November 20-22, 2019 Volume 29 - No. 89 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages
Robredo not a Cabinet member, Duterte states by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, November 18, clarified that Vice President Leni Robredo is not a Cabinet member despite her appointment as the administration’s anti-drug czar. The president made this statement after revealing his concerns that Robredo might disclose sensitive information discussed during Cabinet meetings to various groups. “She is not a member of the In this photo release, Vice President Leni Robredo met with members of the Naga City Dangerous BACK AT WORK. President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the Joint National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and Drugs Board (DDB) at City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) to ask for updates in their initiatives Cabinet. I have not appointed her the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) Command Conference at the Malacañan Palace on Monday, in their anti-narcotics campaign.
Photo from the Office of the Vice President
USA
DATELINE Palace blasts Sanders on human rights issue FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
MALACAÑANG on Sunday, November 17, lambasted U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders for accusing the Duterte administration of committing “abhorrent” human rights abuses against workers. In a tweet posted on Friday, November 15, Sanders, a self-described socialist who is seeking nomination as presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, criticized the Philippines’ alleged crackdown on workers, calling it “a shameful attempt to silence people’s rights and freedoms.” Sanders shared a statement by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) condemning what it described as “a new wave of police repression of Philippine trade unionists” and called for global support on human rights. The ITUC statement decried the Philippine authorities’ operations against suspected communists in Bacolod City on October 31. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Sanders is just “grandstanding on an issue he obviously does not know the
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AS China is expanding its strategic power in Asia, the United States might lack the resolve to retain its leadership in the region, an analyst said. Sam Roggeveen, director of Australia-based Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, said the U.S. is now facing an adversary much larger than the USSR in economic terms. Speaking at a China forum in Makati City, Roggeveen noted that China is not developing its modern military capabilities at the expense of its overall economy. The first reason that Roggeveen listed as Washington’s reason why it is likely to lack resolve in matching Beijing’s dominance in Asia is that it’s “too expensive.” “China is becoming a military superpower and it’s barely breaking a sweat,” Roggeveen said.
Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain
Lorenzana, US Defense chief discuss South China Sea, anti-terrorism efforts by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com
VIRAY
THE South China Sea dispute and counter-terror efforts were among the topics discussed during Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s meeting with his U.S. counterpart on Tuesday, November 19. U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper is in Manila for talks with Philippine defense officials on ways to advance security cooperation between the two countries. Following their meeting, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper discuss diplomatic ties and mutual defense treaty at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday, November 19. Philstar.com photo by Felicer Santos Lorenzana and Esper reiterated
Manila and Washington’s commitment to uphold freedom of navigation, overflight and other lawful uses of the sea in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. The Defense chiefs also stressed the importance of peacefully resolving disputes in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “The Philippines noted that, as an ASEAN member, it has a crucial role to play in ensuring that these principles are enshrined in an eventual Code of Conduct for
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‘PNP needs a permanent Philippines still getting good investments under Duterte - Palace chief by January’ by ALEXIS
ROMERO Philstar.com
MANILA — Malacañang on Monday, November 18, dismissed as “wishful thinking” a London-based think tank’s report that the Philippines would attract investors if Vice President Leni Robredo takes over as president. In a research note titled “Duterte health u PAGE A2 worries, Sri Lanka election,” Capital Economics said a change in leadership in the Philippines “would probably be welcomed by investors” given Robredo’s “fierce opposition to Duterte’s authoritarian tendencies, including his willingness to undermine po-
US might lack resolve to match China’s power in Asia — analyst
November 18.
litical institutions.” The research note, which was published last Nov. 15 and written by Gareth Leather, noted that Robredo, who leads the opposition, would take over as president if President Duterte is forced to leave office due to ill health. The think tank, however, did not claim that Duterte’s presidency has been a disaster for the economy as it credited his popularity for the passage of reforms “that might not have otherwise made it through Congress.” Asked to react to Capital Economics’ report, presidential spokesman Salvador
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Nearly half of Filipinos expect better life in 2020 by HELEN
FLORES, ROMINA CABRERA Philstar.com
MANILA — Nearly half of adult Filipinos expect to have better lives in the next 12 months, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said in its recent survey. The poll, taken from Sept. 27 to 30, also found 46 percent of adults who expect their personal quality of life to improve in the next 12 months (personal optimists), and five percent expecting it to get worse (personal pessimists), for a net personal optimists score of +41, classified as “excellent.” This used to be +42 in June and +47 in u PAGE A2 March, all classified as excellent (+40 and
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) needs a new permanent chief by January next year to sign documents required for procurement of equipments, its spokesperson said on Tuesday, November 19. “Pagpasok ng bagong taon, para sa pagsimula ng ating procurement, ay kinakailangan na magkaroon na tayo ng bagong Chief PNP. Dahil kung may anumang bagong kontrata na kailangang pirmahan, kailangan isang permanent Chief PNP ang siyang lalagda dito (When the new year comes, we need a new chief of the PNP for the beginning of the procurement. It should be
a permanent PNP chief who will sign new contracts),” said PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac in a briefing. “Subalit kung hindi pa gagawin ng pangulo [na mag-announce ng next PNP chief], wala naman ding magiging problema. Mahaba naman ang taon na isasagawa ang procurement (However, if the president will not announce [the next PNP chief], there won’t be any problem. The year for procurement is long anyway),” he added. On Monday, November 18, President Rodrigo Duterte led a command conference of top officials of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Malacañang.
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above). The net personal optimists score dropped from +42 (excellent) in June to +40 (excellent) in September in balance Luzon. In the Visayas, it went down from +37 (excellent) to +32 (excellent). In Metro Manila, it went up from +44 (excellent) in June to +48 (excellent) in September. It remained at +46 (excellent) from June to September in Mindanao. Meanwhile, the survey showed 36 percent of adult Filipinos saying their lives improved, termed by SWS as gainers, and 25 percent saying their lives worsened (losers) in the last 12 months.
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PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac
Inquirer.net photo
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Lorenzana, US Defense chief discuss... Mutual Defense Treaty Esper also reaffirmed the previous commitment of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the U.S. will invoke the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty in case of any armed attack to Filipino troops in the West Philippine Sea. Through the Philippines-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty BoardSecurity Engagement Board, the
two countries maintained commitment on developing capabilities and enhancing cooperation to address security challenges. Lorenzana and Esper agreed to explore ways to improve defense cooperation such as improving defense infrastructure, updating personnel and logistics procedures, adapting counterterrorism cooperation and increasing operational communication and coordination. Aside from the maritime dispute, Lorenzana and Esper also discussed the two countries’ commitment to counter terrorism and violent extremism. “The United States and the Philippines will build upon the existing foundation by continuing to improve information sharing and enhancing cooperation to prevent terrorist attacks and the transit of foreign terrorist fighters in and through the Philippines,” the statement read. The two officials also talked about the commitment of the U.S. to assist the country in the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “They confirmed their shared commitment to further deepen and expand defense cooperation by reinforcing respective national defense capabilities and interoperability, enhancing joint military exercises, disaster response initiatives, and cybersecurity awareness, and improving defense infrastructure through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement,” the statement said. n
Nearly half of Filipinos... PAGE A1 This gives a net gainers score of +11, from +13 in June and +17 in March, all classified as very high (+10 to +19). The September 2019 survey also found 41 percent of Filipino adults who foresee an improved Philippine economy in the next 12 months (economic optimists) against 12 percent saying it will worsen (economic pessimists), for a net economic optimists score of +28. This used to be +33 in June and +35 in March, all classified as excellent (+20 and above). n
In this October 8, 2019 photo, LRT-2 passengers are seen descending the stairs. Researchers from the Digital Disinformation Tracker Project, an initiative that looked into the spread of false information during elections, said there had been a shift on how political content was shared to online Filipino users in the recent polls. Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman
Philippines ‘patient zero’ for disinformation — communications professor IMPROVISED TRANSPORTATION. Boatmen paddle an improvised raft, the only means to transport a tricycle loaded with merchandise goods, across the river in Barangay Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal. Meanwhile, a dog seemingly enjoys a dip as it swims in the river. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Robredo not a cabinet member...
PAGE A1 as a Cabinet member. You know why? Early on she was talking right and left that she would talk to this and talk to that. In the Cabinet meeting, we talk about what’s happening. Eh kung marinig niya ‘yan diyan tapos dadaldal niya sa labas (What if she hears it and talks about it outside)?” Duterte told GMA News. “She’s not a Cabinet (member). I have not signed an appointment designating her as a Cabinet (member),” he added. Last month, Duterte said that he would temporarily designate Robredo as the Philippines’antidrug czar following her remark that his war against illegal drugs is “obviously, not working.” He followed it up with a promise of giving Robredo a Cabinet secretary rank to show the seriousness of his offer.
“If I would take her in as the drug czar, I will have to first make her a Cabinet member. Then I will give her the marching orders and the specific functions. All in connection with drugs, hers,” he said. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, meanwhile, said Robredo could still perform her functions as co-chair of the Inter-agency Committee on Anti-illegal Drugs (ICAD) even if she is not a member of the Cabinet. “As co-chair of ICAD she’s already been calling meetings with anti-drug agencies and she’s been functioning as co-chair and agencies are giving her support,” Nograles said. “I think that’s sufficient and the fact that she is able to call meetings means that she’s already doing her job as chair of ICAD,” Nograles added.
Duterte also warned Robredo to not cross the line as ICAD cochair, meaning disclosing classified information to foreign entities. “Early on, many people have offered to help her. She would be protected, that’s good. But, you know, you guys, do not cross the line just because you are there you think you are fancy? No, of course not. You and I have this duty to our country,” he said. “I’m just in the side and I think she’s doing good. But she has to, treading a very dangerous ground I heard. Just because you are taken in to be the flag officer of the ICAD doesn’t mean you can just give info right and left,” Duterte added. The president also warned that he would fire Robredo if she leaks any classified information. n
Philippines still getting good investments... PAGE A1
Panelo accused the group of interfering with the Philippines’ sovereignty. “First, it’s wishful thinking. They are interfering again with our sovereignty and the voice of the people who elected him overwhelmingly. They intrude into the way we run our government,” Panelo said in a radio interview. Panelo said Robredo, who has been named co-chair of the interagency committee on anti-illegal drugs, should be careful when listening to advice because some
of the recommendations may do more harm than good. He also claimed that the Philippines continues to lure foreign investments under Duterte. “Our economic managers are saying we are getting good investments, especiallty foreign ones,” Panelo added. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that the net inflow of foreign direct investments slowed down for the sixth consecutive month in August as investment plans were deferred due to uncertainties in the inter-
‘PNP needs a permanent chief...
PAGE A1 Banac said the conference focused on the accomplishments of the Executive Order No. 70 that created the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict. There were no mentions about the next PNP chief. While waiting for Duterte’s
newest appointment, all administrative and operational functions of the PNP continue to be under the watch of officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa. Gamboa is among the three top PNP officials recommended by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año to be the next chief. Aside from
national market. Foreign direct investments posted a net inflow of $416 million in August, down by 45.1 percent from the $758 million recorded in the same period last year. Last week, the 74-year-old Duterte said he is suffering from illnesses that usually afflict the elderly and admitted that life “has begun to take its toll” on his health. Officials have insisted that Duterte is still capable of discharging his functions despite his health issues. n
him, Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, deputy chief for operations; and Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, chief of the directorial staff are being considered as well. Año added that two younger police officials outside the list are also being considered by Duterte for the coveted post. n
US might lack resolve to match China’s power...
PAGE A1 Citing Australia’s 2017 foreign policy white paper, the analyst said China’s economy is projected to be worth $42 trillion by 2035 while the U.S. economy at that time will be around $24 trillion. “To match China in Asia while maintaining a global footprint is simply not realistic for the U.S. even for a power of America’s size,” Roggeveen said. Another reason that the Lowy analyst mentioned is that it might not be worth it for the U.S. to match China’s strategic leadership in the region. Even if it tries to do so, Beijing will not lock Washington out of Asia economically, the analyst said in the forum.
“As other European or Western powers have found, even once the strategic power in Asia has receded, the United Kingdom for example, even the Netherlands — they have still continued to benefit from Asia’s economic rise,” he said. Roggeveen also cited the presence of other powers in the region, such as Japan, India and Russia that would constrain China’s ambitions. “For great powers such as Japan and India and Russia, the rise of China is an enormous challenge but manageable even without the U.S.,” he said. Under the Obama administration, the U.S. pursued an Asia pivot policy, which involved
a deepening of ties with regional actors, including the Philippines. Washington earlier stressed that the Trump administration remains “extremely engaged” in the region despite the U.S. leader skipping the recent ASEAN Summit in Bangkok. Trump sent U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. national security advisor Robert O’Brien to the meeting, prompting at least seven ASEAN leaders, including President Rodrigo Duterte, to skip the event. The U.S. leader later on invited ASEAN leaders to a “special summit” in the U.S. next year. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar. com)
Palace blasts Sanders on human rights... PAGE A1 details of.” He also accused the senator of “meddling” in Philippine affairs. “What we find abhorrent is that Senator Bernie Sanders and the ITUC refuse to closely look at the facts at hand, and instead choose to make blanket statements that the Philippine government supposedly violates human rights,” Andanar said in a statement. “We urge all observers and critics to check their facts as some may fall victim to the lies peddled by communist terrorists — terrorists that have humanitarian organization fronts seeking funding from other legitimate international institutions, only to be used for violence,” he added. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Sanders’ remark was a baseless allegation. “I think it’s a shameful attempt
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From the Front Page
PAGE A1 South China Sea claimant states,” the joint statement read. The ASEAN member states and China are currently negotiating a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. For its part, the U.S. recognized ASEAN centrality as integral to its so-called Indo-Pacific strategy.
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 20-22, 2019
the things that critics are saying and are being peddled by foreign news agencies,” Panelo said in a radio interview. Andanar said no one was hurt during the operations against the suspected rebels in Bacolod. “Authorities did not act rashly in any way and actually gathered actionable intel before conducting the raids on the offices of the organizations,” he said. “While there were several civilians captured, they were immediately released days after the operations. Hence, the supposed ‘government abuse’ that Sanders and the ITUC claim is already false,” he added. Sen. Bernie Sanders Andanar said stringent meaPhoto from Twitter/@BernieSanders sures were undertaken during also on his (Sanders) part to pro- operations to prevent armed vide information that he did not clashes with the communists. validate. He was just repeating (Alexis Romero/Philstar.com)
by FRANCO LUNA Philstar.com
THE Philippines today is the “patient zero” of digital disinformation, a communications associate professor at De La Salle University warned on Tuesday,
November 19. A study conducted by DLSU associate professor Jason Cabañes and his team found that the growth of disinformation operations in the Philippines, particularly those on social media, has been on an upward trend in re-
cent years. This was because of the breadth of the creative and digital industries in the country. “[Advertising] and PR execs who used to work in Ad and PR and are now doing disinforma-
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PH up 6 notches in world talent ranking MORE THAN 5,000 CASES by LOUELLA
DESIDERIO Philstar.com
THE Philippines was among 63 countries that posted the biggest climb in the latest World Talent Ranking (WTR) report of the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), as it rose six places to 49th place from 51st last year. The country remained the laggard however, among Southeast countries. Released in partnership with the Asian Institute of Management Rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness in the Philippines, the WTR looks at countries’ ability to attract, develop and retain an employable talent pool. The other countries which posted the biggest improvements are Taiwan, which went up seven places to 20th; Lithuania, which rose eight notches to 28th; and Colombia which advanced six places to 54th. While the Philippines’ ranking improved in this year’s report, it
was still behind its peers in the region. All other Southeast Asian countries included in the report had better rankings than the Philippines such as Singapore (10th), Malaysia (22nd), Indonesia (41st), and Thailand (43rd). In ranking countries, the WTR looked at three factors such as investment and development, appeal and readiness, and took into account responses to IMD’s executive opinion survey. In the investment and development factor which measures funds poured in, as well as development of domestic human resources, the Philippines ranked 61st, up from the 62nd spot last year. “This represents a one-place improvement from 2018, but this factor has consistently ranked in the 60s. Its low rank was mostly driven by pupil-teacher ratio in primary and secondary education and public expenditure on education per student,” IMD said. As for the appeal factor, which
looks at the ability to attract and retain high-quality talent from abroad, the Philippines rose to 31st place from 38th a year ago. IMD said the highest ranked indicators for the Philippines under the appeal factor were cost of living and effective personal income tax rate, while the lower ranked ones were quality of life, justice, and brain drain. When it comes to the readiness factor which assessed the quality and growth of the existing talent pool, the country placed 26th, 11 places higher than the previous year’s 37th. “The relatively higher rank of the readiness factor was mostly driven by indicators on skilled labor, language skills, and share of science graduates among college degree holders,” IMD said. Switzerland continued to top the WTR, strengthening its position as a global talent hub. This was followed by Denmark in second place, and Sweden on the third spot. Mongolia, on the other hand, was at the bottom of the list or 63rd place. ■
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Drilon blasts P55-M SEA Games cauldron by Bernadette
taMayo
ManilaTimes.net
U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper leads a wreath-laying ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on Tuesday, November 19. Joining him were other members of the Department of Defense and U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. Inquirer.net photo by Ryan Leagogo
US defense chief visits American Cemetery in Taguig The top U.S. defense official, who is in the Philippines to Inquirer.net meet his counterpart Defense U.S. Secretary of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, laid Mark Esper on Tuesday, Novem- flowers for the fallen service ber 19, paid tribute to American members at the Manila Ameriand Filipino soldiers who died can Cemetery in Taguig City. during World War II. While in the Philippines, Esby Frances
Mangosing
per also met with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. The U.S. official discussed counterterrorism, defense capacity building, and a reaffirmation of U.S. commitment to the Philippines. n
Philippines ‘patient zero’ for disinformation... PAGE A3 tion work,” he said over ANC’s “Early Edition.” “We have really this burgeoning digital and creative industries, and so the people who lead in [these models] of disinformation are tapping into this and exploiting many of our precarious digital workers.” According to Cabañes, a three-month campaign to get a hashtag to achieve “trending” status online was a P30 million operation where “most of the money goes to the people handling the planning.” He said one worrisome trend was that the Philippines was even exporting its disinformation services to other countries. Their findings showed that these operations have begun to set up shop in countries like Cambodia and Guam. “They are thinking of taking this global,” he said. “For example, some of them have established data analytics firms who do political insighting,” he added. “On the surface
it’s just data analytics and insighting, but usually it becomes a one-stop-shop.” Cabañes also said that politicians “could very well” be using taxpayer money to fund these disinformation campaigns on social media, but mentioned that it was something his team had yet to confirm. He highlighted what the study labeled the “in-house model” which he said “local but also national politicians adopted [by] making the people in their own offices do ‘trolling’ and disinformation” as a strict requirement alongside their regular duties. In another model which he called the “clickbait model,” he said “it wasn’t politicians approaching them (creators of false content) but rather them approaching the politicians.” “Think of it as the digital version of propaganda,” he added. Online nation We are Social and HootSuite data found that 76 million out of 107.3 million Filipinos, or 71% of the population, had access to
the internet. 97% of them were on Facebook. A separate study published by New Mandala entitled “Tracking Digital Disinformation in the 2019 Philippine Midterm Election” observed what they described as “the emergence of hyper-partisan platforms that exploit citizens’ mistrust against the political establishment in exchange for clicks.” The study in its summary also noted that digital disinformation was “[i]nfluential in shaping political conversations.” In closing, Cabañes said: “I think the more worrisome thing is that it has been outsourced to the creative and digital industries [which are] really innovating and growing really quickly.” The New Mandala study argued moving forward that the continued prevalence of digital disinformation called for more transparent and inclusive decision-making “around campaign finance regulation, platform bans, and fact checks.” n
ExTrAvAGANT and unnecessary. This was how Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon described the cauldron to be lit during the official opening of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on November 30. Drilon on Monday, November 18, questioned the allotment of P55 million for the installation of the giant cauldron outside the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac. The senator said the cauldron, designed by the late Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, National Artist for Architecture, was “too extravagant and strange.” “Insofar as I’m concerned, P55 million is an extravagance that is so unnecessary and somebody has to answer for this,” he told reporters. Drilon said the money used to build the cauldron could have constructed 55 schoolrooms. “’Yung isang silid-paaralan ay P1 million (One schoolroom costs [about] P1 million),” he said. “So, 55 silid-paaralan ‘yung nabuo sana kung hindi dahil dito sa pang-aabuso sa pondo ng pamahalaan (So, 55 schoolrooms could have been completed if not for the abuse of government fund),” he said. “Hindi po nila masagot kung may bidding pa ito, kaya dapat na pag-aralan. Ito po ay dapat iaudit nang husto ng CoA (They cannot say if a bidding was done for this. The CoA must audit this thoroughly),” he added, referring to the Commission in Audit. He said the P55 million was broken down as follows: cauldron’s design, P4.4 million; the foundation, P13.4 million; and construction, P32 million. But Drilon clarified that he had no intention of stopping the holding of the Games. “No. In fact that is why I termi-
The 2019 Southeast Asian Games cauldron
HOUSE SPEAKER AT SENATE. House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee chairman, answers queries from Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon during the Senate plenary budget deliberations on Tuesday, November 19. Drilon is questioning the PHP50-million cost for the construction of the giant cauldron for the country’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games this year. Senator Sonny Angara said the budget was appropriated by Congress for the purpose. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
nated my interpellation, because we have to support our athletes. Hindi naman nila kasalanan itong pang-aabuso na nakikita natin (This apparent abuse [of public funds] is not their fault),” he said. “We need to support them so they can compete and bring honor to our country. But it doesn’t mean that we will not question these expenses,” Drilon added. But he said he would file a resolution asking the Senate to investigate the matter after the games. “Let us help the athletes compete first and let us support our athletes. There is time for all of these and the time is after the SEA Games.” Drilon has asked the Senate to summon Tats Suzara, chief operation officer of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) to attend the budget deliberation of the Philippine Sports Commission. Drilon wants to know why Phisgoc, a private entity, had been allotted P700 million in public funds.
Finish Games first Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino agreed with Drilon that an investigation should be opened after the holding of the 30th SEA Games scheduled on November 30 until December 11. “I hope sana tapusin na lang muna natin ‘yung games, then saka tayo magpatawag ng investigation (I hope we finish the games first before we call an investigation),” Tolentino told The Manila Times through a phone interview. He defended the building of the expensive cauldron. “Hindi tayo pwedeng kumuha na lang ng kaldero at kawayan dito. Saka hindi naman Palarong Pambansa ang iho-host dito. Olympic level itong pinag-uusapan dito (We just cannot get a pot and a bamboo here. We are not hosting the National Game. We are talking about Olympics hosting here),” he said. Meanwhile, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go expressed support toward the development of the New Clark City sports hub since it would benefit Filipino athletes, the country’s sports program, as well as the economy. “It is a good investment, as this facility will be very useful for us well beyond the time that we will be using it during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games,” he said when the Senate scrutinized the budget for the SEA Games funded by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). The BCDA, however, still needs to demonstrate how it would guarantee the return of investment for the sports facilities, Go said. “Pero, tama rin po ang mga punto ni Senator Drilon at kailangan itong tanungin ngayon: paano masisiguro na ang in-invest dito para sa SEA Games hosting ay hindi masasayang sa mga susunod na taon? (Senator Drilon is right in asking what the BCDA will do so that its investment will not go to waste),” he added. The BCDA spent P9 billion in building SEA Games sports facilities. Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, sponsor of the BCDA budget, said the government-owned and -controlled corporation had other assets and sources of revContributed photo enues. n
Cases vs ‘ninja cops’ up for resolution – DOJ by evelyn
Macairan Philstar.com
MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) concluded on Monday, November 18, its investigation of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde and 13 alleged “ninja cops” tagged in the recycling of at least P648 million worth of drugs seized during a raid in Pampanga in 2013. The charges of graft and illegal drugs filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group against Albayalde and the other police officers have been submitted for resolution, according to the DOJ. Albayalde and the other re-
spondents appeared during Monday’s hearing and affirmed their affidavits before Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Alexander Suarez. In his 17-page affidavit, the former PNP chief denied that he had direct control and supervision over the questionable raid on the house of suspected Korean drug trafficker Johnson Lee. Albayalde maintained that the complaints against him was insufficient in form and substance. Albayalde was Pampanga police director when Maj. rodney raymundo Baloyo Iv led an antinarcotics operation on Nov. 23, 2013. The other members of the raiding team were Capt. Joven de
Guzman Jr.; M/Sergeants Jules Maniago, Donald roque, ronald Santos, rommel Muñoz vital, Alcindor Tinio and Eligio valeroso; S/Sergeants Dindo Dizon, Gilbert de vera, Encarnacion Guerrero Jr. and Dante Dizon, and Cpl. Anthony Lacsamana. Suarez said the charges against the respondents would be resolved by DOJ prosecutors, who will determine if there is probable cause to file the cases in court. The Department of the Interior and Local Government earlier said there is no enough evidence to charge Albayalde administratively. Albayalde stepped down as PNP chief on Oct. 14 amid the controversy. n
MOBILITY PARTNER. Officials of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) and Morris Garages (MG) seal a deal that makes MG the official mobility partner of the Southeast Asian Games during a ceremony held at Enderun College in Taguig City on Tuesday, November 19. Photo above shows (seated, from left) MG Philippines president and CEO Alberto B. Arcilla; Mediapro Asia Sherman Tan, head of Business Development; and, Phisgoc director of Support and Operations Joseph “Jojit” Alcazar signing the memorandum of agreement. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.
Dateline PhiliPPines
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Coast Guard sends off patrol vessels to West Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea
MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sent off crew members of two multi-role response vessels that will patrol the country’s territorial waters. A send-off ceremony was held in Palawan on Tuesday, November 19, for BRP Cabra (4409) and BRP Sindangan (4407), which will be deployed to the West Philippine Sea and Sulu Sea. The patrol vessels will conduct maritime patrol and surveillance in the aforementioned areas to ensure safety and security, the PCG said in a statement. The two ships will also be used to curb illegal drugs, as well as to counter terrorism and human trafficking in the Philippines. BELENISMO SA TARLAC. “Ark of Faith”, San Clemente, Tarlac’s entry to the Belenismo sa Tarlac, is inspired by the colorful “vinta” or the traditional Transportation Secretary Arboat of the island of Mindanao and highlights the use of indigenous materials such as bolo, kawayan, and abiang (local term for “anahaw”). thur Tugade earlier directed the Posing for a photo in front of the giant display are members of the board of judges during the final judging on Saturday, November 16 in Tarlac PCG to take charge of maritime City. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan activities in the West Philippine Sea. The directive came after a Chinese warship allegedly harassed a Filipino-crewed commercial support for lengthening the term ship. priority of Duterte. by Gerry Lee Gorit, Jess Diaz Rodriguez, however, said of office of local officials and ManilaTimes.net According to PCG spokesbased on public consultations their representatives in Congress MANILA — The House of Rep- his committee has conducted from three years to five years “to resentatives intends to approve in Luzon and Mindanao, there give them more time to finish its proposed Charter change is overwhelming support for at their programs and projects for amendments, including the lift- least four major amendments. their constituents, and for the ing of term limits and shift to “Participants are for lifting re- election of senators by region to federalism, in the next three strictions on foreign investments ensure regional representation months. to increase more employment in the Senate.” “By Dec. 11, we will approve in our country, and they are for He said the present two-chamthe proposed amendments in shifting the nation to the federal- ber Congress would be retained our committee. Plenary approval presidential system to develop in the envisioned federal-presiis slated in January. By Febru- the countryside,” he said. dential system that would reary, the approved changes will Rodriguez noted that the pro- place the present “unitary and already be with the Senate,” posed shift was a 2016 election centralized” setup. Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus campaign promise of President Rodriguez pointed out that Rodriguez, who chairs the com- Duterte. lawmakers have enough time to mittee on constitutional amend“The President and his con- introduce changes in the Constiments, said. gressional allies can still fulfill tution during the remaining twoAdministration officials have that promise,” he said. and-a-half years of the Duterte said federalism is no longer a He said there is also popular administration. n
House to approve Charter changes in January
‘Not all Filipino-Chinese peddle drugs’ by Franz
embuDo ManilaTimes.net
THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) on Monday, November 18, decried the stereotyping of Filipino-Chinese as peddlers of illegal drugs. FFCCCII President Henry Lim Bon Liong said “most, if not all of the ethnic Chinese community members in the country, are law-abiding Filipino citizens,
legitimate business people and conscientious in upholding rule of law.” “As with any community, there may be a handful of wrongdoers or bad apples, but the same should not affect the rest of the community,” he added. “Let us be more careful in making public statements that may unnecessarily create rancor, conflicts, misunderstanding and promote unfair stereotypes,” Liong said.
The group also reaffirmed its full support to the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs. Liong said FFCCCII was with the government in condemning and working towards eradicating the menace of illegal drugs. The FFCCCII has supported the government’s efforts to rehabilitate drug users by helping establish rehabilitation centers in various regions since 2016. n
The Philippine Coast Guard held a send-off ceremony for BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan, which will patrol the West Philippine Sea and Sulu Sea. Photo courtesy of PCG
person Capt. Armand Balilo, Tugade ordered them to intensify patrol in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “The bottom line is that the
Coast Guard would be in charge of the maritime activities related to UNCLOS and on the West Philippine Sea,” Balilo said earlier this month. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)
A6 NOVEMBER 20-22, 2019 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
O PINION Clarify her role
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OFW remittances surge in Sept – BSP by Jordeene
B. Lagare ManilaTimes.net
PROBABLY because no one expected her to accept the offer, the powers and functions of the new anti-drug czar remain unclear. And because the powers and functions have not been clearly delineated, the co-chairs of the Inter-Agency Committee Against Illegal Drugs are groping their way along, with tension appearing to develop between ICAD members and their new boss, Vice President Leni Robredo.
While the executive order released by Malacañang designated Robredo as co-chairperson of Director General Aaron Aquino of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the country’s second highest official clearly outranks the PDEA chief and all the other ICAD members of Cabinet rank. Aquino has said he had sought clarification from Malacañang about the functions of the co-chairs shortly after Robredo announced her acceptance of the challenge. As of the weekend, it looks like the clarification has not yet been made. Critics can’t seem to make up their mind on whether Robredo has done nothing so far, or that she has been moving too fast — and consequently endangering the war on drugs. Despite the lack of clarity, Robredo has set out to establish the baselines for redirecting the anti-drug
campaign. She has consulted with offices of the United Nations and the United States involved in the global war on narcotics, discussing best practices and existing programs of cooperation with the Philippines. This week she is expected to seek cooperation from the Catholic Church. Aquino and other ICAD members, meanwhile, have not minced words in expressing concern that information they share with Robredo, particularly on the law enforcement of the campaign, might compromise ongoing operations or even be used against some of them. Before the distrust intensifies, it would be best if Malacañang clarifies what exactly is expected of the co-chair of the ICAD. Unless this happens, it could reinforce fears that Robredo’s designation was nothing but a kneejerk
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
reaction to her criticism of the anti-drug campaign, and that she is being set up for failure. There’s still time for the administration — and several of its political allies who seem to have been made insecure
by the vice president’s newfound high profile — to show that the presidential spokesman was sincere in his initial reaction to Robredo’s acceptance of the role: “Her success is our success.” (Philstar.com)
Gratitude: The key that unlocks the door to true happiness
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS “THANK you” may be the BEST prayer, the most powerful force that may change the way we look at the world, and consequently, our life. And yet for many, these two words may be among the hardest things to say after “I’m sorry,” and the most difficult credo to live by. As we prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, allow me to share some of the quotes on gratitude that may help unlock the key to true and lasting happiness. These 40 quotes were compiled by Jeff Haden, contributing editor to Inc., and the author of “The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win.” “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G.K. Chesterton “’Enough’ is a feast.” – Buddhist proverb “If you count all your assets, you
Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA I HAVE been closely following the TV news coverage of the U.S. congressional hearings on the possible impeachment of President Donald Trump and I am reminded of Harry Belafonte’s song, Man Piaba, which goes this way: “When I was a lad of three-footthree, certain questions occurred to me; So I asked my father quite seriously to tell me the story ‘bout the bird and bee. He stammered and he stuttered pathetically and this is what he said to me: “He said, ‘The woman piaba and the man piaba and the ton ton call back a lemon grass; The lily root, gully root, belly root uhmm — and the famous granny’s scratch scratch!’ ”It was clear as mud and it covered the ground and the confusion made me head go ‘round; So I went to ask an old friend of mine, known to the world as Albert Einstein..” Einstein’s explanation was also “as clear as mud and it covered the ground,” and so was that of Sigmund Freud, whom the curious lad also asked. In frustration, he concludes: “All good men upon this earth have confused me since my birth. I’ve been over land and been over sea trying to find the story ‘bout the bird and bee; Now that I am ninety-three I don’t give a damn, you see…”
always show a profit.” – Robert Quillen “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” – Charles Dickens “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” – Eckhart Tolle “If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.” – Frank A. Clark “If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.” – Gerald Good “Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity... it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie “The world has enough beautiful mountains and meadows,
spectacular skies and serene lakes. It has enough lush forests, flowered fields, and sandy beaches. It has plenty of stars and the promise of a new sunrise and sunset every day. What the world needs more of is people to appreciate and enjoy it.” – Michael Josephson “Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy.” – Fred De Witt Van Amburgh “The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.” – Charles Schwab “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” – Epictetus “At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” – Albert Schweitzer “The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.” – William James “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today,
at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” – Buddha “Silent gratitude isn’t very much to anyone.” – Gertrude Stein “Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” – Henri Frederic Amiel “You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” – Willie Nelson “It is impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the same moment.” – Naomi Williams “One can never pay in gratitude; one can only pay ‘in kind’ somewhere else in life.” -Anne Morrow Lindbergh “Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” – John Wooden “No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” – Alfred North Whitehead “Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount
of Gratitude.” – .A. Milne “Forget yesterday – it has already forgotten you. Don’t sweat tomorrow – you haven’t even met. Instead, open your eyes and your heart to a truly precious gift – today.” – Steve Maraboli “We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.” – Neal A. Maxwell “In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer “The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.” – John E. Southard “I truly believe we can either see the connections, celebrate them, and express gratitude for our blessings, or we can see life as a string of coincidences that have no meaning or connection. For me, I’m going to believe in miracles, celebrate life, rejoice in the views of eternity, and hope my choices will create a positive ripple effect in the lives of others. This is my choice.” – Mike Ericksen “Gratitude also opens your eyes to the limitless potential of the universe, while dissatisfaction closes your eyes to it.” – Stephen
Richards “Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices.” – Robert Braathe “They both seemed to understand that describing it was beyond their powers, the gratitude that spreads through your body when a burden gets lifted, and the sense of homecoming that follows, when you suddenly remember what it feels like to be yourself.” – Tom Perrotta “Gratitude is more of a compliment to yourself than someone else.” – Raheel Farooq “Keep your eyes open and try to catch people in your company doing something right, then praise them for it.” – Tom Hopkins “In life, one has a choice to take one of two paths: to wait for some special day or to celebrate each special day.” – Rasheed Ogunlaru “This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” – Maya Angelou ***
vor of impeaching and removing Trump. Trump’s boast that he could shoot a man in the middle of Manhattan and not lose a single vote among his mesmerized supporters still rings eerily in the ears of the Democrats and enlightened Americans. It took the quid pro quo armtwisting that Trump allegedly tried to apply on the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, that forced Pelosi to finally accede to the mounting demand by her party caucus for impeachment proceedings to be initiated no matter what the political cost. Trump had made a Mafia-like “offer that couldn’t be refused” to Zelensky, pressuring the Ukranian government to dig up dirt on Trump’s potential rival for the presidency in the 2020 elections. The impeachment process is being aggressively pursued by the Democrats, in spite of the political risk, because IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. The current impeachment hearings are a spectacle of partisanship and obfuscation. The Republicans have gradually altered their defensive posture from denying that there was ever a quid pro quo (in terms of withholding from Ukraine over $400 million in U.S. aid in exchange for dirt on former Vice-President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden) to, “so what if there was a quid pro quo, what’s wrong with that?”, to “okay, assuming there was wrong-doing, it isn’t enough ground for impeaching a dulyelected president.” The Democrats, on the other
hand, have been methodically demolishing the Republican rationalization by presenting witnesses who have attested to Trump’s pressure tactics on the Ukranians. They have also cited the constitutional basis for impeaching Trump, leaving the Republicans and Trump to resort to obfuscation or, in Belafonte’s words, “making the situation clear as mud” and the American public with a “confusion that makes their head go ‘round.” What is interesting is that the battleground in this high stakes spectacle is in the minds of the American public. The objective of the Republicans is to confuse the U.S. electorate and leave enough doubts in their minds about the justification for impeaching the president. The Trump apologists are hoping that the doubts will translate into a tolerance for his misdemeanors enough to win him a second term. Indeed, for the average Americans, impeachment is a step into the unknown. And Trump has been painting all kinds of doomsday scenarios should he be removed from office – even the possibility of a violent upheaval among his supporters. On the other hand, the objective of the Democrats is to make a compelling case for impeachment based on blatant abuse of power and obstruction of justice, all adding up to high crimes and misdemeanors. They have toyed with the idea of throwing in treason among the articles of impeachment but are not sure that there will be enough grounds for this based on the report of Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Trump’s alleged collusion with Russia and Vladimir Putin.
The U.S. media and political pundits refer to these tactical and strategic moves by both parties as a “messaging war.” It is ironic that an icon of the rule of law like America finds itself caught in a situation where the fate of the president — and, perhaps, of the country itself — depends on the ability of contending parties to obfuscate, to muddle the public perception of events and circumstances, and to leave that perception “clear as mud,” thus making the public’s head “go ‘round.” Frankly this has boiled down into a communications contest — almost a marketing contest of competing brands — demanding the manipulative skills of wordsmiths and legal shysters, the rule of law and the Constitution be damned. Donald Trump himself is such a skilled manipulator for whom lying comes naturally. Like a cornered beast, he is expected to lie and cheat, unleash foul blows, and throw his most loyal associates under the bus to survive. Indeed, Trump could be a poster boy for Sun Tsu’s Art of War, where the master of warfare advises that an enemy should be allowed an avenue of escape because, if cornered, he will fight to death. It is a sad testament that even his worst detractors grudgingly concede that, when the smoke of battle has cleared, Trump could still survive like the indestructible cockroach while they themselves will be smarting in defeat. However, in spite of that dire possibility the impeachment process should still be pursued and consummated. BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. ***
A spectacle of obfuscation
Isn’t it amusing that something as basic as the sexual relations between man and woman (the bird and the bee) should be obfuscated and muddled by “all the good men upon this earth.” It is a fact. Try discussing sex with your curious 5-year-old. But the citizens of the United States — and inevitably the whole world — have no choice but to give a damn about the results of the impeachment hearing on the president of the most powerful country on the planet. America’s economic, military and social influence is so pervasive that it is said that when the U.S. catches a cold, the world comes down with pneumonia. In other words, the impeachment of a U.S. president will have a resounding impact on the world. Of course, Trump’s enemies will welcome his ejection from office. But Trump’s voter base won’t give a damn. The “never-Trumpers (Trump’s description of those who would like to see him kicked out of office), are painfully aware that although he may be impeached in the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives, the Republican-dominated Senate, which is mandated to conduct the actual impeachment trial, is not likely to render a verdict that will force him out of the White House. It will take a two-thirds vote of the Senate rolls to impeach, an unlikely occurrence, according to political observers. During the incumbency of President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, the figurative shoe was on the other foot. Clinton was impeached by
a Republican-controlled Lower House but was acquitted by the Democrats who were the majority in the Senate. What is interesting is that when Republican President Richard Nixon faced the possibility of impeachment in an inquiry initiated by House Democrats, it was a delegation of fellow Republicans that delivered the harsh message to Nixon. That persuaded Nixon to resign. Even more remarkable was the fact that it was a bi-partisan Senate Committee that approved the initial investigation into the Watergate break-in that started the scandal. That bi-partisanship is non-existent in the current impeachment hearings. President Manuel Quezon’s immortal quote, “My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to my country begins.” is meaningless to the partisans on Capitol Hill and the White House. In fact, it was in anticipation of an acquittal of Trump by the Republican-controlled Senate that kept Speaker Nancy Pelosi and many Democrats from pushing sooner for a formal impeachment inquiry. They were also worried that impeaching Trump could result in a voter backlash that could hand Trump a second term in next year’s presidential election, the way Clinton won a second term after being impeached. The political gamble seemed too risky. Public opinion polls indicate that Trump’s voter base has not been affected by the negative reports about his chaotic governance and only a slight majority of the American public are in fa-
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.
(gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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MONEY sent home by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) climbed in September, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed on Friday, Nov. 15. In a statement, the central bank said personal remittances — made up of OFWs’ net compensation; personal transfers, whether in cash or kind; and capital transfers between households — reached $24.6 billion in the first nine months of 2019, 3.9 percent higher than the $23.7 billion in the same period a year ago. In September alone, remittances rose by 6.3 percent to $2.6 billion from $2.5 billion in 2018. The Bangko Sentral credited the increase to the “steady remittance inflows from land-based OF workers with work contracts of one year or more, which grew to $18.8 billion from $18.2 billion in the same period last year.” “Remittance inflows from seabased workers and land-based workers with short-term contracts also contributed higher at $5.3 billion this year, compared to $4.9 billion a year ago,” it added. Cash remittances, which only
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
count money coursed through banks by OFWs with work contracts of less than one year, also rose to $2.4 billion in September from $2.2 billion. This drove cash remittances to hit $22.2 billion in the Januaryto-September period from $21.3 billion. Cash remittances from landbased workers increased by 3.2 percent to $17.3 billion and those from sea-based grew by 8 percent to $4.9 billion.
By country of origin, the United States contributed the highest number of remittances in the first three quarters at 37.5 percent. It was followed by Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Germany and Kuwait. “The combined remittances from these countries accounted for 78.3 percent of total cash remittances during the period,” the BSP said. n
IMF keeps 2019 GDP forecast by Tyrone Jasper
c. piad
ManilaTimes.net
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has kept its economic growth forecast for the Philippines at 5.7 percent this year and revised upward the 2020 outlook to 6.3 percent — from 6.2 percent previously — on the back of better government spending and easing of monetary policy. “The medium-term economic outlook remains favorable, especially if the strong structural reform momentum continues,” IMF said in a statement on Monday, Nov. 18. According to latest data, the national government spending in the first nine months reached P2.62 trillion, up 5.5 percent or P137.2 billion from the previous year. Of the total, P546.3 billion was spent for infrastructure and capital outlays. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), meanwhile, has cut the monetary policy twice,
bringing the overnight reverse repurchase facility to 4 percent. Interest rate on the overnight deposit and lending facilities stood at 3.5 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively. IMF noted that the country is still one of the “best-performing economies in the region,” as evidenced by recovering economic growth and easing inflation. The Philippine economy grew by 6.2 percent in the third quarter of the current year from 6.0 percent a year ago, driven by growth in government spending and consumption. However, IMF said that “the near-term rebound in GDP (gross domestic product) growth could be weaker than expected because of global trade tensions and related policy uncertainty, a change in global financial conditions and natural disasters.” Consumer price growth, meanwhile, weakened to 0.8 percent in October — lowest since 0.9 percent notched in May 2016 — from 0.9 percent a month ago
and 6.7 percent a year ago. “Inflation has declined, reflecting lower oil prices, rice tariffication, and a decisive monetary policy response to the inflation spike in 2018,” it noted. Considering global commodity prices and domestic policy trajectories, IMF said that inflation may settle at 1.6 percent this year and at 3 percent in 2020. The projection is within the 2- to 4-percent target set by the government. “The recent cuts in the BSP’s policy rate are appropriate for achieving the inflation target in the next one to two years, barring any unforeseen events,” IMF said. In order to promote inclusive growth, IMF said the government should focus also on “continued tax reform, relaxing restrictions on foreign investment, broadening poverty reduction efforts, easing the stringent banking secrecy law, and upgrading the capacity of public administration.” n
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BSP to launch QR code, expands e-payments for gov’t transactions by Lawrence
OFWs queue at Central, Hong Kong to send remitanses and exchange Hong Kong dollar to Philippine peso. Manilatimes.net file photo
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 20-22, 2019
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is set to launch peer-to-peer transactions using the national quick response (QR) code, as it expands the list of government transactions covered by electronic payments. Vicente de Villa, managing director of the BSP’s Financial Technology Sub-Sector, said the use of QR codes for peer-to-peer transactions would minimize, if not eliminate, errors in the input of account details. “With the QR, all you have to do is scan the QR, potential errors in the input of the account will be removed. Plus, the QR of one institution will be standardized similar to the QR of other institutions,” De Villa told reporters on the sidelines of the Financial Inclusion Forum for the labor sector. The QR technology has emerged as the most convenient and cost efficient means of moving funds from one account to another. A QR code contains most, if not all of the critical information such as account name and account number that are required to be specified in a payment instruction. Hence, the use of interoperable QR codes has been gaining traction as an alternative to the traditional debit and credit cards. It is
faster and easier to just scan the code than to dip or swipe a card, and sign a charge slip. De Villa added that the rules on the peer-to-business transaction using QR codes are now being finalized in preparation for the launching next year. “There are rules that are being worked out. We are hoping for that to happen no later than the first half of 2020,” he added. The private sector-led Philippine Payments Management Inc. (PPMI) has notified the regulator about the adoption of the EMV QR Code as the national QR code for payment and financial services. With the approval, payment service providers are required to adopt the national QR code standard within 30 days from the date of notification. However, the BSP has given banks and financial institutions until end June next year to comply due to the huge number of providers offering QR-enabled payment services. The adoption of a QR code standard on a national scale is expected to bring more Filipinos as well as micro and small enterprises onboard the financial system. The merchants simply need to print out the code on a piece of paper and display the code for their clients to scan using a smartphone. This operational require-
ment entails much lower cost than investing in electronic data capture equipment like point-of-sale terminals that are usually needed for card-based payment transactions. The adoption of a national standard is another collaborative initiative between the BSP and the PPMI under the National Retail Payment System (NRPS) launched in December 2015 to raise the level of cashless transactions to about 20 percent by 2020 from the previous one percent. Likewise, De Villa said the BSP is expanding the list of government transactions covered by epayments via the PESONet (Philippine EFT System Operations Network) from the current tax payments only. He added e-payments is being expanded to cover the services rendered by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), among others to augment the tax payments for the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). “We would like more government agencies to partake. We would like to have other government agencies to be included. Perhaps, LTO, DFA, and all those other agencies that have frontline licensing and front line payments made by the public,” De Villa added. n
PH seeks WB financing for quake resilience, agrarian reform projects by Ben
o. de Vera Inquirer.net
THE Philippines is turning to the World Bank to finance an earthquake-resiliency project as well as subdividing collective land titles distributed to agrarian reform beneficiaries, both eyed for approval by the Washingtonbased lender’s board next year. World Bank documents showed that the Department of Public Works and Highways is seeking investment project financing for the $300-million Philippines Seismic Risk Reduction and Resilience Project. The project is aimed at enhancing not only the DPWH’s disaster-response capacity but also the safety and seismic resilience of up to 500 public buildings in Metro Manila by retrofitting them.
“Metro Manila is transected by numerous earthquake generators, among which the active Valley Fault System is projected to potentially cause the largest impact on the Greater Metro Manila area (where the) Risk Assessment Program projected the potential effects of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake on the West Valley Fault to include an estimated 48,000 fatalities, $48 billion in economic losses, and catastrophic impact on government continuity and service provision,” the WB noted. Meanwhile, the Department of Finance, on behalf of the Department of Agrarian Reform, wanted to secure from the WB a separate investment project financing for the $537-million Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling Project.
Under the proposal, the World Bank will shoulder $300 million while the Philippine government will finance the rest. “This project supports the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, which awards lands to agrarian reform beneficiaries through parcelization of collective certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) or titles. Through the issuance of individual CLOAs, farmers will gain clarity and legal proof of the land they own and occupy. This security will encourage investment in agriculture productivity and once they have occupied the land for 10 years and paid the land amortization (repayment to the government for the land), they have the freedom to sell, lease out or otherwise transfer the land they have invested in,” the WB said. n
A NOVEMBER 20-22, 2019 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 20, 2019
Fil-Am chefs on dishes to bring to the Thanksgiving table by AJPRESS
IT’S Thanksgiving next week and for many Filipino American families, it means preparing a table spread of both traditional holiday and Filipino dishes. It’s not uncommon to see a turkey coexisting alongside a lechon or mashed sweet potatoes with pancit. For this issue, we asked several Fil-Am chefs around the country what they’d bring to a Thanksgiving boodle fight — a “kamayan” dining experience that forgoes utensils and dishes in favor of our hands and banana leaves. The ulam and rice are evenly placed on leaves on a long table so diners can grab and partake in a ritual rooted in camaraderie and unity, which aligns with what we
think of in a Thanksgiving meal as well. Jappy Diago Afzelius, Tsismis (New York) “I would contribute Inihaw ribs, Laing, beef tapa, pork tocino, Pritong Bangus, Kinilaw na tuna. These are dishes that I hold close to my heart because I grew up eating them either at home with my family or out at restaurants with my friends.” Ria Dolly Barbosa, Executive Chef of Paramount Coffee Project (Los Angeles) I would contribute my pan de sal! It came to be an unintentional labor of love. I was testing it for about a year when I got it to where I wanted it to be. My Lola was not well
while I was testing and I’d give her each updated version to try. By the time I got it where I wanted it to be, she already left this plane, but I like to think that she’d be proud of it. I used it as the base for my fried chicken sandwich during my year long pop-up WILD at Canelé back in 2014-2015. I haven’t made it much these days but whenever I do, I always think of her.” Carlo Lamagna, Magna (Portland, OR) “I would definitely do inihaw na pusit and liempo. With a boodle fight, it should be about the ease of eating as well as flavor. Anything saucy doesn’t make sense. Plus the grilled flavor of the squid adds an outdoor, flame quality and the
AJPress illustrations by Godwin Gasacao and Jillian Peñalosa
Jane answers controversies by JAN
MILO SEVERO
Philstar.com
ACTRESS Jane De Leon admitted that she felt tired once in showbiz after getting rejections for different roles. In a recent interview with Boy Abunda in “Tonight With Boy Abunda,” Jane said she felt impatient waiting for a big break in showbiz before landing the Darna role. “Yes po, Tito Boy. Na-feel ko po na ‘Kakayanin ko pa ba to? May opportunity pa bang mangyayari sa akin?’ Nainip din po ako, Tito Boy, pero siyempre hindi ako tumigil do’n. Lalo pa akong lumaban. Kung kaya nila, kaya ko rin. Lahat po gagawin ko para sa family ko,” she said. She said she’s thankful to ABS-CBN bosses for giving her the opportunity to play the Darna role. “Hindi ko in-expect itong proyektong ito. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga nakakataas na may nakita silang potential at pinagkatiwalaan nila ako. Siyempre ayaw ko silang madisappoint,” Jane said.
Champorado for dessert.” Cheryl Baun & Paulo Mendoza, Karenderya (Nyack, NY) “Definitely daing na bangus because we always eat it with hands anyway, and it’s one of our go-to comfort foods. Also we thought ribs and chicken wings would be fun, too,
because they are the quintessential pulutan, adding to the communal feel of a kamayan feast.” King Phojanakong, Kuma Inn (NYC) “Pinoy Thanksgiving - yesssss!!! Bourbon honey-glazed ham, turkey and/or chicken inasal, prime rib roast, whole grilled branzino, pancit bihon, garlic rice, sautéed baby bok choy, roasted Brussels sprouts with apple and bacon, chorizo wild mushroom stuffing and a couple of pumpkin buko pies. It’s our Thanksgiving Day menu here at home in NYC. If it was a little warmer out or we were back home in the Philippines I’d set up the long table and banana leaves. These dishes are all so special and celebratory. A true melting pot of flavors from the Philippines to here. And everyone from bunso to lola are happy.” Nicole Ponseca, author of “I Am a Filipino: And This Is How We Cook” and founder of Jeepney & Maharlika (NYC) “I think mini-bibingka or kare-kare. What better way to enjoy the oxtails!” Queenie Peña Bañez, Asin (Caldwell, NJ) “Definitely crispy pata and Aristocrat-style barbecue chicken. Those are two classic dishes that many Filipinos just love.”
tell people with alopecia to “be open to embracing their uniqueness.” Real-life experience IN the age of matching According to Asistio, apps, casual dating and even Yana Gilbuena, Salo Se“Maria Clara” was inspired hookups, many believe the esries (Nationwide) from her experience in dating. sence of Maria Clara — Jose “I’ve made a turkey em“Fresh from the experiRizal’s famed character from butido before with a cranence [of dating a non-commit“Noli Me Tangere” who later berry sweet and sour sauce. tal guy], malungkot ako nung became the epitome of the I think it’s a very FILIPINIZED una about it, pero nung hiniideal Filipina (without a hair dish. As for Thanksgiving himay ko na yung nangyari, out of place, formal, meek memories, I never celebrated dun ko na naisulat yung kanta. and faithful among other charThanksgiving growing up but Parang nagda-diary ako nun acteristics) — has long been in my early twenties after I eh and I would write, ‘Hindi gone among young women in moved to the U.S., I started ako panandalian lang, di ako this country. attending some and eventuThe 35-year-old recording artist puts into song ganun.’ Kausap ko yung sarili But singer Abby Asistio ally hosting a lot. My favorite the traits of the modern Maria Clara. ko.” begs to differ — Maria Clara dish was the actual roast Photo from Instagram/@abbyasistio But as she gathered her is alive and kicking albeit in a turkey because I had one thoughts, Asistio had a eureka modern sense. She knows how she continued. Thanksgiving where my friend For the record, the song moment and realized she to have fun, but won’t bend donated one but didn’t tell is not meant to preach that could turn her experience into her principles for anything. me it was frozen and we had Filipinas be prude or picky a “good and nice” song. This is the 35-year-old’s five hours before the dinin an absurd way in a date. “The song’s original title message in her new single ner. We massaged the whole Rather, “Maria Clara” wants was ‘Panandalian Lang.’ But titled “Maria Clara.” frozen turkey under a warm to empower women to choose when I was working with my The song boasts of modwater bath until it thawed themselves and their happiproducer, sabi niya bakit hindi ernized kundiman sound and and I was about to cook mo i-title na ‘Maria Clara?’ its music video — where Asis- ness. it. That was definitely very “It’s not about being Sabi ko, ‘Oo nga, no?’ So tio wears an updated terno memorable.” while dancing to today’s beat prude. I like going to the club from there, umusbong na Ralph Degala, Masterand dancing a certain way nang umusbong yung ideas.” — conveys its message of Chef contestant Season 9 but does that mean I don’t Overall, Asistio said she upholding one’s values in the and YouTube personality have standards and values? has her Christian upbringing millennial dating scene. (Los Angeles) Hindi. I could have fun, I could to thank for in realizing her “For me it’s really about “I would contribute some enjoy who I am, I could pursue value, and now, sharing this knowing who you are and lechon manok/chicken Inasal things I love about life and no “gospel” to other Filipinas. what you want. The song is to the noodle fight! Whenev“I am from a Christian about the fleeting hookup cul- one could take that away from er we go back to the Philipture, dating. But I don’t mean me. Yun si Maria Clara para sa home so I guess that’s one of pines, one thing I must abakin.” the things that really served to judge. It’s just in this age, solutely get there is the local This is not the first time as my foundation in terms of there are those naman who Inasal or lechon manok from want long-term relationships,” for Asistio to come out with a loving myself and knowing Sr. Andoks. The combination who I am and knowing the Asistio told The Manila Times song about self-love. of the slow-cooked chicken, The singer-songwriter, kind of man that I am looking at the sidelines of her single’s homemade Mang Tomas who’s also an alopecia aware- for. launching. sauce and rice always brings ness advocate, previously “When I wrote ‘Maria “Women have their own back memories of me eating released songs about self-love Clara’ that’s when I said, desires, visions and goals with family after a long day and embracing one’s own enough na ayaw ko na. I want for themselves so sa kanta of basketball or playing in the definition of beauty. to be that kind of person na ng bagong Maria Clara, may province.” In fact, her song “Beautihindi na nahihiya na sabihin na hinahanap ka rin, kumbaga ful” featured her in a music meron din akong hinahanap. alam mo kung sino ka, alam video without wearing a wig Hindi lang lalaki ang namimili, mo kung ano ang gusto mo or any artificial hairpiece. babae rin,” she ended. — that no one should dictate how you should live your life,” She said that she did it to
Tonton and Glydel: The un-showbiz couple by RICKY LO
Jane De Leon
Jane also addressed rumors that she’s a “maldita” and just a pretty face without acting prowess. “Lumalaban lang po ako ‘pag tama,” Jane said when asked if rumors are true that
THEY are in showbiz and yet they are out of it. Isn’t it a contradiction? “No,” clarify Tonton Gutierrez, 51, and Glydel Mercado, 45, “it’s correct. Showbiz is our bread and butter so that makes us what they call ‘public figures’ but our private life is our own.” It’s possible, according to the un-showbiz couple, and that has been their lifestyle for 21 years – “Six years as boyfriend/girlfriend and 15 years as husband and wife.” Their very private life is confined to them and their daughters Aneeza, 15, and Aneeka, seven years old, who attend Photo from Instagram/@imjanedeleon different schools. she is allegedly “maldita” in “Simpleng buhay…tareal life. himik,” is how the couple “Ang masasabi ko lang po sums up their married life. d’un sa nagsabing puro ganda No, ehem, temptations? lang ako at hindi ako maru“I must admit that when nong umarte, ‘Watch out!’,” I was single, I also had fun,” Jane added. confessed Tonton who has been linked to several actresses, one of them told him that she would have been happier if he was the one she married. “Been there, done that. Tapos na ako sa ganoon.” Named after his father (Eddie Gutierrez), Eduardo Antonio married Flordeliza Sanchez in 2004 at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City, witnessed by principal sponsors that included Charo Santos-Concio, former First Lady/Rep. Imelda Marcos and Lolit Solis (the couple’s manager). “They are very religious,” said Lolit. “They attend Mass seven days a week. Kapag Monday, St. Joseph; Tuesday, St. Anthony; Wednesday, Mother of Perpetual Help; Thursday, St. Jude; Friday, Black Nazarene in Quiapo; Saturday, St. Theodore; and Sunday, Mass with the kids.” Even their friends are nonshowbiz. “Our circle of friends doesn’t include anybody from showbiz,” shared Tonton. “They are mostly our golf Photo from Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin buddies.” When free from work, masasabi ko lang sa inyo, that’s what keeps them busy pakisamahan niyo lang ako sa golf. Or, they shoot the maghapon. Kung may masabi breeze together with the kids, kayo sa pag-uugali ko, sige, stroll at the mall, eat out and magpapakilala ako (To evewatch movies together. Othryone who thinks I am using erwise, they stay home and Vice Ganda for money, get to watch or downloaded movies know me for a whole day. If together. you see something about my “We watched all the epipersonality, I’ll let you know sodes of The Assassination of mw even more),” he continGianni Versace in one sitting,” ued. said Tonton. On sexuality and marConversations sat for an riage easy-breezy time with the couIon also opened up about ple several weeks ago when his sexuality, saying he is they renewed their contract as “straight” who happened to star-endorsers of Beautederm. be in love with a gay person. “I love the couple,” said “Hindi po (No),” Perez Beautederm president/CEO said when asked if he was Rhea Anicoche-Tan. “Look at gay. “Sobrang straight po their complexion. They are ako. Nagkataon lang na nagperfect for my products.” Continued on Page 3
by KRISSY
AGUILAR Inquirer.net
Ion Perez and Vice Ganda
columnist and Vice Ganda’s former talent Manager Ogie Diaz over his YouTube channel. The showbiz newbie also addressed claims that he is after Vice Ganda’s money, saying he can never do that to the comedian and even dared critics to get to know him. “Hindi ko po kayang gawin yun sa kanya. Kasi kung ginawa ko po yun sa kanya, parang wala na rin akong pinagkaiba sa mga nakaraan na nanloko sa kanya (I cannot do that to him. If I do that, I am no different from other people in his past who made a fool of him),” Perez said. “Sa lahat ng nag-iisip na piniperahan ko si Vice Ganda,
by Christina
alpad ManilaTimes.net
Tonton and Glydel...
From Page 2 Being both children of cinema, Tonton and Glydel are okay if their daughters follow in their footsteps (Tonton’s mom Liza is one-time Bb. Pilipinas runner-up and awardwinning actress while Glydel practically grew up under the klieg lights, discovered by talent manager Daddy Wowie
Philstar.com
I’m not after Vice’s wealth, she’s my girlfriend – Ion ION Perez has recently opened up about his oneyear relationship with movie and TV celebrity Vice Ganda, putting an end to allegations of him merely after the comedian’s money. He likewise talked about sexuality and marriage. Ion knew he wanted to be friends with Vice Ganda when he joined noontime variety show “It’s Showtime” and also did not expect to fall for the comedian. “Hindi ko rin naman iniisip na darating kami sa ganito, basta sabi ko lang sa kanya, maging kaibigan ko lang si Vice, maging kaibigan lang talaga. Kung may problema siya, baka isa rin ako sa mga taong puwede niyang pagsabihan (I also did not think we would come to this. I wanted to become Vice’s friend. If he has a problem, maybe I could be one of the people he could open up to),” Perez said. “Pero di ko din talaga in-expect na darating kami sa ganito, kasi hindi ko rin naman masisisi din ang sarili ko. Sobrang bait ni Vice. Hindi mo rin ako masisisi ba’t ako na-in love sa kanya, kasi sobrang bait niya talaga (I also did not expect we would come to this. I also cannot blame myself. Vice is really kind. I can’t blame myself for why I fell in love with him because he is really kind),” he added. Perez recently appeared in a vlog by entertainment
crispy liempo for texture.” Romy Dorotan, Purple Yam (Brooklyn, NYC) “Sorry, I really don’t like kamayan/boodle fight. And sorry again, I really don’t like turkey. I would recommend lechon pork belly (bone in, skin on) crispy skin (malutong) and very moist, Mang Tomasstyle gravy, atsara, pancit, laing, rice... maybe apple cider salabat.
Abby sings Maria Clara back to modernity
Tonton Gutierrez and Glydel Mercado
Glydel has her own health regimen mixing five fresh greens (ampalaya, green apple, green pepper, celery and cucumber) and taken in the morning before breakfast. “It was actually Glyds who introduced me to Beautederm,” said Tonton. “I tried the item she uses on her face and it was effective on me.” Would you believe that in all these 21 years, they never had any, to quote Venus Raj, ”major, major” fight? Oops! They actually had, not “major, major” but only a “major” one (over something, they refused to reveal) when they were just going steady. They broke up but soon got back together. “Boring kami,” said Tonton tongue-in-cheek. “Oo nga,” agreed Glydel who is close to her mother-inlaw Liza Lorena. That is, boring in the sense that, unlike most showbiz couples, they don’t wash their dirty linen on social media (they’ve never been enmeshed in ugly issues, have they?), they avoid lavish showbiz parties (unless very necessary), they conduct themselves with propriety whether in private (their neighbors in New Manila can attest to that) and in public (they don’t call attention to themselves but gladly oblige with requests for selfies) and they don’t flaunt showbiz airs, not even a trace of it. Oh yes, they fight but only over petty things. “Such as what channel to watch,” admitted Glydel. “Sometimes, gusto niya sports at ako naman teleserye. I would end up sleeping in another room overnight. Ganyan lang. O kaya kung sino ang tutulong sa mga bata sa homework nila, so we decided to hire a tutor na lang.” Tonton and Glydel treat their daughters as friends. “Open sila sa amin,” said
Philstar.com photo by Ricky Lo
Glydel. “Open din kami sa kanila.” Glydel recalled that when Aneeza was four years old, she and Tonton noticed that she would be dressed like a little girl should be but she always carried a basketball. Growing up, the girl preferred to be in denim pants and rubber shoes. That made her parents’ curious. So Tonton asked her, “‘Anak, tomboy ka ba? It’s fine with us if you are.’ She said, laughing, ‘Of course, no, Dada! I’m a girl...girl na girl, hahaha!’ We were relieved, at least nawala ang duda. Aneeza is into sports kasi sumasama siya sa amin ni Glyds sa golf. Why was I so frank with her? That’s the way we treat our kids. Times have changed. What was taboo is now okay. With social media, everything is out in the open.” “One time,” recalled Glydel, “I thought Aneeza had a crush on Justin Bieber. Yon pala hindi as a singer. The maid told us that Aneeza liked Bieber’s fashion style, hehehe!” “Actually,” added Tonton, “may crush siya ngayon...si Donny Pangilinan. Ay, bakit ko sinabi?” Then, he laughed. There’s a “connection.” Donny is the son of Maricel Laxa, Donny’s mom who is Tonton’s former girlfriend now happily married to Donny’s dad Anthony Pangilinan. Tonton and Glydel have done daring roles but that was before they had children. Not anymore. “We don’t want to play roles na hindi namin puede ipakita sa kanila,” said Glydel. “Before Glyds accepts an offer, she tells me about it first.” And vice-versa. “In a movie she’s doing, she has a rape scene and she’s asking the director kung puede ako na lang ang magri-rape sa kanya.” Continued on Page 3
who introduced Mayor Isko to the late Master Showman German “Kuya Germs” Moreno after he spotted Isko at a wake in Tondo). Aneeza is attending an acting workshop under Joel Lamangan and is in the cast of the indie film Jolly Spirits Squad with Mayor Isko’s son Joaquin Domagoso.
Incidentally, how does the couple celebrate special occasions (birthdays, weddings, etc.)? “Simple lang, always with the kids. Glyds is not pa-girlie-girlie. She doesn’t expect flowers or chocolates. Walang ganoon. Basta kasama ang family, happy na siya.”
entertainment Moira on new singers wanting to sound like her The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 20, 2019
by rito
p. asilo Inquirer.net
GETTING to where she is was no walk in the park for Moira dela Torre, the country’s most streamed OPM artist. So, it comes as no surprise to go on Spotify these days and hear upcoming female artists singing and sounding like the 26-year-old singer-songwriter. In fact, even some of Moira’s fellow interpreters at this year’s Himig Handog songwriting tilt, whose winning song “Mabagal” she sang with Daniel Padilla, “sounded” like her. It’s like how it was in the ‘90s, when every new “biritera” on the block performed her note-scaling runs the way Asia’s Songbird did hers. But Moira is no flash in the pan. She cut her teeth giving her covers of Moonstar88’s “Torete” or Imago’s “Sundo” a more soulful spin, not to mention her “hugot”-channeling renditions of “Tagu-taguan” and “Malaya.” While she finds the current “trend” flattering, Moira says she avoids comparing herself to new songstresses. “To be honest, hindi ko masyadong ina-acknowledge sa sarili ko that they sound like me—or that they’re ‘tunog-Moira’— because I know how it feels to be compared to others. “It’s flattering. But I see it
Moira Dela Torre
as something they have to go through [to find their musical identity]. In my case, as I was growing up, ang dami ko ring katunog sa mga inidolo
Photo from Instagram/@moirarachelle
ko and, eventually, I found my own voice. So, I’m excited for the new singers. If that’s their voice, that’s great. If not, they’ll find it in due time.”
I’m not after Vice’s wealth...
From Page 2 mahal ako sa isang bakla (I’m straight. It just so happened that I fell in love with a gay person).” Vice Ganda has previously identified himself as a gay man during an episode of “It’s Showtime.” ‘Girlfriend’ When asked if he considers Vice Ganda as his girlfriend, Perez said “yes.” Perez said he did not believe in “forever,” but thinks he found that in the come-
dian. “Dati, hindi ako naniniwala sa ‘forever,’ pero ngayon, nararamdaman ko na makakasama ko talaga siya nang matagal (I did not believe in “forever” before but now I feel like I will be with him for a long time),” Perez said. Perez likewise admitted he and Vice Ganda have already spoken about marriage, but said they need not be in a hurry. “May time naman po na pinag-uusapan, pero sabi
namin, hindi namin kailangan magmadali, basta nagkakaintindihan kami ngayon, nagmamahalan kami. Darating din po siguro ‘yung time na ‘yon na magpapakasal (There are times when we talk about it but we said we should not be in a hurry. Just as long as we understand and love each other, the time where we get married will come),” Ion said. Earlier this month, Vice Ganda confirmed being in a relationship with Ion for a year already.
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes IN A divorce proceeding, people sometimes have a misconception that the only assets or properties that have to be disclosed are those situated in California. Even worse, sometimes parties even think that since an asset or property is situated in a different country or state, that
community 4
Disclosure and characterization of overseas assets in divorce property is not considered community property and not subject to division in California family court. One has to understand the general community property presumption in California. Property acquired before marriage is the acquiring spouse’s separate property, as is property obtained during marriage that can be traced to a premarital acquisition [Family Code 770(a)].
Rents, issues and profits” of separate property are separate property. All property acquired during marriage and before separation, other than by gift or inheritance, is presumptively community property [Family Code 760, 771(a), 772; Marriage of Bonds (2000) 24 C4th 1, 12, 99 CR2d 252, 258; Marriage of Lehman (1998) 18 C4th 169, 177, 74 CR2d 825, 828]. Pursuant to Family Code 760, community personal or real property is consistently defined no matter where it is situated. Family Code §760 defines “community property” as, “Except as otherwise provided by statute, all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” As such, out-of-state community property is community property for all purposes, including intra-spousal management and control fiduciary obligations. It does not matter if the property is located in another state or another country. For the same reason, the parties to a divorce case is required to disclose all property, separate and community, including those outside the state. During the marriage, the parties’ fiduciary duties require full and accurate disclosure of true and full information affecting community property transactions [Family Code 721(b), 1100(e)]. In addition, disclosure duties arise upon separation in anticipation of dissolution, nullity or legal separation. The postseparation disclosure duties extend to all assets and liabilities in which either party has or may have an interest or obligation, regardless of community or separate property characterization, and to current earnings, accumulations and expenses. These duties “arise without reference to any wrongdoing” [Family Code §§ 721(b), 2100(c), 2102(a)(1); Marriage of Feldman (2007) 153 CA4th 1470, 1475– 1476, 64 CR3d 29, 33; Marriage of Brewer & Federici (2001) 93 CA4th 1334, 1342–1344, 113 CR2d 849, 854–855]. Parties to a divorce case have a duty to provide full and accurate disclosure of all assets and debts including those in other states and other countries. Continued on Page 5
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 20, 2019
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA LONG ago, on a visit to my father’s grave site on Father’s day, my husband, daughter and I trudged along several tombstones of husbands and wives who lived in the 1850’s and died just before the mid-1900’s buried side by side on a quiet, lush, manicured patch of Forest Lawn Glendale. My daughter noted the pattern in the headstones of a generation ago. I commented that it is getting harder to find such longevity of devotion these days among younger married couples of the current generation. Call this the Age of Distraction. Perhaps it is because the young ones are engaged in far too many distractions and mired in too much self-absorption living in a popular culture that fosters self-love and to a point, extreme narcissism. It has become a struggle for many couples just to stay together. One might argue that the generations before us didn’t have the same challenges that we are having. It may have been a far simpler time compared to the complexities we are all faced with. And yet they leave behind lessons of love that result in devotion and fidelity. Surely, we can learn a lot about nurturing human relations from those who have gone before us. This I have learned from an older generation at an early age. Of all the powerful words in the English language, the words “Thank you” are like magic wands in helping transform human relationships, marriage in particular, happier. Not perfect … just happier. You don’t even have to say the words. You can acknowledge anything good done for you by your partner by a sweet gesture, a nod, a smile, a touch or anything else that works for you that says “thank you.” In short, don’t take your partner for granted. Whether you’ve been together 50 days or 50 years, those words never get old. If you want that most powerful emotion called love to live on, treat your partner like a gardener takes care of a plant. Most plants cannot survive without water, light, soil and other optimum conditions kept at a consistent basis. The human heart is like that. It grows strong and beautiful with constant, devoted care. Saying “thank you” to your partner in life as often as you can, simply means you appreciate him or her. You are validating
Two magical words First of 2 parts
“…And I think about those people who mean so much to me And for so many years have made me so very happy And I count the times I have forgotten to say “THANK YOU” And just how much I love them.”
— “Sometimes”, Richard & Karen Carpenter his worth as a person. Perhaps, being appreciated and shown respect is next on the list of the most basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. The words may not come naturally to you and your partner may be stunned at first but go ahead. Give it a try and say “thank you.” Say it like you mean it. Look for the small gestures such as being given a cup of coffee, opening your car door, doing housework, cleaning your car or filling up your gas tank. Just don’t take what he does for you as a given. Or how about taking the initiative yourself? If you do it long enough and often enough, he might mirror your behavior. What goes around comes around. If he brings home the paycheck that pays for your family life, then treat him like a king. Often, the goodhearted partner will treat you like his queen. There are exceptions, of course. It is only the jerks and the jackasses who abuse their positions of strength. That holds true for both sexes. If there is constant, sincere appreciation shifting back and forth between partners, you are, in effect, cementing a foundation for a relationship that would be tough to crack even if a threat to your marriage, like a pretty, young vixen with milelong legs comes along making a play for your partner. Likewise, a smooth talking, slick Pepe Le Pew character with washboard abs would smell more like Brad’s sweaty armpit and would have no chance with a woman who already has a man at home she can canoodle with. What is good for the gander is good for the goose. There may be scores of women out there right now who feel neglected by their spouses. Maybe there’s another woman or man waiting in the wings. But more often than not during this Age of Distraction, the disaffection is rooted in self-absorption. And there lies the problem. Women need, want and crave appreciation just as much as men, if not more. Self-love takes many forms — whether it is playing video games or social networking on FB or some such platform on the internet for hours on end; binge
drinking; gambling; watching or playing golf or any other sport; vain, self-obsession as a health nut or on becoming an Adonis body-building hunk or going to the deep end of things, deviant sex and pornography. Excessive time spent on these obsessions is time stolen from nurturing the love relationship. Watch out for these modern-day distractions and addictions that are just too many to list. Okay, let’s call a spade a spade. These are sins. Admit them if you have them and break the bonds with firm resolve. If you want true love and happiness, strive for balance and moderation. In all cases of neglect, love is left to wither and die. Women who feel neglected, if driven to their limits, may throw all caution to the wind and look for love from the first opportunistic guy that comes along ready to engage in mild flirtation, an occasional dalliance or a full blown affair and gives them the attention and validation they crave. Such women can make disastrous, life-changing decisions that cause not only personal damage but also leave behind in the wake of a messy split, massive psychological, irreversible damage to children and other people involved in the couple’s orbit. Say “thank you” and mean it. Don’t just do it out of habit. Cut off the cellphone “umbilical cord” and make eye contact. Open your eyes and see the good in your partner. Wisdom, as they say, is knowing what to overlook. Rein in that critical sharp tongue. The tongue is a small yet powerful muscle that can lash out, slash and burn a relationship forever. The effect is amplified a million times when you write it down or use the web to vent your fury. When you document your anger on paper and more frequently these days online, you have entered “scorched earth” territory. There is little chance of ever going back. (To be continued in next week’s issue …) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
THE Fair Debt Collection Practices (FDCPA) is a Federal law that was enacted in 1978 by the United States Congress to protect consumers from abusive debt collectors. However, the FDCPA applies only to thirdparty collectors who collect debt for original creditors. It does not apply to the original creditor itself who uses its own employees to collect debt. Let’s use our beloved Pres. Trump’s businesses as examples since he owns a lot of them. You go to Washington, DC and stay in his hotel. What’s the name of the hotel? The Trump Hotel. You stay there for a week and rack up a bill of $50K. The credit limit on your credit card used to secure your stay at the hotel only has a credit limit of $5K. In short, you owe Pres. Trump $45K. He sends your $45K bill to a debt collector in LA. The LA debt collector calls you 20 times a day, and calls you at your place of work and talks to your boss about your debt. Is this debt collector covered by the FDCPA? Sure he is, because he is a third party collector. What can this person do and not do to collect the $45K from you? 1. He can contact you in person, by mail, telephone, telegram, or fax. However, he may not contact you at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you allow it. He may not contact you at your workplace if he knows that your employer doesn’t allow personal calls. 2. He may not use repetitious phone calls that are intended to annoy, abuse or harass you or any person answering the phone. He may not use abusive or profane language. For example, he cannot shout at you over the phone and call you a “nogood lazy and good-for-nothing bum! Pay the $45K today in certified bank funds, or the FBI will arrest you and ship you to a gulag in Siberia in a twenty-foot container with a giant cobra!”
Debt Relief
Atty. lAwrence yAng No, this kind of language is not allowed by the FDCPA. 3. He cannot threaten you with violence. For instance, he cannot tell you that he is going to send the biggest guy in the Mara Salvatrucha gang to separate your head from your shoulders if you don’t pay the $45K today. 4. He cannot use any false or misleading statements. These are examples of false statements: a) Implying that they are attorneys or government representatives when they are not b) Implying that you have committed a crime c) Falsely representing that they work for a credit bureau d) Misrepresenting the amount of the debt owed e) Indicating that papers being sent are legal forms, when they are not f) Indicating that papers being sent are not legal forms, when they are g) Saying that you will be arrested if you do not pay the debt h) They will seize, garnish, attach, or sell property or wages, unless the collection agency or creditor intends to do so, and it is legal to do so I) Actions, such as a lawsuit, will be taken against the debtor, when such action may not legally be taken, or when they do not intend to take such action j) Giving false credit info about you to anyone, including a credit bureau k) Sending you anything that looks like an official document from a court or government agency, when it is not l) Using a false name.
Now let’s assume a different scenario. The Trump hotel uses its own employees to collect the $45K from you. Does the FDCPA apply to these employees? No, it does not. The employee can Twitter you all they want. They can call you and tell you that they are going to nuke your house in half an hour if you don’t pay up. They can tell you that they are ready to press the big red button that will send over the swat team of the FBI and the CIA to your door in ten minutes if you don’t pay up. But why even worry about whether the Trump hotel sends a third-party collector or uses their own employees to collect the $45K from you when you can file a Chapter 7 petition to wipe out the $45K from the face of the earth? You can use a Chapter 7 petition to tell the collector to stop the third-party collector or the Trump employees dead on their tracks! They won’t be able to call you or even send you a collection letter. They have to shut up completely and they lose the right to file a lawsuit against you to collect the debt. At the same time, you will be able to keep all of your assets, including your house, your cars, everything in your house, and all of your retirement accounts up to $1M. You can get a fresh start in life without having to look over your shoulder to see if there are any FBI or CIA agents chasing after you. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally.
*** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South-Lower Level Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 20, 2019
Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon SLEEPLESS nights… Stressed out… Worried about the future... Always broke no matter how hard they work… Feeling hopeless about their situation. These are what most people go through when they are considering bankruptcy in order to get out of debt. The word “bankruptcy” often produces negative feelings because some people equate it with failure. They think that filing bankruptcy means they have failed and that they are admitting defeat. But nothing can be further from the truth. Listen to me: Bankruptcy is not about failing; it’s about starting again and putting the past behind you so that you can move on to bigger and better things. A lot of creditors will lie to you when you’re in debt and tell you that bankruptcy is the ‘worst mistake’ you can ever make because your credit will be ‘ruined forever’ and that you will never be able to buy a car or house again. Wrong again. The truth is that bankruptcy is a fact of life. At one time or another, everyone experiences financial difficulties. When you’re in a situation where you have done everything you can to pay your creditors but nothing has worked, bankruptcy may be your only option so you can start a new life. And this is exactly what Congress intended when they passed bankruptcy laws. So,
Bankruptcy: Don’t live without a financial plan “The truth is that bankruptcy is a fact of life. At one time or another, everyone experiences financial difficulties.” with bankruptcy you get another chance. You wipe the slate clean and move on with your life, free from the burdens of debt. Can you just imagine what would happen if we had no bankruptcy laws that can help people get out of debt when they can no longer help themselves? Filing for bankruptcy means that you are filing a petition for relief from the bankruptcy court. The court reviews your application and determines whether on not you are entitled to the relief you are seeking. It is not for dishonest people who are trying to cheat the system. Contrary to what others think, most people who file for bankruptcy are honest, hard-working people who have gotten themselves in a big financial mess. In some cases, it is caused by factors beyond their control. In other cases, it is a result of making bad financial decisions. But who hasn’t made a bad decision in their life at least once? Life is not perfect. Neither are you. Filing bankruptcy can help you regain your footing if you have lost control of your finances. If you are living your life without a financial plan for the future, you will never achieve financial security. So, you can say that bank-
ruptcy is a tool that allows you to reorganize your finances so you can plan a better future for yourself and your family. It is neither good nor bad in and of itself. You can use a tool for the wrong or right reasons. Using it for the wrong reasons is NOT the intent of our bankruptcy laws. Is it for you? Maybe yes. Maybe no. It certainly is not for everyone. But when appropriate for your situation, it could be the best thing that ever happened to you – and it could be a big turning point in your life if you are drowning in debt. This is what you need, isn’t it? If you need some straight talk about bankruptcy and get all your questions answered, I will give you a free initial consultation so we can talk about your situation. Just call 866-477-7772 and schedule an appointment. I have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)
Disclosure and characterization of overseas...
From Page 4 Failure to disclose could result in certain legal consequences to the non-disclosing parties, including sanctions and attorney’s fees. If you are contemplating a divorce and you own assets and properties outside the state or country, it’s best to retain the representation of an experienced family law attorney. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only
general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both
the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 20, 2019
City of Pasadena and Visit Pasadena launch ‘Shop Pasadena’ campaign for holiday season
City of West Hollywood seeks feedback about HIV and stigma in online survey AS the City of West Hollywood moves forward with implementing its HIV Zero Strategic Plan, the City’s Social Services Division is seeking feedback from the community about stigma experienced as a result of HIV status. The City has launched an online survey, which is available at www. weho.org/hivzero. Residents and members of the community, regardless of HIV status, are encouraged to provide input, which will be helpful to the City in the ongoing implementation of its HIV Zero plan. This is the fifth wave of the survey on stigma. Community members are encouraged to take part in the survey even if they have completed a survey as part of a previous wave. A goal of the survey is to understand how stigma impacts access to care and overall health and wellness. Stigma and discrimination are potentially the most difficult aspects of HIV/AIDS to address. For people living with HIV, stigma is related to negative
psychosocial, physical and mental health issues such as social isolation, anxiety, and depression. Among HIV-negative gay and bisexual men and transgender women, sexual orientation-based stigma can negatively affect mental health, coping skills, and willingness to disclose sexual orientation, which impacts healthcare, access to screenings and preventative medicine. The prejudice and discrimination resulting from HIV stigma can be overt, such as barriers to healthcare coverage or employment termination, or subtle, such as social exclusion. A goal of the HIV Zero Strategic Plan is to build an inclusive community that supports underserved groups and honors the contributions made by people living with HIV. HIV/AIDS has had a significant impact on the City of West Hollywood and, as early as the mid-1980s, the City was one of the first government entities to provide social services grants to
Photo courtesy by City of Pasadena
THE City of Pasadena and Visit Pasadena have launched a campaign to encourage people to shop local this holiday season. The ‘Shop Pasadena’ campaign puts a spotlight on the hundreds of independently-owned Pasadena businesses, and encourages the community to shop small and dine local. Every time someone visits their corner shop, grabs a bite at a local eatery or buys a shirt from the neighborhood boutique, they are helping support Pasadena’s independent business owners. Not to mention, shopping local keeps dollars in our city to support our schools, parks and other vital community services. As part of the ‘Shop Pasadena’ campaign, independent businesses in each of the city’s commercial areas will serve as welcome stations for the campaign and distribute ‘Shop Pasadena’ canvas tote bags (while supplies last) beginning Saturday, Nov. 30, in honor of Small Business Saturday. Independent and small businesses can take part in the ‘Shop Pasadena’ campaign through social media by using branded graphics and hashtags #shoppasadena and #locallove. For questions about the ‘Shop
EMPLOYMENT
Pasadena’ campaign and to request branded graphics, please contact the City of Pasadena Economic Development Office at (626)744-7357 or visit www. futureyourselfhere.com/shoppasadena. Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at www. cityofpasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @ CityOfPasadena; or call the Citizen Service Center, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (626) 744-7311. About the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit marketing organization dedicated to promoting Pasadena as a leading meeting, convention and leisure travel destination. With over 650 restaurants, more per capita than New York City, for guests to enjoy, including shopping and entertainment, Pasadena offers something for everyone. For more information about planning a trip to Pasadena, call (800) 307-7977 or visit www.VisitPasadena.com. Follow the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau on Instagram and Facebook at @VisitPasadena. n
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
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local HIV/ AIDS organizations. The City of West Hollywood’s HIV Zero Strategic Plan embraces a vision to “Get to Zero” on many fronts: Zero new infections. Zero progression of HIV to AIDS. Zero discrimination. Zero stigma. For additional information about the City’s HIV Zero Strategic Plan, please visit www.weho. org/hivzero. Watch “Getting to Zero” on the City of West Hollywood’s WeHoTV YouTube channel to learn more about the City of West Hollywood’s HIV Zero vision: https:// youtu.be/LAR-pqY6CyY. For more information, please contact Derek Murray, Social Services Program Administrator, at dmurray@weho.org at (323) 8486478. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496. For up-todate news and events, follow the City of West Hollywood on social media @WeHoCity and sign up for news updates at www.weho. org/email. n
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 20, 2019
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 20, 2019