July 19-21, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 58 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages
USA
DATELINE US offers 2 spy planes in Marawi operation FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
THE United States has offered the Philippines two surveillance planes in aid of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) operations against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired militant groups in Mindanao. The two Cessna 208 planes will be given to the Philippine government in two weeks, said U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim on Tuesday, July 18. The planes will be used to assist the AFP’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations. Kim expressed that the U.S. is deeply worried with the ground situation in Marawi City, adding that the American government will also be contributing to the rehabilitation of the war-torn city. He added that American troops are currently deployed in Mindanao under a mutual defense treaty between the two countries. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said U.S. troops have always been present in Mindanao and were only asked to move to
US Congress to conduct hearing on PH’s drug war by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the United States House of Representatives is set to conduct an inquiry into Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial campaign against illegal drugs this coming Thursday, July 20. Citing figures from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Commission emphasized the reported 7,025 drug-related killings since he assumed presidency in July 1 last year until January 21 of this year. Duterte’s campaign to eradicate drug problem in the Philippines is among his major electoral promises. The drug war, however, has earned heavy criticism from different local and international human rights groups for allegedly caus-
ing thousands of summary deaths—which Duterte’s administration has vehemently denied. “Although extrajudicial killings have been a major human rights concern for some time, in its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016, the Department of State recognized that such killings increased sharply over the last year,” the commission said in a statement posted in its official website. The Philippines, as a treaty ally, has been receiving U.S. assistance, which includes both counterterrorism and counternarcotics support to the PNP. The Commission, however, said that Duterte’s drug war and its tagged summary killings “raise questions about how the Unit- Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is ed States should balance its concerns for pro- thanked by Ellecer Carlos (right), visiting spokesman of I-Defend PH coalition, for sponsoring
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S. 1055 the Philippine Human Rights Accountability and Counternarcotics Act, during their meet and greet last June 26 at the Hart Senate Office Building. Photo by Eric Lachica
Alvarez: House to give smooth approval of martial law extension
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REPEAL & REPLACE WATCH
5 ways the Senate GOP health bill could change your health plan options ONE of the fiercest complaints about the Affordable Care Act is that it imposed a government mandate on consumers to purchase coverage with a broad and specific set of benefits — including maternity care, mental health treatment and limits on out-of-pocket costs — whether they wanted those benefits or not. More choice is always better, critics argued. But what if choice trumps protection? With the latest Senate bill — drafted solely by Republicans and now in limbo, even collapsing, as four GOP Senators have now expressed opposition — that question is again at the heart of the debate and central to the potential changes for consumers. “I think choice is great when it comes to buying cell phones or pizza slices,” said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at Georgetown
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by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. President Rodrigo Duterte does the peace sign with members of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels during the turn over of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Palace on Monday, July 17.
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend his martial law declaration in Mindanao is likely to get approval from Congress without much difficulty, according to House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Tuesday, July 18. Alvarez made the remarks in a radio interview days before the House and the Senate convene in a Special Joint Session this coming Saturday, July 22, to discuss the military rule’s possible extension. “Wala, sa tingin ko ano, tuloy-tuloy lang ito (I think it would sail smoothly),” Alvarez told DZMM. Earlier in the day, Duterte, in a letter read by his spokesperson, requested Congress to extend his Proclamation
Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez
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Justices’ recusal prompts re-raffle of Imee Marcos, ‘Ilocos 6’ petition by ROSETTE
ADEL
the case. “This omnibus petition was MANILA — The Supreme re-raffled because of the inhibiCourt will re-raffle the petition filed tion of the member in charge,” by Ilocos Norte Gov. Imelda Jo- SC spokesperson Theodore Te sefa “Imee” Marcos and the six said in a press briefing on Tuesdetained employees of the pro- day, July 18. “The chief justice and Associvincial government after some justices inhibited from handling ate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. also Philstar.com
recused themselves,” he added. A report from The Star also indicated that Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta also inhibited from voting on the petition but Te said he has no information on that yet. Te said no reasons were cited
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CA junks $2-billion claim of Despite criticism, Duterte still finds a role model in FVR Marcos human rights victims President Rodrigo Duterte chats with former President Fidel V. Ramos during the launching of the latter’s book, ‘Make Change Work,’ at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday, July 17. Malacañang photo by Alfred Frias
by JENNIFER
SORIANO
vice and “respect” the criticisms the former president throws against him. ON some rare occasions, Presi“I respect your criticism. I acdent Rodrigo Duterte can be soft cept your advice and maybe I will toward his critics and their harsh mimic your role as president beremarks. fore,” Duterte said Duterte, in his speech during “You can continue criticizformer president Fidel Ramos’ ing me, sir,” the chief executive book launching on Monday, July added. 17, said that he “accepts” the adRamos gave Duterte a t-shirt AJPress
with the words, “Follow me,” the motto of Fort Benning in Georgia, where the former president finished his special military courses. “I will follow you, just like what the shirt says,” Duterte said. “Only difference is that, I am not a military man. But love of country, patas tayo, sir (we are just on the same level). I would say that I
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by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
nand Marcos of about $2 billion worth of compensation. THE Court of Appeals (CA) has In its July 7 decision, the CA’s junked the petition of a group 12th Division upheld the earlier seeking the enforcement of a decision of Makati City Regional 1995 United States district court Trial Court (RTC) which disdecision awarding the supposed missed the case seeking the enhuman rights victims during the forcement of the foreign ruling. term of late strongman FerdiThe petition was filed by a
group led by retired Judge Priscilla Mijares, Former Human Rights Commission Chairman Loreta Ann Rosales, movie director Joel Lamangan, Hilda Narciso, and Mariano Dimaranan. The CA decision, penned by Associate Justice Normandie
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From the Front Page
US Congress to conduct... PAGE A1 tecting human rights and the rule of law with its desire to maintain the bilateral alliance and continue to pursue other shared goals.” In the upcoming hearing, the Commission said they will discuss “human rights consequences of the ‘war on drugs’ currently underway in the Philippines.” It said it also invited panelists who “will analyze the implementation of the ‘war on drugs’ and its consequences for the human rights situation in the Philippines.” Among the panelists invited
include In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (I-DEFEND) Philippines spokesperson Ellecer Carlos, Amnesty International Senior Crisis Advisor Matthew Wells, and Human Rights Watch Asia Division Deputy Director Phelim Kine. “They will also provide policy recommendations for ensuring accountability for human rights violations and for addressing the problems of drug abuse and trafficking in ways consistent with promoting public health and strengthening rule of law,” the Commission added.
In a separate statement, Carlos cited an alleged “40 to 50 killings everyday of the most impoverished, beaten down individuals in Philippine society.” With the so-called drug war, Carlos claimed that Duterte has “consciously vilified human rights defenders, our commission on human rights, effectively distorted social values and taken advantage of a disoriented Philippine public.” “The Duterte administration should address the root causes of crime and drugs there,” Carlos said. n
Despite criticism, Duterte still finds...
PAGE A1 love my country as much as you do, and we are ready to die for this country,” he added. Ramos first lashed out at Duterte in October 2016 in light of the president’s first 100 days.
Ramos criticized Duterte’s brutal war on drugs and tirades against the international community. The former president’s latest negative remark about Duterte was during the Russia trip last May that aimed to “boost eco-
nomic ties” between Russia and the Philippines. During the said trip, the president was accompanied by his economic team and cabinet officials. Senate President Aqui-
STREET FURY. Jeepney drivers and operators hold a rally along Elliptical Road in Quezon City to protest the government’s jeepney modernization plan. Under the PUV modernization program that was launched in June, the government will replace old units of jeepney with new electronic ones. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
Alvarez: House to give smooth approval...
u PAGE A5 PAGE A1 No. 216, which imposed martial law and suspended the writ of habeas corpus in the entire Mindanao, until the end of the year. Alvarez also made note of recent poll results showing a majority public approval of martial law declaration. “Kasi nakita naman natin ano, in all surveys, talagang pabor ‘yung taong bayan dun sa declaration ng martial law sa Mindanao. Ibig sabihin, na-appreciate nila kung gaano kabigat yung problema (We have seen surveys, and the public approves of martial law declaration in Mindanao. It shows that people recognizes the depth of the problem),” he House speaker said. A Social Weather Station (SWS) survey result released last week showed that 57 percent of Filipinos believed it “was the right decision” to declare martial law in Mindanao. Alvarez further noted that possible reprisal from terrorists should also be take into consideration. While the tensions in Marawi deescalated, Alvarez explained that it “doesn’t mean the problem is solved.” “Dahil po tiyak ito ay may resbak din, iyan ang pinangangambahan natin and nakita ko nga, talagang nangangamba, hindi lang sa Mindanao kundi ang bu-
ong sambayanan (They could retaliate, and people in and out of Mindanao share that fear of retaliation),” he added. Duterte issued his Proclamation No. 216 on May 23 in the wake of Maute extremist group’s attack in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. His proclamation is set to legally expire on July 22, unless extended by the Congress upon his initiative, as stated in the Constitution. In a letter read by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, Duterte asked Congress to extend his proclamation until December 31 of this year. “I have come to the conclusion that the existing rebellion in Mindanao which prompted me to issue Proclamation 216 on 23rd May 2017, will not be quelled completely by the 22nd July 2017 – the last day of 60-day period provided under Section 18 Article VII of the 1987 Constitution,” Duterte’s message read. “For this reason and because public safety requires it, I call upon the Congress to extend until 31st December 2017 or for such a period of time as the Congress may determine the proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao,” it added. For the Communist Party of
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez Inquirer.net photo
the Philippines (CPP), however, Duterte’s proposed five-month extension would “prolong the restrictions against civil and political freedom and aggravate violations of people’s democratic rights. “ The extension, CPP said, will also “further suppress the truth to control the narrative to favor the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines).” “Revolutionary forces nationwide are firmly united and ever determined to resist martial law in Mindanao,” the CPP said in a statement posted on its website. It then asked its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) to “carry out armed counteractions and offensives across the country to defeat the Mindanao martial law and nationwide all-out war.” “Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao or nationwide, is an assault on every Filipino’s rights and freedom,” it claimed. n
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Legislation to make water efficiency a PH Science High team nabs 2nd place way of life passes assembly committee at int’l clean tech competition in NY SB 606 follows up on lessons learned from California’s historic 5-year drought, establishes framework for improved water conservation SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), and Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), to better prepare the state for future droughts by weaving greater water efficiency goals and drought resiliency requirements into California’s water planning today passed the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee. SB 606 is a bill that will be used to enact the measures necessary to make water efficiency a California way of life. The legislation is part of a two-house package of bills, with leading legislators working with Gov. Jerry Brown and his administration to craft the framework for improved water conservation and planning
practices. “Much of our water infrastructure, planning and resource assessments are managed as they were 50 years ago. Even our consumption practices are antiquated,” Hertzberg said. “We know water supplies will be severely strained in California in the 21st century, and it’s high time to take our water planning and conservation efforts to the next level.” “Water is something in California we perceive to have an abundance of, but we do not,” Skinner said. “Our goal is to make water efficiency as easy and effortless as California has made energy efficiency.” The committee approved the bill on a 9-0 vote.
California experienced a severe drought from 2012-2016 that is considered to be the driest fouryear period in over 100 years. In addition, climate change models predict the state will see continuing cycles of similar harsh droughts. In May 2016, Brown signed an executive order to “make water conservation a way of life” in California. The order directed administration agencies to develop a conservation framework, and since then several bills have been authored to help flesh out the plan. SB 606 serves as a vehicle to bring all the legislative and administrative work on conservation planning together. n
STONY BROOK, New York – A team from the Philippine Science High School (Main Campus) grabbed second place in an international clean technology student competition held on July 14 at Stony Brook University. Teammates Philippe Bungabong, Justine Opulencia and Maded Batara III won the honor at the 2017 Clean Tech Challenge for their project, “Development of an Integrated Online System for the Regulation of Household Electricity Consumption.” The project was one of 10 finalists selected from 330 entries submitted by teams of over 700 students from 26 countries. An earlier version of the same project garnered the prize as the Most Innovative Research Project at the International Student Science Fair in Korea held in June. Advisers Joaquin Almirante
Philippe Gene Bungabong, Maded Batara III, and Justine Marcus Opulencia with fellow winners of the Clean Tech Competition 2017. Inquirer.net photo by Miggy Martija
and Ralph Hipolito accompanied the team. The Clean Tech Competition is a unique, worldwide research and design challenge for precollege youth. The program encourages scientific understanding of real-world issues and the integration of environmentally responsible energy sources. Each year, the Clean Tech Competition addresses an issue
US envoy says PH gov’t remains committed to alliance 5 ways the Senate GOP health bill... by Dana
SioSon AJPress
THE Philippine government remains ‘committed’ to its longstanding alliance with the United States. Despite Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s previous antagonistic statements against Washington, U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim reiterated the country’s commitment to its longstanding ally in a recent interview. “My sense is that the Philippines’ government, starting with President Duterte, remains committed to the relationship. There’s mutual respect for the relationship and mutual appreciation for the importance of the relationship,” Kim told ANC. Duterte has been constantly lashing out against the U.S. government for its supposed interference with Philippine affairs, particularly in his campaign against illegal drugs. He even chided former U.S. President Barack Obama
and other Washington lawmakers in expletive-peppered speeches. He also launched the so-called Philippine independent foreign policy in pursuit of closer ties with Moscow and Beijing, and lessening of Manila’s dependency on Washington. While such issues raised questions on the true status of the relationship between the Philippines and U.S., Kim reaffirmed that nothing has changed between the two countries’ bilateral ties. “Whether it’s in the alliance management or the robust economic partnership, all of the good work that the U.S. Agency for International Development is doing here, I don’t think anything has changed,” Kim said. Kim admitted that the U.S. remains concerned over the alleged violation of human rights linked to the drug war, but, likewise, acknowledged that the issue of narcotics is a “serious problem for the Philippines.”
US offers 2 spy planes in Marawi... PAGE A1 Marawi City after the break out of local terror groups. “They are not new people. Actually, that’s why there was no need for us to ask for their help because they’ve been here all along,” Lorenzana said last July
5 in a press briefing. Despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s previous remarks on Washington for criticizing his campaign against illegal drugs, both Lorenzana and Kim affirm that Philippines-U.S. relations remain strong.
“We do have concerns about some aspects of the anti-drug campaign, but at the same time, I want to make clear that we completely understand that there is a serious situation here involving illegal use of drugs, and that the government is right to focus on this important problem, very serious problem for the Philippines,” Kim said. Kim, who was named the ambassador to Manila a few months before Duterte assumed the presidency, said he met with the Filipino leader six times. He described their meetings as “very detailed, cordial, friendly, very substantive.” “They have been very, very cordial discussions. He has a very good sense of humor, so we enjoyed that. And of course, he and I were both prosecutors, so I think we have that common background which helps in discussing issues like law enforcement,” the ambassador added. n
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University’s Health Policy Institute. “It’s a very different thing in insurance. None of us is immune from someday becoming one of those sick people. Insurance is supposed to protect us from unpredictable risk.” One bill provision, dubbed the “Cruz amendment,” for backer Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, would allow insurers to offer plans stripped of most of the ACA’s requirements so long as they also offer some policies that do meet those rules. The provision aims to win support from conservatives who want lower premiums, which would be achieved with the more limited benefit package. But it’s not so simple. Consumers would have to weigh the tradeoffs between price and their somewhat unpredictable future needs. “This is the fundamental divide,” said Christopher Condeluci, an attorney and former counsel to the Senate Finance Committee. “You are taking a risk in purchasing a less comprehensive plan “My sense is that the Philip- because you never know what’s pine government starting with going to happen. But, if you feel President Duterte remains this is the right type of plan, then committed to the relationship. you should have ability to make There’s mutual respect for the that economic and risk decision.” relationship and mutual appreACA supporters, though, see ciation for the importance of the high value in the strong consumer relationship,” Kim said. (With safeguards. reports from Elijah Roderos/AJThe ACA, they say, rescued Press) consumers left wanting by some of the choices on the individual market. Before the ACA, some policies had very limited coverage, not covering hospitalization, for example, or paying only small amounts toward doctor visits, tests or drugs. Sometimes consumers were misled by insurers or agents about the breadth of coverage. Sometimes they were just confused and didn’t realize the limits until after the medical problem occurred — their most vulnerable point — leaving some on the hook for hefty medical costs. The ACA’s comprehensive benefit rules, supporters say, may add to premium costs, but protect consumers from making bad choices — deliberately or inadvertently — that could result in tens of thousands in unpaid medical bills or no treatment altogether. The next steps in the Senate’s consideration of the GOP health plan are now uncertain as Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz), a key GOP vote, recovers from surgery and the intra-party fissures emerge. McCain issued a statement urging that the chamber return to “regular order, hold hearings, receive input from members of both parties” to produce the legislation. But Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) signaled his intent to hold a vote to repeal the health law with a two year delay. As the discussion continues from this point, here are five things you
should know about how this marketplace provision could play out: 1. Premiums would be lower, but maybe not for you. Because they would cover less, premiums on such policies would be lower for healthy people. That’s how the market was before the ACA passed, when insurers could reject people with preexisting medical conditions in most states. The ACA barred that practice, so insurers generally raised everyone’s rates to cover those who were ill. Premium increases were softened for consumers who received subsidies to purchase ACA coverage, but really hit people with incomes of more than $48,000 and who are not eligible for subsidies. Still, the Cruz plan might not lower premiums for everyone. Insurers could use a person’s health — including their claims history and genetic profile — to set rates, a move barred in ACA plans. They could also outright reject people deemed too risky or sick. People with medical conditions — or those that develop them while covered — could be charged far more than those without. And the Senate bill doesn’t offer consumers help in buying the plans. Federal subsidies cannot be used to purchase the Cruz amendment plans. 2. Coverage would be less generous. Because the plans would not have to include the ACA’s ten “essential health benefits” — hospital care and prescription drugs among them — consumers could end up paying those expenses themselves. Those costs could be high, as insurers could also forego the ACA’s annual out-of-pocket caps, which this year are $7,150 for individual coverage and $14,300 for family plans. The policies cannot set annual or lifetime dollar limits on care, but under the Cruz amendment, insurers could use deductibles or other out-of-pocket costs to achieve a similar goal: shifting more costs to consumers. For example, chemotherapy might have unlimited annual coverage, but only after a huge deductible — say $10,000 or $20,000 — is met. 3. It would create essentially two different markets. Insurers could offer Cruz amendment plans, so long as they also offered at least one gold level, one silver level and one “benchmark” plan that meets the ACA rules. But there’s nothing saying they would have to actively market those plans. Most policy experts fear the result would be market segmentation — a siphoning off of the healthiest people into Cruz plans. “The attempt here is to turn what we know as Obamacare today into a high-risk pool,” said Robert
that is grounded in core technological competency areas and focuses on the next great engineering challenges. The competition is designed to foster a deeper understanding of STEM- (science, technology, engineering, and math) related concepts, recognize outstanding talent and prepare the next generation of globally competitive innovators. (Inquirer.net) Laszewski, an insurance industry consultant. Then what would happen? Premium costs could rise rapidly for people in the ACA plans and, at the same time, subsidies for consumers purchasing those plans would become less generous for many, particularly older people. Even the insurers’ trade lobby has sounded alarm about the Cruz approach, sending a letter last week to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) that called it “simply unworkable in any form.” 4. You might be temporarily barred from broader coverage. Because the plans won’t be considered “creditable coverage,” consumers who buy one and then decide to switch to a plan that is consistent with ACA rules might face a penalty of having to wait six months for that coverage to begin. That lockout period aims to keep people from jumping in and out of comprehensive coverage. Here’s how that would work: Someone with a stripped down plan gets cancer and wants to switch to coverage that is more generous. Under the current proposal, that person might have to wait six months, which could complicate if not threaten their cancer treatment. Some experts read the proposal as appearing to offer a small exception to that six-month lockout — but only if consumers don’t have a single-day gap between the day their Cruz amendment policy expires and the new ACA-compliant plan kicks in. “People would have the freedom to choose, but the difference between the choices and the consequences of those choices are extraordinary,” said Laszewski, a longtime critic of the ACA who has blasted the proposed Senate replacement. “Do they roll the dice with their health and hope they never get sick?” 5. They are different from “catastrophic plans.” The bill would also expand eligibility for coverage known as catastrophic plans. These are not the same as the Cruz amendment plans. Catastrophic plans include the broader array of ACA benefits. They also allow three doctor visits annually exempt from the deductible. At the same time, however, their deductibles are higher than any of the other types of ACA plans sold, equal to those previously mentioned annual out-of-pocket limits. So far, they haven’t been terribly popular. They are currently limited to people age 30 and younger, with a few other exceptions. The Senate bill would make them available to all ages — and allow subsidies to be used to purchase them. (Julie Appleby) This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n
Justices’ recusal prompts re-raffle...
PAGE A1 for the magostrates’ inhibition from the petition. “There are reasons but they were not disclosed to me. So, siguro hintayin na lang natin yung resolution they will probably write the reasons there,” the SC Public Information chief said. Marcos and the six detained employees — called the “Ilocos Six” reminiscent of labels for political prisoners — filed the petition for a writ of amparo before the SC last Thursday, July 13. They were asking the high tribunal to assume jurisdiction over the employees’ detention by the House of Representatives. The petition was filed against House Majority leader Rodolfo Fariñas, House Committee of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability chair Johnny Pimentel, and Sergeantat-Arms of the House Roland Detabali. According to the Supreme Court, the writ of amparo “is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and
Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos shows a copy of a petition she filed on behalf of the Ilocos Six. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban
security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity.” It covers extralegal killings and enforced disappearances or threats thereof.” The Ilocos Six have been detained at the House of Representatives for nearly two months after being cited for contempt. They allegedly refused to share their knowledge regarding the misuse of tobacco excise funds released to the province.
The detained public employees are Bids and Awards Committee and Provincial and Planning Development Unit chair Pedro Agcaoili, Provincial Treasurer Josephine Calajate, accountant Edna Battulayan, Provincial Budget Officer Evangeline Tabulog, and Treasury Office employees Genedine Jambaro and Encarnacion Gaor. The Court of Appeals 4th Division earlier ordered the provisional release of the Ilocos Six, however, the members of the House of Representatives opposed the move and even issued a show cause order against the CA magistrates. In a joint statement last June 21, both Sereno and Reyes, then CA presiding justice, urged the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability to review its show cause order against CA justices Stephen Cruz, Edwin Sorongon and Nina Antonio Valenzuela. Gov. Marcos alleges that provincial politics are behind the probe on her administration’s use of the tobacco excise taxes. n
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SAF widows welcome Aquino indictment Sen. Gordon says former president should face ‘graver charges’ by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE widows of the fallen Special Action Force (SAF) commandos welcomed the Office of the Ombudsman’s recent order to file criminal charges against former Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III over his alleged role in the botched Mamasapano operation conducted two years ago. “He (Aquino) is the primary official responsible for the death of our loved ones,” Melanie Duque told Inquirer on Saturday, July 15. Duque is the wife of PO3 Andres Duque Jr., one of the fallen 44 SAF troopers who were ambushed by Moro rebels during an operation on January 25, 2015 — dubbed as “Oplan Exodus” — that aims capture two Malaysian terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. On Friday, July 14, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales indicted Aquino for the usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, and for violating the Section 3(a) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, or Republic Act (RA) No. 3019. Also cited as Aquino’s co-respondents were former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima and former PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) head Getulio Napeñas. With the Ombudsman’s order, Duque expressed hope that she and other families of the fallen SAF troopers would finally obtain the long-sought justice for their loved ones. “I have been crying. [With the latest development], I believe that PO3 Duque is rejoicing,” she added.
Merlyn Gamutan, widow of Senior Insp. Joey Gamutan, also wanted Aquino and his other top police officials be held liable for the tragic event, pointing out that their husbands would still be alive “if not for their negligence.” Kristine Clemencio, widow of PO1 Mark Lory Clemencio, likewise, welcomed the Ombudsman’s order. “I am happy with this development. [I] hope this will be the first step for us to achieve the justice we have been seeking all this time,” Clemencio said. While admitting that she fears the case against Aquino may not prosper, she said she is “ only pinning [her] hope to President [Rodrigo] Duterte who personally gave his assurance to [them] that justice would be served to [them] and our loved ones.” For Christine Cempron, widow of PO1 Romeo Cempron, the search for justice may still had a long way to go but she “will endure it to secure justice for the SAF 44.” Cempron said Aquino and Purisima “have the hardest hearts, as if they have not committed any lapses, as if nothing happened.” “I don’t care if it will take a long time. At least, the case is moving,” she added. ‘Graver charges’ In a radio interview, Senator Richard Gordon said Aquino should have been charged with with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, He pointed out that Aquino, as the then-commander-inchief, was clearly in charge of the operation. “If you were to ask me, without going to the Ombudsman I
would have filed graver charges. It is clearly multiple homicide to reckless imprudence,” said Gordon, who also heads the Senate committee on justice and human rights. The Office of the Ombudsman recommend the filing of graft and usurpation of authority charges against Aquino, Purisima, and Napeñas but it dismissed the “complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide” against them due to “lack of probable cause.” Gordon remarked that the Ombudsman “watered down” the sins of Aquino when it did not indict homicide charges against the former president. He said the Senate would definitely reopen its investigation into the Mamasapano tragedy and will invite Aquino to the proceedings. “Yes I will invite him (Aquino), nobody will be exempted,” Gordon said. Following the proposal to reopen the Mamasapano probe, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who was quick to criticize Gordon, said that the Senate should instead reinvestigate the supposed thousands of deaths in connection with the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. “Mas aatupagin pa ni Sen. Gordon ‘yung nakaraang issue na piniga na ng husto ng dating Congreso pero ‘yung mga libolibong pinapatay na Pilipino sa kasalukuyan, wala siyang panahon (Gordon would rather deal with an old issue that has already been squeezed out by the previous Congress, but for the thousands of Filipinos being killed presently, he has no time),” Trillanes said. ■
Despite criticisms, Duterte still finds... PAGE A2 lino Pimentel III, some members of the Senate and the House, assistant secretaries and staff members also joined the presidential delegation to Russia. The former president said that the trip turned out to be a “junket” and that “some people should have stayed behind.” The Palace, in return, answered that it is important to have the “key members” of the president’s administration to accompany
Duterte. Ramos played a role in convincing Duterte to run for the presidency during the 2016 national elections. Duterte has ever since showed respect and trust towards Ramos, as manifested in different forms — through speeches, special assignments and as a “source” of information. During the president’s inaugural speech, he gave Ramos a special mention, saying, “Presi-
dent Fidel Ramos, sir, salamat po sa tulong mo (thank you for your help in) making me president.” In July, Duterte assigned Ramos to be the administration’s special envoy to negotiate talks with China regarding the controversial West Philippine Sea. In September, Duterte revealed that Ramos was one of his sources for his list of personalities linked to illegal drugs. However, Ramos denied giving such info to the president. ■
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OPINION
Commitment to peace
FEATURES
FOR decades, the Philippines has been on a quest for lasting peace. While the country is spared from being left in turmoil, the lingering process also comes with debilitating consequences on the people and the environment in areas of conflict. There have been numerous attempts in peace and development interventions, but the country has yet to see one that guarantees a lasting solution. On Monday, July 17, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) turned over its draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to President Rodrigo Duterte, who promised to support it through the legislative process. “I commit to support my covenant with you that I will support and husband this instrument as it goes in the legislator for its consideration. And there will be no objections of the provisions of all that is consistent with the Constitution and the aspiration of the Moro people,” the president said during a ceremony at Malacañang. In return, Duterte assured Moro people that a Bangsamoro country will rise in Mindanao during his term. “This will be realized while preserving and strengthening the territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines,” Duterte added. Duterte described the BBL as a manifestation of the shared aspirations of the Philippine government and the Moro people for a peaceful, orderly and harmonious nation. “May this new entity be marked by good gover-
nance, equitable sharing of wealth and generation of revenue, and normalized, stable environment. We will achieve sustainable and inclusive peace and development in the Bangsamoro, Mindanao and the entire country,” Duterte said. Mohagher Iqbal, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator, echoed the president’s sentiments as he described the BBL as the “the menu for solidarity and unity of this country.” “If the Bangsamoro people are given the opportunity to rule itself and be given development, then they will succeed in this country,” Iqbal said. Meanwhile, Duterte hopes that his promise of autonomy for the Moro people will persuade Filipino Muslims to reject the Islamic State (IS) group. The president has already asked the Congress to extend his declaration of martial law in Mindanap as government forces still continue their operations to flush out IS-linked militants from Marawi City. As of July 17, the death toll in the Marawi crisis has reached 540, with at least 405 terrorists, 97 soldiers and 45 civilians killed. The BBL will go through a grueling process in cal will from all parties involved. The task is no doubt high, and expectations from Congress before seeing its passage. This ambitious undertaking requires resoluteness and politi- every Filipino and international spectator is grow-
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
ing by the day. The tendency to transform the Philippines as a citadel of peace should be worth all trouble. (AJPress)
Trump declares ‘let Obamacare fail’ as Trumpcare collapses again
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PRESIDENT Donald Trump loves to win and he just would never give up even after his campaign promise to “repeal and replace Obamacare on Day One” has collapsed many times over in the Republican-dominated House and Senate, despite going through several revisions and incarnations within his six months of presidency. After not being able to win enough support even among members of his own party to put the most recent “repeal and replace” Republican health care bill on the Senate floor for a vote, Trump and Senate Majority Floor Leader Mitch McConnell agreed to just repeal Obamacare and then come up with an acceptable replacement
bill within two years. But even this Plan B has collapsed even before any debate or votes could be done as four Republicans have signified their decisions to vote NO. Democrats have consistently and firmly declared that they would only work with Republicans to “repair” Obamacare and not to repeal it, which means to pass the bill, the party of Trump cannot afford to lose more than two votes. This desperate Plan B was considered, despite pledging many times during the campaign that he will push for a “repeal and replace” of Obamacare instead of just repealing it because he did not want “people dying in the streets.” But after realizing how difficult and complicated it is to repeal and/or replace Obamacare as he promised, Trump has now repeatedly expressed
his disappointment over the collapse of Trumpcare, and declared that it is time to “let Obamacare fail.” “I think we’re probably in that position where we’ll let Obamacare fail,” Trump said at the White House this week. “We’re not going to own it. I’m not going to own it. I can tell you, the Republicans are not going to own it.” Trump blamed the Democrats saying, “We have 52 people, we had no Democrat support. We had four ‘no’s…It would be nice to have Democrat support but really they’re obstructionist. They have no ideas. They have no thought process. All they want to do is obstruct government and obstruct, period.” Speaking from the White House on Tuesday, July 18, Trump said, “I am disappointed because for so many years I’ve
been hearing repeal, replace.” Then he pivoted to 2018 saying, “With only a very small majority, the Republicans in the House & Senate need more victories next year since Dems totally obstruct, no votes!” What Trump does not realize is that the health care issue is NOT all about politics. For Democrats and the few Republicans who stood their ground to fight against the bill that will repeal and replace Obamacare, it is about what will be good for their constituents. Health care, after all, is NOT a commodity. We are talking about something very personal — peoples’ health and lives. Doesn’t he consider the fact that lawmakers and local government officials also consider the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office which reports that with Trumpcare, more people will be left uninsured
compared to what will happen if Obamacare stays? That the poor and the hard-working middle class will be the ones most vulnerable while the richest of the rich will be rewarded with hefty tax credits? Doesn’t he realize that this Republican health care bill does not really have the approval and support of most Americans as revealed by polls after polls? And this sentiment is also shared even by Trump’s own voters. Just 12 percent of Americans living in the counties that fueled Donald Trump’s win in the 2016 presidential election support the Republican Party’s efforts on health care, as revealed by the results of the NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll of these “Trump counties.” How can Trump wash his hands and say he does not own this problem and just let Obam-
acare fail? Doesn’t he realize he is responsible for people who will lose their access to health care should this happen? Is he praying for this to happen so he can say he “won”? Why is he so obsessed with repealing Obamacare when he and the Republicans can work with Democrats to repair the bill and make it work better for the American people? Is it because this is a major legacy of the first African-American president and they just want to kill it as they did with other Obama initiatives to protect ordinary hardworking Americans? *** 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
The Philippines is now master in its own court
Opinion
FRANCISCO TATAD MORE than any attempt by President Rodrigo Duterte to sharpen his image as an “independent” head of state, a ruling by Associate Justice Normandie Pizarro of the Court of Appeals’ 12th Division affirming Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Bonifacio Pascua’s earlier denial of a $2 billion indemnity package awarded by a U.S. federal court to alleged Filipino martial law victims, now stands as the latest and most significant assertion of Philippine sovereignty vis-à-vis the United States. Unless later reversed by the Supreme Court on appeal by the affected parties, it will go down in history as a landmark decision that proclaims the Philippine court’s judicial independence and courage. It seems safe to assume the high court will not want to be seen lesser than the appellate court. As reported in the mainstream press, the ruling arose from a class suit filed in 1991 before a U.S. District Court in Hawaii by a group of 10 individuals, claiming to represent 10,000 alleged human rights victims during Martial Law under President Ferdinand Marcos. The Philippine government did not question the jurisdiction
of the U.S. court. On February 3, 1995, the court decided that Marcos was “accountable for the torture, murder and disappearance of countless human rights victims,” and ordered the Marcos estate to pay $1.964 billion to the alleged victims. In 1997, former RTC judge Priscilla Mijares, former Human Rights Commission Chairman Loreta Ann Rosales, movie director Joel Lamangan, Hilda Narciso and Mariano Dimaranan filed a suit before the Makati RTC seeking enforcement of the U.S. court ruling. This was dismissed by RTC Branch 56 Judge Pascua, who ruled that the Hawaii court’s ruling cannot be enforced in the Philippines for lack of jurisdiction. The group then appealed their petition to the Court of Appeals. An independent and sovereign court Associate Justice Pizarro ruled, with Associate Justices Samuel Gaerlan and Joseph Lopez of the 12th Division concurring, that the appellate court found no reversible error in the lower court’s ruling and therefore upheld its dismissal of the petition by Mijares et al. The CA held that those who filed the class suit in the U.S. had no legal standing to represent the thousands of alleged victims, none of whom was shown to have executed a power of attorney authorizing the group to represent them in a class suit.
The court pointed out that the alleged torture, summary execution and disappearance of the purported victims cannot be joined into a class suit since “no two persons can suffer the same nature and degree of injury and damage.” For me, the most significant part of the court’s ruling is that which declares the final judgment of the Hawaii court “null and void, for want of jurisdiction,” and therefore “may not be enforced.” “Rules of comity should not be made to prevail over our Constitution and we cannot allow foreign impositions to trample upon our sovereignty,” the court said. After Marcos fell from power, and was flown to Hawaii in 1986, revolutionary President Corazon C. Aquino barred the Marcoses from returning to the Philippines to answer charges against them for crimes they were supposed to have committed against Filipinos in the Philippines. Marcos died in Hawaii in 1989, and Imelda Marcos was finally allowed to come home in 1991, after winning her celebrated case in New York, in order to run in the 1992 presidential elections. What Cory wanted to do But Cory Aquino remained determined to let the U.S. courts handle the so-called human rights cases against Marcos. This was an abdication of Philippine sovereignty, which should never have happened, unless the
country had reverted to being a colony or protectorate of the U.S. But Cory Aquino was totally unprepared to run the affairs of a sovereign state, and anti-Marcos propaganda had tilted public opinion heavily against Marcos not only in the country but above all in the U.S. Outside of President Ronald Reagan, the U.S. political leadership (the State Department, the Pentagon and Congress) in 1986 supported the ouster of Marcos. And well-meaning Filipinos applauded the fact that Cory Aquino had rebuffed Marcos’ plea to answer any and all charges against him in the Philippines, and that instead a U.S. court should hear cases involving crimes he was supposed to have committed against Filipinos in the Philippines. Some people seemed ready to invest the U.S. court with the same power and jurisdiction which an international treaty (the Rome Statute) had invested the International Criminal Court at The Hague. Hopefully, the Pizarro ruling should be the last word on this. Genuine victims deserve indemnity This does not mean that genuine victims of human rights violations should not be legally compensated for damages. Many innocent civilians undoubtedly suffered in the hands of the military and the police. They deserve to be indemnified for their suffer-
ing, which can never be justified nor fully indemnified. But they must be thoroughly screened and accurately documented, and segregated from the communist combatants whose rebellion prompted Marcos in 1972 to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus throughout the Philippines. Martial Law threw them back, but Marcos’ ouster and Cory Aquino’s assumption into power gave them a new lease on life. Cory released the communists from jail, and as soon as she did, they tried to regroup and reorganize; their top leaders sought foreign sanctuary in Utrecht, the Netherlands, where they became the last subsisting communists in Europe after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. I have always thought that those who participated in the armed struggle against the government were ready to accept whatever they had gone through as the price of failing to bring down the government by force, just as the government’s loyal troops who had suffered in the hands of the communists have accepted everything they had gone through as the price of fighting for freedom and the democratic and republican state. I was wrong. While victims of military abuse are free to denounce the abuse and claim economic compensation for it, the NPA could kill a govern-
ment official, trooper or a civilian for reasons of their own, and the case is “closed” as soon as it is known the NPA was behind it. No NPA leader is facing any charge of violating anybody’s human rights, and being asked to indemnify any victim or their families. Now, who should indemnify the bona fide Martial Law victims? The Marcos estate or somebody else? To me this remains an unresolved issue, which should be thoroughly re-examined by the competent authorities. Not too long ago, the transfer of some “hidden wealth” from a Marcos account in Switzerland to the Philippines energized some human rights claimants to demand that they receive it. I do not recall exactly what happened here. The law says monies recovered by the Presidential Commission on Good Government from Marcos’ alleged stash of “ill-gotten wealth” should be used specifically for agrarian reform. So, unless the law was violated, it should have gone to the Department of Agrarian Reform. Assuming the Marcos estate is required by law to indemnify the human rights victims, any money recovered by the PCGG from the alleged Marcos stash becomes money of the state and therefore cannot be used to fulfil the estate’s duty to the claimants. However, I have grave misgivings about the correctness of
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Opposition lawmakers assess Duterte’s first year of presidency by Dana
SioSon AJPress
OPPOSITION lawmakers on Sunday, July 16 gave Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte a critical assessment on his first year of presidency just a week before he delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Risa Hontiveros and Bam Aquino, as well as Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat and Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, delivered their own assessment of Duterte’s leadership in a counter-SONA dubbed “So Ano Na?” (What now?). In the forum held at the University of the Philippines, Diliman in Quezon city, the lawmakers heavily criticized Duterte over several issues, including alleged deaths in connection with his campaign against illegal drugs, the Marawi siege, as well as his “rape jokes.” Trillanes said he would give Duterte a score of three out of ten, citing the thousands of alleged state-sanctioned deaths linked in his campaign against illegal drugs. “Ang grade ko sa first year ng Duterte administration is three out of 10, dahil unang una, pinapatay niya yung mga Pilipino (My grade for the first year is three out of ten, because first, he killed Filipinos),” Trillanes said. He pointed out that as the president, Duterte should instead protect the well-being of Filipinos. Trillanes also blamed Duterte over the detention of Senator Leila De Lima saying, “Duterte did this to instill fear, not only to silence De Lima, in the opposition and ordinary people.” De Lima, also a fierce critic of Duterte, has been detained since February over drug charges filed against. In her statement, which was
read by Trillanes, De Lima lamented the the killings and violation of human rights under the present administration. “Human rights is under attack, and not just by killings in the streets. The battle is also being waged in the people’s minds. And that’s where the war will be won or lost,” De Lima said. She lamented how “despite everything he has said and done,” Duterte “continues to enjoy a high satisfaction rating from our people—at least according to some sources.” “More precisely, it bothers me that there does not seem to be enough clamor against the killings that have been committed thus far—both from ordinary Filipinos, and also from key institutions,” De Lima said. Alejano, meanwhile, slammed Duterte for supposedly neglecting other issues, citing the national security issues which was being challenged by the ongoing Marawi siege. “Bakit hindi napigilan ito? [Dahil] naging abala si Duterte sa kanyang war on drugs na halos dito lang umiikot ang kanyang mundo at napabayaan na ang ibang isyu (Why is this not averted? Because Duterte has been too busy with his war drugs and neglected other issues),” he added. Alejano also claimed that the Duterte administration “has no sense of organization and direction,” noting that the president himself “has been divisive and his actions have not been unifying.” “His allies have been demonizing institutions and personalities and discredit those who are critical of the current administration,” he added. Hontiveros, on the other hand, said she couldn’t give Duterte a passing grade because of the
CA junks $2-billion claim... PAGE A1 Pizarro, affirmed the RTC’s decision which concluded that the ruling of the U.S. District Court in Hawaii was not binding because it lacks jurisdiction over the class suit docketed as Class Action No. MDL 840. “Rules of comity should not be made to prevail over our Constitution and we cannot allow foreign impositions to trample upon our sovereignty,” the CA stated. In its decision, the appellate court said the Hawaii court violated the right to due process of all the unnamed claimants as well as the respondent Marcos estate. It also noted that the 10 Filipino citizens who initiated MDL 840 failed to prove that they were “truly and legally authorized by the other purported claimants.” “In other words, each claimant in MDL 840 had a right, if any, only to the damage that such individual may have suffered, and not one of them had any right to or can claim any interest in the damage or injury which another suffered. Hence, MDL 840 was
not and should not have been brought as a class suit,” the CA said. The claimants, who filed the class suit before the U.S. district court on May 9, 1991, are Celsa Hilao, Josefina Hilao Forcadilla, Arturo Revilla, Jr., Rodolfo Benosa, Danila Fuente, Renato Pineda, Adora Faye de Vera, Domiciano Amparo, Christopher Sorio, and Jose Duran. “It boggles the mind how the final judgment could be enforced when the supposed claimants were not even identified… it gave no opportunity for the Marcos Estate to confront each and every claimant,” the CA decision read. The CA further noted that the classification of the claimants into three categories – torture, summary execution and disappearance victims – cannot be joined into a class suit since “no two persons can suffer the same nature and degree of injury or damage.” “All told, the Final Judgment of the Hawaii Court, being null and void for want of jurisdiction, may not be enforced,” the CA said. n
The Philippines is now master... PAGE A6 the basic proposition. The proclamation of Martial Law, which was in force and in effect from September 21, 1972 to January 17, 1981, was an official act of the Philippine state. It was not a private personal act of Ferdinand Marcos. Any excesses committed by those who enforced it must therefore be referred directly to the state, without excluding the individuals involved. Any indemnity to any “victim” should therefore be demanded not from any particular individual, but from the state. Is this thesis correct or not? This deserves to be given the utmost consideration by our best minds. PNoy’s indictment While we are discussing a judicial issue of the highest importance, we could perhaps segue to the current excitement about Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales’ reported decision to indict former President B. S. Aquino 3rd for “usurpation of authority” in connection with the botched special police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on January 25, 2015. This operation resulted in the massacre of 44 Special Action Force commandos, after Aquino reportedly ordered the military reinforcement units to stand down instead of coming to the rescue of the badly outnumbered commandos. It is to be regretted that PDU30 could not restrain himself from calling the Ombudsman’s finding “silly”, but that is probably the least that can be said about it. Whose authority did he usurp? As President and Commander in
Chief, Aquino acted beyond his authority when he brought former PNP Chief Allan Purisima, who was under suspension at the time, into the operation to recover high-value terrorist targets in Mamasapano, while cutting off the Secretary of Interior and Local Governments and the acting PNP Chief from the chain of command. This was clearly a misuse or abuse of authority but certainly not usurpation of authority. But the real question that has been asked by the SAF widows and orphans, and by the men and women of the police and the military and everyone else, who has followed this tragedy to this day is this: Would the 44 SAF commandos have perished if Aquino did not directly or indirectly order the military reinforcement units to stand down, instead of answering the distress calls of the commandos? If Aquino has to be charged at all, it has to be in relation to this. But this is obviously a tough call. The Ombudsman is an Aquino appointee, but somehow related to the DU30 family by affinity. She is threatened with impeachment by one noisy anti-crime group, which claims to enjoy the blessings of DU30. She has to walk the tightrope. She has apparently decided to please both sides by charging Aquino with a crime, but it has to be a crime which does not exist or which he cannot possibly be guilty of. This has been done before by one distinguished secretary of justice. And he got away with it. The trouble, though, is that no less than the President himself has said the Empress is naked. (ManilaTimes.net)
war killings and his misogynistic statements trivializing the issue of rape. “The sheer weight of extrajudicial killings, the sexism and misogyny, the sheer weight of the lying that has been going on on various fronts, ay naitataboy kahit yung ilan na mabubuting nangyayari, kaya di ko mabigyan ng passing grade (pushes away the good events, that’s why I can’t give him a passing grade),” Hontiveros said. She also called Duterte a “champion of male sexism, chauvinism, at misogyny” for trivializing rape. In the past, some of Duterte’s “jokes” and behaviors that deemed sexist and offensive for women’s groups, like catcalling a news reporter during a media briefing, have been subject to criticism. n
PNP-PCRG’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY. Senator JV Ejercito troops the line with Chief Superintendent Gilbert Cruz in Camp Crame on Monday, July 17) as the PNP-Police Community Relations Group gave arrival honors to Ejercito as Guest Honor and Speaker in their 25th Anniversary celebration. Senate photo
Ombudsman Morales tells Duterte to review her statement by Jennifer
Soriano
AJPress
OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio-Morales clarified that her “goading people to kill” comment was her own personal view and not something dictated by the law. “Her answer was ‘goading people to kill’ irrespective of the context is, to me, unacceptable.’ She did not say anything about any law against threatening criminals,” the Office of the
Ombudsman said on Monday, July 17. “The president should review what she said first,” it added. Furthermore, Morales “does not find it necessary to say anything more.” Morales’ statement came after President Rodrigo Duterte challenged her to present him a law that says threatening to kill criminals is illegal. The ombudsman said she was “amused” after finding
out the response of the president. Earlier, Japan’s NHK World interviewed Morales. The interview was aired Thursday night (July 13) in the Philippines. “He’s goading people to kill people. That’s a problem. His communications people say ‘that’s hyperbole,’” Morales was quoted during the interview. Morales’ latest clarifica-
tion affirmed her statement last year when she said there is nothing illegal in the president’s threats to kill criminals in his public speeches. The 76-year-old ombudsman is related to the president by affinity. Morales is the sister of Atty. Lucas Carpio, Jr., husband of Court of Appeals Justice Agnes Reyes Carpio. Agnes and Lucas are the parents of Mans Carpio, Sara Duterte’s husband. n
A JuLY 19-21, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOuRNAL
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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal
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Remittance inflows rebound in May
by lawrenCe
aGCaoli Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines - The amount of cash and personal remittances from overseas Filipinos recovered to hit a two-month high in May after dropping sharply in April, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Monday, July 17. BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said personal remittances climbed 7.1 percent to $2.59 billion in May from the $2.42 billion recorded in the same month last year. Personal remittances represent the sum of net compensation of employees, personal transfers, and capital transfers between households. It measures the total amount of remittance flows into the country, including cash and non-cash items that flow through both formal or via electronic wire and informal channels such as money or goods carried across borders.
BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said personal remittances climbed 7.1 percent to $2.59 billion in May from the $2.42 billion recorded in the same month last year. Philstar file photo.
Data showed personal remittances increased 5.2 percent to $12.61 billion in the first five months of the year from $11.99 billion in the same period last year. Espenilla said personal remittances from land-based workers with contracts of one year or more grew 5.9 percent from January to May to compensate for the 0.6 percent decline in remittances from sea – and land-based workers with
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Philippines eyes free trade agreement with US by riChMond
MerCUrio
Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is looking to take its bilateral relations with the U.S. a notch higher as it eyes to secure a free trade agreement (FTA) with the world’s largest economy. Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, who co-chaired last week’s Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) meeting with Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Barbara Weisel, said a bilateral FTA is the next step between Philippine and U.S. trade relations. “On our part, we put forward that the Philippines is inter-
ested in further enhancing our market access to the U.S. That has always been a key objective of the Philippines, whether we attain it through the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) or the enhancement of the GSP (General System of Preferences) or a bilateral FTA, we are pursuing that,” Rodolfo said. “But since the U.S. is not part of the TPP anymore, therefore our entry now to the U.S. is down to two – enhancement of the GSP, which we are continually doing, and now we’re studying if it’s possible to have a bilateral FTA with the U.S.,” he added. During the TIFA meeting,
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Gov’t studying SMC’s bulacan airport plan San Miguel’s proposed ‘Airport City’ in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Photo from Manilatimes.net by Mayvelin
U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net
THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said an unsolicited proposal by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to build a new international airport in Bulacan was still under consideration by the government. “The airport in Bulacan is still not dead,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia told reporters.
Pernia said the technical board of the agency’s Investment Coordination Committee was studying the proposal. “We are looking at it. We’ll let it go through the process… and then we will make sure that there will be no conditions,” he said. The NEDA chief pointed out that unsolicited projects are required to go through the public-private partnership (PPP) process. Such bids must go through a so-called
Swiss Challenge, in which other investors are allowed to offer competing bids. The original proponent must match a superior bid to get the award. “Well, if the project is unsolicited, it will be all throughout PPP. So they will have to compete,” he said. The timetable for the review of the unsolicited proposal varies depending on the project complexity, Pernia said. The P700-billion airport was proposed
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Foreign firms eye Philippines’ pharmaceutical sector by iris
Gonzales Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines - Some of the country’s existing pharmaceutical players have expressed interest in participating in the Philippine International Trading Corp.’s plan to set up economic zones all over the country. Chinese, Russian and Indian firms have also signified their interest in participating in the
project, PITC president Dave Almarinez said in a recent interview with The STAR. PITC is the trading arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It is putting up economic zones dedicated for pharmaceutical companies as it aims to make the Philippines a major manufacturing hub for medicines in the region, making it at par with India and other pharmaceutical hubs
in the world. There are big conglomerates that want to enter the pharmaceutical market. Almarinez said members of the Philippine and Healthcare Association of the Philippines have expressed interest in joining the project. The government would provide incentives for players in these economic zones, which would benefit Filipino consumers be-
cause this would result in lower prices, Almarinez also said. “We will work together with the industry to bring down prices (of medicines),” he said. Almarinez revealed the pharmazone project during his recent report on his first 100 days in office.
u PAGE B3
Business news
B JULY 19-21, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
Lucio Tan takes delivery of new aircraft by IrIs
Gonzales Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines - Taipan Lucio Tan, the Philippines’ third richest man, turned 84 on Monday, July 17, but there’s no stopping him from bringing his multibillion dollar empire – comprising of cigarettes to skyscrapers to airlines – to greater heights. His Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, for instance, will take delivery this week of the new generation Q400 aircraft, which it has acquired from Montreal-based Bombardier Commercial Aircraft Inc. A team from PAL led by its president Jaime Bautista is now in Toronto for this week’s delivery ceremony to be held at Bombardier’s Toronto facility. Tan, chairman of the airlines, did not join the PAL team in Toronto to attend to the rest of his business in Manila but it is because of his vision to make PAL a top airline that company officials are now in Canada to beef up the airline’s fleet. Bautista said the fleet modernization and network expansion are “in line with the flag carrier’s goal of becoming a five-star, full service carrier.� “The Q400s will be used in our domestic route expansion and improvement of our capac-
ity and connectivity,� he said. Specifically, PAL will take delivery of the world’s first bi-class, 86-seater Q400 turboprop aircraft. In all, PAL, which celebrates its 76th anniversary this year, will acquire an additional seven Q400 after placing an order for five aircraft last December. The delivery will be from now until November this year. “We are thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead, and we look forward to offering more capacity and improving connectivity in the region with comfortable, fast and efficient regional aircraft like Bombardier’s 86-seatturboprops,�Bautistasaid. At present, PAL owns four Bombardier DHC 8-300 aircraft and five Bombardier DHC 8400 aircraft on a dry lease arrangement to sister company PAL Express, which it uses for its provincial destinations. PAL’s domestic network, including those covered by PAL Express, is in at least 31 cities and towns nationwide. These include Bacolod, Basco, Butuan, Busuanga, Cagayan, Calbayog, Catarman, Caticlan, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Jolo, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Manila, Masbate, Naga, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Surigao, Tablas, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga.
Lucio Tan
Outside PAL, Tan’s other businesses likewise continue to grow. Last month, during the annual stockholders meeting of LT Group Inc., the taipan’s holding company, Tan said growth would continue across the different businesses. “Your management continues to find ways to innovate and be more cost efficient in the face of stiff competition in all the sectors where we operate. With your support and cooperation, I am confident our growth will continue,� Tan said. LTG’s businesses are Asia Brewery Inc (99.9 percent ownership), Eton (99.6 percent ownership), PMFTC (49.6 percent ownership), Philippine National Bank (56.47 percent), Tanduay Distillers Inc. (100 percent ownership) and Victoria’s Milling Co. (30.17 percent). n
Diokno: Peso still within target range by PhIlIP
C. Tubeza
Inquirer.net
BUDGET Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Friday said there was nothing to worry about the depreciation of the peso against the US currency since the peso-dollar exchange rate was still within the government target range of P48-P52 to a dollar. Diokno said the peso depreciation also favored overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the country’s exporters. “I’m not worried about the peso depreciation ‌ And right now our target, we’ll relax it a little bit. It’s up to ‌ P48-P52, I think. That’s our target,â€? Diokno
told reporters in MalacaĂąang. “My position has been that let’s leave it to the market. Right now, a peso depreciation favors more than half of the Filipinos because of overInquirer file photo seas Filipino re- Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno. mittances,â€? he added. is favorable to our exports secOn July 3, the peso slid to tor, which will then create more P50.545:$1, an almost 11-yearlow. On Friday, it further weak- jobs,â€? Diokno said. “The families of OFWs like this ened to P50.65. “You know, whenever you ‌ because that will increase their have a peso depreciation, that purchasing power,â€? he added. n
Aug 26 (Sat ) Day 1, Angeles, California/Krakow, Poland Our pilgrimage begins with a transatlantic journey from Los Angeles International $LUSRUW WR .UDNRZ 3RODQG 0HDOV VHUYHG LQ À LJKW Aug 27 (Sun) Day 2, Krakow :H ZLOO DUULYH LQ .UDNRZ LQ WKH HYHQLQJ 7KHUH ZH ZLOO PHHW RXU 7RXU 'LUHFWRU DQG GULYHU IRU D WUDQVIHU WR RXU KRWHO 'LQQHU DW WKH KRWHO %% '
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Employers nix additional holidays by IrIs
Gonzales Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines - Employers are opposing plans to further reduce the number of working days through additional holidays, saying this will lead to lower labor productivity and higher cost of doing business in the country. In a position paper, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) expressed opposition to various bills pending before the Senate committee on education, arts and culture seeking the reduction in the number of working days through the declaration of more paid holidays. “Any further reduction in the number of working days through additional holidays would have a cumulative adverse impact not only on productivity but also on the cost of doing business. Employers who find it necessary to operate on such non-working days will have to pay double over and above the regular wage of workers for the first eight hours of work,� ECOP said. “These are the reasons why ECOP is not in favor of bills declaring additional national holidays. ECOP prefers any additional holiday be celebrated as special working days,� the group added. ECOP said there are currently 18 national non-working days in the Philippines, 12 of which are paid holidays and six special days. Regular holidays are paid nonworking days, while special days are unpaid non-working days that particularly apply to dailypaid wage workers based on the principle of “no-work, no-pay.�
In a position paper, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) expressed opposition to various bills pending before the Senate committee on education, arts and culture seeking the reduction in the number of working days through the declaration of more paid holidays. Philstar file photo.
Aside from holidays and special days, ECOP said there are also paid leaves to which male and female wage and salary workers are entitled as provided by law. Summing up the number of all the national non-working days, corresponding paid leaves for male and female workers as well as the mandatory rest day per week to which all workers are entitled, data presented by ECOP showed that the number of working days left in a year for a male is 276 days or 9.2 months, while that for a female is 153 or 135 days equivalent to 5.1 or 4.5 months. “The number of working days in a year becomes significant if correlated with the level of labor productivity of the economy as a key factor of competitiveness,� ECOP said. The group said Philippine labor productivity had been ranked among the lower bottom half in the region over the past several years. “Such low labor productivity impacts heavily on the overall
competitiveness of the country. And based on the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum, Philippine competitiveness continues to rank as among the lowest in the region,� it said. Among the bills being opposed by ECOP is Senate Bill 714 or “An Act Declaring Dec. 25-31 and Jan. 1 as Special Non-working Holidays� introduced by Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Senate Bill 1270 or “An Act Declaring the Last Monday of January as ‘National Bible Day’ and Pronounce the Same a Regular Holiday and Every Year Thereafter� introduced by Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao, Senate Bill 1301 or “An Act Declaring the Last Monday of January as the National Faith Day� introduced by Sen. Joel Villanueva, and Senate Bill 1432 or “An Act Synchronizing the Opening of All Classes in All Schools in the Philippines� introduced by Sen. Francis Escudero. n
based workers retreated 0.6 percent to $2.3 billion. Espenilla said about 80 percent of the cash remittances from January to May came from the US, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, United Kingdom, Qatar, Kuwait, Canada, and Germany. Personal and cash remittances in April declined 5.2 percent and 5.9 percent, respectively. This was due to the repatriation of workers in Saudi Arabia after the state-visit made by President Duterte. The BSP has kept its remittance growth target at four percent for this year despite the diplomatic crisis in the Middle East involving Qatar as well as the
migrant policy of US President Donald Trump. “Low commodity prices and the diplomatic crisis in the Middle East, as well as U.S. Trump’s inward-looking policies – risks recognized by the BSP – could dampen the overseas deployment of Filipino workers in the region and hurt remittance inflows,� Deutsche Bank economist Diana del Rosario said. She pointed out sustained remittance inflows and buoyant revenues from the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector would continue to provide comfort but their ability to counter the widening trade deficit in the current account (CA) would be limited by multiple headwinds. n
Remittance inflows...
PAGE B1 t
contracts of less than one year. The BSP chief said cash remittances grew 5.5 percent to $2.31 billion in May from $2.19 billion in the same month last year. Remittances from land-based workers went up 6.2 percent to $1.8 billion, while the amount sent by sea-based workers inched up three percent to $500 million in May. In all, the amount of money sent home by Filipinos abroad rose 4.5 percent to $11.35 billion in the first five months of the year from $10.86 billion in the same period last year. Contributions from land-based workers rose 5.9 percent to $9 billion, while those from sea-
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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (STORIES can teach, heal, entertain, remind and bring home a message with laser-like accuracy and oftentimes, with latent comment. They appeal to all ages. I like retelling the old classics and seeing how their lessons still apply to our lives today. Like organic botanicals from an older gene pool, these stories are pure, without manipulation or embellishments, and perhaps, are a good thing to chew on. Simple, organic, direct — these are the stories that hit home. The lessons are as good now as they were then. Here’s one of them.) Long ago in the island of Crete, there lived a man named Daedalus, who was famed for his skills as an inventor. He worked for King Minos. Foremost among his many achievements was building the labyrinth in which the king kept the Minotaur, a fearsome, legendary beast which was halfman and half-bull that fed on human flesh. It was said that anyone who went into the labyrinth never came out of it again because of its complex, undecipherable winding walls and corridors. Daedalus was brilliant and this was a problem for the king. Although Daedalus had been giving the king great and loyal service all his life, Minos was deeply insecure and feared that Daedalus who was wise, celebrated and ingenious would, one day challenge him to become king. As a preemptive move, Minos imprisoned Daedalus and his son, Icarus in a prison tower. The king underestimated Daedalus, for one dark night, father and son escaped from their prison tower. They
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Children just like you (1 of 2 parts)
“The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tradegy.” - Alfred North Whitehead
found out however that it was well nigh impossible to escape the island with the paranoid King Minos sending out an all points bulletin to his mindless minions. Minos’ soldiers carefully searched every boat that left the island. Father and son took cover in a remote cave along the shore hidden from the watchful eyes of Minos’ soldiers while Daedalus figured out a way to escape. Watching the seagulls for hours soaring and diving for food on the shore, Daedalus was struck with the idea of flight as an escape route. He caught one bird and studied the structure and form of its wings and after careful thought, decided to copy how a wing is made. He instructed Icarus to catch seagulls and pluck their feathers. When there were enough feathers, he sewed them together and used melted wax to bind the feathers on a wooden framework. He created the contraption so skillfully that they looked like a giant replica of a bird’s wings. He customized two pairs of wings for himself and for his son, careful to take each of their individual body weights into consideration. But having wings was one thing, knowing how to use those wings to fly was another. So Daedalus strapped his wings and still taking his cue from the seagulls on how to soar, swoop, dive and glide, he proceeded to learn how to fly so that the wings felt like a seamless part of his arms and his body. He studied wind currents, the waters of the sea and the heat of the sun. Having gained
the skill, he proceeded to teach his son patiently. At first, Icarus stumbled and fell and when he got past the first few fumbles, the youth learned quickly, his lithe, svelte form seemingly destined for flight. He learned to fly like a bird, swooping and diving, gliding and circling about, looking down below at the blue waters and their island prison, now a mere speck from above, and frolicking about overhead, chasing the seagulls and rolling in the clouds. Freedom was a heady drink. Icarus felt complete elation, knew the incredible lightness of being and tasted the sweet freedom of flight. Then came the day when Daedalus and Icarus were to fly out of Crete. The sun was up, and the wind was mild and Daedalus decided it was an auspicious day to make the great escape. Daedalus sat his son down and looked him in the eyes for serious pre-flight instructions knowing that once in the air, there would be little chance for communication. “Pay attention, Icarus. Stick close behind me and watch your altitude. Fly too low and the sea with its moisture will make your wings too heavy. Fly too high and the heat of the sun will melt the wax in your wings. Take heed and stay close.” Icarus nodded agreement but he was far too excited and his mind was already in the sky. (To be continued …) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
Ex-businessman with commercial lease judgment of $100K seeks Chapter 7 relief Senior seeks Chapter 7 for discharge of $50K credit card debt
CLIENT is 50, divorced and used to own a business that had a commercial lease for retail space. He operated the business for 10 years. On the 11th year, sales started to plunge for unknown reason such that debtor could no longer pay the commercial lease of his retail space. He still had 2 years of lease to go at $4k per month. So for 24 months, he owed close to $100K of commercial lease. But since his business was not even able to generate enough sales to cover rent, he had to close shop and get his stuff out of the building. He cleaned out the space, thinking that if the landlord could easily rent it out, he would not sue him for unpaid rent of two years. Unfortunately, landlord sued client for unpaid rent of $100K. Eventually, landlord got a judgment for $100K against client. But client now is an ordinary employee making $4K a month of salary. There is a notice of bank levy on his bank accounts for $100K, and a notice of wage garnishment on his salary for $100K! In addition to this significant liability, client owes $20K of credit card debt. With a bank levy on his accounts and the prospect of losing 25% of his salary to wage garnishment for unpaid commercial lease of his old business that no longer exists, client decides to seek Chapter 7 relief. What will Chapter 7 do for him? With Chapter 7, he can keep all of his assets, and he can discharge or get rid of the $100K judgment, dissolve the bank levy and dissolve the wage garnishment. He can also wipe out the $20K of credit card debt. In other words, he can get a fresh start in life and be productive again. He can leave his old life behind him and forget about the $100K he owes his landlord as well as his $20K of credit cards. His credit score will improve
Debt Relief
Atty. lAwrence yAng
yearly. At the end of this year, he will be close to 600. In year two, he will score 640, in year 3, 680, and on year 7, he will cross 730. In year ten, there will be no record of his Chapter 7 and his credit score will be over 800. Best of all, he can look forward to retiring by having the ability to start saving money now and not having to worry about paying a $100K judgment of $20K of credit cards. He will be able to get new credit cards in year one because there are credit card companies that specialize in giving credit to people who have just filed bankruptcy. They are indeed good credit risks because they cannot file another Chapter 7 for 8 years. Next client is 66. He stopped working last year and now gets social security of $1,200 and a pension of $800. His wife is 68 and collects social security of $900. So they have $2900 a month of social security and pension. They don’t own a house so they rent for $800. Medicare standard and part D gets a portion of their income but they don’t have to pay for prescription drugs anymore as part D covers all of their medication. They are both in good health so that’s pretty good. The only problem is that they both owe a total of $50K of credit cards. They need $1500 a month of minimum payments to keep these cards current, and all of the cards are still current. Their son helps them pay for the cards. What a waste of money! Credit card minimum payments eat up more than 50%
of their retirement income! “BAD” as Pres. Trump would tweet. In fact, “Bigly-Bad!!” What can Chapter 7 do for them? Chapter 7 will wipe out all of their $50K of credit card debt, thus saving them the headache of paying out $1500 a month to keep these cards current. This saves them $18K a year. In 3 years they save almost $60K. What can they do with $60K of savings? Well, they can invest it in equities and maybe get a decent return of 6% a year. That’s income of $3,600 a year, or $300 a month of extra money to spend. That’s not too bad considering they are just starting to save money now. If they filed for Chapter 7 ten years ago, they would have at least $200K now saved up and giving them $1K a month of income. Or, they can travel the world with their savings and additional income. No matter what your age is right now, if you have accumulated debt that has become burdensome for you and your family, seriously consider wiping out your debt now than waiting for 5 more or 10 more years when you retire. You will save a lot of money by getting rid of your accumulated now than later. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. “TRUST IN HIM AT ALL TIMES, O PEOPLE; POUR OUT YOUR HEARTS TO HIM, FOR GOD IS OUR REFUGE.”PSALM 62:8 *** 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. (Advertising Supplement)
Philippine eyes free trade... PAGE B1 t Rodolfo said the US government confirmed that its current trade policy is geared toward bilateral rather than multilateral or regional arrangements. According to Rodolfo, the U.S. said it would further study the possibility of forging an FTA with the Philippines. He said among the key factors to be considered by both coun-
tries for an FTA is the size of the market, the economic logic of such agreement, and policy gaps or how aligned both countries are in terms of policies. “If our policies are too different from each other, then negotiations will be very hard. But what we told them is that under the TIFA, we have already closed most of the issues. Before, we had an issue when it came to in-
tellectual property (IP), but that is not an issue anymore since we have been taken-out of the US Special Watchlist. We also had a problem on labor review, but we were also able to close that. As far as our problem with agriculture and frozen meat products is concerned, we are in continuous discussions with them. So in effect, we have almost narrowed our gap,” Rodolfo said. n
accessible and affordable to the Filipino people. “The design is that these pharmazones will belong to a specific class of private special economic zone strategically situ-
ated in a private Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) area where pharmaceutical goods may be landed, handled, manufacture or reconfigured and re-exported,” Almarinez said. n
Foreign firms eye Philippines’...
PAGE B1 t The rationale behind the creation of these so-called pharmazones is to manufacture specialized and quality high-end healthcare products that are
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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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The Filipino-Americans of Contra Costa County, Inc. hosts annual picnic in Hercules, CA The Filipino-Americans of Contra Costa County, Inc. (FACCC, Inc.) invites you to its annual potluck picnic on Saturday, July 29 at Foxboro Park in Hercules, CA. It will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share. FACCC, Inc. will provide barbecued beef, chicken, hot dogs and water. For any inquiries, call Chairperson Roy de Leon at (510) 5655465 or Vice Chair Joe Medrano at (510) 417-0585.
Spotlight on Vets in Van Nuys, CA Together with and under the leadership of Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz, Mutch Carino of Maxx Promos is presenting a fundraiser show Spotlight on Vets, in support of the Filipino WWII Veterans. The benefit show was launched during a press conference that was hosted by Goldilocks Norwalk in Cerritos through the courtesy of Robert Yee and Ms. Jo Ann Kyle. The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 was passed and was signed into law by President Obama on December 14, 2016. With this Act, our Filipino veterans will be honored by Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) for their service and sacrifice during World War II. Spotlight on Vets aims to raise funds in order to purchase and award Congressional Gold Medal replicas in bronze to living veterans and posthumously to surviving family members. It will be held on July 29, 2017 Saturday 7:00pm at the Envision Center - 15055 Oxnard Street in Van Nuys, California. For tickets and sponsorship information, please call (626) 716-5442.
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Philippine Heritage Institute International hosts 11th Annual Youth Congress in Rosemead, CA “Spreading Our Wings Towards Unity” is the theme of the 11th Annual Youth Congress to be presented by the Philippine Heritage Institute International (PHII) on August 12, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Garvey Community Center, 9108 E. Garvey Ave., Rosemead, CA 91770, (626) 569-2212. The Congress hopes to rekindle interest in the youth movement and its role in nation-building. “Our vision,” said the late PHII founder Naomi PalmaArmada, “is to improve the quality of life affecting Filipino American communities through research, education and recognition with the youth as its main focus.” Her legacy lives on. Speakers at the Youth Congress are: Charlene Bugais, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, L.A.; Louinn Lota, Chaminade College Preparatory, Teacher/Program Director, Speech/Debate; Aries Mladinov, Office Manager, Olive Branch Counseling Centers; Faith Nishimura, Team Captain, Speech/Debate, Claremont High School; and Charmaine Villacisneros-Tusjakova, CEO, ‘Iskaster Media.’ Admission is free; lunch and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by July 31 to: Chair Vicky de Leon (818) 648-3493, Email: manvic13@yahoo.com; Pres. Josie E. de Jesus (714) 272-0300, Email: joestarisdejesus@gmail.com; Co-chair Anna A. Chickey, M.D. (562) 900-0379, Email: annachickeymd@yahoo.com, or Lydia V. Solis (626) 827-1036, Email: lvsolis@aol.com.
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University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) Induction Ball in Whittier, CA The Univeristy of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) will hold its Induction Ball on August 13, 2017 Sunday at the Double Tree by Hilton - Whittier on 7320 Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602. Mutch Carino will be inducted as President of UPAAGLA for 2017-2019, together with the newly elected officers composed of Ethel Rubio (President Elect), Nati Matitu (1st VP), Evelyn Andamo (2nd VP), Joy Angeles (Recording Secretary), Gil Guinto (Treasurer), Malette Lampino (Assitant Treasurer), Dick Cu (Auditor), Benny Uy (PRO) and Bobby Canseco (IT Officer). The 2017-2019 UPAAGLA Board of Directors are Ivy Manalang, Atty. Mary Lyn Sanga, Luisa Lansingan, Ellery Atienza, Mary Drees, Jess Espanola, Bob Shroder, Carina Slepian, Ivy Cosio-Bautista, Ellen Gomez, Tina Escueta Martin, Angie Alvarez and Relson Banas. The advisers of UPAAGLA are Dr. Arnel Joaquin, Vicky Gancayco, Jazmin Gaite, Alma Onrubia, Frank Mamaril, Doris Maligalig and Sonja Menor. Red carpet arrivals and No Host Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. Program and dinner start at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, sponsorships and souvenir program advertisements, please call Dick Cu (562) 547-0560.
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B JULY 19-21, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA What you need to do when you received a call or notice from the IRS? Below are some tips that you should be aware of: • Revenue Officer (RO) observes fair tax collection practices and taxpayer rights. • You have Right to Representation under Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) 5.1.10.7.2. • You will be advised first if there are possible third party contacts. • Letter 3164 will be either mailed or hand delivered if the RO cannot verify if you have received Publication 1 Your Right as a Taxpayer, and Notice 1219 A or B: Notice of Potential Third Party Contact. • Letter 3164 in #4, may not need to be provided to you if other advance notice has already been provided, for Third Party Contact Letter. • Single Member LLC. Different procedures will apply if: 1) LLC is a single member LLC, a disregarded entity and not treated as an entity separate from its single
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What to do when the Getting around the six month IRS contacts you residency requirement to member owner IRM 5.1.21.12.3; and 2) LLC is identified as the liable taxpayer IRM 5.1.21.12.2. • If paid after January 1, 2009, employment tax liabilities incurred on wages must be reported and paid using the name and EIN of the LLC and not the single member owner IRM 5.1.21.12.2(4). The liable taxpayer is the LLC for administrative collection actions and trust fund recovery penalty investigation IRM 5.1.21.5. • Only the name of the taxpayer liable to collection action will be included. It should not include both the name of the LLC and of the single member unless exception applies. • If the installment agreement is combined, both the name of the LLC and the name of the single member could be included on a single Form 433-D Installment Agreement. • At initial contact of the RO, LLC documents will be gathered to establish the right liable taxpayer. This may include: articles of organization, operating agreement, minutes of meetings, and
affidavit from the members signed under penalties of perjury, etc. • Prior to issuance of Final Notice, Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing or Letter 1058, RO should have identified the liable taxpayer. • The collection due process (CDP) will be issued under the name of the LLC when the LLC is the taxpayer otherwise to single member. The LLC has the right to a CDP hearing. • It is important that RO issued Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of a Right to a CDP Hearing to the liable taxpayer and at the correct address. • A notice of intent to levy and notice of a right to a CDP hearing must be issued to the taxpayer prior to levy with correct name, address, and EIN or SSN of the liable taxpayer. • Invalid CDP Notices and Rescinding the CDP Notice. If the prior CDP notice was not properly issued to the liable taxpayer, the original notice will be reversed and a new CDP notice with correct name, address,
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file a divorce in California
GENERALLY, you must have resided in California for at least six months in order to file a divorce in this case. Under Family Code Section 2320, a judgment of marriage dissolution (divorce) may not be entered unless one of the spouses has been a “resident” of California for six months and of the county where the proceeding is filed for three months immediately preceding the filing of the petition. This poses a problem for divorcing couples that has not resided in California for at least 6 months. Couples that moved to California from other states or other countries are faced with this problem because they cannot get divorced until they satisfy the residency requirements. Even a bigger problem is when they need immediate temporary orders from the California Court regarding child custody, child support, management and control of community businesses and property. The solution for this type of
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes problem is filing nullity or legal separation petition rather than a divorce and amending the petition later on to convert it to a divorce once the residency requirement has been met by one of the parties. Millar v. Millar. Unlike a divorce, there is no residency requirement to filing an Annulment or a legal separation. The advantage of this strategy is you would immediately have access to the courts and can ask the court for immediate temporary orders needed to maintain the status quo or preserve the marital assets. If domestic violence is involved in the case, the domestic violence issue can be heard in
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the same court room by the same judge that would be hearing the divorce case. In addition, service on the legal separation petition (to be amended later to a divorce) will also start the clock on the six-month “waiting period” for finality of a judgment terminating marital status, optimizing the time-frame within which the parties will be legally restored to “single” status. As far as the county where to file the legal separation or nullity, venue is proper in the county where either party resided at the time the petition was filed pursuant to CCP 395(a). Once the parties have satisfied the residency requirements, the Petition may be amended from legal separation to Dissolution without permission from the Court as long as notice is provided the opposing party under Marriage of Dick. The Petitioner would also be in a safer position if the intent to amend from legal separation/nullity to a divorce
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What to do when the... PAGE B4 t
and EIN or SSN of the liable taxpayer EIN IRM 5.12.6.3.16. • Notice of Federal Tax Lien Filing and Your Right to a Hearing under IRC 6320. Letter 3172 is issued to the taxpayer, to advise the taxpayer of their right to a CDP hearing, at the correct name, address, and EIN or SSN of the liable taxpayer to ensure proper issuance of the notice and protection of the taxpayer’s rights of appeal concerning the filing of the lien. ***
Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication is neither intended as a thorough, in-depth 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.
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797
People and Events
Join the Arbor Day Foundation in July and 10 trees will be planted in high-need national forests
(Advertising Supplement)
FORESTS across America are a prized natural resource, and anyone can help plant trees in these vital areas by joining the Arbor Day Foundation this month. Through the Replanting Our National Forests campaign, the Arbor Day Foundation will honor each new member who joins in July by planting 10 trees in forests that have been devastated by wildfires, insects, and disease.
The cost for joining the Arbor Day Foundation is a $10 donation. America’s national forests face enormous challenges, including unprecedented wildfires that have left a backlog of more than 1 million acres in need of replanting. The Foundation has worked with the United States Forest Service for more than 25 years to plant trees in high-need
forests. Our national forests provide habitat for wildlife, keep the air clean, and help ensure safe drinking water for more than 180 million Americans. “Keeping our forests healthy is vital to the health of people and the entire planet,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “By planting trees in our national forests,
we will preserve precious natural resources and the benefits they provide for generations to come.” To join the Arbor Day Foundation and help plant trees in our national forests, send a $10 membership contribution to Replanting Our National Forests, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410 or visit arborday.org/july.
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) 547-8895.
PHILSELA to celebrate 43rd Anniversary THE Philippine Society of Southeast Los Angeles (PHILSELA) will celebrate their 43rd Anniversary Ball on September 30, 2017 at the Sheraton Hotel in Cerritos - 12725 Center Ct. Dr. S Cerritos. Music
will be provided by Willie Manacsa and The Midnight Motion Band. For further questions, please call chairpersons Nimfa Castro and Linda Bautista at (562) 822-3633 and (562) 650-6984 respectively.
Govt studying SMC’s bulacan... PAGE B1 t
by San Miguel as a build-operate-transfer scheme under a 50-year concession. The planned massive airport and city complex covers some 2,500 hectares in Bulacan and will rise near Manila Bay. The airport complex itself will span 1,168 hectares and have as many six parallel runways. Its initial capacity will be 100 million passengers per year. Pernia stressed that the government was not in a hurry to work on the San Miguel proposal as the government’s focus would be on what projects could be finished within three years or at least within term of President Rodrigo Duterte. Under the government’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program is the Three-Year Rolling Infrastructure Program. The 2018-2020 program will have an indicative investment requirement of P3.6 billion, and covers transportation projects (P2.32 billion), social infrastructure (P636.65 million), water resources (P239 million), administrative buildings (P197 million), information and communications technology (P112.85 million), energy (P40.11 million), and others (P5.66 million). It aims to ensure that hard budget ceilings of government agencies are optimized and utilized in funding infrastructure
programs aligned with the Philippine Development Plan. The program also promotes the optimal use of public resources for infrastructure development by assuring fund allocation for well-developed projects for three years, thus allowing the government to address gaps in the infrastructure sector, including pending projects from previous years. Some of these pending projects are 4,710 kilometers of national roads that need to be paved, 366,014 units of socialized housing up for construction, and 1.2 million hectares for irrigation, according to the NEDA.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. “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 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 Acer Philippines and Microsoft Philippines. ■
Getting around the six...
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is stated in the initial Petition. *** 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)
“The advantage of this strategy is you would immediately have access to the courts and can ask the court for immediate temporary orders needed to maintain the status quo or preserve the marital assets. If domestic violence is involved in the case, the domestic violence issue can be heard in the same court room by the same judge that would be hearing the divorce case. In addition, service on the legal separation petition (to be amended later to a divorce) will also start the clock on the six-month “waiting period” for finality of a judgment terminating marital status, optimizing the time-frame within which the parties will be legally restored to “single” status. As far as the county where to file the legal separation or nullity, venue is proper in the county where either party resided at the time the petition was filed pursuant to CCP 395(a).”
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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 19-21, 2017
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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 19, 2017
Son of Historic Filipinotown Alex De Ocampo runs for the California State Assembly The Fil-Am state assembly hopeful discusses struggles he faced in his early life and his decision to run for public office by KLARIZE
GROWING during the pregentrification era in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown doesn’t easily lend itself to an easy life, much less grand aspirations of success. Plagued by street violence and poverty, this area of LA doesn’t come off as an environment for the nation’s future leaders to thrive. One Filipino American, however, built relationships with the community and utilized his values of goodwill to provide him with the drive to achieve. Alex De Ocampo recently announced that he is running in a special election later this year for the California State Assembly District 51 (AD 51), which includes the neighborhood he grew up in and for which he continues to make strides. AD 51 — which is currently vacant after De Ocampo’s friend former Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez was elected to the United States Congress — stretches from areas of East LA to Koreatown, incorporating Echo Park, downtown LA and, of course, Historic Filipinotown. De Ocampo now lives in Mt. Washington, also part of the district, with his husband Todd and their foster child. He is currently the managing director at the Saban Family Foundation, a charity with a focus on funding health and social welfare causes in LA and Israel. A prominent figure in LA’s Filipino-American community, the 38-year-old is the embodiment of the neighborhood for which he wishes to serve. Running on a platform in favor of public programs to assist the less fortunate, De Ocampo’s upbringing inspired him to become the leader that he always wanted growing up, in an area which still struggles with crime and poverty. “I believe through my life and work experience through the values that were instilled
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in me from my family that has prepared me to run for the Assembly and become a candidate for this district,” De Ocampo, 38, told the Asian Journal in an interview on Friday, July 14. “It was because of public education and mentors and public programs that I was able to thrive,” he added. “There was a lot of gangs and drugs and violence where we grew up, but I owe a lot to all the mentors and teachers and family members that encouraged me to do well and go to school and eventually go to college.” Humble beginnings as a first generation Filipino American De Ocampo was born in Los Angeles in 1979 to parents who immigrated from the Philippines in the earlier part of the decade. His family’s story parallels that of many immigrant families in Los Angeles during this time. De Ocampo described the struggles his father had to endure to bring his mother and three sisters to the United States. His father worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant in Historic Filipinotown, and slept on park benches and sold family heirlooms to save money. Once the family was brought over and when De Ocampo was born, his parents worked 80 hours a week and all seven members of his family lived in a studio apartment. To make matters even rougher, his father was diagnosed with cancer when De Ocampo was 9 years old, and because of their lack of health insurance, his father had to move back to the Philippines to seek care. But by the time his father got back to the motherland, the cancer had spread and he passed away, leaving his mother to pick up the burden of raising a family on her own. The De Ocampo family lived all around the area comprising
AD 51 and struggled to keep everyone afloat. “Growing up, it was always hard in the sense that we had to hustle really hard in making sure there was food on the table [and] making sure we could help my mom as much as possible,” De Ocampo recalled, adding that as a teenager, he cleaned toilets, scrubbed floors and found odd jobs to help the family. He recalled a time when things got so rough that he sold chocolates and cookies door-todoor to buy glasses. “That time really shaped my view on life and about giving back and helping the community,” De Ocampo said of his inspiration to become involved in charity work. He eventually was introduced to the Youth Entertainment Summer program, which motivated him to pursue a career in the arts and entertainment. After graduating from Cal State Northridge, he utilized his connections and experiences to rise up the ranks of the Saban Family Foundation, which works with a $400 million budget to provide health care, medical research and educational programs for disadvantaged youth. Political from the get go For De Ocampo, politics and the importance of public service were instilled in him at a young age. “My parents always said to make sure that your voice is heard and that you always give back to the community that has helped you,” he said, adding that his values always aligned with those of the Democratic Party. In school, he was the first Filipino American to be elected president of the California Young Democrats. At CSUN, he was the president of the California College Democrats and was
heavily involved in rallies and pushing for progressive issues. Although he both worked and went to school full time, he managed to stay involved in the “political realm of activism.” “I never really slept in college,” De Ocampo remarked with a chuckle. “I kept on going because I was driven by this idea of doing good work for the community and for California, in general. It was exciting and there were a lot of public policy issues that were affecting the state that I wanted to be a part of.” In 2013, De Ocampo was one of 22 candidates running for the 13th District of LA City Council. He came in third in the race, which was eventually won by Mitch O’Farrell, but this experience inspired the young, politically-minded De Ocampo to work harder to become a leader in the community. A progressive platform and the race for AD 51 When former Assemblymember for the AD 51, Jimmy Gomez, was elected to the U.S. Congress, De Ocampo saw the chance to give back to the area and to the state which has provided him with opportunities. “I think California should be a place — no matter where you’re from or what your background is — that if you work hard and play by the rules you can succeed,” De Ocampo said of his overarching goal as a state assemblymember. “I want to make sure that, in the state assembly, that rings true and that we continue the progress that California has given so many people and that California dream that has attracted my parents to come here is still well and alive and everyone is welcome.” De Ocampo is running on a platform of issues which he knows are the district’s most pressing. Even before he announced his campaign, he has met and interacted with the district’s constituents and leaders to find out which key issues need the most attention, including providing high-quality public education, stronger economic opportunity, and affordable childcare, among others. As a way to serve the surroundings that have helped him thrive, De Ocampo hopes to bring issues which strongly affect the Fil-Am community to the forefront in the state assembly, including and especially health care and protecting the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA) and Medicaid. “With the ACA being dismantled by this administration — which is quite shocking — we need to protect our most vulnerable, which includes Filipino seniors,” De Ocampo said. “We need to ensure that they continue to have access to quality and affordable health care, which resonates with our community because health care is so costly. We need to make sure [the ACA] is protected and I will be a voice on that issue.”
Fil-Am Alex De Ocampo, the managing director at the Saban Family Foundation, announced his candidacy for Californiaʼs 51st Assembly District. AJPress photo by Noel Ty
Immigration reform and advocating for undocumented immigrants are also important to him, as he hopes to use his office as a resource for the undocumented population. “I’ve walked through this district and met so many undocumented Filipinos who are living in fear, and by using the office to advocate for them and tell them what their rights are is going to be important, and I’m going to continue to do that once elected: to provide full resources for all undocumented immigrants need,” said De Ocampo. Since announcing his campaign earlier this summer, De Ocampo has garnered the support of several Fil-Am community members and endorsements from a handful of lawmakers, including Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Alameda), who is currently the only Filipino-American represented in the state Legislature. With De Ocampo’s election, he would be the second Fil-Am and the first assemblymember of full Filipino heritage. Bonta noted how it is De Ocampo’s “time” to be an elected official, citing the latter’s leadership skills. “I’ve known Alex for some time now and really believe in his leadership and his ability to step into the role on day one and hit the ground running and make a difference and represent the values of the district and all its beautiful diversity. He’s very skilled and experienced and he’s been involved in several endeavors and I know that he’s ready. He’s extremely smart, has great interpersonal skills and has cultivated wonderful relationships, which truly impact your ability to be effective as an assemblymember,” Bonta told the Asian Journal. Given that Filipinos are the fastest-growing group in California, Bonta emphasized the importance of having another qualified Fil-Am represent the community throughout the state. “Having been the first Filipino elected in the state Legislature, I promise also to not be the last. Helping other great leaders who have a path to be in the Legislature and supporting and mentoring them or having their back has been a top priority for me and supporting Alex, given this election and the timing, is a top priority for me. It’s always been important to me, making sure we get another Fili-
pino in the same office,” Bonta explained. “I’m very proud and honored to support and endorse him.” Also endorsing the young state Assembly hopeful is his former LA City Council opponent and current Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, who praised De Ocampo’s experience with the Saban Family Foundation in providing opportunities to underprivileged youth in the arts. “Alex De Ocampo understands firsthand that the entertainment industry is an economic driver of Los Angeles’ economy,” O’Farrell said in a statement announcing his endorsement. “Alex knows that a strong entertainment industry can provide an opportunity to rise out of poverty and into the middle class. As a member of the state Assembly, Alex would be a great partner to work with to strengthen our arts and entertainment economy.” U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) and California Board of Equalization member Fiona Ma have also endorsed De Ocampo, citing his immigrant parents as well as his solid experience as a philanthropist as major qualifiers for the state Assembly. De Ocampo knows that Filipinos are integral to the LA community and have significant pull when it comes to city and state elections. Eleven percent of AD 51 are Asian American, but Filipinos comprise of the largest Asian American group at more than 10,000 residents (4.6 percent). Moreover, Filipino turnout at the polls is at about 19 percent, which is drastically higher than the highly sought-out Latino voters, who stand at 12 percent voter turnout. In short, if all Filipinos showed up at the polls, they have the power to decide elections, especially in AD 51. On the potential of becoming the first Filipino-American to hold state legislative office from LA in decades, De Ocampo takes it very seriously and is ready to assume the responsibility attached to being the Fil-Am representative for LA. “I think there is such great responsibility and opportunity to be able to highlight our community and if elected, I vow to our Filipino-American community that our voices will be heard in Sacramento, and I don’t take that lightly,” De Ocampo promised.
Jinkee Pacquiao ponders about the future of her family by RICKY LO Philstar.com
AS far as Jinkee Pacquiao is concerned, it’s possible to stay as young as you can be. And, yes, “it’s possible” for Jinkee to convince her husband, Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao, to hang his gloves for good and good riddance!!!...after his recent loss to Australia’s Jeff Horn by unanimous decision (reviewed with finality by an independent group authorized by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) in what was touted as Battle of Brisbane. As far as Jinkee is concerned, it’s family first. She puts God and her family above all else and has made sure to give everything she got on supporting Manny and their children. But Jinkee might get a polite “no” from Manny who is determined to seek vindication. Last July 12, Manny posted this on his Twitter account: I love this sport and until the passion is gone, I will continue
to fight for God, my family, my fans and my country. Here’s an exclusive Conversation with Jinkee: This time after Horn, do you think you can convince Manny to retire? “I am praying consistently that Manny will soon retire.” Watching the fight in Brisbane (without Mommy Dionisia and the kids) pareho pa ang nararamdaman mo sa previous fights? “Yes, I always have the same feelings. Nervous and worried at the same time. Di ko naman maiaalis yun but more on prayer for him that’s what I do when he fights.” Is it true that Manny can’t say no to a rematch because of an existing contract? “I don’t know yet about the rematch. I believe he can’t say no to his opponent if he asks for a rematch.” Your family has more than enough money, can’t you tell Manny to just enjoy life with you and the kids?
“Yes. For me, gusto ko mag-retire na sya and enjoy life with his family and focus on being a senator.” How is Manny as a husband? “Manny is a very loving and caring husband.” And how is he as a father? “As a father, he always makes sure that we are well. He loves to hug and kiss them. Even though he is so busy he still makes time to spend time with them, with us.” Your children are educated in exclusive schools, How do you and Manny keep up with them? “As parents, we mold them to become God-fearing. They are all very smart and lovable kids. We encourage them to read always the Bible and they love to do it! On my part, being a wife and mother is tough but I learned to be strong with everything that I’ve been through. And learned to have more patience and understanding. Most of all, I learned that
to love and forgive is the key. Have a biblical perspective and positive outlook in life. I learned to always pray to God in everything! He answers prayers.” Don’t you and Manny spoil the kids? “No. When they make mistakes, we talk to them in a gentle manner and, of course, with love. We want them to be humble and God-fearing men and women when they grow up. If they are godly, it leads to riches, honor and life. We also teach them that God loves them so much no matter what. And that they should always be grateful for everything!” Any health regimen? “To maintain my healthy lifestyle, of course, first I must have a positive outlook in life, get the right perspective and The Pacquiao family: Manny and Jinkee with the kids Michael, Israel, Emmanuel Jr., Queen Elizabeth always hope for the best. Reand Mary Divine Grace. Photo from Jinkeeʼs Instagram account newing my mind by changing Manny if and when he agrees four times a week, eat healthy the way I think in life. To love to retire? God and people. Love and for- foods, minus the sweets and “Serving God and peosoft drinks.” giveness is the key! And then ple.” How do you see life with everything follows. Exercise
Will Kim Chiu meet Justin Bieber at has concert in PH? by IrIs VIcente
“OMG” moment!!! check my stories for more fangirl moments with @ilovekaye haha #BieberIT’S a fangirl-dream-comeFever!!! hello @justinbieber,” her true moment for Kim Chiu after getting a special shout-out from caption read. What are the odds of getno less than Justin Bieber himself during a recent Q&A session ting noticed by your idol in your lifetime? Chiu is definitely living on his Instagram account. the fangirl dream. With the Bieber’s fans all over the popularity of Bieber, it’s pretty world are now paying attenmuch a no-brainer how people tion to the Filipina actress, who would pay attention to anyone bears the name “chinitaprinwho gets linked to his name. cess” on Instagram, for receivDespite her fame, success ing a special mention from the and a massive following of her “Biebs.” own (3.6 million followers on Chiu also gained internaInstagram), she is still a fulltional media’s attention—that pledged fangirl at heart. Chiu got as far as Teen Vogue and admits to also idolizing Taylor InStyle Magazine—for gaining Swift (she was present in almost an exclusive acknowledgement all concerts in the Philippines) from Bieber. Ariana Grande, and Britney “Chinita, I’ll see you in the Spears among others. Philippines” Bieber addressed It isn’t the first time she has the actress’s comment. A Beligotten the attention of intereber through and through, the national celebrities. In May, she actress could not contain her excitement that she even shared also got noticed by famous sisthe recorded shoutout from Jus- ters Kim and Khloe Kardashian during their respective instatin, on her Instagram account. gram live sessions. “OK just had to post this With Bieber’s Purpose World Tour in Manila on September, Kim Chiu’s presence on the said concert could be expected but in regards to the possible meeting of the two—that, we have yet to find out. AJPress
Justin Bieber
Kim Chiu
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 19, 2017
Farewell ‘Kababayan Today’; Hello ‘Kababayan Weekly’ Venerable current affairs show to continue production despite format change from parent broadcast network LOS ANGELES—As it turns out, rumors of the death of the nation’s sole, daily-produced talk show by and about its estimated 7.5 million Filipino American residents, had been greatly exaggerated. Well, sort of. Due to popular demand from viewers and overwhelming encouragement from advertisers, the influential show, produced, directed and hosted by G. Tongi, will continue production despite a format change by its parent broadcast network only this time as a weekly rather than daily show. Re-dubbed “Kababayan Weekly,” and now wholly, independently-produced, the discussion-heavy show, Tongi promises, will continue with the same thought-provoking, candid and empowering content which propelled the show to its largest-ever ratings and advertising support in its entire eleven-year history (Three with her on-board). The highest revenue for the program was achieved last year (2016), according to Dennis Davis, LA18 General Manager. “It is with a heavy heart that I bid ‘farewell’ to ‘Kababayan Today,’ Tongi announced to a special, intimate gathering at LA City Hall’s breathtaking Tom Bradley Tower Room of supporters, previous guests and contributors of the show. “But, it’s my time to share with you that ‘Kababayan Weekly’ continues! (To rousing cheers.) “When word broke of the format change, we were all thrown for a loop and honestly, didn’t know what the future held for a free, terrestrial broadcast (non-cable, non-subscription) show for our community,” she added. “But, both corporate and community made their voices heard: ‘We want this to go on!’” “Kababayan Weekly” made
its debut Friday, July 14 from 4 - 4:30 pm PST on LA18 and Sunday, July 16 from 4:30 - 5 pm PST on KIKU-TV in Hawaii. Tongi pledges a continuum of the diverse mix of topics— some controversial and rarely, if at all, discussed in other media outlets—that gave the popular show its unique, inter generational audience. “‘Kababayan Weekly will continue to feature the Filipino immigrant experience through the lens of the unique sensibilities Filipinos share with one another. We will delve into the historical context of our people, celebrate Philippine culture—especially culinary and performance arts—and uplift mass movements of resistance to serve as a platform for activists and advocates from local Filipino American organizations. With our fists in the air, “Kababayan Weekly” aims to unify the community so that we may rise up together.” At the City Hall reception where guests dined on creations from Food Network’s “Chopped” Champion, Chef Charleen Caabay, supporters were excited at the news. “G (Tongi) has really made her show indispensable for a community whose stories and issues still largely go uncovered by mainstream media,” said Winston F. Emano, Board Director for Fil Am ARTS, one of several community non-profit organizations represented at the celebration. “(The show) is essential viewing for those seeking the true pulse of the Filipino American community and we’re thrilled with the notion of collaborating with ‘Kababayan Weekly’ even more.” It was a joyous occasion as former clients and community organizations gathered at the Bradley Towers on a Friday afternoon to celebrate
the ending of an era with the proclamation of the program by Los Angeles City. Mia McLeod of McLeod and Associates, a leading real estate company and longtime supporter of the program, was present at the event dubbed “The Farewell Feast” and quips that “the gathering epitomized what community is all about; uplifting and supporting one another.” Jeff Lim of the Island Pacific Market chain personally pledged support for the reception by sponsoring the fare for the feast. But, still for others, the joy was tempered by melancholy. “As beautiful as G (Tongi) is on camera, she is maybe even more so off camera. She treated everyone, from custodial staff to the general manager of the station the same: respectfully,” Said Trevor Roberts, LA18 Director of Production. “This actually marks my final official act with the station and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be associated with than G and her show.” Cher Calvin, Filipina Journalist on KTLA’s award winning newscast every 6 and 10pm chimed in on how proud she is personally of the work and dedication G (Tongi) has devoted to the Filipino Community by comparing staff resources. “We have so many people to produce an hour’s worth of news programming daily and G does it single handedly by writing, producing, editing and hosting Kababayan Today on a daily basis! That is a feat on it’s own and you G, are an
inspiration to me!”. To which G acknowledged her associate producer, Nicanor Evangelista, with whom she shares production deadlines. Indeed, G (Tongi) continues her hard work and dedication to producing relevant and timely television content for Filipinos in America with “Kababayan Weekly” and explains the decision to distribute on terrestrial broadcast. “My work has always been about being able to service the community instead of just a personal agenda for recognition. I am grateful for the proclamation from the City of Los Angeles and Council Man Mike Bonin and everyone who continues to support the work I do however, this award is not mine alone but a recognition to our Filipino community that our stories matter more than ever. I will continue to do whatever I can to ensure that we are able to keep a show on the air that is truly dedicated to keeping community alive, that is free to all, as this time in history where minority communities are being divided need this the most.” “Kababayan Weekly” broadcasts every Friday, July 14 from 4 - 4:30 pm PST on Southern California’s KSCI LA18 and Sunday, July 16 from 4:30 - 5 pm PST on KIKU-TV in Hawaii.
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 19, 2017
Claudine Barretto settles feud with siblings By Joanne
estorque AJPress
After years of conflict, actress Claudine Barretto and siblings Joaquin ‘Jay-Jay’ Barretto and Michelle ‘Mitchi’ Barretto finally left their grudges in the past and reconciled last July 5. On Instagram, both Claudine and Joaquin “Jay-Jay” posted their photos together with Mitchie and their mother, estrella ‘Inday’ Barreto. Claudine captioned the photo, “With my Mom, Mich and Brother JJ. I can live without a boyfriend [or] husband but I can’t live without JJ. I love him too much.” “I love my brother no matter what happened tapos na yun. realized I cannot live without him. I love you J. Always have and always will,” the actress commented on the same post. On the other hand, Jay-Jay posted an almost similar photo on his Instagram account and described it as “Bonding, dinner date with my two sisters.” the squabble of the Barretto clan started in 2013, the year Claudine and her estranged husband, raymart Santiago, started to fall apart. Santiago accused Claudine
Claudine Barretto posted this photo on her Instagram account. In photo with her are sister Mich, brother Jay-jay and their mom Estrella.
of allegedly using drugs, which was eventually affirmed by Gretchen. Mito, Jay-Jay, Mitchie and Marjorie sided with Gretchen and their brother-in-law. this confirmation of Gretchen and the combined forces of the five Barretto siblings outraged their mother. Out of the seven Barretto children, only Gia defended Claudine, aside from Inday and their father Miguel Barretto. However, it is finally time to bury the memories of this dispute and start a new life for the Barretto family. As expected, Instagram followers of Claudine were delighted as she reconciled with
her siblings. “this is so touching that you have reconcile with your brother. God bless you more. We hope and pray that you will have reconciliation with your Ate Gretchen. At the end of the day.. magkapatid pa rin kayo and life is too short,” commented by her follower. Unfortunately, right after putting an end to the disagreement with her siblings, Claudine started facing another fight. She filed a complaint against Peggy enriquez, a netizen who described Quia, her newly adopted daughter, as “like batang lansangan” at the National Bureau of Investigation.
Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada impresses Vogue for slaying the red carpet SHe may not have gotten the 2017 tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical, but fil-Am eva Noblezada was complimented by Vogue.com as she slayed the red carpet with her stylish look. Wearing an elegant gown by Jonathan Simkhai, the 21year-old theater actress was described to have the “best beauty looks” on the event held at radio Music Hall in New York last June 11. “Miss Saigon star eva Noblezada, who reached for trace of luminous highlighter to indicate off her tony-nominated cheekbones,” noticed by vogue.com. eva has been playing the lead role Kim in the popu-
lar musical Miss Saigon. Her experience, however, did not bring her to what could have been her first tony Award, as outstanding performer Bette Midler triumphed over her and Patti LuPone. Her luck started when she was only 17 and was chosen to lead the London revival of Miss Saigon after a director discovered her extraordinary talent while she was performing at the National High School Musical theatre Awards. And now, she’s proving her talent in Broadway. the Broadway production of Miss Saigon also received a nomination for Best revival of a Musical. eva performed a scene from this nominated play and aside from her look, she also en-
Eva Noblezada
ticed people with her wonderful performance as she sang ““I’d Give My Life for You.” Miss Saigon’s original Kim, Lea Salonga, and Co-star Jon Briones joined the event and introduce the cast who performed the scene with eva. (With reports from Joanne Estorque/ AJPress, Interkasyon)
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Cheering crowds applaud the New Miss Philippines USA 2017 Winners to be sent to Top Model of the World Philippines and will tour with Foodtrients’ international launch of “The Age Beautifully Cookbook” in Philippines and around Asia Pageant contestants vying for Miss Philippines USa 2017 and Miss Young Philippines 2017 were cheered on by a sold-out crowd at the alex theatre in glendale, Ca on Sunday, July 16, 2017. the entire evening was a magical blend of Filipino culture and heritage. to open the sixth year of this pageant, Michael Keith, the Filipino “Michael Jackson,” performed two songs before the roaring crowd. thirty-three contestants made a grand entrance down both aisles of the packed theatre to the stage where they were introduced by the evenings co-hosts, broadcast personality tony Cabrera and Cher Calvin, news anchor on KtLa tV news, who have co-hosted all six years of this pageant, which was founded and is executive produced by Ms. Lou Razon and associate producer and program/techni-
cal director, Randy trinidad. Once all the contestants were assembled on stage, it was clear that they were the epitome of true global beauty. eleven judges representing a wide range of Filipino media and business and philanthropic interests would be voting on the winners in all categories throughout the evening. the culmination of the evening was the joyous crowning of both Miss Philippines USa 2017 and Miss Young Philippines USa 2017. not only did nicole guerrero win the awards for Miss Philippines USa top Model of the World and Miss Philippines USa Foodtrients World, but she also won the ultimate title of Miss Philippines USa 2017! the winner of Miss Young Philippines 2017 was Jazlynn Dizon! Both winners are stunning representatives of the Filipino community. While the contestants changed into their swimsuits for the first competition of the evening, a video detailing the history of Filipino-americans beginning with the first landing in 1587 on the american mainland was screened. the film highlighted the many positive contributions Filipinos have made to american culture and history over time. eleven beautiful teenage contestants competed in the Miss Young Philippines USa swimsuit contest, which was won by Jazlynn Dizon. twentytwo contestants competed in the Miss Philippines USa 2017
swimsuit contest, which was won by Kayla Madres. all the women wore swimsuits provided by Dylee & Lylee active & Swimwear apparel. While the contestants changed from their swimsuits into elegant gowns for the next competition, tony and Cher introduced the very first Mrs. Philippines USa for 2017—Mrs. Cora aragon Soriano. She then made the exciting announcement that a new competition category would be added to next year’s pageant—Mrs. Philippines USa. the elegant gown competition culminated in the awarding of the following honors: Jessica Cabanos won the Young Miss Malava Skin Care award and Kristine Macalutas won this award for Miss Philip pines; Miss Cream Silk award was won by Young Jamie Francisco and Keena Kyra Mapanao, who also won Best talent award; Miss Popularity was won by Young alecssandra De Leon and alyssa Villagracia, who also won the Miss Congeniality award; Miss Young Congeniality was won by Young alexandra Dalumpines; Miss Photogenic was won by Young Sariah Shaver, who also won Miss Best talent and alexis Dinglasan. Finally, the Long gown contest was won by april Rose Maniwang in the Miss Young Philippines USa category and by nicole guerrero for Miss Philippines USa. Seven semi-finalists were chosen from the 11 Young contestants and 13 semi-finalists were chosen from the 22 Miss Philippines contestants to compete in the final questionand-answer contest. During the final wardrobe change by the semi-finalists, eric g serenaded the first Filipina Miss World 2013 winner, Megan Lynne Young, who was also one of the 11 jurors deciding the winners in each category. after the Question-and-answer contest the final winners in all final awards categories were announced. In the Miss Young Philippines USa 2017 category the winners were: al-
exandra Dalumpines won Miss Filipinotown; Jessica Cabanos won Miss Foodtrients World, a new category established this year by the founder of Foodtrients, grace O, for the
Photos by Robert Khoi
contestant who best represents the issues of health, wellness and aging beautifully; alyssa Sandra guevara and april Rose Maniwang were appointed 2017 ambassadors; alyssa San-
dra guevara was the second runner up and Sabrina garcia was the first runner up. the winners in all final categories for Miss Philippines USa 2017 were: Kayla nadres won World 2017; gabby Pangan won Filipinotown; Kristine Macalutas and Valerie Bondan were appointed 2017 ambassadors; angelica escandon was third runner up, andrea Valera was second runner up, and angelica escandon was first runner up. this year’s pageant was directed by John De La Vega. the many sponsors for the event included asian Journal Publications, Foodtrients, top Model of the World, gMa Pinoy tV, gMa Life tV, gMa news International, Philippine news, Miss Magazine, Cream Silk, Philippine airlines, ProCare Home Health, Revive Beverly Hills, Victory auto Connect, Image Spa MD, aR Salon, Maleva Skin Care, La Beauty, estela Skincare, Max’s Restaurant, Fiesta Fast Food, Island Pacific Market, Leelin Bakery, Lou Razon Couture, evangeline giron Inc., Joel Hornilla Photography, Innovative travel & tours, Dylee & Lylee Swimwear, PM Marketing, and Monet Salon. Ding Dong avanzado, who was invited by trinity Foliente, closed the exciting evening performing to songs to the standing room only cheering crowd who proudly celebrated the beauty and talent of all 33 Filipina contestants. everyone can’t wait for the 2018 Miss Philippines USa Pageant!
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - July 19, 2017