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Belmonte: Zero chance of Duterte impeachment by Paolo

roMero and Christina Mendez Philstar.com

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte

DATELINE

mANILA — Any impeachment move against president-elect rodrigo Duterte in the 17th Congress will have zero chance of success, speaker feliciano Belmonte Jr. said on tuesday, June 28. Belmonte, vice chairman of the Liberal Party (LP), was trying to douse speculations over brewing impeachment efforts against Duterte, saying such talk was divisive and harmful to the nation. “Let’s face it, the chances of that (impeachment) are zero and nobody would even think of it. Let’s give the new president a chance to run the country with-

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

out talk of impeachment or anything like that being uttered by anybody from any political party,” Belmonte told reporters. he said he was not aware of the sources of reports on the issue. As a witness to various impeachment processes, including those of former president Joseph estrada in 2000, the late chief justice renato Corona in December 2011 and former ombudsman merceditas Gutierrez earlier that year, Belmonte said he can tell conditions for such ouster moves are not present in Duterte’s case. “Definitely I don’t see any reason whatsoever for the president to fear this, or to even include it

u PAGE A5

CA increases education funding, underrepresented students benefitted

sACrAmeNto — Gov. Jerry Brown approved the 2016-2017 state budget on monday, June 27, which includes historic education legislation that would improve educational opportunity and make college more accessible for all students. the bill’s signing includes a minimum guarantee of $71.9 billion allocated to K-12 schools and the CCC this year, which is the highest level in state history, according to a statement from Brown’s office. the two budget trailer bills, sB 828 and AB 1602, would allocate more of the state’s budget for improving college readiness for K-12 students, increasing enrollment into University of California (UC) schools for the 2017-

u PAGE A5

Leo Herrera-Lim, consul general of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, speaks at the resolution presentation for Philippine Independence Day at LA City Hall on Friday, June 24. Klarize Medenilla / AJ Press

Robredo to Filipinos: ‘Unite to LA City Hall celebrates support the next administration’ PH Independence Day

Census: Asian Americans still fastest-growing racial group in US

AsIAN Americans comprise America’s fastest-growing racial group, according to data released by the United states Census Bureau. the Asian American population grew by 19 percent between 2010 and 2015. meanwhile, Native hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NhPIs) are the second fastest-growing group, rising at 13 percent during the same period. In comparison, the nation’s overall population grew by 4 percent. today, there are an estimated 21 million Asian Americans and 1.5 million NhPIs living in the country. In 2015, the Census Bureau reported that for the first time in history, more than half of the children born in the Us were minorities. In California, New mexico, texas, hawaii, and the District of Columbia, more than half of the general population come from a minor-

u PAGE A2

by dana

sioson

AJPress

Vice President-elect Leni Robredo

VICe President-elect Leni robredo urged filipinos unite as one nation to support the next administration in her speech on sunday, June 26, at the Philippine embassy in tokyo, Japan. “Dahil ho kailangan tayong mag-aspire ulit bilang isang bansa, sana kung ano ang differences na pinagdaanan noong nakaraang eleksyon, handa tayong isantabi iyon para suportahan

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

iyong ating susunod na magiging Pangulo; para suportahan iyong susunod na administrasyon (Because we need to aspire again as one nation, i hope that whatever differences we’ve been under through the previous elections, we’re ready to set it aside to support our next president; to support the next administration),” robredo said. robredo was invited to tokyo by Philippine Ambassador to Japan manuel Lopez over

memBers of the filipino-American community gathered at City hall on friday, June 24 to join Los Angeles filipino Association of City employees (LAfACe) in celebration of the 118th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day. LAfACe, with support from LA City Councilmembers Jose A. huizar of District 14 and mitch o’farrell of District 13 and Joel Jacinto, commissioner of the Department of Public Works, recognized the filipino achievements throughout LA, particularly filipinos employed by the city. huizar and o’farrell led a presentation at a city

u PAGE A2

Study: PH one of Asia’s PNP probes killings in anti-drug operations unhealthiest countries mANILA — the Philippines is still one of the unhealthiest countries in Asia, lagging behind India, malaysia, thailand, Vietnam and sri Lanka. Based on a survey by pan-Asian insurance giant AIA Group, the Philippines scored 61 out of 100, below the regional average of 64. It is tied for ninth overall with Korea, India and singapore. the Philippine American Life and General Insurance Co. (Philam Life) is an AIA subsidiary. Intuit research director thomas Isaac said that the Philippines actually ranked lower this year compared with similar surveys in 2011 and 2013. hong Kongbased Intuit research was tapped by AIA to undertake the regional survey. “scores in the Philippines have practically remained static,” Isaac said in a press presentation yesterday. “It received a score of 63 in the 2011 survey and 61 in the 2013 survey.” the Philippines has not only remained below the regional average of 64. “eighty percent of adults in the Philippines are not

u PAGE A3

mANILA — the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs service (IAs) has started investigating the killings of suspected drug dealers during alleged shootouts with policemen conducting anti-illegal drug operations since may 10. IAs spokesperson shella Castillo said part of the agency’s mandate is to investigate police operations which resulted in deaths either by police officers or the subject of their raids to ensure the police observed operational procedures. “Based on mandate, we are here to investigate every death in police operations involving drugs,” Castillo said. the PNP said 29 suspected drug pushers were killed during police operations from may 9 to June 15, and 25 others

Crime scene investigators examine a vehicle used by two drug suspects killed during an alleged shootout with officers along NIA Road in Quezon City on June 21, 2016. Joven Cagande / Philstar.com

were also shot dead from June trade as of June 20. 16 to 20, bringing to 54 the death she noted that investigation toll of suspects in the illegal drug u PAGE A3

Filipino bishops say Church doctrine on homosexuality remains by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

A filipino Catholic priest said on monday, June 27 that Pope francis’ comments of compassion toward the LGBt community was not a call to change the Church’s doctrine on homosexuality. the comment comes from fr. Jerome secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference

of the Philippines (CBCP) episcopal Commission on Public Affairs, who responded to Pope francis’ comments made on sunday, June 26. the pontiff said that Christians and the roman Catholic Church should apologize to the LGBt community and ask for their forgiveness for the Church’s maltreatment throughout history. “I believe that the church not only should apologize to the person who

is gay whom it has offended,” the pope said, “but has to apologize to the poor, to exploited women, to children exploited for labor; it has to ask forgiveness for having blessed many weapons.” But secillano assured that the Pope’s remarks were “not in any way related to the doctrine of the Church on homosexuality,” but rather referenced civilian treatment of the LGBt community.

“What the apology implies is that homosexuals should also be treated with respect, compassion and with high regard for their dignity as human beings,” secillano told reporters. the Pope’s comment on sunday mirrors similar remarks he made earlier in his papacy in which he asked, “Who am I to judge?” when it comes to the judgment of LGBt individuals. “the question is: If a person who

u PAGE A3

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From the Front Page

Belmonte: Zero chance of Duterte… PAGE A1 t

in his thinking,” he said. For incoming senator Panfilo Lacson, Duterte would only have to deliver on his anti-crime and corruption promise to protect himself from any impeachment move. “He will not be impeached as long as he delivers on his campaign promise to stop crime and corruption,” Lacson told The Star. He stressed Congress would, however, remain vigilant against possible excesses. “Minor excesses here and there could be ignored, but if committed with impunity, Congress must provide the check and balance as it is mandated to do,” he added. Sen. Vicente Sotto III also said he doesn’t think Duterte can be impeached. “That’s fine,” Sotto said in reaction to Duterte’s declaring he is ready to face any impeachment move. “I do not think he can be or

will be impeached. He is a lawyer and a former prosecutor. I think he will act within the bounds of what is allowed by law.” Belmonte, meanwhile, described as pure intrigue reports the LP is instigating such a move so that vice president-elect Leni Robredo, who is a party official, could replace Duterte. “That’s a big nonsense,” Belmonte said. Duterte’s PDP-Laban is now gaining control of the House even as the LP’s ranks in the chamber are dwindling because of defections. He urged fellow lawmakers and the people to support the incoming Duterte administration as the nation faces serious challenges that must be tackled in unity. “We should think positively as a people. Let’s look forward to having great achievements instead of talking about negative things like impeachment,” Belmonte said. He also expects that Duterte

and Robredo will have a good working relationship, or “we’re going to be the losers.” Respect The outgoing speaker also urged leaders of the PDP-Laban to treat the LP and other political parties with respect as the emerging dominant party tries to increase its ranks in the House of Representatives ahead of Congress opening on July 25. Belmonte recalled that when he was elected Speaker in 2010, the party also saw its membership swelling as it was forming an administration coalition. But the LP undertook its House buildup without running roughshod over other parties. “My policy then was to have a good relationship with your allies, treat them fairly, treat them equally and give recognition to them,” Belmonte said. “That’s how I bonded with them rather than forcing them to join the party (LP),” he said.

u PAGE A2

PASIG REHABILITATION. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) Monday opened a 75-meter long linear park along the Pasig River on Barangay Poblacion in Makati City. The PRRC officials led by Executive Director Ramil Tan, also unveiled solar powered street lamps which would light up the park at night. After opening the linear park for the use of the barangay’s residents and other visitors, the PRRC officials also threw “mudballs” on the river. “Mudballs” are made of dried mud into which effective microorganisms were activated and kneaded with molasses and rice hull.

Robredo to Filipinos: ‘Unite to support… PAGE A1 t

the weekend to meet with Japanese officials and ministers to strengthen the relationships between Japan and the Philippines, and to celebrate the National Day of the Filipino community in Japan. She held a dialogue with the leaders to discuss several issues affecting both countries, as well as common advocacies related to citizen empowerment and gender equality. Robredo admitted that even if she’s the vice president, it is difficult to get an appointment with the president, but expressed that she is not taking it against the President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. “I understand him. He has many things on his plate, like last month, he was busy forming his Cabinet… I am just here. We have told the people around him

that any time there’s a chance, I am just waiting,” Robredo said in an interview in Japan, a transcript of which was provided by her staff to Inquirer. Robredo’s inauguration will be held at Quezon City Reception House, formerly known as “Boracay Mansion,” with around 300 guests to be invited. She will take her oath before Ronaldo Coner, barangay captain of Punta Tarawal in Calabanga, Camarines Sur and Capt. Regina Celeste San Miguel, captain of Barangay Mariana, Quezon City. Meeting with Binay Outgoing Vice President Jejomar Binay met with Robredo three days before the inauguration on Monday, June 27 at the latter’s home in Quezon City. Robredo said that Binay visited to personally congratulate

her and to offer help if she needs one in the future. “[He told me that] any time na may puwede siyang itulong sakin, tawagan lang siya [o] tawagan lang ang kanyang chief of staff. Sobrang bait. (He told me that if there’s any way he could help me, I should just call him or his chief of staff. He’s very kind),” said Robredo, according to reports from Rappler. Binay said it was Robredo who initiated the visit but he insisted that he will come instead. He also advised her to “always consider your office a public office and that people will go to you for assistance.” Robredo invited Binay in her upcoming inauguration. However, Binay declined to avoid any tension between her and the Liberal Party (LP), where she ran under during the May 9 election. n

LA City Hall celebrates PH Independence…

PAGE A1 t

council meeting in which they highlighted the LA’s rich Fil-Am community. LA is home to the largest concentration of Filipinos outside the Philippines at more than 300,000 Filipinos residing in LA County. The city awarded a Philippine Independence resolution honoring the achievements of the Filipino community and its contributions to LA. “Some of the first pobladores (settlers) who helped establish the city of Los Angeles were Filipinos, and the history of giving back to this city for Filipinos has continued to today,” Huizar said. “Many Filipinos throughout this city continue to give back, and they are here enriching our city with their culture and history and also giving back, and we thank them for that.” LAFACE President Linda Granados thanked the city for the opportunities that have allowed the Fil-Am community to flourish and make its mark throughout LA. “By finding common bonds, we continue to build and improve relationships, appreciating and leveraging our differences in unique and creative ways so we can work together to improve our communities,” said Granados. After the presentation, Granados delivered a speech at a lunch reception and cultural showcase hosted by Giselle Tongi of “Kababayan Today.” Granados, who is stepping down as president, reminisced on her time at LAFACE and introduced the incoming president, Rea Lazo. A cultural clothing design showcase followed in which Filipina beauty pageant contestants from all over the Southland donned the work of Filipino fashion designer Carl Andrada. Philippine Independence Day observes the day that the country declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898 following the Spanish-American War. Since then, Filipinos have made their mark in history by contributing to the cultural enrichment of communities all over the world. The celebration was also as a send-off for Leo Herrera-Lim, whose two-year term as consul general at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles wraps up at the end of June. “During the past month, when we celebrated independence, we’ve seen how a proud and free, independent Philippines has shown its mark on the world,” Herrera-Lim said during the presentation. “Also here, the Filipinos have aggressively participated in the nation-building of the U.S., so I am proud to have represented the Philippines in Los Angeles.” During his stay in LA, HerreraLim worked with caregivers, students and various government bodies, he said after the event. Of the two-year experience, he

LAFACE members and Filipino city employees with the resolution

Singing the Philippine national anthem

Lunch reception and cultural showcase

Incoming LAFACE president Rea Lazo with Filipino law enforcement and Filipina pageant winners AJPress photos by Klarize Medenilla

said it was “rewarding” to have worked with, not only the most populated community of Filipinos, but a “diverse” group of Filipinos. Among his favorite projects, he said that he enjoyed working with the youth and second and third generations of Filipinos to help in connecting them with their heritage and Filipino identity. “I have a simple tagline for my mission: awareness and respect,” said Herrera-Lim. “During my stay here, I just tried to develop awareness for the Philippines and the Filipino community, so that there will be better respect for our people.” The general consul also com-

mented on ongoing issues that he hopes future general consuls will tackle like establishing better trade deals, access to education and a “friendlier treatment” toward immigration. Herrera-Lim also commented on the “disappointing” Supreme Court non-decision on immigration on Thursday, June 23. “[Filipinos] have a lot of stake in the Executive Order on DAPA and the expanded DACA,” said Herrera-Lim. “Our people have waited patiently for reform on the immigration side I think our patience is running thin, so it would be good if we can act in the next coming elections and make it one of the priority issues.” n

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Study: PH one of Asiaâ€™s unhealthiestâ€Ś

PAGE A1 t

really satisfied with their health,â€? the author said, adding that the survey was conducted face to face with 764 Filipinos. Forty-four percent of adults are overweight due mainly to insufficient exercise and poor food habits, but only 25 percent would like to lose weight. Seventy-four percent of adults claim to exercise regularly. But on average, adults in the Philippines exercise only 2.1 hours a week, lower than the regional average of three hours and well below what most experts would recommend. Unhealthy eating habits are common as 84 percent of those surveyed said they tend to eat while distracted, 81 percent admitted to eating unhealthy snacks between meals and 71 percent had their dinners close to bed time. â€œAttempts to eat healthier are still restricted to the basics of drinking more water and eating more fruits and vegetables,â€? Isaac lamented. The survey cemented fears that Internet addiction will

emerge as a modern day threat to healthy living. â€œThough Internet adoption is still lower in the Philippines relative to some other markets in the region, Internet and smartphone use are growing rapidly and social networking is extremely popular among those who are online,â€? he said. Adults in the Philippines spend 1.1 hours a day on the Internet for non-work purposes, much lower than the regional average of three hours. However, those who spend time online are aware of its negative impact on health: less time for sleep (48 percent), less time for exercise (46 percent) and bad for their posture (47 percent). Fifty-two percent of Filipino adults even admit to being addicted to spending time online, slightly lower than the regional average of 57 percent. Currently, 30 percent of Filipino parents admit their children donâ€™t get enough exercise and 22 percent said their children do not get enough sleep. Too much time spent watching TV, playing

video games or being online are the main culprits. Unless parents and schools promote exercise and restrict screen time, there will be challenges to the younger generationâ€™s health. There are very high levels of concerns about many health conditions, all much higher than the regional averages. The main health concerns are heart disease, having a stroke, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, being bedridden/wheelchair bound and cancer. A significant number of adults admit to having concerns about mental well-being such as Alzheimerâ€™s/senility, anxiety and depression. â€œBut despite their many health concerns, only 50 percent had a medical checkup in the past year, down in fact from previous years (58 percent in 2011 and 54 percent in 2013). Employers should help their employees get health checkups, including giving them sufficient time off to do so,â€? the AIA survey said. (By Ted Torres / Philstar.com)

BOUND TOGETHER. Couples from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community take part in a â€˜Rite of Holy Unionâ€™ ceremony in Manila on Monday, June 27. Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

PNP probes killings in anti-drugâ€Ś

PAGE A1 t

of each of the cases was complicated and could last about two weeks. Castillo pointed out that charges would be filed against policemen found liable for violations of police operational procedures said Lacson, former chief of the (POP). PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Philippine National Police during Wilben Mayor stressed there is the Estrada administration. â€œNever in the history of crimi- a presumption of regularity in nality in the Philippines have we police operations despite the seen drug users, pushers and the increasing number of suspects like surrender in this manner,â€? killed by law enforcers. â€œPart of the investigation is he added. Lacson also expressed hope the to determine the circumstances incoming administration would behind the operation and why be able to maintain such momen- the suspects were killed,â€? Mayor tum and arrest or eliminate more said. Some sectors have expressed pushers starting July 1. alarm over the increasing numâ€œWhile it is impossible to eradicate crime, it is quite doable to ber of people killed in anti-illegal drug operations by the police, greatly minimize it,â€? he added. Lacson said he is hopeful Duterte notably after tough-talking presiwill fulfill his campaign promise of tougher approach to fighting crime, with the help of incoming PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa. PAGE A1 t He described Dela Rosa, who has that condition, who has good had worked under him in Task will and who looks for God, who Group Mindanao of the defunct are we to judge?â€? said Pope Presidential Anti-Organized Francis, whose papacy is conCrime Task Force, as a â€œdoer and sidered one of the most socially a performer who delivers.â€? progressive. â€œIt takes a lot of resolve, it Secillanoâ€™s comment comes aftakes a lot of will, it takes a lot of ter the CBCPâ€™s statement followcourage,â€? Lacson said, referring ing the Orlando gay nightclub to the fight against crime. shooting on June 12 in which Lacson, who is being eyed as the bishops urged Filipinos to chairman of the Senate commit- treat the LGBT community with tee on public order and danger- respect and tolerance, denouncous drugs in the next Congress, ing acts of violence toward LGBT u PAGE A4 individuals.

Belmonte: Zero chance of Duterteâ€Ś PAGE A2 t

He made the appeal as talks for an alliance between the PDP-Laban and the LP remain in limbo over the issue of numbers. He said Davao del Norte representative-elect Pantaleon Alvarez, who is PDP-Laban secretary general and incoming speaker, wants the LP reduced to only 20 members before being allowed to join the majority coalition. Over 70 LP lawmakers last month signed a manifesto in support of Alvarez and the Duterte administration. The LP membersâ€™ gesture meant they intended to join the majority by forging an alliance with PDP-Laban, the emerging ruling party. Alvarezâ€™s condition meant that many LP lawmakers would have to swear allegiance to the PDPLaban if they wish to join the majority coalition. Otherwise, they will be part of the minority or opposition bloc. The PDP-Laban had only three members in the House shortly after the elections. It aims to increase the number to over 100 followers. Sources said the new ruling party has so far over 80 members in its roster. Belmonte emphasized he could not allow the LP to be reduced to a small group.

Other parties like the Nacionalista Party (NP), Nationalist Peopleâ€™s Coalition (NPC), the National Unity Party (NUP) and Lakas-CMD and the Party-List Coalition have already forged alliances with PDP-Laban. The pacts meant the PDP-Laban couldnâ€™t raid the allied partiesâ€™ ranks to increase its membership as it is doing now to the LP. Alvarez has reportedly asked allied parties to stop raiding the LP for members to allow it to achieve its target membership. Impact in first 100 days Lacson, meanwhile, expressed belief Duterte can really make a dent on criminality â€“ particularly drug-related offenses â€“ in his first 100 days in office. In a statement, Lacson cited significant strides made by law enforcers, particularly against the illegal drug trade, with suspected drug users and pushers turning themselves in to police weeks before Duterte formally assumes his post on Thursday, June 30. â€œEven before president-elect Duterte formally assumes the presidency, we have seen how suspected drug users and pushers turned themselves in to police in past weeks out of fear,â€?

dent-elect Rodrigo Duterte won in the May 9 elections. Duterte made a campaign promise to eradicate crime and illegal drugs in the first six months of his presidency. Mayor assured the public that there are mechanisms to check abuses of policemen. He cited PNP units like the IAS and the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) that are working to determine any wrongdoing of policemen. â€œThis is to avoid the negative perception and at the same time, for us to know the truth about the involvement of policemen (in the death of the suspects). And if they are involved, then they deserve to be removed from the service,â€? Mayor said. Quoting DIDM documents, Mayor said 25 drug suspects

were killed from June 16 to 20 alone, or an average of five people a day over five days in separate police operations in Luzon and the Visayas. Mayor added that the police operations against illegal drugs are in compliance with the policy of the incoming president. â€œThe intensity of the operations against illegal drugs, which he (Duterte) is really against, is pushing the PNP. This is why our policemen are focused on the illegal drugs campaign because the focus of the incoming president is against illegal drugs,â€? Mayor added. Duterte had vowed to cleanse the country of illegal drugs and wants Congress to reenact the death penalty law, with death by hanging as one of its features. (By Cecille Suerte Felipe / Philstar.com)

Filipino bishops say Church doctrineâ€Ś

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TAIPEI

Although the CBCP calls for respect for the LGBT community, the organization has generally denounced homosexuality, staying in line with traditional Catholic indoctrination on homosexuality. In February, the CBCP defended Manny Pacquiaoâ€™s controversial comments in which he referred to homosexuals as â€œworse than animals.â€? Secillano told Philstar that Pacquiao was merely quoting a line from the Bible and said it was â€œunfairâ€? to condemn the boxing icon for the

comment and his views on samesex marriage. In August, CBCP President Socrates Villegas, who is also the archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, stated that homosexual acts are â€œcontrary to the naturalâ€? and are to be considered â€œsins gravely contrary to chastity.â€? The statement came at a time when LGBT activists were pushing for the legalization of samesex unions in the Philippines, a country whose religious identity is deeply engrained in its legislation. n

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Many eligible for Prop 47 relief still need to apply by Viji

Sundaram NewAmericaMedia

OAKLAND, Calif. – California’s Prop. 47 allows many individuals to change certain felonies into misdemeanors on their criminal records – but less than a quarter of those eligible have submitted their requests, and the window of opportunity could expire next year. Eighteen months into Prop. 47’s enactment, the state has received some 211,000 petitions seeking resentencing or a record change. The ballot measure, which passed in November 2014 despite heavy opposition from law enforcement associations, gives a three-year window for the estimated 1 million eligible individuals to file for relief. Prop. 47 converted certain nonviolent felonies into misdemeanors, which translates into little or no jail time for crimes like low-value theft and simple drug possession. The savings generated by the measure are meant to guide people into programs such as drug treatment. Advocates worry that because the “application process is so complex” – even though the application itself is only a page long – and counties don’t have enough attorneys who can spend adequate time dealing with petitions, the sun may set on the window before all those eligible can apply. However, in early June, California State Assembly approved AB 2765, a bill that would extend the

deadline by five years, from November 2017 to November 2022. It is scheduled to go before the Senate Public Safety Committee on June 28. If it is signed into law, “it will give the courts and the judicial system more time to process the applications,” says Marisa Arrona, Prop. 47 implementation director with Californians for Safety and Justice, the non-profit that was at the forefront of the Prop. 47 campaign. Equally importantly, it will give more time for criminal justice advocates to conduct outreach and get more people to submit their requests. Prop. 47 supporters say that processing petitions is burdensome for the public defenders’ offices that deal with the cases. And resentencing takes “some coordination,” says Contra Costa County Public Defender Robin Lipetzky. Since the measure is retroactive, and there is no limit on how far back a conviction can go, some rap sheets could go back several decades. “No sustained funding” The biggest problem, however, is “there’s no sustained funding for the legal services that help eligible individuals file for Prop. 47 relief,” says Eliza Hersh, director of Clean Slate, a project of the East Bay Community Law Center. In Alameda County, for instance, the Public Defender’s office got no funding at all to take up Prop. 47 cases. Hersh says that Public Defender Brendon Wood assigned an attorney from his

staff to deal with Prop. 47 cases full-time, with no additional funding for the increased work. Contra Costa County also faced the same funding shortage, but the Public Defender’s office was able to get some outside grants – one for $50,000 from the San Francisco Foundation and another for $25,000 from The California Endowment, according to Public Defender Robin Lipetzky. The money allowed her office to hire one legal support employee to work on Prop. 47 cases. So far, the county has received about 2,400 petitions. “We have been processing between 50 and 100 cases a week,” says Deputy Public Defender and Reentry Coordinator Ellen McDonnell. Kelly Emling, chief deputy with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, said that despite no additional hires, her office so far has been able to grant about 50,300 petitions. “Our workload has increased,” Emling says, pointing out that processing applications “looks deceptively simple.” Thanks to her department’s partnership with a number of community-based organizations, outreach into the community has been good, although not as much as is necessary, she says. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is likely to approve the hiring of a few paralegals to deal with Prop. 47 applications when it meets June 28, she said. In the meantime, Californians for Safety and Justice, in partnership with other non-profits, is continuing its outreach efforts to increase Prop. 47 applications. She worries that there may be homeless people who are not even aware of the law. A “Justice Fair” of the kind held last September in South Los Angeles is scheduled for June 25 in Stockton. Scores of volunteer attorneys will be on hand to assist applicants. n

Belmonte…

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admitted that the illegal drug trade is a major problem which has affected more than 90 percent of barangays in Metro Manila. “We should all be hopeful. I hope president-elect Duterte and General Dela Rosa accomplish their mission against crime and drugs, for our and our future generation’s sake,” he said. n

HERE COMES THE RAIN. Children walking along Luzon Avenue in Quezon City frolic in the rain brought about by Typhoon Ambo, the first tropical depression to enter the country in 2016. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

LA City Councilmember O’Farrell presents check to #HIFILIGHTS design contest winner

LOS Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell of the city’s 13th district, along with the Department of Public Works, announced the winner of the HiFi Lights Design Contest and present local artist Roel Punzalan with a ceremonial check and certificate of appreciation from the City of Los Angeles. Punzalan, winner of the Project #HiFiLights Street Light Design Contest, is an L.A. based artist who traces his ancestry to the Philippines. He has drawn on the nation’s artistic tradition as well as his experience as an Angeleno to create designs representative of L.A.’s creative spirit and diverse cultural heritage. These designs focused on the themes of kapayapaan meaning harmony, kapwa meaning humanity, and lakbay meaning mobility. Project HiFi Highlight funds the installation of 54 bus stop lights in Historic Filipinotown along Temple Street, between Glendale Boulevard and Hoover Street. Many of the lights will also include a culturally representative decorative element. The goal of the $625,000 project is to improve safety for pedestrians and create a sense of place

Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and Commissioner Jacinto presented artist Roel Punzalan with a certificate of appreciation and a large ceremonial check for winning the Project HiFiLights Design Contest. AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

unique to the community. During the ceremony on Saturday, June 25, Councilmember O’Farrell was joined by Public Works Commissioner Joel Jacinto for the ceremonial presentation of the check and official City certificate. The councilmember is using his discretionary arts and culture funds for the $1,000 award. Following the photo oppor-

tunity, the city officials participated in the monthly Councilmember in Your Corner which serves to bring City Hall and government to constituents. The event started in 2013, and has become a popular community service project bringing together hundreds of volunteers to participate in community service projects to improve the neighborhood we visit. n

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Arroyo’s fate rests with new govt by Jomar

canLas ManilaTimes.net

GIANT MURAL. The Stonehill community above Balili River in Benguet’s La Trinidad town is slowly turning into a giant painting, courtesy of volunteers who agreed to turn their homes into a living canvas for tourists. Inquirer.net photo by EV Espiritu

Census: Asian Americans still fastest-growing racial group …

PAGE A1 t

ity background. California and Hawaii house the largest Asian American and NHPI populations. Some of the fastest growing NHAPI communities are in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Montana and Indiana. In the past five years, Arkansas saw a 30 percent increase in its AANHPI population. Much of the growth from the Asian American and NHPI communities is the result of immigration, according to the Census Bureau. Asian Americans are more likely to become American citizens than other racial groups. Fifty-nine percent of Asian immigrants complete the naturalization process, versus 47 per-

cent of the immigrant population at large. China and India are the leading countries of origin for recently sworn citizens. Vietnam and Taiwan have the highest naturalization rates at 76 and 74 percent, respectively. For the Filipino population, 68 percent of immigrants end up becoming American citizens. There were 1.26 million naturalized Filipinos in the country in 2013. “Asian Americans are a disproportionately immigrant community,” said Joanna Lee, senior research analyst for Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA). “Understanding the incredible social and economic diversity of these growing population groups is critical in understand-

ing how best to address their needs.” Despite their expanding presence in America, neither of the major political parties have done enough to engage the Asian American and NHAPI community, according to Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC (AAAJ | AAJC) Executive Director Mee Moua. During a panel discussion on Monday, June 20, she said polling performed by the advocacy group suggested that 62 percent of Asian Americans had not been contacted by representatives of the Democratic Party during this election cycle, while 74 percent said they were yet to hear from the Republican Party. “That’s not building democ-

racy,” said Moua, challenging elected officials to keep up with the nation’s “changing demographic realities.” With their growing numbers, Asian Americans will have an influential role in shaping the country’s future political landscape, according to a 2015 study released by UCLA and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. The Asian American electorate is expected to double by 2040, reaching 12.2 million. “Asian Americans have the potential to be the margin of victory in critical swing votes during the next six presidential election cycles,” according to the authors of the study. (By Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

State increases education funding, underrepresented students… PAGE A1 t

2018 year and increase graduation rates by expanding student services and outreach programs for low-income and underrepresented students. The legislation would allocate $200 million to the College Readiness Block Grant which would grant school districts and charter schools to provide services for high school students to establish a transition to college for the next three years. The grant pays particular attention to underfunded school districts, charter schools and schools with a majority population of low-income students, English learners and foster children, according to the state’s budget summary for 2016-2017. These schools lack in A-G courses, advanced placement

(AP) classes and are scarce in resources for college advising and counseling. The College for All Coalition, which is comprised of over 50 community organizations including Advancing Justice-California, hailed the state’s legislative efforts to provide a “pipeline of educational opportunity and success” according to a statement released by Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles after Brown signed the bill. “We’re investing in the most vulnerable and underserved kids who, like their peers from more affluent families, should have an equal chance to go to college,” Chris Punongbayan, executive director for Advancing JusticeAsian Law Caucus, said in the statement. “This is an investment worth making because we are

supporting the potential of every California student.” According to the Public Policy Institute of California, the state is threatened with a workforce shortage of 1.1 million college graduates by 2030 if the state doesn’t further invest in public education. “California’s future depends on reinvesting in public education so that every California student has an equal opportunity to attend and graduate from the state’s world-class public universities,” said Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of Advancing Justice-LA. The increase to the state’s education budget is a part of a requirement from Proposition 98, the overarching legislation that ensures funding for preschool, K-12 education, the California

Community Colleges (CCC) and adult education. Proposition 98 requires that K-12 education receive a minimum percentage of the state’s budget and an overall guaranteed increase in educational funding every year. This year’s spending decisions made on behalf of Proposition 98 were a part of a $171 billion spending plan that also looks to reduce homelessness, increase funding for affordable housing, remove limits on welfare payments, strengthening the state’s infrastructure and reducing the state’s debt. “The solid budget makes responsible investments in California and sets aside billions of dollars to prepare for the next recession,” Brown said in a statement. (By Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

THE Supreme Court (SC) is set to vote on a plunder case involving former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. It will now wait for the next administration before making any ruling on a case for demurrer to evidence of the former leader. Duterte had said that he will pardon Arroyo once he became President. The former president, however, refused because she has to plead guilty to the case. Arroyo maintained that she is innocent of the crime. According to a well-placed source of The Manila Times in the High Court, Associate Justice Marvic Leonen has asked for more time to study the demurrer case. The SC source said the case will be called again after two

weeks. The Arroyo case was first listed on the agenda on June 7, 2016 under “Item No. 91” for deliberation of the justices. This was reset and again was rescheduled on June 14, 2016 until it was called again on June 28. There are three petitions in the High Court involving the Arroyo case. The first case is the one handled by Leonen and involves determination of probable cause in the plunder case of Arroyo after being charged for alleged participation in embezzling P366-million intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) from 2008 to 2010. The demurrer to evidence case is with Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin. The third case involves review of petition for bail of the former president that had been junked by the Sandiganbayan. It is handled by Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza. n

Brother says he won’t be like Manny by LLanesca

T. PanTi ManilaTimes.net

RUEL Pacquiao does not want to be like his brother, eight-time world boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao. The younger Ruel Pacquiao, recently elected as Sarangani congressman to replace Manny, made the remark in connection with Manny’s infamous record of being the top absentee in Congress in his two terms as Sarangani lawmaker. “Attendance is a part of our obligation [as a lawmaker]. We need to be present here [in Congress], participate in the deliberations,” Ruel said. “It [being present] is part of my job,” he added. Ruel will replace Manny, who

won a Senate seat in the May polls, landing seventh place with 6,050,546 votes. But during Manny’s stints in Congress, he consistently topped the list of lawmakers with the most absences, a total of 120 in his six years as a Sarangani lawmaker. On Monday, he skipped the orientation for newly-elected senators. Ruel offered little excuses for his brother’s chronic absenteeism. “Hindi ko alam bakit ‘di [siya] dumalo sa orientation. Baka may importanteng pinuntahan o inattenan (I don’t know why he skipped the orientation. Maybe he had to go somewhere else for something important),” he said. Aside from being a senator, Pacquiao is also a playing coach for PBA team Mahindra Enforcers. n

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Due process A FAVORABLE decision is expected soon from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to strengthen the Philippines’ maritime case against China over its expansive claim in the disputed water of the South China Sea. The international court is expected to rule over the decades-long conflict soon. Citing peaceful resolution on the jurisdiction over the disputed waters, the Philippines has pleaded its case to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). It is now awaiting results of the preliminary hearings over the Philippine claim. The ITLOS is an intergovernmental organization created through the directive of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed at Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Dec. 10, 1982. China and the Philippines have competing claims to some parts of the South China Sea. China claims the largest swathe of the strategic water, which is believed to have significant oil and gas deposits. It has continuously rejected other nations’ claim (including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei) on the South China Sea. China has also been busy militarizing the strategic water in the last two years through the creation of new outposts by piling sand atop reefs and atolls, and then adding buildings, ports and airstrips big enough to handle bombers and fighter jets. Despite continuous calls from the international community to halt the construction, China remained adamant over its assertion to the South

West Philippine (South China) Sea. It maintained that its military activities are consistent with its position that the construction of artificial islands was designed to provide public service to the region by helping ships and fishermen and disaster relief efforts. In a Note Verbale, China rejected the Notification and Statement of Claim made by the Philippines and refused to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal over the case. It has insisted on resolving the dispute through bilateral negotiations. Ironically, China is a signatory of the UN charter, which is governed by the rules and principles of general international law. Under the UNCLOS, all parties have agreed to “due regard for the sovereignty of all States, a legal order for the seas and oceans which will facilitate international communication, and will promote the peaceful uses of the seas and oceans, the equitable and efficient utilization of their resources, the conservation of their living resources, and the study, protection and preservation of the marine environment.” While the international community is waiting for the landmark ruling, the US called on both parties and other claimants of the South China Sea to exercise restraint to avoid further confrontations.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

After years of tension-filled relations and regardless of an incoming court order, the Philippines and China must learn to settle their differences, and let diplomacy prevail. Diplomacy is an old art. But today’s challenges give an opening to effec-

tive means of resolving crises. It can never happen over night, but through a pragmatic approach, the adverse effects of international conflict can be reduced. When a conflict is defused, peace and progress will ensue. (AJPress)

Supreme Court affirms the right of women to have an abortion IF there is a singular issue that makes many kababayans gravitate toward the Republican Party, it’s the issue of the right of women to have an abortion — a right traditionally fought for by Democrats and opposed by Republicans. On Monday, June 27, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld such right of women by striking down Texas’ controversial abortion restriction bill. With a 5-3 vote, the justices of the highest court in the nation ruled that Texas lawmakers went too far by imposing unnecessary regulations that had forced most of the state’s abortion clinics to go out of business. This vote would effectively limit the power not only of Texas, but of other states as well, to restrict or shut down abortion clinics.

This is the first major decision on abortion by the Supreme The Fil-Am Court, after passing the landmark decision on Roe v. Wade Perspective in 1973, which found that a state law that banned abortions except to save the life of the mother was unconstitutional. Gel SAntoS-reloS As Balitang America reported, President Barack Obama shared on the social networking site Twitter his reaction to the SC’s decision, saying that “every woman has a constitutional right to make her own reproductive choices,” adding that he is pleased that the Supreme Court affirmed that fact.

Take a bow FOR all the criticism he received throughout his six years in Sketches office, when the president called P-Noy by Filipinos bows out this Thursday, he is bound to receive applause from the public. Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III is stepping down at noon of June 30 with no corrup- AnA MArie PAMintuAn tion scandal tainting him personally. This is no small feat in a nation that has thrown out two presidents (Ferdinand Marcos being the first) for large-scale corruption, detained and convicted one for plunder, and is currently keeping another under hospital detention on accusations of the same offense. The adherence to the much-touted straight path by some members of President Aquino’s official family is a different story. There are those who wonder how much P-Noy knows; by law, officials who look the other way in the face of wrongdoing by their subordinates are guilty of an act of omission and are just as liable for graft. Unless a credible investigation links him conclusively to corruption, however, P-Noy can still say that he kept his promise to his “bosses” and his late parents – to stay clean and leave office with his head held high. *** Pollsters have pointed out that P-Noy will be exiting with the highest satisfaction rating among all presidents since polling started after the Marcos regime. P-Noy’s so-called gross satisfaction rate of 66 percent – his average in six years, according to Social Weather Stations Inc. – tops those of Fidel Ramos (59 percent) and Joseph Estrada (58). Cory Aquino, who holds the record high net 72 percent satisfaction rating, averaged 56 percent; Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo got 37. P-Noy topped all his predecessors since 1986 in addressing issues where pollsters have taken the public pulse, including helping the poor, easing hunger, keeping prices down, foreign relations, fighting crime and fighting corruption. He got his congressional allies to pass the Reproductive Health Law and excise tax reforms, and even in his final months managed to enact the liberalized Cabotage and Competition and Anti-Trust Acts – measures that were resisted by powerful lobbies. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, who has promised to “really level the playing field” for business, must sustain the gains and ensure the effective implementation of these laws.

Some people say that with his enormous popularity, President Noynoy could have done much more. Because he is said to have genuinely counted the days to the end of his term and never wanted to stay a moment longer in power, certain quarters had hoped Charter change would have worked best under his watch since he would surely not personally benefit from it. Having been a congressman and senator for many years, however, P-Noy harbored a deeply cynical distrust of lawmakers. Cha-cha never stood a chance under his watch, despite his announced threat last year to go ahead with it so he could seek reelection and clip judicial powers. Cha-cha proponents can rejoice over the fact that Duterte, the black swan in the 2016 presidential race, has made Cha-cha and a shift to federalism his priority. *** P-Noy valued loyalty to a fault, making several lemons in his official family co-terminus with him or giving the disgraced ones government sinecures. Agriculture was neglected but he didn’t have the heart to let go of the one in charge. The lemons were among the reasons voters rejected P-Noy’s anointed successor. But Mar Roxas’ election loss probably didn’t matter to P-Noy as much as the prospect of losing the friendship of his (and his mother’s) trusted aides Jose Angel Honrado and Abaya. The President was pained enough by the fall of the man who would take a bullet for him, disgraced Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima. P-Noy didn’t want to lose more of his loyalists. The kid glove treatment enjoyed by Abaya and Abad has been cited as examples of selective justice under P-Noy’s watch, with only leaders of the opposition arrested and held without bail for corruption. Citizen Noynoy himself may yet be indicted and arrested not just over the DAP but also for multiple murder in connection with the Mamasapano deaths, for allowing a suspended Purisima to take charge of the operation. But I believe history will be kind to this President. And for now P-Noy can take comfort in his personal ratings, which indicate that he is leaving office with many Filipinos satisfied with his work. P-Noy can honestly say that he did his best to serve his bosses. For this, President Noynoy Aquino can take a bow. n

Balitang America also reported on the reaction of the major prolife group — Susan B. Anthony’s List — which argues that “the abortion industry cannot be trusted to regulate itself”, and that “America should elect a pro-life President to safeguard today’s pro-life majorities in the House and Senate”. Many conservative Kababayans share the views of Americans who believe abortion is morally wrong. A recent Gallup Poll reveals that 47 percent of respondents think abortion is morally wrong,

while 43 percent say it is morally acceptable. Nine percent contend that it depends on the situation, while two percent expressed no opinion on the issue. The same poll further reveals that more Democrats — 62 percent — are okay with abortion morally, while only 24 percent of Republicans share that opinion. Do you agree with the Supreme Court decision? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are 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

Students who inspired me by Janet

napolitano

[Editor’s note: This column is one in a series written by University of California President Janet Napolitano as part of a partnership with New America Media, whose members include this publication.] EARLIER this summer, University of California campuses granted bachelor’s and advanced degrees to 67,000 individuals, each with stories of personal aspiration and accomplishment. For me some of the most inspiring stories were about graduates dedicated to serving others. At UC San Diego, Vince Pham mentored first-year students and served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper. Outside the campus, he tutored students in underserved schools. Now that he has graduated, he will travel to Dong Ha, Vietnam, for a year of service as the recipient of a Fulbright English teaching award. When he returns, he plans to teach students in low-income communities. Brian Vargas, wounded in Iraq as a Marine nine years ago and still struggling with related health problems, graduated from UC Berkeley with a bachelor’s degree in social welfare at age 29. He was a tireless advocate at Cal and at Diablo Valley College, where he helped establish a student veterans center. Now he is working with a U.S. Veterans Administration psychologist on an innovative approach to deterring veterans from impulsive firearms suicide. At the May meeting of the UC Board of Regents, I presented a leadership award to Maria Watson, the first African American woman to serve as student body president of UC Davis. Before graduation, she led efforts to expand the food pantry and to find ways to help students who can-

UC President Janet Napolitano presents leadership award to US Davis Student Body President Maria Wastson

not afford housing. Her service at UC Davis, she says, has given her the skills and confidence to aim for a life in public service, and perhaps politics. Kevin Hale, a 53-year-old father of four and grandfather of three, graduated from UCLA with a degree in sociology. At that campus, he became a student leader who mentored fellow students and promoted health, cultural pride and educational opportunities for Native Americans. Now a counselor with an alcohol treatment center, he has come a long way since the days a few years ago when he was sleeping behind a hardware store and battling alcoholism himself. Hanni Schoniger and Jade Zamorano, who both majored in biology with minors in neurosci-

ence at UC Riverside, founded an organization, Change in Scientific Importance for Youth, to motivate middle and high school students to go to college and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, the socalled STEM fields. Their organization created hands-on workshops for underserved youth in two Riverside-area schools. Each of these graduates made the most of the opportunity to learn and grow at a UC campus, and contributed to public service before commencement. These are just a few of the stories that bring the mission of the University of California to life. If you would like to read more, I hope you will visit our UC website: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/. n

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Group protests Marcos’s Libingan burial MANILA – Stones bearing the names of victims of human rights abuses during martial law have been placed at an empty gravesite supposedly allotted for the late president Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. An initiative called Bawa’t Bato was launched Sunday to protest the pronouncements of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte supporting the burial of Marcos at the heroes’ cemetery. A call to action posted on Facebook read: “In the center of our Cemetery of Heroes lies a hole – across the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, beneath the Philippine flag at half-mast. It is intended for a man who is neither hero nor patriot, who denied millions dignity, and died not in glory but in shame. “We can each place a stone: at his grave or in places stained by the atrocities of martial law – memorializing its thousands of victims, and for us tens of millions who’ve not lived as we all deserved in the decades since. We can each place a stone: our silent symbols of dissent – heaped high upon any monument built there, burying now and constantly the vainglory and lies.” On Sunday, the first batch of stones bearing the names of the victims was placed at the gravesite. Bubut Vasquez, one of those who took part in the activity, said in a Facebook post: “This is just the start as more stones with more names are laid so that their memories shall not be forgotten. This is a public space and all are welcome to pay their respects and honor the real heroes.” Messages encouraging Filipinos to take part in the initiative are posted on social media. Organizers said: “Bring a rock to the proposed gravesite for Ferdinand Marcos at Libingan ng mga Bayani. Write a name of one of the martial law victims or a personal message, if you happen to have a pentel pen with you. Drop the rock inside the grave site, as a sign of your dissent and in memory of all those who suffered and died for our freedom.” Among those who are part of the initiative are the Martial Law Chronicles Project, UP Samasa Alumni, Claimants 1081, Nameless Heroes and Martyrs, Akbayan Youth, Akbayan, Dakila and TBWA\SMP. Poll protest reset Meanwhile, the camp of Sen.

Relatives of martial law victims place stones at the proposed gravesite of the late president Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani last Sunday. Facebook photo by Bubut Vasquez, Susan Quimpo

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reset the scheduled filing of an election protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal against vice president-elect Leni Robredo to accommodate more witnesses and evidence. Abakada Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz, political adviser of Marcos, told The STAR they have consolidated their complaint with cases involving other party-list groups which have also filed electionrelated cases. “We are expecting the PET to resolve our protest in six months,” he said. They have already gathered enough evidence and will seek a recount or setting aside questionable results in at least 30 areas, he added. De la Cruz said they are filing the election protest because they owe it to those who voted for Marcos and to the entire Filipino people to find out what really happened in the May 2016 elections. “We believe that we have enough evidence to show that there was massive rigging and manipulation of votes,” he said. In an advisory the camp of Marcos said he will file his election protest at 11 a.m. at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, June 29. Ilocanos back death penalty

In Laoag City, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos expressed support for president-elect Duterte’s plan to re-impose the death penalty against criminals, especially those involved in illegal drugs. Marcos vowed “total compliance” of Ilocos Norte for the death penalty, as she promised to continue the battle against crime and illegal drugs in her province. She emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of the citizens, especially the youth and victims of heinous crimes. She urged her provincemates to report suspects as well as advise those involved in drugrelated activities to surrender to authorities as early as possible. “Surely our police are ready and we are also ready to charge the culprits,” she added. Earlier this year, the Ilocos Norte Provincial Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operation Task Group arrested several local officials involved in the illegal drug trade. Marcos condemned the officials as she assured the people of the provincial government’s continued efforts in ensuring a safe and peaceful province through effective law enforcement. (By Janvic Mateo with Perseus Echeminada, Artemio Dumlao, Ariel Paolo Tejada / Philstar.com)

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

Peso sinks to 2-month low at P47.03:$1

as risk currencies continued to be buffeted by the fallout from the recent Brexit decision,” THE Philippine peso returned said Nicholas Antonio Mapa, to P47:$1 level on Monday, June Bank of the Philippine Islands 27, hitting a nearly two-month associate economist. low against the US dollar as the On Friday last week, the UnitBrexit continues to affect for- ed Kingdom’s referendum cameign exchange trading. paign has secured more than The currency fell to P47.03 majority of the vote to leave the to $1, losing 8 centavos from European Union (EU). its P46.95 close on Friday last The pound has collapsed and week. The finish on Friday, June world stock markets have de24 was the weakest since May 6 scended into pandemonium afwhen the peso slid to P47.09. ter Britain’s shock vote to leave “USD/PHP was forced higher u PAGE B2 by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

by riChMond

S. MerCUrio

Philstar.com

PH govt urged to open infrastructure, tourism to foreign investment by Catherine

talavera

ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine economy needs to be more “outwardlooking” to reach new growth levels, opening up several sectors such as infrastructure and tourism to foreign investment, an official of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) said on Tuesday, June 28. Given a government target for the Filipino family to have a gross monthly income of P120,000 to live a simple and comfortable life, the economy needs first to attract more foreign investment and partner-

ships to gain more traction, he said. “Will the economy grow the way we want it to grow just selling to ourselves and keeping the business arena to ourselves?” NCC co-chairman for the private sector Guillermo Luz asked during a media briefing. “I think it would be way clear that we need to be outward-looking. Outward-looking in the form of investments, trading.” A study by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) puts the level of gross monthly income for a Fili-

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MANILA — A Philippine economy growing by 8 percent should not be a problem under the incoming administration, local business groups said. Business groups led by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) agreed that achieving an eight percent gross domestic product

(GDP) growth for the country is not a question of if but a question of when. “I would think it’s a possibility, especially with the incoming administration’s planned push for agribusiness. In the past, instead of growing, our agribusiness has taken a step back. Given how strong our economy is now and if we put more on agriculture, then eight percent GDP growth is definitely a possibility,” PCCI president George Barcelon told The STAR. “Given the fact that we know he [incoming president Rodrigo Duterte] is an implemen-

tor, definitely six percent is very achievable this year. In fact, we might be surprised it might even go as high as eight percent during his term,” MAP president Perry Pe said in a separate interview. Philexport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., meanwhile, said the incoming administration’s strong focus on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), ease of doing business, human capital, infrastructure development, and increased agricultural and rural enterprise productivity and rural

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Brexit won’t affect OFWs – UK envoy by Pia lee-brago Philstar.com

MANILA — Britain’s decision to leave the European Union will not have an impact on Filipinos working and living in the United Kingdom, as they arrived in the UK under a “completely different immigration regime,” British Ambassador Asif Ahmad said on Monday, June 27.

Ahmad said the UK has an independent migration and visa policy, not being part of Schengen. He said Filipinos came to the UK based on rules that would not be changed. “There’s a period of uncertainty for many people in the UK because nobody likes change. But if you look at the fundamentals of

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B JUNE 29-JULY 1, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Brexit won’t affect…

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the status of the 22,000 Filipinos who live and work there, they came under a completely different immigration regime,” Ahmad said in an interview. The Schengen area includes EU member-states that have abolished passports and any other type of border control documents at their mutual borders. It functions as a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. The UK negotiated opt-outs from Schengen. “We are not part of Schengen. They came to UK based on our rules and those rules will not be changed,” he said, referring to the Filipinos. Ahmad said Britain needs the services of the Filipinos. He expressed belief that Philippine investments in the UK and sales to the Philippines, which rose by 38 percent in 2015, would not be affected.

“I don’t think anybody from the Philippines should be worried,” Ahmad said. In a press briefing on the Brexit vote, Ahmad said he did not see any change in the arrangement on British investments in the Philippines. The diplomat said that UK investments in the Philippines’ financial market, manufacturing and oil and gas would not diminish. “Our role in the world will not change dramatically because of this decision,” he said, referring to the Brexit vote. Ahmad said the referendum has to be activated by enacting legislation. “This is something the Parliament will decide on, the mechanism for changes to be effective,” Ahmad said. But enacting legislation, he said, would be delayed until the successor of Prime Minister David Cameron takes over. Cameron announced that he is

Peso sinks to 2-month low… PAGE B1 t

the EU fueled global uncertainty. “Emerging market currencies remained pressured with dealers preferring the relative safety of the dollar while end-month corporate demand also pushed the currency pair higher,” Mapa added. Jonathan Ravelas, chief market strategist for BDO Unibank, agreed with Mapa that the peso retreat was largely due to the Brexit fallout. “At the moment

this appears to be a knee-jerk reaction still on Brexit,” he said. Singapore-based lender DBS said the uncertainties surrounding the decision of UK voters to leave the EU last week will continue to weigh on currencies and global financial markets, including here in the Philippines, but noted the turmoil may be more political than economic at this point. “The immediate uncertainty is political. David Cameron announced that he will step down

Business news

stepping down in October. CBCP: Brexit won’t affect OFWs Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed doubt that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Britain would be affected by the country’s pullout from the EU. Bataan Bishop Rufino Santos, chairman of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, believes that OFWs based in Britain, many of them nurses, would not be affected by the Brexit. Santos cited two reasons for saying so. “The working visas of our OFWs were issued by the UK government and not by the EU, which is called Schengen visa. Second, our OFWs are hired by the UK government to work in the country. So they can remain in the UK and work there,” he said. He said the Philippines should not fear that the OFWs would be sent home or be out of work. (With Evelyn Macairan) as Prime Minister and the leader of the Conservative Party,” it said. Nevertheless, “Given the bloodbath in global financial markets last Friday, there is little appetite for a prolonged period of uncertainty,” it added. The peso opened lower at P47.05 to $1 on the Philippine Dealing System (PDS) before trading between P46.96 and P47.18. Total volume transacted declined to P551 million from P621.5 million in the previous session. n

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Tax reform a must to achieve Filipino aspirations – NEDA by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine government will need a comprehensive tax reform program to achieve Filipinos’ aspirations under the 25-year long-term vision for the country called “AmBisyon Natin 2040,” the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said in a media forum in cooperation with the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines on Tuesday, June 20. AmBisyon Natin 2040 represents the collective long-term vision and aspirations of the Filipino people for themselves and for the country for the next 25 years. Data from a survey showed that 79.2 percent of the 10,000 respondents aspire for a simple and comfortable life. A small segment or 16.9 percent of the respondents aspire for an affluent life, while 3.9 percent said they want to be rich. A ‘simple and comfortable life,’ according to the respondents means that they own a car; have enough money for day-today needs; own a medium-sized home; all their children are college-educated; are able to relax with family and friends; are business owners; and are able to take occasional trips around the country. NEDA said the government would have to implement a comprehensive tax reform program

to achieve these aspirations. “We already presented in the executive technical board of DBCC [Development Budget Coordination Committee] the comprehensive tax reform program. It doesn’t have to be radical all at once,” said NEDA Deputy Director General Rosemarie Edillon. Edillon said this kind of tax policy is a measure or strategy to improve Philippine competitiveness, promote equity and efficiency. Besides the tax policy, NEDA added that strategic fiscal spending program including a tax and non-tax investment incentive program is also needed to address capacity constraints, increase competitiveness, encourage innovation, reduce inequality, and build up economic resiliency. Lauding the passage of the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Edillon said the aforementioned laws are very important legislation. “These are all revenue-positive measures. What we can probably look at now is on the collection side, we still have some revenuepositive legislation and we can aim for revenue-neutral measures,” she added. Meanwhile, outgoing Socio-

economic Planning Secretary Emmanuel Esguerra said the 10-point economic agenda of the new administration is consistent with the aspirations under the AmBisyon Natin 2040. “We see it as being consistent with what will replace the outgoing administration. There is a promise that the growth momentum will continue,” he said. Among the 10-point agenda of the Duterte administration that were aligned to AmBisyon Natin 2040 according to Esguerra were the continuation of current macroeconomic policies, including fiscal, monetary, and trade policies; the institution of progressive tax reform and more effective tax collection, indexing taxes to inflation; increasing competitiveness and the ease of doing business; investing in human capital development, including health and education systems, and match skills and training to meet the demand of businesses and the private sector; promoting science, technology, and the creative arts to enhance innovation and creative capacity towards self-sustaining, inclusive development; and improving social protection programs, including the government’s Conditional Cash Transfer program, to protect the poor against instability and economic shocks. n

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The group said it has pushed for the adoption of a comprehensive tax reform package, including the simplification of the tax system, as this will reduce the cost of compliance, promote voluntary compliance and increase collection. The PCCI also indicated automation and streamlining of business permitting and licensing systems as well as reducing bottlenecks in land titling in its actionable recommendations as these can ease and improve the cost of doing business and eliminate windows of corruption in the country. The Philippine economy accelerated 6.9 percent in the first quarter of the year, the fastest among 11 selected economies in Asia. It outpaced expansions in China (6.7 percent), Vietnam (5.5 percent), Indonesia (4.9), and Malaysia 4.2 percent). n

Business groups confident…

tourism are seen as key drivers to the country’s expected robust economic growth in the years ahead. “It (eight percent growth under Duterte administration) is possible. And we wonder why we are not hitting it,” Ortiz Luis said. The ambitious eight percent GDP growth, however, may come in the second half of Duterte’s six year term, according to the business groups. “Agriculture relies in infrastructure such as irrigation, transportation, and farm to market roads. These infrastructures would take time to build so probably we will see such economic growth in about two or three years more,” Barcelon said. Barcelon’s PCCI has already submitted several actionable recommendations to the next administration.

PH govt urged to open… PAGE B1 t

pino family to be comfortable at P120,000, which NEDA Deputy Director-General Rosemarie Edillon said would translate to a per capita income of $11,000. At present, income per capita in the Philippines is about $3,500. Edillon said it took Malaysia 33 years to achieve its current per capita income level of $11,120. At present, Malaysia’s poverty rate is 0.6 percent. Luz stressed the need for the Philippines to draw in more foreign investment and business partnerships. “I don’t think that we can maintain the type of growth rate that we want to maintain and lift more people above the poverty line if we just continue to sell just to each other,” Luz said. “I think we need to look outside and see what are the other big trading blocs out there that we can sell to.” Luz pointed out that the resulting growth of a more open economy would reduce the number of families living below the poverty line. He suggested that the infrastructure and tourism sectors are areas that should be opened to foreign investment. The incoming Duterte Administration is reportedly looking to hike infrastructure spending up to 7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), higher than the 5 percent target of the Aquino Administration. Luz emphasized that to be able to boost infrastructure spending in the country, more players should be introduced, as there are not enough developers to meet the growing local infra-

structure needs. “I think the problem is that there won’t be enough operators to get involved in the projects. We need to open up these sectors,” Luz said. “. . . we need to introduce more players to the business arena in order to provide the service. There’s only so much that can be taken up by the current group of players,” Luz said. Aside from the infrastructure sector, Luz also described the tourism sector as an area that could experience a boom if opened up. “Tourism is a great area, especially for job generation. If you would take a look at the number of tourism-related jobs versus the BPO jobs, there are actually more tourism jobs. It’s just that the revenue from BPO jobs is much higher than revenue per tourism job. Imagine if you were to get revenue per tourism worker closer to the BPO level, this country would actually be booming,” Luz said. Luz noted that the BPO industry has about 1.2 to 1.3 million workers that generate about $20 billion in annual revenues, or about double what tourism-related workers generate. “We have tourism, which is generating maybe half of that, close to $10 million. If you can double that, these are areas for big opportunities,” Luz said. n

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Community Journal

Business owner seeks to discharge $100K credit cards used to buy business

Debt Relief Atty. lAwrenCe yAng CLIENT is 50. This is his financial picture: He has been working as a truck driver for a furniture company for 15 years. Before that, he worked in the warehouse of that company for 5 years. He is married with a 10-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter. His wife is a licensed vocational nurse who has gross income of $4,800 a month. They rent a single-family house for $1,800, and pay $520 a month on new E350 Mercedes Benz car lease. Last year, he decided to stop working as a truck driver to become a business owner. The business opportunity presented itself by way of a turnkey franchise. It’s a retail outlet that provides a service to the public. Client also has credit card debt of $100K. From experience, I know that there has to be some connection between the business and credit card debt. I asked him if he used the credit cards for the business. He said affirmatively that he was required to put a down payment of $50K on the business. What happened was that client used credit cards to pay the $50K down payment? How he was able to do this, escapes me. Apparently, the franchisor operated another company whose purpose is to use buyer’s credit cards to fund the $50K down payment. That’s another story altogether. That’s like going to a car dealer and using ten credit cards to pay for a $50K car. I know there’s some finessing going on because 20 years ago, I offered to use one credit card with a $20K credit line to make a $10K down payment on a car, and the dealer told me that they could only used a max of $2,500 using the card. So this tells me that if you can use credit cards to pay for a $50K car or to make a down payment of $50K to buy a franchise, there has to be a lot of back door finessing going on to actually get money from all the credit cards to total a $50K payment. Let’s just put it mildly

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes DOMESTIC violence is abuse perpetrated against a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, a girlfriend, a boyfriend, the mother or father of your child, your child. Family Code Section 6211. Abuse is not limited to the actual infliction of physical injury or assault. Family Code, § 6203(b). A court may issue an order enjoining specific acts of “abuse” (§ 6218, subd. (a)), which are defined as, among other things, behavior that could be enjoined under section 6320. (§ 6203, subd. (d).) Section 6320, in turn, permits a court to enjoin a party from engaging in various types of behavior, including “disturbing the peace of the other party.” (§ 6320, subd. (a).) “[T]he plain meaning of the phrase ‘disturbing the peace of the other party’ in section 6320 may be properly understood as conduct that destroys the mental or emotional calm of the other party.” (In re Marriage of Nadkarni (2009) 173 Cal. App.4th 1483, 1497, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723 (Nadkarni ).) The phrase includes “destroying the mental or emotional calm of [a former spouse] by accessing, reading and publicly disclosing her confidential e-mails.” (Id. at p. 1498, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723.) The expansion of the term “disturbing the peace” to cover accessing, reading, and publicly disclosing electronic communication has profound effect in every divorce and family law case. In Nadkarni, a former wife alleged that her ex-husband had accessed her private e-mail account while she was away on a business trip, then attached copies of the e-mails to documents filed in proceedings regarding custody of their teenaged children. In re Marriage of Nadkarni (2009) 173 Cal.App.4th 1483, 1497, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723. She sought a permanent restraining order, but the trial court denied it without a hearing after finding that the DVPA did not cover situations in which there was no physical harm alleged. The appellate court reversed and remanded the matter to the trial court for a hearing. It held that the definition of abuse under the DVPA is not limited to the infliction of physical injury or assault. Id. at pp. 1498, 1501, 93 Cal. Rptr.3d 723. In Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney, husband’s actions in releasing and threatening to release personal data downloaded

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Clinton beats Trump to become first woman president of America

as a “grey” area. In any event, $50K was transferred from client’s credit cards to the franchisor pursuant to a purchase agreement between client, buyer, and franchisor, seller. The total purchase price of the business was $100K. How was client going to pay for the other $50K? It was financed by a promissory note where client agreed to pay $2.5K a month until $50K was paid in full, interest at 12% p.a. Thinking that he had just acquired a very profitable business, client believed that he would have no problem paying himself a salary of $3K, the rent of another $3K, and the monthly payment to the franchisor of $2.5K, plus the $1.5K minimum monthly payments to keep the $50K credit cards current, until the business would be able to rake in profits by the truckloads to pay off the $50K of credit cards. Eager to become a business tycoon, client opened his store at 7 a.m. and closed it at 7 p.m., seven days a week. In the first month, his gross receipts were a grand total of $3K. In the second month, his gross receipts were $2K. And on the third month, his gross receipts were $4K. After 12 months of hard work, his business was losing an average of $4 to $5K a month. He kept the business afloat by using credit cards to finance the monthly losses. So at the end of 12 months, he owed a total of $100K. But all good things come to an end. He has maxed out his credit cards and there’s nowhere else to borrow money. So now the credit card dogs are barking at the door. They want their pound of flesh. Client then realizes how foolish he was in buying this stupid franchise. Considering all these circumstances, does client qualify for Chapter 7 relief? Of course, he does. His intent was to pay ev-

ery single cent of his credit cards from the truckload of profits from the business. Instead, he got truckload of losses. Blame that on his lack of experience in business, not on malice aforethought. Why will Hillary beat Trump? Yes, because Americans by and large, are inclusive. And by and large, Americans are a just and fair people. Americans are made up of different ethnicities from all over the world; who believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That’s why America can have a black president for two terms despite the fact that America’s majority is not black. In America, we can talk freely about our ideas, which may differ from each other. I can say don’t vote for Trump because this man is a demagogue. Indeed, if he becomes president of our great nation, a civil war between different American ethnicities could ensue. This is not far fetched when it is the prospective president Trump himself who incites these feelings of hate towards others who look different. That is so fifties and sixties and has no place in America of the 21st century. Even Pope Francis said that Trump was not Christian in spirit. Even though the Pope did not claim infallibility when he said that, that was a very big negative against Trump. I’m voting for Hillary, she’s my president. “We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.” — Psalm 33:20 *** 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)

Disclosure of text messages, e-mails, and Facebook info of a spouse or significant other may constitute domestic violence from wife’s cell phone constituted “disturbing the peace of the other party” and thus “abuse” which warranted restraining order. In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal.Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) Phrase “disturbing the peace of the other party” in injunction provision of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA) includes destroying the mental or emotional calm of a former spouse by accessing, reading and publicly disclosing her confidential e-mails. Cal. Fam. Code § 6320. In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal. Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) Husband’s actions in releasing and threatening to release personal data downloaded from wife’s cell phone constitut-

authorized under the DVPA to enjoin the disclosure or threats of disclosure of the information to protect Evilsizor’s peace of mind. The court ordered Sweeney be “prohibited from using, delivering, copying, printing or disclosing the messages or content of [Evilsizor’s] text messages or e-mail messages or notes, or anything else downloaded from her phone or from what has been called the family computer except as otherwise authorized by the court.” Sweeney also was prohibited from trying to access or otherwise interfere with Evilsizor’s internet-service provider accounts or social-media accounts. Text messages, E-mails, Social media, and other electronic communication has become a common and inseparable part of today’s lifestyle. Accessing, reading, and publicly disclosing electronic communication of an ex, spouse, or sgnificant other has profound effect in every divorce and family law case. A finding of domestic violence against a party can affect the rulings on custody and spousal support issues. If your divorce or family law matter involves your ex, spouse, or significant other downloading and disclosing confidential electronic communication, one has to consider taking appropriate action in the case to be protected from conduct which is regarded as abuse under the California domestic violence statute. ***

Text messages, E-mails, Social media, and other electronic communication has become a common and inseparable part of today’s lifestyle.

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ed “disturbing the peace of the other party” and thus “abuse” which warranted restraining order under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA). Cal. Fam. Code §§ 6218(a), 6300, 6320(a). In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal.Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) In Evilsizor, Ms. Evilsizor testified that it had been “incredibly incredibly difficult to deal with” the dissemination of her personal information, stating, “I have sleepless nights. I’m sick to my stomach. My friends are mad at me, embarrassed as if I let him. I didn’t know he was even doing any of this. My parents are upset, you know. Why did I marry him? I didn’t know that things were going—I didn’t know. Yeah. It’s been incredibly challenging to live with.” She further testified that she had suffered shock and embarrassment and feared for her safety because of the disclosure. Evilsizor also was concerned about Sweeney’s threats to reveal information to the Internal Revenue Service about “things [she] didn’t do.” The court concluded in the Evilsizor case that even if Sweeney legally obtained Evilsizor’s information, an issue left unresolved, it was

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. *** 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. (Advertising Supplement)

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 29-JULY 1, 2016

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA THE demands on the new immigrant will be overwhelming. Whether you are a nurse, an engineer, a teacher, a salesperson or a worker in any profession in any capacity for that matter, as long as you are thrust into a totally new and strange environment, there will be times when you might be tempted to think and feel that you are less than equal to the task, particularly in the beginning years. One of the things that will take a back seat will be the time, energy and attention he will give to his own health. Trying to make sense of his new social climate, straddling two cultures with different values and ways of doing things, the load can be a bit too much at times. Caring for oneself can easily be put in the back burner particularly for those who are still young. The human body is remarkably resilient but try not to cross its limits. The immigrant, if he is to enjoy true success for a long time must put his physical well-being on top of his priorities. He must acquire the discipline and chutzpah to do most, if not all of the important things, that will help him live a full and rewarding immigrant life. Time is equated with the value of money. Americans have found that to get the most out of time, one can have several “pots simmering all at the same time.” Multitasking is expected both at work and at home to maximize

What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA 1. DON’T be late. Always remember first good impression will get your audit off on the right foot. 2. Don’t walk in without records. Be prepared with complete and organized records. 3. Don’t dump a paper bag in the auditor’s face. Do not have the auditor sort through paper bags of cluttered documents. A happy auditor may not necessarily favor you but an annoyed auditor in all certainty will not help you. 4. Don’t volunteer information. A typical agent is a low key, friendly agent. Always keep in mind that he/she is not on your side. Do not let yourself be deceived with a peaceful ambience and you begin chatting and provide unnecessary information. 5. Don’t be a chatterbox. Most tax payers are afraid to talk prior

Prioritize or perish “Get your priorities straight. No one ever said on his deathbed, “Gee, if only I’d spent more time at the office.” — H. Jackson Brown, Jr. results and to cover as much ground as possible in the shortest possible time to be able to save enough time to allow us to do other things—purportedly to get more out of life. Thus, you do the laundry while you pay the bills while something simmers in the stove or is broiling in the oven. And even with modern conveniences, the most common excuse we use in not being able to take care of our health is that we simply do not have the time, the energy, or the motivation. Which gives rise to the question: What happened to all that time we saved by multitasking? If you are turning night into day by taking on part time jobs apart from your full time occupation to make more money, it stands to reason that you will neither have the time nor the energy to take care of your health. Those who attempt to do the extraordinary by taking on double jobs in 16 hour stretches in the beginning years, day in and day out, will be able to jumpstart and achieve their financial goals faster than most. You may be able to acquire real estate properties easier than the average American. And while it is not apparent in the beginning, the trade-off for having more money in exchange for a bigger chunk of our time can come at a very steep price.

More money will come at the expense of sleep, well-being and in many cases, the welfare of his own family. The question that must be answered by those who choose a harried lifestyle is this: Is it all worth it? At one point, the younger, more energetic, ambitious immigrant will equate work with his sense of self worth. The truth — lest we forget — is this. Work, while an important part of life, is not the total essence of life itself. The key, as the fortunate few have discovered early enough, is to find work that gives inner joy in a state of grace where doing and being have become inseparable. When that happens, work ceases to be work but becomes a joyful part of life itself, along with all the elements that make life worth living. As in all things essential, balance is the key. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Read her book, “The Complete Success Guide for the Immigrant Life: How to Survive, How to Thrive, How to be Fully Alive.” She also edited its companion book of quotations. Your local public library might have these books available or you can request your librarian to purchase copies. These are also available at amazon. com or immigrantsuccess.com Past articles are on the internet at www.asianjournal.com To ask questions, send feedback and requests, e-mail monettemaglaya@sbcglobal.net or monette@asianjournal.com

Don’ts in an IRS audit to the introductions to the auditor, and then become more relaxed and conversational when they find out that the auditor is not mean after all. 6. Don’t fight the auditor. Remember: he didn’t choose to audit you. He is simply doing his job to work on a given case file. He could make life more difficult for you. 7. Don’t ever bribe an auditor. Don’t ever try it as it will go directly to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). 8. Don’t be overconfident especially if you have little know how about taxes and audits. This is certainly not the time for an ego trip. 9. Don’t underestimate the skills of the auditor. The agent is a professional. Compared to his skills, you are an amateur. 10. Don’t represent yourself if there are difficult issues at hand. What you’re trying to save could cost you a lot more down the line. Now is not the time to save a penny for a buck. IRS auditors have access to a Custom Comprehensive Report about you. It contains:

Calendar of Events across

1. Birth date, professional license, driver’s license, and accidents. 2. Type of neighborhood you live in, properties owned with addresses. 3. Bankruptcies, judgments, liens, UCC filings. 4. Possible associates, number of people at work, transactions with relatives. 5. Concealed weapons permit, criminal records. IRS has reverted from a gentler and kinder IRS to enforcement and compliance. They have reverted to the business of audits and collections rigorous enforcement programs. In accordance with IRS Circular 230, this communication is not to be considered a “covered opinion” or other written tax advice and should not be relied upon for IRS audit, tax dispute, or any other purpose. *** Sy Al-os Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. (Advertising Supplement)

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FEU Sword Fraternity Alumni International Assn. also known as SANDUGO with a Facebook page of “feusfi (Abroad) is holding their 30th Anniversary of its founding. Its members are graduates of the FEU ROTC/WATC Advance course in Manila. Phil. . This group is based in Los Angeles, CA. The celebration/Reunion will be attended by other Frat Members from the Philippines, other States of the US, Canada, Australia and Tokyo. It will be held in the residence of one of the Founders at 1341 Montezuma Way, West Covina, CA, 91791 on July 9, 2016 starting at 1600H. After the 9th, Tour of Los Angeles, trip to San Diego and Las Vegas are being arranged. We are enjoining Frat members who are “Abroad” that we have no (or have changed) contact info to please get in touch to “reconnect”, or at least let us know you are still OK and/or update your data. Contact person and for more information - Frat Cmdr Romy Calderon 626 826 2745, e-mail “feusfi@gmail.com” and Brod Ted Bautista, Tel no.626 392 5024, e-mail -”samba1341@gmail.com”

J U LY 1 6

UBSCI to celebrate 28th Anniversary The United Batanguenos of Southern California Inc. (UBSCI) will celebrate their 28th Anniversary & Coronation Night on July 16, 2016 at The Odyssey Restaurant - 15600 Odyssey Dr., Granada Hills. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa & The Midnight Motion Band. For other related questions, please call Romy Elepano, Governor ( 323) 498-9333; Carmel Gonzales, Vice-Gov. (818) 785-2078 or Tony Lina, Vice-Gov. (323) 474-5877.

S E P T E M B E R 8 -1 7

42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept. 17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrated Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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People and Events

Mangyan artist to hold exhibit

MAT Relox, a Mangyan artist, known for his impassioned portrayal of the bucolic Mangyan life and culture, will launch his fourth one-man art exhibit on Friday, July 2 at 7 p.m. at the La Habra Art Gallery on 215 N. Orange St., La Habra, Calif. The exhibit runs through August 2. Guest artists at the ribbon cutting and opening reception are Ed Gumamit and Anton Magsarili Reyes, along with honored guests Dr. Felix Puno Lapuz, Dr. Wendy Freed, Thelma Calabio, La Habra City Councilmember Lorna Schaefer, and members of the La Habra Chamber of Commerce. Featured guests are Luz Balbin Spanks and Mon Concepcion. Relox is a multi-awarded global Filipino-American artist who has held local and international shows. He calls Southern California his home.The founding Courtesy call. The Asian Journal Media Group made a courtesy call to the newly elected Zambales governor at his residence in Botolan, member of the Pilipino American Zambales. The team is composed of (L-R) Business Development Officer, Greg Trinidad, Asian Journal Publisher, Roger Oriel, Office of the Artist Guild, Los Angeles, Relox Governor Chief of staff, Ed Daos, Iba Barangay Captain, Nani Cortez and Asian Journal VP for Marketing & Special Events, Vince Samson. received the top global artist Seated is the incoming Governor Amor Deloso who was presented copies of the Balikbayan Magazine, the Asian Journal’s Travel and Lifestyle award from Tony Vizmonte of Magazine. AJPress photo by Noel Ty the Celebrity Chronicle and the

Gallery hours are Saturdays outstanding professional in the field of visual arts award from the and Sundays, 12 to 4 p.m. Visit California Examiner at the Los the gallery at www.lahabraartgallery.org. n Angeles Convention Center.

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The Asian Journal

MDWK

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 29, 2016

Geraldine Roman breaks glass ceiling in PH politics First transgender woman elected to Congress by MoMar G. Visaya/AJPress The recent May elections in the Philippines introduced a new politician to the rest of the world. her name is Geraldine Roman and she was elected as a congresswoman to represent the First District of the province of Bataan in the house of Representatives. The 49-year-old Roman made history when she won as she became the first transgender woman in the country’s history to be elected to Congress. her landslide victory is viewed as a breakthrough for LGBT community in a country that is considered traditionally Catholic and conservative, and where divorce, same-sex marriage and abortion are still illegal. Roman says she will champion equal opportunities under broader a platform. The congresswoman-elect was in New York recently to visit her brother and attend the graduation of her niece from Dartmouth College. her brother, a lawyer, suggested for her to make the most out of this trip and network. he contacted the Asia Society which was then working on their Diversity Leadership Forum. A couple of weeks ago, Roman delivered the keynote

speech at the forum, a vital platform for companies to explore how to develop Asian Pacific American as well as Asian talent to gain a competitive edge in the U.S. and global marketplaces. “What better place to talk about my experiences being a transgender politician in the Philippines,” Roman said. “I have one message – we are talking about diversity, it’s not just about gender but it is also about gender, religion, culture. We should look beyond these differences and look for common ground. Let’s try to work together and be productive and bring our companies to success.” Roman said she experienced discrimination simply because she is different, because she is a transgender woman. “It’s 2016, we’re here in the US, which is supposedly the main proponent of human rights in the world, and there’s still discrimination here. We have to overcome that obstacle,” she told Asian Journal after she delivered her keynote. In her speech, she talked about dignity and respect, how it is the golden rule, a basic law for harmonious relation-

ships and for us to advance as a society. her parents Antonio and herminia played a part in her decision to run for public office. her father was a congressman in the first district of Bataan. It is her mother who is occupying the post now and she is ending her last term. “My parents are my inspiration. They have set a very good example to us siblings and they are partly the reason why I decided to join a career in public service,” Roman said. her journey to the house of Representatives began when she decided to return to the Philippines to take care of her ailing father in 2012. “When my father fell sick in 2012, I decided to come home to the Philippines to take care of him. It usually happens with daughters, right? I don’t have any children so it is easier for me to move back to the Philippines,” Roman shared. She took care of the family patriarch and in doing so, she noticed that he was trying to hint something to her. “I think he wanted me to continue the legacy of public service in the family. he asked me one mind-boggling ques-

tion – ‘What is the true meaning of your life?’. I answered him, ‘What do you want me to tell you?’” she asked back. “Your life is centered on yourself. You may be successful as long as you don’t help others, your life has no true meaning,” her father told her. That made her decide. “We’re breaking barriers now. The message of acceptance, tolerance and respect is universal. My winning a seat in Congress is transcendental and it could be used for the worthy cause of human rights,” she said. The neophyte politician ran on a platform of eQUALITY, an acronym that represented the issues and advocacies she wanted to pursue - e for education, Q and U for Quality and Universal health care, A for agriculture, L for Livelihood, I for Infrastructure, T for Transparency and Y for Youth. “My immediate goal is to pass at least one bill for this advocacy and if I get 5 out of 8 and they are passed as laws, then I shall have been successful,” Roman surmised. “I want to inspire people who may be suffering from discrimination. It is not only in terms of gender but also in terms of socioeconomic status and ethnicity. My story can be inspiring to overcome whatever difficulty they may be experiencing right now.” Prior to moving back to the Philippines, she was based in Spain. It was there where she studied and finished her two masters degrees - Spanish Language and Literature and Journalism. It was also in Spain where she met her special someone, her better half. Roman attended the allboys, Jesuit-run Ateneo high School. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in european Languages. She speaks fluent Spanish, French and Italian. During the entire campaign, she did not access her social media accounts to spare her from the bashing coming from her opponents. It was a tough campaign period, she said, since her opponents painted her as

immoral and mocked her just because she is a transgender woman. “When I won, I thought it was a quiet victory. I had no idea until all of a sudden the media was contacting me through text and social media. That was when I finally understood that this is a landmark case, a milestone in Philippine politics,” Roman recalled. Making history is one thing, but if she had her way, she’d rather be known as a good public servant, period. “If you ask me, I wouldn’t want to be known as the first transgender woman to be in Congress. I want to be known after my years of service as a good and honest public servant who touched the lives of many people. That is how I want to be remembered,” she said. “everyone has his or her own religious beliefs and they are to be respected,” she added. “We live in a civil society and there are common laws that need to be respected as well.” Roman is appealing to the old-school politicians in the country to set aside religious beliefs and respect every human being for who they are. “If you are holding public

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

office, the presumption is that you have to respect the human rights of each and every Filipino regardless of his or her own personal circumstances. If you cannot respect those human rights, then you don’t have a place in government,” she opined. “Sana matutunan nilang ipaisangtabi muna ang kanilang religious beliefs bilang nasa loob tayo ng isang civil society. (I hope they learn to set aside their religious beliefs as we are in a civil society.)” With her win, Roman cemented her place in Philippine history books. She will inspire young people, the next generation of Filipinos, with what she has achieved so far. “It is a very humbling experience, to be considered as an inspiration to people. I never expected this but I realized it is a big responsibility,” Roman emphasized. “Now, I don’t just have to work hard for my constituents but I have to work for those people who have placed their trust in me and prove to the rest of the society, the rest of the world that my being a transgender is really irrelevant. What matters is what’s in my heart and in my mind and the quality of service I can give the people.”

JaDine gets ‘real’ in new book Richard Yap or Ian Veneracion: Are you Team Tsinoy or Team Tisoy James Reid, Nadine Lustre open up their lives behind the scenes By Christina

by irish

Christianne Dizon Philstar.com

“I CAN’T quit you,” says Ian Veneracion, 41, to his co-star Richard Yap, 49, making the shoot crew laugh. It wasn’t just the well-timed “Brokeback Mountain” reference that sent everyone giggling (the two men were in the middle of a looking-at-each-other’s-eyes-deeply layout). It was how everyone’sfavorite-DILF got the cowboy twang down pat. Ian is the playful yang to Richard’s serious yin; the showbiz veteran—with 35 years under his belt—trying to make his nervous newbie friend loosen up (Richard broke into the scene only in 2011). See, despite headlining one of the most successful daytime shows in recent memory (“Be Careful With My heart”) and being part of blockbuster movies (“Just The 3 Of Us,” for example), Richard, the former division manager for an interior design firm, is still visibly uncomfortable in front of the camera. But more on that later. Today’s Star’s is happening at a familiar deserted hallway in ABS-CBN where we have shot many a cover, guerilla-style. The two men are dressed in matching clothes: black V-neck shirts and blue jeans that subtly reveal their non-Dad bod bodies. Yup, Ian and Richard could still give men half their age a run for their money — which is probably one of the reasons why they are headlining Star Cinema’s next blockbuster, “Achy Breaky hearts,” which opens on June 29. The film, directed by Antoinette Jadaone, is a “tribute to all the single people out there who just can’t find love,” according to Tonet’s co-writer Yoshke Dimen. It tells the story of Chinggay (played by Jodi Sta. Maria), a 34-

alpaD ManilaTimes.net

TheY may have already proven their blockbuster pull among moviegoers with such hits as “Diary ng Panget,” “Talk Back and You’re Dead” and “This Time;” on televiewers with the top-rated ABS-CBN prime time drama “On the Wings of Love;” and on concertgoers with the sold out series JaDine in “Love and high on Love,” but James Reid and Nadine Lustre have so much more to give. In fact, the reel and real life couple has just tapped a new platform with which to reach out to their ever-growing fan base around the world. On June 23, Reid and Lustre officially launched their first nonIn this time of KathNiel, JaDine, and LizQuen, showbiz outliers Ian Veneracion, 41, and Richard Yap, tie-in book Team Real under VRJ 49, are having their moment. Philstar.com photo by Regine David Books, the publishing arm of Viva Group of Companies. [The Richard: For me, I like doing year-old jewelry store manager it. I like rom-coms kasi I like mak- term “non-tie-in” means that who gets the dreaded kelan-kaing people happy. I like making ba-mag-a-asawa question from the book is being published on people laugh. I don’t like watchliterally everyone. Chinggay’s its own, and not as a suppleing people cry. I hate watching been single for seven years, and ment to any other project of the sad movies. one day she finds herself getting actors]. Even Titanic? close to her regular customer The idea of publishing this Richard: Titanic was okay. Ryan (played by Ian) — just as title came from Viva’s big boss, her ex, Frank (played by Richard), Pero ‘yung mgadrama na sampaVic del Rosario in the latter part lan, ‘yung mga bwisit yung buhay decides to re-appear. of 2015 when the star-maker nila… “her problem now shifts himself was surprised over the Grabe siya! from a serious case of el Niño to public’s insatiable interest in Richard: It’s true! Because La Niña! From not having any to the people who watch things like these young talents. having more than she bargained that, they carry it [drama] onto for,” says Yoshke. But is solitude All-access pass their lives. really such a bad thing? The Team Real, which carries the Ian: It gives you a heavy feel- tagline, “Your all-access pass movie explores this as well as ing after. many of the sh*t singles have to into James and Nadine’s world,” Richard: Yeah! They’re so put up with. In the meantime, boasts of 120 full-colored pages here’s Richard and Ian being cute negative with life also. of exclusive photos and texts Ian: Ako naman I just came and candid about their brofrom the couple’s point of view. from “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” which mance, finding success in their The title came from their was really heavy. There were 40s, and why they think Filipinos love team’s latest moniker, kilig scenes and stuff pero it just love ‘shipping people. was heavy. So para sa akin, Aren’t you fed up with #TeamReal, which fans coined napakasarap na pang-break ng rom-com? As an audience, as after the reveal of their true actors? Continued on Page 4 off-cam relationship status in

‘The pictures came from us and the words from our mouths. We were completely involved,’ the reel and real-life couple said.

February. “What we have in the book are unseen photos, untold stories, tips on fashion, and beauty tips,” Reid said, describing Team Real to the press during their official media launch. Lustre, on the other hand, highlighted the exclusive travel photos, which they took themselves. “Dito po kasi sa book naglagay po kami ng mga travel photos from our first tour, photos na hindi po namin inupload sa social media,” Lustre noted. Moreover, Team Real includes chapters devoted even to budgeting tips, and even their respective struggles in finances when they were just starting out. They futher give a peek into their respective homes—and how they expect people to behave whenever they visit—and their individual pop culture favorites, including books, music and films.

But what fans would most likely spend a lot of time on is the “tell-all” chapter. Without spoiling it for future readers, one of the stories included is how they fell in love with each other, which is surprisingly not exactly what they first revealed in their earlier interviews. The youngest couple in showbiz went as far as to open up about a tiff they had at the premiere of “Wang Fam,” which was caught on camera and caused the love team’s break up rumors. Fully involved Reid and Lustre claimed that they were fully involved in the making of Team Real. “The pictures came from us, and the words from our mouths. Nadine and I were completely involved,” the 23-year old Reid revealed. Finally, asked why they came Continued on Page 3

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Jasmine Curtis-Smith happy with non-showbiz boyfriend Jake Cuenca: ‘The gym is where I meditate & set my goals’ The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 29, 2016

by Joyce JiMenez Philstar.com

JASMINE Curtis-Smith’s face just lit up when she talked about her relationship with Jeff Ortega. “Masaya!” she immediately replied when asked how her relationship is doing. The actress said she’s not the type who keeps her relationship from the public but knows which ones to keep to herself. “Siyempre I have to share rin bits and pieces of my life because that’s my work. They’re my fans,” said Jasmine. What adds to her happiness is her boyfriend’s good relationship with sister Anne Curtis. Reports before said that her relationship with Sam Concepcion allegedly fell apart because he doesn’t get along with her sister.

by Mylene

Mendoza-dayrit Philstar.com

“WHEN you’re fit and, and you know you’re in the best condition of your life, you feel like you can take on anything,” claims Jake Cuenca. One of the top local celebrities who advocates fitness, he always stresses the importance of always being fit. Cuenca himself is in the best physique he has ever had, which he shows off on the cover of this month’s Muscle & Fitness Philippines. Here’s how and why Jake stays fit. Jasmine Curtis-Smith shared she is happy with her non-showbiz boyfriend Jeff Ortega. Philstar.com: How do you Philstar.com photo by Jonathan Asuncion stay in shape? Jake Cuenca: I always go to of her because she wants her to “They knew each other the gym, no excuses. No matter before I met him,” she revealed, be happy. how strenuous my schedule is, “Of course, minsan hindi adding that Jeff was first friends I take time to maintain my phywith her sister’s boyfriend Erwan naiiwasan na humihingi ako ng sique. It’s just a matter of waking advice. Pero of course everyHeussaff. up earlier than your call time to However, Jasmine said Anne thing naman is for the better in be at the gym. my life,” said Jasmine. remains to be “very protective” Why is it important to keep fit? Because it feels good, you lose your insecurities, and you’re twice as confident when you are fit. It really boosts your confidence. You go to the set confident. Whatever position they put you in, sitting down or anything, “I think she deserves a She also backed out from you feel good when you’re fit. break and deserves to be her performance at the MTV You’re not cheating anyone. The happy also. She needs time for Music Evolution, which will cameraman is not having a hard happen tonight at the SM Mall herself,” he concluded. time looking for your angle. Sarah’s talent arm, Viva of Asia concert grounds due Does it drive you crazy Entertainment through their to “health concerns.” when you don’t get to work big boss Vic del Rosario has Matteo insisted that the out? already denied the rumor Yeah, it does. It lowers my Popstar Princess is only on stress levels. It’s very therapeutic and said, “Paano mabubuntis vacation, especially since ‘yon, e, virgin pa ‘yon.” (Joyce for me. Because at the gym is “she’s not feeling well, but where I think, meditate, plan Jimenez/Philstar.com) she’s fine.” and where I see my goals clearly. When I go to the gym, I go after it was made available on a alone. I really focus on myself. pre-order basis online. As of this This is where I start setting goals writing, fans are still wailing on for myself and where I start the 22-year-old singer actress seeing my life in the direction I various bookstores’ Facebook wanna go. It’s very therapeutic said. account how hard it is for them for me to go to the gym. I try to As expected, their fans to secure copies. go every day. whole-heartedly embraced their Clamor and actual sales Are you into any sports? beloved “team’s” gift to them combined, the book is poised I’ve been playing football as the Team Real launch at Mar- to be the biggest-selling title since the moment I learned how ket! Market! in Bonifacio Global this year. For the record, almost to walk. It’s something I’ve been City saw more than 11,000 in 100,000 copies have already playing all my life and I’ll still play attendance. been sold and this figure is it when I’m old. Moreover, the book broke expected to rise when Team Do you follow any special records even before its release. diet? Real hits shelves outside Metro There are months that I go Team Real sold out within hours Manila.

Matteo Guidicelli denies Sarah Geronimo’s rumored pregnancy MATTEO Guidicelli denied that his girlfriend Sarah Geronimo is pregnant. “It’s not true,” said Matteo about Sarah’s rumored pregnancy, Philippine Entertainment Portal reported. The reports about her pregnancy came out after she turned down being a coach of “The Voice Kids” season 3.

JaDine gets ‘real’...

From Page 2

out with another medium to reach out to their avid supporters when they are both very active on Instagram already—with 5 million followers combined— Lustre replied that the book is their way to allow fans to know them even more. “Gusto lang din po namin mas maging close sa amin yung fans at mas makilala po kami,”

Shape up or ship out: “To me, the best advice that I can give is the moment you get up, just put on your gym clothes and go to the gym,” says Jake Cuenca.

vegan. Thanks to Vegan Kitchen. They really have a good vegan diet menu. But right now, I just eat fish and veggies. I kinda given up meat. For the past six months, I haven’t touched chicken, beef or pork. I just felt my body is reacting to that better. When did you decide to turn vegan? There are months that I want to detox. And honestly, when I see myself, when I turn 30, I really wanna be vegan. Sometimes I do the vegan diet for a month or two. Then I’ll go back to eating fish for two months again then I’ll do vegan again. Can you describe the workout routine that you love to do in the gym? I love my functional workouts. I use the Rapid Fit or cable machine because I do the core kinesis workout. I do a lot of twisting with that. I do a whole body workout. I usually do suspension training every day at my house. But my favorite thing for my abs is using the ab roller. And just doing suspension ab workouts. Like, I do my leg raises, sit-ups, inverted crunches and knee-ups — mostly functional

work. My body reacts to that the best. Especially when you’re on a hectic schedule, functional work really makes you feel good. Are there any workouts you’re dying to try? Well, Capoiera with Ferdie Manabat (editor-in-chief of Muscle & Fitness Philippines). If I could add anything, something I’m dying to try, I definitely wanna get into cardio. I know for a fact that I should be doing more cardio exercises. That’s something I usually skip. I know for a fact that something’s missing. I really have to spend time on the treadmill or at least run around for a bit. I wanna spend more time on the treadmill. It’s not that I don’t like doing cardio, but I find myself getting bored on the treadmill. For my cardio, I play football, for sure. Every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday. But there’s one thing I want to entice myself to do: the treadmill. What do you like best about your physique? I can say, my abs. I really really work hard for my abs. It’s something I’ve had a love-hate relationship with since I was 18. Continued on Page 4

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 29, 2016

Kobe back in Manila, preaches ‘Mamba Mentality’ by

Olmin leyba Philstar.com

BACK in a country that shares his intense passion for basketball, retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant on Saturday, June 25 let Filipinos in on the “Mamba Mentality”—a key ingredient to his hoops success—while offering sound advice to Olympics-aspiring Gilas Pilipinas. Bryant, a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and recipient of multiple individual honors, urged Filipinos to adopt the same winning attitude that served him well throughout his stellar 20-year career. “It’s the constant quest to be the best version of yourself, the quest to be better today than yesterday,” said Bryant, who is in town for the “Mamba Mentality Tour” for Nike, his first since marking his final game with a 60-point performance in a 101-96 win over Utah last April. The 37-year-old “Black Mamba” is known for his work ethic and working out on his own ahead of his team’s formal practices. In everyday life, his “Mamba Mentality” also comes into play. “The other day at the house, my kids wanted me to make lasagna. When I make lasagna, it has to be the best lasagna I could possibly make… measure every detail of it,” he said. A two-time Olympic cham-

The stars of “Achy Breaky Hearts”: Richard Yap, Jodi Sta. Maria and Ian Veneracion

Richard Yap or Ian Veneracion...

Retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant gestures while answering questions from the media during a press conference for his Mamba Mentality Tour at the Shangri-La at the Fort in BGC, Taguig City on Saturday, June 25. Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales

pion (2008 and 2012), Bryant was asked what a team like Gilas needs to do to achieve its dream of making it to Rio. His response: Believe and work hard. “First, you have to have belief. Imagination is the most important part, that’s where it starts. They have to believe,” Bryant said in a discussion with select media representatives. “Secondly, it’s practice, practice. Everybody can walk around and have hope all day, but having hope would be meaningless if you don’t work to achieve your goal. So for them, the best advice I can give is practice really, really hard, work together and identify what your weaknesses are and work to make those your strength,” he added. Competitive basketball out

of the way, Bryant has shifted his focus to Kobe Inc., a multi-level business which aims to, among others, create books, TV shows and films that will inspire kids. Bryant ruled out coaching, but opened the door for team ownership. “Ownership? Maybe, but in a passive sense. Coaching? No. If I’m a coach, I can only teach 15 players but through story telling, I can teach millions. I think that really will raise the level of the game more than I can do by coaching,” he said. Bryant is on his seventh visit to the basketball-crazy Philippines. His itinerary included yesterday’s press conference and the “Mamba Mentality Night” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, and today’s “Kobe Academy” where he’s set to train with select players.

Jake Cuenca: ‘The gym is where... From Page 3 But if I work out anything really hard, the hardest thing I work out are my abs. I really commit to it. I can’t do a workout without doing abs. On the other hand, what part of your body do you think needs improvement? I think my traps. Cause I do the functional workouts right? So I always miss out on my traps. I wish I had bigger traps. Then again, with the way I dress up, I like wearing loose things, so it kinda works out that I have small traps. If I were to work something out, I know what I’m

lacking are my traps. Do you think that being fit is one of the best aspects of living life at its fullest? I always say to younger actors and to people in general asking for advice: “Be fit all the time.” When you’re fit and you know you’re in the best condition of your life, you feel like you can take on anything. You feel like you can do everything at 110%. In the showbiz industry, there’s a lot of insecurity. When you’re in the best shape of your life, like when you’re just fit, you know you’ve done your best. Those insecurities for me just disappear.

In your own words, what’s the best way for someone to motivate himself to get fit? To me, the best advice that I can give is the moment you get up just put on your gym clothes and go to the gym. Don’t lounge on your couch or think about too many things anymore. Just put on those clothes or even sleep wearing it. I did that for a while! I slept with my gym clothes. Then when I wake up, “I’m ready for the gym!” So my best advice is, get up, go to the gym. By the time you get to the gym, you won’t feel lazy anymore and you just want to get it done.

From Page 2 rom-com. What was it like working with each other? Richard: It was fun! Would you say you’re friends now? Ian: Yes, definitely. It’s much lighter than I expected. Kasi nung nakikita ko siya sa TV, mukhang seryoso. Tapos pagdating sa set, tawa lang kami nang tawa. Lagi siyang nag-iisip ng punch line. For example, sa mga guestings namin, palaging tinatanong, “Sino bang magkakatuluyan talaga?” He’ll say,“Kami talaga ang magkakatuluyan.” Masaya sa set. Richard: Ian is very easygoing. He’s very easy to get along with. He’s like the life of the party. The two of you are outliers. In the sense na, you, Richard, you broke into the scene late in the game. You’re not in your 20s, you have kids, you’re married, but you became an in-demand leading man. And then you, Ian, same. You also outgrew the child star curse. They say child stars peak early and fade to black. But you’re still here. Did you expect this kind of popularity at 49, at 41? Ian: Honestly, no. I was just minding my own business, doing my own thing. I grew up in showbiz — from child star to teenybopper movies, then action movies to father roles. Up to now, I feel like I’m still testing the waters. As long as I’m enjoying it, I’ll be doing movies and TV, pero if I realize na, “No, I want to do something else,” I’ll do something else. I’ve tried this life na eh, so trying another, I don’t mind. Richard: They were looking for someone to play the father of Kim Chiu for My Binondo Girl. It was offered to me. “Would you like to be an actor?” The first

thing I said to that person was, “Sigurado ka? At my age? Laos na.” They were serious about it, so I said, “Why not, sige.” I was thinking it was going to be a one-time thing. Never expected all of this to happen. Have you gotten used to the artista life? Kasi kanina sa shoot… Ian: Parang bumubulong ka sa akin ng, “ang hirap kumita ng pera.” (Laughs) Richard: Hindi pa rin. It’s not something that I’m really comfortable with. Ian: Ako I’m used to it. Because I’ve been in the movie and TV industry for 35 years now. I practically grew up here. Richard: So in a sense I’m younger than him. (Laughs) Ian: Yes you are. Yes, sir. I agree. (Laughs) Richard, how did working with director Antoinette Jadaone help you deal with being uncomfortable? Richard: She’s not a difficult director. She’s very collaborative. She talks to you and she asks you, “Are you comfortable doing this?” But she also tells you what she wants from the scene. And she goes on filming it until she gets what she wants. There are certain nuances or small details that she wants you to show. Ian: She encourages us to do it our own way. And we can be as irreverent as we want to be. And then she’ll just take it from there and say, “Okay. Sige, i-maintain mo ‘yung part na ‘yun pero ito palitan natin ng ganito.” Sasabihin niya, “In this scene, gusto mo siyang mahalikan. Anong diskarte mo?” So ako, “mmm…” Let’s talk about your leading lady Jodi Sta. Maria. What’s she like? Richard: She’s very fun to be with, actually. Kalog yan eh.

She looks for a lot of reasons to laugh. She’s a very fine actress. Alam mo naman lahat ng binibigay sa kanyang roles, she can pull it off. Ian: She has a very pleasant vibe. Kahit puyatan na, she’s really optimistic about things, about people. And sarap lang makatrabaho. And as an actress, she’s very sincere. When you give her a scene, she doesn’t make daya. Ang dami niyang pwedeng hugutan na mga experiences, mga heartaches and all these things. She uses those, that’s why it translates to a sincere performance. In this time of KathNiel, Jadine, LizQuen, merong JodIan, merong JoChard. Do you find it weirdna at your age luma-love team kayo? Richard: We’re just very thankful na people feel kilig kahit na alam nila na it’s only reel. Ian: They’re used to this young, innocent love angle whereas with us, it’s more complex. We play mature characters that have been through a lot, but are still willing to gamble when it comes to love. Siguro they find it interesting. Why do you think are Filipinos so into ‘shipping people? Richard: I think we can relate more to being in a relationship rather than being alone. Ian: Mahilig lang siguro tayo maghanap ng match whether as a love team or magkalaban. Like, Steph Curry and LeBron James. Or Manny Pacquiao and Mayweather. Richard: In the States hindi masyado ‘yung love team. Dito kailangan may love team ka for you to workeh. On your own, parang ang hirap. I think people are just so in love with love that they want to see people in a relationship.

Age and guile cannot beat an old scribbler Moonlighting leon

It is said that no people on earth are more fearful and anxious when written about, than the members of the press. think about why doctors are known to be impossible patients, or when pilots panic when they’re passengers, flown by others. Journalists spend their lifetime extracting information from other people, so when the tables are turned, they are petrified. But not Mr. Romy P. Borje. He knows everybody, goes everywhere and misses nothing, even after dark. He has described the scenes and people most popular to us, in his combined 50 years of reporting. His easy, humane reporting has taken him to places and heights far removed from his younger colleagues. A columnist with a sense of humor, he is also seen as a lovable, gentle teddy bear. He is also a much more a man of wit and words than fists when hosting a program. At a certain age he is still in perpetual motion. He sings, dances, emcees, edits, and makes jokes. His favorite mantra is, “one must open men’s eyes, not tear them out; never hurt other peoples feelings.” He doesn’t draw blood, he doesn’t assail. He analyzes, reflects, appreciates, and mentors. During our interview, he simply jumped around — as most of us do when we asked open-ended questions. thus, for the sake of clarity, we sometimes see it necessary to put more order into the answers while being careful not to destroy the beauty and color of the language. How many ways can you measure a word? He could defend a decision in a dialog with Socrates. the word zest comes to mind. I had asked him “Sir, I notice you’re always sitting, is it because you can’t think on your

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 29, 2016

Korina Sanchez graduates from master’s program MANILA — It’s never too late to get that master’s degree. Korina Sanchez finished her master’s degree in journalism and marched at their graduation ceremony at the Ateneo De Manila University in Quezon City on June 26. Despite her heavy schedule being top broadcast personality on ABS-CBN and helping his husband, former presidential candidate Mar Roxas, in his campaign, Korina managed to pursue the course under the Konrad Adenauer Program. A few weeks ago, Korina admitted on a social media post that she was tempted to drop out from her classes, but she decided not to. She said it has always been her dream to pursue academic excellence and walk in a toga to get her diploma. “A few years ago I had an

by Mylah de

features 5

Dean of Reporters Romy P. Borge, 83, celebrates 60 years of reporting

feet?” His reply was, “It is always hard for me to stand up…under the weight, of all that I know…” He is prideful with his promiscuous dialogs, insidious juxtapositions and preemptive obfuscations; by deploying words like smithereens, apostates, exemplar and lapidary. Freighted with ignorance, I have paused to quarrel or to smile at how he assembles and fly a paragraph in his windblown pages. He is disappointed at the political, noisy and chaotic lives and trouble back home. “I can understand the occasional necessity to execute the pork barrel people, but never to hurt their feelings…that is why it is necessary constantly to scribble,“ he said. this was his dreamy optimism. I asked him what makes a good interviewer and he answered, that that person must be naturally curious, persistent,

loves asking questions and listens intently. I followed up with the question, “Can these qualities be acquired?” He said that it comes with the territory, as an expert prepares a list of questions to be answered. “Politeness and civility work better than hostility…the adversarial approach may be good for the soul, but bad for the story,” he added. “Journalists should be free to ask the question they like in the way they like.” Our talk happened during a recent small get together attended by colleagues, friends and admirers, who paid him a heartfelt tribute. After his acceptance speech culminated by a song, I ran to the podium, and I gave him a great a hug and a maiden peck, his glasses came down a bit on his nose. I think I greatly embarrassed Mr. Borje — but I’m so glad, I did it!

Korina Sanchez-Roxas poses for a photo with husband Mar Roxas following her graduation ceremony at the Ateneo De Manila University campus on Sunday, June 26.

inkling we were going through this whole political exercise again and my mind kept racing in all directions foreseeing the drastic changes in my life all over again. to keep my head straight, I thought to focus on something productive. And that was school. I’m happy I

did it,” she said in an interview with ABS-CBN. Korina started working as a reporter before she graduated under the program AB Communication Arts. Sunday was her first time she walked in a toga to get her diploma. (Alixandra Caole Vila/Philstar.com)

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 29, 2016

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