July 12-14, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 56 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages
USA
DATELINE Study: Tagalog is 2nd most commonly spoken foreign language in Calif. FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
TAGALOG is now the second most commonly spoken foreign language in California. Known as the gateway for Asian immigrants in the United States, California has 2.1 percent or 832,024 Tagalog speakers, according to the latest study by 24/7 Wall St. The report used data from the United States Census Bureau’s 2015 American Consumer Survey in identifying the most commonly spoken language in each state. The survey did not include Spanish, which is the top most common language spoken language in almost all of the states in the U.S. Aside from California, Tagalog is also the most commonly spoken foreign language after Spanish in Nevada and Washington. Other widely spoken languages include Chinese, Vietnamese, German and French. The cultural mix is different in each state due to several factors. Listed below are the
Palace: Duterte’s corruption ‘admission’ an ‘obvious jest’ by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte was only joking when he admitted to committing corruption, Malacañang clarified on Tuesday, July 11, as it criticized Senator Antonio Trillanes for taking the joke seriously. Pointing out that Duterte’s statement was an “obvious jest,” Presidential Spokesperson Er-
nesto Abella chided Trillanes for apparently lacking a sense of humor. “I think the senator seems to lack a sense of humor regarding that,” Abella said. “It was said in jest, obviously.” In a media conference earlier this week, Trillanes pushed for an investigation into Duterte, citing the president’s “admission” of corruption last month as grounds for the inquiry.
Speaking at the 140th founding anniversary of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc. on June 29, Duterte expressed anger over the ongoing corruption activities within the government. At one point in his speech, Duterte cited himself as a former corrupt official. “I hate corruption. Hindi ako nagmamakalinis, marami rin
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Pres. Rodrigo Duterte
Majority of Filipinos favor martial law, reject expansion by JENNIFER
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Stargate/PeopleAsia publisher and CEO and Philippine Star columnist Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez (in photo) was reappointed by President Duterte as special envoy to the United States. The reappointment was confirmed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. Philstar.com photo
Romualdez reappointed as special envoy to US, Palace expects improved ties
AFTER a year, the Philippines now has a regular ambassador to the United States. The Palace was optimistic when it announced on Monday, July 10, that President Rodrigo Duterte reappointed Jose Manuel Romualdez as his special envoy to the U.S. “We are confident that the reappointment of Mr. Romualdez will usher in better Philippines-U.S. relations and promote stronger cooperation between the two countries,” Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella said. Romualdez, a newspaper columnist and media executive declined the reappointment as the envoy to Washington last year due to an emergency eye operation.
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SORIANO
AJPress
SONA PREPARATION. Two weeks ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a simulation exercise for anticipated protests during the national event. The police force held the simulation exercise at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Saturday, July 8. They tried to train for unmanageable scenarios such as protesters attacking police and throwing protest paraphernalia at them.
MORE than half of Filipinos support President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao, but a majority also oppose expanding the military rule to the rest of the country, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Tuesday, July 11. The survey found that of the 92 percent of Filipino adults who are aware of Duterte’s martial rule, 57 percent said it was the right decision, while 29 percent said it should have been declared only in Marawi City and Province of Lanao del Sur. Meanwhile, 11 percent said it should have been declared only for Marawi CIty, the province of Lanao del Sur, and nearby provinces. The decision to declare martial law got the highest support from Mindanao at 64 percent, followed by respondents from Metro Manila at 58 per-
Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman
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Marcos confident to overturn Robredo with just 3 recounts in 3 provinces by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
FORMER Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is confident that he will overturn Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo’s victory in the May 2016 national elections with just recounts in three provinces. These provinces, according to Marcos, include Camarines Sur, Iloilo, and Negros Oriental. “I have identified already the three provinces where we were cheated enough to overcome her lead,” Marcos told The Manila Times on Sunday, July 9.
Denying the allegations that he was merely “fishing for evidence” for his electoral protest, Marcos pointed out that his camp had “voluminous files of pieces of evidence.” “In fact, for the last three months volunteers from provinces where cheating occurred never stopped coming to us, to give their affidavits and pinpoint to us where these documents are. We have voluminous files of pieces of evidence,” Marcos said. In June of last year, Marcos filed an electoral protest against Robredo before the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presi- Poll protest rolls Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. greets supporters after dential Electoral Tribunal (PET), after she attending the preliminary conference at the Supreme Court on the poll protest he filed against
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Vice President Leni Robredo.
ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.
Pacquiao on WBO House Speaker’s plans for ‘dissolution ruling: ‘Nothing of marriage’ bill met with criticisms surprises me now’
HOUSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has yet to file a bill for dissolution of marriage but his by DANA SIOSON planned proposal was already AJPress met with criticisms. Earlier, Alvarez said one of FILIPINO boxer Manny Pacquiao was not surprised with the World Box- his advocacies in the upcoming ing Organization (WBO) review result second regular session of the upholding Australian Jeff Horn’s vic- 17th Congress, which will open in July 24, would include the filtory, he said this week. “We have seen worse judgments in ing of bill for dissolution of marManny Pacquiao lands a right hand to Jeff Horn’s jaw during their WBO welterweight the past where judges manipulated riage. title fight at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia last July 2. In an interview with ABS-CBN, Philstar.com photo by Wendell Rupert Alinea u PAGE A2
Alvarez explained that in the planned bill, “both parties can agree and jointly petition the court for the dissolution of the marriage.” “Hindi ito divorce, dissolution of marriage ito. Halimbawa, ‘di tayo magkasundo, ‘di na tayo masaya sa isa’t isa (This is not a divorce but a dissolution of marriage. For example, if we are can no longer reconcile, if we’re no
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House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez
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From the Front Page
Palace: Duterte’s corruption... PAGE A1 akong nanakaw pero naubos na, so wala na (I do not pretend to be clean. I also stole a lot, but they have been exhausted),” Duterte said, which was met by the audience’s laughter. The president then continued, “Pero (But) corruption is really out during my term.” Pointing out that Duterte al-
ready admitted to stealing government funds in a speech last month, Trillanes said his plunder case against the president should be expedited. “This admission confirms my corruption allegation against Duterte,” the senator stressed. In May 2016, Trillanes, who is notably among Duterte’s fiercest critics, filed a plunder case
Pacquiao on WBO ruling... PAGE A1 results. Nothing surprises me now,” Pacquiao told reporters on Tuesday, July 11. Earlier, the Philippine Games and Amusements Board (GAB) asked the WBO to conduct a “thorough review” for possible miscalls on the recent world welterweight title bout between Pacquiao and Horn. Criticisms flooded the internet after Pacquiao lost his WBO wel-
terweight title to Horn through a controversial unanimous decision on Sunday, July 2 during a match held at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. “Let the people judge for themselves. People saw what happened,” Pacquiao added. In a statement on Monday, July 10, the WBO announced the results of its independent review of the match, saying that three of its five independent judges awarded
against president before the Office of the Ombudsman. Trillanes claimed that Duterte had billions-worth of undeclared wealth in his bank accounts. “I have filed a case against him before the ombudsman, along with the necessary evidence to support the case. This admission should be a reason to expedite the investigation,” he added. n the victory to Horn, one to Pacquiao, and the remaining one scored a draw. Based on its findings, the WBO said Pacquiao won the 3rd, the 8th and 9th by 100 percent; the 5th round by 80 percent; and the 11th round by 60 percent. Horn, on the other hand, won the 1st, 6th and 12th rounds by 100 percent; the 2nd, 4th, and 7th rounds by 80 percent; and 10th round by 60 percent. “From the results, it can be established that Pacquiao won five
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OUTSTANDING YOUTH SCIENTIST AWARD. Dr. Mario Antonio L. Jiz II (2nd left), hand shakes with Secretary Fortunato T. De La Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) after receiving one of the Outstanding Young Scientist Awards from Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno (2nd left) in Medical Science for his valuable contributions to the understanding of immunity to schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection affecting millions of Filipinos, and the development of vaccines for this disease in the awarding ceremonies during the 2017 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) Celebration with the theme: “Science for the People” held at World Trade Center, Pasay City on Tuesday, July 11. With them are Academician Fabian M. Dayrit (left) Acting President, National Science and Technology (NAST). PNA photo by Ben Briones
Majority of Filipinos favor martial law...
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cent, the Visayas at 57 percent, and Luzon at 53 percent. The older respondents (ages 55 years old and above) topped the number in favor of Duterte’s decision at 68 percent. They were followed by 18 to 24 years old at 59 percent, 25 to 34 years old at 53 percent, 35 to 44 years old at 52 percent, and 45 to 54 years old at 51 percent. Majority against expansion in Visayas and Luzon Citing Duterte’s earlier remarks on May 24 regarding the possibility of expanding martial law to the Visayas and Luzon if the insurgency continues, the majority of the respondents in those said areas rejected the idea. With the survey statement “Pres. Rodrigo Duterte should also declare Martial Law in the Visayas,” the proportion of those who disagreed was highest in the Visayas at 79 percent, followed by Metro Manila at 71 percent, and Luzon at 68 percent. However, a whooping 43 percent in Mindanao agreed that “Pres. Rodrigo Duterte should also declare Martial Law in the Visayas.” Thirty-eight percent disagreed, while 19 percent were undecided. Disagreement with the statement, “Pres. Rodrigo Duterte should also declare Martial Law
Young Maranao kids spend some time to watch television as part of the psycho-social care provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other entities to help kids cope from the crisis. This photo was taken Sunday, July 9 at an evacuation center in the town of Balo-i, Lanao del Norte. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez
in Luzon” was also dominant across the board, except for Mindanao. The proportion of those who disagreed with the statement was highest in Metro Manila at 79 percent, followed by Balance Luzon at 76 percent, and Visayas at 76 percent. However, Mindanao seemed divided on its opinion — 40 percent agreed and 38 percent disagreed. The remaining 22 percent were undecided. The survey was conducted on June 23-26, 2017 using face-to-
face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide, which involved 300 respondents each in Metro Manila, Balance of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. SWS also conducted a survey on the same date, which revealed that the chief executive’s performance hit a record-high net satisfaction of 78 percent among Filipinos. The Palace said on Friday, July 7 that this manifests the “tacit public support” to Duterte’s martial law declaration. n
Marcos confident to overturn Robredo... PAGE A1 won the seat only by a slim margin. Robredo won the position with around 263,000 votes more than Marcos. Marcos accused her of committing massive electoral fraud. He also questioned the poll results in 39,221 clustered precincts. On Tuesday, July 11, Marcos paid his remaining P30 million electoral protest fee, which also covers the recount expenses, ahead of the July 14 deadline set by the PET. Last April, he paid a P36 million as
an initial installment. “One year had passed, it is too long since May 9 last year. People approached us because they want the public to know what really happened,” Marcos added. Robredo, on the other hand, has to settle her remaining P15.4 million for her counter-protest on or before July 14. She paid an initial P8 million deposit earlier in May. Last week, Robredo’s camp accused Marcos of “merely fishing for evidence and not sure of his election protest” when he named the three pilot provinces
that could prove the sufficiency of his protest. “Marcos named the provinces of Camarines Sur, Iloilo, and Negros Oriental; and yet he made a reservation to change any of these provinces,” Robredo’s election lawyer, Romulo Macalintal, said on July 5. Macalintal went on to say, “He (Marcos) could not establish which three provinces out of the 30 provinces and highly urbanized cities he protested could demonstrate his much talked about electoral frauds and irregularities.” n
Study: Tagalog is second most commonly spoken... PAGE A1 most spoken languages in the 10 largest states by population: • California — Tagalog • Texas — Vietnamese • Florida — French Creole • New York — Chinese • Illinois — Polish • Pennsylvania — Chinese • Ohio — German • Georgia — Korean • North Carolina — French • Michigan — Arabic Filipinos have one of the lon-
gest histories of immigration to the United States, dating back to as early as 1587 when Filipino slaves alighted Spanish galleon ships and landed in what is now known as Morro Bay, California. This made the Filipinos the first Asians on U.S. soil, according to a publication by American Psychological Association, citing an excerpt from the book “Filipinos: Forgotten Asian Americans” by F. Cordova, published in 1983.
To date, 3.4 million Filipinos are estimated to be living in the U.S., making them the second largest Asian group in America. Back in the Philippines, a quarter of the Filipino population speaks Tagalog as their first language. The country has eight major dialects which include Bikol, Cebuano, Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), Ilocano, Kapampangan, Pangasinan, Tagalog, and Waray. (AJPress)
Romualdez reappointed as special envoy to US... PAGE A1 At present, Philippine embassy is supervised by Chargé d’Affaires Patrick Chuasoto. The Philippines faced a rough relationship with the United States after then President Barack Obama denounced Duterte’s war on drugs. In February, amidst the tension between the U.S. and Philippines, Duterte voiced out that he does “not feel like sending one [U.S. special envoy]. ” Following the statement of
Duterte, former permanent representative to the United Nations Lauro Baja urged the president to do otherwise since not sending an ambassador is “not good diplomatic practice.” Under the leadership of incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump, however, the two countries are seen on a much friendlier note. In May, Trump commended Duterte’s drug crackdown saying the Philippine president did an “unbelievable job on the drug
House Speaker’s plans... PAGE A1 longer happy with each other), we can go to court and petition jointly for the dissolution of our marriage,” Alvarez explained. Both them could make an agreement on various issues such as custody of children and division of properties, he said.
But if one of the spouses disagreed for a dissolution, Alvarez noted the other party could still file a petition before the court on the ground of “unhappiness.” However, for some sectors within the predominantly Catholic Philippines, the House speaker’s proposal doesn’t sit well.
problem.” Duterte thanked the U.S. president in return, further stating that “this is the scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation.” Romualdez heads the Philippine offices of various multinational firms base in U.S. including FCB Manila and Weber Shandwick Philippines. He is also the president of the Manila Overseas Press Club and vice president of Manila Rotary Club. (AJPress) In a statement, Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza said that the House speaker’s planned bill “totally removes” the “genuine essence of marriage.” “This destroys the sanctity, respect and value of the family. I don’t know of any other country in the world that has adopted this kind of law which makes it PAGE A4
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BI set to deport American mom accused of abducting her 2 kids
THe Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday, July 11 said it is already preparing the deportation of an American national wanted in the U.S. for kidnapping her two children and escaping with them to the Philippines. Ana Centillas Lorrigan, 57, was Members of the California Nurses Association Board of Directors, Former state senator Sheila Kuehl, who authored single-payer Martha Kuhl (left) and Nancy Casazza, show their support for a legislation in the 2000s, participates in a 2008 rally in San Francisco. arrested on Friday in Barangay Photos courtesy of the California Nurses Association Calapacuan, Subic, Zambales 1994 state proposition to implement single-payer health care in by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit California. (FSU). She is carrying an expired U.S. passport. “Lorrigan left her children with her sister,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement. “She has become
The union that roars: Nurses aren’t giving up on California’s single-payer push by Pauline
Bartolone Kaiser Health News
To some, the California Nurses Association’s political tactics in pushing for a single-payer health system seemed a bit, well, extreme. Never mind the raucous demonstrations it brought to the state Capitol in recent weeks, the “shame on you” chants in the hallways, the repeated unfurling of banners in the rotunda despite admonitions from law enforcement. To further the nurses’ cause, the union’s executive director, RoseAnn DeMoro, tweeted out a picture of the iconic California grizzly bear being stabbed in the back with a knife emblazoned with the name of a powerful state lawmaker who stalled the single-payer bill sponsored by the union. Before and after that tweet, the legislator — a Democrat — said he was besieged by death threats. Meanwhile, the union’s public relations guy blasted a blogger for Mother Jones magazine — named after the famous union firebrand — for being insufficiently liberal in his single-payer coverage. “Maybe you can recommend the name of your magazine be changed … to Milton Friedman, which would better reflect your class sympathies,” communications director Chuck Idelson wrote acidly. Dramatic and, to some, offensive, tactics are nothing new for this California union of about 100,000 registered nurses, which has made a name for itself in the state and nationally as a progressive and aggressive political powerhouse. Its reach has only broadened with the advent
of social media. Leader DeMoro counts more than 29,000 Twitter followers, and CNA’s operation has a knack for mobilizing protesters and drawing crowds. “The politicians are afraid of these angry intense grass-roots activists” mobilized by the union, said Mike Madrid, a Republican and principal at the public affairs firm Grassroots Lab, who believes the tactics could backfire. “Using fear and intimidation as a tactic in the legislature usually doesn’t get you too far.” others are impressed with the union’s drive and creativity, recalling how in 2005 CNA members taunted California’s then-governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, trailing him wherever he went to protest his attempts to roll back hard-won nurse-topatient requirements in hospitals. Activists dressed up as the Republican leader and staged theatrical protests at baseball games, rock concerts and even the San Francisco Ritz-Carlton. In the single-payer fight, the union has shown it will go just as fervently after Democratic leaders in a heavily Democratic legislature. While the union isn’t responsible for everything freelance activists do in a campaign, the Assembly Democratic caucus has condemned the “bullying tactics” and violent rhetoric in the CNA-led effort. Though not always admired for its approach, the CNA often gets results — or works up a sweat trying. It counts among its legislative successes the 1999 passage of the strict nurse-topatient ratios, the nation’s first such mandate to bolster staffing in hospitals. It has fended off attempts to overturn that law, worked to protect employee pensions and pushed for campaign
financing reform. And it lent its considerable political muscle to Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. Historically, the nurses have had the upper hand in labor negotiations, says Joanne Spetz, director of the Health Workforce Research Center at UC-San Francisco. That’s partly because in some areas of California it represents most or all of the registered nurses, including many thousands who work for the managed-care giant Kaiser Permanente. (Kaiser Health News, which produces California Healthline, is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.) The union, founded in 1903, has always “punched above its weight,” said Thad Kousser, chair of the political science department at University of California-San Diego. Sherry Bebitch Jeffe, a professor of public policy communication at the University of Southern California, agreed. “I’m not sure we would be discussing single-payer if not by the push of the nurses’ association,” Jeffe said. The union, which is affiliated with National Nurses United, makes no apologies for its approach, saying it is determined to hold lawmakers accountable. And it has no intention of backing off its campaign for a singlepayer system in the state, an effort that would put the California government in charge of funding health care. “We’re going to demand that the legislature legislate and move this bill,” said Michael Lighty, director of public policy at California Nurses Association/ National Nurses United. The group on Tuesday, July 11 plans PAGE A5
undocumented and as a consequence she lost her privilege to stay here.” BI Spokesperson Ma. Antonette Mangrobang said in a statement that Lorrigan and her two children, a boy and a girl, lived in the Philippines since arriving in the country last April 15, 2011. “The BI board of commissioners is expected to issue a summary deportation order against Lorrigan for posing risk to public safety and security and being a fugitive from justice,” Mangrobang said. The U.S. embassy in Manila
earlier informed the BI that Lorrigan had been wanted in trial for international parental kidnapping before a local district court in southern California. Lorrigan may be sentenced to a three-year maximum jail term for fleeing the U.S. with her children, as stated in the U.S. International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act enacted in 1993. “She [will be] placed in our immigration blacklist to prevent her from returning to the Philippines,” Mangrobang said. (Theodore Jason Patrick K. Ortiz/Inquirer.net)
Gov. Brown signs bill clarifying financial disclosures in family law are not confidential Legally-required financial disclosures are admissible even if prepared in mediation SACRAMeNTo – State Senator Bob Wieckowski’s bill clarifying that current mediation confidentiality statutes do not apply to legally-required financial disclosures in family law cases was signed into law today by Governor Jerry Brown. The bill codifies an appellate court ruling from 2014. “Senate Bill 217 increases the transparency between divorcing spouses to ensure they have access to full and accurate information upon which to base an equitable division of assets even if they pursue resolution through mediation proceedings,” said Wieckowski, a member of the Senate Judiciary Com-
mittee. “This bill clarifies that financial documents produced for marital dissolution cases in mediation are not subject to confidentiality requirements.” The 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled in 2014’s Lappe v. Superior Court that the confidentiality statues do not apply to statutorily-mandated disclosures that must be made regardless of whether the parties participate in mediation. The court found that because the Family Code mandates the assets and liabilities declarations, their introduction in mediation does not shield them from discovery. The California Supreme Court
House Speaker’s plans... PAGE A2 easy to dissolve a marriage upon agreement,” Atienza remarked. He further claimed that such bill “destroys the sanctity, respect and value of the family.” “I hope and pray that Speaker Alvarez doesn’t pursue this line of thinking. This would not strengthen marriage, this would destroy marriage. For Catholics, this is a contract of union before man and before God under the Sacrament of Marriage. I still hope that he was only joking when he said his ideas,” Atienza added. Gabriela Party-list Rep. emmi de Jesus also cried foul over the proposal for dissolution of mar-
riage, pointing out that the term “unhappy” used in the bill is “very subjective.” “’Pag tiningnan natin [ang] dissolution of marriage at ginamit ang salitang ‘unhappy,’ subjective, very subjective. Mahalaga para sa amin, kaya nga sabi namin educational sana ang approach para ipakita ano ba batayan bakit nawawasak. (The term ‘unhappy’ is very subjective. An educational approach is very important to show why a relationship breaks),” de Jesus told ABS-CBN. Archbishop oscar Cruz, Judicial Vicar of the National Appellate Matrimonial Tribunal of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
denied review of the Lappe case, allowing the decision to stand. Wieckowski authored the bill because the Lappe case is not binding on other appellate courts, raising the possibility that a contrary decision from another district could cause more confusion. SB 217 was supported by the Conference of California Bar Associations, the California Dispute Resolution Council and the California Association of Certified Family Law Specialists. Senator Wieckowski represents the 10th District, which includes southern Alameda County and parts of Santa Clara County. n the Philippines (CBCP), also expressed dissent against the bill. “Bakit magpapakasal kung ganun lang, ‘pag ‘di magkasundo, nag-aaway, let’s file for divorce (Why would you marry and file a divorce after a disagreement)? Just stick together, the next day, part ways,” Cruz said. He then stressed that children are the first victims of failed marriages. The Philippines is the only nation in the world that does not allow divorce (though Muslims can), as well as the Vatican City, an ecclesiastical sovereign citystate. In these two countries, laws only allow annulment of marriages. However, filing for annulment is a long and expensive process in the Philippines. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)
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Congress might discuss martial law extension on SONA by Dana
SioSon AJPress
THE lower house in Congress is likely to discuss the possible extension of martial law on the day Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), a member of the independent minority bloc in the House of Representatives said on Sunday, July 9. In a radio interview, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr. said Congress, which is currently in recess, might tackle the possible martial law extension on July 24 — its first day of the second regular session. “Kung gusto nilang i-extend, maaaring hingin ng Pangulo na magkaroon ng extension. Then kung ang pasya ay sige, gawin na natin ‘yong joint session… then tamang-tama kasi sa Sona, sa July 24 ay meron kaming joint session. (If they want to extend it, the president may ask for an extension. Then, if they all agree, we’ll have a joint session… it’s an opportune because we’ll have
a joint session on July 24),” Baguilat told Super Radyo dzBB. On May 23, Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law for 60 days after the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi City in Lanao del Sur. The 1987 Constitution states that “upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.” Duterte repeatedly said he’ll seek the extension of his martial law proclamation depending on the advice of the military and security officials. His Mindanao martial law declaration, under Proclamation 216, will mark its 60th day on July 22. According to Baguilat, if lawmakers wanted a continuous implementation of martial law, the Congress should hold
a special joint session before July 24. “May puwang kasi.... But ‘yun nga, hindi pa kami in session e, naka-recess. So technically may isang araw. Kung balak nga na i-extend sa July 24, may isang araw na wala nang bisa ‘yung martial law (There’s a one day gap since we’re currently in recess. If they plan to extend it on July 24, martial law would not be in effect for one day),” he said. “Otherwise, it could be possible na sa SONA na lang nila ihain ito (they’d present it during the SONA),” he added. In a separate statement, Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque said Duterte might as well use the SONA as an opportunity to seek martial law extension, pointing out that there is no provision in the Constitution that prohibits him to do so. Should the president wanted to “take advantage of the SONA in joint session,” Roque said Duterte must “submit a report possibly before the 24th” of July. n
Palace sees friendlier ties with Church as Davao archbishop heads CBCP by Jennifer
Soriano
AJPress
MALACAñANG sees a friendlier relationship between the state and the church as the incoming head of the official organization of the Catholic hierarchy in the Philippines has “close ties” with President Rodrigo Duterte. On Saturday, July 8, Davao Archdiocese Archbishop Romulo Valles was elected as the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) during its bi-annual plenary assembly held at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Paco, Manila. Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform put his high hopes to Valles saying that the Davao
QUALITY TIME. A father spends some quality time with his children as they fly kite together at the Rizal Park ground in Manila on Sunday, July 9. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Pacquiao on WBO ruling... PAGE A2 rounds while Horn won seven rounds. Based on this analysis, Jeff Horn was the winner of the bout,” the WBO concluded. The bout’s original scores were 117-111, 115-113, 115-113, all in favor of Horn. The WBO earlier clarified that it cannot reverse the original match result, and that the rescoring of the fight was only a
response to the GAB’s request with the purpose of giving fans “certainty of who was the winner of the fight.” While GAB thanked the WBO for swiftly responding to its review request, it criticized referee Mark Nelson for supposedly not doing a proper job. “We are grateful that WBO acted promptly on our request but no matter what review they
do, it will be hard to change the result as the referee didn’t call it close,” GAB chairman Abraham Mitra said. “The judges’ scores would have greatly changed if the refs did their job properly. He didn’t give Manny the respect and fair protection that is due to a people’s champ,” Mitra added. With a rematch clause in the fight contract, both Pacquiao and Horn said they are open to the idea of settling the issue inside the ring. n
The union that roars: Nurses aren’t giving up... PAGE A4 to stage a “people’s assembly health committee” mock hearing in Sacramento. Lighty said that the rallies reflect Californians’ desperation and fear about losing health coverage under Republican proposals to repeal Obamacare more than anything else. Although Lighty said the union’s elected nurse leaders collectively decide on its actions, supporters and critics alike see Then presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte visits Davao City Archbishop Romulo Valles in DeMoro as setting the tone and his residence. Photo from Bong Go’s Facebook account agenda. People focus on DeMoro beprelate’s election as CBCP promising the church’s stand head could work for the advan- against bloody war on drugs cause she “pushes the paramtage of both parties in resolv- and the government’s plan on eters of the politically possible” ing issues between the Palace bringing back death penalty. and that rubs “defenders of and the bishops, without comPAGE A7 the status quo” the wrong way,
Lighty said. DeMoro, on vacation, was unavailable for comment. Former state senator Sheila Kuehl, who attempted several times to pass a single-payer bill, said the California Nurses Association has always been “very aggressive for the things they believed in.” A smaller health consumer advocacy group persuaded Kuehl to carry the bill for the first time in 2003-04, Kuehl recalled, but the California Nurses Association brought more visibility and credibility when they joined her effort. Eventually, it became a co-sponsor. “CNA, as fierce and progressive as they are, gave the idea a real boost,” said Kuehl, now a
Los Angeles County supervisor. Two of her bills passed through the legislature, but both were vetoed by Schwarzenegger. Kuehl doesn’t buy the argument that the union’s in-yourface strategies may hurt their chances of passing single-payer later. Union members made nasty comments about Schwarzenegger at their rallies and that didn’t hurt the CNA’s reputation, she said. Madrid, the Republican political consultant in Sacramento, says the CNA’s aggressive advocacy for a single-payer health system reflects the intense political polarization seen around the country right now — as well as conflicts among members of leftPAGE A7
A JuLY 12-14, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOuRNAL
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OpiniOn
Critical numbers
Features
BASED on projections by the Commission on Population (POPCOM) and data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Philippine population will continue to increase in 2017 and is projected to reach 105,758,850 by December 31, 2017. As of Sunday, July 9, the current Philippine population is 103,842,929 or 1.38 percent of the world’s total population, based on the latest United Nations estimates. The nation’s population has grown over two percent each year since 2000. A mere 50 years ago, the country’s population stood at 27.1 million. Other population trends being tracked by POPCOM for 2017 are the numbers of schoolchildren, which is expected to rise to 31.5 million, the labor force of 66.7 million and the segment over 65 years old at 5.2 million. While every life is a cause of celebration, the world recognizes the need to address the urgency and importance of population issues. This is why the world observes July 11 as the World Population Day to enhance awareness of population issues, including their relation to the environment and development. Humankind didn’t hit the 1 billionth threshold until the 19th century. Today, human inhabitants have since been growing by exponential leaps. The world’s population now stands at 7.5 billion. Reaching this number is as much a milestone in human history as it is a worldwide cause for deep
concern. The world is expected to grow another 2.4 billion and reach almost 10 billion in 2050. That’s the same as adding nearly two more Chinas or eight times more U.S. residents to this already crowded planet. In the Philippines, at least three babies are born every minute, making the country’s population growth a daunting challenge. Stabilizing these numbers, so that they don’t outstrip economic growth, is an even more challenging task. Although it is anathema to the Church and prolife advocates, population control is a practical option right now. Controlling population growth may not be the ultimate solution to such survival, but it renders a chance for a better future. A ballooning population interlinks a myriad of issues. But its control equates a matter of survival of the human race. Controlling the population may not be the ultimate solution to such survival, but it renders a chance for a better future. The government needs to vigorously impleWithout urgent efforts to stabilize and reduce population growth, nature might finally provide ment its population policies, which are responalternative solutions to the problem with famine, sible parenthood and the advocacy for natural family planning. There are a number of other disease and war.
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
worthwhile methods people can and should employ to reduce fertility rates. Some have proven track records, while others, are eminently sensible. (AJPress)
Trump Jr. releases detailed emails that give more smoke to the Russian-Trump campaign collusion THE TRUMP CAMPAIGN has, in many The Fil-Am times, failed to disclose, mislead and lied Perspective about its alleged communications and ties with the United States’ adversary, Russia, and Gel SantoS-ReloS has even called any reports about it “fake news”, and the investigation as a “witch hunt”. It contends that the Democrats and the fake news media had been making these accusations against Trump because they could not accept the fact that Clinton lost and Trump won. THIS is NOT fake news, kababayans. Ask President Donald J. Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who has released emails and a statement regarding his meeting with a Kremlin-related Russian attorney who offered to give the Trump campaign some incriminating information about Hillary Clinton from the Rus-
sian government to damage her campaign and help Trump win the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Trump released a brief statement saying, “my son is a highquality person and I applaud his transpar-
ency.” Transparency? After denials and multiple stories to explain away the news broken by the New York Times last weekend, Trump Jr. finally released on Tuesday morning the emails, but only after being told that the Times was about to publish the content of emails setting up a meeting with a Kremlin-connected lawyer. As the Times reported, the emails were exchanged in June 2016 between Donald Trump Jr. and Rob Goldstone, a British-born former tabloid reporter and entertainment publicist. Mr. Goldstone
told Trump Jr. that he was writing on behalf of a mutual friend, one of Russia’s biggest pop music stars, Emin Agalarov. Quoting the New York Times: On Jun 3, 2016, at 10:36 AM, Rob Goldstone wrote: Good morning Emin just called and asked me to contact you with something very interesting. The Crown prosecutor of Russia met with his father Aras this morning and in their meeting offered to provide the Trump campaign with some official documents and information that would incriminate Hillary and her dealings with Russia and would be very useful to your father. This is obviously very high level and sensitive information but is part of Russia and its government’s support for Mr. Trump - helped along by Aras and Emin. What do you think is the best way to handle this information and would you
be able to speak to Emin about it directly? I can also send this info to your father via Rhona, but it is ultra sensitive so wanted to send to you first. Best Rob Goldstone According to the New York Times, Trump Jr. responded in minutes saying, “If it’s what you say I love it especially later in the summer.” After more email exchanges setting up the meeting, Trump Jr. met with the Russian lawyer on June 9 at younger Trump’s office on the 25th floor of Trump Tower, which the Times reported to be “just one level below the office of the future president”. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and the Trump Campaign chairman Paul Manafort were in the meeting, and had received forwarded emails about the planned meeting by Trump Jr. Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who heads the independent investiga-
tion probing the alleged collusion of the Trump campaign with Russia to interfere in the presidential election, will look into these emails and meetings. Mueller will weigh in on these in relation to the many other testimonies, meetings, ties, and other evidences to determine the culpability of the Trump campaign in the allegations of collusion with Russia to attack the democratic processes and institutions in the United States just so Trump would win as president. He will also look into a possible tit for tat between Trump and Russia, considering how such ties have affected Trump’s policies when it comes to Russia.. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Martial law for next 5 years, or Congress without Alvarez?
Opinion
FRanciSco tatad JUST as the debate on the September 21, 1972 proclamation of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus throughout the Philippines continues long after Ferdinand Marcos fell from power in 1986, died in Hawaii in 1989 and was finally interred amid noisy protests at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on November 18, 2016, the debate on President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation 216 of May 23, 2017, declaring martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ for not more than 60 days in the whole of Mindanao, is bound to continue for a very long time even after the strongman is gone. The vote of 11 justices in favor of the entire proclamation, three in favor of a more limited geographical coverage, and one saying the proclamation is unconstitutional, has clearly provoked a spirited response from academics and constitutional scholars, despite the President’s threat of arrest against those who would speak against the proclamation. The concurring and dissenting opinions of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa as well as the lone dissenting opinion of Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, who has been showered with all sorts of ad hominems in the press and social media by highly motivated
responders, have triggered as much attention as Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo’s 82page ponencia. The Court ruling dissected It seems safe to assume that all our lawyers, law professors, law students and law colleges are trying to dissect the controversial texts from our 15 magistrates. And that, we could look to advancing our knowledge of the Constitution and the law—and the existing political order—not so much through the majority ruling of the high court as through the dissenting opinions of some of our justices. A reputable lawyer-friend of mine tells me that although he could not agree with Leonen’s holding that the proclamation has no factual basis and is therefore null and void, he learned so much from the justice’s 92-page dissent. Leonen had served as a peace negotiator in Mindanao before B. S. Aquino 3rd appointed him to the court, and he provides interesting cultural insights in support of his thesis that martial law is not the correct response to the Maute problem. That indeed provides a useful political insight, except that the question before the court is not whether martial law is the correct response to the problem, but whether Proclamation 216 is constitutional or not. This question has several parts. If one part is constitutional, but the others are not, can the whole thing be declared constitutional? This is the problem which remains unresolved as far as many who are now parsing the documents are concerned.
Let us now break it down into its proper parts. First, is it constitutional for the President and Commander in Chief to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in response to the Maute terror attack on Marawi City on May 23, 2017? The court majority says it is, and a great many others agree, this writer included. On the court, only Leonen says no. Is it constitutional for Proclamation 216 to cover not only Marawi and the adjacent areas where the Mautes have a presence or influence, but the whole of Mindanao, most of which remains unaffected by the Maute strike? CJ Sereno, Carpio, Caguioa—and many others outside the Court say no. A careful reading of the Constitution tends to support this position rather than that of the court majority. But assuming the inclusion of the whole of Mindanao is indeed constitutional, is the proclamation constitutionally valid and enforceable even when it lacks the constitutionally mandated approval by a majority vote of all the members of the two Houses meeting in joint session to listen to the President’s oral or written report? Regrettably, the court seems to believe that two separate resolutions from the Senate and the House of Representatives, passed to deliberately supplant a joint action by the two Houses, but unsupported by an accurate record of the votes that approved such resolutions, are equivalent to, and interchangeable with, a declaration by a majority of all
the members of a joint session of Congress. This, to me, is a fatal defect. Dean Sta. Maria’s paper An article written by Dean Mel Sta. Maria of the Far Eastern University Institute of Law, who is also a professor at the Ateneo College of Law, appears to have gained the serious attention and respect of lawyers and laymen alike for its clarity and cogency of thought. Sta. Maria does not hesitate to point out the court’s fallacious reasoning and poor grasp of the meaning of words. He frontally refutes key arguments in the court’s ruling, such as these: “After all, the Court’s review is confined to the sufficiency, not the accuracy, of the information at hand, during the declaration (of martial law) or suspension (of the writ of habeas corpus… “Clearly, the Constitution grants to the President the discretion to determine the territorial coverage of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. He may put the entire Philippines or only a part thereof under martial law… “Thus, the Constitution imposed a limitation on the period of application, which is sixty days, unless sooner modified, revoked or extended, but not on the territorial scope or area of coverage; it merely stated, ‘the Philippines or any part thereof,’ depending on the assessment of the President… “The Court can act only within the confines of its power. For the Court to overreach is to infringe upon another’s territory. Clear-
ly, the power to determine the scope of territorial application belongs to the President. The Court cannot indulge in judicial legislation without violating the principle of separation of powers, and, hence, undermining the foundation of our republican system.” No sufficiency without accuracy On the issue of sufficiency and accuracy of facts, Sta. Maria calls the court’s position a “dangerously sweeping statement.” He elaborates. “Dichotomizing ‘sufficiency’ and ‘accuracy’ is a grievous error. These two are inseparable. Necessarily, accuracy of data is a condition precedent to arrive at authentic ‘sufficiency.’ Otherwise the so-called ‘sufficiency’ may be faked, just like fake news. To be sure, the standard required is ‘sufficiency of factual basis,’ not merely the ‘information at hand.’ ‘Factual basis’ imperatively connotes truthfulness of the events. ‘Alternative facts’ have no place in appreciating the gravity of the circumstances or the purpose of declaring martial law,” he says. As for the court’s statement that although the Constitution limits the power of the President to declare martial law for a period not exceeding 60 days, it does not limit the geographical area where he may proclaim it, we do not need a lawyer, much less a distinguished dean of the college of law, to point out how absurd it is. Any layman will do. The issue must be understood within the full context of the provision and the crisis it is supposed to address.
Since the President may declare martial law only in case of invasion or rebellion and when the public safety requires it, he cannot declare martial law where there is no actual invasion or rebellion and the public safety does not require it, or when there is but an “imminent danger thereof.” To do so would constitute an “overreach.” For the court to say the President may declare martial law wherever he wants to, even if no invasion or rebellion exists and the public safety does not require it, would be a far graver overreach. For the court to restrain the President, as it should have, from proclaiming martial law in all of Mindanao could never be considered an overreach, says our law dean. “This is not even a case of ‘judicial legislation.’ This is a case of check and balance, which is the true ‘foundation of (the) republican system’,” he writes. Hopefully, the court majority will have the opportunity to revisit these issues when they hear the motion for reconsideration, which the original petitioners are set to file before the legally imposed court deadline. And hopefully, the court would be ready for the new challenge that would confront it after the 60day martial law period expires, and the President either fails or refuses to recognize that it has ended automatically and compulsorily, without his having to lift it, according to the Constitution and the text of Proclamation 216 itself. A looming conundrum
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The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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DATELINE PHILIPPINES
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 12-14, 2017
A7
Analyst: China diverting int’l pressure, continues construction of military facilities by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
CHINA seems to be “diverting international pressure” from the disputed South China Sea by engaging in talks with the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, according to CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) director Gregory Poling. In an interview with Philstar, Poling said China appears to keep on engaging in dialogues with other neighboring countries while continuing its construction of military facilities on the so-called “Big Three” Philippine-claimed reefs in the Spratly Islands. Weeks ago, the Washington-based think tank released satellite photos showing China wrapping up its construction of infrastructures on Fiery Cross Reef (Kagitingan), Mischief Reef (Panganiban) and Subi
Reef (Zamora). This was amid Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s initiative to renew Manila’s bilateral relationship with China that was apparently strained due to territorial disputes. “This suggests that Beijing wants to keep Manila and the other Southeast Asian governments talking, diverting international pressure, while it finishes its power projection capabilities without interference,” Poling said. He pointed out that China’s actions only show that it is bent on establishing de facto control over areas it claimed to be within its so-called “nine-dash line” territory, despite an international ruling that concluded it as invalid. Last year, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands, ruled that China’s massive claims in South China based on its nine-
Palace sees friendlier ties...
PAGE A5
Valles, having a close ties with Duterte, is depicted to take a different approach in dealing with the sharptongued president. “The Church may have realized that it cannot just publicly criticize the President because he will really retaliate and everyone knows the manner in which he responds to critics,” Casiple said. Citing the immediate need to address cooperation with the different religious sectors for a more peaceful Mindanao, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella welcomed Valles. “The new CBCP head from Davao signals a new day of peace for a multi-cultural Philippines. His familiarity with Davao and Mindanao would augur well as we promote interfaith dialogue and intercultural understanding as part of our efforts to rebuild Marawi and to transform Mindanao into a land of fulfillment,” Abella said. Valles will replace LingayenDagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas as the latter will step down on November 30 from his current post he held for four years. The outgoing CBCP
president has been upfront of the Catholic church’s stand against Duterte’s handling of societal problems which caused a rough patch between the two factions. The 66-year-old Valles has been serving as the vice president since December 2013, with Villegas as president. Further, retired archbishop Oscar Cruz said there was “nothing magical or mystical” because promoting the vice president to the topmost position has been a tradition. Villegas, the outgoing president said that it is a “mere formality or standard operating procedure.” Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP public affairs committee, claims that the Church’s stand on the prevailing societal issues in the country shall remain unchanged. “I don’t think that it will change the Church stand on human rights violations, injustices committed, unemployment and environmental issues, among others,” Secillano said. “If you noticed, [outgoing CBCP president Soc Villegas]always made a dis-
dash line has no legal basis. “That means that it does not want to allow any exploitation of fisheries, oil and gas, or other resources, or any other economic or military activities, by the Philippines without China’s say-so,” Poling said. He also warned that China has been installing new missile shelters, radar and other facilities to keep off operations by rivaling claimants within Beijing’s claimed territories. “The missiles and point defenses are necessary to prevent the [United States] or others from being able to easily eliminate that threat to regional freedom of the seas,” Poling said. FLUVIAL PARADE. The decorated pagoda carrying a replica of a holy black cross is surrounded by small boats during the annual Bocaue He further warned that China River Festival on Sunday, July 9. The black cross is said to have been found in the Wawa River in 1850. Memories are still fresh from the tragic 1993 celebration during which an overloaded pagoda sank, killing 266 people. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez is already capable of launching combat aircraft and missiles in the area. “Once that political decision is made, they could be there in a matter of days,” Poling add- PAGE A4 the state Senate, was “woefully the group vows to try again next ed. ■ leaning causes. incomplete” and needed to be year, making it a campaign issue More mainstream Democrats, recast. Among other problems, in the 2018 elections. “The best way to fight the GOP tinction between what he said including Assembly Speaker An- it carried a $400 billion annual as president of the CBCP and thony Rendon — the recipient of price tag, according to an analy- is to have an alternative,” Lighty what he said as archbishop of online death threats — say the sis by the state Senate Appropri- said. story was produced by Kaiser Lingayen-Dagupan,” Secillano legislature’s priority is to defend ations Committee. California against a GOP-proBut the CNA sees an opportuni- Health News, which publishes added. In 2015, Valles was the posed repeal of the Affordable ty for broader change and believes California Healthline, an editorione who announced that the Care Act and massive cuts to single-payer can move forward ally independent service of the Pope Francis responded to Medicaid, the state and federal even as the state fights the Repub- California Health Care Foundalican proposals in Washington. tion. (California Healthline corDuterte’s letter appealing for health plan for the poor. Rendon also said the singleIf the single-payer bill stays respondent Ana B. Ibarra conforgiveness for his tirades at payer bill, though approved by idle in the legislature this year, tributed to this report.) ■ the Pope. “The Holy Father offers the assurance of his prayers for refusing to do so in order to pass you, as he invokes upon you upon DU30’s original proclamathe divine blessings of wisdom tion? Whether or not Congress and peace,” stated the letter PAGE A6 not happen. will do so, doesn’t this politician’s read by Valles. A petition was filed before the five-year proposal reveal to us, One nasty conundrum looms Later, Valles and Duterte on the horizon. The President Supreme Court to compel the in all its shamelessness and armet in Davao City where the may want martial law extended, Congress leaders to obey the rogance, that the Davao mafia’s president promised to donate except that under the Constitu- Constitution, but House Speaker real plan is to make martial law P1,000 to the archdiocese’s tion, which he and Congress have Pantaleon Alvarez threatened to their preferred method of govercharitable arm for every curse been loath to follow, it is Con- tear to pieces any court ruling nance? he makes in public. gress rather than the President ordering the Congress to conWhile the Constitution provides The Davao archbishop also that has the power to extend it for vene. As a result, the Del Cas- that martial law may be extended officiated the baptism of a period it may determine, “if the tillo ponencia glossed over this after 60 days, if the invasion or Duterte’s grandson, Marko Di- invasion or rebellion shall persist particular issue, as though it rebellion which had prompted it gong “Stonefish” Duterte-Car- and public safety requires it.” In was never raised at all. Now, Al- persists, and the public safety repio on March this year. the first instance, the power to varez has been quoted as saying quires it, decency and good taste Valles graduated at the Pon- declare martial law belongs to the he would like to see martial law would require that any proposed tificio Ateneo Sant’ Anselmo President, and he does not have to extended by at least five years to extension should not exceed in Rome, and has served as consult Congress prior to issuing cover the full extent of DU30’s the original 60 days, subject to a Catholic priest in Mindanao the proclamation. The Constitu- term. This has compelled the another 60-day extension, if the for the past 40 years. He be- tion merely requires Congress to Armed Forces of the Philippines peril subsists. But all the signs came bishop of Kidapawan in convene in joint session within 24 to issue a statement saying it seem to show that we are now 1997 then later emerged as hours following the proclamation, would not countenance such an dealing with a political mafia the archbishop of Zamboanga and within 48 hours to receive the extension. whose lusting for power has lost in 2007. Would Congress now want to its limits. Unless DU30 is himself President’s report, in person or in Valles will serve for two- writing, and to approve or reject convene in joint session and ex- part of it, he should now send Alyear term and is eligible for the proclamation by a majority ercise the power of extending varez and company packing from reelection. ■ vote of all its members. This did martial law after contemptuously Congress. (ManilaTimes.net)
The union that roars: Nurses aren’t giving Up...
Martial law for next 5 years...
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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 12-14, 2017
BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal
B
Governor Espino lays out biz opportunities in Pangasinan at Asia CEO Forum by IrIs
VIcente AJ Press
GOVERNOR Amado Espino III laid out across-the-board investment opportunities in Pangasinan preceding business executives and investors at the Asia CEO Forum in Dusit Thani Makati on Wednesday, July 5. As the leader of the Pangasinan delegation, Espino encouraged the foreign and local investors to explore the vast investment opportunities and fascinating wonders of his revered province. “Make our home, your home” he said as he put out confident reasons why Pangasinan is an excellent place to settle and venture. Espino challenged investors to check out his zone’s five large-scale investment areas: Agriculture (especially on
Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino III.
food and fish processing) Tourism (particularly on accommodation facilities like restaurants, pasalubong centers, terminals, recreation centers, theme parks, museums and farm tourist sites), Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), renewable energy and ecozone advancement. The provincial chief officer
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PH tax reform to burden ‘ultra rich’ Filipinos by IrIs
VIcente AJ Press
FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III proposes a shift of the taxation burden to ultrarich Filipinos while mitigating it to the majority of the population. The reform package launched by President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN), delves into putting an end to the decades of inequitable taxation which contradicts wealth rather than disseminating it. The shift is said to benefit in building a booming middle class to establish an adherent and sustainable progress of the country.
“The proposed tax reform package will end the complex and vulnerable revenue system we have in place. It will ensure that our tax system is simple, just and efficient. It will ensure government a healthy and recurrent revenue flow to fund education, health and other social services,” Dominguez said in his speech at a tax forum entitled: “1 with the 99” last Wednesday, July 5. The fundamental part of the Duterte administration’s economic strategy tagged as “Dutertenomics” desires to sustain a high growth rate of seven percent over the medium term along with bringing down
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Techonomy 2017 forum leads a technologyadvanced PH economy Manuel Wong, Managing Director of Acer Philippines’ during his opening speech. File photo by IrIs
VIcente
AJ Press
THE country’s top tech professionals and brands came together for the Techonomy Forum at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Bonifacio Global City on Friday, July 7. In this era of high demand for insights on technology and its efficient performance towards conquest of business and organizational goals, the Techonomy Forum is the first ever conference in the Philippines that
probes the key roles of technology in the economy. The country’s top executives and leaders in businesses, government institutions and the academe gathered in one roof in presenting and exchanging ideas on aspects like Cloud Technology, Business Optimization, Cyber Security, National Broadband policy, FinTech, Tech Marketing and along with other relevant subjects. The forum was divided into two sessions: the morning which was exclusively partici-
pated by executives and professionals from business and private enterprises, and the afternoon by officials and professionals from government sectors, as well as the academe. Speakers like Patrick Liao, associate VP of Acer Cloud Technology Inc.; Jose Modesto Rubio, president and CEO of Mynt; National Technology Officer of Microsoft Philippines’ Jomari Mercado, Dan Meyer, founder and president of Decision Marketing Analytics and Intelligence Philippines (DMAIPH) and
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DOF, DTI team up in hosting ADB meet next year by IrIs
VIcente AJ Press
THE Department of Finance (DOF) is teaming up with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the upcoming 51st Asian Development of Bank (ADB) board of governors’ annual meeting to be held in Manila on May 3-6 next year. The ADB annual meetings is acknowledged for being the leading forum that delves in the economic and social development concerns of Asia and the Pacific.
The forum is an opportunity to provide guidance among ADB administrative, financial, and operational directions as well as maintaining the interactions with ADB staff, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), media, and representatives of observer countries, international organizations, academe and the private sector. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who was appointed as the Chairman of the ADB Board of Governors, joins forces with DTI Assistant Secretary,
Arturo Boncato Jr. in preparations for ADB 2018. Bungcato is known for his outstanding record at handling tourism projects in Mindanao as well as his expertise in Marketing and Communication. The former assistant secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) handled certain projects in Mindanao like the Philippine Halal Tourism and was also the department’s alternate spokesperson at that time. Boncato, who heads DTI’s Competitiveness and Ease of Do-
ing Business Group, is a former entrepreneur and Hotelier and a graduate from the University of the Philippines with an Arts Degree in Mass Communications. He is currently the supervising executive of the DTI’s Competitiveness Bureau, E-Commerce, and BIMP-EAGA teams. He had also chaired the Brunei, Indonesia Malaysia, the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Tourism Cluster and was Representative to the Bangsamoro Transition Committee.
B JULY 12-14, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
Business news
Gov’t sets new fiscal calendar to avoid under-spending by Ben
O. de Vera
Inquirer.net
MANILA — To avoid underspending, economic managers have set a national government fiscal calendar that has laid down deadlines for agencies to meet planning and budgeting targets. On June 30, Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia issued Joint Circular No. 2017-1, which put in place the calendar that agencies have been mandated to follow in order to “strengthen the link between planning and budgeting through the establishment of a unified calendar of fiscal activities in the national government, complemented by a unified schedule of publications and reports.” The calendar will “synchronize the schedule of the fiscal activities conducted by national government agencies, oversight offices and executive committee,” hence will “enable the public to hold the government and its agencies accountable for diligently implementing their fiscal responsibilities,” the three economic managers said in the circular. Covered by the circular were all departments, agencies, bureaus, offices, commissions, state universities and colleges, government-owned and/or controlled corporations, as well as other national government instrumentalities, they said. The economic managers noted that “while large increases in maintenance outlays and capital expenditures are planned, underspending, especially in capital outlays, has been significant in the last years.” Given that the Duterte administration wanted to ramp up spending on public goods and services to ultimately slash the poverty rate to 14 percent by 2022, the economic managers said they wanted to address the main culprit for underspending, which was “pervasive organizational weaknesses within national government agencies and GOCCs which hampered their ability to execute programs well and spend fast.” Specifically, government agencies struggled with the following: bottlenecks in program or project implementation including difficulties in securing clear-
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room in Malacañan Palace on June 27, 2017. Also in the photo are Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Photo by Richard Madelo/Presidential Photo
ances or permits, coordination problems, right of way and other legal issues, delays in billing and approval of suppliers’ claims, as well as weak local government unit implementation capability; poor planning and program/project design, including delays in complying with preconditions for release; and procurement difficulties, including frequent bid failures, weak capacity and delays in finalizing specifications, as well as weak operational planning. “Given these, there is a need to build up planning capacities to strengthen the link between the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), the strategic plans of the agencies and the budget; and improve and firm up agency operational plans prior to the commencement of the budget execution,” the economic managers said, referring to the PDP for 2017-2022, which targets 7-8 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the medium term as well as reduce unemployment to as low as 3-5 percent by 2022. PDP 2017-2022 was the first medium-term development plan anchored on the AmBisyon Natin 2040, an apolitical long-term vision aimed at making the Philippines a high-income country by 2040. Based on the circular, all government agencies must review or assess their spending performance during the previous year as early as January, alongside submission of their proposals for the succeeding year to the Depart-
ment of Budget and Management. By March, the Cabinet must already approve the budget priorities framework as well as the sector ceilings for the next national budget, while the National Economic and Development Authority Board chaired by the President must approve the capital projects to be included in the budget proposal. In May, the Cabinet-level, interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee must set the final medium-term macroeconomic assumptions and fiscal program for the budget year. The proposed national budget for the next year must be approved by the Cabinet in June, such that the Office of the President can submit the proposal to Congress by July. Following budget deliberations in the lower and upper houses of Congress from August to November, the succeeding year’s appropriations must be ratified and enacted. As far as budget execution is concerned, the economic managers ordered agencies to start awarding contracts as early as January. By August, agencies must already begin early procurement procedures for activities and projects intended under the following year’s budget. Agencies are also required to submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports on various budget performance indicators to ensure accountability to spending.
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Techonomy 2017 forum... shift, we ask this very important question: What does learning with technology enable? and like to think it’s a very important question because this shifts the question away from technology to the purpose of technology and i’d like to think that we should have a good grasp of the purpose even before touching any particular technology” he added. The event is co-presented by Engr. Allan Salim Cabanlong, Assistant Acer Philippines and Microsoft Secretary of the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT). Philippines.
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DR. Donald Patrick Lim, Country CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Philippines; were among the speakers during the morning session. They talked and helped participants understand the impact of digital transformation in solving corporate issues and the need to tap into companies like the ones they represent in this generation where businesses demand ventures in technology in order to thrive. Among the afternoon session speakers were Roger Wu of Pan Asia Pacific Business Development Acer Cloud Technology, Galvin Ngo, CEO of Woohoo Learning Lab; David Tapang, Education Lead of Microsoft Philippines; Carlo Ople, VP for Digital Marketing of PLDT Enterprise; and Engr. Allan Salim Cabanlong, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT) who also provided intelligent insights on the importance of technology education in this era of tech-savvies especially its role in improving the future of government and academic sectors’ services. Roger Wu of Pan Asia Pacific Business Development Acer Cloud Technology. “Why is this a great time to think of education technology or technology integration? Over the past few years, one phenomenon has been that technology has become easier to use and I’d like to think that’s true. Because technology has become easier, we can now lift this crucial shift in the educational sphere a shift not just from learning about technology but also learning with technology,” Ngo said in his presentation. “When we take this paradigm Techonomy forum 2017 afternoon session
Governonr Espino lays out... PAGE B1 t disclosed that competent businesses to settle shall revel in financial allurement that is established in the Pangasinan Code of 2016 in which investors shall avail the following: one year to five years full exemption from payment of Governor’s permit on business activities, full exemption from payment of annual fixed tax for every delivery of truck or van, and full exemption from the share of the province based on the payment of Basic Real Property Tax acquired or built purposely for the project. The Pangasinan Code of 2016 is the modified adaptation of the 2003 Investment Code which is
one of the first passed provincial ordinances under Espino’s administration. Espino furthermore advertised his province’s gains in agriculture, tourism, employment services and peace and order. Along with the governor were city mayors: Arthur Celeste of Alaminos, San Carlos’ Mayor Joseres Resuello, Amadeo Gregorio IV of Urdaneta, and Belen Fernandez of Dagupan together with municipal mayors of Manaog, Kim Amador, Simplicio Rosario of Binmaley,Michael Cruz of Umingan and Eric Versoza of Dasol who come through for their corresponding city’s/municipality’s future businesses and transactions.
President and CEO Rey Untal of IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines, Deputy Director-General for Operations Harriet Abordo of Philippine Economic Zone Authority and former Pangasinan Provincial Administrator Rafael Howard F. Baraan were among the guests in the forum proper. A six-minute audiovisual presentation was played after Espino’s speech highlighting Pangasinan’s exquisite offerings and advancement. Dasol, Pangasinan’s ASNA awardee, Richard Mills and wife, Rebecca Bustamante made the province’s participation in the said forum, possible.
Town mates and Friends:
Please join us in celebration of our
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Nazario Perlas: Precy Castaneto- Ruedas:
nazario.perlas@yahoo.com pcruedas@yahoo.com
Lito Tambo: Ludy Lagmay-Ganzon: Mila Tadina: Josie Dolor Etrata:
lito.tambo@sbcglobal.net lganzon@gmail.com mrtadina@yahoo.com wilpenn@yahoo.com
Mary Ann Arichea–Caunan: macaunan@ha.ucla.edu *Discounted Room rates available at Gold Coast Hotel & Casino until September 3, 2017: Code: ABA2017
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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Continued from last week’s issue) POOR Echo! Her heart broke into a million little pieces. Beauty and light dissolved into darkness for her until nothing held any meaning. Refusing food and drink, Echo grew pale and consumptive and faded away, leaving only her far-off voice in the distance. It is said that Echo haunts the mountains where she answers all who call but only with the last words. Narcissus meanwhile continued to break one hapless heart after another in the most mean spirited away, until one day, one totally aggrieved nymph with her heart shattered, prayed to the powers that be, for vengeance, to inflict punishment on Narcissus to make him feel the pure pain of unrequited love, to make him feel how it is to give love and have it flung back in his face. Her prayer was heard and in a world of swift and even-handed justice with no lawyers, judges and jury to cloud the issue, appropriate punishment was served. One day Narcissus chanced upon a pool with water so clear, it looked like a mirror. Bending over to drink, Narcissus saw his own reflection, thought it was a water nymph, and forthwith, was smitten with the image on
Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES IN the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “ ….all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” Family Code §760. This becomes a problem if you are the spouse that has the substantially higher income or the one who accumulates the majority of the assets during the marriage. You are called in family law lingo “the in spouse.” The other spouse (or in our lingo also called the “out spouse” gets a half interest on
BUSINESS NEWS
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 12-14, 2017
An old tale on self-absorption Calendar of Events across (Conclusion of 2 parts)
“Vanity of vanities; ALL is vanity.” - From Ecclesiastes
the pool. He fell in love with the image of himself, hook, line and sinker, not unlike celebrities who read their own press and believe them to be true. But I digress. Narcissus tried to embrace his own reflection in the water but his attempt to touch or kiss his beloved ended in frustration each time. The image in the water dissolved into ripples, disappeared and came back on. Narcissus had to be content just by looking at the mirror image of himself in the pool, day and night, without ever knowing the joy of touching or being loved in return. He now knew, up close and personal, the excruciating pain of multiple rejections from the same object of his affection. Still he persisted, becoming rooted to the spot by the pool. He now knew how it is to be on the receiving end of rejection. He slowly pined away, losing his youth and beauty and withering away on the same spot by the pool’s edge with Echo still hovering over him and repeating his poignant last word, “Alas!” as he lay dying. As the woodland creatures prepared to bury his body, Narcissus’ body was nowhere to be found and in its place, stood a flower, bending over the pool, as
though admiring itself. Gardeners know this flower as narcissus. Hence, we call those who exhibit the same folly these days as narcissistic. The irony of it is that others clearly see it for what it is but the afflicted individual is blind to this egocentric flaw in himself, thinking the world revolves around him. In today’s world, there’s opportunity to cash in on this human flaw and use vanity and self-image as hot buttons to sell their wares: beauty products and services, diet pills and machines and illusions of power and beauty, with remarkable success. Self-improvement is great but only if it comes from the inside out. Pray that both the “once young” and the young ones don’t fall prey to the trappings of extreme self-absorption that rule the global culture of the present age. Self love taken to extreme, is something that might account for much of the social problems affluent societies with only one or two self-absorbed children per family, experience and suffer from today. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Do I need a premarital agreement before getting married? everything accumulated during the marriage even if the asset is under your name alone or it was accumulated solely due to your sweat and hard work. The out spouse, who stayed at home most of the marriage, gets a one half interest on all the accumulations during the marriage under California community property law. For example, if you opened a savings account during the marriage under your name alone for which you religiously and diligently stash away 25% of your earnings during the marriage while your spouse blows away his/her salary during the marriage, your spouse still gets a half interest in the money you
saved in your savings account. Another example would be if you purchase a piece of real property during the marriage under “your name alone” and have your spouse sign a “quit claim” deed, your spouse may still have a claim for a half interest in your real property. Another example would be if you owned a business prior to marriage, but due to your hard work, long hours of labor, and efforts, the business grew exponentially during the marriage, your spouse may still have a claim for an interest in the business. Signing a premarital agreement may serve as added pro-
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America
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J U LY 1 1 -1 6
11th Ambassadors’ Tour to Manila & Davao The 11th Ambassadors’ Tour will take place in the Philippines from July 11 to 16. Led by the Department of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Promotions Board and Rajah Tours, the itinerary for the 11th Ambassadors’ Tour combines the best of Metropolitan Manila up North and the sprawling city of Davao in the South into one adventure-packed and enriching vacation experience. The four-day stay in Davao, the King City of the South and current seat of power in the Philippines, is a special highlight of this year’s event. Participants in this year’s tour will be presented with an opportunity to experience Davao up-close. It is a chance for the participants to revel in Davao’s picturesque landscapes through its nature parks, agricultural farms, and resorts, experience the diversity of its people through a series of courtesy calls with Philippine government officials, and feel the harmony of its culture through its heritage and cultural museums. Tailor-fit to tell the narrative of a new, safer, more beautiful Philippines, the tour will provide its participants with enough experience to engage their respective communities and leverage goodwill towards Filipinos and generate interest in the Philippines. Delegates who will be part of the program become “Filipino ambassadors” in their own right, carrying a fresh perspective and the message of a new and improved Philippines when they go back to the United States. As “Filipino Ambassadors,” this year’s delegates will be well-capable of showcasing the strides made in tourism, economic development, and public safety in the Philippines to the larger international community. For more information and to register, please visit http://www. acgtdt.com.
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Money Smart for Small Business in El Monte, CA Come to an introductory two-day business course designed for newer business owners, self-employed individuals, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Course topics include: startup planning, organizational types, risk management, credit reporting, business insurance, time & financial management, selling & succession planning, banking services for small businesses, recordkeeping, and tax & business planning. The curriculum is developed jointly by the FDIC and the SBA. It will be held on Saturday, July 15 and July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cathay Bank (9650 Flair Dr., El Monte, CA 91731). The fee is $20 payable to Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program (API SBP). Breakfast, lunch and course materials will be provided by Cathay Bank. There will be limited seating so advance registration is required. To register, please contact Colleen Seto at (213) 373-1605 or cseto@ltsc.org. Participants will be eligible for free business counseling by API SBP.
Echo Park, Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA Echo Park Tennis Club adult & senior men’s doubles tennis tournament In cooperation with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks, the Echo Park Tennis Club will be hosting an adult & senior men’s doubles tournament on Saturday, July 15. It will be held at the Echo Park Tennis Courts at 526 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 (corner of Temple St. and Glendale Blvd.) The trophy presentation will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 16 at the Lotus Festival at Echo Park. For more information, please contact Diana Diankoff at (323) 497-0879 or Perla Santos at (213) 368-3222.
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LEAP’s 35th anniversary celebration in Los Angeles Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc. (LEAP) is proud to celebrate 35 years of ”Growing Leaders” on Thursday, July 20 and the leadership of individuals that exemplify LEAP’s mission to achieve full participation and equality for Asian and Pacific Islanders through leadership, empowerment, and policy. Proceeds from the event will be used to develop LEAP’s innovative leadership programs, cutting-edge public policy research, and nationwide community building. This year’s 35th Anniversary Celebration will be like no other gala that LEAP has had in the past. LEAP’s 35th Anniversary Celebration will be an eventful evening that will be both interactive and experiential. With an abundance of food and friends, LEAP will celebrate those who have shaped the organization, those who have been impacted by the organization, and those who continue to grow as Asian and Pacific Islander leaders and dream big. Honores for the individual leadership award include Fatima Bustos-Choy, Phd, founder of Gaia Flow Consulting and CEO And owner of Body & Brain Holistic Wellness Center; Kenneth Kasamatsu, advisor to the CEO, E-Central Credit Union / The Pacific Bridge Companies, and founder of Pacific Commerce Bank ; Geri Mannion, program director, U.S. Democracy and Special Opportunities Fund at Carnegie Corporation of New York; and Paul Ong, director of the Center for Neighborhood Knowledge at UCLA. The David R. Barclay Alumni Leadership Award will be presented to Scott Chan, program director for the Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement and Patricia A. Neilson, director of Asian American Student Success at University of Massachusetts Boston. The VIP & general reception will begin at 5 p.m., while the program is from 7 to 10 p.m. It will be held at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (244 South San Pedro Street Los Angeles, CA 90012). Attire is business. To RSVP, visit www.leap.org/celebration_tickets. For more information about registration, contact Mayta Lor at (213) 485-1422 x 4105 or mlor@leap.org.
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Filipino Caucus Family Retreat in Lake Hughes, CA The Filipino Caucus of the California Pacific Annual Conference (CALPAC) of the United Methodist Church (UMC) is inviting its members to a family retreat to be held from July 21 to 23. The venue will be the scenic Oak Camps and Conference Center (18651 Pine Canyon Road, Lake Hughes, California). The Rev. Dr. Bener Agtarap, Associate General Secretary of the UMC Board of Discipleship Ministry will be the resource person and guest speaker during the three- day gathering to be marked with group discussions and fellowship. “Rekindling the Flame” will be the theme of this retreat. According to Rev. Nelson Castorillo, the Filipino Caucus president, the goal of the retreat is re-igniting and rekindling the symbolic flame representing the spirit and unity of this growing group of Filipino-American Methodists and hoping this type of gathering will reenergize and revitalize the Church. The Rosewood UMC, headed by Ding Lapus, is coordinating the event. He is assisted by Noribel Taguba, Vicky Ignacio, Dennis Mañacop, Auring Garcia, John Umaguing, Revs. Manny Predas and Lisa Santiago. Food and lodging for three days is $148 and $103 for children 7-12 years old. Check is payable to the Filipino Caucus, PO Box 10435, Glendale, CA 91209. For more information please call Rev. Nelson (909) 538-7606 or email at nelsonpreacher@gmail.com.
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Money Smart for Small Business in El Monte, CA Come to an introductory business course designed for newer business owners, selfemployed individuals, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Course topics include: startup planning, organizational types, risk management, credit reporting, business insurance, time & financial management, selling & succession planning, banking services for small businesses, recordkeeping, and tax & business planning. The curriculum is developed jointly by the FDIC and the SBA. It will be held on Saturday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cathay Bank (9650 Flair Dr., El Monte, CA 91731). The fee is $20 payable to Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program (API SBP). Breakfast, lunch and course materials will be provided by Cathay Bank. There will be limited seating so advance registration is required. To register, please contact Colleen Seto at (213) 373-1605 or cseto@ltsc.org. Participants will be eligible for free business counseling by API SBP.
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Community Journal
B JULY 12-14, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
How much debt is too much?
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrence yAng
HOW do you answer this question? Let’s check what the Bible has to say about debt. The Bible says that one should neither be a lender or borrower. It does not seem to recommend the assumption of debt. Otherwise, it should say, it’s OK to be a borrower, but not a lender or viceversa. This statement is clear. It does not sound like fake news. It’s straightforward. It doesn’t sound like a mysterious early morning tweet from the president. On the contrary, the Bible is specific. Don’t be a lender or a borrower. Why not a lender? Because you might end up losing your money. Why not a borrower? Because debt service will end up destroying your life. The debt will literally enslave you with minimum payments to keep them current that will cost you a fortune in the long run. You will eventually lose a fortune that should be in your bank account. You will need this fortune for your retirement but if you have too much debt, instead of having this fortune available for your use to augment your social security when you retire, you will have nothing but debt that keeps on asking for more money from you every month. For those of you who don’t have debt, read on, so you won’t decide to plunge into a sea of debt. So how much debt is too much? I posed this question here exactly 20 years ago. If you were 45 then, you would now be ready to retire at 65. Were they 20 long years? No, in fact, they were 20 very short years. Your 5-year-old son is now 25, done with college and working. Your toddler then is now an adult. Your 3-yearold daughter then is now 23, also an adult. She is now a registered nurse. Your son is now a mechanical engineer working for an international construction firm based in Hong Kong. Your parents who were then 69 are now 89. They have good genes but they have all kinds of aches and pains and both need caregivers to help them along. So what happened? Twenty years just passed by so fast like a speeding train that you didn’t notice. Let’s just say that 20 years ago, you and your spouse had a net combined income of $4K. I already said you were 45 years old then. You had a house mortgage to pay, maybe a second
trust deed, one of those home improvement loans, had one or two car payments. Your son and daughter were still in grade school. You examined your debt level then when you read my article 20 years ago. You were in fact at a major crossroad in your life. You had about $30K of credit cards, which needed 25 percent of your net household income, or close to $1K to make minimum payments on your credit cards. It felt like a wage garnishment and your heart was being ripped out through your wallet, right? What was left was $3K, which you allocated for the house, the cars, food, electricity, insurances and other living expenses. After all these expenses, probably, your household had nothing left. If you had nothing left, where would you have gotten $1K a month to make minimum payments? By borrowing more. So, in one year you would have had to borrow $12K. So in one year, you owe, not $30K, but $42K, and instead of needing only $1K for debt service, you needed $1300, and so on and so forth. During year three, at 48, you would have owed $66K, instead of $30K, needing almost $2K minimum payments, instead of $1K. You would have dug a hole so deep for yourself that you couldn’t get out of it. You might as well have MC and Visa tattooed on your forehead because they own you and you work for them. Let’s say that you did get a promotion that gave you an additional $1K of net income. Should that have gone to debt service of credit cards of $30K? Think about it. $1K of debt service means $12K a year of money that should go to your savings and investments for your future — should it not? If you actually paid $12K a year to service $30K of credit cards, after using all of your additional income to keep your credit card masters happy, you would have paid them $60K in five years, and worst of all, you still owe them the same $30K! Shouldn’t you use the $60K to save and invest for your family’s future instead? Aren’t you sacrificing your family’s financial future and opportunities in favor of servicing your credit cards that are taking 25 percent of your monthly net income? Although you may not admit what you are doing, you are actually killing the ability of your family to save for the future by keeping these
cards current over the years. If you read my article then and chose not to wipe out the $30K of credit cards 20 years ago, how much money would you have paid your credit card masters? A lot. You would have paid them $240K in 20 years. You would have paid them a quarter of a million dollars. And how much would you still owe them today? The same $30K. You are making them rich, while keeping yourself poor. That’s the simple truth. If you took my advice 20 years ago and wiped the $30K out with a Chapter 7 petition then, how much would you have now that you are 65? You probably would have $500K if you invested the savings of $1K a month for 20 years wisely. Not with Bernie Madoff of course. If you bought Apple shares 20 years ago, you would now be extremely wealthy. Because $10K invested in Apple only 10 years ago would be worth how much today? That $10K, which was 10 months of minimum monthly payments for you then, would be worth $677,000 today! If you invested three years of minimum payments on credit cards ten years ago, you would have a cool $2.0-M today! What a small change in your life direction would have meant in benefits for you and your family! Our God is so great, indeed! Because he blesses those who rely on Him with abundance! You want to be a millionaire when you retire? Get rid of your credit cards now and invest your savings in equities. Twenty years from now, when you check your million dollar portfolio, you will be so glad that you read my article today and made the wise decision of your life. And how would your credit score be 20 years from now if you wiped out your cards now? It would be perfect at 830. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. “THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US, AND WE ARE FILLED WITH JOY.” — PSALM 126:3.
*** 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 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 (Advertising Supplement)
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What to do if you received incorrect forms W-2 and 1099R
FORM W-2 and Form 1099R should be available to you by January 31st and corrected versions should be available by end of February. What you need to do if any of these Forms are not available to you: • Call the IRS at 1-800-8291040 for help. Make sure to have the following information handy as you call: 1) Name, address, phone number, and social security number, 2) Employer ‘s name, address, phone number, and 3)Employer identification number (EIN) • Employer will be contacted by the IRS and request the Forms W-2 and 1099-R for you. Your employer will receive a letter from the IRS to provide information within 10-days, a reminder of responsibility to provide correct Form W-2 subject to penalties for failure to do so. • The IRS will also send you a Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statements, or Form 1099-R, Distributions from Pen-
What’s New ArLene AL-os, cPA, MBA sions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, or Form 4852, with instruction letter for you. • Use Form 4852: 1) to complete your tax return if upon filing Form W-2 and Form 1099-R are not available, 2) Estimate the amount of wages earned, payments received, and taxes withheld, and 3) If expecting a refund, expect delays in processing refund while the IRS verify the information provided. • Keep Form 4852 to protect your social security benefits. After September 30 following the date shown in line 4 of Form 4852, contact the social security office
to verify wages reported by your employer by: 1) visiting your local SSA Office, 2) visiting the online account https://www.ssa.gov/ myaccount/, 3) calling toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 and for the deaf or hard of hearing, call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. • File an amended income tax return by filing Form 1040X if you received Forms W-2 or Form 1099 after filing, and there are discrepancies from the information reported in your return. *** Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication is neither intended as a thorough, indepth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. *** Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. (Advertising Supplement)
SMC still keen on Bulacan airport project
by LoeLLa
DesiDerio Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is hopeful it can proceed with its proposed new airport to be located in Bulacan. “The unsolicited proposal for the airport has already been submitted to the DOTr (Department of Transportation) and I think Secretary (Arthur) Tugade is evaluating it and we have been continuously in talks about technical matters. So, I hope soon, DOTr can decide on it,” SMC president and chief operating of-
ficer Ramon Ang told reporters. The DOTr said SMC is planning to spend P700 billion for the proposed international airport in Bulacan. Of the 2,500 hectares to be covered by the project, 1,168 hectares will be an airport complex, while the remaining 1,332 hectares will serve as a city complex. Construction of the new airport is expected to be completed in six years after it is approved by the government. Earlier, Manuel Antonio Tamayo, undersecretary for the aviation sector at the DOTr, said
the government has decided to put on hold the unsolicited proposal of SMC for a new airport, as well as the proposal of All Asia Resources Reclamation Corp. for an international airport, seaport as well as mixed use development in Sangley to focus on how to address congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. “It’s still there. It’s still being considered. But it’s not immediate. It’s more of medium term. What we need now is the short term. We need to immediately decongest Manila,” he said.
PH tax reform to burden...
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poverty incidence rate to 14 percent by 2022. The inclusive tax reform program passed in May under House Bill 5636 is a federation of the initial tax reform bill (HB 4774) filed by Quirino Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, and 54 other taxrelated measures in which it targets to cut personal income tax
rates, lower donor’s and estate taxes, and, at the same time, adjust the excise taxes on fuel and automobiles, expand the valueadded tax base and equip a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages among other measures. “This is the chance for us to break out from the cycle of moderate growth and achieve a fastgrowing, dynamic and invest-
ment-driven economy. This is a conjuncture that allows us to join the ranks of tiger economies. We should not let this historic opportunity pass us,” Dominguez said. DOF is said to continue holding talks to senators in explaining the value of the tax reform so as to convince them in securing the original endorsed version bordered in Cua’s HB 4774.
Do I need a premarital...
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ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
tection to the future “in spouse” and a hurdle for the future “out spouse” by avoiding or altering the applicability of California community property law to assets 1) already owned by each and 2) to property and income to be acquired or earned during their marriage. Marriage of Dawley (1976) 17 C3d 342, 349, 131 CR 3, 7; Marriage of Grinius (1985) 166 CA3d 1179, 1186, 212 CR 803, 807 Premarital agreements may validly provide that the earnings and accumulations of each party during marriage will remain that party’s separate property, free of any claims, community property or otherwise, of the other party.Marriage of Dawley, supra, 17 C3d at 350, 131 CR at 8; Cheney v. City & County of San Francisco Employees Retirement System (1936) 7 C2d 565, 569, 61 P2d 754, 756. Premarital agreements may also serve to preserve a person’s estate for his or her heirs, free of the other party’s inheritance claims. Estate of Wamack (1955) 137 CA2d 112, 115, 289 P2d 871, 872. Pursuant to Family Code §1612(c ),“ Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to all of the following:(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located. (2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property.(3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event.(4) The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement.(5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy.(6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement.(7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty. However, the right of a child to upport may not be adversely affected. Family Code §1612(b).
Premarital agreements that are entered into voluntarily by parties who are each represented by independent counsel and aware of the effect of the agreement, a post 1985 premarital waiver of post dissolution support does not offend contemporary public policy and is not per se unenforceable. Fam.C. § 1612(c); Marriage of Pendleton & Fireman (2000) 24 C4th 39, 53–54, 99 CR2d 278, 288–289; Marriage of Facter (2013) 212 CA4th 967, 981, 152 CR3d 79, 90. Under both the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and prior law, the spouse claiming the agreement is invalid or not enforceable bears the burden of proof on that allegation. Family Code. § 1615(a); Marriage of Bonds, supra, 24 C4th at 27, 99 CR2d at 269; Marriage of Iverson (1992) 11 CA4th 1495, 1502, 15 CR2d 70, 74–75; However, the UPAA (as amended effective 1/1/02) deems that a premarital agreement was not executed voluntarily unless the court makes five prescribed findings provided for under Family Code. § 1615(c) (1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. (2) The party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. (3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations he or she was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement. The unrepresented party
shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute a document declaring that he or she received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information.(4) The agreement and the writings executed pursuant to paragraphs(1) and (3) were not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement.(5) Any other factors the court deems relevant. In addition, the parties are required to provide each other with full disclosure of all material financial information. A premarital agreement may be unenforceable if found to be unconscionable when it was executed and the requisite disclosures were lacking and not waived Additionally, a spousal support provision in a premarital agreement executed under the UPAA, whether before or after January 1, 2002 , is not enforceable if found to be unconscionable at the time of enforcement. Family Code § 1612(c). If you are the higher earning spouse and have assets to protect, it is important to seek the representation of experienced counsel in drafting a premarital agreement to make sure that all statutory requirement are met which increases the likelihood that your premarital agreement will be deemed enforceable when attacked in court in case of a divorce.
*** 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 has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
B5 JULY 12-14, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
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People and Events
‘No Drama Mamas’ shows off 2nd place medals
HOSTED by Birmingham, and presented by Humana, the 2017 National Senior Games is billed as the world’s largest sporting event for people over 50, attracting thousands of competitors and spectators. Carina ‘Mitos’ Paniagua from San Dimas, Calif., joined the ‘No Drama Mamas’ volleyball team from New Orleans, LA, from June 4 to June 10. There were 20 teams in the Women’s 50+ Division. ‘No Drama Mamas’ played 22 games and placed second. “You can have as many (players) but only play six at a time,” said Mitos, who was nicknamed ‘Cali’ (short for California) during the entire time. “We only had six which made it very tiring each day. Then, one of our better players got hurt on Wednesday; then another player got hurt on the final day Thursday,” she added. “I think if both those players were healthy, we would’ve won (first place).” Born seven months prema-
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SASAA to hold reunion
THE St. Augustine School Alumni Association will hold their 3 day reunion in Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas - 4500 W Tropicana Las Vegas on August 4, 5, and 6. Music will be provided
by The Midnight Motion Band. The association is headed by Jim Paredes, President. For additional info, please call Manny Laranang at (562) 5478895.
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks
ECHO PARK TENNIS CLUB ADULT & SENIOR MEN’s DOUBLES TENNIS TOURNAMENT Tournament Date: Saturday, July 15, 2017 Tournament Site: Echo Park Tennis Courts 526 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90026 (Corner of Temple St. & Glendale Blvd.) Fil-Am Carina ‘Mitos’ Paniagua, front row, 2nd from right, joins the No Drama Mamas, a volleyball team from New Orleans, LA, at the 2017 National Senior Games held in Alabama.
ture at the Mary Chiles Hospital in Sampaloc, Manila, one would think she would be sickly. But not Mitos. Perhaps, being housed in an incubator for a month made her as strong as she is now. When asked if she feels
50+, she said no, and then shot back, “only when I play.” Mitos is married to another athlete, Carlos, who is a realtor; they have two boys: Dylan (23) and Christopher (20) who also played all sports in school.
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Trophy presentation will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at the Lotus Festival at Echo Park Important phone number:
Diana Diankoff (323) 497-0879 / Perla Santos (213) 268-3222
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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 12, 2017
UNBOXING FILIPINO CULTURE
Close family ties and most loved items in a balikbayan box by Nathalie
IF there lies a single thing that would ultimately define Filipino identity, one would have to fly around the world and back, and still would not know what it would be. That is how diverse and colorful the Filipino culture is. Packed with various traits, characteristics, upbringing, talents and skills; no wonder you cannot confine the Filipino people in a single category. More often than not, you will find traces of them wherever you go. One of the factors which certainly sets Filipinos apart from the rest, are their close family ties. In a common household, it is not surprising to see extended families living under the same roof. The concept of family not only applies as to what the law perceives—the smallest unit of society. For
Robles/AJPress
Filipinos, it is one flesh, blood, and legacy established at birth. What is valued in a family often corresponds with the values that one possess. These familial ties gave birth to the idea of the “pasalubong.” It is a concept in the Philippines that whenever someone leaves home or travels, he has to bring back some sort of token from his destination upon his return. Thus, the word pasalubong can also be translated as ‘something meant for you when you welcome me back.’ It has a few sentimental connotations, as in rejoicing the safe homecoming of someone who was away for a time. Despite the influx of overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs), this tradition remained in their hearts. Regardless of them
As technology continuously progresses, mobile phones, personal computers, tablets, and cameras are among the common preferences of Filipinos as their preferred pasalubong.
Canned goods are the most practical items in a balikbayan box. Since it would take long for the goods to expire, families are able to utilize them for emergency purposes.
being away from their family members, they would still find time to send gifts to their families. It led to the idea of a balikbayan box, a care package that OFWs send their loved ones delivered via air or sea. Whenever there is a balikbayan box delivered straight to one’s home, each member of the family would eagerly open it and would in turn, anticipate what the sender wishes for them to have. Goods and gifts, with labels as to who would receive such, is what should be expected once a balikbayan box arrives. According to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA), the number of OFWs who worked abroad at was estimated at 2.4 million. Overseas Contract Workers (OCWs) or those with existing work contract comprised 97.1 percent of the total OFWs. With that said, it can be observed that each family or household has at least one relative or family member working overseas. As a way to express their love, miles apart, they would in turn send balikbayan boxes to their loved ones in the Philippines. Things loved most in a balikbayan box Chocolates top the list of favorite balikbayan box contents, with four in every five people nonchalantly picking the said item as their personal favorite. “It’s chocolate. Lots and lots of it,” said Cyril Bunuan. In a similar survey conducted by Inquirer, December of last year, chocolates along with candies topped the list in
Whenever there is a balikbayan box delivered straight to one’s home, each member of the family would eagerly open it and would in turn, anticipate what the sender wishes for them to have. Goods and gifts, with labels as to who would receive such, is what should be expected once a balikbayan box arrives.
Branded apparel in various sizes, colors and designs were also among the favorite items on the list.
Chocolates top the list of favorite balikbayan box contents, with four in every five people nonchalantly picking the said item as their personal favorite. Inquirer.net photos
67 percent. Asked on why chocolates are considered a common preference, one replied, “Siguro dahil may mentality na dito sa Pilipinas na mas mahal ‘yung presyo ng chocolates (Maybe because there is a mentality that chocolates are more expensive here in the Philippines).” Gadgets came second on the list due to the increase in demand as technology continuously progresses. Mobile phones, personal computers, tablets, cameras etc. were the common preferences of Filipinos.
Clothes immediately followed on the list with 63 percent of respondents picking it among their top favorite goodies. Branded apparel in various sizes, colors and designs were also among the favorite items found inside the balikbayan boxes. Once the said box lands in the Philippine soil and into the arms of the recipients, rest assured there will be a gathering of some sort where relatives haul whichever garments would fit them. Shoes were also considered a common favorite. In the Philippines, whenever someone would leave home, even for a
short while or even if it’s just a local destination, they would say the common expression, “Size nine ako ah, (My foot size is nine),” as a way of hinting that they want shoes for pasalubong. Canned goods are the most practical items in a balikbayan box. Since it would take long for the goods to expire, families are able to utilize them for emergency purposes. Distance indeed cannot hinder one’s expression of love and concern. Even with something as simple as a balikbayan box, one must still be thankful and appreciative. After all,
Traveling 101: Tips on getting more for your money By iRis
ViceNte AJPress
IN this digital era where alluring destinations and fascinating safaris keep flooding your social media accounts, the need and hunger for travel burns deep inside the hearts of those who wants a detour from this toxic utopia that is urban life. Whether you’re a student who has tons of paperwork to do or one of those people with jobs as stressful as the heavy traffic during rush hour, traveling has now become more of a necessity than a luxury. Although traveling can really cost you a dime, there’s a way to get more from your money while you’re out having the best experience on your adventures. 1. Book cheap flights Be resourceful in waiting and finding cheap deals to avoid throwing out cash when you’re supposed to save up. Look into travel websites that offer searching into other companies and comparing airfares to get the lowest rate. 2. Find valuable accommodations You don’t have to stay in hotels and be all fancy. You can always settle for amiable dorm-style places or hostels. Remember: you’re out for some adventures, not some glamorous sleepovers. 3. DIY your itinerary Yup. Do it yourself instead of availing for packaged tours which could cost more, why not plan your own day and the places you want to go. Be diligent about
OFW remittances transferred to their families or recipient/s became part of household OFW households prioritize part of their remittances for education, budgets that are spent on every family’s daily necessities such as increase in consump- purchase of consumer durables, and purchase of house, investment, and tion of durable and nondurable goods, or can also be used as savings. other miscellaneous expenses. Inquirer.net photos
Look into travel websites that offer searching into other companies and comparing airfares to get the lowest rate. Inquirer.net photos
How and where do families spend the money being sent to them By laRizza de AJPress
VeRa
ONE of the strong pillars of the Philippine economy are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Last year, remittances propped up the country’s economic growth and hit a new record high of $2.56 billion in December. Remittances serve as the direct outcome of labor migration and the most important source of foreign exchange to the economy. Initially, the main goal of You don’t have to stay in hotels and be all fancy. You can always settle for amiable dorm-style places OFWs is to maximize the great or hostels. Remember: you’re out for some adventures, not some glamorous sleepovers. opportunities abroad in hopes searching for places that are free because snacks and water in of providing a better life for their and worth seeing. some places are extremely family. However, the promise of 4. Maximize buffet breakexpensive. a better a life depends on how fast 5. Keyword: READ and where they spend their reThat’s right. Not to spoil This one goes out to everymittances. Establishing a budget and break your “healthy” diet, one specially those who are first that is not grounded in reality but this is because adventures time travelers. It’s not going to is not really useful at all. One are composed of long walks make you sweat if you read and must live within their means and and long days which consumes study prior to visiting the place prioritize what is important and energy. Start your day early and or country. It’s important to know beneficial. amplify those buffet accommothe details like transportation In turn, OFW remittances dations to avoid getting hangry (public transportations of course transferred to their families or re(hungry+angry) plus, it’s also a cost less than cabs in many cipient/s became part of househack to decrease expenditures places) road maps (familiarize hold budgets that are spent on yourself beforehand of the ins every family’s daily necessities and outs of town to avoid getsuch as increase in consumpting lost and time inconvenience) tion of durable and nondurable weather (Travel light. There are goods, or can also be used as places that has different weather savings. It can also be beneficial conditions, it’s important to know for people who want to start a which essential things to bring business. Thus, such overseas to avoid excess baggage which cashflows raise the standard of is costly), and even the culture living of recipient families. for a handy, frugal and satisfying Based on the Bangko Sentral adventure. ng Pilipinas (BSP) survey of While it is pleasurable to 2016, recipients greatly allocate spend some time unwinding, their remittances on consumppeople can always relish the tion goods. For instance, 97.3 finer things in life while avoiding percent are for food and other spending too much. Tight purse household needs. strings+quality experience= However, as stated by Asia Start your day early and amplify those buffet accommodations to avoid getting hangry (hungry+angry) plus, great adventures. Development Bank (ADB), famiit’s also a hack to decrease expenditures because snacks and water in some places are extremely expensive.
Last year, remittances propped up the country’s economic growth and hit a new record high of $2.56 billion in December.
lies sometimes compromise and lower their food expenditure. OFW households prioritize part of their remittances for education (70 percent), purchase of consumer durables (21.9 percent), and purchase of house (11 percent), investment (6.5 percent), and other miscellaneous expenses (4.5 percent). The expenditure of the remittance-receiving families is closely monitored by the government because it reflects the general condition of the country. In this way, OFWs can expect a better return of investment because of the government efforts to further allow recipients to avail and spend more money on government programs. At the same time, investments on education and nonfood expenditure can impart a long-term growth on the economy because of the higher probability of producing better human resources for the country. In turn, the increase of investment in human and physical capital aggregate domestic demand and enhances the country’s capital accumulation.
Another expenditure of the family-receiving remittance is their allocation on savings. According to data by BSP, 43.2 percent of Filipinos who are considered mostly put their savings at home. These investments share 43.4 percent on the remittance allocation that can help create new social assets and services like schools, health centers, roads and other community projects that can be beneficial to their recipient who were left in the country. Furthermore, a portion of OFW households allotted part of their remittances for debt payments (46.5 percent). Geographically speaking, large portion of the OFW households in the NCR allocated their remittances on debt payments, for purchase of food and other household needs, and for investment. But in spite of their different investments on human and physical capital, only 56.1 percent of OFW on 2016 utilized their remittance for medical expense as compared to last quarter’s data.
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 12, 2017
Vilma Santos, Paolo Ballesteros lead this year’s winners at Eddy Awards by Maridol
ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com
Vilma Santos and Paolo Ballesteros won Best actress and Best actor respectively at the 1st Eddy awards last Saturday, July 8 at the Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. Vilma won for “Everything Angelica Hale
Photo courtesy of NBC
9-year-old Fil-Am surprises audience at ‘America’s Got Talent’ by larizza de Vera AJPress
aS soon as she began singing the first words of andra Day’s song “Rise Up,” nineyear-old angelica Hale stirred the venue’s atmosphere. it only took a few seconds for the charming little girl from atlanta to win the judges’ approval and the world’s applause with her powerful voice. “i want to be the next Whitney Houston. i want to be a superstar,” angelica Hale told “america’s Got Talent” judges Simon Cowell, mel B. Howie mandel and Heidi Klum. These were the words that resonated in her audition at “america’s Got Talent” as she tried to conquer the first segment and secure a spot in the competition. Full of passion and aspiration for singing, angelica joined america’s biggest talent competition to inspire and let her voice be heard around the world. “i absolutely love singing and it is my passion. i thought that the big stage of ‘america’s Got Talent’ was a wonderful place to allow my singing to be heard around the world,” angelica told the Asian Journal. angelica decided to pursue her dream at a young age because she realized early that life is not to be taken for granted. moreover, she had already lived a lifetime even before she finished kindergarten. “i went through really difficult times, but now i get to use my voice and share my inspirational story with people all over the world, and that makes me feel better than ever,” angelica shared. at the age of four, she contracted an aggressive strep bacterium in her lungs that eventually led to kidney failure. Despite her situation, she still pursued her singing career. She joined her first competition when she was five and continued to attend voice lessons with her vocal coach Tricia Grey in between therapies. “i want my fans to know that they should never give up
and always believe that dreams can come true,” angelica said. The daughter of James Hale and Eva Bolando, angelica continues to latch onto her dream in spite of her limit and new lease in life. “i knew that my life story couldn’t end here and that this was only the beginning. There was still so much i wanted to accomplish and experience in my life,” she shared. The little angel was not wrong. She deflected all adversity on Friday the 13th of September, 2013 as she successfully went out of the operating room with a newly functioning kidney donated by her mother. “my family supports me so much and i wouldn’t be where i am today without them. They believe in my dreams to be a singer and superstar and are always there to support me if i’m having trouble. Because of them, i can pursue and develop my passion for singing. They always encourage me to bring my singing to the next level but to also have fun,” she added. as of today, angelica is one of the finalists and is still in the running in “america’s Got Talent.” “i’m preparing for my next ‘aGT’ performances by practicing and working hard every day. i am always trying to make the songs even better than they were before,” angelica enthused. “i realized that you need to treat every day like it’s the last day of your life and to never take things for granted. No matter how bad things may seem, they could always be worse,” she said. angelica hope to visit her fans from all around the world especially her mother’s hometown in iligan City, mindanao. “i think traveling to new places is very exciting and i hope that my singing will allow me to meet people all over the world,” she said. The little Fil-am singer may not have been to the Philippines but she sure does captured her kababayans’ hearts with her charming personality and positive outlook in life.
CBHQ-13659-01 CRA Asian Ad
odi Sta. Maria and Cristine Reyes presented an award at the first Eddys.
about Her,” while Paolo was recognized for “Die Beautiful.” lav Diaz added another feather in his cap by winning Best Director for “ang Babaeng Humayo.” angel locsin and John lloyd Cruz, on the other hand, were named Best actress and Best actor for “Everything about Her” and “ang Babaeng Humayo,” respectively. The late Jake Tordesillas, a multi-awarded movie scriptwriter, was given a posthumous award. The Eddys is organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors, composed of entertainment editors of broadsheets and tabloids nationwide. The complete list of awards: Best Picture: “ang Babaeng Humayo” Best Director: lav Diaz Best Actress: Vilma Santos Best Actor: Paolo Ballesteros Best Supporting Actress: angel locsin Best Supporting Actor: John lloyd Cruz Best Documentary: “Sunday MM.pdf 6/22/17 10:14 AM Beauty 1Queen” Best Musical
Regal’s Mother Lily Monteverde was presented the Producer of the Year Award. Beside her is Manila Standard Entertainment Editor Isah Red.
Score: “Everything about Her” - Emerson Tecson Best Sound: “Seklusyon” lamberto Casas Best Theme Song: “Saving Sally” Best Visual Effects: “Seklusyon” Best Editing: “Die Beautiful” Best Production Design: “Die Beautiful”
Best Cinematography: “Se klusyon” Best Screenplay: “Everything about Her” Manny Pichel Award: lav Diaz Producer of the Year: Regal Entertainment’s mother lily monteverde Joe Quirino Award: Boy abunda
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Coco Martin and Vice Ganda: Will their rivalry at the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) break up their long friendship? Philstar.com photo
Friends turned foes: Coco, Vice on warpath? by ricky lo Philstar.com
THE 2017 metro manila Film Festival (mmFF) is still five months away and already everything is heating up. So what else is new? The first four official mmFF entries have been announced, based on screenplays submitted: - “ang Panday,” directed by Rodel Nacianceno (real name of Coco martin, who is also the lead actor); CCm Creative Produc-
tions, inc., producer; - “The Revengers,” starring Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla and Pia Wurtzbach, directed by Joyce Bernal for Star Cinema/Viva Films; - “almost is Not Enough,” starring Jennylyn mercado and Jericho Rosales, directed by Dan Villegas for Quantum & mJm Productions; and - “love Traps #Family Goals,” starring Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta, directed by antonio Y. Continued on Page 4
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American band continues to pay tribute to Filipino artists
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 12, 2017
Claudine Barretto reports online basher before NBI by MJ
Marfori ManilaTimes.net
THE ever controvertial Claudine Barretto is back in the spotlight once again. This time, she took to the cybercrime divi-
sion of the National Bureau of Investigation and filed a complaint versus a certain online basher named Peggy Enriquez. According to Claudine, Peggy left rude comments Claudine Barretto
about her youngest Quia when she posted a photo of the twoyear-old eating local porridge. “Doon sa post ko kung saan kumakain siya ng lugaw, doon linagay na batang lansangan daw ang anak ko and then I said if you have anything to say to my daughter, say it to my face! Then she said I have nothing against you but your ampon is really panget by all means! So doon na… Baka ‘yung first one pwede ko pa i-let go. Pero bakit, kapag batang lansangan ba bawal na mahalin?” Claudine did her research on Peggy Enriquez, sharing with In The Know that through the woman’s officemates, she gathered the basher’s address and personal details. “I learned that she had been bashing people for quite awhile now.” Claudine also made it clear to Peggy that she would not be accepting any public apology. “If the day itself [the comment was made] or two days after OK pa eh [to apologize], pero wala. I’m not even sure if she really wanted to apologize. It’s too late and she has to face the consequences.” Claudine further shares that ever since she adopted Quia in 2016, she decided to lay low in showbiz. She was being pressured by children Santino and Sabina to have a baby sibling, the reason why she brought in Quia to their lives. “Grabe the immense joy she brings in my life, our lives! I really wanted to be peaceful and quiet, but when it comes to my kids, do not ever mess with me!”
LOS ANGELES - Airspoken took the Philippines by storm when they covered Up Dharma Down’s hit song “Tadhana.” In a matter of days, the video, posted on Facebook, accumulated almost 7 million views with it’s epicenter in the Philippines. It has been shared on popular Filipino pages like Tee Radio and Filipino Vines, and has also been featured on ABS- CBN’s “Mga Kwento ni Marc Logan.” When asked about the success of this viral video, singer Justin Bernardez said, “It’s overwhelming to see the amount of love we’ve received from the Philippines.” Eli Mayfield added, “In a country with so much musical talent, I’m flattered that the our video was recognized and shared on a national level.” It has been three weeks since the release of the Tadhana cover and Airspoken has a surprise for their new fan base across the Pacific Ocean. On Tuesdau, July 11, the band released a new mash-up that
Airspoken
includes two Filipino songs. Singer Anthony Vazquez said, “It can be a scary thing to sing in a different language. We know we have American accents, so trying to hide it is nearly impossible. We just want to bring justice to great music and share it with our fans both in the USA and in
the Philippines.” Airspoken is anxious to visit the Philippines. They plan on spending 10 days performing free shows in malls across the country. Their management team is currently reaching out to sponsors hoping to make this tour happen as early as mid August.
Celeste Legaspi: The return of the celestial diva by igan
D’Bayan Philstar.com
CELESTE Legaspi remembers signing up with Wea Records in the late Seventies, and the label wanted a hit in the same stratosphere as Saranggola ni Pepe. (Your aunts and uncles might have them stashed in their racks of LPs and 45s somewhere, or stored in the mental jukeboxes of antiquity.) “They came up with this song by Joe Mari Chan, which was originally in English, and was entitled Mr. Songwriter,” recalls Celeste, wearing a Freeway top printed with her father Cesar Legaspi’s 1947 painting titled “Gadgets II.” “And Gryk Ortaleza wrote lyrics in Pilipino for it.” It was the sweltering height of summer as the decade played its swan song and Mamang Sorbetero became a refreshing hit on FM radio, even spawning an Erap movie. That particular summer is long gone, but if you go to Kultura Filipino in SM, the tune still wafts from the in-store speakers and everyone dances to it. In fact, that song runs in the DNA of that resilient cultural organism called Original Pilipino Music. Another classic Celeste song nearly got left off from her second LP. “I had just added that ballad because I loved the music and lyrics,” she says. “Whenever I performed, the audiences kept requesting for it. That was how Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal became a hit.” Those are but two numbers that Celeste Legaspi would dust off from her legendary discography in a concert to be held on Aug. 5, Saturday at 8 p.m., at
Celeste Legaspi
The Theatre at Solaire. After the success of the concert of equally iconic Basil Valdez at the same theater, Solaire entertainment director Audie Gemora explains, “It makes perfect sense to bring the original diva Celeste Legaspi next.” “Celeste” the concert also features Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, The Company and Baihana. And what millennials can appreciate from Celeste’s era is the sheer songwriting-singing prowess of the key figures. Not to mention the musicianship of all those studio sessionists and the excellent material by the likes of George Canseco and the sublime Levi Celerio. For starters, kids can check out Celeste’s vocals on a few Top 40 numbers translated into Pilipino by Rolando Tinio — on Spotify, no less. “Rolando had a way of lifting trite pop songs with his beautiful Pilipino lyrics,” shares Celeste. During Mang Cesar’s centennial celebration at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Celeste sang a Tinio translation of Loving Arms by Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge, that really somehow touched her heart. Further listening includes Saranggola, which was written on her son’s ukulele, and Tuliro.
Here are a few of Celeste’s favorite things: Basil albums, Willy Cruz’s timeless compositions, Eddie Munji III’s “Pinoy Jazz” LP, the Juan Dela Cruz Band rockers, and even Sampaguita’s Laguna and Nosi Balasi. Celeste shares, “I had a healthy rivalry with Leah Navarro during the late ’70s, and with Kuh Ledesma in the early ’90s. But then later on with my work for OPM (Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Manga-awit) in 1987, I quickly forgot all about that — there was more important work to be done.” How does she maintain her voice? “It’s a challenge because I’m asthmatic,” she shares. “I take voice lessons from Ryan’s daughter and my goddaughter Krina of Baihana. She is helping me prepare to sing Never Ever Say Goodbye because I haven’t sung that in a while — in 40 years or something (laughs).” Life is much simpler for Celeste nowadays. She and her husband (Nonoy Gallardo) wake up late. Have brunch. She likes to cook. They have a little terrace in their house and classical music is always playing. Heck, some days deserve ice cream.
Friends turned foes: Coco, Vice on... From Page 3 Reyes for OctoArts Films. The last four official entries will come from the list of finished products. As in previous MMFF, the selection is bound to create controversy, with accusations of “being partial to some companies at the expense of other companies” being thrown around. Some industry people are disappointed that changes in the rules were not being applied. Remember the big controversy in the 2015 MMFF that reached the august halls of Congress? This year’s brouhaha was kicked off by the resignation of three members of the executive committee, perceived to be in protest against the way the 2017 MMFF is being run. Here’s the official statement of the three, Ricky Lee, Rolando Tolentino and Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala: We accepted the invitation to be members of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017 Executive Committee (ExeCom) because we were excited to maximize the gains of the MMFF 2016. Last year’s festival showcased a wide variety of quality cinema that went beyond the formulaic. There was a shift of emphasis from commercial viability to artistic excellence. It also celebrated the spirit of a film culture that produced many cult classics in the early
years of the MMFF. After several meetings and deliberations, we resigned because the MMFF 2017 ExeCom took a different direction, by putting too much emphasis on commerce over art. Our resignation had little to do with the first four selected MMFF 2017 entries. We had expressed our intention to resign long before the announcement of the first four entries was made. Some quarters in the ExeCom insist that only big film studios can produce a blockbuster. We believe that producing a box office hit and creating quality film is not exclusive to big film studios nor to independent film outfits. All excellent Filipino films deserve all forms of support. This support includes movies being screened for the entire duration of the festival with maximum exposure in as many theatres in and outside Metro Manila. We stand committed to seek reforms in the Filipino film industry. We remain steadfast believing in a Metro Manila Film Festival celebration of the finest of Filipino artistry. The Filipino audience deserves no less. The MMFF causes rifts not just between companies but also between friends. Case in point: Coco Martin versus Vice Ganda.
As showbiz-watchers know, Coco and Vice are the best of friends since before they became big stars. Recalled somebody close to them, “When Coco was working as a waiter at Max’s Restaurant, he would tease Vice Ganda every time Vice and his friends were at Max’s. That’s how their friendship started.” Now that friendship might be broken, no thanks to rivalry in the MMFF. Last year, Coco and Vice starred in the Star Cinema movie Beauty and the Bestie which failed to make the Magic 8 but raked in millions just the same when it was shown before the start of the MMFF. It’s an entirely different story this year. Coco and Vice are competitors and you know what happens in cases like that: friends instantly turn into foes. “Coco is asking Vice to back out,” added the Funfare DPA, “and, of course, Vice won’t budge. After all, Vice reportedly told Coco, he’s a long-time MMFF joiner and since his movies always make big money, siya na raw ang ‘reyna ng MMFF.’ Now, the ‘former’ best friends are on the warpath. They have started finding faults in each other, nagsusumbatan na sila.” How best to settle the issue? Let the moviegoers hand down the verdict when the MMFF opens on Dec. 25.
features 5 Team PH wins 205 medals at World Championships of Performing Arts The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 12, 2017
Child dance prodigy Nhikzy Calma and singer Cristiani Rebada proclaimed big winners by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
After boasting the largest pool of grand finalists, team Philippines won the top prizes at the highly coveted 21st World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA). Held at the terrace theatre in Long Beach, California from July 1-9, the talented performers of team Philippines 205 medals, the most of all 60 countries represented at the “Olympics of performing arts.” Aspiring stars in entertainment compete for prestigious titles and $400,000 worth of scholarships. WCOPA gives aspiring entertainers around the world the unique opportunity to showcase their talents in front of talent scouts and industry leaders in a high-energy week-long event. team Philippines boasted 11 finalists — the most of all represented countries —coming into the final night of performances on friday, June 7. Stakes were high as the contestants were only allotted 60 seconds each to leave a lasting impression on the judges. eight-year-old dance prodigy Nhikzy Vheench Calma was a crowd favorite all week, and when he delivered his final performance, he didn’t disappoint. He wowed the audience, as well as his rivals in his category, and impressed the judges with his dance renditions of Michael Jackson songs, including the iconic “moonwalk” from “Billie Jean.” Nhikzy secured two major wins, Junior Champion for Dance Solo and Grand Champion Performer of the World. the charming, young “ASAP” star thanked his fans for supporting him and for team Philippines for trusting him to represent the team in such a big way. “Gold Medalist, Junior Grand Winner of Dance Division and the JUNIOr GrAND CHAMPION Of tHe WOrLD OVerALL back to back Grand CHAMPION of World Championship of Performing Arts #WCOPA #Philippines!!!!” Nhikzy wrote in a post on Instagram. “Inaalay ko po etong Tagumpay ko sa inyong lahat mga mahal kong PILIPINO. Salamat po sa inyong lahat sa
tiwala at supporta na binigay nyo sakin at sa lahat po ng tumulong at sumuporta po skin para maabot ko po etong napakagandang pangarap.” toward the tail-end of the night, singer Cristiani rebada delivered a powerful vocal performance, impressing the audience and the judges with his vocal range. rebada secured team Philippines’ second Grand Champion Performer of the World honor for the second year in a row; last year, the allmale dance troupe Junior New System took home the most prestigious award. In addition to the major awards won by Nhikzy and rebada, vocalist Hannah Korin Castillo nabbed the Junior Grand Champion Vocalist of the World award. On the final two days of the competition, team Philippines also garnered a whopping 205 medals: 58 gold, 99 silver and 48 bronze. the team also won 22 division plaques and seven industry awards. Delegates from team Philippines were also rewarded with sought-after scholarships from Indasoul records, Shelly Sondheim, Millennium Dance and New York film Academy. the team was once again under the leadership of national director Jerry Mercado, who oversaw the scouting and audition process for team Philippines. for the second year in a row, he earned this year’s award for Outstanding National Director. His daughter, Abby Mercado, acts as the executive assistant to the director and expressed pride at seeing how many filipino artists get the opportunity to showcase their artistry on a world stage. “It makes me so proud to see filipino talent being exposed to the world and for all these performers to show the world how talented the filipino people are and how beautiful they are,” Abby Mercado told the Asian Journal, noting the variety of talent present in this year’s team. “It makes me want to beam with pride that there are so many filipinos who are given the chance to showcase their talent and to also prove to themselves that they are good at what they do.” Performers from team
Cristiani Rebada was awarded WCOPA senior grand champion vocalist performer of the world.
Philippines hail from all over the country, but Davao City boasted the most medalists with 23 total acts winning
medals. WCOPA is held annually in Long Beach and seeks to find the next stars in entertainment
Nhikzy Calma was named WCOPA junior grand champion dancer performer of the world. Photos by Ding Carreon and Andy Tecson
of every age in acting, singing, dancing modeling, instrumentals and variety categories. Competitors are given 60
seconds to showcase their talents in front of a panel of celebrity judges from all areas of entertainment.
Members of Team Philippines are this year’s grand final winners and grand champions performer of the world at WCOPA 2017.
WCOPA grand finalists winners and grand champions performer of the world.
WCOPA Team Philippines 2017 individual gold, silver and bronze medalists and awardees brought home a total 205 medals, 58 gold, 99 silver and 48 bronze.
WCOPA junior and senior grand champions perfumer of the world with WCOPA Philippine National Director Gerry Mercado.
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 12, 2017