July 15-18, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 57 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
USA
DATELINE PH-US trade deals to blossom under Duterte-Trump era FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
THE trade relationship between the Philippines and the United States is looking optimistic, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said after the two countries met earlier this week. The USTR said representatives from both countries met on Tuesday, 11, in accordance with their Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), and reinforced the commitment “to foster free, fair, and balanced trade.�
PRESIDENT DUTERTE TELLS FIL-AM TOURISTS:
Be ‘ambassadors,’ share administration’s progress
President reiterates vow to ‘defend and protect’ the Philippines by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AJPress
DAVAO CITY — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte addressed about 200 Filipino-American visitors in this city on Friday, July 14, urging
them to be “ambassadors� bearing the message of change under his administration. Despite various travel advisories and the recent pronouncement of martial law in Mindanao, Fil-Ams from across the United States came
to the Philippines this week for the 11th Ambassadors’ Tour, which highlighted attractions in Manila and Davao. “May you become Filipino ambassadors who shall carry a fresh per-
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Aquino faces graft, usurpation of authority raps over Mamasapano massacre
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Investigators seek man who gunned down wife of Filipino man
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
Authorities announce $20,000 award for information about suspect
ON Friday, June 2, a 45-year-old motel clerk was fatally shot during an attempted robbery in Monterey Park, according to local authorities. Xiuxia “Michelle� Chen was working the front desk of Ambassador Inn on 2720 Valley Blvd. when a masked man entered at 11 p.m. on June 2. He entered the motel pointing a handgun at her and demanding cash. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said that the man reached over the counter and shot the wife and mother of two once in the chest before running away from
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File photo shows President Rodrigo Duterte during his visit to Philippine Marines, Acero Hall, PMC Headquarters, Fort Bonifacio. Duterte welcomed nearly 200 Filipino Americans during a dinner in Davao City for the 11th annual Ambassadors’ Tour on Friday, July 14. Philstar.com ďŹ le photo
EMBATTLED. In this January 2015 photo, then President Benigno Aquino offers prayers for the slain SAF commandos at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan. The OfďŹ ce of the Ombudsman has ordered the ďŹ ling of criminal charges against former Philippine President Benigno “Noynoyâ€? Aquino III over his alleged role in the botched Mamasapano operation that led to the deaths of 44 police commandos two years ago. Philstar.com photo
THE Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of criminal charges against former Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy� Aquino III over his alleged role in the botched Mamasapano operation that led to the deaths of 44 police commandos two years ago. In a resolution on consolidated complaints filed by the victims’ families and the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, on Friday, July 14, indicted Aquino for the usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code. She also ordered the filing of charges against Aquino for violating the Section 3(a) of the Anti-
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DOT: Tourist arrivals in PH up China to send more firearms but by 14 percent from Jan to May PH not entering military alliance by AJPRESS
A group of Chinese tourists poses for pictures in front of the monument of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal at Luneta Park. Inquirer.net photo
A DOUBLE-DIGIT increase in foreign tourist arrivals in the country has been recorded in the first five months this year, according to the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT). In a news release, DOT revealed that international arrivals
in the country from January to May 2017 totaled to 2,882,737. The figure, according to the agency, is a 14.43 percent from the same period in 2016. “This record-breaking numbers, which began during the Miss Universe month, clearly indicates a bright outlook for Phil-
Former PH House Speaker points out need for multicultural understanding
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Former Philippine Speaker Jose de Venecia
SIOSON AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte announced that the Chinese government is set to deliver another shipment of firearms in the country this coming September. “China has sent it. There’ll be u PAGE A3
JDV pushes for diplomacy amidst geo-political conflict SEOUL, Korea – On Monday, July 10, former Philippine Speaker Jose de Venecia identified various geo-political conflict areas in Asia that he said are capable of “difficult, dangerous but not impossible solutions� and of which “some have already been solved.� Speaking at the first-ever meeting of various political parties from Asia and Europe here, de Venecia suggested that a “history of conflict avoidance and joint development involving rival nations abounds, perhaps as a result of intelligent, creative, humble and pragmatic
by DANA
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another shipment of arms (in) September,� Duterte said in his speech at the 26th anniversary of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday, July 12. Last month, China donated P370-million worth of rifles and
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A JULY 15-18, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page Aquino faces graft, usurpation...
Be ‘ambassadors’, share...
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spective of the new and improved Philippines when you go back to the United States,” Duterte said during the dinner reception held at the SMX Convention Center. The six-day Ambassadors’ Tour — which was organized by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of
Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Promotions Board, and Rajah Tours — brought Fil-Ams from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Hawaii, and Guam to the country. Boasting the strides Davao City has made to shed its former murder capital label, Duterte told the visitors who experienced the city
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Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, or first-hand that he has intended to Republic Act (RA) No. 3019. bring similar policies on a nationCited as Aquino’s co-responwide scale. dents were former Philippine It was a “no brainer” to have National Police (PNP) Chief Alan the president’s hometown as the Purisima and former PNP-Special host venue for this year’s Ambas- Action Force (SAF) head Getulio sadors’ Tour, Philippine Consul Napeñas. General in New York Ma. TheThe Ombudsman, however, disresa Dizon-de Vega said earlier missed the “complaint for reckless this week, because “it is one of imprudence resulting in multiple the premier cities in Asia” and to homicide” against Aquino, Purishow the tourists “what a safe, sima, and Napeñas due to “lack of clean, comfortable, and most of probable cause.” all, welcoming province Davao On January 25, 2015, the SAF is.” troopers successfully killed MaThe DOT is confident that it can laysian terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir, continue to draw in foreigners also known as Marwan, during a and break the 5.9 million visitor raid dubbed as “Oplan Exodus” total from last year. in the southern Philippines where In the first quarter of 2017, various separatist rebel groups are a record number of 1.7 million based. visitors came to the country, DOT The elite soldiers, however, Undersecretary Kat de Castro said were ambushed by insurgent on Friday. As of May, the arrivals groups, including the Moro Ishave reached 2.8 million. lamic Liberation Front (MILF) and “We at the Department of Tour- the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom ism believe that this a clear indica- Fighters (BIFF). tion that the Philippines remains While Aquino was cleared of u PAGE A4 homicide charges, the Ombuds-
man said he should still be held liable for allowing then-suspended Purisima to play a major role in the operation. Morales then cited a record of text messages between Aquino and Purisima discussing the operation, which was included among the findings in a Senate Committee Report on the Mamasapano incident. The exchanges, she said, showed that “Purisima, despite being under preventive suspension, indeed played an active role in Oplan Exodus… to the point that he was exercising a degree of authority and discretion over Napeñas and consequently, over the operation.” “There is no gainsaying that President Aquino was fully aware that the Office of the Ombudsman had placed Purisima under preventive suspension at that time,” Morales pointed out. She took note that any public officer under preventive suspension is “barred from performing any public functions” and “from meddling into the affairs of the
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government.” “In other words, Purisima would not have been placed in such a position of continuing to conduct himself, in relation to Oplan Exodus, in a manner as if he was not under preventive suspension at that time, from his position as PNP chief, were it not for the complicity and influence of [then-]President Aquino,” Morales added. Section 3(a) of RA 3019 states that it is unlawful for any public officer to persuade, induce or influence another public officer to perform an act constituting a violation of rules and regulations duly promulgated by competent authority. Usurpation of authority, on the other hand, is committed when a person falsely represents himself as a government official or performs any act pertaining to any person in authority without being lawfully entitled to do so. ‘Misappreciation of some facts’ In a statement, Aquino’s camp said it would appeal to the Ombudsman to reconsider its decision. Aquino’s spokesperson, Abigail Valte, said there may have been “misappreciation of some facts” in connection with the Mamasapano tragedy that led to the Ombudsman’s decision. The former president already received the Ombudsman’s order and “is currently studying it with his lawyers, with the end view of filing a motion for reconsideration,” she said. Palace welcomes decision In a statement, Malacañang said it respected the Ombudsman’s decision to indict Aquino and other officials in connection with the Mamasapano tragedy. “We respect the Ombudsman’s constitutional mandate to investigate public officials,” Presidential Spokesperson Abella said. Recognizing the “heroic sacrifices” of the fallen police commandos, Malacañang added that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte also hopes to finally bring justice to the victims and their families. “The President (Duterte) recognizes the heroic sacrifice of the Philippine National Police – Special Action Force 44, and it is his – and the nation’s – hope to finally bring justice to the victims and families of the Fallen 44 and put closure to the issue as part of the healing process,” Abella said. n
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FROM THE FRONT PAGE
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-18, 2017
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PH-US trade deals to blossom under... PAGE A1 t During the meeting, the “elimination of trade barriers and promoting increased trade” was emphasized. “This meeting was one of a series of bilateral meetings the United States has held with Asian trading partners in the past few months to advance the Trump administration’s goal of expanding trade ties with countries across the Asia-Pacific region,” the USTR said in a statement. Accordingly, the Philippines and the U.S. agreed to work hand-in-hand in strengthening the U.S.- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) trade and investment agenda. The Philippines is this year’s chair of the ASEAN. Officials also discussed regional and global trade developments, including the Philippines’ progress in implementing the World Trade Organization (WTO) Information Technology Agreement Expansion and WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Barbara Weisel and Philippine Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo presided the TIFA meeting, according to reports. Officials from various agencies
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Pres. Donald Trump
both countries also joined the meeting. According to the USTR, the U.S. has a $1.8-billion trade deficit with the Philippines, while bilateral trade in goods between the countries totaled $18.2 billion in 2016. Last year, the Philippines ranked 31st on the list of the largest export market of the U.S. for goods. The U.S., meanwhile, was the third major trading partner, the second largest export market, and third top import supplier of the Philippines. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been vocal about
White House photo
forging closer economic ties with China and Russia, while seeking greater independence from a long-time ally, the U.S. The hostility toward America came under the leadership of then-U.S. President Barack Obama in which Duterte called “meddling” with the affairs of his country. Meanwhile, President Donald ORMOC BRIEFING. President Rodrigo Duterte engages in a discussion with members of his cabinet and local officials as he attends the Trump has promoted the ‘Buy situation briefing during his visit to the earthquake-ravaged Leyte on July 13. Malacañang photo by Robinson Ninal Jr. American’ policy since taking office earlier this year. He also introduced a new approach which ed States with 83,056 arrivals, aims to expand trade in a way creating double digit increase of that is” freer and fairer for all 12.78 percent. PAGE A1 t Americans.” (AJPress) cluding the Madrid Fusion event The agency added that the ippine tourism,” DOT Secretary in April and the recent United warming relationship between Nations World Tourism Organi- Manila and Beijing also brought Wanda Teo said. According to her, the highest zation (UNWTO) conference last 73,649 visits of Chinese tourists to the Philippines. In October number of arrivals this year was month. told reporters, in an emotional recorded in January, totaling to “The DOT will continue to last year, Beijing lifted its travel plea to bring justice for his late 631,639. The highest growth tap new and emerging markets advisories against the country, mother. “So being able to know rate, on the other hand, was re- including little-known tourist following Philippine President that this man, or the person re- corded in April at 19.83 percent. destinations and sites which are Rodrigo Duterte’s state visit. sponsible for this heinous crime The DOT also expressed confiThe increase, she said, can priority growth areas for tourism was brought to justice, it would be attributed to the “aggressive development,” Teo added. dence that the increase in visitor definitely take a weight off my marketing efforts” overseas, as DOT said visitors from South arrivals would continue throughheart.” well as the “high-profile interna- Korea “remained the top market” out the rest of 2017 and break Authorities are also request- tional events” held in the country with a total of 128,691 arrivals. the previous year’s 5.9 million ing the public’s help in identi- within the past 12 months, inComing in second is the Unit- record. ■ fying a woman who they say spoke with Chen just before the incident. That same woman, beThat would be a violation of the lieved to be a hotel guest, was treaty,” Duterte said. PAGE A2 t also seen in another video leavwho assumed the presidency in The president, however, noting the hotel lobby seconds be- ammunition to the Philippine June of last year, has been ex- ed that he could still seek help fore the gunman entered. military to help combat terror- erting efforts to build warmer from other countries in issues She is seen stopping and ism, particularly in the ongoing ties with China and Russia while concerning the economy and turning to look at the hotel lob- operations against the Islamic trying to reduce the Philippines’ terrorism. by, as if she heard something, State (IS)-pro Maute group in reliance on its decades-long ally, “But on economics and terauthorities said. Marawi City in Mindanao. the United States. rorism, I can always go to other Sloan said that the woman is Chinese Ambassador to the With the recent and shipment nations for help,” Duterte renot believed to be connected Philippines Zhao Jianhua pre- of firearms, the president clari- marked. to the crime, but suggests that viously described the move fied that the Philippines is not He went on to say, “I never anyone who might recognize as a demonstration of the two entering military alliances with suggested anything about alliher to contact the police. countries’ “growing bilateral other nations, pointing out that ances, but I told China, we can The sheriff’s department is relationship” and a “new era of it would violate the 1951 Mutual do joint military maneuvers.” asking anyone with information friendly and cooperative rela- Defense Treaty it signed with Duterte added that the govabout the shooting and the gun- tionship between our two mili- U.S. ernment of Russia is set to assist man to call the homicide detec- taries.” “Because we have this RP- the Philippines soon. “I expect tives at (323) 890-5500. (Klarize Under a so-called indepen- U.S. pact, so I could not enter Russia to help us in due time,” Medenilla/AJPress) dent foreign policy, Duterte, into any other military alliances. he said. ■
DOT: Tourist arrivals in PH...
Investigators seek man who...
the scene. At a press conference held at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau office in Monterey Park on Tuesday, July 10, the sheriff’s department released new surveillance video and audio of the incident, where the suspect can be heard yelling at Chen, “Money. Money now.” Chen is heard to respond to the man, “Excuse me, I do not have any money for you,” opening the desk drawer to prove there was no cash. He kept demanding money, thinking Chen was lying. He then threatened her, repeatedly asking her, “Do you want to die?” The video released by the detectives doesn’t show the shooting, but the motel owner found Chen wounded and called the police. She died at the scene. “This was, in our belief, a random act,” LA County Sheriff Department Det. Gary Sloan said on Tuesday, addressing reporters. Detectives described the suspect as a man with a medium
build with a stature between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet. He was seen wearing dark clothing, a dark hooded sweatshirt and one dark-colored glove. Chen’s husband of 23 years, Armando Escandor, delivered an emotional testimony, speaking about her as a wife and mother and pleading the public to assist in the case. “The way she loved us, the way she treated us. We really miss her,” Escandor remarked. “All I want is justice for my loving wife.” “Twenty-five years, taken just like that,” Escandor said, his voice cracking and tears welling up in eyes. Escandor and Chen married in 1994. Their son, Armando Escandor, Jr., was serving in the Navy overseas when his mother was shot and killed. Escandor, Jr. said the authorities are offering a $20,000 reward to anyone who has information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect. “My mother did not deserve this, not one bit,” Escandor Jr.
China to send more firearms...
A JULY 15-18, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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BBM United USA hosts Ilocos Norte Senior Board Member from the Marcos clan
G
by Larry
G. PeLayo
lendale, Ca - Overseas and immigrant Ilocanos, loyal friends of Marcos, and members of the BBM United USa held a dinner meeting to welcome visiting Senior Ilocos norte Board Member Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc last Friday, July 7 2017. The simple but well-attended gathering feted MJ, as he is fondly called, The youngest son of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Romualdez Marcos Manotoc is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College and the University of California in Los Angeles. The Ilocanos saw in him the potential of a future governor so as a preparation they voted him number one among their current board members. Dining customers of Max’s of Manila immediately recognized the young MJ and they stood up, clapped their hands and cheered as the tall, charismatic board member entered the function room to meet and greet the waiting BBMers. The mini program prepared and directed by Freddie Castaneda highlighted the distribution of certificates issued to BBMers and signed by former Senator BongBong Marcos, which read in part as follows: “In grateful recognition and appreciation for invaluable contribution of time and work for the BongBong Marcos United USA in Los Angeles, CA in support to my candidacy as Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines for 2016.� Former City of Carson Commissioner Tancredo “Jun� Guray introduced the young Manotoc while Incoming Chairperson Chona Verano Lopez Galvez assisted in the distribution of certificates and attended to the needs of guests representing Fil-Am lawyers, doctors, engineers, businessmen and others who wanted to meet the young politician. Notably seen among thee guests were former Cagayan Town Mayor Veronico Agatep, BBM United USA founder Austin Baul and wife Nila Jamias, former FACLA director Fender Santos and INA founder Dr. Carlos Manlapaz. Formed months before the Philippine national elections last year, BBM United USA was founded by Austin Baul,
former president of the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) to unify Ilocanos and friends of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos and encourage them to form telephone brigades to call Philippine-based relatives to vote and support Ilocano candidates. The initial president was Dr. Carlos Manlapaz. This year’s incoming chairperson, Chona Verano Lopez Galvez, is a full-blooded Ilocana from Batac, Ilocos Norte. She studied at St. Theresa’s College of Quezon City and attended the San Beda College of Law. Currently she is serving her second term as the Business Representative (Councilwoman) for Geographical Area A of the City of Los Angeles’, Hollywood United Neighborhood Council. Chona has been a Realtor- Associate of Century 21 Hollywood, Hollywood Hills for 27 years now. The dinner reception and program was over as scheduled under leadership of Minnie Cobilla and husband Joe Cobilla, and Jun Guray who covered the events for publicity. Susan Mamaril de
Officers and members of BBM United USA, recipients of Certificates of Appreciation from former Sen Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos
Guzman was in-charge of the seating arrangements, Freddie Castaùeda as the Program’s Director, while FAPCCA President Sid Panganiban provided the sounds and video coverage. n
SBM Matthew Marcos Manotoc’s fellow Bataqueùos: Marilyn Aguinaldo Mendoza, Dr. Steve Estavillo, Frank Sucab, Cielita and Philip Ravelo, Carissa Verano Lopez-Andal, Chona Verano Lopez-Galvez Supporters of Sen Bongbong Marcos: Thelma Sajor, George Puruganan, Manding Gonzales, Dr Emmanuel Lazo
Be ‘ambassadors’, share... PAGE A2 t to be a safe haven for residents and visitors alike,� she said. After his prepared speech, Duterte proceeded to address the audience for roughly an hour, overviewing his first year in office, including the war on drugs, the Marawi City crisis, and corruption in government. Referencing international news reports about the deaths associated with the Philippines’ crackdown on drugs, the president said
he does “not enjoy the extrajudicial killing term.� “I do not relish killing people,� he declared, explaining that his threats to kill criminals have been misconstrued as actual actions. Duterte, who gained popularity during the election last year for his hardline rhetoric against crime, added, “Find me a law — wherever you come from — point out to me a law in your country and in my country, which says you cannot threaten a criminal from
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destroying your country.� Since taking office last June, some 9,400 homicide cases associated with the anti-illegal drug campaign have been recorded under the Duterte administration up until March, causing alarm from human rights groups around the world. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has argued that less than 2,000 have been killed in legitimate police operations He vowed that by the time his administration ends in five years,
Supporters of former Sen Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos: Former City of Carson Commissioners Audie Estavillo and Tancredo Guray Jr, Binibining Maharlika, Atty. Romy Sajor, Ernesto Galvez, Romeo Lardizabal. Photos by Joe Cobilla
drugs and corruption will be at all-time lows. Echoing past speeches, the United States and former President Barack Obama were mentioned anew for the latter administration’s criticism of the way Duterte has been handling the illegal drug epidemic in the Philippines. “My duty is to preserve and defend the Filipino nation,� Duterte said. “Nobody should teach me how to do it.� He acknowledged that the U.S. has been helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its fight against the Islamic State(IS)-
inspired Maute group in Marawi City since the turmoil broke out in late May. “Let us give credit where credit is due,� the president said. Despite a move toward a more independent foreign policy and pursuing warmer ties with China and Russia, Duterte affirmed on Friday that he cannot enter into military alliances with other countries as it would violate the Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S. He said that he and China have discussed receiving P370 million worth of military equipment, as well as possible aid from Russia in
the future. However, there would be no “attachment� to those exchanges. “Walang attachment diyan. Walang head of state, si Putin o si President Xi Jinping magsabi, ‘O, bigyan kita (There would be no attachment. Putin or Xi did not say ‘I will offer you this but you should be loyal’), said Duterte. With his unfiltered language in Friday’s speech, Duterte told the audience that “at least nakilala ninyo ako (you got to know me).� The president recently marked one year in office and is slated to deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24. n
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JDV pushes for diplomacy... PAGE A1 t diplomacy.” The founding Chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), Co-Chairman of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), and President Rodrigo Duterte’s Special Envoy for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Intercultural Dialogue, named the following contested areas: • The Spratlys, claimed by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan in the South China Sea through which more than 50 percent of global shipping pass; and the Paracel isles, claimed by both China and Vietnam over which they have already fought a war,and now occupied by China. He said “joint exploration and development and conversion of the areas into a Zones of Peace, Friendship and Development are the only viable solution instead of constant tension, conflict and possible explosive war;” • The controversial Japaneseheld tiny isles in the Senkaku Straits or Daiyou to the Chinese in the East China Sea; he said the “only common-sensical solution is a joint-administration and sharing of the potential hydro-carbons in the vicinity;” • The conflict over Kashmir where substantial forces between India and Pakistan still face each other and over which they have already fought three bloody wars over 60 years, with potential for nuclear exchange; • The conflict, involving dangerous skirmishes in the long mountain borders between India and China, with large swathes of contested high ground; Sino-Indian wars were fought in 1962, 1965 and 1971; • The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over NagornoKarabakh; • The protracted war in Afghanistan; • The unfinished Arab-Israeli conflict, which is still awaiting final settlement and the establishment of a Palestinian homeland under a two-state solution; • The continuing bloody wars in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and areas of West Africa, bedevilled by ISIS, Al Qaeda, and tribal wars. De Venecia, a five-time Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives, said the most violent threats are still those mounted by the ISIS-ISIL following the extremists’ early territorial victories and launching of a Caliphate in large areas of Iraq and Syria. Although routed in battle in recent weeks in the conquered territories, ISIS has since deployed deadly terrorist groups in various capitals of Europe and the U.S., and smaller units have shifted their activities to Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia, and an attack on Marawi City in Muslim Mindanao where it plans to establish a province of the Caliphate. Sucessful geo-political settlements De Venecia also listed some of the successful geo-political settlements that ended violent wars and brought about peace and development and which were settled by patient, pragmatic diplomacy: • End of the dangerous dispute that led to a violent war between Russia and China; hundreds of thousands of troops faced each other in the Argun and Amur Rivers in the eastern region of the U.S.S.R., north of Vladivostok in 1969, until the 1992 a Border Agreement was signed between the two Communist states; • Signing of the land border agreement of 1999 between Vietnam and China, although their dispute over the Paracels in the China Sea remains, following bloody fighting which dislodged the Vietnamese garrison troops from the Paracel isles; • Oil in the Caspian Sea is shared by Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijian and others because, “among them there is demarcation and practical mutual understanding and goodwill;” • The Norwegian-owned Ecofisk oil field in the North Sea which he visited in the 1970s when he was President of the Petroleum Association of the Philippines, flows its
oil to Norway, to Teeside, England, and the natural gas to Bremen, Germany; • Giant Australia, a continent, and tiny East Timor share the hydrocarbons in the South Pacific, in the waters just below Darwin on the southeast side of Asia’s newest republic; • The 1989 Agreement between Malaysia and Thailand for a joint development of their disputed waters; • The Guinea-Bissau and Seneghal Agreement of 1993, which helped them develop their disputed areas. “Might not the lessons of history again help us?” de Venecia told the party leaders gathered for the First Asia-Europe Political Forum. 3RD Silk Road Route De Venecia also said the ICAPP fully “supports China’s revival of the ancient overland Silk Road and the 21st century Maritime Silk Road, which have the “potential to change this century, hopefully…a change for the better.” He reiterated his proposal for a “Third Silk Route” that would “complement and extend” China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, passing through the Philippines. The third route, he said, would extend from southern China’s Fujian province, cross to the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Timor Leste and across the South Pacific to Australia, New Zealand and into Chile, Brazil, Argentina, the Carribean and into Mexico and the US. He described this as a “new circumnavigation in this age of globalization,” following the legendary overland Silk Route by horse and camel caravans, and President Xi Jinping’s 21st Century Maritime Silk Route. Russian initiative De Venecia also noted Russia’s new initiative to create the Eurasian Economic Union among Russia and the Central Asian states along the Silk Route. He said another striking recent development was China’s launching of the long-distance railway freight train from China to Europe and back, the extension of the Silk Route across the Red Sea to Africa. Recalling his speeches before the Heritage Foundation in Washington D.C. and in the United Nations University in Barcelona, Spain, he told the Asia-Europe political leaders of the need for “bringing together the best elements of capitalism and socialism in a new applied art of governance, based on what works for a particular society over a specific historical period considering the persistent and incredibly huge gaps between the rich and poor in our time.” He told leaders of the organizations of political parties in Asia and Europe: “There will be a great need for transnational, transcultural groupings like ours—since the problems that face us more and more transcend national, regional and even hemispheric boundaries. “We cannot turn away from the pursuit of peace because the alternative, conflict and war, would be immeasurably costly and make all of us losers. “We must all then strive together to achieve the multicultural understanding, which is the only basis for the long-term security of our Asian region, Europe, and the global community. “For understanding among the great civilizations is the only basis for global peace that will endure. “The U. S. and Europe provided the world a historic, great and inspiring lesson on how to lift a destroyed continent from the ashes of war. “In Asia, the U. S., Japan and 10nation ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand, and the rise of China led an incredibly great period of economic recovery and modernization after World War II, the Korean War and the Indo-China wars.” He concluded: “We commend these great lessons and great moments in history to say that never again should we allow geo-political conflict, nationalist passions and false ideologies, and inordinate great power ambitions to once again threaten Asia, Europe and the other countries of the world.” n
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-18, 2017
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Q&A: UC president bullish on California’s future, and the next generation by AnnA
ChAllet New America Media
WhaT inspires you most about UC students? I continue to be impressed by the number of first-generation students who are getting their degrees – their families are there at commencement and it’s such a point of pride. I always think, ‘Where did those brains come from? They’re a lot smarter than I am!’ In every field, from medicine to engineering to agriculture to the arts and humanities, they’re doing amazing research. I recently hosted a competition for graduate students called the Grad Slam. Each finalist gives a 3-minute elevator pitch on their research for a panel of judges. Our students are working on everything from a new material made of shrimp shells to a new way to make mental health care more accessible for students. What is your top issue at the UC right now? My top issue is always around funding. Do we have enough funding to do what we need to do? Will Sacramento support us? How do we keep tuition as low as possible? How do we account for the cost of attendance? We have a working group now in the UC Regents looking at the total cost of attendance, and one of the things they’re looking at is whether we calculate financial aid the right way. I know they’re particularly looking at middle-income
students. With the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, students from families making less than $80,000 a year pay no tuition or fees. That’s been a terrific help to low-income students, but we have to look at our middle-income students too. Almost half our students graduate with zero debt. We want to continue to fight to stay that way. What’s happening with the UC’s immigrant students, given the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants? We’re really trying to do all we can within the context of an unfriendly national environment to show that they’re part of the university community. Immediately after the election we reached out to our undocumented student community. We reiterated that they’re important members of the university community. We’ve let them know that university police will not be surrogates for ICE. We won’t be turning over records voluntarily. We have an undocumented student advisory council and we fund an undocumented student legal services center where we provide free legal services to undocumented students. What is the UC doing to addresses global issues? We set a goal of being carbon neutral by 2025. We purchased the largest solar farm of any university in the country. We’re doing research on alternative forms of energy and scalable solutions that we can export. We’re working now to form a coalition of higher educa-
University of California Pres. Janet Napolitano
tion institutions to support the Paris Accords. Even though President Trump has withdrawn the United States, it doesn’t preclude states or universities from adhering to the goals of the agreement. The Global Food Initiative is another area where we’ve united the campuses. The goal is looking at how we can set the world on the pathway to a nutritious, sustainable food future. That involves funding for food insecurity among our own students, but expands all the way to what we can do internationally. how do you see education changing around major shifts in labor, like the increasing number of jobs that will become automated? Education constantly changes. Regarding the growth in robotics and in artificial intelligence, you have to ask the question: What are humans going to do? Historically, whenever there’s been a major
shift in the means of production, like with the Industrial Revolution, human creativity has come into play and the economy grows in other places. There may not be the same kinds of hard manufacturing jobs, but there will be a continued emphasis on creativity. Things will happen that we can’t even conceive of right now. When you talk to students and families, what are they most hopeful about? In California, the economy overall makes people optimistic. It’s a state that’s growing economically, where our students when they graduate can get good jobs. There’s a difference being in California. There’s a sense of the future. California continues to move forward. It’s not mired in the past. The UC’s business is educating the next generation and pushing forward the boundaries of knowledge. It’s a strong and vital place and for me it’s a privilege to be here. n
A JULY 15-18, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Dateline USa
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INCH BY INCH. A soldier takes cover as government troops press on with their campaign to clear Marawi City of terrorists. The death toll in ongoing clashes between government troops and the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City has reached 529, the military said, as ground commanders weighed whether or not to extend the 60-day martial law imposed over Mindanao. ManilaTimes.net photo
Koskinen: IRS very supportive of tax reform
The International Revenue Service (IRS) fully supports United States President Donald Trump’s tax reform efforts, Commissioner John Koskinen said on Wednesday, July 12. Describing the present U.S. tax code as a “mess,” Koskinen admitted that even he finds it difficult to fill out his federal returns. “Nobody’s more supportive of tax simplification than the IRS,” Koskinen told Fox News in a conference in Washington D.C. “The tax code is a mess. It is difficult for the IRS commissioner to fill out his tax returns.” The tax reform was among Trump’s major 2016 presidential campaign promise, wherein he vowed the simplification of the
tax code. While clarifying that the IRS is only involved with the tax administration and does not meddle with policies, Koskinen said that the agency has been communicating and offering its help to the new administration few weeks after Trump was elected as president. Koskinen said he has been gathering suggestions from the agency’s employees on ways how to simplify the tax code, pointing out that the reform is one of the agency’s “highest priorities.” “One of the questions was, ‘If major tax reform simplification was on the table, would there be anybody in the IRS opposed to that?’ I was quick to respond, after having talked to employees,
that nobody is more supportive of tax simplification than the IRS,” Koskinen said. he went on to say, “Most people want to be compliant, but when you make it very difficult for them…to work through the various nooks and crannies, it doesn’t seem, to me, to be in the best interest of the taxpayer or government.” Koskinen also remarked that the agency is eager to implement changes and make it more effective and easier to understand. “If you have an idea, oftentimes you can implement it in a way that is very complicated,” he added. “There can be more straightforward or simpler ways to do it.” (Dana Sioson/ AJPress)
CCSD hires 81 Filipino special education teachers LAS VeGAS — To address the critical teacher shortage, the Clark County School District (CCSD) hired dozens of special education teachers from the Philippines. This week, 81 Filipino special education teachers arrived in the district to help fill in the large number of empty teaching positions. According to district officials, the new Filipino educators could speak english, have prior experience teaching kids with special needs, have college degrees, and must also have master’s degrees in special education. Officials said they did push for
local recruitments but wasn’t able to fill in the spots, prompting them to search overseas. For newly hired Adrian Calabano, being far away from home may be challenging but he is more excited to meet his new students and make positive impact. “My goal here is to be able to cater to the students of special needs,” Calabano was quoted saying in a KSNV report. “In my case, students with autism. And I want to be able to greet them warmly. And I will represent the Philippines, so I will be able to share culture with them,” he
added. Calabano and the others were granted J-1 visas, a “non-immigrant visa for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs.” Despite the addition of Filipino teachers, officials said the school district still has about 150 vacant positions for special needs teachers. It has been reported that there is a national shortage of special education teachers — not just in the district — for the 2016-2017 school year. (AJPress)
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 15-18, 2017
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Dateline PSen.hiliPPines De Lima files criminal, admin complaint vs Aguirre
COA report: Aquino had P138 million unliquidated foreign trips, fund transfers The Commission on Audit (COA) said former President Benigno Aquino III’s disbursed travel funds, which amounted to P138.027 million, are not yet liquidated as of December last year. From 2011 to 2015, a total of P138,027,229.03 fund transfers remained unliquidated as of December 31, 2016 for the foreign travels of Aquino. In the 2016 audit report on the Office of the President (OP), COA said the total amount was transferred to designated embassies and consulates which handled or arranged Aquino’s various trips abroad. “Since all presidential foreign trips during the past administration were completed the said amount should have been expended,” the COA report read. “however, settlement thereof could not be made due to the non-submission of the liquidation reports or the disbursement reports of the authorized SDOs (special disbursement officers) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA),” it added. The state auditors noted that for the past five to 10 years, a total of P131,978,876.50 transferred funds under the books of several national government agencies (NGAs) have remained unaccounted for. “Aging of these accounts revealed that P63,672,675.48 had
been outstanding for more than five years and P68,306,201.02 for more than 10 years,” the COA said. Further, COA noted that the P33.899 million funds transferred to government implementing agencies (IAs) were still unliquidated as of the end of 2016. This ocurred despite the said agencies being ‘abolished by virtue of two executive orders’ issued by Aquino in November and December 2010. “Audit showed that the balance as of December 31, 2016 due from NGAs included P33,899,163.78 unliquidated balances of fund transfers to said abolished agencies and task forces,” the report read. “The Audit Team discovered that there was no proper winding-up of the operations of the abolished agencies under eO Nos. 13 and 18, including disposition or transfer of the assets and liabilities, thus, their validity and collectability could not be determined,” it added. Among the abolished IAs and task forces still having unliquidated fund transfers from the OP were: Presidential AntiSmuggling Group (P9.9 million), Mindanao economic Development Council (P155,233), Minerals Development Council (P542,517), Luzon Urban Beltway Super Region (P5.974 million), Urban Triangle Develop-
ment Commission (P200,000), Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (P1million), Atlas Commission (P2.766 million), AntiTerrorism Taskforce (P3.333 million), Government Peace Negotiating Panel (P3.498 million), MeLO Commission (P4 million), Philippine Panel to PR-US Commission (P109,758), Lanao Advisory Council (P1.461 million) and Ad hoc Council on Values Formation (P957,500). “Lack of monitoring of the status of fund transferred to different IAs [implementing agencies]and project implementation resulted in the accumulation of unliquidated balances and undetermined amount of unrecorded expenses,” COA said in the statement. Given the said review, COA advised the OP to create a monitoring team that would coordinate with the NGAs to foresee the completion of the intended purposes of fund transfers to demand proper accounting and liquidation of the same. The COA also urged the OP to fast-track the winding-up of the abolished IAs to move toward settlement of their outstanding balances. “Coordinate with concerned embassies and Consulates on the submission of liquidation reports of fund transfers for travel expenses,” COA advised the OP. (By Jennifer Soriano/AJPress)
by Dana
SioSon AJPress
SeNATOR Leila De Lima on Thursday, July 13, filed a criminal and administrative complaint against Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, citing his alleged string of fake news and negligence in investigating extrajudicial killings (eJK), among others. In her complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, De
Senator Leila De Lima and Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II Inquirer.net photo
Senators slam reinstatement of Supt. Marcos by Jennifer
Soriano
AJPress
Superintendent Marvin Marcos during a Senate investigation in the killing of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa. Philstar.com photo
SeVeRAL Philippine senators aired their dismay over the decision of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to reinstate Superintendent Marvin Marcos and 18 other police officers, despite their alleged involvement in the murder of former Albuera Leyte Mayor Rolando espinosa and one inmate killed inside their jail cells in Baybay City, Leyte on Nov. 25, 2016. Citing PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa, Presidential spokesperson ernesto Abella confirmed that Police Superintendent Marvin
Marcos “has served suspension and is eligible to be back to duty,” Presidential Spokesperson ernesto Abella said in a statement on Thursday, July 13. “The case, however, may be appealed to the National Police Commission,” Abella said. The decision irked Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP chief, who threw a foul invective when asked for his response on the decision. “There is a phrase to describe this whole damn thing: Put*ng I*a!” Lacson said in a text message to reporters. “There are bills pending con-
u PAGE A10
Lima accused Aguirre of failing to investigate and prosecute more than 7,000 extrajudicial killings (eJK) allegedly related to President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs. Citing a “reliable information from the DOJ (Department of Justice),” De Lima alleged that Aguirre “issued an illegal directive”
ordering the National Prosecution Service (NPS) to restrict the filing of cases against any official enforcing the drug war. This is the reason, De Lima claimed, why “not a single case” of summary killings — apart from cases exposed in Senate hearings — “was ever investigated or
u PAGE A10
A8 JULY 15-18, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
One step closer to justice
FEATURES
OVER two years after the bloody encounter, the Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the indictment before the Sandiganbayan of former president Benigno Aquino III for the police raid in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that left 44 Special Action Force commandos dead. Aquino is expected to seek a reconsideration of the order. He is accused of usurpation of authority and graft in allowing director general Alan Purisima, at the time suspended as Philippine National Police chief on corruption charges, to supervise the SAF operation in January 2015 to capture Zulkifli bin Hir or Marwan, an international terrorist with a $5-million prize on his head. Purisima and the SAF commander at the time, Getulio Napeñas, will face trial together with Aquino. The charges against Aquino, Purisima and Napeñas are similar to the findings in the Senate probe on the raid, in which the 44 SAF commandos were killed by combined teams of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, its supposed breakaway faction the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and members of a private armed group who were protecting Marwan and Filipino terrorist Basit Usman. Aquino’s camp said that the indictment ap-
peared to be based on a “misappreciation of some facts” that led to “erroneous conclusions.” Filing a motion for reconsideration is the right of the accused. Both the aggrieved parties and the accused, however, also have a right to speedy adjudication. It shouldn’t take another two years for the ombudsman to decide on a motion for reconsideration and, if warranted, to forward the case to the anti-graft court. In the past months, inordinate delays in filing cases by the ombudsman have been cited by several trial courts in dismissing various complaints against government officials. The Mamasapano case should not follow the same route. Aquino and his co-accused would want their innocence established based on facts and not due to a technicality. Relatives of the 44 slain SAF commandos, for their part, deserve speedy justice. The Senate conducted an exhaustive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the raid, pre- motion for reconsideration is filed, the Office of paring voluminous records of the probe. Once a the Ombudsman should resolve it with dispatch.
Guest Editorial
Philstar.com photo
There is no excuse for delayed justice in this case. (Philstar.com)
‘Box City’ puts spotlight on homeless Filipinos in America whether they be docMANY of our umented or undocukababayans back home The Fil-Am mented, have been think America is the as fortunate. For land of milk and honey, Perspective some, the American and offers opportunities dream has become for immigrants to live a elusive. And some life far better than in the of these kababayans Philippines. This is perdo not even want haps almost the story GEL SANTOS-RELOS their families back for every immigrant in the United States’ — the pursuit of the home to know their true story here in America. American dream. Many of these Filipinos work two or Many Filipinos have been fortunate in fulfilling their American dream, but three jobs just to be able to send money what many kababayans in the Philip- back home, and in many Fil-Am famipines back home do not realize is the lies, especially during the deep recesfact that it takes blood, sweat, and tears sion that hit America, they have lost to make this dream a reality not just for their jobs, their homes, and have just those who are already here in the U.S., been depending on food stamps and but for their families back home whom welfare. Some are fortunate to get partthey want to have a share of the bless- time jobs, but even with this meager ings they are enjoying in their adoptive income, they still send their earnings to their loved ones in the Philippines even country. BUT not all immigrants to the U.S. — if it would mean neglecting their own
needs in living their lives in the United States. Is this your story? And for those who live in the Philippines and are dependent on the “padala” from your family here in the U.S., do you know if they are struggling? Do you know if they still have a roof on top of their head? If they still eat three meals a day? If they have the means to take care of themselves if they get sick? Sadly, this is the reality of some Filipinos in America. This is the story ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel wants to share with you through Balitang America’s new documentary “Box City”: The documentary presents a sliceof-life that some Filipinos live in San Francisco — home to some of the richest neighborhoods in America. However, it has also become a refuge for the poor, the destitute, the homeless.
Noble folks’ spirits linger
Rhizomes
PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “I am watching videos of Lean [Alejandro] being interviewed or speaking. And I can close my eyes and it will seem like I could be in some overnight study group, or in a symposium at the AS [Arts and Sciences] Theatre [University of the Philippines]. It could be Arroceros, with him and his bullhorn. There were days I chafed at hearing that voice - it did not stop in the day in and day out of study and analysis. And now - what I’d give to sit in an audience and listen to my friend speak again. The young have no real understanding of death. At least not yet. They go about thinking of invincibility and forever. They pass up opportunity like it knocked at every turn.But you cannot blame youth or the young - they should be unburdened by loss and death. They will be marked by it inevitably. They will be claimed. For now let them be. Lean will celebrate his 30th death anniversary in September. The funny thing about death is that it does not mean the end. Our loved ones may be gone but they are not really dead. They are alive. And the relationship continues without physical presence. We continue to repair what can be repaired of past pains and hurts. Or we accept. And try to keep accepting. Some of us will be gifted with long lives where we bear the burden of being repositories of memories and stories of those who had gone on ahead of us. Some of us will be gone, even before we are dead because our minds disappear into no memory land. And
no one remains young forever. Death and loss will age us. And mark us. Loss is what ages us. You wake up to the reality that nothing is forever. And you begin to understand. And when we have suffered loss, that is when we remember keenly. You never focus more closely than when you realize that return on opportunity will never come. – Claire Navarro Espina She is reminiscing about a common friend, a wonderful human being, Lean Alejandro, who lights up any place he walks into. It never failed. Like when he joked about eating crabs near the Pacific Coast. It was a simple story, he used his bare hands, yet, when he told friends about that incident, we all felt compelled to listen to every word he said. Even as 30 years has passed, folks commemorate his birth and his death. Gary Granada wrote the libretto and music for Lean, the Musical. In one scene, Lean was immortalized as saying, “Di tayo mga gunggong/Na hanap lang ay away/sa halip na gulong ay magsunog ng kilay/Dahil di ang mga bagay/ang dapat na basagin/Kundi isip at malay na naaalipin.” (We are not idiots who look for needless fights, Instead of a circle of setting on fire eyebrows, we are not into shattering object, instead our minds and our enslaved consciousness.). Long after Lean has died, we still recall how he has changed many of us. I suppose that is what others would call charisma. But, it was more than his charisma, it was how he made you feel when he shook your hands, it was as if you were the only person in the room for that moment with him.
Think for a moment, have you met folks who made you feel as if you were royalty? I attended a fundraiser for Senator Barbara Boxer years ago, that was headlined by President Barack Obama. The event started at 5pm, but I was at the California Science Center at noon to reserve my seat, second row, behind then Governor Gray Davis. After the President spoke, I was intently observing as to which direction he was going to start shaking hands. I noticed he went to the left, so I moved right away. As he was about to shake my hands, I could not contain my enthusiasm and blurted out, “Dream come true, Mr. President!” He smiled back and for that brief few seconds, he locked eyes with him and I felt a warm connection with him. Another time, we had Grace Lee Boggs in our house, celebrating her octogenarian birthday. A bunch of students and friends were at my house sharing stories. Grace was quick in her wit and she had a longer view of the world to share. It was always about hope, it was about how empowered we were. But most especially, how to care for the other person at the other side of the world. What time would it be for them, as opposed to simply a focus on our time here in the US? It was a source of bewilderment for me for a long time, but the more I think about time in the other side of the globe, I got to think more about how they lived in that part of the world, and how each moment becomes a struggle to live one’s humanity. Consider Joey Lianza, a survivor of tsunami of Typhoon Haiyan, and who described to
Based on the city’s latest homeless count, close to 7,500 are homeless in San Francisco. Homelessness may not be as prevalent among Filipinos, known for their deep family ties and strong sense of community. But there are homeless Filipinos in San Francisco. And Balitang America found them living in an encampment they called Box City. In their moments of despair, these Filipinos turned to strangers for help. And these strangers became their family…their community. Box City documents their first few months at the encampment, as they built their small homes made of cardboard and plywood. But just as they started to find some stability, their world came crashing down when the city forced them to evacuate. Balitang America was there when they had to dismantle their
Opinion
RICARDO SALUDO
IT’S got to be an act. That’s the only explanation for it: House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has this unfailing knack of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, so to speak, just when President Rodrigo Duterte scores with the public, the media, some key sector. Take the past week. The signatures of Their Honors the Justices were not yet dry on the Supreme Court’s 11-3-1 decision upholding the constitutionality of Duterte’s May 25 martial law proclamation over Mindanao and nearby islands. Then Alvarez has the bright idea of calling for five more years of military rule, to wipe out rebels and terrorists from the region. Last Saturday he made sure to make headlines by telling the leading anti-administration paper that “if I can convince my colleagues, I will push for an extension until 2022, because two months is too short.” Never mind that the Commander in Chief has said over and over that he will listen to his generals and no one else on whether to let martial law last one day more than its expiry on July 22. Not to congressmen or senators. Not to businessmen or demonstrators. Not to churchmen or commentators. With Alvarez’s unsolicited suggestion to keep the troops in charge of Mindanao till Duterte finally leaves Malacañang Palace for his humble abode in Davao City five years from now, the Speaker has rekindled fears of u PAGE A10 Marcos-style martial law, after
shelters with heavy hearts and defeated spirits. While Box City highlights their resilience as a people, it also exposes the harsh realities of life and the fact that the American Dream is not always within reach. Box City is produced by the same team behind the Emmy Award-Winning documentary, Filipino Champions of SOMA. SHARE this with family and friends who need to be enlightened about this. Box City is airing on The Filipino Channel on Sunday, July 16, 4:25 pm, with a replay at 10:25 pm, and again on Saturday, July 22, at 9:30 am. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
The Duterte-Alvarez show: Good cop, bad cop the military’s no-abuse record eased concerns. Now, with the specter of repeated anniversaries of military rule, even the level-headed and the anti-leftist rightists might actually pay attention to the insurgent Communist Party of the Philippines in its wild claim that the “forked tongue” Duterte was laying the groundwork for nationwide martial law. (Of all critics, the CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, have no iota of moral standing to point fingers at imagined or real autocrats, not with their hands stained by the blood of hundreds of their own cadres ruthlessly purged in the late 1980s, plus unarmed innocents in the thousands. But that’s another story.) Back to the Honorable Speaker of the House. With his own fellow representatives still howling over his 2017-2022 martial-law trial balloon, Alvarez sends up another sure-fire party pooper. Two days after Palace relations with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines looked set to get better after the election of Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles as CBCP president, vice Lingayen-Dagupan prelate Socrates Villegas, who had not-too-subtly called on Catholics not to shade Duterte’s name on the ballot, the Speaker decides to ruffle the revered men of the cloth. He let it be known that legalizing same-sex marriage might be good to see on his legislative legacy. That would surely remind the bishops of the President’s own campaign pledge to allow like genders to wed, even though he publicly backed away from
that un-Catholic idea not too long ago in March. Duterte’s lightning rod? If in his untimely and unseemly pronouncements the Speaker wittingly or unwittingly aims to draw lightning bolts of criticism and animosity from the President, it may be working, at least some of the time. Days after placing Mindanao under military rule before cutting short his state visit to Moscow, President Duterte told soldiers in Jolo, mixing English and Filipino: “While the police, not to mention the Armed Forces, have not said that the Philippines is safe, this martial law will continue. I will not listen to anyone else. The Supreme Court, congressmen, they’re not out here. … Why, are they the ones facing death? Are they the ones suffering here? They will suffer the wounds of war?” That Palace throwdown of verbal gauntlets would tend to invite its co-equal branches to cross constitutional swords with the tough-talking Chief Executive. But as media got ready with headlines like “Defiant Duterte dangles dictatorship, dismisses decrees and decisions dismantling defense department dominance down south,” Alvarez let loose with his own missive against the judiciary. When martial law opponents petitioned the Supreme Court to make Congress hold a joint session to review and vote on martial law, the Speaker let it be known that if the magistrates acceded and issued the order, “I would rip it up. …They should review their
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 15-18, 2017
A
PH military welcomes reported death of ISIS chief Baghdadi by Dana
SioSon AJPress
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday, July 12, welcomed the reported death of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. “This is good news and pleasant sign in the future,� AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla told Inquirer. Padilla said the reported death of the ISIS chief could pave way toward the total destruction of the Maute group, an Islamic State (IS)-inspired group that launched an attack in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur in Mindanao last May 23. “Because the person giving direction to the groups in Marawi is gone, then the infrastructure coming from the Middle east will be interrupted and destroyed, and this can pave the way for the consequent breakdown of this
group,� Padilla explained. earlier this week, the Syrian Observatory for human Rights (SOhR) said it “confirmed information� that Baghdadi has been killed. Pentagon, for its part, said it could not yet confirm the death of the ISIS chief. ISIS-affiliated websites and social media feeds also neither confirm nor deny the report. Rumors about Baghdadi’s death emerged several times in the past, though such reports could not be independently verified. Last month, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said it was Baghdadi himself who “specifically ordered the conduct of terroristic activities in the Philippines.� Washington previously expressed alarm over the growing presence of jihadis in Southeast Asia amid the ongoing battle between the Philippine troopers and the Maute group in
Marawi City. Asked about the possibility of an IS invasion in Southeast Asia, Padilla said the Philippine government already started to coordinate with its neighboring countries for enhanced security measures. “We have begun joint efforts with all the countries in our region. We started with Malaysia, Indonesia, and reinforced security measures to screen entry of anyone coming from the Middle east,� Padilla said. On June 23, in a trilateral security meeting hosted by Manila, the governments of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia have agreed to boost their cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism that continues to threaten the region. The three countries have agreed for intensified trilateral efforts to repel extremists and prevent them from making any part of the region a base for their operations. n
Amidst ‘inaccessibility’ complaints, PH suicide hotline cites ‘technical, manpower glitch’ AFTeR receiving ‘inaccesibility’ claims from distressed callers, the Philippines’ 24/7 depression and suicide hotline cited internal glitches caused the “busy linesâ€? over their hotlines. hopeline, a suicide prevention program developed by the Department of health (DOh), together with the World health Organization (WhO), and the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation in 2016, said in a report by Inquirer that the hotline is now working. however, it was down over “the past weeks‌due to system repair and technical issues.â€? In a Rappler report, Mila Rolinas, hopeline’s program consultant, said, “callers will experience a busy line when all lines are taken especially during peak hours. There are only 12 responders answering the calls.â€? Dr. Bernardino Vicente, chief of the National Center for Mental health, added that hopeline has “several numbers.â€? “hindi lang naman isang number ang number ng hopeline. We have several numbers kasi we anticipate na one thunder lang, puwedeng bumagsak
West Coast
‘yung isang line. We have lines that are operated by PLDT, and lines that are operated by Globe (hopeline does not have just one number. We have several numbers because we anticipate that during bad weather, phone lines could go down),� Rappler reported, quoting Vicente On its website, there are three hotlines that callers may opt to call: (02) 804-hOPe (4673); 0917 558 4673 and; 2919 (tollfree number for all Globe and TM subscribers). Distressed callers expressed their ire over social media. Following a failed attempt to reach out for help, Ligia Daroy expressed her disappointment about hopeline on Twitter. “Suicide hotline answered, ‘Sorry. Business hours are now closed.’ Good job Philippines,� wrote Daroy. In a report by Rappler, Daroy said she called the hotline around 8 p.m. on July 5 but got an automated voice message saying, “Sorry. Business hours are only from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.� “I was depressed. I thought all of my friends are tired of listening to me so I called hopeline,�
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Daroy told Rappler. She further stressed the potential harm of not being able to reach someone with suicidal tendencies whenever they needed help the most. “What if it was someone who was actually ready to jump off a building, tapos ganoon ‘yung maririnig mo (then you will hear something like that)?� she added. A woman named Abby who claimed to have experienced unsatisfactory service from hopeline replied to Daroy’s post. “They answered one Sunday ‘Sorry nasa mass ako now ah pero may hospital dyan malapit (Sorry I am in mass now but there is a hospital near there),� she said. Abby added in a separate post, “After that, she gave the numbers of St Luke’s and east Ave’s eR. I was alone. Inside my room. Breaking down. Can you imagine?� In defense, Vicente said that it is unlikely that a hopeline staff member would answer in a way as described by the complaints posted over social media.
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A10 JUly 15-18, 2017 • lA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAl
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Sen. De Lima files criminal, admin complaint... PAGE A7 t
prosecuted by the NBi (National Bureau of investigation) and the NPS under respondent DoJ Secretary.” She noted aguirre himself said he “does not consider EJK victims to be humans.” De lima, who is currently detained over drug-related charges, also accused aguirre of of fabricating the charges filed against her last February. She further accused aguirre of using the DoJ “to orchestrate and execute the malicious prosecu-
tion” against her based on the testimonies of convicted drug lords and “coerced statements of former DoJ officials and employees.” De lima said some witnesses — former acting Bucor Director Rafael Ragos, former DoJ security aides Ronnie Dayan and PSG personnel Joenel Sanchez — sought her help and told her they were being coerced by some officials of the Duterte administration, including aguirre, to testify against her. But before she could even respond to their requests, De lima said they already agreed to testify
against her “to save their own skin and to stop further acts of threat, intimidation and coercion against them and their families.” De lima claimed that other Bilibid convicts were also subjected to “various forms of pressure and undue influence, such as promises of pardon, commutation of sentence, and other forms of executive clemency.” She said the convicts were also “at the complete mercy of their jailers and other authorities, with their very lives or safety at risk if they do not cooperate.” De lima then cited the stabbing incident in September 2016, also dubbed as “prison riot,” when Jaybee Sebastian, Peter co, and Vicente Sy agreed to testify against aguirre but were stabbed multiple times inside the supposedly highly-secured Building 14 of Bilibid prison. the senator also sued aguirre, who is dubbed by his critics as “fake news king,” for his “reckless imputation of criminal wrong doing and conspiracies based on unverified information.” in her complaint, De lima mentioned the Jack lam bribery scandal, saying aguirre “falsely accused” her and Senators Francis Pangilinan and antonio trillanes iV of “conspiring to implicate him.” She added that the justice secretary also “maliciously accused PaGcoR (Philippine amusement and Gaming corporation) chair andrea Domingo of entertaining a bribe offer from Jack lam.” lam is a chinese national who allegedly own an illegal gambling business operations in clark, Pampanga. lam was accused paying millions-worth of bribes to former Bureau of immigration (Bi) officials in exchange for the release of undocumented chinese workers arrested in November last year. “these acts constitute dishonesty, grave misconduct, oppression, inefficiency and incompetence in the performance of official duties, and conduct grossly prejudicial to the best interest of the service,” the senator said. De lima added that aguirre should also be held criminally liable for violating the following provisions of the Revised Penal code: article 208 (Negligence in Prosecution and toleration of criminal offenses); article 286 (Grave coercion); article 172.2 (Use of Falsified Documents); article 184 (offering False testimony); and article 239 (Usurpation of legislative Powers). n
HELPING REBUILD LIVES. Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada (in jacket) donates construction materials to the 255 families whose homes were destroyed by fire in Paco on Thursday, July 13. ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo
Muslim-only ID hinders political rights, says poll official by Jennifer
Soriano
AJPress
Political rights may be compromised if the government will push through with the proposed Muslim iD system, says commission on Election (comelec) commissioner Rowena Guanzon. “that iD required for Muslims will have consequences on their political rights. it will discourage them to run for office in the local governments, or discourage them from voting. it’s tagging,” she said. the statement was made due to a circulating information th at there are proposal for an exclusive iD as a strategy to fight against terrorism and support national security measures. affirming Guanzon’s stand, fellow commissioner luie Guia tweeted, “Seriously, religion is
not necessary to identify a person so it need not be in a voter’s iD,” Guia added. Malacañang clarified on tuesday, July 11 that the proposal did not come from the national authorities, and were from local authorities. “the Palace’s position is really for a national iD. So i think we should leave it at that—for a national iD,” presidential spokesman Ernesto abella said in a press briefing. “i think the—that particular ethnic-centered iD was really a local initiative…the palace’s position is that there should be a national iD,” the presidential spokesman said. “Nobody’s pushing for that, oK? as the good director of PNP (Philippine National Police) has already said, this is not a mandate coming from higher author-
ities,” abella added. Further, two Muslim groups in tarlac — Paniqui United Muslims association (Puma) and the United Muslims association of tarlac city (Umat), devised their own iD system, defending that it was their initiatives, and were not introduced nor imposed by local officials or the police. “it’s ongoing,”Misangcad Datumaas of Puma said to inquirer when asked about the status of the iD system in Paniqui town. Jabbar abdul, coordinator of Ubat gave the same answer when the inquirer reached him by the telephone on tuesday. the tarlac iD system is the “best practice that can be replicated in [the region],” inquirer reported, citing an earlier statement of chief Supt. aaron aquino, central luzon police director. n
Senators slam reinstatement of... PAGE A7 t
cerning iaS reorganization and other matters related thereto. i will call a hearing immediately after we resume session and part of the discussion will center on the Marcos issue,” lacson stressed. lacson is the chair of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs that led the investigation of the slay of Espinosa and Raul Yap, an inmate. Detrimental to police force the PNP decision did not play well with committee on Justice chairman Senator Richard Gordon either. “Sinabi ‘yan ni Bato noon na galit siya sa ginawa ni Marcos (Bato said in the past that he’s angry at what Marcos did) but he should have stayed the course and he should have told the President,” Gordon said on his offiie during an interview with media on thursday Gordo said that the people around the president should respect him by giving him a sound advice and “telling the truth” . “Si Bato, dapat managot,” Gordon added. “ang hirap sa PNP hindi nila ina-advise-an ang Presidente. Dapat sinasabi nila na nakakasama sa police force ‘yang ginawa niyang ‘yan,” he added. “they are exploiting his feelings. ayaw nilang humarap. ayaw nilang magsabi na, ‘Boss, mali ‘yan’ (They don’t want to face him. They don’t want to say, ‘Boss, that’s wrong’),” Gordon said. “i respect the President but i must say that people around him should pay him a lot more respect by telling him the truth,” he added. aside from Dela Rosa, Gordon also lambasted Justice sectetary Vitaliano aguirre for downgrading the case against Espinosa and 18 other police men from murder into homicide. “May kahinaan ng ulo ‘yung mga nakapaligid sa kanya.
PAGE A8 t
Mukhang hindi nagpractice ng abogasya (Thse around him are ineffective, It looks like he did not undergo law practice),” he said. “Kung talagang marunong ‘yang si aguirre, hinayaan nila ang husgado na litisin yan eh. Bakit kailangang pakialaman ng Pangulo? (If Aguirre is really that intelligent, he should have let the justices do their job).” he said. “i’m upset. Disappointed is a very weak word. i’m chagrined. there are many people who are victims of injustice here,” Gordon concluded. Missed opportunity another Duterte critic, Senator chiz Escudero stated that the administration missed the opportunity to prove to public their intolerance on the authority’s abuses in the light of waging war against drugs. “i still believe that not pursuing cases against Marcos and treating him with kid gloves is a wasted opportunity for the administration to show and prove to the international community and their critics that it will not stand for abusive policemen and those who do shortcuts in violation of existing law in the performance of their duties,” he said. “this would have been a perfect opportunity to show too that the government will not tolerate any abuses, especially on the part of state actors and law enforcement officials, in its war against drugs,” Escudero added. Back-to-duty status Meanwhile, Dela Rosa argued that the development in the case against Marcos and 18 other policemen is what the law accordingly dictates. “it is not even a reinstatement. Rather, it was back-to-duty status after serving his (Marcos) four-month suspension order incorporated in a ‘slap-on-thewrist’ administrative penalty imposed on Marcos by the PNP iaS (PNP internal affairs Service)
and subsequently approved by cPNP Dela Rosa,” he said. the internal affairs Service (iaS) of the PNP recommended in april the demotion and suspension of the 19 police officers involved in the death of Espinosa. However, as early as December Duterte voiced out his support for the policemen who “did their duty.” Recently, during the 26th anniversary of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology on Wednesday, Duterte said Marcos should be reinstated because he was not part of the team that went to Espinosa’s jail cell. “Marcos was suspended. He has served his suspension,” Duterte said. “Sabi ko, ‘ibalik ninyo sa trabaho ‘yang mama na ‘yan. Wala naman doon ‘yan eh (I said ‘reinstate him. He was not there. He was too far away here.’ He was not part of the raiding team),” he added. Duterte reiterated that he would never allow a soldier or a policeman to land in jail for doing his duty and for obeying his orders. the other 18 policemen involved in the case were Supt. Santi Noel Matira; chief insp. leo larraga; Senior insp. Fritz Blanco; Senior insp. Deogracias Diaz; insp. lucredito candilosas; SPo4 Melvin cayubit; Po3 Johnny ibañez; SPo4 Juanito Duarte; Po1 lloyd ortigueza; Po1 Bhernard orpilla; SPo2 Benjamin Dacallos; Po3 Norman abellanosa; Po1 Jerlans cabiyaan; Po1 clixto canillas Jr; SPo1 Mark christian cadilo; Po2 John Ruel Doculan; SPo2 antonio Docil; and Po2 Jaime Dacsal. the criminal investigation and Detection Group in Eastern Visayas said a shootout ensued after the mayor resisted arrest. Senate and the National Bureau of investigation (NBi) however concluded the killing was premeditated. n
Noble folks’ spirits linger
me floating bodies from the second floor of his apartment. Recently, leyte experienced an earthquake, 6.5 in magnitude, last July 6 2017, yet his noble spirit rises and inspires: “Yes we have no electricity for a number of days already. Streets are dark at night, except those who have the luxury of their generators, whose noise can’t make us sleep, plus the mosquitoes eating us all, and of course the heat at night [that] make us sweat the whole night, making us all barebones. on the other hand, we can’t rehearse for a repeat performance of “abugho” as personally requested by Palo, leyte Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla for their town fiesta. this performance will be another form of healing to our traumas of supertyphoon Yolanda/Haiyan and the recurring earthquakes, which led to total black out of leyte and Samar. Hopefully [we] will be able to appropriate our narratives to the condition of the time as
we experienced tragedies, and transformed by local folks to comedies as our social-psyche, so we can act and laugh, sing songs, and dance to the delight of the audience’s empathy for the realistic theater we are confronted in our day-to-day lives. However, the lNU Sirang theater Ensemble will always give its share through post-theater development in tragedy in comedy: Resistance and Resilience amidst Disaster. Watch out for its coming in Palo, leyte Public Plaza.” Will you in the midst of no power still have these noble thoughts, to think of others and their emotional and social conditions? or would you fret, like i do at times, waiting for power to come on, as my life on the computer is interrupted momentarily? this is what Grace lee Boggs spoke of, when we project our time at present in another part of the world, we get to see our privileges, our God’s blessings, and somehow, we might be able
to extend ourselves as well to care for others, as lean did, as Grace did and even now, as Joey does at present. My wish and prayers are that rebuilding be quicker under this new administration in the Philippines and that the military personnel be harnessed for people development in leyte, Samar and cebu, areas all affected by the earthquake. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Longevity pays: 584 centenarians in Region 1 get P100K each
tion about the centenarians from a list submitted by local governPhilstar.com ment units. The DSWD validates the list before processing the DAGUPAN CITY – It must be P100,000 cash gift. the saluyot, or the betel nut they Based on DSWD data gathlike to chew: Region 1, the Ilocos ered by The STAR, the identified Region, has possibly the highest beneficiaries numbered 215 in number of centenarians in the Pangasinan, 136 in Ilocos Sur, country, with 584 confirmed as 133 in Ilocos Norte and 100 in La of the latest count. Union. Each centenarian is entitled Ninety eight of the centenarto a cash gift of P100,000 under ians had already received their Republic Act 10868 or the Centecentenarian gift while 104 are narians Act of 2016. for pay-out. The rest are being Among the 584 is a 114-yeardocumented and validated, Iryn old man from Sison, Pangasinan. Cubangbang, information officer The oldest centenarian in Region of DSWD Region 1, said. The first Sunday of October is declared as National Respect for Centenarians Day during which, all Filipinos who have turned centenarian in the current fiscal year shall be awarded a plaque of recognition and a cash incentive by their respective city or municipal governments in appropriate ceremonies. The annual Elderly Filipino Week is from October 1 to 7. Cubangbang said local government units may give separate extra cash incentives to centenarians in their respective areas. Centenarian beneficiaries in Pangasinan were from Agno, Alaminos City, Alcala, Anda, Asingan, Bani, Balungao, Bayambang, Binalonan, Bolinao, Bugallon, Calasiao, Dagupan City, Dasol, Labrador, Lingayen, Mabini, Malasiqui, Manaoag, Mangaldan, Mangatarem, Natividad, Pozzorubio, Rosales, San Carlos City, San Fabian, San President Rodrigo Duterte chats with 108-year-old Lourdes Marquez during the presentation of Manuel, San Nicolas, Sison, Sta. the signed implementing rules and regulations of the Centenarian Act of 2016 at Malacañang Barbara, Umingan, Urbiztondo on September 27, 2016. The law honors and provides incentives, including a P100,000 cash and Villasis. n by Eva
vispEras
gift, for Filipino centenarians.
1 is identified only by his first name as Filomeno. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) declined to give other detail about his identity and of the others for security reasons. In Ilocos Norte, the oldest centenarian is a 113-year-old woman from Piddig. There are two centenarians in Ilocos Sur – both 109 – a woman in Magsingal and a man in Quirino. In La Union, the oldest centenarian is a 113-year-old man from Naguilian. The DSWD gets its informa-
Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales
Amidst ‘inaccessibility’ complaints... PAGE A9 t
Definitely, hindi mag-a-answer ‘yung staff namin ng, ‘Sorry, nasa simbahan ako’ or ‘Sorry, out of line kami.’ I don’t think any of our staff ay mag-a-answer ng ganoon (Definitely, our staff would not answer, “Sorry, I’m at church,” or “Sorry, our lines are down.” I don’t think any of our staff would answer like that),” he explained. Vicente stressed that Hopeline responders are “welltrained individuals whose areas of expertise are in the behav-
ioral sciences.” “Hopeline responders are trained professionals and a standard operating procedure is a must do for each case handled. We are also aware of the trending Twitter and Facebook posts and we are now looking into this matter. Rest assured that Hopeline will continue to be of service to the Filipino people,” said Vicente. Mental illness in the Philippines is considered a “silent killer.” In 2012 alone, 2,558 cases of suicide were reported
from mental health issues. In the latest study of the National Center for Mental Health, suicide is projected at a rate of 2.5 for men and 1.7 for women in a 100,000 population. In May, the Senate approved the Senate Bill No. 1354 or the Mental Health Act of 2017, which aims to” comprehensively address the Filipinos’ mental health needs and ensure that rights as persons with mental health concerns are protected and secured.” (Jennifer Soriano/ AJPress)
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 15-18, 2017
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Ex-DFA chief skeptical over PH-China ‘friendly relations’ by JEnnifEr
soriano
AJPress
A YEAR after the Philippines gained victory over China in a legal territorial battle, former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Albert Del Rosario perceives that the country is at a disadvantage over what Malacañang claims as “positive neighborly relations” between the two nations. To mark the first anniversary after the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a ruling on the Philippines’ case against China on the so-called nine-dash line claim in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), Malacañang tagged the country as a “regional peacemaker” for having a “positive neighborly relations” with China. “Despite its friendlier face, we do not see restraint in China’s militarization and unlawful activity in the West Philippine Sea,” said Del Rosario in a forum organized by the Stratbase-Institute on Wednesday, July 12. Recently, Washington-based CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative released satellite imagery revealing China’s new missile shelters, radar and communication facilities on Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi Reef. Gregory Poling, director of the AMTI over the issue, said that “this suggests that Beijing wants to keep Manila and the other Southeast Asian governments talking, diverting international pressure, while it finishes its power projection capabilities without interference.” Amidst the issue, Del Rosario
said that it would be best if the Philippines would reclaim its leadership over China following the victory gained a year before . “Today, on the anniversary of the ruling, we should be proud of our country’s leadership on this issue. It was a leadership that began from a lonely place but, because we stood for what is right, we also gained the respect of the responsible community of nations,” Del Rosario said. “I believe that we should reassume our leadership,” he stressed. Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte claimed that Chinese President Xi Xinping would wage war with the Philippines if it attempted to drill oil from the contested the resource-rich West Philippine Sea. “We cannot allow others to play with the threat of war when our submitted disputes have already been clarified in the ruling,” Del Rosario said. “Despite an effort in this country to encourage sobriety and restraint, I am concerned that we will reap no more than a friendly face,” he added. The former foreign affairs chief suggested that the administration to “exhaust all diplomatic avenues that are available to us in promoting the ruling and the rule of international law.” In a televised media briefing on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Ernerto Abella affirmed the developments between the two countries. “Philippines and China have reviewed experience on the West Philippine Sea issue, exchanged views and current issues of con-
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Albert Del Rosario
cern to either side and they have agreed that they will further discuss mutually acceptable approaches,” Abella said in televised press briefing. “It’s excellent that we are now in dialogue with the other country,” he added. Last May, the representatives from the Philippines and China conducted its inaugural meeting of their bilateral consultation mechanism to resolve the maritime dispute. “The Duterte administration reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protect our country’s territorial claims and maritime entitlements, but believes that the ongoing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea should further be resolved in a manner consistent with the spirit of good neighborly relations,” the DFA said in a statement released Wednesday. Abella claimed that the two countries have agreed to meet again in the second half of 2017. n
The Duterte-Alvarez show: Good cop... PAGE A8 t
law books. How can the Supreme Court dictate to Congress what to do? We’re a coequal body,” Which then opened the door for Duterte to wax deferential, presidential and constitutional, promising to abide by any decision from the high court the very day after Alvarez thumbed his nose at Their Honors. “Of course, we are bound by rules,” the Commander in Chief told another military assembly in Sultan Kudarat. “That’s already the Supreme Court. … I’m sure that they will take into account the fighting and what’s behind it.” Good cop, bad cop. When showtime gets real
If all the foregoing is an act, it’s vintage Duterte. After all, he was the presidentiable who made everyone think he wasn’t sure about running, and even missed the deadline for filing certificates for candidacy. Thus, rivals spared him from the attacks that sank frontrunners like then Vice-President Jejomar Binay. Alvarez’s nastiness toward the judiciary allowed Duterte to pledge compliance to the Supreme Court, wiping away his earlier defiance of both legislative and judicial branches if they tried to void martial law. With such presidential deference to the bench, in stark contrast to the Speaker’s unbowed ar-
rogance, Their Honors got one more reason to rule for Malacañang. As for the five-year martial law balloon, now that even the Palace and the Armed Forces have shot it down, one or two years of military rule suddenly appears reasonable, if not positively democratic. It certainly looks much better than if the discussion was only about months or weeks of extension, not years. And if it works with Congress and the courts, why not the Church? If the CBCP gets friendly with the President to rein in the Speaker, the latter’s same-sex marriage idea would have served its purpose. (ManilaTimes.net)
A12 JUly 15-18, 2017 • lA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAl
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All set for Hayden Kho-Vicki Belo Paris wedding by riCky lo Philstar.com
The Megastar returns to the big screen seven years after her last full feature with ‘Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha.’
Sharon Cuneta marks movie comeback with first indie by Christina
alpad ManilaTimes.net
porters—shared she had always wanted to be part of the pioneering ONE of the most prominent figindependent film festival. ures in Philippine cinema, Sharon “I really wanted to be part of Cuneta has made over 60 movies Cinemalaya. After doing so, I can in her almost four-decade career. say that it was a great experience At the height of her stardom, the for me,” she related. original multi-slashie—who cut Cuneta added she feels honored records, hosted TV shows and acted and excited to be lined up with in blockbusters—would make three an assembly she called “hardcore to four movies a year throughout filmmakers.” the 1980s and 1990s, and was often “What they are investing in these crowned “Box Office Queen.” kinds of movies are love, passion, By the turn of the century, howcraft and dedication to the indusever, Cuneta decided to devote her try. It’s not that they have to make time to her then young family with money because their film’s budget second husband and now Senator is this big… I discovered that this Francis Pangilinan, slowing down is ‘all systems go’ [meaning]as first of all as a movie actress. The long as you have the story and the last few titles to her credit were actors, you can still come out with “Walang Kapalit,” “Kung Ako na a masterpiece.” Lang Sana” and “Crying Ladies,” all According to her director, he shown in 2003; and finally “Mano actually wrote the story for Cuneta Po 6: A Mother’s Love” in 2009. herself, who not only led the cast Now 51 years old, the Megabut also co-produced the movie. star—who revived her television Happy with both the process and career in 2016 after taking a comthe outcome of Ang Pamilyang plete hiatus from show business Hindi Lumuluha the veteran actress in 2013—is likewise returning to promised that this would not be the last time she would take part in the festival, especially if she comes across a great script. “God willing, in the future, I will continue to support Cinemalaya even if I will not star in one of its movies,” Cuneta vowed. Besides Cuneta, the dark comedy/satire drama movie also stars Niño Muhlach, Moi Bien, Kiko Matos, Flor Salanga, Joe Gruta, Cris Villanueva, Richard Quan, Michelle Sharon Cuneta with her director Mes de Guzman, line producer Rhea de Guzman and co-star Vito, Philip Olayvar and Alonzo Kiko Matos Photo by Bob Dungo Muhlach. the big screen via independent cinema. On Thursday, July 13, she attended the launch of the 13th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, proudly representing director Mes de Guzman’s entry, “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha (The Family that Doesn’t Weep).” There can be no doubt that Cuneta had been sorely missed on the big screen for the announcement of her movie as a finalist of the Full Length Category received the most deafening applause among the collection of titles. Her fans—the Sharonians—in fact were in full force at the Cultural Center of the Philippines to cheer her on. “It’s the first time that we actually have fans present during a Cinemalaya press conference,” Chris Millado, the festival director and CCP’s vice president cheerfully acknowledged in his speech. Later on, the Megastar—who tried her best not to steal the spotlight from her director but was nonetheless mobbed by re-
THE exact dates are confidential; but the venue is not. Invitations to the wedding of Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho (which were given during their civil wedding last month, with Makati Mayor Abby Binay officiating) are out but except for the date and the place, The American Church of Paris, no other details are included. According to Star sources (invited to what is expected to be The Wedding of the Year, calculated to outshine similar celebrity weddings held in Europe), wellchosen guests will be treated to
a romantic dinner cruise on the River Seine. There will be cocktails at 5:30 p.m. before the wedding ceremony at 6:30, with a reception dinner at 7:42 p.m. and a reception party from 10:30 p.m. to 12 midnight at a secret location. Except for a leak that Scarlet Snow (in photo with parents), and Zia, Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes’ daughter, will be in Michael Cinco gowns as Flower Girls, other members of the wedding entourage are kept confidential. As the Chinese would say, may Vicki and Hayden enjoy 100 years of blissful togetherness.
Hayden Kho and Dr. Vicki Belo
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Inspiration and training help Miss Philippines USA contestants prepare for crowning event World. The new title will be given to the contestant who best represents the issues of health, wellness, and aging beautifully. On Wednesday night, the young women competed in the Talent Show at Josephine’s Restaurant in Cerritos. Thursday night the Swimsuit Competition was held at Bradbury Estates in Monrovia, and on Friday night, the contestants were treated to a dinner with Megan Young, a Miss World winner and Philippine actor. The dinner was hosted by FoodTrients and held at the home of Grace O in LaCañada Flintridge. Grace O is a Phil Am civic leader who created FoodTrients to help promote wellness and prevent the diseases of aging through better nutrition. Pop singer Ding Dong Avanzado will perform at the pageant on Sunday. The 33 beautiful candidates are:
CEO and FoodTrients Founder Grace O hosted the evening and was a featured speaker. Phil Am actor Sean Afable also spoke to the contestants about public speaking and self-confidence. The pageant’s production director John Del a Vega was on hand to give the group pointers on how to present themselves on stage. Grace O, the author of The Age Beautifully Cookbook, gave a presentation and discussion about foods that help us look and feel younger and promote longevity. The Age Beautifully Cookbook recently won Gourmand’s 2017 “Best in the World’ Award for Innovation. Ms. Foliente also announced that in addition to crowning Miss Philippine USA and Miss Philippine Top Model of the World, this year the pageant will crown one of the contestants as Miss FoodTrients
Megan Young: Stunningly beautiful, world-class and she’s in town!
By Monet
Lu
LOOKS like Miss World 2013 Megan Young is not yet done conquering the ‘world’ and she’s onto her next conquest—the world of Hollywood. Yes, our Pinay pride Megan Young with this year’s contestants of is in town to try her luck in Holly- Miss Philippines USA wood. According to the entertain- She once shared in an interview ment website Push, Young is plan- that before she entered the PBB ning to take a summer workshop house, she prepared herself to in the United States so she can act sleep alone and do simple chores at home. Inside the PBB house, better in English. “Mas sanay kasi akong mag- she was nicknamed ‘The Princess salita ng Tagalog or Taglish, so of Charm,” because she would kailangan ko ring i-practice ang often have the other housemates sarili ko sa English or acting in do chores for her. Although, English. Actually, I’m starting Young did not emerge as a winfrom zero. I don’t expect anything. ner because of her eviction, she I’m really starting from scratch. gracefully accepted it. On the Kung meron, meron. Kung wala other hand, Young’s role as Shane Miss World 2013 Megan Young naman, at least I tried.” she said. in “Kokey” was widely accepted. The show will be hosted by Cher Young was also a co-star in Calvin and Tony Cabrera, who It was reported last March that Young signed a five-year contract TV5’s series, “Misibis Bay,” which have been hosting the event for with Innovative Artists Agency in had their few weeks of shooting in six years in a row. The competiNew York to help spur her inter- a beachfront in one of the paradise tion event is produced by Miss island in Albay, Philippines. national career. Philippines USA Productions At a young age, she believes under CEO and Celebrity Fashion “I want to work where I want to be, pero marami pa rin siyang she still has a lot more room to Designer Lou Razon. prosesong pagdaraanan. I’m not grow and learn what life really As of this writing, Young has speaking long term but let’s see is. officially landed in the city of After making movies and ap- Angels, and that’s according to how thing will unfold from here, pearing in several commercials her latest Instagram post. I like so, tignan natin,” she said then. Young was crowned Miss and endorsements in the Philip- how this young woman is very World 2013 in Bali, Indonesia, pines, she is not ready to take on focused and knows what she making her the first Filipina to win another challenge that seem to fit wants. She has not only brought the elusive crown. She also won right up her alley. For sure, Hol- pride to our country by winning the “Top Model” competition, lywood is a different ball game but the Miss World title, she is also a placed second in the “People’s our sweet-face beauty queen is no living testament of a typical milChampion,” and fourth in the stranger to the ups and downs of lennial-dreamer who is not afraid “Multimedia Challenge” and fifth showbiz life. In fact, she serves as to chase after her dream. in the “Beach Beauty” contest an inspiration to women in and To our dear Miss World 2013, of said competition. Young also out of the Philippines. Megan Young, I really see a future Right now she is getting ready for you in Hollywood. I am optireceived the Continental Queen of Beauty title as Miss World Asia to be one of the judges for The mistic that you are going to rock 2013, the highest ranked contes- Miss Philippines USA happen- their world! Good Luck and More ing on Sunday, July 16th at the Power to you! tant in the Asian region. Young, who is Megan Lynne Alex Theater at 4:00 pm. Joining *** Young in real life, was born on her in the panel would be Jonas Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning February 27, 1990. She holds Gaffud, actor Matt Ranillo III and celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of a dual citizenship: Filipino and his wife Linda Ranillo, JR Oriel, Monet Salon salons across Southern California Grace Mercado, Janet Nepales and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is American. Young is a Starstruck alumna and Mohammed Selami known as an all-around artiste who produces The pageant on its 6th year sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as and member of the GMA Artist Center before she decided trans- has 33 contestants vying for the unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is elusive crown of being 2017 Miss also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural fer to ABS-CBN. She joined Star Magic Batch Philippines USA. Specials guests beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution 13 and was famous for being a include Dingdong Avanzado, to discoloration . To contact Monet, please celebrity housemate in Pinoy Eric G Bagyo, Michael Keith and visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at Big Brother: Celebrity Edition 2. celebrity model Daniel Azurin. monetsalon@aol.com
Man with Parkinson’s Disease takes on ‘American Ninja Warrior’ By Nathalie
Robles
AJPress
ONE contestant courageously proved that a condition such as Parkinson’s Disease cannot hinder whatever challenge he decides to take on “American Ninja Warrior” last Monday, July 3. Jimmy Choi, a 41-year old tech consultant from Bolingbrook, Illinois set out on his journey to the said competition as he set forth with the Kansas City qualifiers and run throughout the obstacles presented. “Once you take that first step, the rest of it comes easy.” Choi said. In a video tape recording (VTR) before his run, Choi revealed how he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s at 27. A chronic and progressive movement disorder, Parkinson’s Disease (PD) symptoms continue and worsen over time. Almost one million people in the U.S. lives with the said condition. Despite the recent technology, the cause remains unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to man-
Jimmy Choi
age its symptoms. After 14 years of battling Parkinson’s and trying to cope with his condition, Choi discovered that exercise helped him manage his bodily functions and he’s since run 13 marathons, cycled several 100-mile rides and competed in multiple triathlons. “My goal is to go out there and show everybody out there, no matter what they’re faced with, the hardest step is that first step,” Choi said on the game show. In the said competition his hands were visibly trembling throughout his spirited run but Choi willfully endured his tremors and managed to complete the first
two obstacles, the floating steps and the tricky hang glider. Unfortunately, at some point, he was not able to regain his footing and fell off the challenge on the broken pipes level. “American Ninja Warrior,” the sports game show in which contestants must battle their way through a challenging obstacle course, complete with bicep-testing hang-gliders and treacherous balancing tests, might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to moving, emotionally charged television. His inspiring words and impressive performance were also a hit on Twitter.
Philippine Arena gets ready for Justin Bieber ‘Purpose World Tour’ firmed to bring the house down by his concert promoter MMI Live at the world’s largest indoor GLOBAL superstar Justin Bieber arena to be presented by Smart is bound for Manila on September Communications and produced 30 as part of his “Purpose World by AEG Live. Tour 2017” at the Philippine Arena The lauded biggest arena in in Bocaue Bulacan. the world that can accommodate Justin Bieber, the artist behind 55,000 people, rigs for the mashit singles ‘What Do You Mean”, sive production of the global pop ‘Sorry”, “Love Yourself” and sensation’s live performance. other chart-toppers composing Preparations are advancing which his fourth studio album, is con- includes the expansive 80-hectare By iRis
ViceNte AJPress
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IT’S been a busy week for the 33 contestants vying for the Miss Philippines U.S.A. title, which will culminate on Sunday, July 16, when the pageant winners are announced at the Alex Theater in Glendale. The contestants kicked off the week last Monday night with an intensive workshop hosted by FoodTrients®, which is a premier sponsor of the pageant. The workshop event was organized by Pageantry Global, Inc. and Producer Trinity Foliente, and attended by Miss Philippines USA, the show’s Executive Producer Lou Razon, and Associate Producer and Program Director Randy Trinity. The young women, who traveled to Los Angeles from cities across California and the U.S., were treated to an evening of inspiration and training at the corporate office of FoodTrients and G & E Healthcare in Pasadena. G & E’s
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parking space around the venue and the reformed traffic system which now has three entrance and exit marks (NLEX, Duhat and Sta. Maria). As for safety, there will also be 1000 traffic enforcers to secure the inside and outside of the venue along with PNP/LGU officers. The arena offers more than 400 housing units for fans who likes to enjoy the Beiber fever weekend prior to the show and 50 point-topoint (P2P) shuttle buses are to be deployed for Beliebers’ transportation convenience. Other facilities and activities inside the arena like biking, food stalls, zumba classes, bazaars, Kid Zone, inflatables, and even live local performances can be enjoyed by concert-goers before the event proper. Release of tickets to the general public is on July 9, Sunday at 10 am in any SM ticket outlets. Other informations are posted on MMI Live’s social media accounts.
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Alfred & Jasmine: Loving happily ever after by ricky lo Philstar.com
SEVEN years after they got secretly married in civil rites (on Aug. 16, 2010) at the Supreme Court, officiated by then Chief Justice Renato Corona, Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas and Jasmine Espiritu, his half-Filipino/half-Italian wife, are finally getting married in church on Sunday, July 23, at the Manila Cathedral. This time, the whole world will know. “The date is significant to us,” Alfred told Funfare. “The number 7 is good for us; it’s our lucky number,” added Alfred who proposed to Jasmine for the second time on his knees at exactly 7:25 p.m. on July 23, 2016, at the garden of a Q.C. restaurant where the surprised Jasmine, escorted by Alfred, walked on the rosescovered red carpet to the tune of Ngayon at Kailanman, The First Time I Loved Forever, I Will Be Here and Moon River. “Check the numbers,” said Alfred. “July is the seventh month of the year, 1 + 6 = 7, at 7 o’clock and 25 minutes (2 + 5 = 7).” Now a mother of beautiful daughters, Alexandra and Aryana, Jasmine was clueless about Alfred’s wellkept script, thinking they were simply having a quiet weekend dinner and wondering why the restaurant garden was dark... until the lights were turned on and the music started playing. They were both crying as they dissolved into a tight embrace. “Up to now,” added Alfred with a naughty wink, “I’m still courting Jasmine and I will con-
Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas and his wife Jasmine Espiritu with whom he has two beautiful daughters, Alexandra and Aryana.
tinue courting her even after our wedding…until forever.” Their union was cemented in heaven. They were destined for each other, meant to be lifetime partners...to share, cherish and nurture a love to last. Their love story is one for the storybook, recounted in a Star article in 2011, a year after their secret wedding. A Fine Arts graduate, Jasmine, 29, was (and still is) a fan of Alfred, 37. She confessed that she had seen all of Alfred’s movies and covered one wall of her room with Alfred’s posters. She was on vacation from Milan (where she spent most of her growing-up years) and staying at her grandmother’s home in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Alfred was having a show in the town and Jasmine was in the audience. That was on March 16, 2008. When they renew their vows on July 23, this time in Catholic rites, Jasmine in a Cary Santiago
gown and Alfred in Francis Libiran suit, with their daughters as Flower Girls, the couple will be witnessed by Principal Sponsors (as they are identified in the invite) Manuel Roxas II and Her Excellency Ma. Leonor G. Robredo, Hon. Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr. and Hon. Vilma SantosRecto, Manuel V. Pangilinan and Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Robert L. Tan and Lolita A. Solis, Victor Jose I. Luciano and Ameurfina D. Santos, Antonio R. Vargas and Adelaida J. De Guzman, and Francis Enrico M. Gutierrez and Kristina Bernadette C. Aquino. Cord Sponsors are Hon. Herbert Constantine M. Bautista and Hon. Ma. Josefina BelmonteAlimurung. Asked how soon he and Jasmine would start work on their third child, Alfred broke into an expectant smile. “As soon as we go on our second honeymoon.” He didn’t say where.
Milo severo Philstar.com
ABS-CBN’s rising love team McCoy de Leon and Elisse Joson or most commonly known as “McLisse“ continue to shine as they launch their first single, “If We Fall In Love,” under Star Studio. Composed by “Pinoy Dream Academy” alumni RJ Jimenez and performed with Yeng Constantino, the song is perfectly fit for the promising love team. Elisse said at first she is not familiar with the song but upon reading the lyrics, she felt that it is the perfect song for them. “Feel na feel ko po. Sakto sa amin,” she said. For his part, McCoy said: “Nev-
er ko naisip sa buong buhay ko nagkakaroon ako ng kanta kaya talagang nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord…Para sa akin napaka-coincidence. Kasi ‘If we fall in love’ kumbaga may tanong pa rin sa mga nangyayari sa amin. ‘Di pa rin namin alam kung meron din.” The new single has been remastered by Rox Santos and is now available on Spotify and YouTube. “Hindi ako nahirapang turuan sila kasi may tenga naman sila eh. Mahirap turuan ‘yung masasabi ko talagang as in wala pero sila during the recording ‘di ako nahirapan kasi nasa tune sila,” Rox said. The love team hopes that this is not the first and only song they
Alessandra de Rossi: Marriage first, baby later by Maridol
ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com
ALESSANDRA de Rossi may look like your typical independent millennial, but she is turning out to be as conservative as she can be. At a time when women her age live in and bear children outside marriage, the actress wants to look the other way. “I want a real family. If the right guy comes along tomorrow, that’s fine. But I want marriage first. I don’t want to be a single mom. Ayoko ng maling proseso,” the star of the new rom-com “Kita Kita” said. At 33, Alessandra knows her biological clock is ticking. But she will not let this force her to plunge into marriage when she is not yet ready. Yes, she is open to settling down. But she will not rush things just because she wants a child she can call her own. Patience is one of her virtues. McCoy de Leon and Elisse Joson She cites two cases in her life to will sing. “If ever na magkaroon prove her point. uli, sana may Tagalog naman “Ten years ago, I bought a TV para makarelate din po lahat,” set whose speaker exploded when Elisse said. “Kumbaga para mas I got home,” she recalls. “I never mag-reach sa mga Filipino kasi called the store to have it repaired. nga Tagalog, sana magkaroon uli,” I just went with the flow.” McCoy said. She cites another case of de-
McLisse on first single with Yeng Constantino by Jan
AFTER 13 YEARS OF WAITING FOR THE FAMILY TO BE REUNITED, THE U.S. EMBASSY STILL DENIED THE RELEASE OF THEIR VISAS. MISERY AND REDEMPTION ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY.” Tatay Lando (2nd from right) went to the US to provide a better life for his family. After 13 years, the petition became current in 2016. However, when his son, Allan (left), and his grandson, Chean (2nd from right) went to the U.S. Embassy for their interview, some doubtful details came up in Allan’s paperwork that caused the Embassy to deny their visas. Father and son left the Embassy heartbroken and traumatized over the incident. Immediately, Tatay Lando sought the help of leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch how hope was renewed, and a family was happily reunited after many, many years on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement)
layed gratification, this time, over a van she wanted to buy. “After ordering a black Hyundai Starex, I was told that it will take three to eight months for the car company to have one. I said that’s
okay.” Alessandra explains that if she can stay single for seven years, she can always wait for her dream vehicle to be available in a couple PAGE B4
Features
B4 JULY 15-18, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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Door behind your desk By Sean
Shono
WORKING at a desk with a door behind it will make you unable to concentrate. It will make you uneasy due to the vibrating noise of a frequently used door. Therefore, you will be annoyed by imagining unconsciously that someone is stepping in behind you. To save unnecessary distractions, this kind of layout should be avoided. Furthermore, it is recommend- fice, too. ed to place the desk with a Feng *All of our items have been Shui item to enhance your con- purified by authentic process of centration. Feng Shui way. You may consult Dragon God *** regarding the layout of your ofFeng Shui master Sean Shono owns Dragon
God, a Feng Shui store in Gardena, California. He is the U.S. Chief of the International Feng Shui Association. For more information, please call Sean Shono at (310) 787-1891. Dragon God is located at 1580 W. Artesia SQ. Suite A, Gardena, CA 90248.
HBO invites Asian Pacific American filmmakers to explore themes of home with short film competition Asian Pacific Visionaries to address belonging identity and culture NEW YORK, NY – HBO invites emerging Asian Pacific American (APA) filmmakers to create works that explore themes of home for its second annual HBO Asian Pacific American Visionaries Short Film Competition. The contest seeks to address such timely issues as belonging, identity and culture through the lens of the APA experience. Three winning films will be selected to premiere exclusively on HBO (and/or its on-demand, digital and/or social platforms) and awarded cash prizes. For complete rules and guidelines, visit www.hbovisionaries.com. The deadline for entries is November 1, 2017. Join the conversation on social media with hashtag #hbovisionaries. Launched in 2016, HBO Visionaries is designed to showcase the personal stories and cinematic visions of up-and-coming APA directors. Now in its second year, the competition seeks to inspire filmmakers and celebrate the diversity of perspectives in the APA community through themes of home. The ambassador for the 201718 competition is actor Leonardo Nam, who has received critical acclaim for his role of lab technician Felix Lutz on Westworld. Born in Buenos Aires to Ko-
rean immigrant parents, raised in Australia and now living in Los Angeles, his unique journey coincidentally embodies the theme of this year’s competition. Nam is also featured in the official promo video for this year’s competition. “In these turbulent times, using cinema as a way to create and foster constructive dialogue is more important than ever,” said Nam. “The goal of this year’s competition is to highlight the range of experiences and points of view from within the Asian Pacific American community.” “HBO Visionaries is about empowering aspiring APA filmmakers as well their communities,” stated Jackie Gagne, VP Multicultural Marketing at HBO. “We’re looking for highly-personal films that also reveal universal truths.” The judging panel is comprised of HBO executives and a panel of industry experts, including representatives from the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) and Visual Communications. General submission criteria includes: • Running time: 8-12 minutes, inclusive of credits • Films must have been directed by a person of Asian or
Pacific Islander descent • Director must be a resident of one of the 50 United States or Washington, D.C. • Films must be in the English language or contain English subtitles (common phrases acceptable) • Films must be a major festival premiere • Films must have commenced principal photography on or after October 1, 2016 • Films must not have had any previous exhibition on broadcast or cable • Employees of HBO and any other Time Warner entity and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate In its first year, HBO Visionaries received over 350 submissions from across the United States. The three winning shorts (‘Monday’ by Dinh Thai, ‘Wonderland’ by Tiffanie Hsu and ‘Toenail’ by Jingyi Shao) made their world premiere at the 2017 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival prior to their HBO premiere during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May. More recently, YouTube channel ‘The Apartment with Asif and Baluch’ hosted a community screening and discussion panel with the filmmakers.
Town mates and Friends:
Please join us in celebration of our
TOWN FIESTA & 41st FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF BASC in LAS VEGAS, NEVADA When: Saturday, October 7, 2017 Where: Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, 400 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103 Prepaid Dinner Buffet ticket only: $65 per person Please make check payable to: Aludiya Lagmay-Ganzon 8119 Mary E Ellen Avenue, North Hollywood, California 91605 - or Priscilla Castaneto-Ruedas 6851 Dale Street Apartment # 16, Buena Park, California 90621
Nazario Perlas: Precy Castaneto- Ruedas:
nazario.perlas@yahoo.com pcruedas@yahoo.com
Lito Tambo: Ludy Lagmay-Ganzon:
lito.tambo@sbcglobal.net lganzon@gmail.com
Mila Tadina: mrtadina@yahoo.com Josie Dolor Etrata: wilpenn@yahoo.com Mary Ann Arichea–Caunan: macaunan@ha.ucla.edu *Discounted Room rates available at Gold Coast Hotel & Casino until September 3, 2017: Code: ABA2017
2017 LEELIN VIP REWARDS SWEEPSTAKES WINNER. Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles (PDOT-LA) Director Richmond Jimenez and Leelin Bakery and Café owner Menard Leelin recently met with 2017 Leelin VIP Rewards Sweepstakes Grand Prize winner Ely Tacata and his family to firm up plans for their trip to the Philippines. Tacata won the grand prize of two round trip tickets to the Philippines plus Kulinarya Tour for two, courtesy of the PDOT-LA. According to Tacata, he and his wife have not returned home in 36 years while their two sons who were born in the U.S. have never been to the Philippines. Director Jimenez discussed their options and described all the wonderful scenic and culinary places that will be of interest to their entire family. Shown in photo are, from left:Tourism Director Richmond Jimenez, Menard Leelin, Ely Tacata with sons Gian and Elgin and wife, Gina. (Advertising Supplement)
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS THE American Academy of Pediatric strictly recommends no fruit juices for babies, absolutely no fruit juices at all, before age one, and very limited, if at all, for toddlers and older children. This is a major shift from the recommendation of the AAP 16 years ago, when it even fruit juices for the first 6 months. The academy today even recommends doing away with the beloved sippy cup for children, which is a contributing factor in childhood obesity and T2 diabetes. There is no evidence of any health benefit of fruit juices in infancy and the high sugar load in them is actually harmful. One of the authors of a recent study, Dr. Steven Abrams, Chair of Pediatrics at Dell Medical school at the University of Texas, Austin, also said “offering babies juice could keep them from getting enough breast milk or formula — and the needed protein, fat and other nutrients they contain…. once babies start eating solid foods, they should have whole fruit that is mashed or pureed, rather than juice.” Fruit juices, which are loaded with sugar, and artificial fruit drinks, are actually unhealthy. The only worse beverage are soft drinks, which are toxic for both adults and children, increasing the risk for Metabolic Syndrome. The bad health effects are not obvious right away. They take years to manifest in various organs. By then, the damage is done, and different ailments start to appear. Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of major risk factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis, T2 diabetes, thyroid problems, and even cancer. The heartbreaking realities of poverty in our country and worldwide are painful to realize and accept, both as a human being and as a physician. The less privileged usually have limited or no other option at all but to feed their children and eat whatever is available or accessible to them, healthy or not. To most of them, nutritional science is an abstract, irrelevant, and of no practical value. While I empathize with them and can not blame them for their eating habits, I strongly feel that those who are better educated and can afford
Fruit juices: Bad for babies
are being unwise and are hurting themselves, impairing their health, by unhealthy practices like drinking soft drinks, smoking, and alcohol abuse. We ought to know better. Once babies are started on solids at four to six months old, they do not need additional liquids besides breast milk or formula. Water, maybe, from time to time, but certainly not fruits juices. For older children, the Academy recommends restrictions on fruit juices, if given at all: four ounces daily for toddlers age one to three; six ounces or less for four- to six-year-olds; and less than eight ounces for older children and teens. Fruit juices may be omitted altogether, and instead, fresh fruits, or freshly squeezed juices, are better alternatives. The bad thing about fruit juices from powder mixes or from concentrates, is not only because are they practically only sugar and water, and the fact that many children drink these as replacements for (and not consume) fruits and vegetables, and, therefore, miss the fiber, nutrients and vitamins in them. The healthier drinks are clean filtered water and milk (with no sugar additive). Staying away from soft drinks and limited intake of fruit juices could also help reduce the risk for obesity. It is best for children to develop the habit of eating fruits and vegetables, drinking water and milk at an early age instead of sugary fruit juice mixes. Also, sippy cups (non-restricted sipping of sugary drinks and high risk of tooth decay among users) are bad for children; drinking from a cup is what the Academy recommends. If sippy cup is used, it should only be filled with water and or measured milk at a fixed schedule of feeding. The more red meat you eat A new clinical investigation published in the British Journal of Medicine (BMJ) reveals “the more red meat you eat, the greater your risk is of dying from one of eight diseases.” The research involved 536,000 men and women, ages between 50 and 71, whose diet and health were tracked for 16 years. Their food intake, total meat, processed and unprocessed red meats (beef, pork, lamb), and white meats (poultry and fish). “Compared with the one-fifth of people who ate the least red meat, the one-fifth who ate the most had a 26 percent increased risk of death from various causes. High red meat consumption increased the rate of dying from cancer, heart disease,
respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes, infections, kidney disease and liver disease,” according to BMJ. The study pointed out that white met, on the other hand, may be good for people because “those who ate the highest proportion of white meat had a 25 percent reduced risk of dying from various causes, compared with those who ate the least white meat.” And which fish is better? As far as nutritionon and health are concerned, there seems to be no big argument that fish is healthier than red meat. But the question is which fish is better, just the fatty fish? No, new studies showed that any kind of fish consumed at least twice a week reduces various health risks. The oily darker fleshed fish like herring and salmon are loaded with heart-healthy polyunsaturated, omega-3 fatty acids. Mackerel, anchovies, shad, trout and sardines, and other fish also have these wonderful cardio-protective fatty acids. The giant or large varieties of fish, like king mackerel, shark, swordfish, large albacore tuna, contain more methyl mercury and therefore not recommended for consumption. But these good fats are not the only reason why fish is better for us, compared to red meat. USFDA dietary guidelines encourage adults to partake at least 8 ounces of a variety of fish and seafood every week, about 2-meal’s worth to benefit from the “total package of nutrients in fish.” This includes lean protein, vitamin Bs, A and D, and minerals like iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron. Several independent studies have shown that individuals who eat fish regularly are less likely to die of a heart attack compared to those who do not eat fish. A Harvard clinical review “concluded that eating one to two servings of fish rich in omega-3s every week cut the risk of dying of a heart attack by one-third.” Those on Mediterranean style diet that includes seafood also have lower risk and rate of obesity. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
Alessandra de Rossi: Marriage... PAGE B3 of months. You will not hear her complain about the way things are. It has gotten to a point where her own mom got angry at Alessandra for not complaining about her credit card bill when it showed purchases she never made. This laidback stance when it comes to material things is the reason why Alessandra prefers to have a manager to represent her, even if she can always get projects on her own. She is not the type who will demand for a certain talent fee, even if she can very well do so. She needs a manager (in this case Cornerstone Entertainment’s Erickson Raymundo) to do this for her. Cornerstone’s latest project for her is “Kita Kita,” which teams up Alessandra with an unlikely leading man — Empoy Marquez for the first time. Alessandra is beautiful; Empoy, ordinary looking. But she falls for the guy, whom she meets in Hok-
kaido, Japan, where they are both based. If you think the situation is unlikely, it is. The thing is, Alessandra is blind. She only ‘sees’ Empoy’s good heart. That’s how the Alempoy love team was born. Unlike JaDine (James Reid and Nadine Lustre), LizQuen (Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil) and other love teams, Alempoy is far from glamorous. Alessandra has that no makeup look. She does not have an OOTD (outfit of the day) to boast of. Her hair remains the same from start to finish. But she and director Joyce Bernal, Piolo Pascual and Erickson Raymundo (the people behind Spring Films, which produces the movie together with Viva Films), think the film is more than your usual feel-good, light viewing fare. It shares lessons about looking beyond the obvious and seeing the person’s soul. It reminds you about the Little Prince’s words: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible
Alessandra de Rossi
to the eye.” Alessandra, Empoy, director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo and the rest of the team know they are taking a risk by breaking away from triedand-test storylines of formula films with star box-office royalty. But they are willing to take the risk. Their hope is that moviegoers will appreciate their courage and give their film a chance when it opens nationwide on July 19.
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EntErtainmEnt
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-18, 2017
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Baste grades ‘President Pa’ on first year in office Rhian Ramos on baring skin and conquering fears by MJ
Marfori ManilaTimes.net
MANILA Times ended up in Davao City for a hot minute on Friday for another one-on-one interview with the President’s son, Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. Exclusively invited to his all black office at the Ecoland area the Durian capital, the conversation revolved around updates on his next steps in showbiz, and of course politics. Baste’s office was full of artworks, all of which he said were gifts. “I love art pero bigay lang iyan ba. I cannot afford to be a collector,” he quipped. Baste explained that his main source of income is his garbage collection business in the province, and as of late his travel program “Lakbai” on TV5, which aired its last episode just yesterday. Asked if the public will see more of him on TV he honestly
replied, “I guess so. Nag-enjoy talaga ako. Free travel [and] you’re paid [for it]. Nagpapapayat nga ako eh para dumami pa ang endorsements.” Every bit a showbiz personality now, Baste did not escape having to comment on the latest viral photo of himself and ex-girlfriend Ellen Adarna locking lips. “It was a friendly kiss, kasi nag-iinuman tapos lasing na… we were having fun. It’s like a friend you haven’t seen for a long time.” Moving on, while he enjoys the showbiz limelight, Baste is also aware he cannot shake off the other side of his fame as the President’s son. With the next State of the Nation adresss coming up on July 24, In the Know asked him to rate his father’s first year in Malacanang. “Siguro 8 or 9 out of 10,” Baste ventured. “Hindi naman 10 kasi perfect na iyon masyado! But he addressed the immediate prob-
by Lhar
Santiago ManilaTimes.net
Baste Duterte
lems here in the Philippines like criminality, drugs and corruption. Makikita mo naman talaga.” As he waits for his next TV gig to begin, Baste is keeping busy with his rock band at the moment, and said he may just turn up at any one of his fans’ favorite bars soon. “I don’t want to share the name of the band. I just want people to enjoy the music,” he ended.
‘Most beautiful’ KathNiel fights cyberbullying SHORTLY after being named as the country’s “most beautiful” for this year by a showbiz magazine, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla lend their “most beautiful” faces to campaign against one of the world’s biggest problems today—cyberbullying. Cybersmile, an international non-profit organization registered in the United States and in the United Kingdom, has just announced Kathryn and Daniel, also known as “KathNiel,” to be its Philippine ambassadors who will raise awareness on the impact of cyberbullying and digital abuse to huge numbers of Internet users around the world. “No one has any right to disrespect others and be rude because you are not seen or can be anonymous on cyberspace. I would like people to be aware of the ill effects of cyberbullying and as an official Cybersmile ambassador, I hope that I would be able to raise awareness on this in my country,” Daniel said in his statement as seen on Cybersmile’s website. The 22-year-old Daniel has been among the most popular actors of his generation. As a recording artist, he has double platinum albums to his credit. Nicknamed as the “Teen King,” he has been featured in primetime shows, films and is the face of major brands. “My truth, my essence is what will define me, not anyone’s defini-
Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo
tion of who I am. I live each day to become more and hopefully I affect others around me to become more too. I am pleased to become a Cybersmile ambassador and be able to do more against cyberbullying,” Kathryn said in a statement released by the foundation. Bernardo, 21, is half of the most popular love team in the Philippines since entering showbiz at the age of seven. Together with Daniel, she has made many toprating TV series and blockbuster movies. Called the “Teen Queen,” her self-titled debut album in 2014 is a certified platinum. KathNiel recently received their own stars in the Philippines’ version of Hollywood Walk of Fame to be found in Quezon City’s Eastwood Walk of Fame. Despite their busy schedule for top-rating soap opera “La Luna Sangre,” KathNiel found time to recently participate in Cybersmile’s “Stop Cyberbullying Day” by sharing their thoughts on online abuse and cyberbullying. They encouraged their 12 million Twitter followers to join in the fight to make the Internet a brighter and more inclusive environment. “We are thrilled to welcome Daniel and Kathryn as official Cybersmile ambassadors. Being the voice of their generation, they are making a tremendous difference in raising awareness of the impact that cyberbullying and online
abuse can have on people’s lives, while helping young people across Asia and the rest of the world find the support that is available to them,” foundation co-founder Daniel Raisbeck said. KathNiel join other foundation ambassadors like girl group Fifth Harmony and Richard Armitage of “The Hobbit” in promoting messages of inclusion, kindness and positivity to eliminate personal threats, fear and abuse online. (Philstar.com)
A VERY sexy Rhian Ramos attended the first Entertainment Editors Movie Awards, or Eddys, at the Kia Theater on Sunday. July 9 Beautiful as ever, she definitely turned heads in a daring avant garde number that oozed with sophistication as her fashion picks always do. A Best Actress nominee for “Saving Sally,” members of the press who came to cover the glitzy event mounted by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors, gave Rhian the thumbs up as she walked the red carpet. They teased her too that she was living up to her No. 3 spot in this year’s FHM Sexiest. “Actually, wala nang mas surprised pa sa akin when I placed No. 3!” she laughed good. naturedly. “Although I don’t always feel sexy, it was more of a reminder for me that there were people who worked hard to put me on that spot.” Even before she wowed The Eddys, many netizens had already taken notice of Rhian’s sexy photos on her social media accounts, her beach shots especially. “To be honest, I’m not choosy how much skin is involved in my photos, but I’m choosy about what the picture implies—what message it’s trying to convey. I don’t mind posting photos of myself at the beach. So depende siya sa context for me. “And I’m really not bothered about my body anymore. Parang being 26 already makes me feel tanggap ko na sa sarili ko. I know what I have and what I don’t have
Rhian Ramos
but I’m happy with what I have,” she added sensibly. Prodded what her non-showbiz boyfriend has to about the sexy pictures she posts, Rhian easily replied, “It’s a non-issue for him. That’s what I like about him. He is so broad-minded. We actually don’t fight. He’s also very quiet and very private. He doesn’t come with me to my showbiz commitments unless I ask him to accompany me like The Eddys.” Happy in her personal life, Rhian was excited to share that she
is taking on brand new challenge in her career. “It’s a mini-concert!” she revealed. “I want to try something new and show another facet of me. Siguro I’m just more adventurous nowadays. I used to have a fear of live crowds so I don’t want to sing or dance before an audience but I’m trying to break that fear now.” And break it she will beautifully for sure, what with Rhian truly grown up now both mindset and outlook in life.
B6 JULY 15-18, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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COMMUNITY Journal
Supreme Court to rehear case on immigrant detention IN the Fall of 2017, the United States Supreme Court will rehear Your arguments on the constitutionality of immigrant detention presented Immigration in Jennings v. Rodriguez. (“Ro- Solution driguez”) This case raises fundamental questions about freedom and due process for detained Michael Bhotiwihok immigrants, including includes and nancy Miller green card holders and asylum seekers, in the United States. removable offenses and released Because of the issuance of from jail after October 8, 1998. the January 25, 2017 Trump Ad- Mandatory detention generministration Executive Order on ally applies to immigrants conBorder Security and Immigration victed of two crimes involving Enforcement Improvements, the moral turpitude, an aggravated Rodriquez’ case outcome has po- felony, a controlled substance tentially dire consequences for offense, or a firearms offense. immigrant detainees. The end of Once mandatory detention is the “catch and release” practice established, the immigrant depolicy makes it more likely that tainee remains in custody unimmigrants – including those law- til the conclusion of his case fully here – will be detained for before the Immigration Judge. immigration violations. With the Rodriguez is a class action Trump Administration’s inten- lawsuit that involves immigrant tion to utilize detention as a tool detainees subject to prolonged for immigration enforcement, detention without a bond hearimmigrants are also more likely ing. Rodriguez seeks to estabto be denied a bond hearing. lish the procedural due process A bond hearing is a basic, right to a bond hearing for imguaranteed principle of pro- migrant detainees in DHS cuscedural due process which is tody for six months or more. found in the United States ConIn September 2012, the Unitstitution; however, many im- ed States District Court, Central migrant detainees are routinely District of California issued a denied this fundamental right. preliminary injunction ordering Authority to set bonds for im- bond hearings for all mandatory migrant detainees is shared detainees and detained asylum between the Department of seekers who were detained for Homeland Security (“DHS”) and at least six months. In August Immigration Judges. The initial 2013, the Ninth Circuit Court of determination is whether the Appeals made the previously isnon-citizen is subject to manda- sued order permanent, thereby tory detention. After DHS makes establishing that a bond hearthis initial custody determina- ing be provided automatically tion, an immigrant detainee can to any detainee held in cusgenerally renew the bond hear- tody for more than six months ing request to an Immigration Normally, bond hearings are Judge. At both the bond hearing held immediately after a detainbefore DHS and that before the ee is taken into DHS custody. Immigration Judge, the immi- However, immigrant detainees grant detainee must show that subject to mandatory detenhe is not a flight risk or danger tion have very limited eligibility to the community to be released. for release from custody. And However, not all immigrants it is the non-citizen’s burden are eligible for release from de- to prove that he is eligible for tention. An immigrant detainee’s release and is not a flight risk immigration status and/or crimi- or a danger to the community. nal record may subject him to At a Rodriguez Bond Hearing, mandatory detention. The Im- the burden is on DHS and not the migration and Nationality Act immigrant detainee. DHS must requires DHS to take immigrants prove by clear and convincing evinto custody and hold them with- idence that continuing to detain out bond if convicted of certain the immigrant is justified based
on his risk of flight or danger to the community. Otherwise, the Immigration Judge must release the immigrant detainee on reasonable conditions of supervision. The Obama Administration appealed the Ninth Circuit decision to the Supreme Court. In November 2016, Rodriguez was argued before the Supreme Court, months before Justice Neil Gorsuch filled the seat vacated by the death of the late Justice Antonin Scalia. The Supreme Court requested supplemental briefings after oral argument, however it decided to rehear arguments in the Fall of 2017. Justice Gorsuch could not vote on a case where he had not heard oral argument. It is suspected that the vote was evenly split between the eight justices and that the rehearing was necessary to reach a majority decision. For immigrant detainees, the Rodriguez case is monumental because no person in the United States should be detained for prolonged periods of time without a hearing to determine if his detention is justified. An automatic bond hearing provides the detainee with the potential of release from custody and reunification with family members. Above all, Rodriguez ensures that justice is fairly applied through procedural due process to immigrant detainees. An immigrant-detainee or family-member should consult with a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to determine whether he is eligible for release from custody under Rodriguez or some other grounds.
*** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-18, 2017
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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon DO you have old debts in the past that you haven’t paid and are wondering if the creditors can still come back now and collect from you after so many years? This is a common question that I am often asked. I actually see a lot of people in this situation. At some time in their lives, they messed up and failed to live up to their financial responsibilities which resulted in delinquency and possibly legal actions being filed by creditors against them. A lot of them have gone through a difficult time in their lives such as a divorce, a failed business, sickness, disability or unemployment. Years later, things have changed to the point where they have finally started rebuilding their finances and their lives. They may now have a good-paying job, have a bit of savings in the bank and perhaps have started seriously thinking about their financial future. Then all of the sudden, the unthinkable happens. They get served a lawsuit out of the blue or they find out that their bank account has been frozen or their employer just got served a wage garnishment order. What happened? This is when they are surprised to discover that al-
To Live With Faith ReveRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAs AS my friends and I went out swimming at a beach one summer day, a beautiful rainbow appeared before us. “It’s been quite a while since I saw such a complete rainbow,� I told my friends, feeling awe-inspired at its sight. Then I thought about its biblical symbol of God’s promise and covenant to his people as in the story of Noah’s Ark. “Isn’t it amazing how a rainbow speaks of God’s faithfulness to us despite our failures and weaknesses,� I shared again with my friends. “He never fails to send us this
Community Journal
Are you still liable for old debts if bill collectors have stopped calling? though many years have passed, old debts and other derogatory information continue appear on their credit report or even worsea creditor who has obtained a judgment is now aggressively trying to pursue them. This becomes more problematic especially when someone is finally able and is in the process of trying to buy a house or a car. Sometimes, the income is good enough to qualify for the loan that they are applying for but the credit score is too low that no bank would touch the application after they see all the unpaid debts on the person’s credit report. So these people start thinking that if they had just taken care of these debts years ago when they had the chance, maybe life could be much better right now. How about you? Do you have debts from your past that are still haunting you to this very day? Are these debts stopping you from improving your life, perhaps making your dream of home ownership impossible to achieve? Don’t lose hope! If you are determined to turn your situation around for the better, there are some things you can do right now to accomplish that. Unfortunately, the experience I described above may be the very
“jolt� that most people need to finally wake up and do something about their situation. As I always tell people, debt problems only tend to get worse if they are ignored. The best time to take care of them is now, not later. If you ignore them, be ready to pay the consequences later. Creditors, of course, have to file a lawsuit (and a lot of them do in order to preserve their collection rights) within what is called the Statute of Limitations period (This is generally 4 years in California from the time you stopped paying) in order for them to enforce the debt. However, keep in mind that judgments in California are good for 10 years and can be renewed after that time period. So, not because you have not heard from a creditor for years does it necessarily mean that the debt has gone away. One thing that may help you determine if you still have debts in active collection status is by looking at the most recent copy of your credit report and reviewing it for accuracy. Be aware, however, that not all creditors report to the credit bureaus. Credit bureaus recently announced as a matter of fact that credit reports will no longer contain informa-
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God’s rainbow of love message,� I added. Then in the midst of an awesome sight, I contemplated God’s action in our lives. I thought that while some people put limits on God’s love, God, on the other hand, continues to reveal his unconditional love to every person. He puts a deep longing in our hearts to believe in it and invites us to show its pureness to the people close to us and around us. God would never cut his ties with us. We are the ones who would do it. In fact, His innermost desire is to nourish us with his love. He sows the seeds of love in our hearts so that we can respond to him with the same love. This Sunday’s Scripture Readings tell us this truth. In the First Reading (Isaiah 55:10-11) God
says: “Just as the rain and snow come to earth and return to the heavens when they have done their job of watering, making the lands fertile and fruitful, so too does God’s word. It comes to the world and does not return until it has nourished and moistened life in every single creature that will receive it.� For us Christians, God’s final word is Jesus Christ, His beloved Son. In Jesus’ incarnation and redemption, God showed the depth of his love for humankind. The seeds of God’s love broke open in the universe to bring life to every creature. Yet, God’s invitation to respond to His love through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, continues. Should we follow the path of sacrificial love of Jesus Christ?
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Aug 26 (Sat ) Day 1, Angeles, California/Krakow, Poland Our pilgrimage begins with a transatlantic journey from Los Angeles International $LUSRUW WR .UDNRZ 3RODQG 0HDOV VHUYHG LQ À LJKW Aug 27 (Sun) Day 2, Krakow :H ZLOO DUULYH LQ .UDNRZ LQ WKH HYHQLQJ 7KHUH ZH ZLOO PHHW RXU 7RXU 'LUHFWRU DQG GULYHU IRU D WUDQVIHU WR RXU KRWHO 'LQQHU DW WKH KRWHO %% '
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Should you attend your own IRS audit?
Tax Tips victoR sy, cPA, mBA
MUST you attend your own IRS audit? You don’t have to. This is always a tactical question that should be discussed at the early stage of an audit. I have a feeling that you’d rather not go. I don’t want you to go either. So, let’s discuss why you should not attend your funeral‌ I mean, your audit. 1. You won’t get pleasure from it - before, during, or after the audit. It is normal to get rattled. It is normal to be affected in some way - including the way you eat, sleep, or work. You might even pick a fight with your mate. Sign a power of attorney, pay your accountant to handle this whole thing, and go on with your life normal life. 2. If you attend, your demean-
or may convey fear that may be misconstrued by the auditor that you are hiding something. I have dealt with auditors who ask me why my client is afraid if he/she is not hiding anything. Some auditors act naĂŻve or have been on this job for so long that they have become cold and insensitive. 3. You can be emotional (and should be) about issues raised by the agent. This can create animosity that raises the temperature in the room, one that can work against you. 4. Some taxpayers tend to be chatterboxes when they get nervous. Others appear cool from my coaching but talk-a-talk as soon as they get comfortable. They volunteer more than what is asked for. This could only mean trouble: more issues, mas problemas. 5. And just between you and
me, I cannot work my magic when you are around. The auditor tends to be formal. I tend to be formal. I dare not trade issues when you are there. Your presence is a hindrance to my effectiveness, an obstacle to the agent’s willingness “to work it out.� *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.� Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Getting around the six month residency requirement to file a divorce in California
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRsuA Reyes GENERALLY, you must have resided in California for at least six months in order to file a divorce in this case. Under Family Code Section 2320, a judgment of marriage dissolution (divorce) may not be entered unless one of the spouses has been a “resident� of California for six months and of the county where the proceeding is filed for three months immediately preceding the filing of the petition. This poses a problem for divorcing couples that has not resided in California for at least 6 months. Couples that moved to California from other states or other countries are faced with this problem because they cannot get divorced until they satisfy the residency requirements. Even a bigger problem is when they need immediate temporary orders from the California Court regarding child custody, child support, management and control of community businesses and property. The solution for this type of problem is filing nullity or legal separation petition rather than a divorce and amending the petition later on to convert it to a
divorce once the residency requirement has been met by one of the parties. Millar v. Millar. Unlike a divorce, there is no residency requirement to filing an Annulment or a legal separation. The advantage of this strategy is you would immediately have access to the courts and can ask the court for immediate temporary orders needed to maintain the status quo or preserve the marital assets. If domestic violence is involved in the case, the domestic violence issue can be heard in the same court room by the same judge that would be hearing the divorce case. In addition, service on the legal separation petition (to be amended later to a divorce) will also start the clock on the six-month “waiting period� for finality of a judgment terminating marital status, optimizing the time-frame within which the parties will be legally restored to “single� status. As far as the county where to file the legal separation or nullity, venue is proper in the county where either party resided at the time the petition was filed pursuant to CCP 395(a). Once the parties have satisfied the residency requirements, the
Petition may be amended from legal separation to Dissolution without permission from the Court as long as notice is provided the opposing party under Marriage of Dick. The Petitioner would also be in a safer position if the intent to amend from legal separation/nullity to a divorce is stated in the initial Petition. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
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Community Journal
Is an allergy a disability requiring employer accommodation?
WHEN John Barrie first started working as an office technician for California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), he informed his supervisor that he had allergic rhinitis. This made him extremely allergic to chemicals and scented products like perfumes and household cleansers. His supervisor informally accommodated him by asking employees to refrain from wearing strong perfumes and prohibiting the cleaning staff from using certain chemicals to clean the office. Barrie worked for 5 years without any issues. In early 2010, Donna Jones became Barrie’s new manager. A few months later, Barrie discovered that prohibited chemicals were being used to clean the office. He complained to Jones that these chemicals were damaging his health. Jones told Barrie to stop complaining and threatened him with relocation to an office where there were even more toxic chemicals. Barrie complained to the Regional Manager, who provided him formal accommodation of his disability, but this accommodation was not enforced. As a result, Barrie suffered mild to severe headaches, dizziness, trembling and impaired cognitive function. He was transferred to a new office that was newly painted, and the paint fumes caused him to have a major reaction that forced him to file a worker’s compensation claim. He was kept off work for more than two months and, after he returned, was stripped of job duties that paid him substantial overtime. Barrie was also the victim of harassment by Jones and other employees. He was called derogatory names and told to “shut up” by Jones. Two workers testified that Jones sprayed Bar-
Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. c. Joe SAyAS, Jr. rie’s workspace with perfume. Barrie sued CalTrans claiming disability harassment and discrimination, failure to engage in a timely and good faith interactive process and failure to accommodate, among others. The employer provided contradictory arguments such as that it accommodated Barrie, but also that Barrie’s disability was impossible to accommodate, and that Barrie was faking or deluded about having a disability. California law defines two categories of disability: mental disability and physical disability. A physical disability is any physiological disease, disorder, condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss that affects the body and limits a major life activity. There is a list of body systems that could be affected including neurological, immunological, and respiratory systems. When a condition limits a major life activity, it means that the achievement of the major life activity is difficult. Working at a job is considered a major life activity. Physical disability also includes any other health impairment that requires special education or related services; having a record or history of a disease, disorder, condition, cosmetic disfigurement, anatomical loss, or health impairment which is known to the employer; and being perceived or treated by the employer as having any of the aforementioned conditions. Additionally, under the law, an employee with a “medical
condition” is also entitled to accommodation. A medical condition is any health impairment related to or associated with a diagnosis of cancer or a record or history of cancer, or a genetic characteristic. A mental disability is any mental or psychological disorder or condition, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, or specific learning disabilities, that limits a major life activity. California law prohibits discrimination based on disability or medical condition. If a disabled employee is unable to perform his or her work duties, the employer must engage in a timely, good faith interactive process to determine if reasonable accommodation can be made for the employee. In Barrie’s case, the employer failed to accommodate Barrie’s known disability. Worse, Barrie was subjected to harassment and bullying by his manager and co-workers because of his disability. After a trial, the jury found in favor of Barrie and awarded him $44,413 in past economic loss, and $3 million in past emotional distress for a total award of $3,044,413. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 2910088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.] (Advertising Supplement)
Ex-businessman with commercial lease judgment of $100K seeks Chapter 7 relief CLIENT is 50, divorced and used to own a business that had a commercial lease for retail space. He operated the business for 10 years. On the 11th year, sales started to plunge for unknown reason such that debtor could no longer pay the commercial lease of his retail space. He still had 2 years of lease to go at $4k per month. So for 24 months, he owed close to $100K of commercial lease. But since his business was not even able to generate enough sales to cover rent, he had to close shop and get his stuff out of the building. He cleaned out the space, thinking that if the landlord could easily rent it out, he would not sue him for unpaid rent of two years. Unfortunately, landlord sued client for unpaid rent of $100K. Eventually, landlord got a judgment for $100K against client. But client now is an ordinary employee making $4K a month of salary. There is a notice of bank levy on his bank accounts for $100K, and a notice of wage garnishment on his salary for $100K! In addition to this significant liability, client owes $20K of credit card debt. With a bank levy on his accounts and the prospect of losing 25% of his salary to wage garnishment for unpaid commercial lease of his old business that no longer exists, client decides to seek Chapter 7 relief. What will Chapter 7 do for him? With Chapter 7, he can keep all of his assets, and he can discharge or get rid of the $100K judgment, dissolve the bank levy and dissolve the wage garnishment. He can also wipe out the $20K of credit card debt. In other words, he can get a fresh start in life and be productive again. He can leave his old life behind him and forget about the $100K he owes his landlord as well as his $20K of credit cards. His credit score will improve yearly. At the end of this year,
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrence yAng
he will be close to 600. In year two, he will score 640, in year 3, 680, and on year 7, he will cross 730. In year ten, there will be no record of his Chapter 7 and his
“With Chapter 7, he can keep all of his assets and he can discharge or get rid of the $100K judgment, dissolve the bank levy and dissolve the wage garnishment.” credit score will be over 800. Best of all, he can look forward to retiring by having the ability to start saving money now and not having to worry about paying a $100K judgment of $20K of credit cards. He will be able to get new credit cards in year one because there are credit card companies that specialize in giving credit to people who have just filed bankruptcy. They are indeed good credit risks because they cannot file another Chapter 7 for 8 years. Next client is 66. He stopped working last year and now gets social security of $1,200 and a pension of $800. His wife is 68 and collects social security of $900. So they have $2900 a month of social security and pension. They don’t own a house so they rent for $800. Medicare standard and part D gets a portion of their income but they don’t have to pay for prescription drugs anymore as part D covers all of their medication. They are both in good health so that’s pretty good. The only problem is that they both owe a total of $50K of credit cards. They need $1500 a month of minimum payments to keep these cards current, and all of the cards are still current. Their son helps them pay for the
Are you still liable for old... PAGE C2 t tion regarding civil judgments and tax liens that have been filed against you. What this means is that you cannot rely on your credit report to determine if you have been sued by creditors or if they have obtained a judgment against you in the past. In short, your credit report may not tell the whole story if it’s missing some very important information that you need to know about in order to protect yourself.
Most of the time, I see people in my office who have old debts from the past that they could and SHOULD have taken care of years ago. Had these people done something about their problem sooner, they would have been in a much, much better position today. Frankly, I am puzzled about this and often wonder why these people waited so long to find a solution. If you are currently in debt and can’t pay, remember that sooner or later, you would have to face your creditors. Don’t
wait until they sue you, garnish your wages and/or take your property. For a free consultation, call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)
C
AC 21: Changing the employer of your employment-based green card application DEAR Attorney Tan, I have an approved I-140 immigrant petition which was filed by Company A on my behalf. Company A would like to employ me as a bookkeeper. Based on that approved I-140 petition, I filed an application for green card (I-485 adjustment of status) in August 2014. Since that time, my green card application has been pending, as USCIS has requested additional documents in support of my application. Recently, another company, Company B, has expressed interest in hiring me for a payroll clerk position. Company B is a more established company based in the Midwest and pays $10,000.00 less but offers much better benefits. Is there a way I can substitute Company B as the employer in my green card application? --P.T. Dear P.T. Under INA Section 204(j), commonly referred to as AC 21, an approved I-140 employment-based immigrant petition filed by one employer can be used by or “ported” to another employer providing certain requirements are met. First, a green card (I-485 adjustment of status) application must have been filed and must be pending for at least 180 days. Second, the “new” job offered by the second employer must be in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the first employer filed the I-140 petition. In your situation, you meet the first requirement in that your application for green card (I-485) was filed in August 2014. Your application has been pending for over 1 year, which is more than the required 180 days under AC 21. In depth analysis in your case is needed as to whether Company B’s job of “payroll clerk” is considered a “similar occupational classification” to Company A’s job of “bookkeeper,” for which Company A petitioned you. In determining whether one job is similar enough to another job for AC 21 purposes, the USCIS takes into account the totality of the circumstances, including the job duties of both positions, the Standard Occupational Code (SOC) from the approved I-140 and the SOC code for the job offered by the new prospective employer, as well as the offered wages for each position. In your case, analysis would begin with the job duties of each position. The more similarity in job duties between bookkeeper and payroll clerk, the greater the likelihood that USCIS would consider them similar. Also, the SOC code for the 2 jobs would be taken into account. In addition, the wages offered by each employer would be considered. The existence of a big disparity in wages offered by each employer is not by itself a reason to conclude that the jobs are not similar. In your case, the fact that Company B is offering $10,000 less than Company A has to take into account the fact that the Midwest has a lower cost of living, as well as the fact that better benefits are being offered by Company B. If it is considered a “similar occupational classification,” Company B may be substituted in as the employer in your pending green card application, and Company B will not have to start the process from the beginning by filing a labor certification application and by obtaining an approved I-140 petition. The analysis of whether you can use or “port” your approved I-140 requires additional analysis, and consulting with an experienced attorney is recommended. ***
Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of LosAngelesandisaformermemberoftheBoardofGovernorsofthePhilippineAmericanBarAssociation. LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
PAGE C2 t
God’s rainbow of...
Should we keep listening to his words like the seeds that fall on the good ground in this Sunday’s Parable of The Sower? May we too become God’s cards. What a waste of money! rainbow in the world, inspiring Credit card minimum pay- everyone to respond to God’s ments eat up more than 50% ever-enduring faithfulness and of their retirement income! “BAD” as Pres. Trump would tweet. In fact, “Bigly-Bad!!” What can Chapter 7 do for them? Chapter 7 will wipe out all of their $50K of credit card debt, thus saving them the headache of paying out $1500 a month to keep these cards current. This saves them $18K a year. In 3 years they save almost $60K. What can they do with $60K of savings? Well, they can invest it in equities and maybe get a decent return of 6% a year. That’s income of $3,600 a year, or $300 a month of extra money to spend. That’s not too bad considering they are just starting to save money now. If they filed for Chapter 7 ten years ago, they would have at least $200K now saved up and giving them $1K a month of income. Or, they can travel the world with their savings and additional income. No matter what your age is right now, if you have accumulated debt that has become burdensome for you and your family, seriously consider wiping out your debt now than waiting for 5 more or 10 more years when you retire. You will save a lot of money by getting rid of your accumulated now than later. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. “TRUST IN HIM AT ALL TIMES, O PEOPLE; POUR OUT YOUR HEARTS TO HIM, FOR GOD IS OUR REFUGE.”PSALM 62:8 *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
Senior seeks Chapter 7 for discharge of $50K credit card debt
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-18, 2017
love! Amen.
***
From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (19911993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga
Park (1991-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
C4 JULY15-18, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
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Singing doctor turns 80 AUGUST 15, 1998 was a Sunday. St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome was filled with around 60,000 Catholic faithful participating in the Assumption Day mass. The St. Denis Choir based in St. Denis Church Diamond Bar, California was poised to sing. It had been months of preparation and this highly anticipated day had finally arrived. Pope John Paul II, now Saint John Paul II was about to officiate mass. The St. Peter’s Basilica choir director, a Cardinal, hand-picked a gentleman from the St. Denis Choir to sing solo during the offertory and communion. The gentleman, a tenor obliged and sang “Mahal Naming Ina” during the offertory and “Ave Verum” during communion. His rendition was flawless. After the mass, the Cardinal gave the singer a hug and commented, “Magnifico.” For the gentleman, it was the thrill of a lifetime. Not bad for a guy with no formal musical training and who simply sings from the heart. Meet the gentleman, Rufino “Ralph” Cadano M.D. also known as the “singing doctor.” Ralph was born in Alitagtag, Batangas. On July 24, 2017 this singing doctor turns 80. Despite Ralph’s highly successful medical career and business ventures, he remains humble and leads a simple life. He is not a big fan of public recognition. Case in point: it took a lot of effort to finally make him agree to getting this article published. Dr. Cadano was married to the late Iraida Linco. He obtained his medical degree from Manila Central University in 1964. He interned at Jose V. Reyes Memorial Hospital in Manila, Philippines and served as Senior Clinic Physician at Southern Highland Hospital in Cebu City. In 1974, he got accepted for Straight Surgical Internship at Jersey City Medical Center and a year later became a Resident in Internal Medicine at the same hospital. He is a Diplomate in Geriatric Medicine. From 1977 to 1997 he was with Holy Family Medical Clinic and East L.A. Doctor’s Hospital. Extraordinary hard work, dedication, and compassion for his patients made him a highly successful medical practitioner, well respected in the medical community, and much loved by his patients. However, it was his
unbridled generosity that made him an exceptional physician, a trait that separated him from the rest. He was known to routinely see indigent patients without compensation. He opened an orphanage. He built a church. Finally in 2013, he retired while affiliated with Pacific Alliance Medical Group and co-owner of Pacific Alliance Medical Center. As a medical practitioner, Ralph understands that he is just an instrument for healing and fully appreciates how precious life is. A deeply religious man and a devout Catholic, he is grateful to his Creator for each day that he lives. A decade ago, he was diagnosed with bronchogenic carcinoma more commonly known as lung cancer. Healthcare practitioners know that when stricken with this type of illness, the survival rate is less than 10%. He beat the odds. Six years later he fell ill to severe diverticulitis. He was literally in his deathbed for months and the chance of beating the odds for the second time was slim at best. As a doctor, he understood his predicament but as a man of God he knew that what science could not fix, prayers and faith could. Once again, prayers and faith saved him. For Ralph, cheating death twice was a life-changing experience. In his line of work, he experienced a fair share of grief among family members due to the passing of their loved ones. As a result, Ralph felt he was somewhat more prepared than others in confronting loss and grief. He was wrong. On September 22, 2000 his beloved wife Iraida suddenly passed away followed by his mother six days later. This, he admits, was the saddest and darkest moment of his life. Nothing, not even his familiarity with death, prepared him for this tragedy. The grief he had was overwhelming. Immediately after his wife’s passing, Ralph created the Iraida Charitable Foundation. He wanted to preserve Iraida’s legacy by continuing her charitable work. Before her untimely demise, Iraida shared a couple of wishes to Ralph. One was to build a church and the other was to help street children in the Philippines. Ralph decided to make those wishes come true even after she was long gone. In 2002, a very good friend and fellow philanthropist Mrs. Lydia
F. Cruz, together with the Queen of Peace Group in Diamond Bar, and The Trinitarian Handmaids of the Divine World Sisters, approached him for a donation. These religious groups asked to help build an orphanage in Quezon City, Philippines, to which he immediately obliged. Not only did Ralph provide land and financial resources needed for the building structure, he furnished it as well. Since 2002 , the Iraida Foundation has been sustaining the orphanage on a yearly basis and will continue to do so. To date the orphanage has rescued , housed, fed, educated, some 450 street children and produced 300 college graduates. In short, this orphanage, now known as the Holy Trinity Home for Children, continues to save young lives, giving them hope, personal dignity, and a bright future. Sometime in 2008, the parish priest of his birthplace Alitagtag, Batangas met with Ralph and asked for his help. The old church had deteriorated to the point of disrepair and needed to be replaced. The Archbishop approved the demolition of the old church. However, they did not have sufficient funds to start building the replacement church. Ralph agreed to personally provide half of the requisite money to build and complete it, knowing that it would be almost impossible to produce it from fundraising activities on such short notice. Once again, prayers and faith did not fail him. Today, Invention Dela Santa Cruz Church in Alitagtag, Batangas is among the most beautiful cathedrals in the entire country. It has become a pilgrimage church with a growing number of devotees. Ralph continues to help sustain it. Dr. Cadano’s generosity has no bounds and comes in big and small packages. To list a few, he spearheaded a fund raising campaign for the victims of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. He personally went to the Philippines to deliver the proceeds. Additionally, the Iraida Charitable Foundation undertakes several projects including scholarships programs. To date, 18 MCU medical scholarship beneficiaries are now full fledged medical practitioners together with 6 Registered Nurses. Under his leadership, the MCU Medical alumni foundation graduated 48 medical doctors. He is
also known to perform random act of kindness. Just recently the foundation picked six families in Bicol and provided funds for their desired business endeavors. Despite his demanding schedule as physician- businessman, he always found time to provide leadership, resources and inspiration to charitable organizations and outreach groups including the Filipino Friends of the Cathedral, Inc., which he once chaired and co-founded with Mrs. Lydia F. Cruz. Today, as he enjoys his retirement and third lease on life, he continues to engage in his other passion which is singing, strengthen family ties, and visit foreign lands. But it is his love of God and pure desire to help others that propel him to go on. His next mission is to help prevent blindness in the Philippines through cataract surgery. He will also coordinate with the Pastor family who owns an ophthalmology clinic in Batangas city. When asked to provide a ballpark dollar figure on the amount he has given to charity so far, he politely declined. He never kept track of how much he has given and does not intend to start now. He believes that one cannot put value on sharing with and caring for humanity. A very happy 80th birthday to a special human being, Dr. Ralph Cadano! Dr. Ralph Cadano
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The August 2017 priority dates DBM: Duterte’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:
Immigration Corner
Application Filing Date
FAMILY CATEGORY: First Preference
Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)
Second Preference
(2A) Spouse and minor children (below April 8, 2016 21 years old) of green card holder
September 22, 2015
(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder
July 22, 2007
December 8, 2006
Third Preference
Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.
February 1, 1995
January 22, 1995
Fourth Preference
Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.
February 8, 1995
April 8, 1994
Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again. Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.
LABOR CERTIFICATION:
Robles
AJPress
THE Philippines aims to be among the top 20 most competitive countries in the world, according to Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Chairman of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) Ramon Lopez. The DTI is set to include itself on the top 20 business-friendly economies by 2020 after years of being behind other countries. In the World Bank’s 2017 Doing Business Report released in October last year, the Philippines ranked 99th out of 190 economies, up only by a few notches from 103rd previously. It was far behind other Asian neighbors. “We don’t want to go from 99 to 75 to 50. Why don’t we go straight to 20?” Lopez said. According to National Competitiveness Council (NCC) private sector co-chair Guillermo Luz, the largest jump in recent history had been 30 notches when the country reached the 108th spot in the Doing Business 2013 report. “I want to give a reality check: we have improved and we have recorded the biggest gains but we are rated below the midpoint in ASEAN and that simply is not good enough. We cannot accept being 7th out of 10 in ASEAN; that is simply not acceptable,” said Luz in a report by Rappler. During the 5th Annual Ease of Doing Business Summit of the World Bank Group’s International
Second Preference
Advanced Degree (Masters)
Third Preference
Professional/ Skilled Workers
Other Workers
Non-Skilled Workers
Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
Finance Corporation (IFC), Lopez said it was possible to reach the target if business processes were not only streamlined, but also automated. He said this “may help the overall score for the ease of doing business.” As reported by Inquirer, in a separate statement, NCC said it had partnered with the New Zealand government, which currently tops the Doing Business survey, for a technical assistance program on ways to streamline and automate government procedures. The report has become a closely watched measure among foreign investors. “Remember, as we are doing these improvements … the other countries are also doing theirs. So, it’s really a race. We are improving and they are also improving so it’s possible that our ranking wouldn’t move. That’s why we have to sprint. We have to jump and target where we want to be,” Lopez said. To reach the goal, he said automation of business processes in both the national and local governments should already happen by 2018. “[This is] so that when we are assessed by the first quarter of 2019 for the October report, we should [already] see an improvement [in the rankings],” he said. To make the trade secretary’s vision a reality, the country needs to leapfrog at least 79 notches in the next few years.
SMC acquires Australian bottler by
September 8, October 15, 2007 2006
Application Filing Date
Top 20 by 2020, PH eyes being among the most competitive countries by Nathalie
Visa Issuance Date
doRis dumlao-abadilla
The acquisition was made by San Miguel Yamamura PackagCONGLOMERATE San Miguel ing International Ltd. (SMYPIL) Corp. (SMC) has scaled up its through its Australian subsidiary, regional packaging business with San Miguel Yamamura Australasia the acquisition of South Australian Pty Ltd. bottler, Barossa Bottling Services With this acquisition, SMC’s Pty. Ltd. (Barossa). packaging group expects the anBarossa is a specialist and in- nual contribution of its Australian dependent contract wine bottling and New Zealand businesses to and packaging facility serving reach 300 million Australian dolartisan wineries in Australia’s lars (P11.6 billion). Barossa, Eden and Clare Valleys, “We remain bullish on the Adelaide Hills and the Riverland. PAGE D2 Inquirer.net
Business Quote of the Week “The highest levels of performance come to people who are centered, intuitive, creative, and reflective - people who know to see a problem as an opportunity.” - Deepak Chopra, author and public speaker
Visa Issuance Date
Current
April 1, 2015
January 1, 2016
June 1, 2015
January 1, 2016
June 1, 2015
won’t cause debt crisis like Marcos’ time by beN
o. de VeRa Inquirer.net
THE “Dutertenomics” thrust of “Build, Build, Build” aimed at ramping up infrastructure development, which critics compare to former President Ferdinand Marcos’ public investment program, would not result in a debt crisis similar to the one that “plagued” the economy in early 1980s, the Department of Budget and Management said Friday, July 14. Also, amid expectations of sustained economic growth in the medium term, the country’s debt position would remain stable despite the planned increase in borrowings to fund the Duterte administration’s ambitious pipeline of infrastructure projects, the DBM said in a statement. “Prior to the crisis in 1983, capital outlays as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) hovered at 5 percent. This is comparable to the projected capital investment program of the Duterte administration,” the DBM said. For 2017, capital outlays as a share of GDP had been programmed at 5.7 percent, while the infrastructure spending-to-GDP
P8-TRILLION INITIATIVE. Under its “Build, Build, Build” program, the Duterte administration will spend over P8 trillion during its six-year term so that the share of infrastructure spending in the country’s gross domestic product will rise from 5.3 percent this year to 7.4 percent in 2022. Inquirer.net photo
ratio was at 5.3 percent. The capital outlays-to-GDP ratio had been projected to rise to 7.5 percent by 2022, alongside an increase in the share of the infrastructure budget to 6.9 percent of GDP. But the DBM said a difference lies in the sense that “the Duterte administration is more focused on infrastructure rather than other
capital outlays such as corporate equity and capital transfers to local government units.” Also, “economic conditions have changed that will enable the Philippine economy to weather external headwinds and avoid an economic/ debt crisis,” the DBM added. “Lending rates are at an alltime low; the Philippines gross PAGE D3
D july 15-18, 2017 • lA WEEKEND ASIAN jOuRNAl
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PH coffee wins international roasters contest BMW Group eyes Philippines as regional auto parts hub by iRis
Vicente AJPress
runs a prominent coffee shop and who grows 100 percent Arabica SAGADA’s very own Bana’s coffee trees in the scenic town Coffee recently drew recognition of Sagada in Cordillera, is the at the 3rd International Contest first ever entry of the Philippines of Coffees Roasted in the Coun- on the said competition which tries of Origin held in Paris last is organized by Valorization of June 28. Agricultural Products (AVPA) Bana’s Coffee owned by Goad AVPA is a non-government, Sibayan, a farmer/roaster who non-profit organization compris-
Goad Sibayan places depulped coffee beans on raised beds at his farm in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines.
SMC acquires Australian...
ing primarily of products, coffee industry specialists, and taste aficionados. Its main objective is to elevate coffee as a gourmet product around the world and give recognition to the excellence of producers. The award was present by AVPA President Philippe Juglar to Consul Rapunzel Acop from the Philippine Embassy in Paris and Butch Acop, and Rich Watanabe— the team behind this effort in presenting Bana’s Coffee to the international scene, at the Embassy of Peru in Paris. “What makes AVPA’s contest different from other coffee roasters’ contests is the importance it places on origin. The coffee producer’s role is primordial in choosing which varieties to grow and which roasting method and preparation to use to bring out the full aromatic profile of the coffee. Apart from putting importance on the concept of “terroir”, AVPA also emphasizes social equity and environmental protection as the best way to ensure the long-term sustainability of coffee production” Acop explained.
1.5, 3 -and 6-liter bottles. Prior to this acquisition, SMC’s PAGE D1 offers integrated winery services packaging group had 13 internaAustralasian market and will from bulk wine arrival to finished tional packaging facilities located continue to look for bigger and goods distribution. It operates in China (glass, plastic and paper better opportunities in that region. one filling line that runs at around packaging products), Vietnam In the meantime, our Philippine 2,700 bottles per hour. It has tank (glass and metal), Malaysia (comoperations will continue to expand storage capacity on site using a posite, plastic films, woven bags to meet growing domestic and storage vessels for around 130 and a packaging research center) export demands,” SMC president kiloliters. It has likewise developed and Australia (glass, trading, wine Ramon Ang said in a statement. a niche in the filling and labelling closures and bottle caps) and New Based on its website, Barossa of large-format bottles including Zealand (plastics and trading).
The joint effort of Sibayan and the Coffee Heritage Project (CHP), a non-profit private drive dedicated to help farmers grow quality-focused coffee, served as the avenue for Bana’s entry to the contest. “We hope that with this recognition, we are able to highlight Philippines Coffee and the great work of Filipino coffee farmers like Goad, growing one of the finest coffees in the world to be the true artisans of the Philippines’ coffee industry.” Watanabe added. There were 160 cuppings in French Press and/or Espresso of coffees from countries who participated in this year’s competition. Countries: Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Togo, Rwanda, Haiti, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico are among the most notable entries acknowledged by AVPA. The triumph of Bana’s Coffee earning a medal has helped the Philippines fix an imprint of having the finest coffee in the world.
by Richmond
meRcuRio Philstar.com
MANILA - German car maker BMW plans to ramp up imports from the Philippines as it seeks to make the country the group’s hub for automotive parts in the region. “I met the BMW Group here and they will be sourcing more automotive electronic parts from the Philippines as part of its ASEAN strategy,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a mobile phone message from Germany. Lopez said the BMW Group presently imports 16 million euros worth of auto parts from the Philippines. The trade chief said BMW intends to increase its imports in the coming years in support of its ASEAN strategy which identified Thailand and Malaysia as manufacturing hubs in the region
and the Philippines as auto parts supplier. “BMW also intends to bring latest plug-in hybrid vehicles and collaborate with the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines in building the necessary e-vehicle infrastructure such as the setting up of charging stations in the country,” Lopez said. BMW vehicles are exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Asian Carmakers Corp. (ACC). BMW previously had assembly operations in Bicutan in the 1990s. ACC president Maricar Parco said a revival of a local assembly plant is still unlikely in the near term as economies of scale would not be able to support local assembly operations. BMW Philippines, however, is bullish on seeing a double-digit growth in sales this year after a flat finish in 2016.
As part of SMC packaging arm’s continued venture in the Australasian region, the SMYPIL group acquired the assets of Endeavour Glass Packaging Ltd. in New Zealand, and 100 percent shares in Portavin in Australia earlier this year. The packaging group also took over the cork and wine closure Ishak Mastura, chairman and managing head of ARMM’s Regional Board of Investments business of Vinocor Worldwide Direct Lty. Ltd. in 2015.
ARMM investment pledges up 74% in 1st half by JulmuniR
i. JannaRal ManilaTimes.net
COTABATO CITY — Investment pledges in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) grew by nearly 74 percent to P3.65 billion in the first six months of 2017 amid the conflict in Marawi City that started in the third week of May. “Despite the Marawi crisis, the investment prospects of ARMM continue to show signs of resilience and dynamism because the [Marawi] crisis area has effectively been contained by the government,” said Ishak Mastura, chairman and managing head of ARMM’s Regional Board of Investments (RBOI). The first-half figure rose from the P2.1-billion tally recorded in the same period last year. The agency has so far registered three major projects this year. The first is the P32-million fish processing and cold storage project of Abing Seafoods and Cold Storage in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi that will allow fisherfolk to process, store and preserve their catch. The second is the P33.5-million cargo shipping project of J. Sayang Shipping Lines, Inc., also in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, for inter-island trade as well as cross-border shipping with Sabah, Malaysia. Lastly, RBOI approved the P3billion telecommunications carrier project of TierOne Communications International, Inc. (TierOne) for the region. The company’s original plan was to start with a rollout program in Marawi City. Because of the military offensive,
however, TierOne had to re-evaluate the plan. The Marawi rollout, company officials said, would still be implemented but in coordination with the rehabilitation and reconstruction program of the government. In the revised plan, the company said it would first roll out a pilot program by building facilities in the ARMM compound in Cotabato City that would serve regional agencies. TierOne will eventually cover the entire region with its P3-billion investment, but can still expand and infuse additional capital as needed. TierOne’s project will cover cellular service in the 2G, 3G, 4G and LTE networks, as well as broadband wireless internet, for homes and enterprises. It will also provide WiFi for public or common areas. Mastura said he expected more investments to come in during the second half of the year. “We expect banana plantation investments in Maguindanao to continue with hundreds of millions worth to be registered this year with RBOI. There is a port services project worth P100 million, a bulk water treatment project worth around P200 million, and a cacao plantation project that will pour in P1 billion, all of which will hopefully be registered this year,” he added. RBOI provides fiscal and nonfiscal incentives to ARMM investors. In 2015, the agency recorded a total of P6.5 billion in investment pledges, the biggest in the history of the ARMM.
DBM: Duterte’s ‘Build...
PAGE D1 international reserves are hefty; its macroeconomic fundamentals are sound with declining debt-to-GDP ratios and prospective growth rate of 7-8 percent pegged for the medium-term. These factors cannot be said for the years leading up to the 1983 Philippine economic/debt crisis, which led to skyrocketing debt-to-GDP ratios and debt service payments,” the DBM noted. As such, the DBM claimed that “concerns over a looming debt crisis, as a result of the Duterte administration’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program are unwarranted.” “Economic conditions have changed for the better, and we have learned from the mistakes of the past,” the DBM said. While the Duterte administration plans to spend up to P9 trillion from 2017 to 2022 to achieve a “golden age of infrastructure,” the DBM said it will finance the programmed wider budget deficit of 3 percent of GDP with a borrowing mix of 80-percent domestic, 20-percent external in order to mitigate foreign exchange risks. “Despite increasing the planned deficit, the Philippine economy will outgrow its debt burden as economic expansion (GDP growth) outpaces the growth in the rate of borrowing. Hence, the fiscal strategy is manageable and sustainable. This is measurable through the debt-to-GDP ratio. Given deficit spending of 3 percent of GDP, while growth rate is targeted to reach 6.5-7.5 percent this year and 7-8 percent from 2018 to 2022, (plus inflation of 2-4 percent), it’s clear that the ratio is bound to fall,” the DBM pointed out. “In fact, the debt-to GDP ratio
is projected to decline from 40.6 percent in 2016 to 38.1 percent in 2022. As compared to its Asean neighbors, the Philippines continues to post a steady debt-to-GDP ratio. Singapore, for instance, posted a high debt-to-GDP ratio of 98.2 percent as of 2016,” according to the DBM. “Furthermore, the Philippines’ external debt has also been decreasing from $77.474 billion in 2015 to $73.805 billion as of March 2017. This highlights that the country is doing well in paying off its debts,” it added. As for borrowing rates, the DBM noted that these “have plummeted in this era of low interest rates,” hence should be tapped to spend more on infrastructure. “With the cost of borrowing money at their lowest levels, we must take advantage of the favorable financing terms presented to us. This will provide funds for our ambitious infrastructure and social services program without squeezing our fiscal position with heavy interest payments,” the DBM said. As such, “concerns that the Duterte administration’s fiscal strategy may lead to indebtedness are therefore unsubstantiated, considering the current and expected levels of debt-to-GDP ratio, the hefty gross international reserves, and the low interest rate regime,” according to the DBM. “The government’s fiscal strategy is manageable and sustainable, as the expected gains from infrastructure development shall fuel economic growth. This growth will outpace the debt burden, and suitably, the Philippines will not be plunged into unreasonable indebtedness,” it said.
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CIGARETTE FIRM SELLS OUT TO JAPAN TOBACCO
DoF studying Mighty’s P25-B settlement offer by Mayvelin
U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net
Which country is the world’s leading economic power? A recent survey reveals Filipinos’ views. Composite photo shows skylines in New York and Beijing. Philstar.com photos
Filipinos increasingly see China as top economic power MANILA — Perceptions in the Philippines of the world’s leading economic powerhouses are shifting amid the Duterte administration’s rapprochement with China. Although more Filipinos still think the United States is the leading economic power at 49 percent, China is gaining a reputation as occupying the top spot, according to U.S.-based pollster Pew Research Center. In 2017, 25 percent of Filipinos saw China as the leading economy. The figure is a sharp rise from only 14 percent in 2015 following heated exchanges with the Philippines over overlapping claims in the South China Sea. Perceptions of the U.S. as the top economy, meanwhile, declined from 66 percent in 2015 to 49 percent this year, Pew’s Global Attitudes Survey showed. The rate is still slightly higher than the global median of 42 percent viewing the U.S. as the top global economic power. The waning reputation of the US as the most powerful economy is not isolated in the Philippines.
“Over the past year, perceptions of relative U.S. economic power have declined in many of America’s key trading partners and allies. The trend can be seen in several european countries, where views about the economic balance of power have fluctuated in recent years,” Pew’s report noted. The view that China is the leading economy followed the onset of the financial crisis nearly a decade ago. The survey is based on face-toface interviews conducted in five languages in the Philippines with a nationally represented sample size of 1,000. The margin of error is ±4.3 percentage points. Based on nominal gross domestic product, the United States remains the largest economy in the world, claiming 25 percent of the gross world product, according to the International Monetary Fund. The Western power is also the Philippines’ top trading partner after Japan. Filipinos’ views of China Favorable view of China among Filipinos has suffered a steady
decline from 2002 to 2014 before recovering in 2015. Interestingly, Filipinos’ opinion of China recovered from below 40 percent in 2014 to 55 percent in the past year despite its continued military buildup in the Philippines’ maritime backyard. This is higher than the median of 47 percent across 38 countries expressing a positive view of China. Around the world, a median of 58 percent of respondents do not believe the Chinese government respects the personal freedoms of its people. But this view on human rights in China does not hold in the Philippines, having shifted in recent years. “Views of China as a protector of personal freedoms have risen among Filipinos since 2014,” the report stated. Filipinos are similarly softer in their opinions of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and American President Donald Trump, according to results of a Pew survey released last month. (Camille Diola; Graphics by Jonathan Asuncion/Philstar.com)
The Department of Finance (DoF) said it was studying local cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corp.’s offer of a P25-billion settlement for its tax liabilities. This is after Mighty sold its manufacturing and distribution business and assets, along with the intellectual property rights associated with these assets, to Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Philippines Inc. for P45 billion. “We are studying the offer,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a statement on Wednesday, July 12. Three tax cases filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) against Mighty Corp. are pending before the Department of Justice (DOJ). These cases cover the firm’s non-payment of excise taxes due its cigarette products and the use of counterfeit tax stamps on its cigarette packs, which correspond to excise taxes valued by the BIR at a combined P37.88 billion. Mighty’s offer was higher than the P3-billion settlement offered by President Rodrigo Duterte in March. If approved, Dominguez explained that the settlement— which Mighty targets to happen by July 20—will only cover the deficiency excise taxes and internal revenue taxes of the company and its shareholders, and will be separate from the criminal charges that might be filed in court by the BIR against the company. In a letter to BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay dated July 10, 2017, Mighty President and Director Oscar Barrientos said he was confirming “the Company’s
Mighty Corp. owner Alex Wong Chu King (right) arrives with former NBI deputy director Reynaldo Esmeralda (left) and other aides at the NBI main office in Manila in March. Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman
willingness to settle all such excise and tax issues and respectfully offer as settlement of the Company’s shareholders’ and its officers’ liability in this regard the total sum of P25 billion.” Barrientos was quoted as saying in the letter that this settlement sum would be funded by means of an “interim loan” from JTI Philippines and the sale by Mighty and its affiliates of its manufacturing and distribution business and assets, along with the intellectual property rights associated with these assets, “including those owned by the company, Wong Chu King holdings Inc., and other affiliates to JTI or any of its affiliates for a total purchase price of P45 billion exclusive of VAT.” Based on its settlement offer, the total amount that Mighty would remit to the government include: the P3.5 billion in deficiency excise taxes on its cigarette products that are now the subject
of the three tax cases pending before the Department of Justice; P21.5 billion representing the liabilities of the company and its shareholders, as well as the company officers for all internal revenue taxes, including income tax from 2010 to 2016 and the tax period up to the closing of the proposed transaction with JTI; and all transaction taxes related to the agreement with JTI. “The initial payment of P3.5 billion will be paid by the company on the company’s behalf on or before July 20, 2017. A binding Memorandum of Agreement in relation to the Proposed Transaction (with JTI) will be concluded shortly (and prior to July 20, 2017) subject to finalizing terms with JTI and JTI completing its due diligence,” the letter read. The balance of P21.5 billion will be paid on or after the closing of the proposed deal with JTI, PAGE D5
Malacañang backs higher foreign ownership in utilities, says Pernia by Czeriza
valenCia Philstar.com
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia
of Representatives seeking to amend the statutory definitions MANILA - Amid an ongoing of public utility to open industries review of the Foreign Invest- like telecommunications, transment Negative List (FINL), So- port, power and water to more cioeconomic Planning Secretary foreign ownership. Opening up public utilities to ernesto Pernia said President Rodrigo Duterte prefers a higher 70 wider foreign ownership, Pernia percent foreign ownership cap in said, is among the economic republic utilities such as telecom- forms expected to be addressed by President Duterte in his upmunications and water. Raising the foreign ownership coming State of the Nation Adlimit for public utilities, however, dress (SONA). “There is a move to revise the requires an amendment of the Public Service Act which prohib- Public Service Act so that utilities its majority ownership by foreign like telcos can be redefined so that they will not be in the negaentities in public utilities. A bill is pending in the house tive list. This is because public Philstar.com photo
utilities are in the negative list,” said Pernia. “The President’s preference is up to 70 percent foreign ownership and 30 percent local ownership for utilities,” he added. The government’s economic team is currently reviewing the 2017 FINL which Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez promises to be “very liberal” in the sense that it will provide for the lifting of restrictions on foreign ownership in several industries like finance, mass media, and education and the practices of licensed professions. he stressed, however, that the
liberalization of foreign participation in specific industries would be only be done administratively, meaning the review cannot touch areas requiring legislation. Pernia said opening public utilities, particularly telecommunications, would benefit from increased foreign ownership. “I think the focus is on telcos because that’s where we are really deficient,” he said. The FINL determines investment areas where foreign participation is prohibited or limited. The list was last updated in 2015. PAGE D5
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TAX REFORM HEARING. Senator Sonny Angara, chair of the Committee on Senate Ways and Means, shares a light moment with Senators Cynthia Villar, Sherwin Gatchalian and JV Ejercito, as they discuss tax reform proposals being pushed by the executive department in a committee hearing on Wednesday, July 12. During the hearing the senators quizzed officials from the Department of Finance (DOF) on the impact of “removing value added tax (VAT) exemptions on commodities such as socialized housing,” among other concerns. The DOF said that the proposed tax measure would add P 80 billion revenue seen to help fund the P 8-trillion infrastructure rebuilding plan of the Duterte administration. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo
DoF studying Mighty’s P25-B... PAGE D3 it added. Barrientos also requested the BIR in its letter for a reinvestigation of its pending criminal complaints before the DOJ following the initial payment of the P3.5 billion, along with a certificate of
payment. “We also respectfully request the BIR to issue to the Company and its shareholders and officers following closing of the proposed transaction (with JTI) and the payment of the P21.5 billion the relevant Certificate of Availment
Malacañang backs higher foreign... PAGE D3 Meanwhile, the government is targeting to finalize by the middle of August the 11th Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL), identifying sectors that can be opened up to foreign investors, the Department of Finance (DOF) said. In an interview Tuesday night, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said economic managers have started in May the review of the foreign investment negative list. “About by the middle of next month,” Dominguez said when asked for their deadline to finalize the review of the list. The foreign investments negative list contains the areas of economic activity which are open to foreign ownership limited to a maximum of 40 percent of equity capital, as well as those reserved to Filipino nationals.
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Amendments to the foreign investment negative list are made not more than once every two years, promulgated through executive orders from the President. According to Dominguez, the DOF is just awaiting the comments of other economic managers before they can finalize the list. “We are waiting for the comments of everybody (economic managers), and from there we will move ahead with the revision of that negative list,” Dominguez told reporters. He said the government will have a dialogue with involved stakeholders once the list has already been completed. The new list to be released by the DOF this year will replace the 10th Regular Foreign Investment Negative List promulgated by former president Benigno Simeon
of Compromise, a final tax assessment for all the Company’s excise and other tax issues described above, and relevant tax clearances to the Company, its shareholders and officers,” the letter said. Barrientos committed to retire the operations of Mighty Corp. following the conclusion of its deal with JTI. Aquino III through Executive Order 184 in 2015. Under the 10th version of the list, 11 sectors — including mass media, cooperatives, private security agencies, small-scale mining, and retail trade enterprises with paid-up capital of less than $2.5 million, among others--are only reserved for Filipino investors. On the other hand, it allows 20 percent foreign equity on private radio communications network, and 25 percent equity on private recruitment agencies, contracts for the construction and repair of locally-funded public works, and contracts for the construction of defense-related structures. Foreign investors can also own 30 percent of advertising companies, and 40 percent of private land, educational institutions, public utility companies, and firms involved in the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources, among others.
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