NOVEMBER 20-23, 2021 Volume 31 - No. 92 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages
PH to allow entry of fully vaccinated tourists soon by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE Philippines may soon welcome fully-vaccinated tourists from “green list” countries, according to Malacañang. Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Friday, November 19, said the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is finalizing the guidelines for tourists coming from low-risk countries. “There are just a few things that we need to tweak but the reason why we’re announcing
DATELINE
it is because we’re putting the entire world in advance notice that we will eventually open up our shores to tourists from green list countries,” he said. Likewise, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that the IATF “has approved in principle the entry of fully vaccinated tourists from green list countries/territories/ jurisdictions” upon the agency’s request. “Allowing tourists from green countries or territories that have the majority of its population vaccinated and with low infection rate, will greatly help in our recovery efforts--increasing
USA
tourist arrivals and receipts among others,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. “This move will likewise aid in bolstering consumer confidence, which is a large contributor to our gross domestic product or GDP growth,” she added. Puyat also assured that the proposal to open leisure travel from “green countries” will be based on strict conditions. Further, she said that a Special Technical Working Group on Travel has been tasked to immediately come up with the guidelines on international travel to be approved by the IATF. u PAGE A1
MINORS’ TURN. A health worker administers an anti-COVID-19 vaccine to a teenager at the De La Salle University campus in Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Friday, November 19. The government targets to vaccinate 12.7 million minors aged 12 years to 17 years. PNA photo by Gil Calinga
Pastor Quiboloy indicted for sex trafficking in US by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Report: 1 in 5 AAPIs experienced a hate incident in the past year AFTER the most disturbing rise in crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) of the 21st century, a national hate crime tracker reported this week that antiAAPI hate continues to proliferate across the nation. Stop AAPI Hate, the national coalition of AAPI organizations dedicated to addressing anti-AAPI discrimination, released new findings on Thursday, Nov. 18 bring the total number of reported AAPI hate incidents and crimes to 10,370 between March 19, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021. In addition to the tally, Stop AAPI Hate also conducted a survey between Sept. 21 and Oct. 8 of this year that yielded a concerning
u PAGE A5
Ressa delivers lecture at Harvard University NOBEL Peace Prize winner and Rappler cofounder Maria Ressa on Tuesday, November 16, delivered the prestigious Salant Lecture on Freedom of the Press at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). In the hour-long lecture moderated by Kennedy School professor Latanya A. Sweeney, Ressa talked about disinformation, democracy, and freedom of speech. “In 2017, an invisible atom bomb exploded in the global information ecosystem forever changing it, but insidiously manipulating us. And we don’t know that it happened,” she said. According to Ressa, there’s a government tactic focused on manipulating social media called “patriotic trolling.” “[It is] state-sponsored online hate and harassment campaigns that’s meant to silence and intimidate,” she said. “Flood the market with lies, with disinformation — and think about it like this, right? If information is power, disinformation is abuse of power.” Ressa noted that women were a “favorite” and “easy” target of patriotic trolling across u PAGE A3
Apollo Quiboloy
Philstar.com photo
UNITED States prosecutors have filed sex trafficking charges against against Filipino televangelist Apollo Quiboloy for coercing young girls and women to have sex with him under threats of “eternal damnation.” The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday, November 18, announced that Quiboloy — founder of the Philippine-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name (KOJC) — and two other top church officials namely Teresita Dandan and Felina Salinas were charged with
DOT’s Puyat looks forward to PH tourism recovery, optimistic that ‘revenge travel’ will happen by MOMAR
G. VISAYA
AJPress
THE Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) led by Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat is encouraging Filipinos in the diaspora to travel and explore the Philippines again, after a long hiatus due to pandemic-related travel restrictions. Puyat said that they are looking forward to welcoming balikbayans and tourists back especially now that COVID-19 travel restrictions are slowly being eased. “I know that most of you have made it an annual tradition to celebrate the December holidays in the Philippines,
where the Christmas spirit begins to be felt on the first ber month with December just around the corner,” Puyat said in a speech she delivered at a recent virtual Kapihan sponsored by the Filipino American Press Club of New York, Department of Tourism New York and Orientours. “We are optimistic that revenge travel will soon materialize. We recognize the need to move forward and go along with the tide in order for us to transition into the new normal,” Puyat shared. “You know how we Filipinos are it will take more than a pandemic to keep us down and stop us from getting back up. And travel and
Philstar.com
ICC Prosecutor grants PH request to defer probe on drug war killings
THE International Criminal Court has suspended its investigation into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs following the request of the Philippine government to defer its probe on the alleged commission of crimes against humanity. The ICC’s Office of the u PAGE A1 Prosecutor has notified the Pre-trial Chamber of the suspension of its investigation, with a reservation that it will proceed in the coming days upon assessment of the “scope and effect” of the request to defer the probe. “The Prosecution will, in the coming days, request additional information from the Philippines under Rule 53 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence. Such additional information is necessary for the Prosecution to assess the scope and effect of the Deferral Request, and to determine whether to apply to the Pre-Trial Chamber, under Article 18(2) of the Statute, for authorization to continue investigating,” a report of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan read. “The Prosecution has temporarily suspended its investigative activities while it
Fact check: No, Pacquiao did not withdraw candidacy after meeting with Pres. Duterte by FRANCO LUNA
participating in a conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. In a 74-page indictment, the three church leaders were alleged to have recruited females ranging from approximately 12 to 25 years of age to work as personal assistants or “pastorals” for Quiboloy. “The victims prepared Quiboloy’s meals, cleaned his residences, gave him massages, and were required to have sex with Quiboloy in what the pastorals called ‘night duty,’” it added. Five females allegedly fell victim to this, three of whom were minors when the u PAGE A3
MANILA — Following a meeting between Sen. Manny Pacquiao and President Rodrigo Duterte, “bloggers” and other accounts claiming to report news in the Philippines are claiming that Pacquiao has dropped out of the presidential race to give way to presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio. CLAIM: On November 9, posts started coming out claiming that Pacquiao has backed out of his candidacy for president in the 2022 elections. One video posted on YouTube channel “BANAT NEWS TV” presents the claim as a “latest update” from the Commission on Elections. The video’s unidentified narrator “confirmed” that u PAGE A3 Sen. Manny Pacquiao Philstar.com file photo
assesses the scope and effect of the deferral request,” Khan further stated. The ICC Prosecutor however said that his office will continue its analysis of information already in its possession, and any new information it may receive from third parties, as well as “actively assess the need for applications to the PreTrial Chamber for authority to conduct necessary investigative steps for the preservation of evidence.” Earlier the Philippine embassy in The Hague, Netherlands formally asked that the probe be deferred to give way to domestic efforts to investigate these crimes. This, after the administration had ignored calls to answer to allegations of state-sponsored killings in relation to the implementation of the President Rodrigo Duterte’ drug war. The Philippines, a state party to the Rome Statute since November 1, 2011, formally notified the body of its withdrawal from the statute on March 17, 2018. But while its withdrawal took effect only a year after u PAGE A5
A2 NOVEMBER 20-23, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
PH to allow entry... PAGE A1
• Saint Barthelemy “Our ASEAN neighbors like • Saint Pierre and Miquelon Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia • Saudi Arabia also did the same. We believe that • Senegal it is also time for us to reopen our • Sierra Leone borders for inbound tourism as a • Sint Eustatius way towards full recovery,” noted • South Africa Puyat. • Sudan Green list • Taiwan Based on the latest IATF • Togo Resolution, the following • Uganda countries have been classified •United Arab Emirates under the “green list” from Nov. • Zambia 16 to 30: • Zimbabwe • American Samoa Meanwhile, Faroe Islands and • Bhutan The Netherlands are classified • Chad under the “red list.” • China (Mainland) New testing, quarantine • Comoros rules • Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Nograles also announced that • Falkland Islands (Malvinas) the IATF has updated the testing • Federated States of and quarantine protocols for all Micronesia international travelers entering • Guinea the Philippines. • Guinea-Bissau Fully-vaccinated Filipinos • Hong Kong (Special Adminis- coming from countries under trative Region of China) the “green list” who fail to take a • India reverse transcription-polymerase • Indonesia chain reaction (RT-PCR) test 72 • Japan hours prior to their departure • Kosovo are required to undergo facility• Kuwait based quarantine until the release • Kyrgyzstan of their negative test result. • Malawi “After this, the individual is • Mali enjoined to self-monitoring until • Marshall Islands the 14th day of their arrival with • Montserrat the date of arrival being the first • Morocco day,” said Nograles. • Namibia He also said that fully• Niger vaccinated Filipinos with negative • Northern Mariana Islands RT-PCR test results taken within • Oman 72 hours prior to their departure • Pakistan from green countries are no • Palau longer required to undergo • Paraguay facility-based quarantine and • Rwanda take another RT-PCR test.
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Meanwhile, fully-vaccinated individuals coming from yellow countries who have pre-departure RT-PCR tests will undergo facilitybased quarantine and take an RTPCR test after three days. “Upon release of a negative RT-PCR test, they may be discharged from facility quarantine. After which they are enjoined to self-monitor up to the 14th day from date of arrival,” Nograles said. As for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals, as well as those with unverified vaccination status, they will undergo facilitybased quarantine until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken on their fifth day in the Philippines and self-monitor until their 14th day of staying in the country. “All passengers whether Filipinos or foreigners, merely transiting through non-green list jurisdictions, shall not be deemed as having come from or having been to the said country, territory or jurisdiction if they stayed in the airport the whole time and were not cleared for entry by its immigration authorities,” said Nograles. On the other hand, those who were in red countries for the past 14 days will not be allowed to enter the Philippines, regardless of vaccination status. Exempted from this are Filipinos returning through government-initiated or non-government-initiated repatriation and Bayanihan Flights, as well as passengers merely transiting through red list nations. ■
DOT’s Puyat looks forward to PH tourism... PAGE A1
tourism will be a fun way to help reboot the Philippine economy. Puyat also discussed the high vaccination rates of tourism workers in key travel destinations, including Baguio and Boracay which have recorded 100 and 99 percent vaccination rates respectively. Over 90 percent of tourism workers in Bohol and Coron are vaccinated. She emphasized that the swift immunization of the tourism workforce is essential in the recovery of the industry, citing the experience of Thailand when it used Phuket as an experiment. Called the Phuket Sandbox, it was Thailand’s pilot run for reopening the tourism sector and was launched on July 1. Tourists who wanted to go to Phuket were required 14 days of quarantine on the island. The country reopened Bangkok and other leading tourist destinations such as Pattaya and Chiang Mai to fully-vaccinated foreign tourists from 46 designated “low-risk” countries. “That was my inspiration. I have a better chance if I start with our destinations. I’m so happy that there’s no vaccination hesitancy among our workers,” she said. “In fact in some areas, we’re already vaccinating friends and families of our tourism frontliners.” In Boracay, the vaccination rate has reached more than 100 percent, which means that more workers are being hired back. The tourism industry employed 5.7 million Filipinos in 2019 and last year, more than 1.1 million lost their jobs. Puyat mentioned that the Philippines has one of the shortest quarantine requirements in Asia. Travelers from the USA and Canada are only required to undergo facility-based quarantine with RT PCR testing on the fifth day. Upon the release of a negative RT PCR test result, travelers may continue home quarantine until the 10th day. Upon entry into the Philippines, vaccinated travelers from the USA can conveniently present their CDC vaccination card or SWAB TEST. A father carries his son who is undergoing swab testing for COVID-19 at the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program depot in Quezon their digital ID or certificate as City on Thursday, November 18. The tests are part of dispatch procedures before their travel to Negros Oriental on Friday, November 19. proof of vaccination. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler “Again, may I stress this is
When you GET VACCINATED you have greater protection against hospitalization and death.
WEAR A MASK when it can protect you & others.
GET TESTED & STAY HOME when you feel sick.
Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you MyTurn.ca.gov
833-422-4255
as of today because protocols are forever changing. We in the Philippines continue to prioritize the health and safety of our people, including that of our overseas Filipinos and former Filipinos who are returning to the country,” she said. She reported that balikbayans and their foreign spouses and children may already enter the country, along with foreign spouses and minor children of Filipino staying in the Philippines are also allowed to enter the country subject to prevailing guidelines implemented by the IATF. Since May this year, Puyat said that the DOT has been pushing for the relaxation of testing and quarantine protocols for fully-vaccinated individuals from countries that are classified as low-risk following the lead of some of the country’s neighbors in the ASEAN as well as the models that are being implemented in Western countries. “As early as last year, December, the Philippines was already open to balikbayans and I have to give credit to Mr. Jojo Clemente and Miss Marge Munsayac because they were always pushing for that,” Puyat said. Clemente is the p[resident of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines while Munsayac is chair of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association Inc. Tourism Recovery “We are now moving from survival to recovery and rebuilding after two years of actual struggle for survival. The revival of tourism is a big part of this and that is why we are looking forward to welcoming back our balikbayans, Filipino Americans, Filipino Canadians, and even foreign tourists from all over the world,” said Josen Perez de Tagle, Philippine Airlines’ Vice President of Corporate Communications. He said that they are looking forward to having more flights into the country as they rebuild route by route. Puyat also announced that the first-ever Philippine Specialist Program will be launched this month to educate North American travel advisors about the Philippines.
DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat Inquirer.net file photo
“What was perceived as a challenge has actually become an opportunity to reach a wider audience through digital marketing activities through webinars, the online promotion of culinary tourism, virtual cookbooks, social media marketing, and supporting virtual Filipino community events,” she said. The tourism attaches assigned in the United States - Francisco Lardizabal in New York, Soleil Tropicales in San Francisco, and Richmond Jimenez in Los Angeles - continue to engage with airline partners or operators, travel advisors, and consumers to strengthen business relationships and keep the Philippines as a top of mind destination. There has also been a shift towards more open spaces, outdoor activities, and more personalized and immersive travel. “We are focusing on products that will cater to the new normal travelers’ preferences,” she shared. Among these are 41 tourism circuits spanning the entire country - from food trips to eco-tours, fun farm circuits to pilgrimage tours, biking circuits, art and adventure, and dive and drive packages. Addressing the Kapihan audience, Puyat said she hopes the kababayans consider returning home. “Hopefully we really have more good news in the next couple of weeks. We can’t wait to see more of you, we really miss our balikbayans,” she said. ■
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
DATE LIN E USA
Fact check: No, Pacquiao did not withdraw... PAGE A1 Pacquiao “allegedly changed his mind” after the meeting with President Duterte. RATING: This is misleading. What did the posts say? The same video also spoke of “news reports” claiming that Pacquiao may be “waking up to the reality that he should not continue his run for president because there are more deserving candidates.” “Those are allegedly former Sen. Bongbong Marcos and presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio,” the video claimed as he reminded users to hit “Subscribe.” That Pacquiao “might be waking up” runs counter to the original claim of the title that he had already withdrawn. It is also unclear which reports the page was pointing to that made those “allegations.” Another page, “B0ngb0ng Marc0s Supp0rters Info” on Facebook, posted the same video with the caption: “MATAPOS ang PAG-UUSAP sa MALACANANG ni PDUTERTE PACQUIAO nagWITHDRAW BBM-SARA TANDEM2022.” Graft convict and former Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada, a social media personality who refers to himself as an “investigative journalist” despite regularly peddling fake news, also claimed in a post that his “informants” said even Pacquiao “wants to withdraw.” “Withdrawing his candidacy is the best thing that Senator Manny Pacquiao can do right now... But his advisers are insisting that he stay in the race,” Mejorada claimed in a Facebook post that received 7,700 interactions. What they left out The boxer-turned-senator indeed visited the president at the Palace on the night of Tuesday, November 9.
“It is a meeting between national leaders who discussed certain matters related to people’s interest and Mindanao development,” Pacquiao’s camp said in a statement, adding that the meeting centered on the “infrastructure and power industry.” Pacquiao himself has said that the latest developments in the election landscape do nothing to change his plans. “It wasn’t a political meeting but provided us an opportunity to talk about our shared vision... my decision to run for president hasn’t changed,” he said in a statement two days later. Essential context Pacquiao and Duterte belong to the ruling PDP-Laban party. But infighting in past months within resulted in the administration party splitting into two: one led by Pacquiao and the other by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. The Cusi-led wing fielded Sen. Ronald dela Rosa as its standardbearer and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go for vice president, both of whom have since withdrawn their candidacies with the party. Pacquiao, meanwhile, is running with Rep. Lito Atienza (Buhay Party-list) as his vice-presidential candidate. Their meeting in Malacañang was their first recorded encounter since the rift began. Pacquiao earlier accused Duterte of defending his allies under investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee for alleged irregularities in pandemic spending. Why does this matter? Even after Pacquiao’s camp issued their statement belying the claims in the wake of the meeting, similar posts to circulate on social media as of this writing. Since it was posted on November 11, the video by Banat News TV has amassed 640,447 views
Pastor Quiboloy indicted for... PAGE A1 supposed sex trafficking began. “Defendant Quiboloy and other KOJC administrators told pastorals that performing ‘night duty’ was ‘God’s will’ and a privilege, as well as a necessary demonstration of the pastoral’s commitment to give her body to defendant Quiboloy as ‘The Appointed Son of God,’” the indictment alleged. Additionally, the indictment stated that the “obedient” victims were rewarded with good food, luxurious hotel rooms, vacations, and yearly cash payments based on their “performance.” These rewards were allegedly funded using the money solicited by KOJC workers in the U.S. Meanwhile, those who hesitated were berated, with Quiboloy, Dandan and Salinas telling them “that they had the devil in them and risked eternal damnation.” Quiboloy also allegedly threatened and physically abused victims who attempted to leave KOJC or were not available to perform night duty. Those who managed to escape, according to the indictment, suffered retaliation in the form of threats, harassment and allegations of criminal misconduct. “Defendant Quiboloy would give sermons, broadcast to KOJC members around the world, in which he would allege that victims who escaped had engaged in criminal conduct and sexually promiscuous activity, and therefore faced eternal damnation, in order to discourage other victims from leaving, retaliate against and discredit the victims, and conceal the sexual activity between defendant Quiboloy and the victims,” it said. The new indictment expands on allegations made last year against three KOJC administrators based in Los Angeles for using a children’s foundation as a front to bring in its members from the Philippines and use them to beg for money on the street. The three KOJC administrators reportedly used a children’s foundation as a front to bring in its members from the Philippines and forced them to work as “volunteers” to raise money to aid Filipino children. However, the money went to church operations instead, as well as to fund Quiboloy’s lavish lifestyle. They also allegedly employed several illicit tactics like sham marriages and phony enrollments in schools to keep workers in the U.S. Federal authorities have reportedly arrested three of the nine defendants who are expected to make their initial appearance at the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles and Honolulu. No request of extradition yet For its part, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles said that they are “closely monitoring” the case. “The Consulate General fully respects the laws of the state of California and the United States of America and will seek avenues to extend consular assistance to both the accused and the victims
as appropriate,” it said in a statement. Meanwhile, Malacañang assured that the Philippine government will cooperate if the U.S. requests to extradite Quiboloy. “While I can say that these are all speculative, ang bansang Pilipinas naman po ay laging nagko-cooperate pagdating sa extradition or processes of extradition (The Philippines always cooperates when it comes to extradition or processes of extradition),” acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Friday, Nov. 19. “We will cooperate if magkaroon man ng ganyan. Kung sino man ‘yan, magko-cooperate po ang Pilipinas (We will cooperate if there is an extradition request. Whoever that is, the Philippines will cooperate),” he added. According to the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ), it has not received a request for extradition yet. “(A)s of this date, the DOJ has not received any request for extradition from the U.S. DOJ nor the U.S. State Department through the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs),” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told reporters. He also said that no sex trafficking charges have been filed or are pending in the Philippines against Quiboloy involving the same factual circumstances as those in the recent U.S. indictment. “A complaint for rape, however, was filed against him last year in Davao City, but the same was dismissed. That dismissal is now on appeal with the DOJ,” Guevarra added. ■
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY RFP No. SP575-22 Mobile Ticketing Application The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking proposals to develop a Mobile Ticketing Application solution for Metrolink customers to purchase tickets and manage rides. RFP documents may be obtained at https:// metrolinktrains.com/doingbusiness (free registration). Electronic Proposals are due at 2:00 p.m. (PT) on January 10, 2022. For further information contact: Brian Jacob, Senior Contract Administrator at 213.452.0316 or email jacobb@scrra.net. 11/20/21 CNS-3527330# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
and over 6,300 likes on YouTube. CrowdTangle, a social media monitoring tool, counts 768 Facebook posts mentioning Pacquiao’s withdrawal in the past 7 days, which have garnered 170,960 interactions. The posts came to a peak on the same day the meeting took place on November 9, where they garnered some 50,900 interactions. But according to CrowdTangle, similar posts still received some 7,500 interactions as of Monday, November 15. What type of misinformation is this? The statements in the flagged videos and posts are examples of false claims. This classification of misinformation includes posts that can make use of genuine statements and media, such as the meeting that indeed took place in the Palace, but are used to push a false narrative. Claims that presidential candidates have backed out of the race to the Palace have been rampant on social media, particularly from troll accounts supporting the tandem of Marcos and Duterte. The practice is not unique to the coming 2022 elections, though, as rumors and claims that a bed has withdrawn from the race or have died have been a form of disinformation since before the internet. In October, at least three videos were posted and later went viral claiming that the Comelec has ruled to disqualify Robredo from the 2022 polls, supposedly due to crowdfunding efforts that foreigners may have donated to. ■
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 20-23, 2021
A3
Ressa delivers lecture at... PAGE A1
many countries. “In the Philippines, our data showed us that women were being attacked at least 10 times more than men,” she added. The Nobel laureate identified the steps in patriotic trolling, which included attacking someone’s credibility. “This is gaslighting to the nth degree, and then you repeat it,” said Ressa. “One of the things we’ve learned is that when you say a lie a million times, it becomes a fact. People believe it. This is the age of social media,” she added. “In Mark Twain’s time, truth can catch up. And now, it literally changes our reality.” Ressa also discussed how the Facebook algorithm impacts democracy, citing a three-part series she and her colleagues at Rappler wrote entitled “Propaganda War: Weaponizing the Internet.” “These algorithms that make you doubt reality, when social media becomes a behavior modification system that essentially turns us into Pavlov’s dogs. This experimentation, where research has shown as early as 2018, that lies laced with anger and hate, spread faster and further on social media,” she said. “If you have lies, meaning you don’t have facts. If you don’t have facts, how can you have truth? How can you have trust? If you don’t have these three, you don’t have democracy. You don’t have a shared reality,” she added. To combat misinformation and disinformation, Ressa said U.S. policymakers should revise key sections of federal internet law. She also cited the European Union’s Digital Services Act, calling it “the most effective” example of a policy that focuses on changing “algorithms of bias.” “EU Digital Services Act [is] probably the most effective right now in terms of looking, not downstream at the content, where you run into all the freedom of speech questions, but upstream, where you look at algorithms of bias, algorithms that prioritize the spread of lies, hate anger and conspiracy theories,” she said. “Let’s cut it off upstream. Not here, where it becomes a choice of content,” she added. “Content is the byproduct of the toxic sludge.”
Maria Ressa
Photo from Instagram/@maria_ressa
Ressa also stressed that independent journalism and community are “critical” in fighting misinformation and disinformation. “Part of the reason we can be resilient is that you need to tell people how they are being manipulated,” she explained. “Most of the time, Americans will say, ‘Ah, that doesn’t happen here,’ and then you see how quickly democracy can collapse,” she added. “One of the things that technology has shown us, and it is both good and bad, is that humanity around the world — we actually have far more in common than we have differences.” The Salant Lecture on Freedom of the Press is delivered annually by a prominent journalist, scholar, or practitioner. In October, Ressa made history as the first Filipino to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She received the Peace Prize for her effort “to safeguard freedom of expression,” with the Norwegian Nobel Committee calling her a representative of journalists “who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions.” (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)
A4 NOVEMBER 20-23, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
DATE LIN E USA
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
ARTIFICIAL TREES. Workers of the Public Safety Office install artificial trees with pink leaves at Kadiwa park on Congressional Road, Dasmarinas City, Cavite on Thursday, November 18. The activity is part of the beautification project of the city government. PNA photo by Gil Calinga
Chicano ex-postal worker starts drive for Larry Itliong first-class US stamp by AGNES
CONSTANTE Inquirer.net
ALFONSO Salazar, a Chicano and a retired postal worker, first learned about Larry Itliong in 2014, around the time the film “Cesar Chavez” was released. The movie stirred up controversy due to its limited depiction of the Filipino American labor leader’s and his compatriots’ role in starting farm worker movement. As Salazar learned more about the history of the farm worker movement, he saw how crucial Itliong’s role was. “I thought his story was just as important as Cesar Chavez, but Cesar was the one that people would remember,” said Salazar, who spent 34 years at the United States Postal Service (USPS). He said that in the more than three decades he spent working at USPS as a graphic artist and clerk, he has never seen a Filipino American featured on a postage stamp. After Itliong was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in October, Salazar felt that he would be the perfect Filipino American to feature on a stamp. “I know [about Larry], but I don’t know if the nation knows about him,” he said. “This is a good way for people to learn about him.” Salazar is spearheading an effort to get Itliong on a first class postage stamp. He shared a post on Facebook on Larry Itliong Day
last month encouraging people to help get the labor leader on a stamp. He created an online form for people to indicate their support. His goal is to send a letter to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee — which considers and recommends stamp subjects to the Postmaster General of the United States — with multiple signatures from influential community members, and people who submit their names and comments through the online form. Creating a new stamp is a twoto three-year process, according to USPS. In many cases, however, it takes five years for a stamp to get approved, said Augustine Ruiz, who recently retired from the United States Postal Service after working there for more than 50 years, told INQUIRER.net in an email. The USPS website states that postage stamps will primarily feature American or Americanrelated subjects; that living people are not being considered at the moment; and that subjects with widespread appeal and significance will be considered for stamps — a criterion Salazar believes Itliong meets because of his induction into the California Hall of Fame. It’s indicative that there is sufficient awareness of the labor leader, he said. Ruiz said he has been involved in promoting a number of stamp subjects — including late Chi-
Alfonso Salazar’s proposed Larry Itliong U.S. postage stamp. Contributed photo
cano journalist Ruben Salazar — and is working with a grassroots committee on a series of stamps honoring Hispanic military subjects. He said stamp proposals must go through the Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee. The committee accepts proposals via U.S. mail. “The most compelling letters are usually one page that contains significant information so the committee can judge it fairly,” he said. “Getting the support of community leaders, political leaders and influencers is key.” Efforts to get Ruben Salazar on a stamp received support from prominent individuals and groups including former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the US and State Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and the Hispanic
u PAGE A5
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
DATE LIN E USA
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 20-23, 2021
A5
Commissioner Lara orders FAIR Plan to offer increased commercial coverage to businesses Commissioner’s action will help more businesses across all sectors get additional coverage they urgently need to operate and serve consumers
DOWNTIME. Delivery riders wait for their orders at a mall lounge in Fairview, Quezon City on Monday, November 15. The sector’s growing number has prompted establishments to allot areas where riders can rest and comfortably wait for their goods. PNA photo by Ben Briones
ICC Prosecutor grants PH request to... PAGE A1
or on March 17, 2019, the ICC retains jurisdiction with respect to alleged crimes that occurred on the territory of the Philippines while it was a State Party, from 1 November 2011
up to and including 16 March 2019. “While the relevant crimes appear to have continued after this date, Pre-Trial Chamber I noted that alleged crimes identified in the Article 15(3)
Request were limited to those during the period when the Philippines was a State Party to the Statute and restricted the authorized investigation to that period,” the ICC had said earlier. (Inquirer.net)
Report: 1 in 5 AAPIs experienced a hate... PAGE A1 statistic: 1 in 5 AAPIs have experienced a hate incident in the past year. In terms of average number, that translates to 4.8 million Asian Americans and 320,000 Pacific Islanders. According to Stop AAPI Hate, verbal harassment and shunning continue to make up the largest share of types of incidents, comprising about 79% of total incidents. Like previous findings, a majority of incidents take place in public, and women — who comprise 62% of the reports — are more likely to be the targets. Stop AAPI Hate’s finding coincides with other survey findings. Last month, a survey from NPR and Harvard found that 1 in 4 Asian Americans feared their families would be attacked because of their race. In the spring, Morning Consult relased a report that found that 3 in 5 Asian adults feel that the rise in anti-Asian harassment and violence greatly affected
their mental health. Notably, Asian American respondents with a high school education (41.2%) are experiencing hate twice as much as those with college degrees (19.8%). One in three Asian American parents also reported their child was targeted in a hate incident at school. “It’s tragic but not surprising that Asian Americans with lower education levels are experiencing more hate,” said Cynthia Choi, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate and co-executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action, in a statement. “AntiAsian hate is tied to systemic racism against our community. Stopping hate is not about quick fixes like law enforcement but about deeper investment in our communities.” The hate crime tracker — which gathers self-reported hate incidents via website submissions — has been tracking anti-Asian hate since the beginning of the pandemic when anti-Asian
xenophobic harassment began rising. Stop AAPI Hate has been among the leading organizations pushing for more communitybased solutions and investment from lawmakers to prioritize solutions that address anti-AAPI harassment, discrimination, and violence. “The levels of Asian American children experiencing hate in school is devastatingly high,” Russell Jeung, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate and professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University, said in a statement. “There needs to be an urgent push toward incorporating solutions that promote racial understanding in schools, including through investment in Ethnic Studies.” Victims can anonymously report the details of an incident on the website after which they will prompted questions about how they feel about what happened and if they’ve sought any legal or emotional counsel. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
SACRAMENTO — As part of his ongoing effort to help California businesses across all sectors continue to operate and thrive, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara om Friday, November 19 took action by amending the Plan of Operations for the California FAIR Plan Association (FAIR Plan), an association made up of all admitted insurance companies to be the state’s property “insurer of last resort,” and ordering the FAIR Plan to implement his mandated increases to its decades-old commercial property coverage limits offered to businesses. “My Order is part of an ongoing commitment to helping businesses in California thrive as our economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. A top concern that many business owners large and small have voiced to me are their challenges in getting insurance coverage which, in turn, impacts their ability to serve their customers as best they can,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “Our state’s economic recovery can’t wait. I will no longer tolerate delays from the insurance companies running the FAIR Plan when businesses and consumers need help today. I will continue to use every tool available to help businesses and protect consumers as we continue to seek long-term solutions to hold the FAIR Plan accountable and responsive to California consumers and businesses.” Friday’s action increases the combined coverage limits for the FAIR Plan, under its Division I Commercial Property Program, from $4.5 million to $8.4 million and, under its Division II Businessowners Program, from $3.6 million to $7.2 million. These coverage limits have not been raised since at least 1997 and 1994 respectively despite the Consumer Price Index showing costs have nearly doubled during that time
in California. Commissioner Lara’s Order directly revises the FAIR Plan’s Plan of Operations and gives the FAIR Plan no more than 60 days to file a rule change application for review and approval by the California Department of Insurance for these new increased commercial coverage limits. Upon approval, the insurance companies operating the FAIR Plan then have 90 days to implement these plan changes ordered by the Commissioner, which for many businesses represents additional coverage that is urgently needed to operate and stay in business, especially in high wildfire risk areas of the state. The FAIR Plan was required under Insurance Code section 10095(f) to submit a revised Plan of Operations to the Department of Insurance within 30 days in response to the Commissioner’s previous Order from October 12 describing how it would increase its commercial property coverage limits. The Commissioner’s action on Friday was taken because of the FAIR Plan’s failure to meet this reasonable and standard deadline. The Commissioner is invoking his authority under Insurance Code section 10095 to write the revisions to the Plan of Operations for the FAIR Plan on his own as he deems necessary, and is ordering the FAIR Plan to now implement those revisions. While the FAIR Plan is intended as a temporary solution for many businesses that cannot otherwise find insurance coverage in the admitted and surplus lines markets, the FAIR Plan has not taken the initiative to increase its own coverage limits to keep pace with California’s economy and annual inflation. The Commissioner’s action on Friday is similar to 2019 when the FAIR Plan failed to meet his dead-
line for a response, and he subsequently revised its Plan of Operations to increase the combined homeowners dwelling coverage limit from $1.5 million to at least $3 million. The then-decades-old coverage limit was found to be insufficient in today’s real estate market. This increased limit is now provided to FAIR Plan homeowners insurance policyholders Friday. Over the past two years, Commissioner Lara and Department of Insurance representatives have met with businesses and non-profit entities throughout the state on insurance availability challenges. Groups such as agricultural operators, wineries, residential care facilities, affordable housing entities, and summer camps have informed the Commissioner about the lack of availability of commercial property insurance coverage in the traditional insurance market. Many of these businesses noted that the FAIR Plan’s current commercial property coverage and business owners’ coverage limits are insufficient to meet their needs. The Commissioner’s Order is an important step toward creating long-term solutions for businesses and consumers alike, especially for those forced to purchase FAIR Plan coverage when traditional coverage is not available. “My department continues to work on creating a competitive insurance market so that available insurance coverage options meet the needs of the individual business owner. By involving local businesses, state and local governments, consumer groups, fire safety officials, and insurance companies, we are creating necessary long-term solutions while being responsive to businesses’ immediate needs,” concluded Commissioner Lara. (CA Dep’t of Insurance Release)
PAGE A4 Caucus, Ruiz said. The proposal to get Itliong on a stamp would benefit from support from a Filipino American legislator, a chamber of commerce, and an influencer within the Filipino American community, he added.
Alfonso Salazar said featuring Itliong on a stamp is important because it would allow people across the country to learn about him. “You learn the history for each stamp that comes out, and during the 34 years I’ve been [at
USPS], I’ve gotten to learn a lot about our history here,” he said. “It’s almost like, if stamps were like a quilt that represented the United States, then you have to include Filipino Americans as part of that quilt. Otherwise, there’s a piece missing.” ■
Chicano ex-postal worker starts drive for...
A6 NOVEMBER 20-23, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
Trespassers
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
FEATURES
THIS is what happens when one bends over backwards at the expense of national sovereignty. After Chinese coast guard ships bombarded with water cannon two Philippine boats bringing supplies to troops in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal last Tuesday, November 16, Beijing said the Filipinos had “trespassed” into Chinese waters. Beijing said the blockade and bombardment upheld “China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime order” and its coast guard was performing “official duties in accordance with the law.” Undoubtedly, that is not international law. Guided by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which places Ayungin within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague awarded the country sovereign rights over the shoal. In the same ruling in 2016, the PCA invalidated China’s imaginary nine-dash-line claim over nearly the entire South China China. While the PCA cannot compel parties to abide by the ruling, other countries including the United States and its allies have called for compliance. In contrast, for several years the Philippines played down its victory in the PCA. The government pursued a policy of appeasement with China instead of mustering international action to press Beijing
to abide by the ruling and stop its construction of artificial islands in disputed waters. It was only about two years ago that President Duterte began publicly asserting the country’s sovereign rights and urging China to respect the PCA ruling. His proffered hand of friendship has been rebuffed in that aspect of bilateral relations. The Chinese coast guard, now under their military, as well as militia vessels have not only routinely challenged Philippine presence but have also harassed and prevented Filipinos from fishing in the West Philippine Sea. In 2019, a Chinese vessel rammed and sank a fishing boat at Recto (Reed) Bank off Palawan, leaving the 22 Filipino fishermen floundering in the water until their rescue by a Vietnamese boat crew. The PCA specifically awarded the Philippines sovereign rights over Recto Bank. Since 1999, the World War II-vintage Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded on Ayungin Shoal, 109 nautical miles west of Palawan, serv-
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
ing as a Philippine military outpost. Last Tuesday, the two boats were on their way to the ship to bring supplies to the troops when bombarded by the Chinese coast guard. The boats were forced
to turn back. This is what bending over backwards has achieved: we have become trespassers in our own waters. (Philstar.com)
What will happen to televangelist Apollo Quiboloy’s media empire? Duterte’s friend and spiritual adviser indicted in the US for sex trafficking The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS “PASTOR” Apollo Quiboloy, founder and chairman of the mega-church “Kingdom of Jesus Christ” in the Philippines, made headlines again globally on Thursday, November 18, not just because of his outrageous claims about his identity and how he “brands” himself to millions of Filipinos who follow him, but because he has again been implicated in serious crimes. This time, the man who claimed himself to be the “Owner of the Universe” and “Appointed Son of God,” was indicted for a sex trafficking operation that was supported by funds solicited by donors here in the United States. An indictment is an official accusation stating that a person is being charged with a crime and that a criminal trial will be held. An indictment is the final step in the evidence-gathering
process before a person is out on trial for a serious crime. Quiboloy, a long-time friend and the spiritual adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte, has millions of Filipino followers because of the privilege accorded to him and his media empire. Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), also known by its legal operating name Swara Sug Media Corporation, is the official broadcasting arm of The Kingdom of Jesus Christ mega-church. Duterte granted Swara Sug Media Corporation 25 years extension to operate when he signed Republic Act. 11422 in 2019. For those of you who followed “Balitang America,” you would recall that the daily newscast of The Filipino Channel reported in 2018: “Recent court documents state that a former member of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church claimed to have seen Hawaii branch manager Felina Salinas and church founder, Apollo Quiboloy, ordering church members to smuggle hundreds of thousands of dollars from California to the Philippines on two separate occasions, in 2013
THE Senate looms as the likely post-election rallying ground of the Marcos-Duterte forces campaigning under different banners to capture key government positions in the May 2022 national polls. President Duterte could become Senate president if the alliance delivers with him a majority of the 12 Senate seats at stake. With that number, plus the residual pro-administration senators, Duterte could be next to the new vice president in the line of succession to the presidency. The allies continue to scatter optics in the media to paint a fake picture of the parties disagreeing on many issues. There is an effort to hide the MarcosDuterte modus vivendi so as not to provoke negative reactions from the public. Will the Senate, with Duterte and his loyal squad in control, become the new political center of gravity? The answer depends largely on who will win the presidency: • If Leni Robredo of the opposition wins as president, despite
Now this development: On Thursday, November 18, multiple legitimate and independent news organizations in the United States have been reporting about the charge of sex trafficking against Quiboloy and his mega-church. Let me quote the federal grand jury indictment unsealed last Thursday, as reported by CBS-LA so that you may not potentially be victimized by this organization as they allegedly did many Filipino Americans as well as young kababayans at home: “An expanded indictment charges 71-year-old Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, the leader and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), The Name Above Every Name church, along with several of his Los Angeles-based administrators, with conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion and the sex trafficking of children. KOJC claims to have millions of members in the Philippines and millions more in other countries.” The superseding indictment unsealed Thursday accuses
Quiboloy and two more administrators of recruiting females from ages 12 to 25 to work as personal assistants they called “pastorals,” who would cook and clean for him, give him massages, and have sex with him in what was called “night duty.” The indictment specifically mentions five female victims, three of whom were underage, who were recruited starting in 2002 through at least 2018. “Defendant Quiboloy and other KOJC administrators told pastorals that performing ‘night duty’ was ‘God’s will’ and a privilege, as well as a necessary demonstration of the pastoral’s commitment to give her body to defendant Quiboloy as ‘The Appointed Son of God,’” the indictment alleged. Pastorals who balked at night duty were told “that they had the devil in them and risked eternal damnation,” according to the indictment, and those who tried to leave the church or were not able to perform night duty were threatened and physically abused by Quiboloy. The pastorals who were deemed obedient were rewarded
with “good food, luxurious hotel rooms, trips to tourist spots, and yearly cash payments that were based on performance,” all of which were paid for with money solicited by KOJC’s workers in the U.S. Two more KOJC administrators were arrested Thursday – 48year-old Bettina Padilla Roces, also known as “Kuki,” was arrested in Reseda, California, for allegedly handling financial matters for the church, and 72-year-old Maria De Leon, the owner of Koreatownbased Liberty Legal Document Services, which prosecutors say processed fraudulent marriages and immigration-related documents for KOJC workers. Three of his Los Angelesarea administrators were charged in February of last year in connection with the megachurch’s Glendalebased non-profit called the Children’s Joy Foundation USA. Federal prosecutors say Guia Cabactulan, 61, was a U.S.-based administrator who operated the KOJC compound in Van Nuys; 43-year-old Marissa Duenas of
u PAGE A8
A grand pretense: Marcos vs Duterte
Postscript
FEDERICO D. PASCUAL JR.
and 2014.” Also in 2018: “The Philippine megachurch, Kingdom of Jesus Christ, is under fire -- as a former member of its Hawaii branch is accusing its founder, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, of running a child sex ring.” In 2019, yet another cash smuggling by Salinas and Quiboloy was reported by Balitang America, with a followup in 2020 on the sentencing: “The Hawaii church manager of Filipino pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s Kingdom of Jesus Christ was sentenced to 30 days in prison Monday for lying about a suitcase with hidden cash found in the preacher’s flight back to the Philippines in 2018. Felina Salinas, a U.S. citizen, was also meted a $500 fine for failing to declare over $335,000 in cash found in a private jet that was to fly Quiboloy back to the Philippines on February 13, 2018.” Also in 2020: The FBI says the Philippine-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ church with multiple U.S. locations has been using an immigration scheme to bring in so-called “full-time workers.”
the whiff of fresh air, there would be a constant tension between Malacañang and a Dutertedominated Senate. The battle of Change vs Continuity (or more of the same Duterte style of governance) will rage on. • With Marcos as president, the collaboration will continue between the son of the late dictator exulting in his family’s recapture of the Palace and Duterte who had tried his best to improve on the original Marcos autocracy. Some of the Duterte troops are camped under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS), a party allied with the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban), one of whose two factions is under Duterte. These Duterte groups appear to be allies of Partido Federal Pilipino, the party being used by Bongbong Marcos as the vehicle in his drive for the presidency. The PFP is apart from the Lakas-Catholic Muslim Democracy (Lakas-CMD) under which Davao Mayor Sara Duterte signed up as its nominee for vice president. The PFP has “endorsed” Sara as its vice presidential nominee, sealing the Marcos-Duterte partnership. House Majority Leader Mar-
tin Romualdez, the Lakas-CMD president and a cousin of Marcos, has said that his party will include President Duterte in its senatorial ticket. The MarcosDuterte love affair continues. Among those awaiting the President in the Senate are Duterte diehards Sens. Bato dela Rosa and Bong Go, the latter now running for president under PDDS. His challenging Marcos’ presidential bid is part of the pretense of being political foes. Dela Rosa, the good soldier who earlier followed orders to run for president under the Duterte wing of PDP-Laban, must have been relieved in being able to back out as the battle lines were getting clearer. Also worth watching is Senate President Tito Sotto, a graduating senator who is running against Sara for vice president. If he loses, he won’t be able to saunter back to the “august chamber” as casually as dropping in on the set of the “Eat Bulaga” TV show of his dabarkads. Bong Go used to be the reluctant nominee for vice president of the PDP-Laban’s Duterte wing. He dropped that tag amid the confusion in the party and the potential clash at the polls with Duterte’s own daughter
Sara who had decided to be the VP candidate of Marcos. But now Go has been assigned to run as PDDS presidential bet. When he fails in this token candidacy, he could simply go back to the Senate with his boss the President, and join in singing “Hail, hail, the gang’s all here.…” It has all been pretense. Many others in the chamber who had been pretending to be independent (of Malacañang) may then be emboldened by the luminescent presence of their lord in their midst to openly profess their faith. What would then happen to Sen. Dick Gordon, chair of the Blue Ribbon committee that had irritated Duterte no end with exposés of multibillion-peso deals of Palace cronies who allegedly had taken advantage of the rush procurement of equipment for fighting the pandemic? Theoretically, we the people are supposed to set and secure the boundaries of good governance and the good conduct of government officials. Unfortunately, we have a flawed democracy and we do not seem to agree on how to fix it. The 2022 elections are supposed to give us another chance at reforming both the system and
the people managing it. Let’s see. US aid for Pampanga hospitals Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda met on Monday, November 15 with Consul General Elmer G. Cato in New York and the AsiaEurasia regional director of Americares, a non-profit organization that provides medicines and medical supplies to various countries around the world. Pineda updated Cato, who happens to be a Capampangan, on the COVID-19 situation in Pampanga and the measures the provincial government has been taking to look after the cabalens. He also discussed his initiatives in peace and order, trade and investment, education, arts and culture and sports. In turn, Cato briefed the governor on how the consulate has been promoting trade and investment in the Philippines, including the Clark Freeport in Pampanga and surrounding areas, as well as improving the delivery of consular services. The governor said he was pleased to learn of the consulate’s coordination with U.S. officials in protecting the interests of the Filipino community in the 10 states under its jurisdiction.
Recently, several Filipinos have been victims of Hate-Asian violence. Supporting Cato’s promotion of Filipino culture in the US, Pineda gave the consulate two giant Pampanga lanterns for display at the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue in New York during the Yule season. The parol display at the Center, right in the heart of Manhattan, is expected to mesmerize the more than 200,000 pedestrians who pass by it every day. Pineda also met with Joan Littlefield, director for Asia and Eurasia Programs of Americares, a non-profit organization based in the East Coast. The meeting, arranged by the consul-general, is expected to result in donations of medicines and medical supplies for the provincial medical center, district hospitals and other local health units in Pampanga. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** NB: All Postscripts are also archived at ManilaMail.com. Author is on Twitter as @ FDPascual. Email: fdp333@yahoo.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. ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President
CHRISTINA M. ORIEL Editor-in-Chief
MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor
US HEADQUARTERS: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com
IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal
MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal
With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines
DING CARREON Videographer
ANDY TECSON Photographer
Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material. AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.
ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
PH to continue asserting sovereignty over WPS by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE Philippines will continue to assert its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, according to Malacañang. “As we have in the past, we will continue to assert our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over our territory,” acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Thursday, November 18. The statement was issued following reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Western Command saying Chinese Coast Guard vessels harassed two Philippine boats on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. Nograles also lauded the country’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for acting swiftly. “The Department of Foreign Affairs has acted swiftly and has
condemned the incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard,” he noted. On Tuesday, Nov. 16, three Chinese vessels “blocked and water cannoned” two Philippine supply boats en route to transport food supplies to military personnel deployed in Ayungin Shoal. According to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., no one was hurt in the incident but the boats had to abort their resupply mission. “I have conveyed in the strongest terms to H.E. Huang Xilian, Ambassador of China and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing our outrage, condemnation and protest of the incident,” he said in a statement. Locsin also pointed out that the Chinese Coast Guard’s actions were “illegal,” stressing that China must “take heed and back off.” “Ayungin Shoal is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), which is an integral part of the
Philippines, as well as the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, and over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” he said. “The acts of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels are illegal. China has no law enforcement rights in and around these areas. They must take heed and back off,” he added. Further, the Foreign Affairs chief said that the incident “threatens the special relationship” between the Philippines and China. “This failure to exercise selfrestraint threatens the special relationship between the Philippines and China that President Rodrigo R. Duterte and President Xi Jinping have worked hard to nurture,” said Locsin. “The Philippines will continue to provide supplies to our troops in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal). We do not ask permission to do what we need to do in our territory,” he added. ■
Bongbong, Sara top new survey by KAITHREEN
AND
CRUZ KRISTINA MARALIT
ManilaTimes.net
FORMER senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio led the November survey of Publicus Asia Inc. on presidential and vice presidential preferences for the 2022 elections. The results of the survey, which Publicus released Friday, November 19, showed Marcos having a 56.7% share among presidential candidates, with a 41.3% lead over the second placer, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo. Publicus said the standard bearer of the Partido Federal ng Filipinas was up around 7% from the 49% he garnered in the October poll. It said the son and namesake of the late President Ferdinand Marcos “holds commanding leads across all regional groups”, especially in the Northern and Central Luzon and in Mindanao.” Marcos’ lead narrowed in
the National Capital Region and Southern Luzon, where Robredo was polling at 26.9% and 22.1%, respectively. Trailing Marcos and Robredo were Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso at 6.9%, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go (4.1%), Senators Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquaio (3%) and Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (2.9%), former spokesman for President Rodrigo Duterte Ernesto Abella (0.4%), labor leader Ka Leody de Guzman (0.3%), and former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) spokesman Antonio Parlade Jr. (0.1%). The undecided were at 8.8%, and 1.5% did not choose a presidential bet. I n the vice presidential derby, Duterte-Carpio notched 54.4%, a 44.3% edge over Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto 3rd, who came in second. Publicus said Duterte-Carpio’s lead was most prominent in Mindanao. It was narrowest in NCR and Southern Luzon. Sotto’s 10% was a sizeable
drop from his 17.3% in October. The pollster said more people were undecided about their vice presidential bet at 13.7% compared to those who preferred Sotto. Duterte-Carpio was not in Publicus’ October survey, having announced her intention to run for a national post after the poll was made. In third place was Robredo’s running mate, Sen, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, with 9%, followed by Dr. Willie Ong (8.9%), Buhay party-list Rep. Jose “Lito” Atienza (1.3%) and former lawmaker Walden Bello (0.4%). In terms of tandems, 41.8% preferred the Marcos-DuterteCarpio partnership, while 42.1% were indifferent to tandems or preferred split tickets. The survey was conducted from November 16 to 18, after the deadline for switching candidates for the 2022 polls. It polled 1,500 registered voters from a research panel of
u PAGE A8
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 20-23, 2021 A7
DATE LIN E PH ILIP P IN E S
A8 NOVEMBER 20-23, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Duterte names Marcos as the ‘weak leader’, rejects coalition with Lakas-CMD by CATHERINE
S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, November 19, called presidential aspirant and former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “a weak leader” as he rejected a coalition with the Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) headed by his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. “No, I cannot, because nandiyan si Marcos. Hindi ako bilib sa kanya (I have no faith in him). He is really a weak leader. Totoo ‘yan. Hindi ako nani-
nira ng tao. Talagang weak kasi spoiled child, only son (That is true. I am not destroying anyone. He is really weak because he is a spoiled child, only son),” Duterte said when asked about a possible alliance of his party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) or Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) with the Lakas-CMD. “Of course he can talk, he delivers English articulately, aral kasi kung saan-saan sa labas pero kung sabihin mong may crisis, he is a weak leader at
tsaka may bagahe siya (he has studied in a lot of schools but when there is a crisis, he is a weak leader and he has a baggage). ‘Yan ang sinasabi ko sa inyo. Totoo ‘yan (This is what I am telling you. This is true). I do not voice lies. Masisira ka. Bantay kayo, magkamali ang Pilipinas (You will be hurt. Watch out, the Philippines will make a mistake),” he added. Lakas-CMD has a partnership with the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas for a Marcos-DuterteCarpio tandem in the 2022 elections. ■
What will happen to televangelist Apollo... PAGE A6 t
Van Nuys handled fraudulent immigration documents for workers, and 50-year-old Amanda Estopare, also of Van Nuys, was charged with tracking and reporting the money raised in the U.S. to KOJC officials in the Philippines. According to federal officials, the megachurch forced members who came to the U.S. to surrender their passports and work long hours soliciting donations for the Children’s Joy Foundation that purportedly went toward impoverished children in the Philippines. The indictment unsealed last year alleges that most or all of the money raised by the non-profit went toward financing KOJC operations and the lavish lifestyle of church leaders. Those workers who proved productive were then forced to enter into sham marriages or obtain a fraudulent student visa so they could keep soliciting donations in the U.S. year-round, prosecutors said. A search of the KOJC’s Van Nuys compound in January of 2020 found Cabactulan and Duenas in the possession of approximately 72 Filipino passports, seven U.S. passports, and one Ukrainian passport belonging to other people, according to the indictment. Duenas was also found to have a file labeled “traitor” with information on members who fled the church, prosecutors said. Federal prosecutors say Quiboloy retaliated against church members who managed to leave KOJC by alleging they had engaged in criminal conduct and sexually promiscuous activity in
his sermons broadcasted around the world. Quiboloy, 59-year-old Teresita Tolibas Dandan and 56-year-old Helen Panilag, two top KOJC administrators based in the Philippines, were each charged with sex trafficking conspiracy. The superseding indictment also outlines the church’s nationwide soliciting operations how it enabled forced labor, labor trafficking, document servitude, marriage fraud, and money laundering. Each of them are believed to be in the Philippines, but Quiboloy also has homes in Calabasas and Hawaii.” The Quiboloy camp denied all allegations in 2018 and 2019 in the Philippines. In 2018, a former follower of Quiboloy accused him of running a “child sex ring,” an allegation that the pastor’s camp dismissed as “a pack of lies.” In 2019, the Philippine News Agency run by the Philippine government reported: The camp of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy denied the alleged rape, qualified trafficking in person, and child abuse cases lodged by a former follower recently at the Office of the City Prosecutor here [in Davao City]” The denial was a response to “a complainant, Blenda Portugal, accused Quiboloy and five others — Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Pauline Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemañes — of sexual abuse and forced labor.” In her affidavit, the PNA report said Portugal said she
was introduced to Quiboloy by her father, who was a member of their church, when she was 10 years old. She said she and her sister were exploited both in forms of sexual and forced labor. Fast forward to 2021, on November 19, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Legal Counsel issued a public statement denying the allegations in the indictment by U.S. federal officials saying this is “another vicious attempt to bring down Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy and some of the Kingdom leaders has been organized just recently in the United States, but The Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name and all its followers remain steadfast and committed to faithfully respond to its mission, its ministry and its divine calling despite all the detraction efforts made against them.” How will the rule of law take its course with this indictment in the U.S. that corroborates allegations against Quiboloy in the Philippines? (To be continued) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** 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.
BOOSTER VAX CARD. Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III shows one of the vaccination cards used during the booster vaccination ceremony at the NKTI gymnasium in Quezon City on Wednesday, November 17. The administration of booster shots for the A1 priority group (frontline health workers) is voluntary, with healthcare workers given the option to choose their preferred vaccine brand. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
Bongbong, Sara top new... PAGE A7 200,000 Filipinos. Publicus’ chief data scientist Dr. David Yap 2nd said the survey was not commissioned. The survey results came out a day after Domagoso explained his program of action as president during a forum hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Manila mayor and Aksyon Demokratiko candidate said his priority will be the strengthening of the country’s health system, the revival of small industries for jobs regeneration, and working with Congress for legislation to slash taxes on fuel and electricity. He vowed that an “Isko Moreno government” will also focus on the minimum basic needs of the people, especially those that will improve the human development index — health, education, housing, and jobs and livelihood. Domagoso said his administration will also ensure public schools and teachers will be provided with gadgets and free internet bandwidth, school supplies, and COVID-19 hygiene kits. He said he will urge local government units (LGUs) to partner with government financial institutions to help small and medium enterprises get back on their feet through zero-interest bridge financing.
“The impact of several lockdowns has wrought havoc on their operations, whether on tourism, related services, retail and even manufacturing. If we are able to save them through some mini-Marshall plan with the national and local government joining the effort, we will create more jobs, opportunities and livelihood. As we all know, MSMEs constitute the bulk of our employers,” Domagoso said. Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte expressed concern a “law and order crisis” will emerge after he steps down from office next year. Speaking at a Joint National Task Force-Regional Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict Mimaropa Meeting in Calapan, Mindoro last Thursday night, November 18, Duterte said he fears a resurgence of criminal activities that will have Filipinos living in chaos and paranoia. “In six months I’ll be out. I really do not know. I’m worried about two things: crime and drugs are number one, and also the NPA (New People’s Army),” the President said. Duterte expressed hope the next administration, whether it will be an ally or from the opposition, would strive to ensure peace and order across the nation. “’Yung mga drugs, they
are vicious. Galit talaga ako sa droga. I don’t know pagka hindi na ako ang presidente... I hope hindi sila babalik. Ang problema kung babalik at hindi makontrol and we go again into a cycle of internecine with Filipinos. Iyan ang worry ko (I’m really against drugs. I don’t know if I’m done being president... I hope they don’t come back. The problem is if they do come back and not controlled and we go again into a cycle of internecine with Filipinos),” he said. Duterte lamented how the Senate significantly slashed the proposed 2022 budget allocated for NTF-Elcac from P28 billion to P4 billion. He said he is concerned that the gains made by the agency will go to waste and communities would once again come under the influence of left-leaning forces. “Kaya itong Elcac pinakamahusay na sana na program to date na binigay natin sa kanila. Brainchild ito ni [National Security Adviser Hermogenes] Esperon. ‘Yung budget nila na P28 billion? Ginawa na lang P4 billion ng mga senador (This Elcac is supposedly the best program to date that we’ve given them, the brainchild of Esperon. Their budget of 28 billion? Slashed to 4 billion by the senators),” said Duterte. ■
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 20-23, 2021
A9
SFIO officially signs $100-M agreement with Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center to develop a resort condotel in Batangas, Philippines THE memorandum of agreement will see Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center, Inc., a subsidiary of Filipino publicly listed company AbaCore Capital Holdings, contributing land by the bay of Batangas for SFIO to develop into a resortlike condotel property. The announcement of the project has been made official by offering further details to the public. In a recent announcement, SFIO revealed that they signed last October a memorandum of understanding with Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center, Inc. to pursue a joint venture that would see a two-hectare, bayside property in Batangas, Philippines developed into a $100 million eco-friendly, tech village. SFIO said that the planned development, which is strategically located in Montemaria, Batangas City, just south of Metro Manila, will service residents looking for a new kind of work-life balance, with it being at the crossroads of breathtaking marine biodiversity, historical religious sites, and a suite of modern amenities fit for a better normal. Asset management company SFIO, recently named one of the “20 Promising Companies Everyone Should Know in 2021” by Global Business Leaders Magazine, will be developing the 500-unit tech village as part of a 10-year development plan with Omnicor’s parent company,
AbaCore Capital Holdings, Inc. This agreement establishes SFIO as the preferred developer of projects across AbaCore Capital Holdings’ over 200-hectares of real estate around Montemaria. As part of SFIO’s investment roadmap into future-oriented industries, this tech village blends residential luxuries with the hyper-connected amenities necessary for modern work. Ground floor office and retail spaces give way to resortlike recreational facilities and residential units, making it an ideal space for high-value firms and professionals to embrace remote work. Just a few miles from the Verde Island Passage, one of the most biologically diverse water ecosystems in the world, the tech village project will embrace eco-friendly development practices, such as solar roofing. An environmental compliance certificate has already been issued over the site, allowing immediate commencement of preliminary survey and design. The project also aims to cater to religious pilgrims looking to visit the Mother of All Asia Tower of Peace, a 316-foot tall statue of the Virgin Mary. Taller than New York’s Statue of Liberty, and nearly three times taller than Rio De Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, this is the world’s tallest statue dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Intended for longer-term residents, the tech village will be
designed as a timeshare concept, catering not only to working professionals and tourists but also to expatriates and Filipinos from around the world looking for a vibrant community to spend a short vacation or their retirement
years in. While SFIO and AbaCore Capital Holdings see this project as the first of many that will thrive in the coming post-pandemic economic boom, both companies see health and wellness as a continuing priority across all their future projects. Work is already underway at SFIO’s recently established Technology and Software Development Division on a suite of state-of-the-art, smart-building technologies designed to ensure the long-term, holistic well-being of communities. Set to be piloted in Montemaria, these technologies are expected to set a new gold-standard for community health systems across resorts and residential developments. SFIO, which has just filed their Q3 financial reports in line with their broader plans to uplist onto the Nasdaq Exchange, aims to complete this development project by 2024. Permits to commence pre-selling of units are already pending approval. (Advertising Supplement)
A10 November 20-23, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 20-23, 2021
Asian Journal
WKND
B1
Sat urday, NOvember 2 0 , 2 0 2 1
LifestyLe Consumer Guide Community marketpLaCe
The December 2021 priority dates: No change from September Immigration Corner
The priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: FAMILY CATEGORY: First Preference
Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ THE November priority dates are typically the start of the new “fiscal year” for visas, where a new annual supply of visas is made available. Usually, with a new supply of visas, the priority dates move forward in the various family categories. However, for November 2021, the priority dates did not move at all. They are the same as September 2021. Fortunately, employment-based visas remain “current.” Each month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment-based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 40 years and is licensed, and an active member of the
Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (21 years old or older)
(2A) Spouse and children Second Preference minor (below 21 years old) of green card holders
Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
April 22, 2015
March 01, 2012
September 01, 2021
Current
(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holders
October 01, 2013
October 22, 2011
Third Preference
Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens
October 01, 2003
June 08, 2002
Fourth Preference
Brothers and sisters of U.S. Citizens
February 01, 2004
August 22, 2002
LABOR CERTIFICATION:
Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
Advanced Degree Second Preference (Masters)
Current
Current
Third Preference
Professional/ Skilled Workers
Current
Current
Other Workers
Non-Skilled Workers
Current
Current
State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature,
A FATHER’S DYING WISH IS FULFILLED THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Mother Cece (center) petitioned her son Vince in 2001. Because he was out-of-status, and had no section 245(i), he was not eligible to adjust status (apply for his green card) in the U.S. The family went through several attorneys who applied for political asylum, and later obtained an approved provisional waiver, after the regulations came out in 2016. Vince returned to the Philippines for his interview, but the family was devastated when the Embassy charged Vince with fraud, for having overstayed in the U.S. – the very reason a person pursues a provisional waiver! Desperate to get Vince back to the U.S. to fulfill his father’s dying wish, the family retained Atty. Gurfinkel, who was able to get a fraud waiver approved, enabling Vince to return to the U.S. as a green card holder. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, November 21 on its new time slot at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. TV and Instagram.com/gurfinkellaw WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation Follow us on Facebook.com/ GurfinkelLaw, YouTube: US Immigration for anywhere in the US:
1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you:
LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
B2 november 20-23, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
EntErtainmEnt
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Diwata Komiks heads to San Diego Comic-Con and announces their next title for US release
LOS AnGELES – After Diwata Komiks’ successful community launch at the end of October, the multicultural creative development and publishing group sets their sights on the world’s largest comics convention. They will be exhibiting for the first time at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) where they look to engage with new fans and introduce them to their premiere slate of comics. Coming just in time for the holidays is the publisher’s next title, Carnal Tales. Originally published in the Philippines to critical acclaim, Diwata Komiks will be releasing the remastered u.S. edition of this collection of children’s cautionary tales from award-winning writer, Bambi Eloriaga-Amago and illustrated in a manga-inspired style by Carmina’s principal artist, Roland Amago. Carnal Tales brings audiences into the unique world of the author’s local childhood hometown and introduces them to concepts that characterize a typical Filipino childhood full of superstitions and strange monsters at every corner. “For us as a publisher, bringing Carnal Tales to the American market feels like going full-circle because it was through an Esquire Philippines article that we found Roland (Amago) which, eventually, led to the formation of Diwata Komiks. Additionally, I cannot wait for readers of all backgrounds to experience this unique title that is both charming and terrifying.” Editor-in-Chief, Mark nazal proudly says about the comic. Carnal Tales will be previewed at San Diego Comic-Con where attendees will be able to pre-order their copies ahead of the title’s December release date. Carnal Tales u.S. Edition will be on sale starting De-
Community members and leaders join a reception at FASGI in Historic Filipinotown to highlight the organization’s Arts Incubator program and current exhibition. Photos courtesy of FASGI
The U.S. edition cover spread by artist Ronald Amago.
The Diwata Komiks Team signing copies during the launch event in San Pedro, CA. Photos courtesy of Joe Arciaga/Diwata Komiks
cember 13, 2021. The company’s launch title, Carmina: A Filipino-American urban Mythology™ will be available for purchase at Comic-Con along with new merchandise to be revealed at the convention. The Diwata Komiks team will also hold signing events at SDCC, and Carmina Issue #1:
Beginnings will be expanding to comic book stores later this month. For all things Diwata Komiks and up-to-the-minute SDCC coverage, follow us on all social media platforms @diwatakomiks. For sponsorship, press inquiries, and potential partnerships opportunities, please contact info@diwatakomiks.com. n
Daiana shows battle scar from fighting the Big C
want a distraction or to be overly focused on the Cancer topic, Inquirer.net ‘where you put your attention is THREE years after she got where you put your energy,’” she diagnosed with cancer, TV host explained. Daiana Menezes courageously “If I was able to do it, you can spoke about her journey with the do it,” she said, noting that she Big C. also did some research so she Menezes opened up about can learn more about her disher battle with the dreaded disease. ease in her Instagram post on She discovered that “most huWednesday, nov. 17, where she man diseases manifest from the shared a short video of herself, interaction of genetic variants taking off her jacket to show the that predispose people to disease scar from her operation. and modifiable environmental “This video was taken at the exposures, such as chemical, nubackstage of ComiCon Asia 2018, trition, behaviors, physical surI went on stage, hosted [two] roundings, both environmental Daiana Menezes days consecutively and stayed at and psychological, infections.” Photo from Instagram/@ dianamenezes_ the venue for about eight hours Also among her basic learnduring that time. She believes ings is that “cancer is caused by each day,” she said. That day marked the tenth day they were the ones who cared genetic, hormonal and environdeeply for her wellbeing. They mental risk factors combined.” after her cancer surgery. “I didn’t talk about it. no one also supported her choices toFor Menezes, what’s important publicly noticed what I was go- ward the path to healing. is to protect one’s self, preserve “When I was healing, I kept one’s energy to heal, focus on ing through,” she recalled. It’s enough for her that she it to myself until I felt I could loving yourself, and taking care had the right people around her use my story to inspire. I didn’t of your mind and body . n By Alex
BrosAs
Meet this generation’s ‘Valentina’ By NikA
roque ManilaTimes.net
JAnELLA Salvador will be playing the iconic villain Valentina in this generation’s upcoming “Darna: The TV series.” “I’m very, very honored to be chosen among the many different actresses who auditioned for this role. I’m sure they were all equally as amazing. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank direk Chito Rono and ABS-CBn for giving me this opportunity to portray this iconic role,” Salvador expressed at the livestream
Janella Salvador
event “Valentina Live Reveal” on ABS-CBn Entertainment’s YouTube and Facebook pages. “And of course, I promise to live up to everyone’s expectations but also make it my own,” she added. Salvador shared her first taping day as Valentina, or her alter ego Regina Vanguardia recently. It is her comeback project and her first time playing a villain. Salvador’s last regular role was on “The Killer Bride” in 2019. She went on hiatus the following year when she got pregnant and gave birth to her first child, Jude, in October
Photo from Instagram/@superjanella
2020. To prepare for the role, the 23-year-old had to lose weight and follow strict diet and workout plans. Salvador’s physical training — required for her fight scenes — has yet to start but said she was looking forward to it. Salvador’s last regular role was on “The Killer Bride” in 2019. She went on hiatus the following year when she got pregnant and gave birth to her first child, Jude, in October 2020. To prepare for the role, the 23-year-old had to lose weight and follow strict diet and workout plans. Salvador’s physical training — required for her fight scenes — has yet to start but said she was looking forward to it. Asked about what Filipinos can expect from Valentina, the actress guaranteed, “I don’t want to tell you guys too much about her character para ma-surprise kayo (so that you’ll be surprised). But she’s a very empowered woman. I like her because she’s smart, she’s intellectual. Kaya ako na-in love sa role na ‘to kasi she actually does have a good heart, hindi lang nagagamit sa tamang paraan. So abangan niyo nalang kung paano yun (That’s why I fell in love with this role because she actually does have a good heart which unfortunately wasn’t used in the right way. So just watch out how this happened).” PAGE B6
FASGI features Filipino artists during month-long exhibit in Historic Filipinotown until Nov. 30
COnTInuInG the celebration of Fil-Am History Month, the Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI) in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown is holding an ongoing art exhibit until november 30. named Pangitain at Pananaw 2021 (“Visions and Viewpoints 2021”), the art exhibit is a project of the FASGI Arts Incubator Program. “It all started when I had my painting beginners class for the victims of human trafficking or other abused Filipinos last year before the pandemic. One of them stood out. It was Carlos [Santos]. I told my students that painting is a good therapy. When you paint, you just have to please yourself. Time passes and before you know it you are have produced a masterpiece. Then people start buying your art. Then it is a win-win. You had your own therapy and you made a few dollars here and there. Then when you become an expert, someone somewhere wants to write about you,” said Maria Cristina “Tiinz” Taruc (Artist), Program Coordinator of the FASGI Arts Incubator Program. In addition to Taruc’s work, the exhibit features pieces from Rafael Maniago, Juan “Magoo” Valencia, Rodolfo Samonte, Bienvenido “Boi” Sibug, Cesar Devera, Lutzie Francisco, Mila “Ola” Dela Fuente and Carlos Santos. “I want to say a big thanks to FASGI for including Art Therapy Sessions to their Mental Health Program for Human Trafficking Survivors. I have never painted before and was a bit hesitant, but Guro Ma’m Tiinz Taruc re-
Young at Heart group with Consul General Edgar Badajos (center)
On-site portraiture during the Pangitain at Pananaw 2021 artists’ reception at FASGI on Nov. 10.
ally encouraged me to pick up a paintbrush. She explained that painting can be very therapeutic in releasing negative emotions and relaxing one’s mind. Painting really helped me gain peace of mind, so much so that I continued to paint throughout the COVID lockdown,” Carlos Santos said.
LA Metro’s Filipino American History Month commemorative tap card
A recent artists’ reception on november 10 also highlighted the October 2021 MTA Commemorative Tap Card, costumes by the Young at Heart and onsite pastel portraiture and caricatures. “It is most appropriate to showcase the “Sarao jeepney“ design for the Metro Tap Card to commemorate Filipino American History Month. One will never miss these jeepneys when in the Philippines!” said Lutzie Valencia Francisco. “I commend FASGI for providing a platform to budding Filipino and Filipino-American artists to showcase their talent. The artists’ artworks reflect the beauty of the Philippines, which inspire and attract foreigners to visit the country,” Consul General Edgar Badajos said. FASGI is located at 135 north Part View Street in Los Angeles, CA 90026. The art exhibit can be viewed by appointment only by (818) 271-0901. n
How to obtain custody and visitation rights for unmarried dads to name someone else as the father. Girlfriend does this beBarrister’s cause her parents disapprove of Corner the ex boyfriend. One way a presumption of Paternity is created is by executing a voluntary declaration of paterAtty. Kenneth nity. A Voluntary declarations UrsUA reyes executed before 1997 give rise to a conclusive presumption of ESTABLISHInG parentage paternity and can be overcome rights for Moms is a lot easier only by blood or genetic tests orthan establishing one for unmar- dered on noticed motion by the ried Dads. Moms can establish mother or presumed father must this by simply showing proof be made within three years of of her having given birth to the the date of execution of the voluntary declaration Family.Code. child. Family Code §7610. Establishing parentage rights, § 7576; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W. including custody and visitation (2009) 175 CA4th 1119, 1133, 95 rights, becomes more problem- CR3d 477, 485 If the voluntary atic with unmarried Dads be- declaration of paternity is execause proving yourself as the cuted after 1996, it is not characbiological father does not auto- terized as a conclusive presumpmatically make you the natural tion. Instead, it “shall establish father of the child. under the the paternity of a child and shall family code, there are competing have the same force and effect as presumptions of paternity which a judgment for paternity issued allows the non biological father by a court of competent juristo be deemed the natural father diction” and trumps §7611 presumptions discussed below. A of the child. A typical situation is when post 1996 voluntary declaration boyfriend gets girlfriend preg- of paternity “shall be recognized nant. Girlfriend for some reason as a basis for the establishment decides to exclude boyfriend of an order for child custody, visfrom baby’s life so she breaks itation, or child support.” Family up with boyfriend, does not give .Code §§ 7573, 7644; Kevin Q. v. the boyfriend any information Lauren W., supra, 175 CA4th at about her delivery, and does not 1132, 95 CR3d at 485; In re J.L. state the boyfriend as the father (2008) 159 CA4th 1010, 1019, 72 in the birth certificate or decides CR3d 27, 33.
Another way of establishing presumed father status is if you fall under any of the categories listed (a) to (f) under family code §7611: (a) He and the child’s natural mother are or have been married to each other and the child is born during the marriage, or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce, or after a judgment of separation is entered by a court. (b) Before the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have attempted to marry each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true: (1) If the attempted marriage could be declared invalid only by a court, the child is born during the attempted marriage, or within 300 days after its termination by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce. (2) If the attempted marriage is invalid without a court order, the child is born within 300 days after the termination of cohabitation. (c) After the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have married, or attempted to PAGE B6
B4 november 20-23, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
EMPLOYMENT
FOR RENT
SERVICES
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 20-23, 2021 B5
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) When a job termination Biden tax plan series
Tax Tips
viCtor Sy, MBA, CPA (retired) WHAT is a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT)? A Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) is used in estate planning to minimize taxes on large financial gifts to family members. An irrevocable trust is created for a certain period of time. The individual establishing the trust pays a tax when the trust is established. Assets are
placed under the trust and then an annuity is paid out every year. When the trust expires the beneficiary receives the assets tax-free. In other words, a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust is an irrevocable gifting trust that allows a grantor to pass a significant amount of wealth to the next generation with little or no gift tax cost. Current tax law: • These trusts can currently be established with a duration of at least two years. Proposed tax changes: • Grantor Retained Annuity
Trusts (GRATs) would require a minimum duration of 10 years. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV – Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation. *** He retired after 50 years of defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He published a book on “How to Avoid or Survive IRS Audits” that’s available at Amazon. Readers may email tax questions to vicsy@live.com.
The Kingdom of God in the ‘here and now’
Pastor’s Notes reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS I LIKE Gerald Darring’s downto-earth description of the Kingdom of God in his book, To Love and Serve: Lectionary Based Meditations. He states: The Kingdom of God is a space. It exists in every home where parents and children love each other. It exists in every region and country that cares for its weak and vulnerable. It exists in every parish that reaches out to the needy. The Kingdom of God is a time. It happens when someone feeds a hungry person, or shelters a homeless person, or shows care to a neglected person. It happens whenever we overturn an unjust law, or correct an injustice, or avert a war. It happens whenever people join in the struggle to overcome poverty, to erase ignorance, to pass on the faith. The Kingdom of God is in the past (in the life and work of Jesus of Nazareth); it is in the present (in the work of the Church and in the efforts of many others to create a world of goodness and justice); it in in the future (reaching its completion in the age to come). The Kingdom of God is a con-
dition. Its symptoms are love, justice, and peace. Without understating the Second Coming when the Lord, Jesus Christ, will come “amid the clouds,” “robed in majesty,” adored and served by all peoples, nations, and languages, I think Darring’s statement on Christ’s Kingdom on earth hit a chord in many of us. The fulfillment of Christ’s Kingdom begins in the “here and now” and not in the far dis-
encompassing and intersecting every dimension of our lives. It penetrates our hearts and prioritizes our relationship with God. And so what we want to share with our children about Christ’s Kingdom values are not just taught but are lived or practiced first by us--parents and adults. It is disconcerting to realize that “living the faith” doesn’t happen well in a parish when families are not coming to Mass to receive Jesus in Word and Sacrament. This situation does not reflect our allegiance to Christ, our King, who died for our sins to save us and grant us eternal life. Every Sunday at Mass, we declare Christ’s Kingship and our fidelity to him. We express it not just as individuals but as a Christian community. We come together to be a beacon of light to the rest of society, promising to make this world a kingdom of love, justice, and peace. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
The Kingdom of God is a time. It happens when someone feeds a hungry person, or shelters a homeless person, or shows care to a neglected person. tant future. It’s not some “out of this world” phenomenon but actual realities of love, justice, and peace. It is not an abstract idea but an experience of God’s presence in our hearts and the world through a life of prayer and charity. Christ’s Kingdom happens when we humbly submit ourselves to him and his values and when families make him the center of their home and their relationship. Christ’s Kingdom is integral,
is illegal retaliation
Notifying employer of violations is protected activity Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. AFROUZ Nikmanesh worked as a pharmacist for Walmart for more than 10 years. During her time as a Walmart pharmacist, Dr. Nikmanesh reported several noncompliance issues to management. These included Medicare patients being charged above reimbursement rates, Walmart failing to provide beneficiaries with Medicare discounts, and failing to report the dispensing of opioids and other controlled substances to government regulators. Dr. Nikmanesh asked management to investigate and correct these violations of law. However, the day after one of Dr. Nikmanesh’s complaints, her supervisor started an ethics investigation into her outside activities. Walmart eventually cleared Dr. Nikmanesh of any wrongdoing but her supervisor still terminated her employment. Dr. Nikmanesh sued Walmart for wrongful termination in violation of public policy and for retaliation in violation of California Labor Code. Walmart asked the court to dismiss the case and argued that Dr. Nikmanesh was not terminated but instead resigned from her position. Walmart presented Dr. Nikmanesh’s emails to her supervisor that seemed to say she voluntarily resigned to take another job. But Dr. Nikmanesh testified under oath that before she sent those emails, her supervisor had confirmed that she could resign from her full-time management position but she could continue to work at Walmart part-time. Walmart then argued it did not terminate Dr. Nikmanesh but let her go because no parttime positions were available. However, Dr. Nikmanesh presented evidence that Walmart
declined to consider Dr. Nikmanesh for one part-time position, which it then offered to a graduate intern. And though other part-time positions existed, these were not offered to Dr. Nikmanesh. Although the trial court dismissed the case, Dr. Nikmanesh successfully appealed the dismissal and her case eventually went to trial. Under California law, an employer may not terminate an employee for retaliatory reasons. Doing so may give rise to a wrongful termination claim. In order to skirt around the law, the employer may claim that it had a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for firing the employee (such as poor performance or customer complaints). It is then up to the employee to prove that the employer’s stated reason for the firing was a “pretext.” To prove pretext, the employee may show that the stated reason is false, did not cause the firing, or is not enough to cause a firing (i.e., people are not usually fired for this reason) The California Whistleblower Protection Act specifically protects employees from being retaliated against after reporting to a government agency that their employer has violated the law. The Act also protects employees who report of a suspected violation internally (for instance, to a supervisor within the organization) or externally to “any public body” conducting a hearing or investigation. Employees are protected if they truly believed the conduct they complained about was unlawful, even if it was not. The employer is also prohibited from retaliating against an employee who refuses to participate in activities that violate the law. In order to prove that the employer engaged in illegal retaliation, the employee must show all of the following • First, that they engaged in a protected activity, such as report to management or a government agency about suspected violations. • Second, that the employer
subjected the employee to an adverse employment action, such as a demotion or termination. • Finally, that there is a ‘causal link’ between the conduct of employee and the employer. A causal link may be established if the employer knew that the employee engaged in protected activity, and immediately after fired the employee. In Dr. Nikmanesh’s case, the trial court concluded, and Walmart conceded, that Dr. Nikmanesh proved that “she engaged in protected activities by complaining to and notifying Walmart of its noncompliance with various rules and regulations.” It is also clear that Dr. Nikmanesh was fired soon after she complained to the employer. The jury now had to decide whether there was a “causal link” between the employee’s protected activity and the employer’s firing of her. The jury concluded that such a causal link existed and that Dr. Nikmanesh was illegally retaliated against by the employer. The jury awarded Dr. Nikmanesh $40,000 for economic losses, $100,000 for non-economic losses, $60,000 for future non-economic losses and $27.3 million in punitive damages. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.] (Advertising Supplement)
B6 november 20-23, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne Why the disparity in monthly takes home crown for good credit card payments?
NOT all winners get to keep their 3,000 euro crown with them after winning the Miss Globe title. We spoke with Maureen Montagne, Miss Globe 2021, fresh from Albania and in her quarantine hotel in Quezon City. “I feel honored to be the second Miss Globe and moreso, I am taking this with me,” said she. “It is not common for the winners
to have their crowns and I will be one. So this is mine, property of Maureen. Hahaha! I will definitely, proudly display it in my home.” The Miss Globe crown takes three months to make and is handcrafted by experts in Albania. The crown is made of pure silver, and blue sapphire and red ruby stones. But just as precious
as her crown is her mission. “After quarantine, I will definitely hit the ground running. I cannot wait. I will start with my programs dito sa Pilipinas. I will be a very active Miss Globe because I was told that the queen is in the pilot seat of her activities so that is what I am planning,” said Maureen. Her first tour would be in key areas around the globe. “So, I am scheduled to attend Miss Globe pageant in Canada, Albania, and in Greece. And I think we have more countries on the way. I am excited.” Maureen also has a very global approach as to what she wants to do. “My advocacy is feeding the hungry,” said she. “During the onslaught of the pandemic, I was stuck in Siargao for six months and that’s what I focused on there. I realized it’s a cause I can do anywhere in the world.” Besides being stuck in Siargao, the 28-year-old beauty is missing her family in the other side of the world. “Grabe! I haven’t seen my family in almost three years!” said Maureen. “I am the youngest in the family and I cannot wait to hug my mother. I gave up so much but it’s a good thing it was all worth it.” After fixing the first leg of her reign, Maureen is going back to the United States, where she grew up to be reunited with her family for the holidays. January, it is game time for her as she made it clear that besides her pageant life, she is also interested in the glitz and glamour of showbiz. “I am definitely open for showbiz,” said she. “I do enjoy hosting, that is one of my passions. Let’s see the opportunity.” (By MJ Marfori/Philstar.com) n
Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne Photo from Instagram/@maureenmontage
THE first client is a senior who still earns $120K a year as a registered nurse but owes $130K of credit cards. The second client is also a senior who just lost her job as an accountant and now relies on social security of $2K a month. At first glance, you would think that the first senior who makes $120K a year should be paying more because, not only is her income high at $10K a month, she also owes a significant amount of credit cards at $130K. Minimum monthly payment on $130K of credit cards is at least $4K a month. That’s $48K a year of just interest payments. In 10 years, she would have paid $480K credit card masters, yet she would still owe the slave owners the same $130K of principal! This first client is 62. When she came to see me the first time, she was visibly stressed out. No kidding. Her face was contorted literally & she was looked pale. Her husband could no longer work. He had a stroke a while back and just couldn’t get back to his former self. So he just stays home and takes it easy. Client still works a lot of overtime and, with overtime her gross income is $13K a month. But she says that she can’t work overtime anymore due to deteriorating health. Her regular pay is $10K without overtime. Without the overtime income, there’s no way she can set aside $4K a month to for minimum credit card payments. It’s time to break free from the chains of slavery to debt. It’s likely that if she kept working with overtime, she would have a heart attack, and nobody wants that. As I said many times before, what you owe your creditors is money. You absolutely do not owe them your life. I had a client who was 55. He was a professional and well known in his field of endeavor. He grossed $500K a year. That’s right, half a million dollars was his yearly income from his profession. He also invested in some business ventures that started losing money and that starting requiring him to cover the losses. First he had to cover losses of $5K a month, then $10K a month, then $20K a month. That was draining him financially and emotionally. He had retained me for bankruptcy reorganization and I thought everything was going well. But a day before he was to come to sign the bankruptcy petition, he killed himself. I regret to say that I never told him that he should take it easy because what he owed his creditors was money, not his life. So now I say to you, if you have accumulated debt, take it easy, we can get rid of those
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrence yAng burdensome debt that weigh you down every day of your life with Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Don’t even think of killing yourself, it’s not worth it. Think of how your family will survive without you to take care of them. Come and see me instead and we will discuss how we can make your life easier and make you productive again by getting rid of those nasty debts. Going back to our high-income client who owes $130K of credit cards that needs $4K a month of minimum monthly payments, she owns a new house with $90K of equity. The house is worth about $500K and her mortgage balance is $410K so that makes her equity in the house $90K. The entire $90K is within the homestead exemption of $100K, so if her income were a lot less than $120K, let’s just say if her income were only $80K a year, she would straight out qualify for Chapter 7 and be able to discharge the entire $130K of credit cards without a single payment. But given her income of $120K, she does have some disposable income under the means test. The means test shows that she has disposable income of at least $400/month. This means that she will have to pay this amount for 60 months or five years. After completing the plan payments, she would have paid $24K, or 18% of $130K of credit cards. The court will discharge the difference between $130K and $24K, or $106K. In other words, she doesn’t have to pay the $106K anymore; the court will just wipe it out to give her a new start in life without the $130K of credit card debt. The second senior is 68, an accountant. She grossed $80K a year up to last month. She got downsized. Now she relies only on social security of $2K a month. The problem is she owes $40K of credit cards, which need $1200 a month of minimum monthly payments. She owns a house and the mortgage payment is $1500. So, you can see there is now a mathematical problem here. Her equity in the house is $400K. Since she is over 65, her homestead exemption is $175K. This means there is $225K of non-exempt equity. This amount of non-exempt equity poses a distinct problem. It means that in a Chapter 13, the $40K must be paid in full over 60 months
without interest. This means in Chapter 13, her monthly payment would be about $700 a month. She says she can’t produce $700 a month now that she lost her job. So what’s the solution here? Well, she can’t do a Chapter 13, and she can’t do a Chapter 7. In Chapter 7, she would certainly lose her house to the trustee who would sell her house and use the net proceeds to pay of the $40K of credit cards; then give her the rest of the money received from the sale of the house. This would be too bloody. No one wants to lose his or her house for $40K of credit cards. That would be like cutting the nose to spite the face, right? Or to put it differently, that would be like amputating your leg because you have an ingrown toenail, or trying to kill a mosquito with Thor’s hammer. You get my drift. I suggested to second client that we do a hybrid debt consolidation strategy. This is something I concocted myself based on long experience with dealing with creditors. I once had a case where debtor owed $700K to one bank. Believe it or not, bank settled that for $25K. That’s a 3.5% settlement. It’s almost incredible, I couldn’t believe it myself when the bank accepted our settlement offer. It’s effective to a certain extent and works almost like a reorganization, but it’s not bulletproof. But in this case what other choice does the client have? A hybrid debt consolidation strategy at least has attorney representation so she will have some protection instead of being completely unprotected. The goal would be to avoid having judgment liens on her house. The goal is to protect her house and eventually be able to get out of the $40K of credit cards. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 *** Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advice for anyone. There is absolutely no attorney-client relationship established by reading this article. *** 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 Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
How to obtain custody and visitation...
PAGE B2 marry, each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true: (1) With his consent, he is named as the child’s father on the child’s birth certificate. (2) He is obligated to support the child under a written voluntary promise or by court order. (d) He receives the child into his home and openly holds out the child as his natural child. (e) If the child was born and resides in a nation with which the United States engages in an Orderly Departure Program or successor program, he acknowledges that he is the child’s father in a declaration under penalty of perjury, as specified in Section 2015.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure. This subdivision shall remain in effect only until January 1, 1997, and on that date shall become inoperative. (f) The child is in utero after the death of the decedent and the conditions set forth in Section 249.5 of the Probate Code are satisfied. An alleged biological father who does not meet any of the § 7611 conditions for presumed father status has no constitutionally-protected “liberty interest” in establishing a parentage relationship with a child as against the rights of a presumptive father who has an extant parentage relationship with the child. Dawn D. v. Super.Ct. (Jerry K.) (1998) 17 C4th 932, 940–942, 72 CR2d 871, 876–877 The facts get even more complicated if the girlfriend, whom boyfriend gets pregnant is married to another man because the law provides a conclusive presumption of paternity to the husband of the girlfriend. Under Family Code §7540, the child of a wife cohabiting at time of conception with her husband, who is not impotent or sterile, is “conclusively” presumed to be a child of the marriage. This conclusive presumption may be challenged by showing that the husband was sterile. It may also be challenged by filing a motion for blood or genetic testing under Family Code §7541 but this has to be done within 2 years of the childs birth. In addition, only persons with standing can bring this motion which is limited to the husband, child, mother and a presumed father as listed in Family Code §7611 and 7612.
Even absent a recognized rebuttal, the court has discretion as a matter of due process not to apply § 7540 conclusive presumption of paternity when it would not further the statute’s underlying policies of preserving the integrity and stability of an extant marital family, protecting children from the stigma of “illegitimacy,” and promoting individual rather than State responsibility for child support ... as where the ostensible § 7540 presumptive father never developed a parental relationship with the child and the only established parent-child relationship is with a third person. Brian C. v. Ginger K. (2000) 77 CA4th 1198, 1200–1201, 92 CR2d 294, 296; In re Kiana A. (2001) 93 CA4th 1109, 1115, 113 CR2d 669, 675. Procedurally, the ex boyfriend should file a Petition for Parentage as soon as the child is born. While the case is pending, the ex boyfriend may seek temporary visitation order although this may be on a limited or even monitored basis. If successful in proving parentage, the ex boyfriend may be granted custody and visitation rights. However, the ex boyfriend would also have the obligation of paying child support based on California guidelines. *** 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, APLC 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)
Meet this generation’s ‘Valentina’... PAGE B2 #TheValentinaReveal was on the third spot of trending topics on Twitter Philippines on Friday afternoon, November 19. Equally an iconic role in Darna’s universe, Valentina is usually depicted as a bitter woman who always seeks revenge. She is a serpent queen who has poisonous snakes for hair, and
has the ability to control and communicate with all kinds of snakes. Hence, when Darna was confirmed to be a TV series starring newcomer Jane de Leon, fans were equally excited to find out who her archenemy would be. Actresses who previously played the character were Cristina Aragon, Celia Rodriguez, Pilita Corrales, Alessandra de Rossi, and Iwa Moto. n
(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 20-23, 2021
B7
B8 november 20-23, 2021 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797