesday, October 15.)
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NEED FOR SUBMARINES. Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev says the Philippines has the right to develop its submarine force, during a press conference with select defense and foreign journalists in Makati City on Tuesday, October 22. Khovaev said the Philippines, being an archipelagic state, needs a submarine fleet to protect its waters. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
to help PH develop UN body: PH the country with Russia fastest growing epidemic of HIV its own defense industry by RITCHEL
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
A STUDY conducted by the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) found that the Philippines has the “fastest growing epidemic” of the sexually transmitted disease, with a 203 percent rise in new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections from 2010 to 2018. Worldwide HIV cases, on the other hand, declined by at least 18 percent. Only Pakistan and Malaysia registered an increase in HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region, with 57 percent and 4 percent, respectively.
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MENDIOLA AJPress
RUSSIA Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev on Tuesday, October 22, said Russia wants to build a long-term strategic cooperation with the Philippines, with defense and security as a key area of cooperation both countries wish to expand. “We are ready to supply our sophisticated technologies in order to help your country develop your own defense industry,” Khovaev said. He also said that the country A UNAIDS study found that from 2010 to 2018, the Philippines saw new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections grow by 203 percent, may soon be making and exporting Russian-type guns through a when cases worldwide had declined by at least 18 percent. Inquirer.net photo proposal from Moscow.
“We have a very good proposal for you Filipinos. We are ready to organize joint production of Russian sophisticated light arms and small weapons here in the Philippines,” he said. “You Filipinos will produce Russian arms and weapons…. They will be Philippine products based on Russian technologies,” Khovaev added. According to the envoy, “bilateral negotiations” on the plan have started. He also expressed hope that the plan would materialize “as soon as possible.” Khovaev also confirmed that the acquisition of several Mi171 Russian helicopters for the
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Russia to help PH develop its own...
PAGE 1 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is actively being negotiated by the two governments and assured that the outcome of negotiations “will be positive.” He added that the Philippines “has the right” to have its own submarines because it is an archipelago, and that Russia is “ready to supply” submarines at “very competitive prices.” Aside from weapons, Russia is
willing to offer military education by welcoming Filipino cadets to train in its military institutions, according to Khovaev. “All options are on the table. Once again, no political conditionality. Russia will never teach anyone human rights or something like that. We’ll never use our defense cooperation as a pretext to interfere, to meddle into the domestic affairs of other sovereign states,” he said.
From The FronT Page
No interference Khovaev, without mentioning any specific country, said that the Philippines’ allies should not interfere in the country’s bilateral relations with Moscow as the two countries’ defense cooperation is not against any other country. “No third country has the right to interfere into our defense cooperation because our defense cooperation is not not against anyone. It’s not against any other country,” he said. “Your traditional partners, your allies, have no right to interfere into our bilateral cooperation. They must respect the choice of Russia and the Philippines,” the envoy added. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a law punishing Russia for its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, its support for Syria’s government as well as its suspected meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Any U.S. ally who would buy weapons and equipment from Russia would be penalized and could see the transfer of those arms disrupted. Khovaev, meanwhile, stressed that Russia and the Philippines would continue to share information and cooperate closely against terrorism, without conditions. “We’ll do our best to help your country with no political conditionality, simply because terrorism is our common threat,” he said. n
Duterte to disclose...
PAGE 1 Philippines, shall not be denied access to the President during such illness,” Section 12 of Article VII read. Duterte, upon landing in Manila at 10:33 p.m. from Tokyo, went straight to the wake of his PDP-Laban party mate and former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr., as stated by Panelo. Duterte, accompanied by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, was received by Lourdes “Bing” Pimentel, Senator Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III, and Commissioner of Human Rights’ Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, among other members and friends of the late senator’s family. n
PH, INDIA TRADE TALKS. Agriculture Secretary William Dar (right), together with Mr. Rex Daryanani (3rd from right), President of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce Philippines Inc.; and Mr. Vivek Singhal (2nd from right), leader of business delegation and CEO of GMR Construction; during the Philippine-India Trade Consultations held at Makati Shangri-La. The meeting has for its theme: “Strengthening our Future Together”. PNA photo by Gil Calinga
New committee seeks to ensure all Filipinos... PAGE 1 every 10 years, the census survey asks the following: the name, sex, age, dates of birth, race of every person living at that address and the relationships of everyone in the house to one central figure, usually the head of the household. Every household will be able to respond to the survey via mail, phone or online. As digital options become more ubiquitous, most households will be able to complete the questionnaire online. On or between March 12-20, 2020, households will receive a letter in the mail on how to answer the census survey online. Soriano Versoza emphasized the significant relationship between the census count and federal funding as a major influence on the committee’s genesis. According to data retrieved from the 2018 American Community Survey, there are more than 4 million Filipinos in the United States. California is home to 1,651,933 Filipinos, making the the largest Asian and Pacific Islander group in the Golden State; Los Angeles County alone has more than 400,000 Filipinos. An accurate count is tanta-
mount to how the estimated $675 billion of federal funds is diverted to states and local communities every year. The federal funding determined by the census also affects the number of representatives each state gets in the House of Representatives and the ways in which federal, state and local districts are drawn every year. “If [the Filipino community is] undercounted, then the government doesn’t see as much of a need to put resources toward infrastructure like streets or parks that serve those communities,” Soriano Versoza noted. “We are making the argument that our community needs these dollars and they deserve these dollars, but if we don’t have an accurate count, then it makes it really hard for us to advocate for as much resources as we actually should be getting,” Soriano Versoza explained. Historically, Filipinos have been one of the hardest-to-count communities. Soriano Versoza noted that undocumented Filipinos often don’t complete a survey for fear that their immigration status will be used against them. But Ivy Daulo, partner special-
ist at the LA Regional Census Center emphasized that census responses are confidential by law and will not be shared with any other government agencies. Additionally, the Trump administration’s proposal to ask a question about citizenship on the next census has been blocked by federal judges; as of press time, that question will not be on the 2020 census. At the end of Saturday’s launch, members of the Filipino community in the Greater Los Angeles area signed a resolution establishing the committee and promising to encourage greater Filipino turnout at the 2020 census. “No other API committee I’ve observed is as organized and diligent with meeting twice a month and getting work done,” Artesia City Councilwoman Melissa Ramoso told the Asian Journal, noting that the LA committee was established after Nevada’s Filipino American community established its own complete count committee. “We have to set the precedence for our Filipino and API communities,” Ramoso affirmed. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
US official denounces China’s action...
PAGE 1 Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. China’s actions, such as patrolling the SCS, putting up structures and bullying its neighbors, pose a threat “to all trading nations and all who value freedom of the seas and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” Stilwell said. “While claiming that they are committed to peaceful diplomacy, the reality is that Chinese leaders — through the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) navy, law enforcement agencies, and maritime militia — continue to intimidate and bully other countries,” he said. As emphasized in the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018, it is the policy of the United States
to ensure freedom of navigation, overflight and other lawful uses of the sea. Stilwell said the U.S. works closely with its allies in the IndoPacific region through joint maritime training and operations to maintain free and open access of the seas. “Along with the daily operations of U.S. ships and aircraft throughout the region, we conducted more Freedom of Navigation Operations in the South China Sea in 2019 than in any of the past 25 years, to demonstrate that the United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever David Stilwell, U.S. assistant secretary of state international law allows,” Stilwell for East Asian and Pacific Affairs added. n Photo from State.gov
Following court injunctions, immigration... PAGE 1 In other words, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposed changes to what defines a public charge do not currently apply. On Thursday, October 17, immigration experts and attorneys broke down the current state of the public charge rule in a national teleconference hosted by Ethnic Media Services (EMS) along with the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC). In the call, each speaker emphasized the fact that the public charge rule only affects a small sect of immigrants and, historically, has had a limited impact on the sect of immigrants seeking permanent residency that also relies on public benefits. Generally speaking, the public charge test is discretionary and any given green card or permanent residency seeker could either be turned away or accepted into the country depending on their unique circumstances. “The concept of public charge has been a part of immigration law for 100 years, and what is changed now is how the DHS wants to interpret it. They want to apply a stricter standard,”Allison Davenport, supervising attorney at the ILRC, told reporters on the call. Several categories of immigrants are not affected by the public charge test, including refugees, asylum seekers, victims of crime applying for special visas like the U-visa and T-visa, unaccompanied minors, those seeking renewal of Temporary Protected Status or recipients of DACA. Moreover, an overwhelming
majority of immigrants who are permanent residents or already citizens are not affected by either the current rule or the Trump administration’s new rule if it is passed in the future. “No matter what the courts decide, these people will not be directly affected by that potential change in the public charge rules,” Davenport said. Davenport noted that if the court injunctions are lifted in the future, there will be a grace period before the public charge regulation will take effect. For now, the pending court cases will determine the future of public charge as a determinant in immigration law. As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the Trump administration sought to include Medicaid, Section 8 housing and food stamps, justifying the rule change by saying that “self-sufficiency has long been a basic principle of U.S. immigration law.” Despite the recent court injunctions, the confusion surrounding public charge has resulted in many immigrant families wondering whether or not they shouldn’t utilize public benefits in fear that it would affect their plans to acquire green cards or other forms of residency. But as previously reported in the Asian Journal, any rule changes to public charge would not apply retroactively. For example, if an immigrant is on food stamps before the rule is put into effect, they will still receive that assistance. “Families should continue to use the services they need,” Mayra Alvarez, president of the Children’s Partnership, said in Thursday’s teleconference. “People should feel safe using
those benefits even if the injunctions are lifted. This rule was not meant to be retroactive. It would only count benefits received after the date the new regulation goes into effect. The injunction is clear, that benefits received before that would not be considered.” According to the Migration Policy Institute, misinformation and misrepresentation of the public charge rule may result in “millions of immigrants” who “will stop asking for help with health, nutrition and social services.” Last year when the rule change was first proposed, senior policy manager with the Health Access Project Heng Lam Foong told the Asian Journal that roughly 3.8 million Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants relied on public benefits. Research from the Migration Policy Institute backs this up, revealing that 300,000 immigrants of the more than 941,000 recent green card holders that would have been subjected to the rule come from Asian countries. “The policy itself, the mere suggestion that the administration was considering the policy, has resulted in Asian immigrants and other immigrants pulling out of public benefits,” John C. Yang, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, told NBC News this week, adding that the new rule was “just a made-up reason to exclude certain classes of immigrants.” The attorneys and experts on Thursday’s conference also encouraged immigrants who may be worried about their public benefits to seek legal assistance before either going off their benefits or signing up for them. n
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NV Dems, AAPI Caucus host Kamayan lunch in celebration of Filipino American History Month OVER the weekend, NV Dems and the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Democratic Caucus hosted a traditional Kamayan feast in celebration of Filipino American History Month joined by Congresswoman Dina Titus, Congressman Steven Horsford, Senator Chris Brooks and Nevada State Democratic Party Chair William McCurdy II. Nevada is home to one of the fastest-growing AAPI populations in the county and, for the first time in 2020, NV Dems will offer caucus materials in Tagalog to ensure every Nevada Democrat has the ability to make their voice heard in the First in the West Caucus. n
AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
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Immigration alerts airports after ‘rescue’ of 17 possible human trafficking victims by Ratziel
San Juan Philstar.com
BUREAU of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente warned Philippine airport personnel against “passengers disguised as tourists who were illegally recruited to work overseas.” A total of 17 women suspected to be victims of human trafficking were intercepted at the MactanCebu International Airport between Wednesday and Thursday Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno delivers his keynote address in front of Washington DC community members (October 16 and 17) last week, at a forum held at the Philippine Embassy on Wednesday, October 16. the agency said in a release Tuesday, October 22. They were illegally hired to work as domestic workers in the Middle East, WASHINGTON, D.C.— “The financial crisis,” Governor Dio- and CEO of the US-ASEAN Busi- according to the Immigration. ness Council, who moderated the Philippines has come a long way kno pointed out. The women were turned over Inflation has been reduced and wide-ranging conversation that to the MCIA Inter-Agency Counbut it is now recognized globally as among the fastest growing and within-target. This is credited to a followed the governor’s remarks. cil Against Trafficking for assisThe conversation with Mr. tance and investigation. most resilient economies in the series of monetary actions by the world. Its future prospects are BSP combined with administra- Feldman and the Q&A with the Immigration Port Operabright. However, the transforma- tive and legislative measures that audience fielded questions relat- tions Division Chief Grifton Metion was a product of a long list of addressed bottlenecks to food ing to Philippine and BSP policy dina said the passengers were structural reforms. It did not hap- supply. Inflation fell to 0.9 per- and regulations on sustainable pen overnight,” declared Bangko cent in September 2019, and is finance, cyber-security, financial Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Gov- expected to settle at 2.5 percent inclusion including financial techernor Benjamin E. Diokno at in 2019, and 2.9 percent for both nology, data governance, and the recently launched national retail a forum held at the Philippine 2020 and 2021. The country’s external posi- payment system. Embassy in Washington, D.C. on “The U.S.-Philippines Socition is also strong and is reflecWednesday, October 16. A VOLUNTARY recall of a “The Bangko Sentral has al- tive of an economy driven by sol- ety applauds Governor Diokno’s ways been the bulwark of con- id macroeconomic fundamentals remarkable record of public batch of baby powder due to tinuity and stability. And we are and firm growth prospects. This service and appreciates his will- concerns of asbestos contaminahonored to provide a platform in is on account mainly of the lower ingness to share his unique per- tion does not have any bearing Washington DC for Governor Di- deficit in the trade-in-goods ac- spective on regional and global on it products in the Philippines, okno to talk about the Philippine count; increased trade-in-servic- developments, along with his Johnson & Johnson Philippines economy and our reform pro- es net receipts; and rising inves- optimistic outlook on the Philip- said on Tuesday, October 22. Johnson & Johnson in the U.S. cess. We are confident that with tor confidence resulting in higher pine economy,” said Ambassador John Maisto, US-Philippines issued an advisory last week that him guiding Philippine monetary foreign direct investments. Finally, Governor Diokno Society President, in a statement it had issued a voluntary recall policy, there will be continued of a single lot of baby powder business and investor confidence noted that the robust and stable after the forum. “He made a persuasive case “in response to a U.S. Food and in the country,” Philippine Am- banking system likewise offers a bassador to the United States sound basis for optimism. Banks for Philippine resilience in the Drug Administration (FDA) test Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said remain sufficiently capitalized, face of global uncertainties, indicating the presence of suband their past due ratios have stressed a commitment to sound trace levels of chrysotile asbesin a statement. In his remarks, Governor Dio- consistently declined over the macro-economic policies and re- tos contamination (no greater kno emphasized that Philippine years. Stability is also supported form measures, and support for a than 0.00002%) in samples from economic performance is ex- by financial sector reforms; cy- stable banking system, building a single bottle purchased from an ceptional and sustainable, and bersecurity and technology risk on more than a quarter century online retailer.” The company said it was recallpowered through transformative management; counter-terrorist of positive economic growth,” ing Lot #22318RB of Johnson’s reforms and political will. All the financing; and capital market de- Ambassador Maisto added. Among the guests at the fo- Baby Powder “[d]espite the low reforms — those undertaken in velopment. “Our financial system is sound rum were Philippine Monetary levels reported and in full coopthe past as well as being pursued today — are expected to support and it continues to effectively in- Board Member Peter B. Favila, eration and collaboration with and sustain the currently favor- termediate funds to productive former U.S. Ambassador to the the FDA.” In an online exchange, Johnable conditions of the economy sectors, thus promoting econom- Philippines Thomas Hubbard, BSP Deputy Governor Francis son’s Baby told Philstar.com that the Governor summarized in ic growth,” he added. “The Council welcomes Gov- Dakila, other officials of the BSP, that “our products in the Philipfour key observations. Economic growth is solid and ernor Diokno’s message of sus- U.S. government officials, U.S. pines are in no way affected by sustainable. The Philippines re- tained economic reforms, paving corporate executives, Embassy the recent findings of asbestoscorded its 82ndconsecutive quar- the way for continued and sus- officers & staff, and some mem- traces.” “The lot affected was produced ter of uninterrupted economic tained growth in the Philippines. bers of the Filipino-American in the United States and is not at growth in the second quarter of The BSP’s focus on growth of dig- community. The Forum was organized and all supplied or sold to other marital payments and transitioning to 2019. “This shows that we have man- a cash-light economy, as well as hosted by the Philippine Embas- kets outside of it — including the aged to sail through the tough- sustainable finance are areas of sy and the U.S.-Philippines Soci- Philippines.” est external challenges from the interest to U.S. business,” stated ety with the support of the U.S.Asian financial crisis to the global Alexander Feldman, President ASEAN Business Council. n
Forum with BSP governor spotlights PH economy’s resilience
stopped before they could board their flights to Hong Kong and Macau en route to their final destinations in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. “It appears that these victims were recruited by a syndicate which separately booked them on several flights in order to mislead our immigration officers on the purpose of their trip,” Medina said in a statement. “And that is to work abroad without documentation.” He also said trafficking syndicates are attempting to shift their operations to other exit ports in response to Immigration efforts. BI-MCIA Travel Control and Enforcement unit head Ma. Asuncion Palma-Gil said 13 of the women were hired to work in Dubai and the other four in Qatar. They were offloaded from five different flights. “They all admitted having UAE and Qatari visas in their posses-
sion and that they were recruited by individuals they only met via Facebook or through people they know currently working in Dubai and Doha,” Palma-Gil said. She also said the passengers did not know their travel itinerary and would depend on instructions from their alleged handlers upon arrival in Hong Kong and Macau. “This is a clear case of human trafficking wherein victims who are jobless and have no visible means of support are sent abroad and put in harm’s way to satisfy the cravings for the profit of unscrupulous recruiters.” An estimated 6,300 left the Philippines daily to find work abroad in 2018, according to Migrante International, which monitors overseas Filipino workers. The figure is more than double the 2009 estimate of 2,500 Filipinos exiting the country for work abroad. n
US baby powder recall not related to products in Philippines – Johnson & Johnson
PH retirement system among worst in the world by Ritchel
Mendiola
AJPress
A RECENT study revealed that the retirement or pension system of the Philippines is the 4th lowest out of 36 countries. According to the 2019 Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index — which takes into consideration the pension system’s sustainability, adequacy, and integrity — the Philippines had an overall index value of 43.7, placing it above Turkey, Argentina, and Thailand. The index also considers the level of retirement income provided to replace the previous level of employment earnings. “By benchmarking global retirement income systems, the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index can help both the public and private sectors in the Philippines understand how they can improve the country’s
retirement system and generate better outcomes for retirees,” Harold Tan, wealth leader of Mercer Philippines, said. To improve the country’s index performance, the study recommended increasing the coverage of employees and support for the poorest aged individuals, setting aside public funds for the future, and introducing noncash out options for retirement plan proceeds. The Philippine pension system is at the very bottom of the list in terms of integrity, an area that considered regulation and governance, protection and communication for members, as well as operating cost. In adequacy, an area that considered the benefits provided to the poor, as well as design features that enhance the efficacy of the overall pension system, the Philippines ranked the third lowest. However, the country placed
in the top 15 for the most sustainable in terms of level of funding, length of expected retirement, labor force participation rate of the older population, and the current level of government debt and economic growth. The Netherlands ranked first with an overall index value of 81. This is followed by Denmark with an index value of 80, and Australia with 75. Other countries in the top 10 were Finland, Sweden, Norway, Singapore, New Zealand, Canada, and Chile. “Systems around the world are facing unprecedented life expectancy and rising pressure on public resources to support the health and welfare of older citizens. It’s imperative that policy makers reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of their systems to ensure stronger long-term outcomes for the retirees of the future,” said David Knox, author of the study. n
PH Army bags silver at world’s toughest patrolling test A PHILIPPINE Army team has bagged the silver medal at the recently concluded Exercise Cambrian Patrol in Wales, United Kingdom. An annual event organized by the British Army, the Exercise Cambrian Patrol is touted as the world’s toughest patrol exercise. The international exercise tests the basic soldiering skills, as well as qualities like leadership, teamwork, and physical fitness of the participating military units.
The eight-man Scout Ranger team was able to carry out various military operations despite extreme weather and terrain conditions. “For 51 sleepless hours, the Army’s eight-man team successfully accomplished its mission by performing various military operations along the rugged Cambrian Mountains of MidWales, with loads of logistics and minimal food and water,” said Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala. Around 130 teams from differ-
ent overseas military units joined the exercises for this year. On Monday, October 21, the Scout Ranger team that bagged the award was recognized by Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto in a ceremony at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig. He said their accomplishment only proves the “world-class caliber” of the Philippine Army. “The challenge now is to how to enable many more of our soldiers reach the skills of these awardees,” he said. (Frances Mangosig/Inquire.net)
UN body: PH the country with... PAGE 1 “Fastest growing in terms of growth rate, comparing 2010 and 2018…” said UNAIDS country director Louie Ocampo in a forum on Monday, October 21. According to him, the growth of HIV cases can be attributed to vulnerable populations, such as the youth, which do not have access to contraceptives or do not effectively use them. “But in terms of absolute number, it is still very low and we have not defeated African countries when it comes to the number of cases,” Ocampo noted. The Department of Health in
June released a report that 6,372 new cases had been recorded since the start of the year, accounting for about 10 percent of the total reported cases of 68,401 since 1984. 200,000 HIV cases in PH by 2025 The number of HIV cases in the Philippines is predicted to hit 201,000 by 2025 if the country fails to implement some “drastic moves,” according to UNAIDS. “The Philippines has been projected to have 201,000 HIV cases by 2025, up from 56,000 cases in 2016 and 142,000 cases in 2022,” Ocampo said. To help curb the epidemic, he
stressed that the local governments should have a higher level of commitment to confront the disease like putting in place a functional local AIDS council and creating an investment plan. He added that psychosocial support should be continuously provided to those living with HIV. Ocampo also said that it was important to “destigmatize and mainstream” condom use as well as to provide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) — which is only given by some HIV advocacy groups and not yet part of the national program — to high-risk groups. n
Johnson & Johnson issued the voluntary recall last week, adding it did so “out of an abundance of caution.” Philstar.com photo
The company also stressed that Johnson & Johnson in the U.S. issued the recall “out of an abundance of caution.” Asbestos risks According to the World Health Organization, “all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic to humans.” It adds that “exposure to asbestos, including chrysotile, causes cancer of the lung, larynx, and ovaries, and also mesothelioma (a cancer of the pleural and
peritoneal linings).” “Asbestos exposure is also responsible for other diseases such as asbestosis (fibrosis of the lungs), and plaques, thickening and effusion in the pleura,” WHO also says. Johnson & Johnson is facing lawsuits abroad over claims that its talc products have caused cancer. The company has strongly denied those accusations. (Philstar. com)
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OCTOBER 24-30, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
Stunted, obese
FEATURES
POOR diet is making Filipino children grow up stunted and in poor health. Those in their teens, meanwhile, are suffering from obesity. This assessment is contained in a global report prepared by the United Nations Children’s Fund, which called for interventions to promote a healthy diet among Filipino children. Unicef, in its State of the World’s Children: Children, Food and Nutrition report, warned that in the Philippines, one in three children under five years old is stunted while about seven percent of children are too thin for their height. Among Filipino adolescents, meanwhile, a tenth are overweight, UNICEF reported, making them vulnerable to diseases. UNICEF attributed this not only to inadequate nutrition but also to poor hygiene and unhealthy behavior as well as incomplete immunization, now worsened by a vaccination scare. UNICEF reported that by the age of 2, Filipino children who are undernourished in both quantity and nutrient needs were already irreversibly stunted and may be suffering from anemia. Wrong diet is also blamed for obesity, with children particularly from poor families consuming too much processed foods that are high in sugar, fats and salt but lacking in the nutrients that are essential for healthy growth. Adolescent obesity in the country
has tripled in the past 15 years. Proper nutrition need not be expensive. Many parents, however, need information on what types of food are needed for the healthy growth of their children, particularly in the first two years of life. UNICEF reported that among Filipino children aged 6 to 23 months, around 44 percent are not fed fruits and vegetables, which are readily available particularly in rural areas, while 59 percent are not fed eggs, dairy products, fish or meat. The importance of breastfeeding in healthy child growth also needs greater emphasis. UNICEF reported that only about a third of Filipino babies are breastfed during their first six months of life. To address these problems, the government has launched a program to promote nutritious diet during a child’s first 1,000 days. The program must get sufficient and sustained support, so that healthy eating can become ingrained in national life. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS KABABAYANS who are loyal fans of President Donald J. Trump have been contending that the launching of an impeachment inquiry into him is doing the country a disservice because it takes away valuable time and resources from Congress that should otherwise be spent in writing legislation that will help the life of ordinary hardworking Americans. Some Republicans refuse any inquiry or investigations and just wanted Congress to immediately make Representatives vote on Trump’s impeachment NOW, if they have the evidence that indeed, he committed impeachable offenses that warrant his ouster. There are also many Trump supporters echo the talking points of Republicans that instead of impeaching Trump, the American people should be given the power to vote him out of office. As the country is divided in this issue, we should just go by what the Founding Fathers of America have already stipulated in the Constitution to protect our democracy. The Founding Fathers, fearing the potential for abuse of execu-
Philstar.com photo
Trump’s actions impeach himself with his betrayal of presidential oath and defiance of the Constitution tive power, considered impeachment so important that they made it part of the Constitution even BEFORE they defined the contours of the presidency, according to House records. “Impeachment, as Alexander Hamilton of New York explained in Federalist 65, varies from civil or criminal courts in that it strictly involves the ‘misconduct of public men, or in other words from the abuse or violation of some public trust.’ Individual state constitutions had provided for impeachment for ‘maladministration’ or ‘corruption’ before the U.S. Constitution was written,” the House website reads. To argue against impeachment in favor of elections is a dereliction of duties the Constitution has mandated Congress to perform, and is pure and simple political expediency for both the Democrats and the Republicans. While there may be so many other problems and issues that are important to the lives of the American people, nothing is more important than to hold the nation’s leaders accountable to the people and be required to be worthy of the public trust accorded to their position of power. Otherwise, government would
be remiss in truly serving the interest of ALL Americans just to benefit the people in power and those that are close to them. The Constitution gives the House of Representatives the sole power to impeach an official, and it makes the Senate the sole court for impeachment trials. The power of impeachment is limited to removal from office but also provides for a removed officer to be disqualified from holding future office. Fines and potential jail time for crimes committed while in office are left to civil courts. (House.gov) Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution stipulates: The President, Vice President and all Civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” As the Congressional Research Service explained,“The House impeachment process generally proceeds in three phases: (1) initiation of the impeachment process; (2) Judiciary Committee investigation, hearings, and markup of articles of impeachment; and (3) full House consideration of the articles of impeachment.”
WHERE are we now in the impeachment process? Congress has already started the impeachment investigations and have been issuing subpoenas for witnesses to appear before Congress and/or submit documents required of them. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office just released on Monday, October 21 a “fact sheet” which explains in details the allegations against President Trump amid the House Democrats’ ongoing impeachment inquiry. “President Trump has betrayed his oath of office, betrayed our national security and betrayed the integrity of our elections for his own personal political gain,” the document stated. Through the fact sheet, the Speaker’s office wants the American people to understand what Pelosi’s office calls proof of a “pressure campaign” and “cover up” by Trump related to Ukraine.” As the Hill reported, “The sheet includes quotes from Trump and the anonymous whistleblower who filed a complaint regarding Trump’s July 25 phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in which he pressed for an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden
and Biden’s son, Hunter.” This is is corroborated by, among others, the testimony behind closed doors by top US acting envoy in Ukraine William “Bill” Taylor before the House Intelligence, Oversight and Foreign Affairs committees on Tuesday, October 22. As National Public Radio reported , “President Trump orchestrated a parallel foreign policy for Ukraine that made U.S. aid to the country contingent on investigations to help himself politically.” “In a written statement to three House committees tasked with Democrats’ impeachment inquiry, Taylor said he ‘became increasingly concerned’ as ‘irregular, informal channels’ of policymaking diverged from official U.S. goals — led by Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani.” A copy of this opening statement was obtained and published by the Washington Post, New York Times and CNN. Trump, his cohorts, and many members of the Republican Party have been stonewalling the investigations and ignoring subpoenas — a blatant disregard of the rule of law and an obstruction of justice. For Trump to fight against this
constitutionally-mandated process and vilify Congress for doing its sacred duties to protect our democracy is a grave violation of the Constitution he has swore to uphold and protect. It also gives the message that he is above the law, precisely the cornerstone of the impeachment mandate in the Constitution. The impeachment process has to be made public because the American people has to be part of this civic exercise. Our government is a government of the people, for the people, by the people. Our elected leaders should therefore be made accountable to us, the people. We are a nation of laws and that violating this would have consequences. It also sends the message to all public servants, present and future, that no one is above the law, not even the president of the United States of America. *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.
France, Qatar to Pangasinan and Robredo: Our worst and most useless vice president ever engagements in Asia and the US Commentary PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. WE had a hectic month-long journey to France including Lourdes where we visited once more the shrine of our Blessed Virgin Mary, then to Qatar in the Middle East, and in the last few days back to our home province of Pangasinan. With wife Gina, we spent five days until yesterday with our former constituents, relatives, friends, teachers, farmers, fishermen, and employees in government in Pangasinan’s 4th Congressional District, where we served for twenty years before the advent of Martial Law until 2010, followed by Gina’s two terms in office. We joined our son, now 33year-old Christopher, who is beginning his second congressional term as he visited new projects in Dagupan City and San Fabian, both along the South China Sea. Then we motored to the other municipalities of Mangaldan and San Jacinto enroute to the miracu-
lous Blessed Virgin Mary town of Manaoag, visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims throughout the year every Sunday and even on ordinary days. Christopher’s projects recently launched included irrigation systems, municipal and barangay roads, school buildings, barangay halls, health centers, covered courts, new farm equipments, and computer sets for 44 public schools. In some villages, hedistributed water pumps and medicines, and even had experts conduct a martial arts seminar and self-defense classes for barangay police (tanods). He also launched the 1stDe Venecia Challenger’s Cup, a 13kilometer cross country race traversing the upland barangays of San Fabian town. Christopher held a week-long birthday celebration by inaugurating projects, conducting medical and dental missions, and launching livelihood programs in the 4th District of Pangasinan. We told wife Gina that we believe Christopher is doing better now than in our own first term which was cut short by Marcos’ Martial Law and that he far exceeded our expectations. We were joined during our
Pangasinan visit by the celebrated Pangasinan publisher Roger Oriel from Binalonan, who now owns and publishes the popular Asian Journal newspaper in the U.S.: twice a week in Los Angeles, California, weekly in San Francisco and Las Vegas, and also once a week in New York City and New Jersey in the East Coast. Wife Corazon teams up with Roger in running their modest network and the editor-in-chief in L.A. is 26-year-old daughter Christina, a graduate of George Washington University, assisted by another daughter Carina, who will soon graduate in Fordham University. The Oriels of Binalonan, Pangasinan used to own the Oriel Vocational School in Binalonan for 50 years. Roger began as a junior accountant of Sycip, Gorres & Velayo founded by the legendary Washington Sycip, then became a small publisher in 1982, to lead the first Filipino Yellow Pages directory until 1990 with 600 pages in California. In the Philippines, the Yellow Pages directory was introduced in 1958 by the American-based firm, GTE Directories Corporation. We are encouraging the 64PAGE A7
RIGOBERTO TIGLAO TO very clearly see why Leonor Robredo — the Yellow Cult’s last pathetic attempt to create a false idol — has been the Republic’s worst vice president, one just has to remember our past vice presidents. In comparison to these, she is an intellectual and political pygmy. Let’s start with the most recent one. Jejomar Binay had been Makati mayor for six terms, and despite the Yellows’ intense campaign to paint him as corrupt in the past elections, his role in Makati’s growth as the country’s premier financial district is incontestable. Even as he won the vice presidential post in 2010 against the Yellows, he helped President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as chairman of the Housing Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). He was also presidential adviser for OFW concerns and head of the Task Force OFW, which assisted OFWs who were maltreated by their employers to return to the Philippines with the
assistance of the government. Did he spend his time criticizing his president, to the extent of sending messages to the United Nations and other bodies abroad full of lies about the current administration? No. His predecessor was Noli de Castro, one of the country’s most successful broadcast journalists who helped President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s often beleaguered administration survive the intense Yellow propaganda against her. For six years, he ably managed the country’s housing program as HUDCC chairman. Opposition Teofisto Guingona had been a veteran senator for 12 years, an executive secretary and justice secretary. In the first year of the Arroyo administration, he had been a voice of wisdom in the Cabinet, and was its foreign secretary. He resigned in 2002, as he was often at odds with Arroyo’s foreign affairs policy. He did support the Yellow opposition, especially after the so-called “Hello Garci” scandal broke out. But did he go around the country and the world spreading lies about the President then, as Robredo has been doing? No. A university economics professor and trade industry assistant secretary, President Joseph Estrada’s vice president, Arroyo, was a three-term representative
of Congress, and took on the job as Social Welfare and Development secretary, giving that department a boost in prestige and influence. She did go against her president, when she resigned her post, in October 2000, since Estrada’s clinging to the presidency had become untenable and damaging to the country’s stability. Even as she let the wheels of justice run to prosecute Estrada, did she ever go around the country and the world spreading lies to paint her former president evil? No. Even as he ran against Fidel Ramos’ party, Estrada, mayor of San Juan for 17 years and a senator, was extremely cooperative with his president, and took on the job as head of the Presidential AntiCrime Commission, which effectively terminated — figuratively or not — the kidnapping gangs that had plagued the country during that time. Even as Ramos’ propaganda machine started to do him in in 1997, as he was emerging as the strongest candidate for the 1998 elections, did he ever badmouth his president, even as that administration’s alleged corruption had started to smell? No. Pre-martial law We can go to vice presidents in the pre-martial law era and what stands out is the fact that all of PAGE A8
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D ateline PhiliPPines Lagman files bill seeking to repeal
‘archaic’ crime of blasphemy by AJPress A bill that seeks to repeal the crime of offending religious feelings, of which the late artist and activist Carlos Celdran was found guilty of, has been filed by Albay 1st District Representative Edcel lagman. if passed into law, House bill (Hb) No. 5170 — which would repeal Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code on offending religious feelings — would have a retroactive effect, meaning all pending criminal cases and related civil cases for violation of Article 133 would be dismissed. Celdran, championed for the passage of the Reproductive Health (RH), was found guilty after staging an impromptu protest in September 2010 at the Manila Cathedral as an act of protest against the Church’s interference in the efforts to pass the RH bill at the time.
in August 2018, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld the Court of Appeals’ guilty verdict on Celdran, ordering him to go to jail. Celdran, in turn, left the country and moved in self-exile to Madrid, Spain. Celdran died of natural causes on October 8, 2019. He was 46 years old. According to lagman, Celdran “died as a freeman” because of SC’s failure to resolve with finality the late activist’s motion for reconsideration that sought the reversal of the High Court’s ruling. “it is now for the Congress of the Philippines to render justice and redress to Celdran by repealAlbay 1st District Representative Edcel ing the aforequoted archaic proviLagman Inquirer.net sion, which is an odious remnant The late activist dressed up of the Dark Ages,” he said “Article 133 is anathema to as national hero Jose Rizal and raised a sign containing the word freedom of speech and expres“Damaso” inside the cathedral, sion, which is guaranteed under a reference to Padre Damaso, the bill of Rights in the 1935, a notorious villain Rizal’s novel 1972, and the present 1987 Constitution,” he added. n “Noli Me Tángere.”
Sotto nixes proposal to extend work probationary period to 2 years by Christia
Marie Inquirer.net
raMos
MANilA — Senate President Vicente Sotto iii on Wednesday, October 23, opposed a proposal seeking to extend the probationary period of new employees to two years. “Dead on the way,” Sotto told reporters at the Senate, referring to a House bill that seeks to extend probationary employment from six months to two years. He said the Senate would probably not act on the said proposal. “With due respect to those who are proposing it, ako’y, hindi ako palo dun sapagkat ang pinaguusapan nga natin alisin natin yung contractualization eh. ito parang pinapalapad mo yung contractualization, pinahahaba mo lalo (With due respect to those who are proposing it. For me, I don’t agree with it because we are trying to end contractualization. With that proposal, you are expanding the period of contractualization, you are lengthening it),” the Senate leader said. Sotto issued the statement after Senate Minority leader Franklin Drilon said the bill would not
Senate President Vicente Sotto III
stand a chance in the Senate, noting it will be “dead on arrival.” For Sotto, he said one or two months are already enough time for him to assess whether his employees are qualified for the job or not. “Ang assessment na tingin ko sa aking mga empleyado, isa, dalawang buwan lang na pagtatrabaho nung empleyado…alam mo na. Alam mo na kung dapat manatili pa siya, kung pwede mong i-regular o hindi. That’s good enough time (My assessment to my employees, one or two months of working…you would already know. You would
Inquirer.net photo
know whether they should stay. If they should be regularized or not),” he said. Earlier, Senator leila de lima criticized the proposal tagging it as “mindless” and “heartless.” “This is a mindless and heartless proposal, and at the core, anti-workers. Worse, it is antithetical to the long-overdue anti-ENDO [end of contract] or security of tenure bill…it is a fog in which to hide the real issue,” she said in a statement. both Malacañang and the labor department also rejected this proposal. n
Two years since historic legal challenge, petitioners urge SC anew to issue protection writ vs drug war killings by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Patag
MANilA — Petitioners in the historic challenge to President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war urged the Supreme Court to issue a writ of protection against government agents implementing “Oplan Tokhang.” More than two years since the plea was filed, kin of drug war victims filed a Supplemental Memorandum urging the SC to issue writ of amparo and prohibition. The petitioners, assisted by the Free legal Assistance Group, stressed that drug war documents submitted by the police bolster their argument that the circular memorandum for Project Double barrel “commands the police not only to apprehend but to neutralize (as in kill) suspected drug personalities.” “The circulars operationalizing
the War on Drugs have removed due process and judicial warrants from the equation of law enforcement and replaced them with the indiscriminate and arbitrary compilation of names,” the pleading read. They also pointed out that police data did not indicate that cases have been filed against its operatives who admitted to killing suspects. “This bolsters petitioners’ argument that the War on Drugs has spawned police impunity and done away with accountability,” they said. The drug war petition in 2017, two groups of petitioners asked the SC to halt the implementation of Duterte’s war on drugs. Their pleas are centered on killings in the San Andres bukid district of Manila and in baguio. last April, the SC ordered the Office of the Solicitor General to
release the voluminous records on the government’s anti-narcotics operations, as the tribunal stressed that the documents “involve public concern and interest.” The records will be among the bases of the court’s pending ruling on the petition that challenges the constitutionality of Duterte’s drug war that claimed thousands of Filipino lives. The government complied with the SC order, but the second group of petitioners, represented by the Center for international law, said that most of the cases included in the released records were not drug-related. The international Criminal Court is also looking into several communications alleging crimes against humanity committed by the Duterte administration over the thousands of deaths under its brutal crackdown on drugs. n
France, Qatar to Pangasinan and...
PAGE 6 year-old Roger to put up a Filipino-led newspaper in the Arab world, based in Dubai or Jeddah, followed eventually by a broadsheet in iran’s capital Tehran to cover both the Shiite and Sunni cities of islam, where this columnist pioneered for the Philippines as a businessman on both sides of the Persian Gulf (Arab Gulf to the Arabs) from the 1970’s until the early 1980’s, following our earlier stint in government as MinisterEconomic Counselor in Saigon in the old indo-China in the late 1960’s and then as congressman before Martial law. *** in a few weeks, from November 18-21, we will travel to Phnom Penh to address the Asia Pacific Summit co-hosted by the Seouland New York-based Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and the Government of Cambodia underPrime Minister Hun Sen. incumbent and former presidents and prime ministers, parliamentarians, and civil society and religious leaders from the
Asia Pacific region will discuss issues besetting the Asian region and the international community, such as peace and security, poverty, climate change, and terrorism and extremism. UPF will hold a World Summit in Seoul in February next year. Prior to the Phnom Penh conference, we hope to fly to Washington D.C. with Senator MushahidHussain Sayed of Pakistan and former South Korean Ambassador to Russia and Armenia Park Ro-byug, Vice ChairmanSpecial Rapporteur and Secretary General, respectively, of our international Conference of Asian Political Parties (iCAPP), for consultative meetings with incumbent and former members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate about a possible working cooperation between iCAPP and members of the U.S. Congress and the Republican and Democratic parties. As we mentioned in this column much earlier, iCAPP has working partnerships with the latin American political parties
under the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of latin America and the Caribbean (COPPPAl), the Council of African Political Parties (CAPP), and the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe (ACRE) and European lawmakers. in December, we will travel to Terengganu, Malaysia to preside at the 33rd Meeting of the iCAPP Standing Committee and address the inaugural meeting of the newly-created subsidiary group under iCAPP, the Tourism Promotion and inter-City Cooperation (TOPiC) Council, headed by our good friend Dato Seri ShahidanKassim, former Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, now led by the legendary and still capable Prime Minister MahathirMohamad, pride of the Malays in Southeast Asia. We will be accompanied in these trips by our long-time Assistant, AldwinRequejo, who previously worked as junior executive in the Secretariat of the House of Representatives for 17 years. n
48TH GAWAD SAKA AWARDEE. PCOO Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin M. Andanar (5th from right), Agriculture Secretary William Dar (4th from left), and DA Undersecretary Ariel T. Cayanan (2nd from left), pose with Mr. Vicente Lugaygay (front), the Outstanding Fisherfolk-Aquaculture Fisheries awardee during the 48th Gawad Saka awarding ceremonies held at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Tuesday, October 22. Lugaygay, of Barangay Rizal, Santiago City in Isabela, received a trophy and P250,000 check. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Duterte names Peralta as new chief justice by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Patag
MANilA — President Rodrigo Duterte has named Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta as the new chief justice. Supreme Court spokesperson brian Hosaka confirmed this in a press conference on Wednesday, October 23. Peralta takes over the seat vacated by former Chief Justice lucas bersamin, who retired from the tribunal last week. Most senior in terms of experience Peralta is the most senior in terms of SC experience among the four aspirants. He has been serving the SC for more than a decade. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed him to the high court on January 13, 2009. Peralta, who hails from ilocos Norte, started his career in government as an assistant city fiscal in laoag City in 1987. in 1994, Peralta was appointed as a criminal court judge in Quezon City. Among the cases he handled were heinous crimes and drug-related cases. During his stint as a judge, he received several commendations. Peralta has served as professor and bar reviewer on Criminal law.
He also sat as chairperson of the 2014 bar Examinations and the Special Shari’ah bar Examinations. Marcos burial decision bersamin told members of the media on September 4 that Peralta was of significant help in leading the committee on revision of Rules of Court. Peralta also led the adoption of the 2019 Guidelines on the Use of Videoconferencing Technology for Remote Court Appearance or Testimony of Persons Deprived of liberty in Jails and National Penitentiaries which was pilot tested in Davao City. Peralta penned the SC ruling that allowed the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ remains at the libingan ng mga bayani. Facing the JbC panel in 2018, Peralta stood by his ruling and said: “if we do not bury that issue, then we cannot move on and i still believe that whatever is the past, we have to move on. We will not improve as a nation if we do that.” ‘I deserve to be chief justice’ Facing the JbC panel on October 2, Peralta shared that he has been receiving criticism for not being a bar topnotcher or an honor student. “if i remember what i have
Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta ManilaTimes.net photo
experienced since i started working, it’s hard. i think i deserve to be chief justice because i worked hard,” he said, his voice breaking. A teary Peralta said his work experiences “are more than enough to compensate with what they say that i do not deserve because i’m not a topnotcher or i’m not an honor student.” “i hope you have to take those into consideration that there is hope for an individual like me,” Peralta added. Peralta will remain as the head of the Judiciary until March 27, 2022, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70. n
october 24-30, 2019 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL
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New PCG chief welcomes joint exploration with China Hontiveros blasts hospital group’s threat to cut ties with Philhealth over unpaid claim by christina
MenDez, ralPh eDwin VillanueVa Philstar.com
MANILA — President Duterte has chosen Vice Admiral Joel Garcia as the new Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant to replace Admiral Elson Hermogino who retired on Tuesday, October 22. Garcia expressed support for the joint exploration of Philippine waters with China and vowing strict monitoring of narcotics. Malacañang and the PCG said Duterte chose Garcia, the agency’s deputy commandant for administration, over four others in the shortlist. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte signed the incoming commandant’s appointment paper before he left for Tokyo on Monday, October
New Coast Guard Chief: Vice Admiral Joel Garcia Philstar.com photo
21, to attend the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo. Garcia will officially assumed the position on Thursday, October 24, making him the 28th commandant of the PCG. The president has also expressed his confidence in Garcia’s capability to lead the PCG, a responsibility he will take amid the administration’s plans to undergo joint exploration of resources in Philippine waters with Beijing. “We are confident that the incoming commandant, a man of vast knowledge, competence and integrity, would continue to lead and advance the PCG to greater heights,” Panelo said in a statement from Japan. In an ambush interview after the change of command ceremony at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig City, Garcia claimed that the conditions on the joint exploration laid down by the Chinese would “definitely” benefit the Filipino people. “Almost all legal pundits will agree that the terms and conditions proposed by China are still within the bounds of our Constitution. And I would say that the Philippines would be better off to have that cooperation,” Garcia said. “How are we going to explore the vast resources we (own) with respect to the law of the sea (if there is no exploration?)” Garcia added. The new commandant, however, said it would still be up to commander-in-chief Duterte. “We have to follow the direction of our president because he is the chief architect of our foreign relational policy. We have to submit ourselves to the wisdom of the president,” he said.
Garcia is a graduate of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy and a licensed master mariner. He also served as chairman of the committee on Islamic religious studies and was a member of the technical panels in humanities and maritime education of the Commission on Higher Education from 2003 to 2010. “The command is very thankful to the president for choosing a visionary leader who cares for the welfare of his subordinates and is passionate in accomplishing the PCG’s mandate,” PCG spokesman Capt. Armand Balilo said. Focus on narcotics, maritime terrorism Garcia said he would prioritize countering the entry of narcotics, which Duterte earlier said is hampering his war on drugs. The PCG has seized millions of pesos worth of cocaine bricks that have washed ashore in coastal villages in the past years. Aside from this, Garcia said he would work hard to curb maritime terrorism in the Southern Philippines and to protect the sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and other areas inside the country’s exclusive economic zone. Garcia is also chief of the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC), where surveillance data for the country’s maritime law enforcement operations are gathered. He also heads the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia. He said the Philippines should “have due regard to the sovereign rights of other countries who indeed have the same privileges.” n
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday, October 23, chided the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPi) after the group threatened not to renew its members’ PhilHealth accreditation over unpaid claims, saying the move is an “attack on the people’s right to universal health care.” “Amid epidemics left and right, the threat by several private hospitals not to renew their PhilHealth accreditation and deny service to (PhilHealth) members is not only shocking and callous, but it also borders on the
criminal,” Hontiveros said in a statement. “Ang mga hospital ay dapat nanggagamot, hindi nananakot at nagdadamot (Hospitals should be treating people, not threatening and denying treatment),” she added The senator said she hopes that PHAPI will reconsider its plan, as millions of PhilHealth members would be deprived of access to adequate hospital care and treatment. However, Hontiveros warned that if the association makes good its threat, the government might
as well revoke the PHAPi members’ license to operate. “I hear the concern of some private hospitals. I understand the need to balance the right to do business and provide health care services. But threatening the public with health care denial is wrong and again, cannot be tolerated,” she said. “I know that the majority of private hospitals don’t think this way. But to those who think they can take hostage the people’s right to universal health care, you are in the wrong business,” Hontiveros said. (Jose Cielito Reganit/PNA)
PNP eyes ‘superbody’ vs drugs by Darwin
Pesco ManilaTimes.net
TO unify its fight against illegal drugs, Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief, on Tuesday, October 22, floated the idea of creating a “superbody” for its operations. “Pinag-aaralan din namin ‘yun (We are studying it),” Gamboa said in a radio interview. The superbody, according to Gamboa, could help unify the PNP’s functions in its anti-drug operations. It could be tapped to review cases and rehabilitate drug suspects, among others. “All these things, kung may isang body [that] will oversee everything, then ang direction ng campaign against illegal drugs in all sectors
Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa
na pwede natin gamitin, [gamitin natin] (All of these things, if there is one body that will oversee everything, then the campaign against illegal drugs in all sectors could be guided by this superbody),” Gamboa explained. The proposal could be discussed in the PNP’s next command conference in November, he said. On Monday, October 21, Gamboa bared that a total of 454 PNP personnel were dismissed from the service for being involved in drugrelated cases that were recorded from July 2016 to September 20, 2019. Of the 454 cases, 352 were positive for illegal drug use and 102 were involved in other illegal drug-related cases. Of the 352 personnel positive for drug use, 336 police non-commissioned officers (PNCOs), 10 were non-uniformed personnel and six were police commissioned officers (PCOs).
Of the 102 involved in other drug cases, 98 were PNCOs and four were PCOs. Another proposal that Gamboa sees as worth considering is setting retirement age from 56 to 60. He, however, said he was not rushing it because the proposal could be implemented for the “next generation.” “Aaminin ko, old na ako kasi in one year magre-retire na ako. We have more wisdom probably because of experience. So, dapat balansihin natin ito (I admit I am old because in one year I will retire. We have more wisdom probably because of experience. So, we have to balance it),” Gamboa explained. When then-PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde resigned on October 14, Gamboa was designated to head the organization in an acting capacity. He is said to be among the contenders for the country’s top police post. n
Filipinos opt to remain in HK despite protests MANILA — Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong have not asked to return home despite the monthslong mass protests that have turned violent. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III pointed this out as he denied false news in social media that the government has supposedly banned the deployment of workers and ordered a mandatory repatriation from China’s special
administrative region. “There is yet no order for mandatory repatriation or deployment ban for Filipino workers in Hong Kong. I urge the public to ignore this fake news on the internet,” Bello stressed. Despite the escalating protests, no overseas Filipino worker in Hong Kong has asked to be repatriated, according to Bello. (Dona Z. Pazzibugan/Inquirer.net)
Robredo: Our worst and most...
PAGE 6
them were both men of stature in the political firmament and supportive of their presidents, even if one, Diosdado Macapagal, would later run against his president and another, Fernando Lopez would throw the full weight of his clan’s media empire against his president, Ferdinand Marcos. Given such veritable political, intellectual or economic titans as our past vice presidents, it is indeed astonishing that such a lightweight as Robredo became vice president. It is explicable only if the allegations of massive cheating — such as cases of zero votes in Moro towns or districts where the Iglesia ni Cristo has proven in many elections to have solid command in elections — are true. Robredo was the Yellows’ pathetic attempt at repeating history — which therefore as the aphorism says it would result in — is a farce. She couldn’t have won election as barangay chairman if her husband Jesse had not died in an accident for the Yellow to use their old “necro-politics” playbook, and if the Yellows did not have such a formidable electoral cheating machine in the last elections. A more thinking vice president would do what Binay or Arroyo did, which was to fully support the incumbent president, to prove she could be a leader of the nation. But what has she done in the past three or so years? Demonize her president, not only to the country, but to the world. Treason This verged on treason in 2017 when she sent a video message to the 60th meeting of the UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs, which was full of lies, among them that under the Duterte government “more than 7,000 people have been killed in summary executions.” Every chance she gets, she puts out some inane statement that criticizes the President for every policy, every move he makes.
Assume that there were indeed extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during Duterte’s watch — and I myself believe there have been given that there are undeniably psychopaths in the police, in any police force anywhere in the world — what should a responsible vice president have done? She should have organized a task force of researchers, paralegals and lawyers to investigate each instance of alleged EJK, and with the prestige of her office, prosecuted these police criminals. Has she done this in even one case? No. Do you know who represented the parents of the 17-year-old Kian Loyd de los Santos, whose murder by Caloocan police became the poster for the Yellows’ claims of EJKs under Duterte’s watch? Lawyers of the Public Attorney’s Office, an overworked, understaffed government office. She doesn’t even consult with the more mature and veteran Liberal Party stalwarts like Senators Franklin Drilon and Manuel “Mar” Roxas. The only two people she is said to listen to are her spokesman Ibarra Gutierrez of the pinko party Akbayan and the Quezon City congressman Jorge Banal, who seems to be always by her side, but whom she has said in a Facebook post as merely her “political close-in.” We taxpayers gave Robredo’s office P1.7 billion since July 2016 — and P700 million for next year — for her to spread lies around the world? Robredo is Exhibit A of the damage to our political system inflicted by the Yellows’ in their 18-year-old rule under Corazon Aquino, Ramos and Noynoy, so bad that it produced the worst vice president in our history, who probably even prays she can be president. And I always thought we were evolving toward a better kind of politics. Never again, I hope. (ManilaTimes.net)
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 24-30, 2019
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OCTOBER 24-30, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
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VEGAS&STYLE
Journal ‘Possessed, paranoid’: Gretchen Jessy’s newfound outlook in life reacts to Marjorie’s tell-all by MJ
Marfori ManilaTimes.net
by Deni
roSe BernarDo Philstar.com
ACTRESS Gretchen Barretto has addressed issues raised by her sister Marjorie during the latter’s tell-all interview with ABS-CBN News’ Karen Davila on Tuesday, October 22. First, Gretchen explained why she did not visit their father in the hospital. “I was not allowed to go to the hospital because of your outbursts & because there will be more tension for me to see EX MAYOR ECHIVERRI (who claudine will file a molestation case against right after the 40th day),” Gretchen said. In the interview with Davila, Marjorie admitted that Echiverri is the father of her youngest daughter. Gretchen and sister Claudine claim that the former Caloocan mayor molested Claudine. Gretchen said that since their
Claudine and Gretchen Barretto
mom sided with Claudine on the alleged harassment issue, Marjorie did not invite their mother to their father’s birthday party at her house, which triggered their dad to fall ill. “The attack of your father, as you say happened (as told to me by our mother is because you ARRANGED a lunch party for dad to spite mom for being on claudine side (you did not invite mom & that caused a huge dispute between our parents & the rest is history.” Gretchen advised her sister to stop being angry and “paranoid.” “Lets stick to each point so people will better understand THE TRUTH) fyi/ RELAX YOU ARE RADIATING WITH SO MUCH ANGER & ENVY & HIGHLY PARANOID. ( I DO NOT HAVE THE POWER TO ORCHESTRATE A GRAND ENTRANCE WITH THE
Photo from Instagram/@claubarretto
YES, she has always been a target of bashers and “negatrons” for more than three years now but as she ages, she has matured emotionally as well. In The Know sat down with Jessy Mendiola at an intimate get-together organized by SkinCell Advanced Aesthetics Clinics, whose dermatologists now maintain her beautiful skin and body. Just like her physical attributes, Jessy’s aura radiates with positivity these days. She is definitely more confident than before and quotes the clinic’s slogan to say she’s a “Beauty In Progress.” “I’m just happier now. I’m in a better position. Mas masaya if deadma lang [to negativity]. Ang bashers kasi nandiyan at nadiyan lang yan. Hindi yan mawawala.” Jessy gratefully says that she’s successfully turned the tables so that what once hurt her doesn’t have the same effect anymore. In fact, the 27-year-old actress has truly risen above her trolls, instead finding herself stopping boyfriend Luis Manzano and her mother from replying to her detractors. “Sila na nga ngayon ang mas affected. Sinasabi ko hayaan mo lang sila,” the pretty and headstrong lady giggled. Jessy also expressed her gratitude toward boyfriend Luis who has been a positive influence even in her career. “Ano siya, he’s very supportive. Siya yung maliit na boses sa likod ko na kapag pakiramdam niya na hindi okay sa akin, sasabihin talaga niya.” She clarified nonetheless that Marjorie Barretto Photo from Instagram/@marjbarretto Luis will never insist on anything she doesn’t agree with. “He’s more of like, ‘Are you sure, you want to do this? Are you sure you’re going to be happy doing this?’ ganun siya. ‘If it’s not making you happy, then don’t do it.’ “Si Luis meron siyang tulong and but at the same time, he gives you the liberty to decide on your own. Hindi siya yung, ‘Ako ang magde-decide or whatever.’ Support lang. And if he feels that it’s hurting you, and if he feels na it’s not good for you, sasabihin niya.” Besides Luis, Jessy is fortunate that even her possible future M-IL (Mother-In-Law) Lipa City Representative Vilma Santos-Recto, PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES ???????? PRRD WAS KIND ENOUGH TO OFFER TO SEE ME AT THE WAKE & Only then , i was hoping you COULD CONTROL YOUR ANGER & overwhelming FEAR OF THE TRUTH.” In the next posts, Gretchen made fun of Marjorie’s screenshots from the interview with Karen. Gretchen captioned one photo as “POSSESSED,” and with an inline text on the photo that read, “Hindi ka ba napapagod Marjorie hahaha.” The other photo showed a very angry Marjorie with an inline text that said, “Si Gretchen ang nag nervous breakdown.” “Oo ate , oo ate , ikaw na ang kalmado. Ikaw na ang mabuting anak . Ikaw na nga lahat im longing for the peace you radiate, ate marjorie baldivia itchy -very goooood,” Gretchen said as caption.
Aga’s passion is acting, but family is now his priority by aLLan
PoLicarPio Inquirer.net
WITH his twins turning 18 next month and gearing up to attend college abroad next year, Aga Muhlach couldn’t help but wax sentimental about the family he has been “blessed with.” “My daughter, Atasha, will study in London; my son, Andres, in the States,” he told the Inquirer at a recent press conference for his upcoming movie, the psychological thriller “Nuuk.” “It has been a fun household for us. We have had a nice and amazing journey. There’s nothing more I can ask for.” Aga, who has been married to Charlene Gonzales, also for 18 years, said it was a “conscious effort” to have their children enroll in different schools. “That’s our choice, so that they can have different worlds,” related the 50-year-old actor. While his children have appeared in commercials in the past, the possibility of them entering show biz seems unlikely at the moment, Aga said, because the two will be focusing on their studies. “When they finish college, it’s up to them. When they’re in their 20s, they decide if they want it or not,” Aga said. While acting will always be his passion, family has been at the top of Aga’s priority since tying the knot with Charlene in 2001. And with Atasha and Andres leaving soon, Aga feels the need to spend even more time at home. “Right now, I’m working on
another movie, ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7.’ But once we finish that, I’m free again. I will be with my family for Christmas and New Year. I just want to spend more time with my family. That has been my mindset ever since,” pointed out Aga, who stopped doing television for that very reason. The matinee idol was last seen on the small screen as a judge in the 2016 talent search “Pinoy Boyband Superstar” on ABS-CBN. He’s not active on social media, either. “I have my personal accounts just for the sake of it. I just use them to watch videos and stuff [like] news. I’m not a social media person. I don’t vlog about my life. You could say I’m old-school in that regard. I want my private life private,” he stressed. Not that he needs the regular exposure to keep his name afloat in the industry. Aga, after all, is already of a certain stature that affords him to be selective of projects and that allows him to work at his own pace. After 2001, Aga did at least one film every year or two. He then stopped in 2012, before making a comeback in 2017 with “Seven Sundays.” “I see these projects as God’s gift. I don’t react, I don’t complain. I just let it be, let things unfold. Whatever comes my way,” he said. The same goes, he said, with “Nuuk”—his reunion movie with Alice Dixson—which will open in cinemas on Nov. 6. Produced by Viva Films in cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark, “Nuuk”
by Lhar Aga Muhlach
ABS-CBN photo
is the first Filipino movie shot in Greenland. Set in the island’s Arctic landscapes, the story follows Elaisa (Alice), a Filipina living in Greenland who’s left reeling after her husband’s death. She crosses paths with Mark (Aga), a fellow Filipino, whom she falls for. Things take a strange turn, however, when she realizes that no one recognizes Mark but her. “Alice and I didn’t expect that, at this point in our lives, we will be able to work again together in a movie,” he said of the actress, whom he worked with in such films as “Hot Summer” in 1989 and “Sinungaling Mong Puso” in 1992. “She still looks amazing. I was just so excited. And on the set, we just gave it our best.”
by Jan
MiLo Severo Philstar.com
Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil impersonating the infamous “White Chicks” characters at the recent 2019 Black Magic party. ABS-CBN photo
the project. A sequel was confirmed to be in the works in March 2018. Last June 30, Terry Crews confirmed a sequel on the program “Watch What Happens Live.” The deal,
mom of the TV host-actor, guides her in her career. “And in fairness din naman talaga, sabi n’yo nga, galing siya sa entertainment family, sina Tita Vi, nagsasabi din sa akin na, ‘Sure ka ba?’” A few months back, Jessy left her mother network’s talent management arm Star Magic to join seasoned veteran June Rufino’s talent pool, who also manages Luis’ career. Her new circumstance has made Jessy more independent and closer to her public and clients without having to move around with a road manager. “Wala akong bad blood sa Star Magic. Nagpaalam ako nang maayos. And sila Mr. M (Johnny Manahan), Tita Mariole (Alberto), they were very understanding. Sabi nila sa akin, ‘Dadating talaga sa point na ganyan, eh.’ Kasi, marami din naman talagang artista na nagta-try na mag-explore sa ibang bagay. So, pinayagan nila ako. Walang struggle or whatever.” Going back to Jessy and Luis, amid the constant questions that hound their relationship, the actress says what matters more for them is the truth — and that is to settle down in the future.
Photo from Instagram/@senyorita _jessy
“Oo, napag-uusapan na namin. Kahit nga yung kulay (motif) napag-uusapan na namin. Pero siyempre, di ko muna sasabihin. Secret muna.” Despite their colorful past relationship stories, Jessy says Luis is now the marrying type and that their 12-year age gap is just perfect. “Hinintay niya lang din talaga ako… Pero ganun talaga. Pero, di ba, ganun talaga ang life? Kaya din tumatagal ang isang relasyon because you are meant to be with each other. Yun nga ang nangyari sa amin. Siguro, meant to be na nagkakasundo kaming dalawa kaya tumagal kami nang ganito. Kahit nga kami, nagugulat nga din kami, ‘Aba, three years na tayo!’” Jessy says that she barely fights with Luis and she gets along with him so well, she doesn’t mind being asked about settling down with him because she knows that is where their relationship is headed. “Ano lang, dati mas nape-pressure pa ako. Pero ngayon, kasi nga, sabi ko nga kay Luis, ‘Siguro ganun na yung vibe natin, ‘no? Pakasal na yung next step natin. Kasi ganun na yung napapakita natin sa mga tao.’”
Joaquin: The son also rises
Liza, Enrique got Hollywood actor’s nod for ‘White Chicks’ costume at Black Magic party HOLLYWOOD actor Marlon Wayans has given his approval to Kapamilya love team Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano who wore a “White Chicks”-inspired costume at the recent Star Magic Halloween party called Black Magic. In his Twitter account, Marlon, who plays the lead in the 2004 American film, retweeted ABSCBN News’ photos of Liza and Enrique. In the movie, Marlon and Shawn Wayans played a pair of FBI agents donning white face to go undercover as white women in order to solve a kidnapping plot. The movie grossed $113 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing movie of that year. The public is clamoring for the sequel of the film. In August 2009, a sequel was announced by Sony, though they later cancelled
Jessy Mendiola
however, has not yet been confirmed, said Marlon. For their impersonation, Liza and Enrique won as Best Couple Costume at the Black Magic party.
Santiago ManilaTimes.net
WHILE Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso is getting very good feedback for his diligent work as chief executive of the Philippines’ premier city, his son Joaquin Domagoso is also working hard to make a name for himself in showbusiness. Both celebrating their birthdays on October 24, Joaquin is turning 18 and is eager as ever to follow in his father’s footsteps and start young on television. Far from proud, Joaquin readily acknowledges that having “Yorme” as his dad is a huge help in getting into the industry and being familiar to the public. “I am thankful and proud of my name, the name that my dad established. This is the reason why I’m here and the reason why I am getting a lot of breaks in showbiz,” Joaquin told The Times. The hard life and the struggles that his dad went through is known to Joaquin. He can remember that from childhood, he and his siblings always heard from Isko how he had to find odd jobs to help put food on the table. “I know that we’re so fortunate to have a life where we never had to work on a mountain of trash where my dad did, looking for something that can be sold because that’s where we’d get our food. I didn’t experience na pumasada ng pedicab to earn my baon for school. Sobrang familiar ako sa story ni Papa and I’m not ashamed that he went through all those experiences. The hard work he put in to have a better life is something that is really praiseworthy,” said Joaquin. What is also praiseworthy is that even if Joaquin and his siblings grew up in a fairly comfortable life, they were never spoiled by their parents. “We grew up given an allowance that’s just right for our needs, like for food we’d buy in school. If we need more for school projects, we have to ask Papa or Mama and again they’d just give us the exact amount we need. I can say that our
parents have instilled discipline among us, their children. Pinalaki kami na marunong sumunod sa kanila.” Asked how he feels about his dad’s rockstar popularity as mayor, not just in Manila but all over the country, the proud son replied. “I know that a lot of people say that Papa inspires just as he inspires me. That’s the reason why I’ve also involved myself in a number of advocacies especially the ones that will help the poor. I get so affected by Papa’s stories about his past and his work today that I really want to help in my own way as well.” One of the projects that Joaquin has taken on is a feeding program for poor kids. He is now in partnership with the Mrs. Universe Philippines Foundation have already scheduled feeding programs and medical missions for around the city of Manila. What makes Joaquin’s partnership with Mrs. Universe Foundation special is that the reigning Mrs. Universe Philippines is Charo Laude, a former colleague of Joaquin’s dad in the Monday group of “That’s Entertainment.” “I feel good doing projects for the poor. It’s a way for me to acknowledge my father’s roots. My dad was one of them and I feel that it’s also our duty to help. From childhood I’ve seen my dad helping people, going to different places to do whatever he can. For me, this is paying it forward. Saka it’s a different feeling whenever I can extend help. I feel this joy inside me. That’s why I’m so thankful to the Mrs. Universe Foundation for making me a partner in their many charity works.” Unknown to Joaquin, it’s the foundation that’s even more grateful to have him as their partner. “We’ve already set our charity day this month and we’re so happy, Joaquin has agreed to be with us,” shared Charo. “When we approached him, he immediately said yes and we’re just so fortunate we found a partner who has that burning desire to lend a hand to the less fortunate.”
Joaquin Domagoso with his father Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Photo from Instagram/@jdomagoso
When it comes to his showbiz career, Joaquin also couldn’t be happier. He’s very busy with a lot of projects and just finished the horror-comedy movie, “Jolly Spirit Squad.” He’s already got another film lined up with bigger stars but whose details are still under wraps On television, he can only do GMA’s “Studio 7” right now because it’s the only schedule that he work around his studies. “I have an agreement with my dad that he’s only allowing me to be in showbiz as long as my studies will not be affected. I would really love to act on TV but the taping hours will run in conflict with my schedule in school. I know that time will come when I can do acting for TV. We just have to wait. But at the moment, I super enjoy doing ‘Studio 7.’ I’ve made friends with a lot of people in the show like Mavi and Cassy [Legaspi] and the other stars. Sobrang friends ko sila,” enthused Joaquin. Asked what he has planned for his birthday next week, he replied, “Hindi po talaga ko ma-party na tao,” he admitted. “Siguro we’ll just have a family dinner since it’s also Papa’s birthday. I also don’t have a gift I’d like to receive in mind but I already have a gift prepared for my dad. I’m really like that, mas gusto ko ako ang nagbibigay,” Joaquin smiled.
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
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Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS WHAT are slimming teas? Slimming teas was a term designed by unscrupulous manufacturers who claim that drinking them would lead to loss of weight. These teas are marketed as a diet aid for weight control and some even vendors even say they are good for the skin. How did this all start? These same unsupported claims have been around for centuries, where herbal teas were described to have properties that cause loss of weight thru their effect on the metabolism, appetite, and by directly dissolving fats. Chinese, Mongolian and Italians have long believed herbal teas were effective for weight control. African herbal teas are advertised similarly, with the added claim that they reduce water retention and “cleanse the system of toxins.” Like some Chinese teas, these African teas have senna leaves in them, which have some purging effects. Are these teas effective as a diet aid? The claims that herbal teas or teas in general cause loss of weight, and therefore, effective as diet aids, are false. There are no scientific basis to show that these teas contain any ingredient that would curve or suppress the appetite, or cause so much increase in metabolism to lead to weight loss. If one drinks teas only as a way to lose weight, the only thing the person will lose is money, not weight. However, if one drinks tea often daily, without sugar or cream in it, and drinks it as an alternative (as a substitute, NOT in addition) to high calorie snack, or, if one drinks tea for breakfast and lunch, instead of eating those meals (which some people do to control weight), obviously this will lead to less calorie intake and therefore cause weight loss. This same good effect could also be achieved by eating apples, or other fruits for breakfast, and raw vegetables for lunch, and have a moderate dinner. This is the healthier way to diet. To this, of course, one has to do daily regimented exercise routine. So drinking tea alone does not control weight? Most definitely yes. If you are overweight and continue to eat the same amount of calories, drinking teas, herbal or not, even a gallon a day, will not lead to
Slimming teas?
weight loss. In order to control weight properly and safely, the calories must be reduced and physical exercise increased. Does cutting down on rice lead to weight loss? Yes, cutting down on carbohydrates, like rice, bread, cakes, ice cream, can lead to weight loss, because these are sugars that have high glycemic index, and easily add pounds to the body. Totally eliminating rice 3 meals a day, for instance, will dramatically cause weight reduction, provided the rest of the (total) foods ingested daily do not exceed 1000 calories. Tough? Yes, but this is the safer and lesser expensive way to control weight compared to spending your hard earned money for appetite suppressant drugs, or the so-called miracle diet pills or potions that are actually very dangerous. Is purging a good way to lose weight? No, this is a dangerous way to lose weight. When one takes a laxative or any substance that has a purging effect, excessive water and electrolytes are lost through diarrhea, which is harmful to the kidneys and other vital organs. Kidney and liver failure and heart rhythm disturbances could ensue. Deaths have been reported in this type of abuse. Why does a person gain weight to begin with? This basic understanding is important, if one is to be able to control or maintain body weight safely. It is a matter of calorie intact and output. If one eats more calories than he/she expends with physical activities each day, the excess calories will add up to add pounds to the body mass. If we fill up a balloon with rice, and keeps adding to it, the balloon will keep on swelling and becomes heavier and heavier. But if we create a hole in the balloon that will allow rice to leak out, as fast as we pour more rice into it, the balance in the “input and output” will keep the balloon from becoming larger or heavier. In essence, if we exercise off the calories we take in, we can maintain our desired weight. If we are too heavy, then, we must exercise more and eat less, until we find that ideal balance of intake and output of energy. So, are teas bad for us? No, not at all. As a matter of fact, teas, especially green teas, are good antioxidant for our body. As we have reported in this column before, teas contain a lot of flavanoids, like garcetin, kaemptenol, myricetin. Studies have shown that regular intake
of these compounds by drinking tea (especially the green variety) reduces the rate of acute heart attack by 40% and also significantly lowers risk of a fatal heart attack. Unlike teas, coffee, cola drinks and other caffeine-rich beverages have adverse, albeit subtle, effects on health. But for weight control, teas are not miracle drugs, and will be effective only (as we stated above) if taken in lieu of food. Again, drinking tea, which is a health drink unlike toxic soft drinks, will help one lose weight if, and only if, eating is moderated according to target weight and exercise is a part of the regimen. Tea alone will NOT do it. **** What are the warning signs for stroke/heart attack? Either of these two conditions may occur without any warning. This is why preventive measures, from early childhood onward to ward off these illnesses are essential, together with preemptive regular medical check up after the age 40. Earlier, for those with strong personal or family history of hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol blood level. But the classical warnings of an impending stroke could include numbness or weakness in the face (facial asymmetry), arm or leg, or both on the same side, confusion, inability to speak, problem with vision of one or both eyes, headache, dizziness, physical imbalance. For heart attack: pressure discomfort tightness or severe squeezing under the breastbone for several minutes, or actual chest pains, pain and or numbness of one arm, jaw, neck or stomach; feeling of shortness of breath or an impending doom, cold clammy sweats; nausea, lightheadedness. Any of these symptoms, not necessarily all of them occurring at the same time, are warning signs. But why wait for them? See your physician and practice a healthy lifestyle of abstinence from tobacco, eating healthy, doing daily exercises, and managing your stress with regular relaxation with family and friends.
*** 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
City of Las Vegas November 2019 recreation, sports & community special events Discover the fun! ALL activities are subject to change. For links to facilities, programs, classes and activities in the current Beyond the Neon guide, go online to www. lasvegasparksandrec.com or for more information call 702-229PLAY. Most activities require advance registration. Register today to build your healthy lifestyle! Parents can subscribe here to receive a monthly email, or text LV PARENTS to 468-311, about upcoming events and activities for their kids. Centers will be closed Nov. 11, 28-29 for holiday observance. Meet with Michele Friday, Nov. 1, 9 to 11 a.m. Free and open to the public. Centennial Hills Community Center/YMCA, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive Join Mayor Pro Tem Michele Fiore to chat about your concerns for our community. See the flier. For more information, call 702-229-5463. Dia de los Muertos Celebration (Day of the Dead) Saturday, Nov. 2, 4 to 10 p.m. Free and open to the public. Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park, 720 Twin Lakes Drive. Bring the family, dressed in their best la catrina costumes to enjoy children’s activities, entertainment, displays, costumes, face painters, refreshments and vendors. Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza offers lawn seating; bring your blankets and low chairs to be more comfortable. Call 702-229-4924 for details on entering the ofrenda contest or participating as an artisan or food truck vendor. See the flier in English and Spanish. Ward 6 Free Document Shredding Event Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to noon Free and open to the public. Centennial Hills Community Center/YMCA, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, east parking lot. Bring up to five boxes or bundles per vehicle of personal documents for worry-free destruction. Volunteers will unload
your vehicle. Shredding services will be available until truck capacity is reached. See the flier. For more information, call 702229-5463. No School Fun Day (ages 5-11) Friday, Nov. 15, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $35 per child. Register now for fun games, arts, crafts and much more! Call the center for details. • Cimarron Rose Community Center, 5591 N. Cimarron Road, 702-229-1607. Use registration code 212003-16. • Veterans Memorial Community Center, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive, 702-229-1100. Use registration code 21200307. Ward 4/YMCA Active Older Adult Fall Festival (adults only) Friday, Nov. 15, 5 to 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Durango Hills Community Center/YMCA, 3521 N. Durango Drive. Calling all active older adults! Join in a night of music, dancing and games. Bring your favorite pie or chili and be entered in a raffle. Call 702-240-9622 for more information. Turkey Trot (all ages) Saturday, Nov. 16, 7:30 a.m. check-in; 8 a.m. race begins. Cost: $15 Big Turkey; $10 Mini Turkey Run. Pavilion Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive, 702-229-1488. If you are looking for a Thanksgiving holiday run and swim, this trot is for you! This is a fun event for the entire family! All finishers will receive a ribbon and goodies. • Big Turkey Run/Swim – 1.5 mile-run and 300-meter swim. No age limit, but participants must be able to swim 100 meters successfully. • Mini Turkey Run – 1-mile run. For those ages 7 and younger that do not want to swim. Ward 2 Document Shredding and Medication Disposal Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to noon. Free and open to the public.
Veterans Memorial Community Center, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive. This event offers worry-free personal document destruction for Ward 2 residents. Limited to 5 boxes or bundles per vehicle. Shredding services will be available until truck capacity is reached. For more information, call 702-229-2420. Ward 1 Brews with Brian Thursday, Nov. 21, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Open to the public. Tap House, 5589 W. Charleston Blvd. Join Councilman Brian Knudsen and staff to discuss Ward 1 areas of interest. For more information, call 702-229-1772. Breakfast Buzz & Ward 2 Biz Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 to 10 a.m. Free and open to the public. Breakfast provided. Charlie’s Lakeside Restaurant and Lounge, 8603 W. Sahara Ave. Join Councilwoman Victoria Seaman and her staff for breakfast and to discuss the important issues in your neighborhood and the city of Las Vegas. For more information, call 702229-2420. Camp Thankful Fall Break Camp (ages 5-11) Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 25-27, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $90 per child for three days at most centers; $60 at East LV Community Center. Children will enjoy swimming, crafts, games and so much more during the school break! Registration is open now; call the center for details. Advance registration is required. • Veterans Memorial Community Center, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive, 702-229-1100. • Cimarron Rose Community Center, 5591 N. Cimarron Road, 702-229-1607. • East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 702-229-1515. •Mirabelli Community Center, 6200 Hargrove Ave., 702229-6359.
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 24-30, 2019
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Angels among us “All God’s angels come to us disguised.” — James Russell Lowell power to take effect. If you acknowledge that you as a child of God was given a personal guardian angel from the time God conceived you in His thoughts, there should be no fear in our hearts to face even the unknown. An angelic relationship can be nurtured daily and can grow wonderfully through time until the end of human life. Who knows? In the end, we might be able to see this yet unseen godly presence, link up face to face, do a high-five, even dance a jig and thank our personal guardian angel, whether you gave him a name or not, whether he revealed his name to you or not, when we transition out to a celestial realm ourselves — finally free of ALL heavy worldly concerns and ALL constraints of time, space and gravity. Just perhaps, that light at the end of a long dark tunnel might give us a glimpse of the face of God himself. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
(Last of 4 parts) AN angel is an invisible presence that must be acknowledged to become ever stronger. God sends angels to keep watch over human beings and help them in every human challenge. There is, however, the element of free will in humans. You can acknowledge the presence of angels or deny it. It is your choice ultimately. The more angels are acknowledged and become a conduit to heaven, they become a hovering, guiding reality in one’s life growing ever stronger in their influence to shape every thought, word and deed in one’s life. On the other hand, if the dark side prevails repeatedly in one’s soul that is made progressively weak by severe addictions of any kind, whether chemical, sexual or the human inclination towards pride, disobedience and evil, then the angel’s influence becomes weak. The human protectee is like a a cell phone that is not receiving signals and becomes dead on a skip zone. Only a direct divine intervention wrought by the most
powerful force of intercessory, unceasing prayers by one or more prayer warriors can avert the cosmic disaster of a soul lost forever to darkness, death and nothingness. There is a study of angels called angelology. In it, it is claimed that there is a hierarchy of celestial beings grouped into three spheres. According to Wikipedia, there is a First Sphere, the highest ranking of all because they are closest to God. This includes Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The Second Sphere includes Dominions, Virtues and Powers. In the Third Sphere can be found Principalities, Archangels and Angels. Our personal guardian angels fall in the last group. Each human being is believed to be assigned a personal guardian angel, Christian or not. The angels that keep watch over human beings belong to the lowest order of celestial beings and they are the ones concerned with the affairs of human beings. They are holy celestial beings who are agents of God intended as a help to mere mortals. They are powerful but we ourselves need to connect to that
Kite Runner
Preparing for the what if’s
PROF. ENRIQUE SORIANO (Part 1 of 2) WITHOUT any doubt, crafting a Family Constitution or a Charter is one major step to every founder’s dream and aspiration of ensuring that his blood, sweat and tears (legacy) is cemented for generations to come. The objective therefore in any governance undertaking is to anticipate the “what ifs,” create harmony, and unite family members. The key is to prepare solid family and ownership agreements. Today’s column will focus on family agreements and in what my industry colleagues Lansberg and Gersick refer to as “institutionalizing control.” They went on to highlight that “Governance is concerned with all of the ways that the interests of owners are reflected and implemented in the organizational system…” Formalize agreements Formality is very important in family businesses. Assuming that one’s relatives would forever be supportive to the family business and consistently remain productive may not be a good way to set one’s frame of mind. We should always accept the reality that there are different types of family members working in the family business. Some of them may exhibit exceptionally good performance, are committed and trustworthy. There are some that are plain indifferent, selfish and would always look at his last name and employment as his or her birthright. For some entitlement is all there is to it in a family business.
Behaviors change According to a Business Week article, family business leaders must always recognize the family members’ individual differences (types of personalities, attitudes, and behaviors), varying opinions, values, demands, expectations, and capabilities and changing or evolving priorities in life. What you know of your younger or older siblings’ behavior when you were in your teens may no longer be the same in midlife. With all these likely scenarios happening, family business leaders must anticipate and expect the difficulty in meeting the kind of certainty that is needed from its pool of family members to operate a business on a professional level and direct it towards specific objectives. The core group of any family business would be the members of the family itself who could either be catalysts for positive outcomes or a major source of problems if they do not agree with certain guidelines. Familiarity and entitlement The issue with members of the family boils down to familiarity and entitlement and they will naturally have the tendency to be complacent and presumptuous since they are related by blood or marriage with the president or any family business leader with significant influence, they would not be made accountable for underperformance or weakness they might have. In most cases, “free riders” in the family can also compromise the business. They think that being entitled will allow them the advantage to put little or no effort at all in the development of the business. Without any performance metric and a semblance
Calendar of Events across
of accountability, they continue to draw their salary every payday and benefit from dividend sharing. And to add salt to the wound, they moonlight and put up separate businesses outside of the family business. Another cause of major conflict is in dealing with different personalities in the family. Some could be very intellectual, capable and productive, but are greedy, overly controlling and manipulative for their own good. Some are usually quiet and have the penchant to question every policy laid out by a family member or sibling disrupting initiatives for growth. Start by crafting solid agreements and policies There are different kinds of agreements that could be created and followed in the family business to keep family relationships in harmony and espouse professionalism in the industry. Based on my experience coaching family businesses in the Asia Pacific region, the most important documents and policy to unite and harmonize family members are the following: Family Constitution or Charter incorporating Governance Policies covering Employment, Compensation Policy, A Code of Conduct, Job Description of working family members and a Statement of Vision and Values Shareholders Agreement, on the other hand, covers agreements on ownership and Board level accountabilities (To be continued next week) *** Prof. Soriano is the chairperson of the Marketing Cluster of the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. He is also a Senior Consultant of Wong+Bernstein Business Advisory Group. For comments, send email at sorianoasia@gmail.com
America
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Larry Itliong Day Celebration in Carson, CA The City of Carson, California will hold a Larry Itliong Day Celebration on Saturday, October 26 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. In 1966, Filipino Larry Itliong and Cesar Chavez formed the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee, which later became the United Farm Workers of America, one of the greatest unions in the history of the nation. Larry Itliong Day will be at Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Ave. Carson, CA 90745). For more information, please call (310) 830-9991.
D EC E M B E R 1
Kalayaan Incorporated’s Christmas Party and induction of officers in Monterey Park, CA Kalayaan Incorporated’s Induction of Officers 2019-2020 will be held during its Christmas Party on Sunday, Decemeber 1, from 12 to 4 p.m., at the Monterey Hill Event Center. The hilltop venue offers a spectacular view of the San Gabriel Valley, and is located at 3700 Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park, Calif. 91754. Kalayaan Incorporated, a non-profit public benefit corporation in the State of California, classified as a public charity organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, holds the annual celebration in Southern California of the anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. Chairing the Induction and Christmas Party is Violet Mislang with Lady Hope Robillos, Co-chair, and Nonie Belarmino, Program Coordinator. Cost of lunch is $40.00. For more information, please contact Violet at (562) 644-4073, vmislang@gmail.com; Lady Hope at (310) 500-0917, lhopepr@yahoo.com; or Nonie (310) 357-0222, Idancenonie@outlook.com.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
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EntErtainmEnt
OCTOBER 24-30, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
The prime of Gabby by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
First thing first: Gabby Concepcion confirmed that his muchtouted, long-overdue reteam-up with ex-wife sharon Cuneta will finally be pushed through. they met by chance during the recent Gabay Guro event where they obliged last-minute requests for a duet. it was there where they seriously discussed the project which may be produced by either Viva Films or regal Films, pending final negotiation. Who will finance it, Gabby didn’t tell. “All we need is a good story, something out-of-the-box,” said Gabby, clarifying rumors that the initial plan went pffft due to disagreement over talent fees. “No problem with that, actually. Kaya hindi natuloy noon because we didn’t have a good story.” (According to reports, the ex-couple’s talent fees will be given to their only daughter KC.) Gabby was in a joking mood. Before he proceeded to the second floor of relish restaurant (on scout Limbaga st., Quezon City) for his launch as the newest addition to Beautederm’s gallery of starry endorsers, he gave Conversations a 20-minute “exclusive” which turned out to be so free-wheeling that Gabby didn’t hold back, gamely answered all the questions even those prying into his bedroom activity. “Did you know that this is Obama’s favorite coffee?” he asked as he sipped from his first cup of coffee for the day. i shrugged. “i didn’t know.” “this is kape barako,” he cracked after two more sips. “Barako Obama! Hahaha!!!” internally,” as Gabby put it, “i also have a health regimen. i mix vegetables that i grow in my farm in Lobo, Batangas, and i take it in the morning. i posted a video of me mixing the veggies on my instagram and i think Miss rhea (Anicoche-tan, Beautederm corporation president/CEO) saw it. she asked, ‘Why don’t you try our products?’ that was it.” While we were at it, we asked Gabby how he kept himself so trimmed and so sexy that, at his age, he can still send women’s hearts widely beating, never mind if he has survived (a veteran of) three marriages (all showbiz) before he settled down with a non-showbiz lady with whom he has two daughters. Gabby’s wife, Genevieve “Ginbee” Yatco (from
EMPLOYMENT
a prominent family in Laguna), is so private (even if she started as a fan of Gabby) that she quietly kept herself and their children away from the limelight…and that must be what makes her “different” from Gabby’s past relationships and why he loves Ginbee dearly. “i do everything in moderation,” shared Gabby, a familiar line we have heard from similarly-built gentlemen. “i taste everything… lahat nang inihahain sa atin ng mundo dapat tikman. sabi nga ni Mary Fairchild…did i get the name right?...the famous lady who baked cakes in the ‘50s and who mixed all the sweet ingredients that she learned from her mother, ‘if you eat cake or pastries, you won’t get fat. Why? Because you won’t eat the whole cake.’ Just take a bite.” Gabby would start his day with a big breakfast consisting of four eggs (poached, boiled or fried with olive oil) harvested from his farm, a little black or red rice (very seldom) or oatmeal, and black coffee without sugar. He joked (again!). “We produce our own eggs because mayroon kaming homestead,” cracking again, “kaya parating sariwa ang itlog ko every day, always fresh, hahaha!!!” trivia: the farm in Batangas is different from Gabby’s resort in Anilao, also in the same province, that was (in)famous for a “creaking bed” which was the deaf-and-mute witness to Gabby’s (mis)adventures as a sought-after young man. You can imagine what juicy stories those walls would tell if they could talk! Gabby has sold that property. “i have a weakness for food,” admitted Gabby. “Sabi nga nila, the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” No soft drinks for him, please, just water (seven to eight glasses a day) and (lots of) coffee. “i work out to burn calories. i do the treadmill or simply walk around my farm. Brisk walking is cardio exercise, good for the heart. Forty-five minutes are enough to increase your heartbeat. Light exercises lang. i don’t over-exert myself.” six hours of sleep is good enough for him, plus power naps between takes on the set. Asked what his favorite sleepwear is, Gabby laughed. “shorts, sometimes naked but i make sure that the kids are not around…and i lock the door. One pillow is good enough and it shouldn’t be too high, bad for the
Laguna beauty Leren Mae Bautista crowned Miss Globe 2019 2nd runner-up by Deni
Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com
In a free-wheeling conversation, the eternal matinee idol talks about taking care of his body, having daughters but without a son, and the certainty of his reunion movie with ex-wife Sharon Cuneta. Philstar.com photo
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PHiLiPPiNEs’ Leren Mae Bautista has just been crowned 2nd runner-up at the 2019 Miss Globe pageant held in Ulcinj, Montenegro on tuesday morning, October 22. in its Facebook page, Binibining Pilipinas congratulated Leren. “We are so proud of your impressive performance, and the way you embodied the true beauty and elegance of a Binibini. You are truly a Filipina worth emulating,” Binibining Pilipinas said. “Congratulations Queen Leren!! Good start for this year’s batch of Binibinis,” a fan commented on the pageant organizer’s post. Alejanda Diaz De Leon soler of Mexico succeeded China’s Yu Yizhou as the new Miss Globe. trinidad and tobago’s Carla Jean Lares was hailed as 1st runner-up. shauna Griffiths of Canada is 3rd runner-up while Kristýna Malírová of Czech republic is 4th runner-up. the 26-year-old Leren vied to become the Philippines’ third Miss Globe titleholder after Maricar Balagtas (2001) and Ann Colis (2015).
nape. Or i do away with it. the flatter the better.” (No need for an extra pillow to hug. Ginbee is beside him.) Gabby’s children are all girls — the others are one with exgirlfriend Grace ibuna, one with ex-wife Jenny syquia and one with ex-wife sharon Cuneta. Because he still feels like a teenager, Gabby said that he’s not bothered by stress. Neither do bashers piss him off. Did he see KC’s sexy photo on social media? Yes, said, Gabby, “i tagged it; i ‘liked’ it. Ang ganda!” “i am a beach person. Even just thinking of the beach in Lobo relaxes me. Maski sa shooting, my mind floats with thoughts of the beach.” the secret, he added, is to “go with the flow, roll with the punches. i am an optimist. Why look at the dark side of life when the world offers so many bright things. Life has been good to me. there’s nothing to complain about; so many things to be thankful for. Not everybody is given a second chance, di ba?” Asked what his current state of being is, Gabby broke into a smile, baring his perfect set of teeth (that made him one of Close-Up toothpaste’s earliest endorsers). “Happy and wise. Di ba sabi nila, wisdom is knowing that you don’t know everything. Life is never perfect but i’m contented with what i have.” And he wasn’t joking. Matteo Guidicelli
Before the pageant, the fivefoot-eight model from Laguna made noise for her Maranao princess-inspired national costume designed by Filipino designer Chico Estiva. At the pageant, Leren went for a white swimsuit at the swimwear competition. For the evening gown portion, she donned a silvery white gown. At the question and answer portion, Bautista was asked: “if you win this pageant, how will you use your title to benefit others?” “if i will win Miss Globe 2019, i will use this platform to create an awareness to protect our planet,” Leren said. “We could start within ourselves. We could start with small things by volunteering in our communities, by picking up the trash and throwing it to the right bin and by conserving our water. Because i believe, Mother theresa once said, ‘Not all of us can do great things but all of us can do small things with great love’,” she said. since she grew up in the verdant town of Los Baños in Laguna, Leren has been an environmentalist. she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from Colegio de san Juan de Letran Calamba. she was
Leren Mae Bautista Photo from Instagram/@lerenmaebautista
hailed as Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific international and Miss tourism Queen of the Year international in 2015. since she was bullied in her younger years for her morena skin and height, Leren has also been a staunch advocate against bullying. “Don’t stop when you’re tired. stop when you’re done... Lalaban para sa Pilipinas!” she said in her latest instagram post before finishing 2nd runner-up in the pageant.
Matteo replaces James as Pedro Penduko
EMPLOYMENT
by Jan
MiLo seveRo Philstar.com
Photo from Instagram/@matteog
FOR RENT
SERVICES
ACtOr Matteo Guidicelli is now officially the new Pedro Penduko in the upcoming local superhero movie to be released in 2020. the announcement came from Viva Artist Agency’s social media accounts. “#MatteoisPENDUKO! Matteo Guidicelli is Pedro Penduko in the upcoming film #PENDUKO directed by Jason Paul Laxamana. Filming soon,” the artist agency wrote in the caption. Matteo also posted the news on his twitter account with the caption “Penduko #2020.” the fictional character was supposed to be played by James reid, but he quit due to physical injuries and medical concerns, as announced by Viva Agency. “James has spinal injuries and the film ‘Pedro Penduko’ involves intensive training and major stunts. His regular therapy and treatment prohibits him to train hard or perform for the rigid requirements,” the talent agency said in a statement last May.
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 24-30, 2019
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Asian Community Development Council and OCA Las Vegas host the 2nd Annual Asian Night Market LAS VEGAS — Last weekend, the Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) and OCA Las Vegas hosted the 2nd Annual Asian Night Market at St. Rose Dominican Hospital - San Martin Campus. The event drew over 9,000 people to experience a variety of Asian cuisine from 26 local food vendors, such as Brew Tea Bar, Matcha Cafe Maiko, Shang Artisan Noodle, Fuku Burger, Oming’s Kitchen, Island Flavor, and more. There were also performances by Lohan School of Shaolin, Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko, Thai Culture Foundation, Shirley
Chen and Dancers, School of Rock, Beagle Line, and Las Vegas Dance Fitness. U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones, representatives of Congressman Steven Horsford, representatives of Congresswoman Dina Titus, and representatives of Congresswoman Susie Lee attended the event to present congressional recognition to ACDC and OCA Las Vegas for their efforts towards the Asian Night Market and their commitment to the Asian American Pacific Islander community in Nevada.
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AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
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OCTOBER 24-30, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
Features
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LA’s first Filipino American police commander has a big task: Help solve the homeless crisis By Christina M. Oriel / AJPress There’s a new police commander in Los Angeles, and for the first time in the department’s 150-year history, it’s a Filipino American. Donald Graham, a 24-year veteran of the LA Police Department, was recently appointed to commander rank and to be the department’s coordinator in tackling the city’s homeless problem. Timed with Fil-Am history Month, Graham was formally recognized earlier this October at a reception hosted by several
groups like the Law enforcement Association of Asian Pacifics, Filipino Association of Law enforcement Officers, and the LA Filipino Association of City employees. “I don’t speak Tagalog and I might be a little light in the skin tone, but I know everything I need to know to be a Filipino American and I am proud to be the first Filipino American commander for the Los Angeles Police Department,” he told attendees, who included a mix of LAPD officials, Fil-Am city commissioners, and community
Donald Graham poses inside his office at LAPD’s headquarters in Downtown LA.
members. At the celebration, LAPD chief Michel Moore praised the commander’s record — including back in 2003 when he witnessed Graham’s pacifying and problem solving skillsby designating ‘picket majors’ who would be the bridge between store management and the strikers during the southern California supermarket strike. “We saw a strike in the days and weeks after that largely went uneventful because for the most part, the picket lines with the picket majors took the responsibilities of working with store manage-
ment at those sites and policing did what policing does best: We set a solution and step back and let people work together,” the police chief said. he added, “here is a man who, in everything that has followed, has been willing to step into difficult situations and not get discouraged.” From New Jersey to LA: Leading with heart, for family and community In 1984, Graham was a teenager when his mother Amalia moved him and his two siblings from Bayonne, New Jersey to Los Angeles’ san Fernando Valley. she raised the children as a single mother, while working as a nurse. “Because of my mom…I know Filipinos work hard and I know Filipinos fight,” he said. “I know most importantly, that we lead with our hearts and not just for our AJPress photos by Noel Ty family, but for everyone around us, for our community and it doesn’t matter the racial divide.” It’s a relatable story that his mother, like many Filipina matriarchs, had hoped he would enter the medical field. But being in LA, music and acting were more appealing to him. Though, that changed when he entered Los Angeles Valley College and shifted to history and political science instead. “To pass the time,” Graham said, he worked part-time at the Graham poses with fellow Fil-Am LAPD officers. There are currently 241 Fil-Ams in the force. campus police department. “As it turned out, the people police has entrusted me to help that worked there, the officers him provide the leadership for the that worked there were all retired organization through this time is LAPD officers and were some of a huge honor for me,” Graham the most high-quality people I’ve said. “I know it’s not going to be ever met in my entire life, people an easy job. I didn’t take this job who dedicated their efforts not because it’s easy.” to blaming people, but to solving With regard to how to mitigate problems,” he recalled in his in- the city’s homeless population, terview with the Asian Journal. he will be the department’s rephe applied and was accepted resentative and make recommeninto the LAPD Academy, where he dations at these discussions and graduated from in the fall of 1995. ensure that the LAPD is consistent he completed his probation in the in carrying out the policies. Pacific Division, before being as“We have to be able to be signed to the Devonshire station, conversant in the laws, policies which covers Canoga Park, Chats- and philosophies of this homeworth, Granada hills, Northridge, less fight so we can have a good, North hills, Porter ranch, West engaging conversation with our hills and Winnetka. community and help them with “I thought I was going to do their expectations of what the this for about 10 years...take my police can do,” he said. pension and then walk away,” One message Graham intends Graham said. “But like any corny to get across is that calling the story, you fall in love and I fell in police on the homeless won’t fix love with doing this job.” the problem. Graham spent nine years as “It’s unfortunate that many an officer in the Devonshire ter- people in our community believe ritory before being promoted that you can pick up the phone, to sergeant in the southeast call the police and make the Division in 2006, sergeant II as homeless people disappear,” he a commander’s aide in the office said. “That’s not going to happen. of operations two years later, and It’s not going to happen because then lieutenant in 2012 in the of the legal environment that we West Valley Patrol Division. exist in and it’s also not going to In the last five years, the Fil- happen because we can’t build Am rose the ranks from captain 54,000 jail cells.” to area commanding officer in When asked about his acNorth hollywood before his cur- complishments during his nearly rent position. three decades with the departGeneration’s ‘social fight’ ment, Graham said it’s being able Graham’s appointment comes to mentor officers early in their as California has the country’s careers and help people stay out largest homeless population, of trouble after encounters with even recently catching the atten- the law. tion of President Donald Trump “As a Filipino American, as a who called it “a disgrace to our New Jersey American, I can’t imcountry.” The city of LA alone agine having done anything else experienced a 16% increase this with the last 24 years of my life. year with 36,000 individuals con- This is the most incredible job, not sidered homeless. just because it’s different every “[Graham] was one of the first day, not just because there’s this people to understand the chal- visceral idea that people who prey lenges that you have with home- on other people are the people lessness from public safety, both who are afraid of us. Trust me, it’s those as individuals experiencing a visceral feeling. But really what as victims as well as people who is the key to this job is how many hide within that population and people who have come back and prey upon others experiencing have said ‘thank you,’” he said. homelessness or people in comWith Fil-Ams considered one munities,” Moore said of the deci- of the largest ethnic groups in LA, sion to hand the responsibility to Graham said that should be reGraham. “It was also his ability to flected in the police force as well. recognize that it’s really not going Currently, there are 241 Fil-Am to be a policing solution. It’s going officers in the department. to be a solution with the whole “If you know a young Filipino of government and the whole of American who is thinking of a community.” career in law enforcement, don’t During his time as captain for tell them to go watch TV because the city’s Central Patrol Division every episode of whatever televiin 2014, Graham had experience sion program you watch is not gowith the issue as he was part of ing to give you a real look at what the team that helped restructure police work is,” he said, suggestthe homeless Outreach Proactive ing those interested to participate engagement (hOPe), a task force in a ride-along to shadow officers under the department that works on duty. with other city services to provide “When I think about that and resources to homeless individuals, my responsibility as a Filipino as well as to maintain sanitary and American in this role, that is what safe streets. warms my heart because I have “It is the social fight of our gen- an ability to give back what I have eration so the fact that the chief of been given,” he added.
Graham thanks LAPD chief Michel Moore (left) for his speech at a celebratory reception on Wednesday, October 9.
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 24-30, 2019
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OCTOBER 24-30, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678