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E May D I 18-20, T I O2016 N
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Volume 26 - No. 40 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages
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Duterte names possible cabinet members by AllAn
nAwAl, GermelinA lAcorte KArlos mAnlupiG
And
DAVAO CItY — At first blush, Rodrigo Duterte’s choices for prime positions in his First Family aren’t any different from the mold of that of his predecessor. Key posts are reserved for classmates and aides who have served Duterte as mayor of Davao City for two decades in the same mold of President Aquino’s KKK crowd—kaibigan, kaklase, kabarilan. the presumptive President-elect announced on Monday, May 16, some names that would compose his Cabinet at his first news conference since the elections last week gave him a record mandate to rule the nation for the next six years. Duterte said he had offered the finance portfolio to his childhood friend and class valedictorian, Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez III, who served as agriculture secretary under President Cory Aquino. he said he wanted Arthur tugade, his classmate at San Beda law school, as transportation secretary. tugade previously headed Clark Development Corp. Duterte said he offered the position of secretary of justice or foreign affairs to his running mate, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, but he can assume either position after the one-year ban on appointment of losing candidates. Former Securities and exchange Commission Chair
DUTERTE’S VISITORS. Presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte with former Senate President Manny Villar, wife Sen. Cynthia Villar, son Rep. Mark Villar and brother Jojo Villar in Davao City as the Villars’ Nacionalista Party joins PDP-Laban in the so-called Coalition of Change. Also in photo are PDP-Laban president Sen. Koko Pimentel, Duterte’s running mate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, former Transportation Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez, former Manila International Airport Authority chief Alfonso Cusi and chief aide Bong Go. Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez
USA
DATELINE Undocumented children in Calif. now eligible for health care FROM the AJPReSS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
LOS ANGeLeS — thousands of low-income children in California, regardless of their immigration status, are now eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage beginning this week. the health care expansion, known as “health for All Kids,” was rolled out on Monday, May 16, and will benefit approximately 250,000 children under 19 years old. An estimated 185,000 undocumented children are expected to enroll this year. “It is sad that children — until Monday, that is — had to worry about hospital bills instead of their grades,” state Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) said during a press conference on Friday, May 13 at the eisner Pediatric & Family Medical Center. Lara authored Senate Bill 4, which ensures that undocumented children enrolled
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Measures introduced to continue funding for LA County parks A NeW comprehensive report examining Los Angeles County’s park needs revealed that nearly half of residents live more than half a mile away from a park. the report comes as funding for County parks nears expiration in 2019. “I don’t believe this type of needs assessment has ever been attempted anywhere in the country before,” said Rita Robinson, director of the Los Angeles Countywide Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment effort, in a statement. “the wealth of data that we have accumulated and the feedback we have received from every community in the county will allow us to capitalize on future funding opportunities to expand our recreational and park resources.” the LA County Board of Supervisors ordered the parks-need assessment in February
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Inquirer.net
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Duterte to implement curfew, liquor ban, no-smoking policy by cAtherine
s. VAlente ManilaTimes.net
FILIPINOS who smoke and drink alcohol, as well as 17-year-olds or younger who love to party until the wee hours of the morning may have to make some adjustments in their lifestyle under the incoming administration. In an interview in Davao City Sunday night, presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte vowed to implement a nationwide curfew, smoking and liquor ban to protect the welfare of the general populace. Just like in Davao City, Duterte told reporters, he would set a 10 p.m. curfew for
unaccompanied minors. he then vowed to order the police to arrest the parents for letting their children below the majority age of 18 to be out by themselves beyond the imposed curfew. “My order is this: not to arrest the child, the minor,” Duterte said, adding that after placing the child into the custody of concerned agencies, the police would then arParish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) national chairperson Henrietta de rest the parents. Duterte cited the Revised Penal Code as Villa branded as “psywar” the early victory pronouncements of vice presidential candidates his basis for arresting parents found al- Rep. Leni Robredo and Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Philstar.com / Efigenio Toledo IV lowing their underage children roam the streets during ungodly hours. Aside from the nationwide curfew,
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Smartmatic execs ready to face probe
Robredo, Marcos urged to wait for official canvass
tial race. Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) naby Jocelyn r. uy MANILA – Vice presidential tional chairperson henrietta de And tinA G. sAntos candidates Rep. Leni Robredo Villa branded as “psywar” the Inquirer.net and Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” early victory pronouncements of OFFICIALS of poll technology Marcos Jr. were advised to wait Robredo and Marcos. Over the weekend, the camps provider Smartmatic on tuesday, for the official proclamation of May 17, said it was staying put the National Board of Canvassers of Marcos and Robredo reportin the country to face any probe (NBOC) instead of claiming that edly made separate announceu PAGE A2 of the supposedly unsanctioned they both won the vice presidenchange in the data packet for a transparency server that fueled THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY z May 19-25 suspicions of fraud in the tally of votes, especially for the tight vice Smartmatic Project Director and General Manager Elie Moreno listens as presidential race. Project Manager Marlon Garcia explains how they change the script during Smartmatic spokesperson press conference in Commission on Election Headquarters, Philippine Karen Jimeno said officials of the International Conventionn Center, Pasay City. by eVelyn
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Inquirer photo / Richard A. Reyes
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Villar is richest member of Senate by christine
AVendAño Inquirer.net
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SeN. Cynthia Villar was richer by over P1.5 billion in 2015 than the previous year with no liability at that, allowing her to keep the distinction of being the wealthiest lawmaker in the 24-member Senate. Villar is the only billionaire in the Senate. her net worth rose 77 percent to P3.5 billion as of Dec. 31, 2015, from P1.983 billion in 2014, according to her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN). She said her husband, former Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., chair of listed property firm Vistaland and Lifescapes Inc., knew why they were P1.5 Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food billion richer last year. Chairperson Senator Cynthia Villar.
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Inquirer photo / Nino Jesus Orbeta
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A MAY 18-20, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Duterte names possible cabinet… PAGE A1 t
Perfecto Yasay would be foreign secretary in an acting capacity for a year, although Yasay said he was currently handling classes in a US university, according to Duterte. Salvador Medialdea, a lawyer and member of the transition committee, has been offered the post of executive secretary, Duterte said. Duterte said lawyer Salvador Panelo would take charge of the press as his spokesperson. For education secretary, Duterte said he had chosen Peter Laurel, the president of Lyceum of the Philippines University. Laurel’s father was former Sen. Sotero Laurel, a brother of the late Vice President Salvador Laurel. Top public servant Duterte was also expected to meet with former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., whose name was recently floated as among the choices for secretary of national defense. Duterte has spoken highly of Teodoro, even calling
him a top public servant. Teodoro ran for President in 2010. On Sunday, Duterte met with three former Davao City police chiefs who were reportedly among those considered to become the next Philippine National Police director general under his administration. PNP Director General Ricardo Marquez has said he would submit his courtesy resignation upon Duterte’s assumption of office to give the new President a freehand in choosing the next police chief. Present at the dinner-meeting held at Hotel Elena was the Southern Luzon Command chief, Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, whom Duterte said was being considered as the next Armed Forces chief of staff. It was still not clear whom Duterte would pick between Senior Supt. Rene Aspera, Chief Supt. Ramon Apolinario and Chief Supt. Ronald dela Rosa as replacement for Marquez. But this early, Dela Rosa appears to be on top of the choices.
Hardworking Dela Rosa, who was city police chief from 2011 to 2013, is a member of Class 1986 of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and is known to be hardworking. He was largely credited for the drastic reduction in the volume of “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) in the city when he implemented Oplan “Tukhang” (Tuktok-Hangyo), which saw police authorities knocking on the doors of suspected drug pushers and asking them to stop. Aspera, a member of PMA Class 1987, was Dela Rosa’s immediate predecessor. Under his command, the city police reaped awards, including best police ofCOMING HOME. Jose Maria Sison, founding chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is expected to return to the Philippines under fice under the city category. a Duterte presidency after nearly 30 years of exile in The Netherlands. Inquirer.net photo Apolinario, a member of PMA Class 1985, was the city police director when authorities discovered 16-kilograms of high-grade cocaine in a container yard here 176,669 votes from the overseas tion different from us but what I PAGE A1 t in December 2009. Apolinario is Filipino voters (OAV), while Ro- would say is that what we receive ments of victory. currently police director of Mi“That is their strategy or their bredo only received 89,935. (from the Comelec transparency maropa and will be retiring on As of 2:45 p.m. on Monday, server) is where we base our psywar (psychological warfare). Aug. 31, 2018. n But if I am the one, I caution both May 16, the PPCRV electronic computations.” parties from claiming victory un- board showed that Robredo Vice presidential also-ran Sen. til it is pronounced. Let us wait had 14,022,843 votes com- Antonio Trillanes IV also advised (for the official announcement of pared to Marcos who garnered Robredo and Marcos to just wait the NBOC), after all it would not 13,803,797, or a difference of for the NBOC to complete their 219,046 votes. be long,” said De Villa. work and proclaim the winner. At that time only results from Robredo earlier said she is Trillanes said that the race leading by 257,000 and even if 90,632 clustered precincts had between the two is too close to she gets zero votes in the remain- been transmitted or 96.13 percent call. ing nine towns, she would still out of 92,509 local precincts and “Ultimately it is during the na1,767 precincts from the OAV. win the vice presidential race. tional board of canvassers that we De Villa said she does not know will see the truth because both Marcos, on the other hand, expressed optimism that he had where both camps got their data. parties can claim that they have won because of the support giv- “I don’t want to say that they have won or one would claim that he en to him by the Filipino voters the wrong computation. Maybe has been cheated,” he said. based abroad. He reportedly got they might have some computau PAGE A3
Robredo, Marcos urged to wait for…
Duterte to implement curfew, liquor ban… PAGE A1 t
Mayor Rody Duterte
Duterte said he is also going to implement a liquor ban and no-smoking policy all over the country. He said the sale of alcohol could be prohibited as early as 10 p.m. “We need legislation for that. The Congress can give it to me …” Duterte stressed. Asked whether 10 p.m. was too early, the tough-talking mayor said, “You have the whole day [para bumili] ng isang truck ng beer (to buy a truck of beer).” He was quick to point out, however, that the liquor ban will start from 2 a.m. For the past 14 years, Davao
City has imposed a ban on the sale of liquors at 1 a.m. Duterte said he would also ban smoking in enclosed public areas nationwide, with “smoking room” to be prohibited. Smoking will only be allowed on the street, 50 meters away from establishments, he added. Davao City has been implementing an anti-smoking ordinance since 2002. It may be recalled that toward the end of his campaign for the presidency, Duterte had said in jest that he might give smokers two days to adjust before banning smoking in public areas nationwide. n
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From the Front Page
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 18-20, 2016
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Smartmatic execs ready to face…
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Venezuelan firm respected the move by Commissioner Rowena Guanzon of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to seek a hold-departure memorandum against Smartmatic executives but noted that such order was unnecessary. “They intend to fully cooperate with whatever investigation that the Comelec or any political party calls for. They have no intention of leaving the country. So, it’s really unnecessary to [issue a memo],” Jimeno said in an interview with reporters. On Friday, Guanzon berated Smartmatic for breaching protocol, saying its actions, which had no consent from the Comelec en banc, warranted a formal investigation. She also formally asked the full commission to prevent officials of the firm from leaving the country pending an investigation. “Smartmatic is willing to participate and cooperate in whatever investigation and whatever is necessary. What’s really important here is transparency and credibility of elections,” Jimeno said. Typographical error But she said that before anyone could allege a breach of protocol,
it must be determined whether there was a protocol for making a minor correction like changing a typographical error. “I think what’s important here is first, to look at whether there was a protocol for a minor change like the correction of a typographical error and what the protocol is. Where is it contained and to determine if there is a breach and what the penalties are,” Jimeno said. Smartmatic project manager Marlon Garcia, who was responsible for the adjustment, earlier explained that the new script merely substituted the “?” that appeared in the names of certain candidates with “Ñ.” He said that a file system in English could not recognize or understand what the Spanish special character meant. Garcia also said the minor adjustment caused the hash code to change but stressed that this was separate from the hash codes of the vote-counting machine, the automated election system and other applications. “Before we make accusations, we look at the facts. First, there would have not been a change if not for also a member of the Comelec putting in the password,” said Jimeno, the head of
Smartmatic voters’ education committee. Probe set “On the day the typographical error was corrected, a Comelec information technology department officer was also present and, in fact, it was the Comelec officer who typed in the password in order for Smartmatic to make the change,” she added. In a separate interview, Guanzon on Tuesday said the formal investigation would begin early next week. “It should start after the proclamation [of senators and party-list groups]. Let us just give the directors a few days to rest before they start with the investigation,” she said. She said the investigating committee was looking to wrap up the probe in 15 days “for speedy administration of justice.” On Tuesday, Guanzon repriSWEET CORN PRODUCTION TRAINING. A visibly elated Senator Cynthia A. Villar checks on the healthy corn produce as she confers with manded Garcia for an “unauthorSyngenta Philippines Corporate Affairs Head Noel Borlongan (in blue shirt) and the company’s Regional Training Manager Melanio ized” change in the transparency Lardizabal (in pink shirt) on various aspects of corn production. The Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) has partnered with Syngenta, known not only in the Philippines, but in other countries abroad, in providing training and updates on server during an encounter at the producing corn to farmers and other stakeholders in the corn industry. Senate photo Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City where the canvassing of votes for senators and party-list races is being held. ators was Sen. Chiz Escudero, (P122.1 million), Sonny Angara “While I was in d dining room, PAGE A1 t In a phone patch interview with with a net worth of P5.847 mil- (P118.25 million) and TG GuinSmartmatic’s Garcia approached gona (P103.88 million). u PAGE A4 reporters covering the Senate, she lion, based on his SALN. said her SALN also reflected her The Senate released on TuesThe ninth richest senator was husband’s income and properties. day copies of the SALNs of sena- Serge Osmeña whose net worth The Villars’ wealth is tied to tors, who had until April 30 to was P90.525 million. the booming property busi- submit their latest SALNs to the He was followed by Senators Grace Poe (P89.1 million), Mirdero did not get a single vote in ness—from subdivisions, high- chamber. rise condominiums and malls to Escudero’s net worth in iam Defensor Santiago (P85.9 the 18 precincts. Last week, Marcos had insinu- convenience and home-building 2015 was P130,000 less than million), Senate President Frank the P5.984 million Sen. Sonny Drilon (P79 million), JV Ejercito ated cheating as he claimed that stores, and coffee shops. The senator’s son, Las Piñas Trillanes, the “poorest” senator (P78.6 million), Pia Cayetano Robredo bagged all the votes in (P73.3 million), Tito Sotto (P66.8 some poling precincts in Lanao Rep. Mark Villar, has been named in 2014. Trailing Villar with a net worth million), Nancy Binay (P61.3 mildel Sur, Cotabato City and other incoming public works secretary provinces in the Autonomous Re- by presumptive President-elect of P531.67 million was Senate lion), Lito Lapid (P43.15 million), Rodrigo Duterte, whose PDP-La- President Pro Tempore Ralph Loren Legarda (P40.545 million), gion in Muslim Mindanao. Bam Aquino (P28.751 million); Former Comelec chairman ban has formed an alliance with Recto. He was followed by Senators Senate Majority Leader Alan PeSixto Brillantes, the lawyer of the Villars’ Nacionalista Party Marcos, assailed Robredo for in the so-called Coalition for Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (P211 mil- ter Cayetano (P23.564 million), lion), Jinggoy Estrada (P193.16 Gringo Honasan (P20.944 milclaiming victory and urging the Change. Poorest million), Bong Revilla (P173.3 lion) and Koko Pimentel (P17.920 senator to concede in the vice The “poorest” among the sen- million), Juan Ponce Enrile million). n presidential race based on a “small unofficial lead.” In his tweet @ChairmanBrillantes, the former Comelec chief said Robredo’s runningmate for- PAGE A1 t would generate $189 million per ied and the report, which is the mer interior secretary Mar Rox- 2015 as a way to build support year, and the higher rate would first time such a report has been as, who lost more than 700,000 for the next parks bond. bring in $390 million per year. done in the county, found that votes during the May 2010 elecThe comprehensive study took there is an average of 3.3 acres On May 3, the Board of Supertions, never conceded even after visors, and LA County Regional 16 months to complete. Among of parkland per resident in the the official count by Congress. Park & Open Space District dur- metrics used in the study includ- County. However, a number of “Now Robredo wants BBM ing its regular meeting presented ed an examination of how many areas were reported to have less (Bongbong Marcos) to con- two options for a 35-year park acres of park there are per 1,000 than 1 acre of parkland per 1,000 cede over unofficial small lead. parcel tax measure for the No- people, what amenities are avail- residents, including El Monte She could not be that presump- vember ballot. One would assess able in each park and how much (0.4), Huntington Park (0.7), tuous,” Brillantes said. (With a 3-cent parcel tax per square park land is available to residents Compton (0.6), Baldwin Park Sheila Crisostomo, Perseus foot, while the other would as- in the area around each park. (0.3) and Universal City (0.8), Echeminada, Marvin Sy) A total of 188 areas were studsess 5 cents. The smaller tax u PAGE A5
Villar is richest member of…
Robredo, Marcos urged to wait for…
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Trillanes said that he understood how the two candidates are both claiming victory since they have their respective monitoring and tally of the results coming in from the Comelec server. “It is possible that based on their respective count, they are winning. But of course that all means nothing because it is not yet official,” he said. Zero vote possible Meanwhile, the camp of Robredo claimed yesterday that it is possible for a candidate to get zero votes in a polling precinct, as proven when Marcos bagged all the votes in 18 precincts in last week’s polls. Robredo’s lawyer Romulo Macalintal said that based on their tally, Marcos got all the votes in 18 clustered precincts. “All the 6,828 or 100 percent of the votes (were) for Marcos and zero vote for Robredo, and other candidates. This only shows that having a zero vote, as claimed by Senator Marcos, is very much possible,” he told reporters at the
canvassing center of the Commission on Elections at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. The 18 precincts are Barangay Langil, Basilan (563); San Praxedes, Cagayan (63); New Era, Dasmariñas City (672); New Era, Dasmariñas City (714); Macupit Elementary School, Ilocos Norte (364); Pias-Gaang, Pias, Ilocos Norte (105); Apatut-Lubong, Pinili, Ilocos Norte (189); Puzol Elementary School, Pinili, Ilocos Norte (154); Sitio Nagtenga, Ilocos Norte (327); Bannawag, Anganadan, Isabela (306); Bagong Buhay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija (325); Barangay Maligaya, Nueva Ecija (449); Barangay Maligaya, Nueva Ecija (346); Tagumpay Compound, San Jose, Rizal (576); Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu (420); Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu (394); Pantao, Talipao, Sulu (204); and New Era Elementary School, Tandang Sora, Quezon City (657). Macalintal added that Robredo and other vice-presidential bets Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano, Gregorio Honasan and Francis Escu-
Measures introduced to continue funding…
A MAY 18-20, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
Dateline USa
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Undocumented children in Calif. now…
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in restricted-scope “emergency” Medi-Cal will be automatically transitioned to the full-scope version. Last year, Governor Jerry Brown signed that bill, along with Senate Bill 75, which includes an investment to expand full-scope, comprehensive Medi-Cal to all low-income undocumented children under the age of 19. Currently, 114,981 children are receiving restricted-scope benefits, according to the Department of Health Care Services. “Here [in California], we value immigrants. We understand that immigrants are an essential fabric of our society. The roof is not going to fall if we give undocumented immigrants health care,” Lara said. “We’re actually going to save money in the state. We’re actually going to be able to have preventative services so that people don’t end up in our emergency rooms.” Cynthia Buiza, an immigrant from the Philippines who now serves as executive director of the California Immigrant Policy Center, added that this health care initiative is “an investment in the future of the state.” “As a member of the Filipino community, I understand how important health coverage is to keep immigrant families healthy,” Buiza said. “As we celebrate this historic step towards Health for All, we will continue to work to include undocumented adults and families who remain excluded from cov-
erage, so that all Californians have the opportunity to access coverage, no matter where they were born.” Under full-scope Medi-Cal coverage, children can receive services such as annual checkups, regular doctor visits, vaccinations, mental health care, and dental care and treatment. To qualify, undocumented children younger than 19 must come from families whose incomes are at or below 266 percent of the federal poverty line. The income eligibility varies depending on family size. For a family of four, the income is $5,387 per month or $64,638 annually. Families can apply in person at their local county human services office, over the phone, online, with a mail-in application, or at a local health center. The state-funded program is projected to cost $40 million in the first year and $132 million annually after that. Some families may be hesitant to apply for the program because they fear that they will be vulnerable to deportation. However, community health organizations assure that information provided during enrollment will not be shared with immigration officials. In a push to get ethnic communities to apply for the program, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles is working with 22 other organizations to provide “culturally competent outreach, education and enrollment ser-
vices targeting undocumented children [ages] 0-19.” “When people think of the undocumented community, they often do not recognized the diversity of immigrants in California. There are thousands of Asians and Pacific Islanders to Africans to Middle Eastern immigrants who contribute so much to our country but whose children have no access to critically important health care,” said Stewart Kwoh, executive director of Advancing Justice Los Angeles. The organization encourages community members to call its helplines for additional information at 888-349-9695 for English or 855-300-2552 for Tagalog. More health care options for undocumented adults are also under consideration in the Leg- California State Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), who pushed for providing health care coverage to undocumented youth, speaks during islature. a press conference on Friday, May 13 at the Eisner Pediatric & Family Medical Center in Los Angeles. Lara is sponsoring SB 10, which would allow undocumented adult immigrants and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients to purchase a Covered California health plan without subsidies, and SB 1418, which would widen Medi-Cal benefits to adults, regardless of immigration status. California is now the fifth and largest state in the country to expand state-funded health care to undocumented children, following Massachusetts, New York Washington and Washington D.C. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)
Filipina, 69, struck by car and killed in San Diego A 69-year-old Filipina was killed after being struck by a car at an intersection in San Ysidro, a district of the City of San Diego, Wednesday night, May 11. San Diego police said Cecilia Quenery Valdez of San Ysidro was struck by a northbound Mazda Miata driven by a 22-year-old man. The collision occurred on Dairy Mart Road at San Ysidro Boulevard about 9 p.m. Valdez was walking across Dairy Mart Road when she was hit by the car. Valdez was bleeding from head injuries and did not have a pulse when police and medics got there. Medics were unable to revive her. (Inquirer.net)
Cynthia Buiza, executive director of the California Immigrant Policy Center
AJPress photos by Ding Carreon
Smartmatic execs ready to face…
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to get water 2 feet away from me. Told him stay away he is under investigation,” Guanzon posted on her official Twitter account. Garcia supposedly entered the commissioners’ dining area to get a glass of water, prompting Guanzon to confront him. Guanzon said the Smartmatic executive was not supposed to be in the area because he was being investigated for effecting the “cosmetic” change in the transparency server. No-contact policy “I’m surprised that he could still loiter in the commission-
ers’ hallway and dining room. On the day that we ordered the investigation, we have already told Smartmatic not to go to the commissioners’ hallways because they are not invited in that area. You know, we talk about things there that we don’t want other people to know,” Guanzon told reporters in a chance interview. “So, I was really surprised when Marlon Garcia entered the room while I was talking to a lawyer. I asked him ‘What are you doing here? You stay away from me. You’re under investigation.’ He was probably shocked,
too, because he was just getting a glass. He probably meant to say that he was just going to get water,” she added. Guanzon said Smartmatic officials and employees should observe the “no-contact policy” with poll commissioners pending the result of the investigation on the tweaked script. Comelec Commissioner Christian Robert Lim earlier issued an order prohibiting Smartmatic from accessing the consolidation and canvassing system being used by the NBOC (national board of canvassers) at the PICC. n
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A
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles recognized as certified Duchenne Care Center by Agnes
ConstAnte AJPress
THE neuromuscular program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) became recognized as a certified Duchenne Care Center, making it one of only 10 in the United States and the only one in Southern California. On Friday, May 13, in a small ceremony on the hospital grounds, 11-year-old Ian Saur Sunga, a Filipino-American with a progressive muscle degenerative disorder called Duchenne, presented Dr. Leigh Maria Ramos-Platt, a neurologist and the director of the hospital’s Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) clinic, to recognize CHLA’s certification. “[We] are so privileged and honored and also proud to have this certification given to the neurology clinic because they definitely deserve it,” said Sunga’s mother, Lois. Growing up, Lois Sunga said her son, who spent his early childhood in the Philippines, had developed more slowly compared to other boys his age and showed muscle weakness. When he was 9 years old, a video of him getting up from the floor was sent to his uncle, who works at CHLA. Ramos-Platt viewed the video and suspected he had Duchenne muscular dystrophy. “I could tell what it was,” Ramos-Platt said. “I gave them a call to run some tests. They sent me the results of the test then we knew what it was.” Duchenne is a progressive genetic disorder that is charac-
terized by muscle degeneration and weakness, according to the MDA, a non-profit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases through funding research around the globe. The disorder mainly affects boys, with about 20,000 new cases diagnosed annually worldwide, or 1 in every 3,500 males. CHLA has anywhere from 100 to 120 patients with Duchenne, Ramos-Platt said, and receives a new referral every two weeks. The hospital provides care for these patients until they reach 21 years old, then transitions them to local adult care programs. Sunga now moves around in a wheelchair after his diagnosis. “He got one more good year out of walking because that’s usually what happens when we
CHLA’s Muscular Dystrophy Association Neuromuscular Clinic staff with Ian and his mother -- Top row, right to left Wendy Mitchell, MD; neurologist, Kathy Soltani, clinical dietician; Rebecca Jorne, physical therapist; Adan Vallejo, clinic representative; Phoebe Scott-Wyard, DO, Rehabilitation doctor; Elvira Sanchez, medical assistant; Lois Saur, patient mother; Leigh Ramos-Platt, MD, neurologist and director of CHLA Muscular Dystrophy Association Neuromuscular Clinic; Arlene Deseo, RN, MDA Neuromuscular Clinic coordinator Medical Student (unknown) Bottom row, right to left Marielle Pascual, occupational therapist; Laurie Miller, social worker; Ian Saur Sunga, Duchenne patient
Recognition as a Certified Duchenne Care Center means CHLA maintains the highest standards of care, applies proven techniques and technology, works towards accurate and meaningful research, and complied with ideals established by the CDC Care Considerations.
treat [these patients],” RamosPlatt said. “Now we’re watching him for his heart and lungs, all of the complications that happen
Measures introduced to continue funding…
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among others. “We hear a lot of talk about creating a sustainable, healthy Los Angeles and local neighborhood parks play a critical role in that,” said Viviana Franco, executive director of non-profit organization From Lot to Spot, which transforms old lots in Los Angeles into greenspace. “Parks are a community’s social, cultural and economic center, a resource for health and way to give residents safe access to nature. We must invest in our parks if we want our communities to thrive.” Andrew Yip, program coordinator at BikeSGV, a project under non-profit public charity Community Partners that aims to support a more bicycle, pedes-
trian and transit-friendly San Gabriel Valley, said many communities are losing open space and park space. During a roundtable hosted by New America Media, he talked about a park in the San Gabriel Valley that had been converted to housing. Yip further noted that communities of color have some of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes. “When there’s a lack of park space, there’s a lack of opportunity for people to exercise and play, and we can’t expect all them to spend money to drive to national parks. We can’t expect them to go elsewhere. This is where they live. A lot of our community residents, they’ve never been outside this 10-mile radius.
So we need to bring the parks to them,” he said. Current funding for LA County parks was approved by voters in 1992 and 1996 when Proposition A – the Safe Neighborhood Parks Act – passed, which authorized an annual assessment on almost all parcels of real property in the County. The measure that was passed in 1992 has expired; The smaller amount of funding approved in 1996 will end on June 30, 2019, said James Beesley, district administrator for the Open Space Project, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Funds from Proposition A have funded well-known open spaces including Griffith Park and the Hollywood Bowl. (Agnes Constante / AJPress)
with Duchenne. We’re trying to slow down the progression so that he can live into adulthood and that he can be productive because he’s a smart kid.” Most boys who have Duchenne do not survive beyond their mid20s, and Ramos-Platt said 70 percent of patients with the condition have normal intelligence, including Sunga. Ramos-Platt pointed out how he won second place in a spelling bee despite the fact he did not speak much English when he first arrived in the United States in 2014. “We try to slow down the complications. Lately, our boys have been living into their 20s and sometimes into their 30s,” she said. CHLA currently serves the Los Angeles County area and more than 111,000 children annually, but is seeking to expand access in the coming years. It is a nonprofit institution and is the largest pediatric hospital in Southern California. n
Ian Saur Sunga, 11, presents Dr. Leigh Ramos-Platt with the PPMD plaque announcing Children’s Hospital Los Angeles a nationally Certified Duchenne Care Center. Photos courtesy of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
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OpiniOn
Features
X factor
“THOSE who kill my country will be killed. Simple as that. No middle ground. No apologies. No excuses,” incoming President Rodrigo Duterte warns, as he is bent on giving the country the facelift it needs as soon as he is sworn into office on June 30. Despite his snarky remarks and unconventional approach to politics, rendering good public service is no laughing matter for the tough-talking Duterte. He has vowed to bring Davao City’s internationally-acclaimed peace and order to the national scale by alleviating criminality and corruption in the country within three to six months in his leadership. And he will stop at nothing to get there. Duterte admitted that he will resurrect the death penalty for heinous crimes, such as drug peddling, rape, murder, kidnap-for-ransom and robbery. He said he preferred death by hanging rather than a firing squad because he did not want to waste bullets on criminals. For people who commit two major crimes, they will be hanged twice. “After you are hanged first, there will be another ceremony for the second time until the head is completely severed from the body. I like that because I am mad,” he added. And because Filipinos have long desired for a more open and accountable government, his vision may not be far from reality anymore, as the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) through an executive order will be among his top agenda. “Kung ayaw ng Congress, I will start progres-
sively, para walang sat-sat, yak-yak. (If Congress does not want to pass it, I will start progressively so that we don’t talk too much),” Duterte told Inquirer.net. The proposed FOI bill people will have access to information regarding the government’s transactions and processes. It grants citizens the access to any information held by a government agency on matters of public concern. state policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest, including documents on government expenditures and the bidding of government projects. It was among the priority bills under outgoing Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s administration, but was later relegated to the back burner towards the end of his term. Duterte, who also intends to push for the amendment of the Constitution to ease the transition to the federal form of government, already has his plates full. Before he bites off more than he can chew, his excellency must be reminded that there are multitude of ills in the country that also deserves his attention. Being the president is no cakewalk. A president is the Head of State and Head of Government, and functions as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As chief executive, the
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
President exercises control over all the executive departments, bureaus, and offices. Duterte and his cohorts must successfully adopt these duties and responsibilities before concocting drastic measures just to affect change. Likewise, it is the Filipinos undertaking to transcend from the latest poll results and aid the incoming
President to a successful transition of power. As constituents, they must help Duterte in addressing the country’s other problems such as poverty, unemployment, overpopulation, education and the degrading environment. This rapport will ensure the Philippines and its people of a brighter future in the next six years. (AJPress)
Should transgenders be allowed to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity? CREATING a lot of buzz in the United The Fil-Am States these days is a law in North Carolina Perspective which forbids transgender people from using public restrooms that comport with their gender Gel SantoS-reloS identity. If a person is born male, then he should go to the boys’ bathroom, and conversely, those born female should go to the girls’ bathroom. This law does not factor in how transgenders feel about themselves and their gender identities. They may
be born male but as they were growing up, they knew they were female deep inside. Some are born female, but they do not identify with that gender, contending that all their life, they know they are male. This is why they dress up, act, think and feel, in accordance with the gender they identify with, not with the gender stated in their birth certificates. This makes the North Carolina law very contentious, because according to transgenders themselves and their
advocates, it violates anti-discrimination laws. They explain that making a transgender use the bathroom that does not match with the gender they identify with exposes them to risks of being bullied and harrassed, not to mention the traumatic experience they go through being in a bathroom or locker room designated for the opposite sex. In support of the civil rights of transgenders, the Education and Justice departments of the Obama Administration issued a directive that mandates ALL public schools (from kindergarten to grade 12) all over the U.S. to allow transgenders use the bathroom that
match their gender identity, or risk losing funding from the federal government. Defending the directive, Pres. Barack Obama said in an interview: “We’re talking about kids, and anybody who’s been in school, been in high school, who’s been a parent, I think should realize that kids who are sometimes in the minority — kids who have a different sexual orientation or are transgender — are subject to a lot of bullying, potentially they are vulnerable.” Obama added, “I think that it is part of our obligation as a society to make sure that everybody is treated fairly, and our kids are all loved, and that
they’re protected and that their dignity is affirmed.” The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” asked its viewers in an online poll if they agree with the Obama administration’s directive. A big majority of those who voted — 73 percent — disagreed. What do you think about this directive? *** 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
‘Small-town thinking’ addresses national epidemics THE problem with some Big City people is they think they have all CTalk the answers. Take for instance the latest opinions of a handful of people belittling the pronouncements of Presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte concerning curfew for miCito Beltran nors, time limits for serving alcohol in commercial establishments, no smoking in public, speed limits on EDSA, shoot to kill orders for drug manufacturers, gun for hire, rapists, and 10 pm limit on Karaoke parties. Out of nowhere, we now hear critics saying that Duterte’s declarations are the sort of plans or solutions that they expect from a mayor and not a presumptive President. These same people were obviously expecting Duterte to talk about the mass transit system, traffic on EDSA and other problems that are generally problems of people in Imperial Manila or as they say on Facebook “Rich People problems.” Economists and academicians want to hear sophisticated plans and terminologies while their dotting friends in media want “programs.” Tough! Every President that played along with that game never got anywhere and failed to get people behind them simply because they tried to please people instead of getting people to tow the line or follow the law through simple political will. None of them even managed to get everyone to have one national ID. If we can’t make people follow simple laws of the small town sort, how will they appreciate the big-ticket items that only benefit the top richest families and corporations in the Philippines. Our national epidemic is we have become a nation of self-entitled individuals who demand more than we contribute. We are a nation of know it alls who have an opinion on just about everything that goes on in the country and in media, in fact people even pay money everyday just to hear their opinion on radio or TV without realizing that every text message they send in sends money to the station! We are citizens who demand change and want to dictate the change we want from others but not from ourselves. “Our opinion” is all that matters especially compared to the opinion of the lower class, less educated, less sophisticated. There is nothing “Small Town” about addressing our drug epidemic. The PNP has said time and again that the majority of Barangays in the Philippines are already affected or infested by drug users and drug dealers. The war on drugs fails because no Commander In
Chief of the Philippines has ever declared war on drug manufacturers, drug pushers and drug users specifically. Declaring war on drugs is key because it is the primary agent of criminality. It creates addicts who rob, steal, kill and rape. It destroys families, marriages, ruins professionals and employees and affect productivity in the work place. It disperses and depletes law enforcement agents and resources of government that could otherwise be focused more on fighting other criminal elements. If all our neighbors in Asia impose the death penalty for illegal drug manufacturers, pushers and drug mules, they must know something that our leaders don’t or are in denial of. Past political leaders have always sang and danced to western influence and pressure but never got anything in return to fight our national drug epidemic. It takes more than “small town thinking” to defy global pressure and hang enemies of the people and the republic and lest someone starts using the religious flash cards, even God and the Bible has given the state and the King or DU30 the authority to punish those who defy divine and earthly law. Just like drugs, smoking is a major health issue in the Philippines. It is a leading cause of cancer and cardiac arrest as well as lung related illnesses such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, pneumonia, etc. The national cost is tremendous and could be devoted to other medical concerns but are used up in a growing epidemic especially with the growth of the call center industry where smoking in public places has become a public nuisance and health hazard for pedestrians who have to share the space with large groups of smokers. Once you count the deaths and the trail of medical bills, you begin to appreciate that cutting back cigarette smoking is not small town thinking but an added level of difficulty for smokers in order to convince them to give it up. The fact is smokers do obey such laws when in effect and enforced. With the changing lifestyle of the 24/7 generation comes the binge drinking, loud Karaoke
parties, and drunk driving as well as the regular rumbles, bar fights and alcoholism. How can we classify limiting alcohol sales to 1 p.m. as a “small town” solution when Big Cities and towns in the United States were already implementing the same solution back in 1984 and earlier when I was living in the United States? What is “small town thinking” about reducing the incidence of DUI or Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and alcoholism? What is small town thinking about making people respect peace and order by putting a cap or time limit to use of those loud and disturbing Karaoke machines used by out of tune singers who rob neighbors of their sleep? Why is it “small town thinking” if you put a stop to acts that qualify as “causing alarm and scandal”? What’s wrong in making thousands of people regain their sense of neighborly conduct and manners? For the longest time Filipinos all over the country have complained about all of these problems but
none of the presidents, vice presidents even senators acted on these with passion and political will. Now we have an incoming President with a proven track record for implementing the solutions and they call his declarations “small town thinking.” Quite honestly, it is those who criticize and label Duterte’s ideas, who are probably suffering from degenerative diseases such as Presumptive Pre-disposition to Critique, psychotic episodes of taking themselves too seriously or a degenerative disorder affecting vision, otherwise known as narrow mindedness. Give the guy a chance, let’s try his solutions and if they don’t work, they don’t work. But please, don’t call his ideas “small town thinking” because you’re not just criticizing the size of his ideas, you are insulting many small towns and leaders and that is the ARROGANCE of Imperial Manila that people from out of town seriously dislike! *** Email: utalk2ctalk@gmail.com
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A
Dateline PhiliPPines
Politicians facing plunder raps among poll winners by Jess
Diaz Philstar.com
MANILA — Several politicians facing plunder or graft charges before the Sandiganbayan or the Office of the Ombudsman are among the winners in the congressional race in their respective districts. Most prominent among them are Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who ran unopposed, and Imelda Marcos of Ilocos Norte. Arroyo is under hospital arrest for plunder at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City. The case stemmed from the alleged misuse of more than P300 million in Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds. Marcos is facing charges in connection with the recovery of the ill-gotten wealth her family allegedly amassed during martial law. Another detained reelected lawmaker is Abdullah Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte, who is accused of diverting P5 million in public funds to ghost projects in 2004. Based on the complaint, the
money went to the Lanao Foundation Inc., which Dimaporo organized in 1994. He represents Lanao del Norte’s second district. His wife, incumbent first district Rep. Imelda, switched posts with son Khalid, the outgoing governor. The Dimaporos have been ruling the province since before martial law. The governor then was the late Ali Dimaporo. Reelected Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Aurora Cerilles is facing graft charges in connection with the alleged overpriced medical supplies worth P7 million procured when she was governor. Her husband Antonio is incumbent governor. They have alternately switched posts. At least three former congressmen who have pending plunder or graft cases have reclaimed their congressional seats. They are former Customs commissioner Ruffy Biazon, who is succeeding his father, former senator and incumbent Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon; Prospero Pichay Jr., who is taking over from his brother Philip as representative of Surigao del Sur’s first district, and Ricky Sandoval of
Malabon, who beat former senator Tessie Aquino Oreta. Biazon is among several former and incumbent lawmakers accused of misusing their pork barrel funds. The most prominent among them are incumbent senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr., who are facing plunder and graft cases. Charged with them is alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles. Sandoval is facing charges in connection with the P728-million fertilizer fund scam during the Arroyo administration. As for Pichay, former Local Water Utilities Administration chief, the Office of the Ombudsman has indicted him and other LUWA officials for allegedly spending P1.5 million in agency funds for a chess tournament. In Davao del Sur, former congressman Douglas Cagas was elected governor despite facing charges for the murder of journalist Nestor Bedolido in 2011 Cagas’ wife Mercedes won a new term as lone representative of the province. n
Gordon, Lacson top senatorial choices among overseas voters by aries Joseph
Inquirer.net
hegina
FORMER senators Richard Gordon and Panfilo “Ping” Lacson are the leading senatorial candidates among overseas Filipino voters. According to the consolidated audit report on overseas and local voting released by Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday, May 17, Gordon copped the top spot among overseas voters with 40,121 votes. Lacson is in second place with 35,287 votes or 4,834 votes less than what Gordon got. Following them are reelectionist senator Ralph Recto with 34,672 votes, Francisco “Kiko” Former senator Richard Gordon File photo Pangilinan with 33,567 votes and with 31, 953 votes. Making up the top 12 list are Senate President Franklin Drilon
reelectionist Senator Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III, Sarangani Rep. and boxing champion Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, former senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, former Akbayan party-list representative Risa Hontiveros, former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III. There are a total of 59 posts all over the world where 432,706 Filipinos showed up to vote. The Comelec has recorded a voter turnout of 31.45 percent during the April 9 to May 9 overseas voting, the highest since the overseas absentee voting was introduced in 2004. The total number of registered overseas Filipino voters is 1,376,067. n
UP FOR SALE. The BRP Pangulo docks at Pier 13 in South Harbor, Manila. Presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte planned to sell the presidential yatch with the proceeds will go to war veterans and Veterans Memorial Medical Center. Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes
Malacañang denies last-minute spending by Catherine
s. Valente ManilaTimes.net
MALACAÑANG on Tuesday, May 17, denied allegations of the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay that the Aquino administration engaged in “rushed spending” in the past months to be able to get votes for its candidates in the May 9 elections. “Allegations of the government’s ‘mad rush to spend during the election season’ leaving the incoming administration with ‘only 16 percent of the national budget’ are untrue and without factual basis,” Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told reporters in a news conference. “These statements only reflect a lack of knowledge and understanding on how the national budget is actually spent. The Aquino administration has always adhered to the principles of sound fiscal management in handling the people’s funds and shall pass on to the incoming administration a robust, liquid and financially-stable national coffers,” he said. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), according to Coloma, had already released about P2.5 trillion to government agencies, which represent 83.5 percent of the total P3.002-trillion 2016 national budget, as embodied in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). He, however, said that the P2.5 trillion “release,” based on national budgeting process, simply
means “authority to obligate” what is in the GAA. “It does not equate to disbursements or actual spending as the funds still need to be obligated first before these can be disbursed by the government agencies. The complete budgeting process involves three steps: 1) Release; 2) Obligation; and 3) Disbursement,” Coloma said. After the budget is released, he added, the concerned government agency must submit and secure approval for a work and financial plan from the Budget department. “This serves as the basis for obligating certain amounts for specific projects. Once these projects have been deemed obligated, the agency will secure Notices of Cash Allocation or NCAs from the DBM, which they would present to the Bureau of Treasury to obtain checks,” Coloma said. Out of the total national budget, he added, about P1.336 trillion or 45 percent are allotted for Personnel Services (P811.8 billion) and Miscellaneous and Other Operating Expenses (P524 billion), which are disbursed monthly. This, Coloma said, was based on existing work and financial plans of government agencies that passed through the scrutiny of Congress during budget deliberations. “While it is true that releases have reached more than P2 trillion, total funds obligated and covered by NCAs or Notices of Cash Allocation reached only P464.33 billion as of the first quarter of the year,” he noted.
“Out of this amount, P411.4 billion was utilized to get checks from the Treasury while the remaining P53 billion is still with the agencies,” Coloma said. In terms of capital outlay, according to him, the GAA requires all government agencies to comply with existing rules on procurement. These, he said, include a schedule of payments for payroll items and a schedule of payments for capital outlay based on the percentage of completion of a particular project. “One of the budgetary reforms implemented by the Aquino administration in 2014 is to treat the GAA itself as the release document, which enabled government agencies to fast-track the implementation of vital projects and programs and sustain the growth momentum. All disbursements from the national budget are subject to stringent auditing and accounting rules and regulations,” he added. When asked about the El Niño fund releases, Coloma said, “Contrary to the claims of United Nationalist Alliance [UNA], the government has already released P842.5 million to augment the Quick Response Fund for El Niño-related programs.” The funds cover the “purchase of family food packs for pre-positioning and disaster augmentation, cash or food for work programs, shelter assistance and additional relief supplies” for communities affected by El Niño, he explained. n
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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal
B
RCBC names Buenaventura new president by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
MANILA — Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) has tapped Development Bank of the Philippines president Gil Buenaventura as its new president replacing Lorenzo Tan who tendered his resignation after being cleared from the $81 million bank heist. Buenaventura, a seasoned banker, would become president and chief executive officer of RCBC starting July 1. “Soft spoken and a quiet worker, Buenaventura brings with him a wealth of experience in universal banking and large operations that is critical to RCBC’s further growth,” RCBC said in a statement after the bank’s Board of Directors approved the appointment. Buenaventura, 63, steered DBP to unprecedented growth
Gil Buenaventura
in terms of income and total resources. DBP is among the top 10 banks in the country. DBP Is the country’s seventh largest bank in terms of assets with P508.46 billion and 10th in terms of capital with P37.66 billion last year. President Aquino has issued
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Cebu Pacific forms alliance with 7 low-cost carriers by LoueLLa
D. DesiDerio Philstar.com
MANILA — Gokongwei’s Cebu Pacific has formed an alliance with seven other low cost carriers in Asia Pacific to provide more choices and enhance services to customers. In a statement on Monday, May 16, Cebu Pacific said it has joined forces with Jeju Air, Nok Air, NokScoot, Scoot, Tigerair Singapore, Tigerair Australia and Vanilla Air to create the Value Alliance or the world’s largest low-cost carrier (LCC) alliance. Value Alliance seeks to provide customers of each airline
more destinations, more routing options and greater convenience. In particular, customers of the members of the alliance will be able to view, select and book the best-available airfares on flights from any of the airlines in a single transaction, directly from each partner website through the technology developed by Air Black Box (ABB). Through ABB, an airline can connect its products to a partner airline’s brand. Unlike typical interline technologies, ABB allows guests to enjoy the full suite of ancillary
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by Ben o. De Vera, Doris DuMLao-aBaDiLLa Inquirer.net
THE honeymoon period has started for Rodrigo Duterte, the unorthodox Davao City mayor who is bound to be the next CEO of the land, with economic and business leaders optimistic that the newly unveiled economic agenda would allow the country to remain in the sweet spot.
“The initial announcement of [Duterte’s] eight-point [economic] program promises a continuity of the resilient economic growth that we have seen,” BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo told reporters Monday, May 16. “From our monetary policy perspective, the general public can expect continued consistency of monetary policy with price stability, financial stability and, of course, balanced and sustainable economic growth.
This will also be supportive of the new administration’s emphasis on the need to achieve 7 to 8 percent economic growth for 2016 and beyond. It’s a big challenge, but I think it’s doable,” Guinigundo said. “We are very upbeat. I think the incoming President and his team are going to inherit a government that’s in very good financial position and an economy which is probably the envy of other economies in the world.
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Duterte mulls tax hike for high earners Similar to China’s tax system
“That’s feasible and you can calibrate it in such a way that you will not incur revenue losses,” FiMANILA — Taxing high-in- nance Undersecretary and chief come earners more than their economist Gil Beltran said in an middle and poor counterparts interview. is feasible, but the incoming Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte government will need Duterte bared yesterday he into be careful not to discourage tends to raise tax rates for those them from investing. earning high, and lower those for by Prinz
P. MagtuLis
Philstar.com
the rest. He did not give details. As it is, the current tax system is already “progressive” and simply reflects what Duterte wants to achieve, Internal Revenue commissioner Kim Henares said. The difference, Henares said, would be on how he plans to reform the tax rates and brackets
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Mayor Rodrigo Duterte
File photo
Business news
B MAY 18-20, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
Cebu Pacific forms alliance with 7…
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choices they have come to appreciate from LCCs, such as seat and meal selection, variable baggage allowances and other inflight features – across all partner airline sectors in a single itinerary. Members of the Value Alliance cover a third of the earth and serve more than 160 destinations with a collective fleet of 176 aircraft across the Asia Pacific region. The formation of an alliance is expected to strengthen the members’ distribution in their nonhome markets, expand their saleable networks via the provision of interline itineraries, retain their ancillary revenue opportunities and offer their customers a better, one-stop-shop experience. “All of our airline partners are champions in their local markets and well regarded for their value and service regionally and na-
Executive Order 198 last Feb. 4 approving the merger between Land Bank of the Philippines and DBP to create the country’s second largest bank. Buenaventura was a former senior executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and president and chief executive officer of Prudential Bank when it was acquired by BPI. He also served as executive vice president of Citytrust Banking Corp. and a Citibanker for 18 years where he started as chief of staff to the country head and rose to become vice president, group head and senior credit officer. Buenaventura obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of San Francisco and his MBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin. At BPI, he was in charge of the bank’s major revenue-generating businesses and was either chairman or a member of the board of directors of BPI’s various subsidiaries. He also managed the bank’s special business units and several subsidiaries, and exercised direct oversight over non-revenue areas including information systems, human resources, and central operations. Tan, who was dragged into the money laundering scandal by dismissed RCBC Jupiter branch manager Maia SantosDeguito, tendered his resig-
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes
tionally. The Value Alliance is a clear example of how LCCs can accomplish more by working together than we could do individually,” Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei said. With more than 500 million visitors expected in Asia Pacific
by 2020, there are opportunities for the alliance to connect travellers to more of the unique destinations usually found in secondary cities. Cebu Pacific currently serves over 90 routes on 64 destinations in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the US. n
nation last May 5 after being cleared by the bank owned by taipan Alfonso Yuchengco of any wrong doing in the $81 million bank heist. Tan ended his almost a decade term at the listed universal bank after the culmination of RCBC’s Board Committee-led investigation on the recent money laundering incident. Tan tendered his resignation to give its Board of Directors a free hand to direct the course of its business moving forward. He went on leave last March 23. RCBC chair Helen Yuchengco-Dee together with vice chair Cesar Virata and director Aramando Medina would continue to oversee the bank’s day to day operations. RCBC treasurer Raul Victor Tan also tendered his resignation last April 21. RCBC’s investigation headed by its external lawyers and SGV & Co. cleared Tan of any knowledge, involvement or participation in the unauthorized transfer to RCBC of $81 million stolen from Bangladesh Bank. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is set to resume the hearing on the money laundering scandal on May 19. Tan has filed civil and criminal cases against Deguito and lawyer Ferdiand Topacio for libel and perjury, after she and Topacio implicated him as the mastermind in the money-laundering activity. n
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RCBC names Buenaventura…
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Will a domestic violence finding affect my claim for sole or joint custody of our children?
AN action under the DVPA (Domestic Violence Protection Act) seeking a restraining order often is necessary to protect parties from abuse or domestic violence perpetrated by the other spouse or significant other. At times, it is effective in preventing harm to one of the parties. At the same time, this process is sometimes abused by family law litigants as a strategy for obtaining an advantage in a child custody case. The basis for this is the presumption against sole or joint custody under California family code section 3044. California Family Code Section 3044 (a) provides “Upon a finding by the court that a party seek-
ing custody of a child has perpetrated domestic violence against the other party seeking custody of the child or against the child or the child’s siblings within the previous five years, there is a rebuttable presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child, pursuant to Section 3011. This presumption may only be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence. In determining whether the presumption in family code 3044(a) has been overcome, the court shall consider all of the following factors:(1) Whether the
perpetrator of domestic violence has demonstrated that giving sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to the perpetrator is in the best interest of the child. In determining the best interest of the child, the preference for frequent and continuing contact with both parents, as set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 3020, or with the noncustodial parent, as set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 3040, may not be used torebut the presumption, in whole or in part.(2) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a batterer’s treatment program that meets the criteria outlined in subdivision (c) of Section 1203.097 of
foreign direct investment (FDI) flows; expanding and improving the conditional cash transfer program; improving government revenue collection efforts; making tax administration more progressive; modernizing the agriculture sector, and strengthening the basic education system. “I think the eight-point program translates to more growth, because it says there that macroeconomic policies will be continued and will impact on [government] spending,” Guinigundo said. He added that Duterte’s economic blueprint would also translate to more jobs, citing that the incom-
ing administration wants to attract more FDI by enhancing the country’s competitiveness. The Aboitiz group, for its part, is hoping to get the biggest percentage of growth from its fledgling infrastructure business, given that this was coming from a low base. Aboitiz noted that the government’s plan to boost infrastructure spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product was likely to stimulate more investments and new projects. “As you all know, we are bursting in our seams in all infrastructure sectors. Our airports are full, our trains are full, our roads are full,
I think there’s going to be a lot of investment in this sector.” Kingson Sian, president of Alliance Global Group Inc., said Duterte’s economic agenda has been welcomed by the market. “You don’t need rocket science to know that this country needs agriculture, infrastructure, tourism. Those are the strengths of the economy,” Sian said, noting that AGI—given its big presence in tourism—would benefit from such growth. “What I even like is it’s about time that Mindanao gets the attention that it needs. It’s good for the country. That’s what’s exciting about this new administration—focus on areas that were less focused on before,” he said. Meanwhile, the Foundation for Economic Freedom said it was looking forward to the reforms that the next President had promised to undertake, particularly in removing the foreign ownership restrictions in the Constitution and improving competition in key sectors of the economy. “We support his proposed measures that will improve the investment climate in the country, by improving peace and order, cutting bureaucratic red tape, reforming the tax system and vastly improving infrastructure,” FEF said. “Finally, we applaud his reaching out to his political rivals. National unity is vital in solving our problems of widespread poverty, national security, and peace and order,” the group said. n
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BSP, execs welcome Duterte economic …
We are very positive,” Aboitiz Equity Ventures president Erramon Aboitiz said in a briefing Monday. Aboitiz said his group, which is in the power, banking, food, real estate, cement and infrastructure businesses, was well-positioned across all sectors. Last week, businessman Carlos Dominguez, who is expected to be part of Duterte’s economic team, disclosed the economic priorities in the next six years, namely accelerating infrastructure spending; addressing land administration and management; attracting
Duterte mulls tax hike for high…
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similar to botched legislative proposals last year. Under the National Internal Revenue Code, there are seven tax brackets with the lowest charged a rate of 10 percent, while the biggest – at more P500,000 annual income-taxed 32 percent. Beltran said Duterte’s plan could be similar to China’s tax system, where the highest individual tax rate is pegged at 45 percent. The country also has seven brackets, but unlike the Philippines where rates increase five percent every step, China has varying increases of five, seven and 10 percent.
“This is consistent with what is required in the Constitution which is a progressive tax rate. This is not discriminatory,” Beltran said. But he added that one problem he is seeing is the potential the proposal could deter investments. “These earners are those who have businesses here. The trend now is to lower tax rates so if they see that ours are higher, they could easily go out,” Beltran said. Henares agreed, adding even these high-earners can easily claim deductions which, in effect, lower their taxable income down the bracket. “This is the reason why we
want a comprehensive tax reform. Ideally, you reduce income taxes across-the-board and get additional revenues elsewhere,” she said. But industry group Tax Management Association of the Philippines has an opposite view. “I don’t think it will deter investments so long as your top rate is competitive with those of the rest in the region,” said president Benedict Tugonon in a phone interview. According to Department of Finance data, the Philippines’ top individual tax rate of 32 percent is higher than those in Indonesia (30 percent), Malaysia (25 percent), Singapore (20 percent) and Hong Kong (15 percent). n
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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
(Part 1 of 2)
Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng I GOT my senior’s week last week. Two different seniors, both over 80 came to see me for different reasons. The first was 83. He was in good health, just a little stooped. Still works full time and receives social security. Wife receives a small social security. He and his wife live with their son, so they have no mortgage or rent expense, which is good. He has a new car and pays a car loan of $400. He wants to keep the car. He has an old car that he used as collateral for a high interest loan. He does not want to keep the old car because the high interest loan requires $500 a month at 50% annual interest. Yes, that’s pretty high interest for a secured debt. His problem is $35,000 of credit card debt that he has kept current for the last 15 years, paying $1,000 a month. He though it wasn’t such a great idea keeping them current in the last 15 years because he already forked over $180,000 in the last 15 years to keep them current, and surprise! He still owes the same $35,000 now. He thought he certainly would have been happier now if he had that $180,000
‘Vanity of vanities; ALL is vanity.’
— From Ecclesiastes
self. The idea of sacrifice still remains the most concrete, visible form of love for another. In the end, happiness finally comes with the humble awareness and quiet appreciation of what was, what is and what is yet to come — right now, right here where we live our days and nights. Long ago when enchanted creatures peopled the earth, there was a nymph called Echo. She probably rated a nine and a half on a 10 point-attractiveness scale, gorgeous, knowledgeable and perfect in every way except for one thing — she was a chatterbox nonpareil. She liked to hear herself talk far too much and perhaps, with a tinge of hubris, would insist on having the last word in every conversation. Juno, the queen of the Gods, was so irked by Echo’s habit that she meted out a punishment just for her. Echo will no longer be able to talk, except for one tiny concession — she will be able to say only the last word. In the same forest where the nymphs lived, there was a young man named Narcissus who was so classically handsome and perfectly proportioned that all the nymphs oohed and ahhed and fell in love with him at first sight. Picture Michelangelo’s marble sculpture of “David” in flesh and blood or a composite between diCaprio and Brad Pitt. If he were real person today, he would have made the cover of People Magazine’s “Sexiest
Man of the Year.” His fans became legion that all that adulation got into his head. He became extremely vain. No nymph was good enough for him. One day, Echo espied Narcissus while he was hunting with his peers and fell like a ton of bricks in love with him. She longed to tell him of her feelings, but in her afflicted state, she became painfully shy and simply contented herself silently watching him from a distance, shadowing Narcissus’ every move. Narcissus, however, became aware of her shadowy presence and talked her out of her hiding place. Echo could only repeat the last words of what Narcissus was saying in their conversation so she may have came out sounding like a mindless idiot, vexing Narcissus. Besotted with love for the hunk however and believing Narcissus’ plea that she come out so they can be joined together, she finally overcame her crippling shyness and revealed herself. However, Narcissus felt she wasn’t good enough for him and scorned her for her bold presumptuousness and repudiated her total being. He sent her away devastating Echo in the most cutting words, slashing and burning her very existence, swearing he would rather die than be with Echo. (To be continued) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
Seniors plan their golden years One gets rid of debt, while the other attempts to collect monies lent in his pocket. He could take his wife, his sweetheart of 60 years cruising all over the world and pay cash for those cruises. His wife wanted to take a cruise to the Greek isles and the Mediterranean coast, maybe spend a couple of days in Barcelona, enjoying the artwork of Dali and the whimsical architecture of Gaudi. He wanted to see the office of the Philippine tobacco company, which was in Barcelona when the Spaniards were still lording it over the islands. I asked him what’s your connection with the Philippine tobacco company anyway? He said his grandfather worked for that company his whole life and all he got from it was a gold plated watch and a gold plated cigar. Not even a good pension that he could live with. Why was your grandfather a Spaniard, I asked? He was an illustrado, he said, with a moustache that made him look like Pancho Villa. I asked him if he could still speak Spanish and he said “Claro que si, senor abogado.” In fact, he told me that he still had many relatives in Barcelona, that’s why he wanted to bring his sweetheart to visit, and he wanted to meet all his Spanish relatives. Well, I told him that if you had gotten
rid of your $35K of credit card debt 15 years ago with a Chapter 7 petition, then today, you could actually buy a condo in the south coast of Spain, and retire there with your sweetheart for a quarter of the cost of living in LA. Instead of being able to retire there with a fully paid condo overlooking the tranquil Mediterranean, you now have to get rid of your $35K of credit card debt, and live in a tiny room with your son. Think about the opportunity you missed to live in the South coast of Spain now, just because you wanted to keep your $35K of credit cards current for 15 years. And even if you prefer to live here in LA, the $180K of cash in your pocket, well managed, can give you an extra $700 of income a month which you can use to indulge what you and your wife want to do now. Otherwise, you wake ip everyday and just stare at each other, or watch TV the whole day. Not really an exciting way of living your golden years, is it? He chooses to file a Chapter 7 to get rid of $35K credit cards even though it’s way late. Better late than never. The second senior is 80. His
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Will a domestic violence finding affect my… PAGE B2 t
the Penal Code. (3) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a program of alcohol or drug abuse counseling if the court determines that counseling is appropriate. (4) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a parenting class if the court determines the class to be appropriate. (5) Whether the perpetrator is on probation or parole, and whether he or she has complied with the terms and conditions of probation or parole. (6) Whether the perpetrator is restrained by a protective order or restraining order, and whether he or she has complied with its terms and conditions. (7) Whether the perpetrator of domestic violence has committed any further acts of domestic violence. A person has “perpetrated domestic violence” when he or she is found by the court to have intentionally or recklessly caused or attempted to cause bodily injury, or sexual assault, or to have placed a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to that person or to another, or to have engaged in any behavior involving, but not limited to, threatening, striking, harassing, destroying personal property or disturbing the peace of another, for which a court may issue an ex parte order pursuant to Section 6320 to protect the other party seeking custody of the child or to protect the child and the child’s siblings.The requirement of a finding by the court shall be satisfied by, among other things, and not limited to, evidence that a party seeking
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 18-20, 2016
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An old tale on self-absorption Revised STEM OPT Program now in effect
Monette AdevA MAglAyA WE now live in an age of extreme self-absorption. Many already believe they have become legends in their own minds. They believe the world revolves around them and that their personal happiness is paramount. Following the lead of celebrities in the sports and entertainment world, we are being led by the media to believe that life is all about I, Me and Myself at center stage. The songs and stories in popular media all amplify and sell the story of self-love as the highest form of love. We have all the electronic tools for self-absorption at hand: camera phones, computers, tablets, Facebook, Twitter and other forms of social media and the unceasing, unrelenting advertising messages that prick our vanity. We have become the stars in our own firmament. It’s not a new phenomenon though. Advanced, wealthy civilizations in history have fallen for the same trap. Maybe it’s time to dredge out those stories from mythology, told and retold from the distant past so we can better understand how to deal with this disconcerting trend and see how too much self-absorption eventually lead to despondency and unhappiness. The antidote to self-absorption, like for many ills that plague our world today, is still the same as it was in the past — love and concern for others, interest in the well-being of someone or being involved in something bigger, higher, loftier than one’s
Community Journal
custody has been convicted within the previous five years, after a trial or a plea of guilty or no contest, of any crime against the other party that comes within the definition of domestic violence contained in Section 6211 and of abuse contained in Section 6203, including, but not limited to, acrime described in subdivision (e) of Section 243 of, or Section 261,262, 273.5, 422, or 646.9 of, the Penal Code.The requirement of a finding by the court shall also be satisfied if any court, whether that court hears or has heard the child custody proceedings or not, has made a finding pursuant to subdivision (a) based on conduct occurring within the previous five years. In Christina L v. Chauncey B, 229 Cal. App 4th 731 (2014),the Court of appeal held that because a Domestic Violence restraining order must be based on a finding that the party being restrained committed one or more acts of domestic abuse, a finding of domestic abuse sufficient to support a DVPA restraining order necessarily triggers the rebuttable statutory presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child. Cal. Fam. Code §§ 3044. The presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child changes the burden of persuasion, but may be overcome by a preponderance of the
evidence showing that it is in the child’s best interest to grant joint or sole custody to the offending parent. Cal. Fam. Code § 3044. In that case, the father had a history of perpetrating domestic violence against the mother. Domestic Violence restraining orders has been issued multiple times over the years including within the last 5 years. The trial court ignored both the existing restraining order, the legal effect of such a judicial finding, and failed to apply the family code 3044 presumption and instead awarded joint custody to father. The Court of appeal reversed and remanded the case back to the trial court. (copyright 7/7/15) at Kenreyeslaw.com *** 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)
by Atty.
CArl ShuStermAn
A SIGNIFICANTLY revised and broadened STEM optional practical training (OPT)program will take effect on May 10 under a final regulation published in the Federal Register on March 11. Under the new rule, more F1 STEM students will be eligible for an extension of their OPT and those who qualify will be granted a longer period of employment authorization. But their employers will be subject to stringent new requirements, including the obligation to prepare a detailed training plan for each STEM OPT candidate, comply with more extensive reporting requirements and undergo worksite inspections conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These requirements apply only to extensions of OPT for F-1 students with a qualifying US science, technology, engineering or math degree; the standard 12-month OPT program is unchanged. The new regulation permits the program to continue without interruption following a federal court decision holding that current STEM OPT rules did not meet procedural requirements. The court stayed its decision to invalidate the current program and granted the Department of Homeland Security additional time to promulgate replacement rules. The lawsuit challenging the STEM OPT program is ongoing. The existing STEM OPT regulation will remain in place until May 9. A summary of the key points of the revised STEM OPT program is below. Eligibility for a STEM extension of OPT Under current rules, a 17month extension of OPT is available to F-1 students who have earned a qualifying US degree in a designated STEM field. The new regulation will broaden the eligibility criteria for a STEM extension of OPT and lengthen the duration of STEM employment authorization, as follows: • A more extensive list of US STEM and related degrees will qualify F-1 students for an OPT extension. As under prior rules, the F-1 student’s degree must be directly related to the STEM OPT job. The student must have completed all degree requirements to be eligible for a STEM extension, with the exception of any thesis or comparable requirement. • The STEM extension of OPT will be 24 months in duration. Qualifying F-1 students will thus be eligible for a total of 36 months of OPT employment authorization, including the initial 12-month OPT period. • Students who were granted a 17-month STEM OPT extension under earlier rules can seek a further 7 months of work authorization subject to the requirements and obligations of the new rules, as discussed below. • F-1 students who earn an additional qualifying STEM degree can apply for a second 24 months of OPT, but this period cannot immediately follow the first STEM OPT extension. There must be an intervening degree and a period of 12-month OPT before the foreign national can obtain a second period of STEM OPT. No student can obtain more than 2 periods of STEM OPT. • F-1 students with a previously obtained STEM degree can qualify for the OPT extension as long as their prior degree is directly related to the position. For example, an F-1 student whose most recent US degree was an MBA could qualify for a STEM OPT extension on the basis of her US bachelor’s degree in chemistry. The earlier degree must have been conferred within 10 years before the application for the OPT extension and have been issued by a US school that is duly accredited and is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time of the application. Under previous rules, an OPT extension was available only to those whose most recent US degree was in a qualifying STEM field. New employer obligations Employers must meet significant new obligations in order to employ an F-1 student during the STEM OPT period. Training plan. Before an application for a STEM OPT employment authorization document (EAD) can be filed, the employer and the F-1 student must prepare and sign a formal training plan and submit it to the student’s designated school official (DSO). DHS is expected to issue a new Form I983, the Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, before the new regulation is implemented. The plan must state the specific goals for the STEM OPT period and how they will be achieved; detail the specific knowledge, skills or techniques the employer will impart to the student; explain how the training is directly related to the student’s STEM degree; and describe how the student will be supervised and evaluated. The final rule clarifies that employers
can rely on their existing training policies to satisfy the evaluation and supervision requirements, as long as their poliAttorney Carl Shusterman cies meet the requirements of the rule. DHS originally sought to require employers to establish a formal mentoring process for F-1 students on STEM OPT, but dispensed with this requirement in the final regulation. Employer attestations. Employers must certify the following in the training plan: • The terms and conditions of the STEM OPT employment – including compensation – are commensurate with those provided to similarly situated US workers. Compensation information must be disclosed in the training plan. • The STEM OPT student will not “replace” a full- or part-time, temporary or permanent US worker. The proposed regulation would have required the employer to attest that no US worker would be terminated, laid off or furloughed a US worker. • The employer has sufficient resources and personnel to train the student in the position. • The training is directly related to the STEM degree and the offered position will achieve the objectives of the training plan. Evaluations. The employer and the F-1 student must complete a performance evaluation after the first 12 months of STEM OPT and at the conclusion of the STEM program. Evaluations must be signed by the student and employer, and the student must submit the evaluation to the DSO within 10 days after the conclusion of the review period. DHS originally planned to require evaluations every 6 months during STEM OPT, but opted for a reduced evaluation requirement in response to feedback from stakeholders. Employment termination. The employer is required to notify the DSO within 5 business days if the F-1 student is terminated or departs the STEM OPT job; under prior rules, the employer had 48 hours to make this notification. Changes in the training plan. Employers and students are obligated to notify the DSO “at the earliest available opportunity” if there are material changes to or deviations from the training plan. Material changes include a decrease in the F-1 student’s compensation that is not tied to a reduction in work hours; a significant decrease in work hours; any decrease in work hours below the minimum 20 hours per week (excluding time off pursuant to the employer’s leave policy); a change in the employer’s EIN due to corporate restructuring; or any change or deviation that renders the employer’s attestations invalid or the training plan inaccurate. E-Verify. As under prior rules, employers must be enrolled and participating in E-Verify to employ an F-1 student in STEM OPT. The new regulation does not change this obligation but commentary to the rule specifies that the employer must participate in E-Verify at the location where the student will work. Agency enforcement The new regulation gives US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the authority to conduct on-site reviews to verify whether employers are adhering to their training plans and otherwise complying with STEM OPT program requirements. The agency will give employers 48 hours’ notice of a site visit, unless the visit is triggered by a complaint or other evidence of noncompliance. Student obligations All F-1 students on STEM OPT will be required to: • Report to the DSO within 10 days after starting a new STEM OPT job. If there is a job change from the original STEM job, the student must submit the new employer’s training plan to the DSO, who must make a new recommendation for STEM OPT. • Report to the DSO within 10 days of a change in their legal name, residence address, employer’s name and address or loss of employment. • Report to the DSO any material changes to the training plan “at the earliest available opportunity,” as described above. • Report to the DSO every 6 months to confirm the accuracy of information in their SEVIS record, including their legal name and residence address, employer name and address and the status of their current employment. As under prior rules, F-1 students on STEM OPT are subject to limits on unemployment, but those limits will increase. The new rule allows STEM OPT students a maximum of 150 days of unemployment during their entire post-
completion OPT period – 90 days for the initial 12-month grant and an additional 60 days once granted a STEM extension. Previously, F-1s granted STEM OPT were limited to a maximum of 120 days of unemployment during the postcompletion OPT period. Application procedures USCIS will begin to accept applications for a STEM extension of work authorization under the new rule on May 10, 2016. Before an application can be submitted, the following steps must be completed: • STEM OPT employer and the F-1 student must prepare and sign the training plan. • The student must submit the training plan to the DSO. • The DSO must review the plan to ensure that it is complete and signed and that it addresses program requirements. • The DSO must approve the training plan and recommend STEM OPT extension by endorsing the F-1’s Form I-20. • USCIS Form I-765, the application for employment authorization, and supporting documentation must be submitted during validity of F-1’s initial OPT EAD and within 60 days of the DSO’s recommendation. The training plan need not be submitted with the application, but USCIS has the authority to request for a copy of the plan. If the current OPT EAD expires while the STEM extension is pending, the F-1 student’s employment authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the application is adjudicated, as under current rules. Transitional rules for STEM OPT applications filed before may 10 Between now and May 9, 2016, USCIS will continue to accept STEM OPT EAD applications under existing rules. A STEM OPT EAD that is granted before May 10 will be valid for 17 months and will be subject to earlier program requirements. However, if the application is pending on or after May 10, USCIS will adjudicate it under the new regulations and will issue a request for a training plan that meets the new requirements. If approved, the EAD will be issued for 24 months. Transitional rules for f-1 students already on STEM OPT F-1 students who hold a valid 17-month STEM OPT EAD issued and valid before May 10, 2016 can continue to work through their EAD expiration, unless their EAD is withdrawn or revoked. They and their employers will be subject to earlier program rules. F-1 students in a period of 17month STEM OPT can file for a 7-month extension between May 10, 2016 and August 8, 2016, provided that the student has at least 150 days remaining on their current EAD at the time the application is filed and the requirements of the new regulation – including an approved training plan – are met. If the student’s OPT EAD expires while the new application is pending, he or she receives an automatic extension of work authorization for up to 180 days or until the application is adjudicated. F-1 students who have completed their OPT period and are in the 60-day grace period are not eligible to file for a STEM extension under the new or current rules. CAP-GAP benefits for F-1 students awaiting a change of status to H-1B The new regulation maintains “cap gap” protections for F-1 students who are awaiting a change of status to H-1B. As under prior rules, an F-1 student who is the beneficiary of an H-1B cap petition and a request to change status to H-1B filed while his OPT EAD is valid receives an automatic extension of status and work authorization from the expiration of the EAD through October 1, the date that the change of status takes effect. A student in valid F1 status without OPT or with an expired OPT EAD when the cap petition is filed receives an extension of stay only. In commentary to the final regulation, the agency reaffirms that cap-gap protections are available only when the F-1 student is the beneficiary of an H-1B petition that is subject to the annual cap; a petition for cap-exempt H-1B employment will not confer these interim benefits. The agency also clarifies that F-1 students in the cap-gap period may change employers. What the new regulation means for employers and F-1 students The rule broadens employment opportunities for F-1 STEM students, but the significant new obligations on students, employers and schools will require prompt planning. Employers and F-1 students who will pursue STEM OPT employment must act quickly so they can meet additional requirements in time to file applications when the new rule takes effect. Timely filing is particularly critical for those with an OPT EAD that expires soon, and for those who want to seek a 7-month extension of their current STEM OPT. n
B MAY 18-20, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA THE exclusion from gross income of discharged qualified principal residence indebtedness is extended for two years through December 31, 2016. It applies to discharge occurring before January 1, 2017 or subject to an arrangement entered into and evidenced in writing before January 1, 2017 code section 108(a)(1)(E) amended by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015. The exclusion however does not apply to the amount of gain recognized from foreclosure, short sale, or deed in lieu of foreclosure. 1. As a general rule, cancellation-of debt (COD) results in taxable income code section 61(a) (12). The COD income is generally equal to the difference between the amount of indebtedness cancelled and the amount used to satisfy the debt. There is no COD income if you are not personally liable for a debt or non-recourse
EMPLOYMENT
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10 facts on debt forgiveness on your main residence mortgage loan, where the lender’s only recourse is the property secured by the debt. 2. Under the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, you may be able to exclude debt forgiven on your principal residence. 3. Refinanced debt proceeds used to improve your principal residence. 4. The debt must have been used to buy, build, or substantially improve your principal residence. 5. Refinance debt proceeds used for other purposes (travel, buy a car, or pay off credit card debt) does not qualify for the exclusion. 6. The debt must be secured by your main residence. 7. For this tax relief provision, debt forgiven on second homes, rental property and business property do not qualify (but may qualify for other tax relief). 8. The exclusion is limited up to $2 million ($1 million for married filing separate taxpayers). This exclusion was set to expire in 2013 but was extended to December 31, 2014. This was again extended to December 31, 2016
with the signing of the PATH Act by President Obama. 9. If you meet the requirements, complete Form 982 and reduce tax attributes as required for the exclusion method. It is important to check the appropriate box indicating the type of exclusion. This form is attached to your federal income tax return for the tax year in which the qualified debt was discharged. When basis is required to be reduced (but not below zero) under code section 1017, a list of the property and the amount of basis reduction for each property much be attached to your federal tax return as a supplemental worksheet to your Form 982. 10. If your debt is eliminated or reduced, you would normally receive a year-end statement, Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt, from your lender. The form shows the fair market value of any property foreclosed and the amount of debt forgiven. Carefully examine Form 1099-C. If any of the information shown is incorrect, please notify the lender immediately. You should pay extra attention to the amount of debt discharged in Box 2, amount
EMPLOYMENT
of interest included in Box 2 and is reported in Box 3, as well as the fair market value listed for your home in Box 7. 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)
Seniors plan their golden…
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wife passed away recently. They have no children but have a lot of relatives who owe him money. He and his wife were generous in lending a helping hand to their relatives when they were younger. $50K to a cousin who wanted to buy a UPS store. $40K to a brother who wanted to buy a restaurant. You know what I mean. The money lent has stacked up over the years and have not been repaid. He feels unsecure now because he has maintenance expenses now, which are escalating. Just the caregiver costs $2K a month. Well, the problem of course is that it’s easy to lend out money, but it’s very difficult to collect. First off, would be to file lawsuits to collect. So, at least you end up with money judgments
that accrue legal interest at 10% yearly. In addition, placing judgment liens on real property can enforce these money judgments, wages can be garnished, and bank accounts can be levied. This is a lot better than waiting for his beloved relatives to start paying him back, which knows when. The truth is, which is better left unsaid, beloved relatives are probably waiting for client to kick the bucket so they can forget about paying him back. After all, he won’t need cash in heaven, would he? Nope. The third client is a young senior at 58. She is a single mom with a good paying job as a registered nurse. She has two kids in college who need support. Her problem is $50K of credit card debt. The choice is making minimum payments of $1,500 a
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month to visa and MasterCard, or giving the $1,500 to her college kids to help them pay their rents in out of state colleges. It’s a no brainer. Client decides to discharge her $50K of credit card debt with a Chapter 7 petition. “This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” — Psalm 34:6-7 *** 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)
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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 18-20, 2016
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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 18, 2016
Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. asks Fil-Am community to be more engaged, united by
AFTER almost six years as the top diplomat of the Philippines to the United States, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. will be retiring this June. President Benigno S. Aquino III appointed Ambassador Cuisia to his post in November 2010 and was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments three months later. He formally assumed his post at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. on April 2, 2011 and presented his credentials to President Barack Obama on July 7, 2011. “I’m gonna be busy but not the same way because I’m not going to have a 9-to-6 job,” the ambassador told Balikbayan Magazine as we sat down with him for an interview on the sidelines of the Philippines Business and Investment Forum in New York recently. Ambassador Cuisia, a wellrespected figure in Philippine business with over 32 years in
MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress
financial services, most recently as the president & CEO of the largest and most profitable nonbank financial institution in the Philippines, brought with him to Washington his savviness in politics and business. Cuisia said he has a number of board memberships - four publicly-listed companies – Manila Water, SM Prime, Phinma Corporation and Century Properties Group and other non publicly-listed companies such as AIG Shared Services, The Covenant Car Company and Phinma, Inc. “There are many things for me to do in the private sector,” he remarked. “I hope to be more involved in NGOs like Gawad Kalinga, I hope to go back to maybe some of the educational institutions that I was involved with like AIM, I was chairman there for a number of years.” In his first few years in Washington, D.C. Ambassador
Cuisia dedicated his time to promoting trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines; strengthening the military and security alliance with the US; and providing assistance to Philippine nationals while further cementing the already robust relationship between the two countries. “State Department Sec. Kerry and Sec. Clinton have said that our relations have never been better. Of course that’s not only to my credit but it is Secretary Albert del Rosario, President Aquino, the entire Department of Foreign Affairs team and of course my colleagues at the embassy and the consulates here in the US have all contributed to that,” he shared. Mr. Cuisia has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2011, during his tenure as ambassador, he received the Joseph Wharton Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wharton Club of Washington,
Ambassador Cuisia and Agriculture Commissioner of Georgia Gary Black meet in Atlanta as part of an Economic Diplomacy Mission last March 8. PH Embassy photos
D.C., the first Filipino to receive such an award from the Club. He earned his MBA in finance at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1970, just three years after finishing his degree in Commerce, magna cum laude, from De La Salle University. He was the 2007 ‘Management Man of the Year’ of the Management Association of the Philippines in 2007; the Manuel L. Quezon Awardee for Exemplary Governance in 2006; the Asia Insurance Personality of the Year in 2005; and the Philippine CEO of the Year in 2004. He was also one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines in 1982. Ambassador Cuisia has been described by some Fil-Am community members as a “consummate diplomat”, and he is leaving his post with legacy projects that are not only uplifting the profile of the Philippines as a country but enriching the
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. receives the Joseph Wharton Award for Lifetime Achievement from Mr. Alan Schlaifer, President and CEO of the Wharton Club of Washington, DC in May 2011.
Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. gives a summary of events leading up to the return of MacArthur and the liberation of the Philippines in his opening remarks for “Keeping the Promise,” an exhibit that explores the liberation of the Philippines through unique artifacts and documents from Filipino, American, and Japanese sources in February last year. PH Embassy photo by Majalya Fernando
image of the Filipino as well. The following are excerpts of our interview. Balikbayan Magazine (BM): What are you going to miss most when you retire? Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (JLC): I am going to miss the opportunity to meet a lot of people from different countries, that’s one of the advantages, perks of being an ambassador. You get to meet so many important people from different countries. I am able to of course promote our country to these various representatives. I am able to talk about our country and the opportunities there. BM: How would you describe your experience with the Filipino community in the United States? JLC: Interacting with the Filipino community here in the US is very gratifying because I see what they have been able to contribute in terms of uplifting the image of the Philippines. Our nurses, our doctors, health care professionals, computer technicians, accountants, law-
yers…it has been very gratifying. BM: What legacy would you like to leave here? JLC: We have played a major role in strengthening the relationship between the US and the Philippine society. I am proud to say that I had a very key role in setting up the US-Philippines Society* which we hope will continue even beyond 2016 when I’m no longer around. We established FYLPro** or the Filipino American Young Leaders Program in 2012 and we’ve had now about 40 alumni and we hope that it will continue. [*The US- Philippines Society is a private sector initiative organized to elevate the profile of the Philippines in the United States. Its goal is to broaden and expand interaction and understanding in the areas of security, trade, investments, tourism, the environment, history, education and culture between the United States and the Philippines which would benefit the American public and Continued on Page 3
entertainment
Meet the cute baby on the Belo billboard
The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 18, 2016
by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
“CUTe! Cute baby, cute!!!” So who’s the cutie on the Belo baby billboard at the top of a building at the Timog-Morato Rotunda in Quezon City that gets our three-year-old equally cute grandson excited every time we pass by that area? I guess you, too, must be wondering who that baby is, with a smile so endearing that you want to pinch her. Yes, the baby is a she and if you look closely you will notice that she bears a striking resemblance to…Dr. Hayden Kho? Well, it’s because that baby is really the daughter of Hayden (who is turning 36 on May 20), not with his beloved “forever love” Dr. Vicki Belo but with a surrogate mother whom neither Hayden nor Vicki has ever met. Now 14 months old, the baby is named Scarlet Snow, born in March last year in the US where she was conceived through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to the tune of, according to Funfare sources, $200,000 (roughly P8 million). It’s the same procedure used by Joel Cruz who wanted one baby but got twins by a surrogate mother from Russia (“Who looks like Julia Roberts,” said Joel). So satisfied was Joel that he did it with the same woman (whom he hasn’t met) and, again, got twins. Snow’s mother is MexicanAmerican whom Hayden never met. How is it done? You choose your “partner” from a roster of prospects (via the Internet) who are listed complete with their backgrounds, qualifications, traits and whatnots. According to a medical report, IVF is a procedure in which eggs (ova) from a woman’s ovary are removed. They are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory procedure, and then the fertilized egg (embryo) is returned to the woman’s uterus. Vicki has two children by her ex-husband Atom Henares, Cristalle (who is getting married to her foreigner boyfriend in Italy in September) and Quark (one of the country’s finest young directors). Hayden wanted so much to
John Lloyd Cruz: Union will help the industry by MaRineL
R. cRuz
Inquirer.net
ACTOR John Lloyd Cruz is not one who turns a blind eye to the plight of his coworkers in the show biz industry. John Lloyd is vocal about his support for calls to form a union in show biz. “Producers and network people think of it (union) as something negative,” he observed. “It’s actually a good thing. From the word itself, it will unite the industry. It will protect not just the actors and crew members, but also writers and members of the creative team.” He added that he was pleased that industry leaders have been actively proposing change, particularly on the length of working hours in the industry. The Department of Labor and employment recently issued a labor advisory upholding the 8- to 12-hour work schedule for people working on film and television. “It’s all about moving forward. We’re way behind in terms of labor standards in Asia. Nothing is impossible if we work as one,” he declared. “In the past, I’d go home feeling like a jerk, because I would leave everyone on the set at my cut-off time,” he confessed. “Aside from campaign-
Dr. Vicki Belo and her beloved Dr. Hayden Kho are proud parents of Scarlet Snow Belo, shown (top right) at four months old and as cute endorser on the billboard advertising Vicki’s baby products.
have a baby with Vicki to whom he proposed in a style straight from a Cathy Garcia-Molina rom-com. It happened after Vicki delivered a talk at a medical conference in Houston, Hayden was with her on the trip, together with Vicki’s make-up artist Marife Mordido who travels with her anywhere she goes. Vicki would soon discover why Hayden was in a tizzy, always busy with the computer that he kept away from Vicki. “I thought he was having problems again,” Vicki told Funfare, “and I was a bit concerned. It turned out that he was cooking up a big surprise.” Yes, the proposal. Initially, Hayden wanted to do it in Morocco (that’s why he was arranging the side trip there via the computer) which was the only place that Vicki had not been to, until the Houston trip changed Hayden’s “secret” plan. On the night of Hayden’s proposal, he invited the still unsuspecting Vicki to check out an aquarium. “Suddenly,” recalled Vicki, “I saw Hayden in the aquarium holding a card with the words ‘WILL YOU MARRY Me?’ written on it. No wonder he briefly disappeared from beside me. When I turned again, he was beside me na and a scuba diver appeared in the aquarium holding another card with a ‘SAY YeS’ on it.” Then Hayden hired an expensive car to drive them round the city which was aglow with
Christmas decors and lights. It was a cold December night, remember, so the “bedroom weather” was conducive to romance… But the wedding never happened. The slight age gap, you know. “even if Hayden was vocal about being ready for marriage,” Vicki said then, “I really doubted it.” Then, came Scarlet Snow (listed as Scarlet Snow Belo on the birth certificate) whom Vicki treats as her own flesh and blood, a cute “gift” that, to paraphrase Vicki relating how her adoptive parents described how she came into being, “may not have come from my tummy but straight from my heart.” Now it can be told: In July last year, Lolit Solis and I got an invitation from Vicki to an “important event” which, we would know later, was Snow’s baptism at the Santuario de San Antonio, a few blocks from Vicki’s house in Dasmariñas Village, Makati City. Among the godparents were Manny V. Pangilinan and Anne Curtis. Snow was then a carefully hidden “secret.” Lolit and I were among the few that not only saw Snow, who was four months old at that time, but also cuddled her at Vicki’s house which was being set up for the exclusive reception. Vicki and Hayden let us took pictures but requested us to keep them “off the record”… that is, until now. Here are excerpts from Continued on Page 5 Kris Aquino with son Joshua and James.
From Page 2
Last March 9, Amb. Cuisia was awarded as Global Hero by World Chamber of Commerce. In photo with him are (L-R) John Lemley, WCC Master of Ceremonies, radio host/producer; Philippine Honorary Consul General Raoul Donato and WCC Co-Chair and founder Solange Warner.
and they have never done that before so they decided that they want to continue so I said ‘sure, go ahead’. They helped victims of the Nepal earthquake, and they’re looking at how the coalition can continue to help not just the Philippines but other countries too. BM: We’re here in New York, attending a historic and momentous event celebrating Philippine business and investments. What are your thoughts about this event? JLC: Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima gave a very good talk and the panels covered a lot of ground. The important thing here is the story about Philippine reform and that it will continue even beyond 2016 because I think whoever will be in Malacanang will see the dividends that we have reaped through the
AmbassadorCuisia introduces Justice Antonio T. Carpio (center) during the Banyan Tree Leadership Forum on last October 2015. The lecture was moderated by Mr. Ernest Z. Bower (right), senior adviser and Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies at CSIS.
John Lloyd Cruz
ing for the implementation of [more humane] working hours, we should also let the law protect us. If not, we will just keep blaming each other.” On his love life, John Lloyd said he wasn’t dating anyone. “I’m taking my time. I don’t want to date randomly. I’d rather get busy with work,” he pointed out. “Love is not my priority right now. I’m enjoying (being single) because I have more time now to focus on things that truly interest me.”
Former girlfriend The actor claimed he and former girlfriend Angelica Panganiban have remained good friends, saying the actress even helped promote “Just the 3 of Us”—his latest romantic comedy flick with Jennylyn Mercado. “That’s what friends do, they support each other. We’ve managed to maintain respect for each other, and we still communicate—those are important elements needed for friendship to work.” That is why he said he does not feel offended by Angelica’s “hugot” lines on the ABS-CBN gag show, “Banana Sundae.” “Hugot” means to draw from a specific emotional experience, such as a recent breakup. Angelica, who publicly admitted to calling it quits with John Lloyd only in April, would often deliver her now-famous “hugot” lines in the program’s segment called “Hugot Class.” “It’s a gag show. It would be too arrogant of me to think that these lines were all directed at me. In my mind, I hear her saying, ‘Not everything is about you, John Lloyd!’ What’s important is that both Angelica and I know the truth [about what happened between us]. That’s enough reason for me not to think that she’s doing this just to hurt me,” the actor explained.
Kris Aquino back in Hawaii with Josh, Bimby
Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. asks... the people of the Philippines. ** FYLPro’s Immersion Program selects 10 of the most outstanding young Filipinos in the United States for an all-expense paid trip to the Philippines to engage in insightful and inspiring dialogue with dignitaries in government, business and nonprofit leaders.] BM: You were able to successfully engage with the second-generation FilipinoAmericans. JLC: I’m very happy about that but I have to give credit to my wife, Vicky who urged me to reach out to the younger generation so every opportunity I get, I try to meet with them because they have tremendous potential and we want to muster that potential for them to be able to contribute to the strengthening of US-Philippine relations. They are going to be the future leaders of the Filipino-American community. BM: Part of the culture among Filipinos in the US is giving back, not only to their families back home but to anyone who needs help, particularly during time of calamities. JLC: Yes, and we have the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition for that. This is a group of about 33 leaders from different Fil-Am organizations that we put together principally for ‘After the Storm’ concert which was meant to raise funds for the victims of typhoon Haiyan but they worked so well together
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good governance program of President Aquino, the economic reforms that were undertaken by his administration. BM: What should the next president do in order to sustain the growth that the Philippines has seen in the past few years? JLC: Continuity is important. Good governance, the reforms must continue. The government must insure that it uses its resources efficiently and prudently. We are confident that the next president – whoever he or she might be – will see that precisely it is on the interest of his or her administration to ensure that that continuity remains. BM: What is your message to the Filipino-American community? JLC: It is important for the Filipinos in the United States to be more united. We can have a tremendous influence on US policy but we have to be more united. Second, the community has to be more engaged in politics, they have to register and vote because if they don’t vote, the politicians won’t listen to them. We have that tremendous potential which we have not yet achieved so my message to all of them whenever I go to all of these cities is for us to have a more unified community in the US, and they must register and vote. (A version of this interview previously appeared in the April-May 2016 issue of Balikbayan Magazine, the Asian Journal’s travel and lifestyle publication.)
KRIS Aquino returned to Hawaii with her sons Josh and Bimby for an enjoyable and relaxing two-month vacation after campaigning for former Interior Secretary and Presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas and Representative Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo. Aquino flew to the exquisite island after she voted on May 9. The TV personality posted photos of the Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head on social media site Instagram. Another recent Instagram post shows the three of them dining at Aquino’s favorite Japanese cuisine restaurant at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Benihana. Before she aided the ‘Ro-Ro’ tandem in their exhausting nationwide campaign, she visited Hawaii with Bimby and Josh last December and stayed there for almost a month. Aquino is taking a ‘vacation leave’ and will not return to the limelight until July. (Gianna Francesca Catolico/Inquirer.net)
entertainment Aiko sees herself marrying Persian boyfriend Coleen Garcia shares lessons on love 4
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 18, 2016
by DoLLy
anne CarvajaL
Inquirer.net
COleeN Garcia has the charms of a child-woman. she sizzles anew in star Cinema’s “love Me Tomorrow” with Piolo Pascual and Dawn Zulueta. The romantic drama is a generational love story anchored on the journey of a young man named JC (Piolo), a conflicted young woman, Janine (Coleen), and Christy (Dawn), a woman on the verge of renewal. It is a celebration of love that surpasses the frivolities of flirtation and physical attraction. One love fits all! Here’s my tête-à-tête with Coleen: On behalf of the millennials, what’s your unsolicited advice to incoming President Rodrigo Duterte? To focus on everybody who believes in him and try not to prove people wrong. I am one of those who believes in him. We are pinning our hopes on him. I hope he won’t let us down. How has your boyfriend, Billy Crawford, redefined love for you? I used to perceive love differently. Now, I see it as something that’s unconditional. I realize that the person you love, the person
Santiago ManilaTimes.net
Celebs who won the elections; and a pair of former schoolmates in one network who aren’t friendly with each other Aiko Melendez and her Persian boyfriend shahin Alimirzapour are so sweet to each other. Members of the press who saw them at the blessing of bG Films International’s new office noticed how they would often hold other’s hand during unguarded moments. Aiko admits that shahin really makes her happy. Their romance, which started at a casual meeting at a mutual friend’s party, is getting stronger. Never mind that Aiko is 12 years shahin’s senior. “I believe age is just all but numbers. What matters is how you get along. When you have the same wave length, and when you see things together the same way [that’s what matters],” Aiko enthused.
differently? This movie will teach us that love is not just for lovers, and youth is not just for the young. No matter what stage you are in your life, you’re always learning something new. Any funny anecdote during the shoot? What I can tell the viewers is to watch out for the drunken scene of the Titas of Manila. It’s one solid laugh trip. If you were single, would you fall for a younger or older man? Coleen Garcia It’s the maturity, not the age, you’re with brings out the best that matters. I’m lucky billy and I in you. are on the same level of maturity. If your relationship is healthy, If you could be a man for a the best version of yourself will month, who would you want to manifest and the same goes with be? your partner. billy has made me Ryan Reynolds, because he’s believe that when you’re in love, very funny and interesting. you are inspired and motivated. What’s on your bucket list? What’s the silliest or craziest To go skydiving and learn a thing that you and Billy have new language. done together? What’s your hashtag for We were already dating yourself right now? that time, but we wanted to #learning. keep things low-key. When we If you could only be one of by BiBSy M. CarBaLLo attended the event of a friend, the following, what would you Philstar.com I made him wear a girl mask all choose: smart, powerful, rich or sHAINA Magdayao began night, so nobody recognized him. happy? He was sweating like crazy. Happy—even if you are smart, her acting career when she was cast in the drama series “lyra.” In what ways will your movie powerful or rich, you’d still feel she became part of “Ang TV,” make us look at relationships empty if you are not happy. later joined “Kaybol” before starring on Abs-CbN’s afternoon drama series “Marinella,” along with Camille Prats and serena Dalrymple. she received various awards as a child in many films which the video, whose apparent include “Tanging Yaman” that intention was to exploit my won her best Child Actress already damaged reputation,” from FAMAs and Most Poputhe message quoted Geisler as lar Child Actress Award from saying. Guillermo Mendoza FoundaThe video, which became tion Awards in 2002. she also viral after it was posted by a starred in Ang Tanging Ina and certain Khalil Versoza, showed her character has also been Geisler cursing and threatening award winning. Among her a Viacom-Fine Arts UP student Baron Geisler other awards are best Child after the actor allegedly got Performer from the Parangal ng angry over the late delivery ently did not appease Geisler of the script for a project he who was also shown in the vid- bayan in 1999 and best New was supposed to do with the eo locking his hand on the neck TV Personality in the 1999 star student. of the student while cursing him Awards. she has been part of many Versoza said in his Fb post and telling whoever was shootTV shows and primetime series, that the delay was due to their ing the video to stop. (Clarizel among them “Ikaw Ang lahat tight school work. This apparAbanilla/Inquirer.net)
Baron Geisler’s ‘assault video’ taken out of context -PR manager THe PR manager of actor baron Geisler said Monday, May 15 the video showing the actor cursing and confronting a UP student was “taken out of context.” In a text message sent to Inquirer.net, Tinnie esguerra said Geisler also plans to consult his lawyers for an apparent legal action against the person who posted the video on Facebook over the weekend. “The video was taken out of context, and because of that, I plan to consult my lawyers for the possible liabilities of the person who uploaded
by Lhar
shahin for his part admits that she was smitten by Aiko’s beauty the first time he saw her. That’s why he approached her at once and introduced himself, not knowing that she’s an actress. before he knew it, he was already asking for her handle on Facebook. “From there, we just started going out with a group, with her friends and ‘yun, dahan-dahan, we started getting to know each other,” shahin said. The last time Aiko was in a relationship was seven years ago, and it’s only now that she decided to give a love life another try. And with the way their relationship is going, the actress feels she made the right Aiko Melendez decision. she finds shahin very loving. Do they see themselves shahin is involved in a eventually marrying each other? trading business while taking “Of course. I am only 40, up Dentistry at Centro escolar and it’s every woman’s dream University in Manila. He said to settle down and be with he has already told his family someone who’s gonna take about Aiko and the two of them care of you and grow old with are planning to visit his family in you. That’s really our goal,” said Iran within the year. Aiko.
The evolution of Shaina as an actress sa Akin;” “Til Death Do Us Part;” “AsAP Fanatic;” “AsAP; Komiks Presents;” “Your song; star Magic Presents;” “love spell;” “Rounin;” “Maalaala Mo Kaya;” “lobo;” “Kambal sa Uma;” “May bukas Pa;” “Rubi;” “Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Alyna;” “100 Days To Heaven;” and “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo.” Movies she appeared in are “Pagdating ng Panahon; Hiling;” “Hinahanap-hanap Kita; Wansapanataym: The Movie;” “Tanging Yaman;” “Mga batang lansangan...Ngayon;” “Agimat: Ang Anting-Anting ni lolo;” “Ang Tanging Ina;” “Happy Hearts;” “bahay Kubo;” “Katas ng saudi;” “Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong lahat; Villa estrella;” “sa ‘yo lamang; shake, Rattle & Roll 12;” and “Ang Tanging Ina Mo (last na ‘To!).” shaina is now busy doing her latest series “single/single” season Two with Matteo Guidicelli, airing on Cinema One. “single/single,” Cinema
Shaina Magdayao is busy doing her latest series Single/Single.
One and The Philippine star’s first project, is the cable channel’s first TV series that focuses on issues ranging from quarter-life crises to relationship dilemmas in a digital world. The series combines engaging comedy with relevant messaging targeted to the urban singles coping with the demanding lifestyle of a more complicated world.
features 5
The ‘pause’ every woman endures
that doesn’t lift or dissipate for days. I always ask: Will it be permanent mellowing, permanent anything, or simply be an by Mylah erratic activity playing mischief de leon with a woman’s equilibrium ? Is it all in their minds, or perhaps is it mostly because of a looseness of termination of subjecThey call it hormonal tive flaws? mischief. It is the new perspecWomen deal with this tive coming into view in every “pause” in hundred variations. woman’s major life passage. A There are the periods of magmidlife agitation, literal and poi- nificent energy and acute mengnant — first, the gushing, like tal functioning, even brilliance, the reddening of a dying tree when one was never tired, proas it blazes out in the funeral ducing like crazy going through autumn with a flowing canopy, the temporary phenomenon. then reduced to basics, forced After spending five decades to lie fallow, in an emptiness of focusing on their children watered by tears over the surand husbands’ lives, she is now render of the magical powers filled with a sense of unease or of birthing and breeding. disequilibrium. This is someThen, it was like some pow- thing women feel, a thought erful switch had been thrown. that becomes incomprehenThe little bouts of blues in a sible at times, while enduring fog of indeterminate sadness, hormonal mischief cycles. then little crashes of fatigue With the spiritual energy of when one counted on abundant fully evolved women,who are energy. It was profound to find beyond being objects defined one’s self crawling home from a by the male gaze, they found day of writing, then falling into distinctive charm and discithe nearest sofa for a nap only plined intellect, and celebrate to wake up dancing around an within themselves. unexplained depression. The transition in their lives The normal preamble to this change, had become, for most malaise is sometimes treated of them; the best — physically, with a casualness, bordering emotionally and spiritually. on the criminal, in a despond In my own odyssey (oh,
Moonlighting
years ago), I was so sure I would just sail right through it. Instead, I veered (like most of us) off course, lost some of the wind in my sails, and almost capsized, thrown into widowhood. But I realized women who no longer belong to somebody now can belong to everybody — the community, a chosen circle of friends, a worship group or even the world — as their source of experience and wisdom. I started by giving up the futile gallantry of trying to remain the same younger self, and reach a new plateau of contentment and self acceptance, and find a potent new burst of energy. Take the “pause” as a liberation. After my liberation from keeping this four longlegged daughters filed up, the empty nest did not leave me feeling useless and lacking in self concept, but with relief or relish! One of the girls asked, “Mother, what are you going to do with yourself now that we’re all gone?” I said, “Baby, I don’t know, but count on it…I am going to have fun!” ***
E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ aol.com
Gigi Hadid, Lena Headey praise Paolo Ballesteros makeup transformations “eAT Bulaga” star Paolo Ballesteros has gained new hollywood celebrity admirers due to his viral makeup transformations. Model Gigi hadid and “Game of Thrones” star Lena headey both took notice of Ballesteros’ talent. In a comment on the actor’s post, hadid said that Ballesteros was amazing. “Lol! woww this is crazy! you’re amazing!!!” the fashion it girl said. Meanwhile, headey praised Ballesteros for an awesome job of turning into “Cersei Canister,” a spin on heady’s character in “Game of Thrones,” Cersei Lannister. “This is fantastic!” she said on her Twitter account. Ballesteros has previously turned himself into various personalities, such as Tyra Banks, Angelina Jolie, and Ariana Grande, just by the use of makeup. his works on Instagram have garnered thousands of likes and have been featured in various websites worldwide. (Inquirer.net)
Paolo Ballesteros as Lena Headey’s Cersei Lannister from the “Game of Thrones.”
Paolo as supermodel Gigi Hadid
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 18, 2016
Meet the cute baby on the Belo... From Page 3
Funfare’s exclusive interview with Vicki and hayden: How did you feel the first time you saw Snow and the first time you held her in your arms? hayden: Joy. The feeling is indescribable and incomparable. I felt no fear at all, just pure love pouring out profusely from me to her. Vicki: I felt that she was God’s gift to me. The moment I saw her I loved her. How did the coming of Snow change your life, the way you look at life, and at yourself? hayden and Vicki: We feel like our lives and relationship have more meaning now that Scarlet is here. The greatest challenge really is the inner work that it requires for both of us to be good and godly role models to her. That requires a lot of strength, discipline, self-confidence, and most importantly, prayer and faith because at the end of the day we know that really aren’t the ones in control of her life. It is Jesus Christ. Have you learned how to prepare her feeding bottle (what formula) and to change her diapers? Vicki: hayden is the one who’s very good at it; but we were very grateful that for the first six months Scarlet was 100 percent breastfed. Thanks to the friends of hayden and Cristalle who donated breast milk to our Scarlet Snow. hayden: Definitely. I learned how to do everything …feeding, swaddling, changing diapers, monitoring sleep, etc. I knew even before she was born that I was going to be a hands-on Dad. In fact, my main worry about being her father is that I might become over-protective of her. I am thankful to Jojie (Dingcong), Lianne (Bautista) and my parents who are so involved in the bringing up Scarlet. I am also very grateful that Quark, Atom, Cristalle, and, of course, Vicki’s mother Nena immediately
accepted Scarlet Snow as part of the family. How do you see Snow 10 years from now? hayden: I see Scarlet Snow as someone who knows deeply in her heart and soul that she is loved, cherished, and worthy of interest. I want her to learn at a very early age to spread her
wings with courage and confidence because it is through her eyes that I will live mine. Vicki: She is daring and willing to try new adventures and experiences because whenever she looked behind her both her father and mother were there to support her fully and catch her if she fell.
6
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 18, 2016
Valid at Island Pacific West Covina·Panorama·Canoga Park·N. Vermont Los Angeles·S. Vermont Los Angeles·Oxnard·Cerritos·Rancho Cucamonga.
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