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July 30-August 2, 2016
T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r
Volume 26 - No. 61 • 4 Sections – 32 Pages
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Fil-Ams witness historic moment as Clinton becomes Democratic nominee
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DATELINE
USA
frOM The AJPreSS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Fil-Am aide of Tim Kaine and former NaFFAA executive director passes away WAShINGTON, D.C. – hailed by filipino-American leaders, civil rights advocates and elected officials as a committed public servant and passionate community activist, Jose “Joe” Montano passed away peacefully on Monday, July 25 in his home in Jose “Joe” Montano
by ChriStina
m. oriel
AJPress
PhILADeLPhIA – Thousands of people packed the Wells fargo Center in this city on Thursday, July 28, as hillary Clinton formally accepted the Democratic Party nomination “with humility, determination and boundless confidence in America’s promise.” This moment signaled a new chapter in the country’s history, as the former first lady, senator and secretary of state became the first woman to be on the top ticket of a major U.S. political party.
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Clinton’s long-awaited speech, which capped the four-day national convention, touched upon issues like gun reform, immigration and the America she envisions under her leadership. She also praised Vermont Bernie Sanders — who endorsed her much to the dismay of his passionate supporters — for starting a political movement, and the outgoing administration led by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. Obama delivered his speech on Wednesday, July 27, highlighting the achievements under his tenure, as well as giving a glowing endorsement of Clinton.
by Dana
SioSon AJPress
Fil-Am police officer fatally shot in San Diego At least one suspect at large
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Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and runningmate Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine at the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 28. Photos by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
Duterte urged by former presidents Filipino-American labor leader Larry to exercise restraint on sea dispute Itliong recognized in by alexiS
romero
Philstar.com
LUCeNA CITY — former presidents have advised the Duterte administration to exercise restraint on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) row following the issuance of an international arbitral court ruling that voided China’s expansive territorial claim. President rodrigo Duterte said he would take the advice of his predecessors and be cautious in handling the issue to avoid placing the lives of soldiers at risk. “President (Gloria Macapagal- RARE ENCOUNTER. Former Presidents Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Fidel V. Ramos Arroyo) said caution. President Joseph Estrada went to the Palace on Wednesday, July 27 for a National Security Council (Joseph) estrada said restraint. meeting with incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte.
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Family members suspect cover-up, wonder why officer still on active duty
The suit announced on Thursday, July 29 accuses the city and two of its officials of failing to train The City of Long Beach faces a the Long Beach Police Department federal civil rights lawsuit filed on (LBPD) to properly approach situbehalf of the family of Mharloun ations involving people suffering Saycon, who allege his death at from mental illness. the hands of police last December Attorneys Joe Sayas, Dan was an unjustified murder. u PAGE A4
anthony liCaS AJPress
the 2016 Democratic Party platform
MANILA – United States Secretary of State John Kerry visited President rodrigo Duterte at the Malacañang Palace for his courtesy call before noon on Wednesday, July 27. Summarizing the meeting, presidential spokesperson ernesto Abella said the two discussed ways on how to strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and the US. “My purpose in coming to Manila today is to underscore the value that the United States places on the alliance and the true friendship and relationship that we have with the people of this country,” Kerry told on Wednesday during a morning joint press briefing with Philippine foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. Duterte and Kerry also discussed common issues such as terrorism, crimes, and maritime security, with proposed solutions. Arriving on Tuesday, July 26, Kerry’s trip to Manila is the last leg of his Asian trip after attending ASeAN meetings in Vientiane, Laos. EDCA to be fully implemented During the joint conference with Kerry, Yasay affirmed the full implementation of the enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (eDCA), an agreement “envisioned to advance the implementation of the PhUS Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).”
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AAPI groups praise progressive platform adopted at the Democratic National Convention by momar
G. ViSaya
AJPress
PhILADeLPhIA – The 2016 Democratic Party Platform was officially ratified at the Democratic National Convention this week, and it adopts many recommendations and suggestions from various AAPI groups such as the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) and its member organizations.
Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar
Civil rights case filed against Long Beach police for lethal shooting of Fil-Am by eriC
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Kerry meets Duterte to boost US-PH ties
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A GUNfIGhT in San Diego on Thursday, July 28 between police and at least one gunman claimed the life of a filipino-American veteran police officer while leaving his partner and one suspect hospitalized. At least one unnamed suspect opened fire on officers shortly after being stopped by Jonathan “JD” DeGuzman and his partner, Wade Irwin of the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) in the city’s Southcrest neighborhood, according to a statement released by the department.
“…There has never been a man or a woman, not me, not Bill, nobody more qualified than hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America,” he said. In making her case against her opponent in the general election, republican nominee Donald J. Trump, Clinton painted him as unpredictable and someone the country should not trust to make critical decisions. She even appealed that she would be a president for all Americans — even those who identify with a different party.
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Secretary of State John Kerry and President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, July 27, had a working lunch where they affirmed the “long-standing” relationship between the US and the Philippines. Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications
Philippines to host Miss Universe in 2017 by Dana
SioSon anD JoSeph almer B. peDraJaS AJPress
MANILA – The Philippines will officially host the upcoming Miss Universe beauty pageant early next year. “I would like to inform everybody that the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant will be on January 30, 2017 here in the Philippines,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo announced on Thursday, July 28.
“We have a president who comes from Mindanao, and our Miss Universe is from Mindanao, so I think this is the best time for us to do the Miss Universe here in the Philippines,” she said. According to Teo, the DOT is considering holding the event at the Mall of Asia Arena
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In a press conference, DOT Secretary Wanda Teo confirmed that the Philippines will host the next Miss Universe pageant. AJPress photo by Noel Ty
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From the Front Page
Fil-Ams witness historic moment... PAGE A1 t “I will be a president for Democrats, Republicans and independents. For the struggling, the striving and the successful. For those who vote for me and those who don’t. For all Americans,” she vowed. For Filipino-Americans here for the convention, witnessing
Clinton’s nomination has been an emotional experience and a testament to their campaigning efforts during the primaries. California Assemblymember Rob Bonta, a Clinton delegate, said a Hillary Clinton presidency would mean “new opportunity and new access for the Fil-Am community” and the next generation.
“As the father of two daughters, one of whom is here to witness this, we’re transforming the world we live in and we’re showing there’s a whole universe of possibilities for our children going forward. That’s what any parent or leader hopes to be able to pass onto the next generation,” he said. Meriam Reynosa, a 33-year-old from Dublin, California, agreed that Fil-Ams would have a stronRob Bonta, Loida Nicolas Lewis, Fritz Friedman and Gregory Cendana ger voice under Clinton. “For Hillary to be the first woman president, it opens the door and sets an example that Filipinos, minorities and women can have more seats at the decision-making table,” Meriam Reynosa said. “We can be visible, whether it’s in her cabinet or really reaching out and mentoring other young Fil-Ams to continue the good work of our Democratic Party and our leaders like Hillary Clinton.” Grace Barrios, vice president of outreach for the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD)
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Bernie Sanders and family
Photos by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
Filipino-American labor leader... PAGE A1 t The Preamble of the DNC platform recognizes Filipino-American Larry Itliong and his contribution to the labor movement and struggle for racial justice. Itliong, described by many as as “one of the fathers of the West Coast labor movement” was a Filipino-American labor organizer who organized West Coast agricultural workers starting in the 1930s. He rose to national prominence in 1965 when he and other Filipinos walked off the farms of area table-grape growers and demanded wages equal to the federal minimum wage. “It was an important acknowledgement of the role that Asian Americans have played in this country for a very long time, particularly in the area of civil rights,” Karen Narasaki, a civil and human rights activist in the community told the Asian Journal. “To be held up together with Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, and Dolores Huerta, to be acknowledged with that company is an important and symbolic achievement for our community.” Narasaki, who was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as a commissioner on the United States Commission on Civil Rights, spoke at the AAPI Caucus on Wednesday, July 27, along with prominent Asian American and Pacific Islander community leaders. “It is a signal that we have become very visible at the DNC,” Narasaki added. For Filipino-American Gregory Cendana, having Itliong’s name included in the preamble is a testament to Itliong’s and his colleagues’ hard work. “The mention of Filipino-American labor organizer and someone I call one of my Manongs – Larry Itliong – next to historical figures like Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, and Dolores Huerta reaffirms the important achievements and the vital place our community has in American history,” reflected APALA Executive Director Gregory Cendana. “We are not a population to be forgotten heading into November’s general election.” Community support Last month, NCAPA officers
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From the Front page
Fil-Am aide of Tim Kaine...
Falls Church, Va. He was 47. Montano was US Senator and Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine’s Northern Virginia Regional Representative. In a statement, Kaine said, “Joe was an outstanding representative of this office, enthusiastic servant of the people of Northern Virginia, and admired colleague by all who worked with him. We will remember him by his positive energy, tireless work ethic, and infectious smile.” “We are all saddened and overcome with grief,” said NaFFAA National Chair JT Mallonga. “Joe personified NaFFAA’s aspirations for community empowerment, which he demonstrated in ways that are admirable and inspiring. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.” Montano served as NaFFAA’s Executive Director from 20002002. During his tenure, he coordinated NaFFAA’s FilAm Vote, a nationwide voter mobilization program that involved extensive outreach to Filipino American communities and student campuses across the country. “Joe enjoyed organizing getout-the-vote campaigns, especially among the youth, always reminding them to be engaged and let their voices be heard, loud and clear,” recalled Gloria T. Caoile, NaFFAA’s founding director of FilAm Vote. “In the trenches, one could not help but feel his energy. He lived his life to empower the disenfranchised and marginalized and to create pathways for many!” Fighting for Filipino veterans Steven Raga, NaFFAA Regional Youth Director, also recalled how
Joe Montano was among a group of leaders who convened a youth summit in August 2006 to develop strategies for community engagement. Photo by Jon Melegrito
Photo courtesy of Allan L. Bergano
Montano inspired him the first time he attended a Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (FIND) conference: “Joe patiently broke down the importance of the FilVets Full Equity campaign, how critical it is for students to take part in greater community advocacy, and the principle of fighting for those who fought for you. I’ve
Kerry meets Duterte... PAGE A1 t “I assured Secretary Kerry that we will help, that we will pursue our planning process for a full implementation of EDCA,” Yasay said. He noted that EDCA will help in preparation related to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and at the same time, contribute to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization efforts. “The US-Philippines mutual defense treaty has been a cornerstone of security in the region for decades,” Kerry added. According to the Kerry, EDCA allows the United States to pro-
vide rapid assistance to the Philippines in the event of emergency because it enables the preposition humanitarian relief supplies, stating the Typhoon Yolanda (International name: Haiyan) response as an example. EDCA was signed in 2014 during US President Barack Obama’s visit in Manila. US on South China Sea dispute Regarding the maritime disputes involving South China Sea, Kerry affirmed that the United States were ‘not claimants’. “The United States does not take a position on a competing sovereignty claims to the land
forgotten many of my FIND experiences, but I won’t forget that. Joe gave me and countless others that initial clarity and motivation to put community before ourselves.” Proud of his father who served in the U.S. Navy, Montano took up the cause of Filipino World War II veterans “with dedication
u PAGE A5 features of South China Sea but we do take a strong position on protecting the rights, the freedoms, and lawful uses of air and sea space as defined by International law,” he stated. At the same time, Kerry urged all claimants to exercise restraints and work to reduce tensions, hoping matters will be resolved in a peacefully. “We hope to see a process that will narrow the geographic scope of the maritime disputes, set standards for behaviour in contested areas, lead to mutually acceptable solutions, perhaps even a series of confidence-building steps,” he added. Yasay thanked the US government for its statement of support for the arbitration decision and its call for restraint by all parties.
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Fil-Am police officer fatally shot... PAGE A1 t DeGuzman, who had served 16 years with SDPD, suffered multiple gunshot wounds while Wade, a nine-year veteran of the police force, was struck in the torso. Both were transported to the University of California San Diego Medical Center where DeGuzman was later pronounced dead on Friday, July 29. Wade is expected to survive his injuries. During a press conference on Friday, SDPD Chief Shelley Zimmerman said the violent incident unfolded “extremely quickly…in seconds to a minute or so.” An individual thought to have participated in the shooting is in custody and is currently in critical condition while recovering from a gunshot wound. Officers found the suspect in a ravine near the location of the shootings. Before 8 a.m. on Friday, police investigations led officers to a house in the neighborhood of Shelltown, about a half-mile away from the initial crime scene, according to the Associated Press. SDPD surrounded the building and spent hours trying to coax the suspect to surrender, but when officers finally went inside, they
discovered that the suspect had escaped. SWAT officers arrived at another house about two blocks away that became the site of a second standoff shortly after 1 p.m. Roughly an hour-and-a-half later, police entered the home and found that the suspect had again evaded arrest. His whereabouts are currently unknown. DeGuzman served with distinction during his years on the police force. In June 2013, he and four other officers stopped a man driving a van full of explosives, thwarting what might have been an attempted bombing. In August of 2003, DeGuzman was awarded the Purple Heart after he was stabbed during a routine traffic stop. DeGuzman is survived by his wife and two children. Zimmerman said she had worked with the slain officer before she became police chief and described him as a “loving, caring husband and father.” “This is gut-wrenching,” said Zimmerman. “He cared. He came to work every single day wanting to just make a positive difference in the lives of our community, and that’s why he lost his life.” (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)
From the Front page
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Fil-Ams witness historic... PAGE A2 t and also a Clinton delegate, said that it is about time for the U.S. to elect its first woman president. “The Philippines has had two woman presidents and in our lifetime, the fact that we can have a woman president in the US, [makes me] so proud to be part of this history and contribute to making this happen,” she said. Fil-Am Republicans last week in Cleveland for the Republican National Convention contended that Filipino values align with those of the Republican Party and highlighted what a Trump presidency would mean for the community. They cited the Filipino values of hard work, family, religion and self-reliance. Philanthropist and community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis, a Clinton delegate from New York, said, “Cleveland was spewing out hate, division and anger against ‘the other.’ They were encouraging violence against Hillary. It is so unAmerican.” She said that though many Filipinos admire Trump for being a businessman, they must also look at his record.
“He filed for bankruptcy four times,” she said. “That’s not someone we want running our country.” Fil-Ams interviewed here asserted that the Democratic Party is more inclusive and addresses issues relevant to the community. “To me, that’s what it means to be American: to not move forward based on fear, division and hate, but to move on through inclusion and a view that we’re all in this together,” Bonta said. “This is the party that best represents the Filipino-American community.” Reynosa said, “it’s about family, unity, coming together and being really progressive. We stand on the backs of our immigrant parents. We are there to fight for immigrant rights, equitable pay, education — that’s what Filipinos and Democrats stand for.” Joshua Price, a Fil-Am delegate from Little Rock, Arkansas, said that being a part of the Democratic Party “is the only way to go if you want to have a voice in politics.” “For Filipinos, [identifying] as a Democrat is the really the only option. I attended an event that said 30 percent of Filipinos said they don’t know if they identify as Democrats or Republicans,” he said. “To me, that just shows that Filipinos need to be educated on the issues, which affect them, and the stances of the parties.” Leading up to November, members of Fil-Ams for Hillary are mobilizing efforts to get Fil-Am communities across the country to
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton joins President Barack Obama on stage after he delivered a speech urging Americans to vote for her this November. AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel
Filipino Americans—including California Assemblymember Rob Bonta, Jason Tengco, AAPI outreach director of the Clinton campaign, Irene Bueno and Fritz Friedman—gather at the CAPAC luncheon on Wednesday, July 27.
register to vote and look at the issues that affect them, such as the economy, immigration and education. “Filipino Americans have a reputation as a community that gets things done — not only [did] we have a visible presence at the convention, but we do the hard work in the campaign by being on the ground, knocking on doors, and making phone calls. Our population is a critical one in key states and across this na-
tion,” Bonta said. Barrios added that Filipinos, especially those who became naturalized citizens, shouldn’t solely be informed about the politics back in the Philippines. “The U.S. is where we live and are raising our children, so it’s important for Filipinos here to get involved with politics, not just in the Philippines. Here is where things are happening and that will influence our country back home,” she said.
Civil rights case filed against Long Beach police... PAGE A1 t Stormer and Caitlan McLoon say the patrol officer who shot Saycon, Vuong Nguyen, made no attempt to peacefully interact with the Filipino American before shooting him eight times inside Looff’s Lite-A-Line arcade on December 4 of last year. Representatives of the LBPD issued a statement saying Saycon, who had been diagnosed with bipolar depression, was waving around a knife and frightening customers before officers arrived. “The suspect failed to comply with any of the officers orders. Officers then deployed less lethal options, which included an electronic control device and baton,” according to the statement. LBPD officials say the officer opened fire only after non-lethal measures failed to subdue Say-
con. However, the family’s legal team said Saycon hadn’t even risen from his chair before officers attacked him. On Thursday, the Saycons’ attorneys said they have collected video evidence and witness statements corroborating their understanding of the events. “They made no effort to engage with Mharloun, who was seated, [and] was calm,” said McLoon, who added that less than two minutes transpired between the officers’ arrival and Saycon’s death. “The pocket knife was closed in his lap and they could visibly see that when they entered.” Meanwhile, the family’s lawyers say the LBPD has not complied with their requests for documents and materials relevant to Saycon’s case. Sayas told the Asian Journal the department also declined to
file official comments in court responding to the suit’s allegations. “We are willing to listen,” said Sayas. “If they have contrasting or contradictory evidence we would like to see it.” Saycon’s relatives are particularly interested in hearing the 911 call from that evening, which Stormer said would have been released by now under normal circumstances. Saycon’s brother, Mike, said he has become suspicious of the LBPD’s secrecy and wonders if the department is attempting a cover-up. “I want to hear it … If you have nothing to hide, give it up,” said Mike Saycon, who described his sibling as well-liked by Looff’s regulars during Thursday’s press conference. “He wasn’t a violent person aside from his disability.
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Duterte urged by former... PAGE A1 t President (Benigno) Aquino (III) advised the same,” he told soldiers and policemen in Camp Guillermo Nakar here. “During my watch, we will take it a bit slowly… Your life is not something I can just throw away.” Duterte, the four former presidents and other members of the National Security Council (NSC) met last Wednesday to tackle a host of issues including the West Philippine Sea maritime dispute. During the meeting, Duterte also thanked Aquino for initiating the case against China. “He (Aquino) won for us the case. I told him ‘thank you very much for giving us the ace card,’” the president said. Duterte stressed the need to maintain the territorial integrity of the Philippines despite his administration’s readiness to talk to China about the dispute. He said former President Fidel Ramos has agreed to act as special envoy of the Philippines to the Chinese government. “Let Ramos navigate... maybe
(there will be) final talks and we will face them and that’s the time we will be frank on each other,” Duterte added. “This is our position. This is what we have, we will not go out of it. We will talk,” he added. In 2013, the Philippines challenged the legality of China’s territorial claim, calling it excessive and exaggerated. China claims almost 90 percent of the South China Sea but this is being contested by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan. Early this month, the Haguebased Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s claim has no legal basis. China, however, has refused to recognize what it described as an “illegal” ruling. Malacañan described last Wednesday’s NSC meeting as “an extraordinary show of good will and unity to discuss defense and security issues facing the nation.” “The tone was respectful and consultative,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.
Miss Universe pia Alonzo Wurtzbach paid a courtesy call on president Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañang last July 18. photo posted by Wurtzbach on her Instagram account
Philippines to host... PAGE A1 t
in Pasay City, while President Rodrigo Duterte requested the organizers to stage other Miss Universe-related events outside Metro Manila to avoid adding to the traffic. Among the possible event venues include Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, and Vigan. Earlier this month, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach paid a courtesy call on the president to convince the latter to agree with the DOT’s plan to host the next Miss U pageant. The president subsequently expressed his approval but clarified that the Philippines will not spend a single centavo. “Dili ko (I will not [spend for it]),” Duterte emphasized. Teo also reaffirmed that “the private sector will shoulder” the $11 million budget for the pageant.
The DOT secretary divulged that after she took office, she personally planned to host the next Miss Universe pageant as the event will boost the country’s tourism economy. “Once Pia announces that Miss Universe is going to happen here, people abroad will start looking at the map and see where the Philippines is. And, we’re saying, we’d love to have you in Philippines,” she noted. This will be the third time the pageant will be held in the country. The Philippines first hosted the event in 1974 at the Folk Arts Theatre where Amparo Muñoz was crowned. In 1994, the country hosted the pageant for the second time at the at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), where Sushmita Sen of India took the crown.
Fil-Am aide of Tim Kaine... PAGE A3 t
and zealous commitment,” said NaFFAA National Chair Emeritus Loida Nicolas Lewis. “Joe’s enthusiasm was infectious when he walked the halls of Congress or marched with our veterans on the streets. He always knew what was at stake.” At NaFFAA’s founding conference in August 1997, Montano was among the youth leaders who rallied the community to march to the White House and support the Filipino Veterans’ demand for equity and justice. The Rescission Acts passed by Congress in 1946 stripped them of their rightful benefits. Because he was “a tireless advocate for issues of concern to both the Filipino American and AAPI communities, we all feel the impact of his loss,” pointed out Sonny Busa, Chairman of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC) and a regional director of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP). Passion for politics Charmaine Manansala, the 2008 Obama Campaign AAPI Vote Director, described Montano as “a giant in the Fil-Am community, a strong organizer in Virginia politics, and a mentor to many young Fil-Am up and comers. Our community shines a little less bright today but let’s continue the work that Joe loved so well.” As NaFFAA Executive Director, Montano represented the organization in Washington’s policy-making circles, working in coalition with other AAPI leaders on such issues as comprehensive immigration reform, hate crimes, workers rights and other civil rights concerns. “Joe was among the many young people – a new generation of eager activists – who responded in the early 1990s to a call to form Filipino Civil Rights Advocates (FilCRA), a national civil rights organization,” recalled Lillian Galedo, executive director of Filipino Advocates for Justice. “He shared his passion for political involvement through hard work and humor. (I loved how funny he could be.) He
found his niche in electoral politics -- fired up by the election of the first African American President; working tirelessly for liberal and progressive candidates. Joe embodied his generation’s desire to bring the Filipino community to the national political stage.” Cultural activist During his college days at George Washington University, Montano pursued more than a passing interest in Philippine history, arts and culture. Like many of his contemporaries who were born in the U.S., he wanted to learn as much as he could about his roots and national heritage. The Philippine Cultural Society at GWU provided a venue for exploring cultural identity and sharing experiences with other students. He later availed of further opportunities to learn more by performing in various cultural shows for Tanghalang Pilipino ng DC and taking on various dramatic roles in QBD Ink’s theatrical productions. QBD Ink director Reme Grefalda remembers Montano’s auspicious start, and how he racked up a variety of roles: as a menacing military goon in “Hacienda the Musical,” as a runaway teen mentored by Rizal in “Oyang Dapitana,” as a member of the firing squad that killed Rizal, and as a member of the tribunal in “In the Matter of Willie Grayson.” Joe the actor also extended to being stage manager, stage hand, and assistant to the producer. Montano also volunteered with Mabuhay, Inc.’s Camp Mabuhay Project, which endeared him with Filipino children adopted by American parents. “Joe realized early on that the children need to have role models and to be anchored to their birth culture in their ongoing struggle to define who they are and what they bring to the table, especially in the context of being Filipino American,” says Mencie Hairston, a founder of Mabuhay. “At camp, you saw several kids hanging on to him and competing for his attention. Of course, he always managed to be the ‘coolest’ kuya (big brother) in the room.”
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VP Robredo to keynote NaFFAA gala NEW YORK —Newly-elected Vice President of the Philippines Leni Robredo will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming National Empowerment Conference of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Inc. Gala at the Valley Forge Casino Resort Hotel in King of Prussia, at the outskirts of Philadelphia, PA Saturday, August 6. Robredo accepted the invitation extended by NaFFAA National Chairman Emerita Loida Nicolas-Lewis. The conference with its theme “Celebrating Our History and Building a Brighter Future” will be held August 4-7, 2016 hosted by NaFFAA Region One, chaired by Aida Rivera of Media, Pennsylvania. The four-day conference will focus on the development of key strategies to address the political, social, health, education and economic concerns of the burgeoning Filipino-American community in the United States. Plenary sessions will take up issues that impact the FilipinoAmerican community including immigration reform, health care, voter participation, electoral politics and business development. A long list of speakers and resource persons have been drawn up by organizers of the conference among whom are opening day keynote speaker Bobby Scott, a Virginia Congressman of Filipino parentage; Philippine Vice President Robredo; Philippine Consul General in New York Ambassador Mario Lopez de
Vp Leni Robredo
CG M. De Leon, Jr.
Leon, Jr.; international Filipino community organizer and philanthropist Loida Nicolas-Lewis; JT Mallonga, current NaFFAA national Chair, Jon Melegrito, NaFFAA Communications Director; Rose Tibayan, multimedia journalist and many others. Hosting the conference in Valley Forge is NaFFAA Region One (R1) whose members come from Filipino-American organizations in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. NaFFAA is a US national organization of Filipino-American associations made up of 12 Regions. The organization is governed by five national executive officers and 15 board of governors. The national executive officers are JT Mallonga, Esq., National Chairman; Emraida Kiram, National Vice Chair; Mariela Fletcher, Secretary; Brendan Flores, Treasurer; and Giselle Rushford,
Loida Nicolas-Lewis
Executive Director. The Board of Governors are Brendan Flores, Romeo Jurani, Emraida Kiram, Rozita Lee, Merit Salud, Jelly Carandang, JT Mallonga, Jon Melegrito, Ed Navarra, Rodel Rodis, Bing Branigin, Gloria T. Caoile, Jing Espitiru, Steven Raga, and Loida Nicolas-Lewis. As for the Chairs of the 12 Regions, they are Region 1 – Eastern Region, Aida Rivera; Region 2 – Capital Region with the States of Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia – Bing Branigin; Region 3 – Midwest (West) with Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin – Jelly Carandang; Region 3 – Midwest (East), with Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio – Armin Sayson; Region 4 – Southern Region, with Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands – Cesar Abueg; Region 5
Jt Mallonga
– Central Region, with Colorado, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming – Dennis Apuan. Region 6 – Southwest Region, with Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas – Anthony Guevara; Region 7 – Pacific Northwest Region, with Alaska, Idaho Oregon and Washington State – Mariela Fletcher; Region 8 – Northern California Region, with the Counties North of San Luis Obispo and Kern – Rudy Asercion; Region 9 – Los Angeles Region, with Counties South of San Luis Obispo, Kern, and Los Angeles, through the northern boundary of San Diego – Noel Omega; Region 10 – San Diego Region, with San Diego, Riverside and Imperial – Myrna Reyes; Region 11 – Nevada Region, with Arizona, Nevada and Utah – Amie Belmonte; and Region 12 – Pacific Islands Region, with Hawaii, Guam, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa – Rouel Velasco. (Tambi Wycoco)
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AAPI communities urged to apply to DACA by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
LOS ANGELES – There are more than 152,000 Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) who qualify for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. However, less than 15 percent of eligible AAPIs actually apply for the program. Moreover, nine out of every 10 AAPI who are currently eligible to request DACA have not done so. The statistics — which come from the Migration Policy Institute and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — were the topics of interest at a roundtable discussion about DACA on Thursday, July 28 at the Asian Americans Advancing Justice Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA) headquarters. DACA is an immigration program introduced by the Department of Homeland Security in 2012 under the Obama administration. DACA grants young undocumented immigrants two years of work authorization and exemption from deportation. Recipients may renew for the program once their two years are up. Experts from Advancing Justice - LA, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), the White House Initiative for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI) and the USCIS spoke about the impact of DACA and why more qualified AAPI immigrants should seek resources to see if the program is right for them. While there is no structured research explaining why people opt not to apply for immigration programs, there are common concerns among those individuals including fear that the family would be split and costs for application and legal counsel among others, according to Odette Keeley, national media network director for New
America Media. Moreover, Keeley said that the stigma associated with being an undocumented immigrant, which still runs strong in the U.S., may discourage those to come forward and seek consideration for DACA. Keeley, who moderated the roundtable, said that creating awareness and reducing the concerns regarding DACA is “critical in the midst of antiimmigration rhetoric and the uncertain aftermath of the ‘non-decision decision’ of the Supreme Court immigration case [U.S. v. Texas].” Martha Flores, chief of staff for the LA District Office of USCIS, said that the ruling does not affect the existing 2012 policy. Individuals that meet the criteria may continue to file requests and renewals for the program. DACA is temporary and does not provide a pathway to citizenship, according to Flores. Plans to implement a more permanent program that guarantees a pathway to citizenship are up to the U.S. Congress. But the speakers emphasized that eligible individuals should come forward because of the impact DACA has a lasting impact on the recipients and their families. According to data from the USCIS, those who receive DACA have better job opportunities. Of DACA recipients, 69 percent reportedly found jobs with better pay, 57 percent found jobs that fit their education and training and 54 percent found jobs with better working conditions. “It’s clear that DACA provides real advantages to hard working individuals and families,” said Reva Gupta, senior policy advisor for WHIAAPI. “The opportunities that are available for DACA recipients allows them to come out of the shadows and become more part of the mainstream society and mainstream economy. “The impact of DACA can be
life changing on these individuals, these families and these communities and our country. These youth are our leaders of tomorrow and it’s really important to remember that, and it’s critical we invest in them and their families.” Shiu-Ming Cheer, senior staff attorney at NILC, said that even though DACA may not be the right program, legal counsels can point them in the direction of other immigration programs, like the U visa for victims of crime or the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status program. The roundtable also featured DACA recipients who both agreed that the benefits associated with DACA have impacted their lives for the better. Filipino DACA recipient Anthony Ng came to the U.S. when he was 12 years old. While he was hesitant about applying for DACA, he sought out help from Advancing Justice-LA, which led him to pursuing his dreams. “If you asked me eight years ago if I thought undocumented people could become lawyers and doctors, I would have told you no because of the clear barriers we face,” Ng, 27, said at the roundtable. “DACA has allowed me to have some peace of mind that I can have a bright future and not be separated from my family. If it were not for DACA, I would not have been able to pursue a meaningful career in the nonprofit sector.” The USCIS’ criteria for DACA eligibility requires applicants to: • Be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012 • Have come to the U.S. before turning 16, • Have continuously lived in the U.S. since June 27, 2007 until present time • Have had no lawful status on June 15, 2012 • Be currently in enrolled school, have graduated, received certification from high school obtained through General Education Development (GED) certificate or have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the U.S. • Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor or three or more misdemeanors and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety All the speakers encouraged those interested in applying to DACA to contact accredited legal services. To contact Advancing Justice – LA, call their English line (888) 349-9695 or their Tagalog line (855) 300-2552. To contact NILC, call (213) 639-3900. To learn more about DACA, visit www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/ consideration-deferred-actionchildhood-arrivals-daca. To avoid immigration scam and fraudulent attorneys, USCIS offers tips on how to avoid scams at www.uscis.gov/avoidscams.
7/26/16
Community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis holding a placard at the luncheon meeting of FilAms for Hillary at the sidelines of this year’s Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
Francis Stevens, a Filipino-American police officer in Virginia says that Filipinos are good at doing fiestas, parades and other social events and that the community should also consider to be more active in politics. AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya
AAPI votes may become swing vote in November elections Fil-Ams for Hillary challenges the community to register and vote by MoMar
G. Visaya
AJPress
PHILADELPHIA – FilipinoAmerican Democrat leaders and members of FilAms4Hillary officers across the country are united in saying that in order for Filipino-Americans to be recognized nationally as a community, there is an extreme need for community members to come together and harness the power in numbers by registering to vote in the upcoming November elections. “We Filipinos are good at our fiestas and parades, our social events, beauty pageants. We go all out. But when it comes to being political, we tend to hide and it’s time for us to get out of the shadows and get involved,” Virginia Filipino-American police officer Francis Tabones Stevens told the Asian Journal. “That is the
only way our voices will be heard and get the things we need.” Stevens is the only Filipino delegate from his home state. He looks forward to seeing more Filipinos become active and engaged in politics. “We really need to get more involved politically. There are very few Filipinos in legislature. We only have one in Virginia and I’m hoping to be the second one. We need more representation,” Stevens said. Community leader and businesswoman Loida Lewis issued a challenge to the Filipino-American community to register and vote in the upcoming November elections for the future of their children. “We are the second largest Asian American population here in the U.S. and it is about time that we exercise our right to vote. Let’s
start to organize and be a force in communities where we live,” said Loida Nicolas Lewis, challenging the Fil-Am community to action. “This election is so important to our lives as Americans and Filipino-Americans. On the one hand, we have somebody who is a demagogue, a congenital liar, someone who is just concerned about himself. And on the other, we have Hillary, and she has been for children, women, equal pay, disabled and education.” Lewis was reacting to a discussion that Filipino-Americans have had traditionally low voter turnout through the years. “Maybe because most of us are first generation, our thoughts mostly are still to the Philippines. We send money through our remittances. More than $25 billion was sent last year and of that
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Filipino-American labor leader... PAGE A2 t testified before the Democratic National Convention Platform Drafting Committee, providing recommendations for how the Democratic party platform could address the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Various organizations such as the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) issued a statement commending the progressive plans outlined in the 2016 Democratic Party Platform. APALA National President Johanna Hester commented: “It is clear the voices of the AAPI community mattered to the drafting committee this year. Throughout the platform, we see a common thread of inclusivity and dignity and respect for all people. This is a platform that APALA can get behind, and we need to stand behind a candidate who will champion our issues and not stifle our voices.” Members of the AAPI commu-
LEADING THE WAY. Filipino-American leaders Jason Tengco, National AAPI Outreach Director for Hillary for America (right) and Francey Lim Youngberg, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Engagement, Housing and Urban Development (left) are active in promoting the cause of AAPI communities across America. They are part of the larger group of AAPI community leaders who led the AAPI caucus at the recently concluded Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
nity that served on the platform committee included: Vida Benavides, former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa; San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee; Karen Narasaki; and Dilawar Sayed. “There is no question that this platform is the most inclusive of the AAPI community in history,” said NCAPA National Director
Fil-Am aide of Tim Kaine...
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Elected officials mourn Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe commended his “passion and boundless enthusiasm,” while U.S. Rep. Don Beyer praised him as “a voice for the people of Northern Virginia” who was “committed to achieving progress through public
service. We need more like him, and his death at such a young age fills me with sorrow.” Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va) said in a statement that Montano’s knowledge, energy, and infectious humor and personality were part of his character and charm. “His engaging style was his
Christopher Kang. “It adopts our overarching priorities that would resonate throughout government: a theme of inclusion; an understanding that data should be disaggregated to fully address AAPI needs; and a belief that government services should be culturally and linguistically appropriate.” n strongest quality and he will be missed not only by Team Kaine, as he liked to identify himself as part of, but by my staff who worked closely with him, and the constituency he served,” she said. Born in Norfolk, VA., Joe is survived by his parents, Lori and Jose Montano, his sister Amy Lopez and brother Ben. (NaFFAA)
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AAPI votes may become swing vote... PAGE A6 t amount, $25 billion was sent last year and 40% of that amount comes from Filipino-Americans,” Lewis explained. “Our thought then is, ‘It doesn’t matter to me who the President and Vice President are. As long as we have a job, it’s okay.” But things should no longer be that way, since America is facing a very important election, every single vote counts. “We are slowly being recognized as a community, whether it is about organizing or about campaigning for causes and personalities. With our number alone, we can really swing votes,” said Rob Bonta. Bonta is the first Filipino American to be elected to the California State Legislature. “We have the talent, the genius, the acumen. We have the willingness to roll up our sleeves and we’ve done that, but we could also do more,” Bonta added. “Let’s continue to bring more impact. It was fantastic when our community broke that glass ceiling in California, but we need more.” Swing vote On Wednesday, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus took the main stage at the Wells Fargo Center for 15 minutes to express their
When it was controlled and he was on his medication he was just like any of us.” The Saycons’ lawyers allege that his death is part of a larger pattern of excessive force exhibited by police. “The City of Long Beach has, in our opinion, engaged in a practice of allowing rogue cops to kill people,” said Stormer during a press conference announcing the suit’s filing. “I know that sounds like an incredibly harsh statement, but the events of last year have shown repeated killings of individuals who have some level of mental illness.” Lawyers for the plaintiffs said Looff’s owners were on good terms with Saycon and were aware of his condition. Stormer said they had called police hoping they would escort Saycon to somewhere he could get treatment. Instead, officers allegedly entered Looff’s with guns drawn and, in rapid succession, tazed Saycon, beat him with a baton then shot him according to his family’s attorneys. More than 25 percent of the
he intends to do but clearly these are important aspects of moving towards a solution to UNITED States Ambassador to the drug problem,” Goldberg the Philippines Philip Goldberg said in an interview with ANC’s on Thursday maintained they Headstart. are committed to fighting the ilUS Secretary of State John legal drug trade in the country, Kerry also said that civil and huas well as around the world. man rights need to be protected Goldberg said the US has the to achieve security. same problem but stressed that Kerry met with Duterte at the the issue should be dealt within Malacañan Palace on Wednesthe rule of law, following due day, July 27 to discuss variprocess and respecting human ous issues including the South rights. China Sea dispute and the fight “I think that President (Rodrigo) Duterte said during his SONA speech, as well as the inaugural speech, that that’s what Philstar.com
Rob Bonta, the first Filipino elected to the California Legislature, says that there needs to be more Filipinos in politics and challenged the community to be more involved. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
support for Hillary Clinton. “We have gone from being marginalized to becoming the margin of victory in key swing states and districts all across our nation,” said Rep. Judy Chu, Chair of CAPAC. “America needs a president who will fight for us. Someone who rejects the hateful rhetoric too often used to divide us and believes that America’s diversity is our greatest strength. That is why we’ve got to elect Hillary Clinton as our next President of the United States.” Rep. Chu is the first Chinese American woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress. “We’re with Hillary because
she is for comprehensive immigration reform. She gets it,” Chu added. Those who stood beside Chu were fellow CAPAC members, including Rep. Bobby Scott, the first man of Filipino heritage to be elected to the Congress, Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, the first Asian American woman ever elected the U.S. Senate and Rep. Grace Meng of New York, the first Asian American elected to Congress from the East Coast. “I’m Congressman Bobby Scott from Virginia. I’m the first person with Filipino ancestry to be elected as a voting member of Congress and I support Hill-
A
US supports Duterte’s war on drugs
by Patricia Lourdes
Civil rights case filed against Long Beach police...
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 30-AUgUSt 2, 2016
Viray
ary Clinton because she believes that all children deserve a quality, affordable education so they can reach their full potential,” Rep. Scott said. “This election is so important and AAPIs can make the difference. Our voting power has doubled over the last decade. We are now the swing vote in swing states like Virginia, Nevada, and also right here in Pennsylvania,” Meng said. “I call upon my fellow AAPIs to organize, campaign, and to vote so that we will be the margin of victory in 2016 and beyond.”
volved in the shooting and Police Chief Robert Luna, and calling 462 people shot and killed by and improve interactions between for a thorough investigation into the conduct of officer Nguyen, police nationwide in the first half police and mentally ill people. They are also seeking punitive who is still on active duty with of 2015 were suffering from a state of mental or emotional cri- damages against the officers in- LBPD. n sis, according to the Washington Post. Although most of the 124 cognitively impaired people killed were armed, the majority of officers who shot them were dispatched on requests similar to those made by Looff’s owners, termed “5150 calls,” rather than reports of a crime. More often than not, officers knew beforehand they were entering a situation involving a person with a mental illness. “Mharloun needed medical care more than anything else,” said Sayas who contends that Nguyen violated the American Disabilities Act by attacking and subsequently killing a person known to have a mental disability instead of helping him receive treatment. “Disability rights are civil rights. Disability rights are human rights.” Saya, Stormer, McLoon and the Saycon family hope the tragedy of Saycon’s death will result in policies and programs that will prevent instances of excessive force
against crime. Goldberg noted that both Duterte and Kerry are former prosecutors and they both know the legal aspects of the fight against crime and drugs. “They know about how to go about the legal aspects of this but we made clear that this is the way that we deal with it and this is the way that everyone should deal with it. I think that’s at least from the Philippine side that they said they were going to proceed,” Goldberg said.
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OpiniOn
Features
Super tiny minority
IT’S not easy being a member of the opposition when the president enjoys a trust rating of over 90 percent, with a near-total 97 percent in Mindanao. A democracy, however, needs a functioning check and balance system, which is normally provided by the political opposition. Even an immensely popular president is vulnerable to the abuse of power and needs a credible opposition to discourage this. Beyond promoting the proper use of power, the opposition can also help ensure that the annual national appropriation is utilized for the intended purposes, with projects and programs implemented properly. In short, the political opposition has an indispensable role to play in promoting good governance and making democracy work. Under the current setup, the opposition in the House of Representatives is also expected to initiate proceedings to remove from office a president, vice president, justice of the Supreme Court or head of a constitutional body who be-
trays the public trust. Impeachment is a numbers game, and with fewer than 50 members who can’t even unite, the current House opposition is unlikely to muster the votes to forward a complaint to the Senate for trial. But when public trust has been genuinely betrayed and impeachment is not used merely as a partisan weapon of harassment, the numbers can shift as the system of checks and balances kicks into place. In both chambers of Congress, the opposition currently constitutes a super tiny minority. Its role in a democratic government, however, is anything but minor. The opposition must be up to the task, performing its role with efficiency and integrity. (Philstar.com)
Guest Editorial
Philstar.com photo
100 days to the November 8 election: Clinton vs Trump IT is official! It will be Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton vs Republican nominee Donald Trump in the final stretch of the race to the White House after both were officially nominated in their respective party conventions during the past two weeks. After testimonial speeches and videos making the case as to why their respective candidate deserves to be the 45th President of the United States, both major political parties have now shifted to the general election mode, with attacks targeted against each other, as both have made history being the nominees with the highest unfavorability ratings. Surveys reveal that FEAR of the nominee of the opposing party being catapulted to the highest position in the nation has now become the stron-
gest motivation for Americans to go out, campaign and cast their The Fil-Am votes for their nominee. Donald Trump enjoyed a bump Perspective in the polls immediately following the Republican National Convention (RNC) last week. This week, Clinton dominated Trump. A poll released on Thursday, Gel sAntos-relos July 28 showed Clinton with a massive lead over Trump in Pennsylvania -- a state both presidential candidates are zeroing in on. The Suffolk University poll showed Clinton with a 9-point lead over Trump in Pennsylvania, as the Democratic National Convention (DNC) took place in Philadelphia. According to Business Insider,
It’s on us to see her
Rhizomes
Prosy AbArquezDelAcruz, J.D. “Many women are caught up in ‘not being equal’ dilemma. The moment one sees herself as equal is the moment this country will begin to change.” – Carol Gstadler I was at a White House Summit on Women in Washington, D.C. on June 12, when I heard the passionate message of Vice President Joe Biden. Since 1970 he has championed the issue of sexual violence on women, where the assault on them is really an abuse of men’s power. That it is up to all of us to consider being a champion of change in preventing harm and inflicting trauma on another. If such were our American culture, we would find that every woman with the same opportunity as men and we would soon be freeing humanity. Biden emphasized that women hold half of the sky and where abuse is happening, it is a God-awful waste. He went on to say that a man raising his hand to his child is an ultimate abuse of parental power. Cynthia Hogan went to do a study in the National Football League, commissioned by thenSenator Joe Biden. Her study “ripped the mask off the epidemic of rape.” She found out that 67 percent of women suffered sexual assault and survivor networks were organized in the United States. “First, it starts with a bonfire, a pep rally, then, the teams get together. In one case, he walked with her to her dorm, where she went to get her coat, as she was getting cold. He jumped her into the shower,” Biden shared with the summit. What made it worst was the resident advisor told her she was not raped at all. It led him to change the law from knowing the assailant, the only way then to file a rape charge, to one of second-degree rape. He felt that for women to feel they are no longer abused,
is to know they are believed, but also the best way to seek justice is for women to identify their attacker. Seven women, according to the vice president, pulled him aside after the law was passed, to tell him they have been raped. He emphasized, “Every woman has the right to her life, free of violence. We have to take off the social blinders that make it easy to overlook violence. Get men involved. It’s on us!” Honest Hillary as a dedicated public servant On July 19, television cameras kept their lenses focused on the crowds at the Republican National Convention. When they chanted, “Lock her up,” as Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn spoke, I was so horrified. I remembered what Biden said, “We have to take off the social blinders that make it easy to overlook violence.” Yet, the Flynn went along, and he said, “Yes, lock her up,” as Los Angeles Times reported on July 22, including “having Hillary shot for treason.” Do you recall such reckless and unacceptable taunting done during a political convention? From an orchestrated climate of fomenting hatred, to now a rush to unconscious calls of violence towards her? Then, of course, Donald Trump mentioned Libya in turmoil, and hyped up fears of law and order, suggesting Clinton is responsible for all worldwide law and order breakdowns, including the loss of young black men’s lives, to enrage this audience. Trump spun his zero foreign policy experience into its opposite, equating himself subliminally, as if the Messianic Savior, coming onstage enshroud in white light. Meanwhile, he lied that Clinton -- former secretary of state -- is responsible for all the ISIS’ assassinations and terror in several countries as if she is part of ISIS. While the Republican Party’s frontrunner came out of white light onstage, as if to suggest he comes from the heavens, God sent -- much like Pres. McKin-
ley’s Manifest Destiny, who proclaimed he prayed to God and the next day, God ordered him to have US expansionism, resulting in the conquest of the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico. And why not, when Pres. GW Bush can invade Iraq on a pretext that weapons of mass destruction can be found there and repeated those lies to justify 175,000 US soldiers sent to Iraq? After the effect of clouds onstage, Trump suggested that he himself is God -- that only he can save America. In his acceptance speech, he explicitly stated, “Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it.” He calls it Americanism, making America great again, similar to Pres. McKinley’s expansionism, brought on “by the powerful forces of racism, nationalism and especially commercialism of US actions,” as George Mason University noted as to factors in how McKinley’s war of conquest was justified. Trump’s disregard for decency, civility, truth and reasonableness have gone to a subhuman low, a reckless disregard of others, misfitting a presidential candidate, and an outrageous low from a man. Biden spoke of an American standard: of how a man should show decency to any woman, “It is on us!” Even more so, I would think, with a higher regard and respect for a woman presidential candidate. No modern day Joan of Arc Who is Joan of Arc and why do I bring her up? She ended the Hundred Years’ War, and one who led France into victory against England. She convinced prince Charles of Valois for her to lead the French army into the embattled city of Orleans and came back victorious against England. When King Charles VII was crowned, Joan of Arc was captured and tried for heresy, witchcraft, and burned at the stake at age 19. Later, she was elevated as a saint and became a symbol of French unity and nationalism.
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even when Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson and Green Party nominee Jill Stein are included, Clinton’s lead remains 9 points. Immediately after Clinton formally accepted the nomination on Thursday night, a CNN instant poll on Hillary’s speech showed that 71 percent of those who watched the DNC said it was very positive and overall 86 percent positive. On the other hand, 57 percent of those who watched the RNC said they found Trump’s speech to be very positive, and overall 75 percent positive. Among viewers who viewed the speeches nega-
Street Talk GreG b. MAcAbentA I WENT through the transcript of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte with a sincere desire to experience the emotional impact that it had on Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar. He said a preview of the speech made him cry. At the risk of seeming like a cold-hearted individual, I felt no such emotional high. No such luck. First of all, it was hardly a report on the state of the nation in its various facets – and not just the state of criminality in the country, specifically the drug menace, and the broken justice system. In his opening words, Duterte said he had no taste for raking up the sins of his predecessors, although he did state that those found guilty of violations of law would be made answerable, albeit with due process, The SONA was in fact a report on the State of the New Administration’ plans, programs and policies - whatever one could make of them, from a rambling disjointed speech. This is not to belittle the honest effort of the new president to express himself in the manner that he thought best. Remember that it was that manner of expressing himself that persuaded over 16 million Filipinos to vote for him. It may be assumed that many of those millions would not recognize a coherent speech if it bit them on the nose. But as someone interested in the wisdom and profundity of national leaders – never mind eloquence, grassroots sincerity is more inspiring – I had to find a way to piece together the thoughts of our president in his first report to the nation. Following Duterte’s trend of thought, frankly, took some effort. The process reminded me of the old copy reading days in the Kislap-Graphic Magazine (circa 1957) where the editor’s mandatory tools, aside from the blue
tively, 12 percent felt negative about Clinton’s speech, compared to Trump’s 24 percent negative rating of last week’s speech. There are 100 days before Americans cast their vote in November, but before then, we need to be discerning in getting to know each candidate through their campaign sorties, interviews, speeches, debates and by reading more about their characters, track records, visions, platforms, and plans for America.. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Trying to appreciate the SONA pencil, were a pair of scissors and scotch tape. One had to go through each manuscript to find a paragraph that could logically follow the lead. And one had to search for and piece together sections of the manuscript to come up with a logical and coherent sequence. That’s what I decided to do with Duterte’s SONA. You see, he kept jumping from topic to topic with no apparent concern for developing each one. What made it worse was his penchant for ad-libbing, depending on which subject took his fancy. By focusing on a specific topic – say, the drug problem and the broken justice system – I succeeded in finding related paragraphs in various sections of the entire speech, and transposed them to where I thought they logically belonged. That way, I managed to get a more comprehensive view of Dutete’s thoughts. For easier identification, I labeled each related topic or paragraph with a heading; ·Justice system, crime and the drug menace · Back to drugs · Uplift people’s welfare by fixing the justice system · People’s welfare with reference to criminality · Media killings · Back to the broken justice system · Back to drugs · Educational development related to drug education · Back to drug problem Out of nearly 9000 words in the entire speech, including ad-libs, this topic accounted for 2.137 words. Of that only 24 words were devoted to educational development and that had to do with drug education.. Streamlining the civil service was the next favorite topic of Dutete, accounting for 1,250 words. DENR, Gina Lopez, global waming, garbage and Laguna Lake took up 1,116 words, beating Infrastructure development and the traffic problem which took 1,021 words. The paeans Dutete gave to Lopez accounted for the margin. Internal security, the Bangsamoro issue, the CPP-NPA-NDF and
lumads accounted for 757 words. Squatters and poverty alleviation rated 593 words. While Duterte’s other favorite topics, Federalsim, took 615 words and the Freedom of Information executive order had 472 words. What about topics close to the heart of business and related to the economy? The economy and tax reform rated only 151 words. Jobs and entrepreneurship had 209, health care and reproductive health took all of 111 words, while agriculture and tourism development took 65 and 20 words, respectively. Also given only passing mention were women’s rights with 85 words and natural calamities with 56. Foreign relations and the West Philippine Sea issue accounted for 149 words. No ad libs. That’s one word less than clean governance, which had 150 words – but included a rationale that corruption and inefficiency at the lower local government level could be beyond the national government’s control. I think this SONA gives the country an idea of where the new president intends to focus his passion. There are issues and concerns that different sectors may think are important and require more – or at least as much - attention and diligence as those in Duterte’s comfort zone. One would have difficulty understanding why education, health care, agricultural development and tourism development merited only passing mention. I think Duterte is intelligent enough to appreciate their importance, But prudent enough not to discuss topics beyond his full comprehension. That’s the function of the presidential staff – or maybe they’re still warming their seats. Perhaps he intends to delegate those issues and concerns to the heads of Cabinets or to Comgress. But while the President can delegate authority, Duterte cannot delegate responsibility and accountability. Duterte did end on a poignant note: “There are many among us
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D ateline PhiliPPines Robredo opposes lowering age of criminality Ombudsman leads 2016 Magsaysay awardees by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
Vice President Leonor “Leni” Robredo said that children should not be included in the war against illegal drugs, adding that human rights are the “core and soul” of the Philippine constitution. Robredo said on Tuesday, July 26—the day after the 17th congress opened—that the age of criminality should not be lowered from 15 years old to the proposed age of 9 years old. if passed, young children may be criminally charged and legally punished. earlier that day, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte urged congress to pass House Bill 002, which would lower the age of criminal liability. Supporters of the bill argued that children are “already fully informed” by the age of 9, according to DZRH News. They cited that children of that age are already capable of information sharing through technology. “i am opposed to that, being one of those who pushed for the revised Juvenile Justice Law,” Robredo told reporters at the Reception House in Quezon city. “The age of criminality under the law is already efficient, and it scares me that since there are efforts to restore death penalty, a child could be sentenced to death.”
Robredo said that the government should protect the youth citing various factors that are out of their control like inferior parenting and supervision, peer pressure, family issues, poverty and social isolation that drive them to commit crime. The state should take into consideration these crucial factors, and children should not be included in the illegal drug crusades conducted by law enforcement, Robredo said, noting that the it is the government’s duty to uphold human rights. “While i agree that human rights should not be used as an excuse to commit crime, let’s not forget that our constitution remains the bastion of human rights,” Robredo added. “We should remember that this is the core of all the steps we take in governance.” Youth advocacy groups have also come out against House Bill 002, like the Philippine Action for Youth Offenders and the child Rights Network. They released a joint statement said that the bill undercuts children’s rights and does not fix criminality among children. They added that lowering the age “has a profoundly negative impact on young people’s mental health and physical well-being.” Additionally, it would likely
increase the number of children with lengthy detentions, which makes them more likely to become habituated defenders since the harsh jail conditions are not conducive to personal betterment. “children have been reported to experience torture, physical, emotional and sexual abuse while in detention,” the statement read. The United Nations children’s emergency Fund (UNiceF) also spoke out against the bill, citing that juvenile developmental factors that should be considered when dealing with young children that commit crimes. “Putting children in jail has long-lasting damaging effects on their cognitive, psychological and neurological health, harming their overall development,” UNiceF Philippines said in a statement. “children, especially the most marginalized and at risk, must be treated with a sense of dignity and self-worth…Philippine society must work together to create an environment where the youth will acquire non-criminal attitudes.” According to Amnesty international, more than 50,000 children have been criminally charged and detained since 1995. Most of these children are victims of poverty, limited education and are offspring of drug users. n
Duterte addresses solutions to Manila traffic woes by dana
sioson AJPress
WiTH the traffic congestion continuously affecting daily commuters and the Philippine’s economy negatively, President Rodrigo Duterte laid out his administration’s plan to address the issue during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 25. Duterte asked the congress, led by his allies Senate President Koko Pimentel and Speaker of the House of Representatives Pantaleon Alvarez, for ‘emergency powers’ to solve the crisis immediately. “The worsening traffic situation could be logically addressed, if congress would also accord emergency powers to the agencies concerned,” he said. “Kung gusto niyo ng madalian,
nasa inyo ‘yan (If you want it to be quick, it’s up to you). if you give it fine, fine. if you don’t we will take the longer route, slowly.” For people who would worry about graft and corruption, he assured them that “this will be a clean government.” Duterte also pointed out the revival of the operation of the Pasig River Ferry Service System as another option for the severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila. it will serve as an alternative mode of transportation for passengers coming from the east side of Metro, to reach specific destinations within the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Taguig, Marikina and Quezon city. He also noted the intensification of anti-colorum campaign and out-of-line apprehension, including the removal of terminals,
stressing that this will be done immediately. “To address lack of road infrastructure in Metro Manila, usage of existing roads will be maximized. Thus, there is a need to cooperate and coordinate with LGUs to map out secondary routes and to consult various stakeholders, including the public transport operators,” he added. Regarding the passenger capacity congestion, Duterte expressed that from the current 16 trains, with a total of 48 cars per hour, it will be increased to 20 trains with a total of 60 cars per hour. “Specifically for the LRT, the operating hours shall be extended from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. And to absorb more passengers, delays in the procurement of additional trains shall be addressed soonest,” he noted. n
by Helen
Flores Philstar.com
MANiLA – Ombudsman conchita carpio-Morales is one of this year’s recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards, Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize. The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) cited Morales, 75, for radically improving the efficacy and credibility of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) and showing the way toward a more coherent, concerted action against corruption. “The board of trustees recognizes Morales’ moral courage and commitment to justice in taking head-on one of the most intractable problems in the Philippines; promoting by her example of incorruptibility, diligence, vision and leadership, the highest ethical standards in public service,” the RMAF said in a statement. She “raised the independence and quality of the OMB’s factfinding investigations, evidence
(Top row, from left) Conchita Carpio Morales, Thodur Madabusi Krishna, Bezwada Wilson; (bottom row) Vientiane Rescue, Dompet Dhuafa, and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers.
build-up, prosecution strategies and case management to ensure that meritorious cases are not sabotaged, withdrawn or dismissed. She is, quite simply, an inspiring public servant,” RMAF added. Morales was appointed by for-
mer president Benigno Aquino iii in 2011. From her appointment until 2015, the conviction rate of cases handled by the OMB before the Sandiganbayan rose from 33.3 percent to 74.5 percent, the foundation said.
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Dateline PHiliPPineS
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President denounces extrajudicial killings by Catherine
S. Valente ManilaTiames.net
EVEN AS he reiterated his vow to crush illegal drug syndicates, President Rodrigo Duterte denounced extrajudicial killings and said he would put it “under control.” “We cannot build a nation over the dead bodies of our own citizens. I’ll have to control [it],” the President said in a speech during oath-taking ceremonies for officials of the League of Cities of the Philippines and League of Provinces of the Philippines Wednesday, July 27. The death toll in the war against drugs has hit 667 since the President’s election victory on May 10, based on an independent tally by ABS-CBN News. Police operations have killed 429 people while unidentified gunmen have killed 182. FiftySTREET BRAWL. Manila policemen scuffle with members of the League of Filipino Students who held a rally near the US Embassy to protest the six were identified as victims of enforcement of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the US and the Philippines. ManilaTimes.net photo Bob Dungo vigilante killings. Duterte told local government executives on Wednesday night he had become the “whipping boy” for the casualties, but arPAGE A8 t thousands and millions watching up to say you deserve our full gued that the drug problem had During one of our trips abroad, television -- without fundamen- measure of trust and respect! It bears repeating what Biden it was a scourge to be carrying a tally giving her a righteous deblue passport and to introduce gree and full measure of respect said, “Every woman has the right oneself as an American citizen. -- he stopped being a presidential to her life free of violence. We by llaneSCa t. Panti It got scary for a while, while candidate. Instead, he became a have to take off the social blindManilaTiames.net we were in Paris, France, and street thug who was “politically ers that make it easy to overlook in Canada, when Pres. GW Bush raping” her, denigrating her to violence. Get men involved. It’s PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte was in power. It took a dialogue make it easier for her to be phys- on us!” has changed his mind and now I am standing with Clinton, with folks that we are citizens ically attacked by anyone, taking wants Charter change done who believe in peace, and Pari- her meritorious public service as and I am joining my voice with quickly by Congress through a sians and Canadians spoke of the Secretary of State and disposed others. No more of this toxic poConstituent Assembly instead of primary role of the United States of it as if she was dead meat, he litical rhetoric, Donald Trump, a costly Constitutional Convenkept repeating Clinton means you do not deserve to be my in setting the tone for peace. tion, his top congressional ally Secretary of State Hillary Clin- death, destruction, and the only voice! You do not get to pobared on Thursday, July 28. ton embodied that role, for four thing missing was an actual litically dress down this woman Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez of presidential candidate, not unyears, as America’s ambassador butcher knife to cut her up. Davao del Norte said this was Biden is right, “Sex without der our U.S. democracy, and of goodwill and peace, and for the consensus reached by the that period, many felt safer as consent is rape, and if you can- call it your remotely presidential National Security Council (NSC) American citizens, while they not give consent because you “Make it America Great Again” Wednesday night during a meetare unconscious, it is rape. If you campaign! traveled abroad. ing in Malacañang, which tack*** Yet, now Trump attempts to don’t say, Jack, not at my house, led Duterte’s proposal to shift to scourge Clinton, as if burning you are an accomplice. It is nev- Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a a federal form of government, her on the stake, recalling Joan er, never, never a cultural justifi- weekly column for Asian Journal, called among other important issues. cation for dehumanizing another “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press of Arc. “At first, the President wantTrump’s acceptance speech at human being. It is wrong when a for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan ed a Con-Con but on second the RNC attributed evil actions of country holds back half of their Magazine. Her training and experiences are in thought, because it involves ISIS, as if Hillary Clinton is the population, half of their brain- science, food technology, law and community a huge sum of money, it was head of the group. When he at- power on the sidelines, they hold volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. agreed upon that Congress tributed the destabilized condi- back societies. Believe her, com- degree from the University of the Philippines, a would form a Constituent Astions in Libya, though Clinton fort her, accompany her in her law degree from Whittier College School of Law sembly to revise the current in California and a certificate on 21st Century is not Libya’s head of state, he journey to recovery.” Constitution after last night’s “The moment one sees her- Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School unconscionably and unacceptNSC meeting. It will be cheaper ably equated her to death and self as equal is the moment this of Government. She has been a participant in and faster,” Alvarez told memdestruction, all that was missing country will begin to change,” as NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter bers of the Management AssoGstadler said. Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. was a physical butcher knife. ciation of the Philippines (MAP) I see you, Donald Trump and I She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, When Trump threw her down in Makati. into the gauntlet of hatred and of hear you are not my voice! I see Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, Under Article XVII, Secverbally abusing her in front of you, Hillary Clinton and I stand in pursuit of her love for arts. tion 1 of the 1987 Constitution, amendments to the Charter may be proposed by Congress “upon a vote of three-fourths of all its Members.” Alvarez’s timetable calls for a draft of the new Constitution in one year, after which there will be a public information drive. “By 2019 polls, we will have it ratified by the people. In 2022, we will elect leaders based on new Constitution. Can we do it? The Duterte administration is committed to do it,” Alvarez said. Malacañang however indicated on Thursday the new plan to push for Con-Ass was not yet final. “It was discussed as a possibility considering the prohibitive costs should they (Congress) begin the process soon,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said. Abella noted that other huge expenditure items were “looming,” particularly the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections in October as well as proposed
It’s on us to see...
Funeral parlor attendants carry the body of Ed Borces, a suspected drug lord, who was shot and killed by Talamban police after raiding the suspect’s house in Sitio San Jose, Barangay Talamban, Cebu City. Inquirer.net photo by Lito Tecson
reached crisis proportions. “It’s a drug crisis. 170,000 surrenderees. Is that a police problem? The police cannot solve it,” he said, referring to drug suspects who had turned themselves in to authorities. Military camps will be used
as drug rehabilitation centers as a stopgap measure, until more rehabilitation centers are built, Duterte said. “The military has large reservations. It’s going to be barracks style for those who are recalcitrant,” he added. n
Duterte eyes Cha-cha through Constituent Assembly salary increases for the Philippine National Police. Stiff price tag A nationwide election of ConCon delegates will cost the government P6 billion to P7 billion, the Speaker said. The Con-Con price tag was confirmed by Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista, who added that costs will go higher if the nationwide plebiscite that will ratify the new constitution is included. “That P6 billion to P7 billion is for the election of delegates alone. That does not include its operations which include fees for their venues, as well as the plebiscite proper,” Bautista said in a separate talk before MAP members. Alvarez pointed out that ConAss will be cheaper because constitutional amendments will be done by incumbent lawmakers – 24 senators and 292 House members. Duterte had wanted to call a Con-Con to make the process more representative. Proposed resolutions in Congress seek to bar relatives of lawmakers from running in the election for delegates, to prevent politicians from dictating the outcome. But a Con-Con faces budget constraints, Alvarez said. “And how can you be so sure that the relatives of lawmakers won’t be elected as Con-Con delegate?” Alvarez argued when quizzed about how representative a Con-Ass would be. “I understand that there are fears on Con-Ass. But let me tell you. You have nothing to fear. We are committed to doing this for the people,” he added. The Speaker was referring to the longstanding aversion to the Con-Ass as a means of amending the Charter, as it could allow sitting lawmakers to propose self-serving amendments such as lifting term limits. Unicameral Under a federal system envisioned by Alvarez, the Senate will in effect be abolished – the country will have a unicameral parliament and at least 11 independent states (regions) under one federal (central) government.
Poorer regions will be grouped with wealthier ones to ensure that all states have enough resources. Caraga region will be merged with the Davao region, for example. Mindanao will have three independent states: Eastern Mindanao, Western Mindanao and the Bangsamoro. Visayas will have two independent states: Eastern and Western Visayas. The eastern Samar and Leyte provinces will be grouped with Cebu, Bohol and Negros provinces. Panay island, Palawan, Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon in the west will all be under one state. Luzon will have the State of Bicol, the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Northern Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region. The President will remain head of state, and the federal government will retain exclusive jurisdiction over foreign affairs, national defense, the police and monetary policy. “Opportunities now are confined in Manila. Under a federal government, states can draft their own economic policies, such as implement an open trade system like Hong Kong and Macau, impose their own tax laws … manage their own resources,” Alvarez explained. “This will create opportunities. If there are more opportunities within regions, I don’t see why poverty won’t be addressed,” he said. Under a unitary government, provinces have to beg for their share of resources from Manila, he claimed. “This system has stunted development,” Alvarez said. But for Kabayan party-list Rep. Harry Roque, Alvarez’s timeline is not feasible and there is no support for Charter change. “I do not think there’s enough support in the Senate for the amendment for federalism,” Roque, an opposition lawmaker, said in a text message. “Even if the Senate goes along, I think people will reject the amendment since there is no popular clamor for it,” Roque added. n
”But we should not despair. Like someone wrote: It is when the night is darkest, that dawn breaks. We are imbued with resiliency that has been tested and proven. More difficult times As in the past. We have a bond to act together. We have to help each other. For then and only then can we truly prevail.
“And the Filipino, disciplined, informed, involved, shall rise from the rubbles of sorrow and pain. So that all the mirrors in the world will reflect the face of a passion that has changed this land. “Daghang Salamat.” Let us all hope fpr the best. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com).
Trying to appreciate the...
PAGE A8 t whose emotional wounds are still fresh and painful to the touch. We cannot erase the images of death and destruction from our minds. We cannot wash away the stench of rotting flesh from our noses. And there are many of us who are still waiting for the help that was promised.
Ombudsman leads 2016 Magsaysay... PAGE A9 t Morales also prioritized the filing of cases against high-ranking officials, sending a strong signal that OMB is earnest in its anticorruption campaign, the foundation added. The OMB recently filed corruption charges before the Sandiganbayan against former vice president Jejomar Binay over the alleged overpriced Makati Parking Building. The foundation also said Morales is the first ombudsman to use the waiver in the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth – which is required of government officials and employees – as basis to secure bank records in impeaching one of the country’s highest officials. The RMAF was apparently referring to the impeachment of the late chief justice Renato Corona in May 2012.
Morales expressed gratitude to the RMAF for choosing her as an awardee. “In choosing me as an awardee, the foundation is also honoring the men and women of the Office of the Ombudsman who have faithfully toiled and persevered with me in our shared commitment to excise the cancer of corruption that has afflicted our country for decades,” she said in a statement. “As family and colleagues celebrate with me this recognition, I am fully aware that this fight remains a challenging one. Every day we continue to deal with inadequacies in the justice system and vestiges of entitlement among powerful individuals,” she added. She said the RMAF’s affirmation of the OMB’s work gives her and her co-workers “added inspiration and encouragement to
carry on and remain focused, undaunted by those who persist in not only plundering public funds but, more seriously, destroying our moral fabric as a people.” Aside from Morales, other awardees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award include Bezwada Wilson and Thodur Madabusi Krishna from India, Dompet Dhuafa from Indonesia, Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers from Japan and Vientiane Rescue from Laos. Morales finished her Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1964 and Bachelor of Laws in 1968, both from the University of the Philippines. She passed the bar in 1969. Prior to becoming the ombudsman, she served as Pasay City regional trial court judge, Court of Appeals justice and a Supreme Court associate justice. n
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2 ‘narco generals’ to face trial – Napolcom SAF takeover: P1.1-M contraband seized at Bilibid by Jaime laude Philstar.com
MANILA - There is prima facie evidence to justify the filing of criminal charges against two of three active police generals publicly tagged by President Duterte as protectors of drug syndicates, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno announced yesterday. “There’s prima facie evidence for a trial, to start a trial,” Sueno said, citing findings by the National Police Commission (Napolcom), which is under his department. While Sueno declined to name the two generals, his statement hinted they could be former National Capital Region Police office (NCRPo) chief Director Joel Pagdilao and former Quezon City Police District director Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio.
“For the three generals who are still on duty, we are ready for the two. Two, because they are here in the National Capital Region and we have gotten evidence,” SueNo said. For the third police general, apparently referring to former Western Visayas police director Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz, he said they are still gathering evidence against him. Duterte named Pagdilao, Tinio and Diaz, as well as retired PNP deputy director general Marcelo Garbo and police chief superintendent Vicente Loot, who is now the mayor of Daanbantayan in Cebu, as toplevel protectors of drug lords operating in the country. The five officials denied the allegations and declared they were willing to face any official investigation in order to clear their names.
Duterte earlier said more police officers as well as local executives were involved in illegal drugs and that evidence were being readied against them. The Napolcom earlier promised to finish its investigation on the three active police generals within a month, a deadline it was able to meet. In the case of Garbo, SueNo said it is up to the courts to deal with his case through the Department of Justice. on the other hand, the DILG would take care of Loot, the latter being an elected official. Sueno said that while they have already built evidence against the two active generals, Napolcom would have to complete first its investigation on the third general so they could be prosecuted together. He said the results of the probe should be out in seven to 10 days. n
Avoid confrontation in China talks, Ramos urged by Nestor
Corrales Inquirer.net
No specific instructions have been given to former President Fidel Ramos as the country’s envoy to China but he has been asked to avoid “confrontation” in the wake of the ruling on the West Philippine Sea, Malacañang said on Friday, July 29. Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Ramos was given “principles of wisdom” on how to proceed with the talks during the National Security Council meeting on Wednesday. “They’re not necessarily instructions but these are, I suppose, principles of wisdom about how to go about the conversation, that you know, they can start with things that you can agree on and not necessarily begin from an adversarial or insistent position. So basically, it’s a very diplomatic rule instead of confrontation,” Abella told reporters in a press briefing. Asked if the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration would be discussed, Abella said, “If circumstances allow, they will talk about what they can talk about.” President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said bilateral talks with China would be within the bounds of the arbitral ruling after the Philippines won the case against China. Abella said there was no specific date yet as to when Ramos
Former Pres. Fivel V. Ramos and Pres. Rodrigo Duterte
would fly to China to start the talks. “They are taking the time to put together the package. In a sense, we are not really rushing into this,” he said. The Palace official said former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan was still on standby should Ramos be “not ready or available for the role.” on July 12, the arbitral tribunal at The Hague, Netherlands, granted the Philippines sovereign rights over the disputed waters and debunked Beijing’s “ninedash line” claim to almost the entire South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. China has repeatedly rejected the tribunal’s ruling but said they are open to resolve the dispute with the Philippines through bilateral talks. n
DOT chief to personally invite more Chinese tourists to PH MANILA – Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo will be traveling to Macau next week to meet Chinese businessmen and invite more Chinese tourists to visit the Philippines. “I will be meeting with foreign investors and Chinese tourists. I would be asking them to come to the Philippines,” Teo said in a chance interview. She made this statement after an arbitral tribunal ruled that China’s nine-dash claim on the disputed South China Sea has no basis. Teo did not elaborate but said that she was invited by these businessmen to meet which signifies the Chinese market’s interest in the Philippines as a tourism destination. “They would like to come to the Philippines. This is a group of Chinese going to meet in Macau and they would like me to be there,” Teo said. The Department of Tourism earlier assured that tourism as an industry will be able to insulate itself and that the territorial row and sea ruling will have no negative impact on tourism inflow in the Philippines. Tourism Undersecretary Beni-
to Bengzon Jr., in a previous interview, said that partners in both the Philippines and China continue to work closely to ensure two-way traffic is not disrupted. He also said the department maintains a consistent strategy of maintaining “an optimum mix of source markets” to withstand or help compensate for a possible decline in arrivals from one market. Another tourism official assured that a large number of Chinese tourists to the Philippines will still be visiting the country as it is set to welcome a cruise ship — Legend of the Seas — carrying some 2,076 Chinese tourists on September 23 and 24. Tourism Director for Public Affairs and Advocacy Czarina Zara Loyola said the cruise ship will call port to Manila and Boracay. Data from the DoT showed that China is the third top tourism market with 285,348 visitors or a share of 11.33 percent of the 2.51-million foreign tourists that visited the Philippines from January to May 2016. China also posted the highest tourism growth of 80.79 percent. (Azer Parrocha/Philstar.com)
SEIZED. PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa inspects eight kilos of seized highgrade shabu worth P50-million during a press conference at Camp Crame on Friday, July 29. The operations also resulted in the arrest of three suspected drug traffickers.
by PatriCia lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
MANILA – The Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) personnel have confiscated a total of P1.1 million worth of prohibited items at the New Bilibid Prison since taking over its security posts, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said on Friday. From July 20 to July 26, the SAF personnel have seized P612,999 in cash, 80 bladed weapons, 12 ice picks, a caliber 38 pistol, six improvised shotguns, 152 mobile phones, 62 phone charges, six sachets of suspected shabu, one plastic of suspected marijuana and 48 television sets in its search operations at the NBP. Aguirre said that the Department of Justice (DoJ) is now studying the possible liabilities of the persons responsible for the proliferation of prohibited items inside the prison. “once we have determined their violations, you have our word that we will pursue them, to borrow the words of President (Rodrigo) Duterte, relentlessly. The hammer shall fall and it shall fall mightily. There will be no sacred cows. This is just the first barrage of our war on drugs,” Aguirre said at a televised press briefing. Aguirre noted that the prohibited items might have come from visitors of the inmates who have been allowed to go inside prison cells. The SAF troopers have been strictly implementing the rules of the prison which temporarily
PNP-Special Action Force troopers have taken over security posts at the New Bilibid Prison while its personnel undergo prison management training.
stopped the bringing of prohibited items inside the prison, according to Aguirre. However, some inmates have been discrediting the SAF, claiming the troopers have been abusing the inmates by physically hurting them, which Aguirre declared as “misinformation.” The Justice secretary stressed that the agency will pursue the president’s mandate of waging a war on drugs, criminality and corruption. “We shall marshal all the powers and the resources at our disposal to eradicate these problems. We will give no quarters nor chance for these evils to find a place to grow. It is high time
that we take the fight to them,” Aguirre said. Meanwhile, the personnel of the NBP are undergoing prison management to enhance their competence, Aquirre said. The DoJ aims to reorient personnel of the NBP as part of its program to eradicate drugrelated activities inside the prison. “our foremost objective is not only to curb but to totally eradicate all drug-related activities at the National Bilibid Prison. If we succeed, we will strike a major blow in the drug trade in the country and that is indeed a big leap in our war on drugs,” the Justice chief said. n
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 30-AUgUSt 2, 2016
SHOWBIZ&STYLE
Did Jason Francisco reveal separation with Melai Cantiveros?
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Journal Gerald Anderson to take things slow with Bea Alonzo by Joyce Jimenez
artists have again been linked doesn’t matter,� Gerald added. “Ang importante ‘yong naraafter their short-lived romance MANILA – Gerald Anderson back in 2010. “Everything is so fast. Try wants to “take it slow� with Bea personally to slow things down,� Alonzo. Since their team up for the Gerald said in an interview on film “How to be Yours,� the two Thursday. “Gusto ko i-enjoy ‘to. So I’m enjoying every moment.� Gerald said he’s just happy that he was finally given a chance to work on a project with Bea, whom he has always looked up to. Now that he’s closer with Bea, the Kapamilya actor was asked if he’ll finally fight for her, to which he candidly replied, “Sino nagsabi may chance ako?� “Siyempre natutuwa ako na Gerald Anderson doesn’t want to rush sinasabi ngayon na sobrang bagay anything between him and Bea Alonzo, and kami. But on a personal level, it Philstar.com
DID Jason Francisco confirm separation between him and wife Melai Cantiveros? On Tuesday, July 26, Jason’s “open letter� to their fans circulated online, which was posted in the Instagram account of their daughter Mela. In the said open letter, Jason narrated how their marital problem rooted from Melai being paired with Carlo Aquino in her recently defunct show “We Will Survive.� He recalled how Melai assured him that there will be no love teams since the story of the show Did Jason Francsico reveal separation with Melai Cantiveros through an “open letter� will focus on friendship. circulating online? Philstar.com photo instead enjoys every moment with her. The Kapamilya comedian asked this because he admitted not feeling comfortable that his wife is being paired with another guy. The same way, he doesn’t like to be paired with another actress. H o w e v e r, t h e s t o r y l i n e changed and Melai was paired -/( *VU]LU[PVUHS with Carlo. She assured him 7\YJOHZL 9LMPUHUJL that it’ll only be for the pilot episode since her character will get pregnant. Jason agreed to this setup. However, Jason said he felt uneasy every time Melai would leave for her shoot in Bicol and they would seldom see each other because he’s also shooting for “My Super D.� It was until after two months, he found out that the storyline of the show has changed again and Carlo’s character is back to being paired with Melai. He admitted being mad about the changes, which eventually affected their marriage. 7YVNYHT Z\IQLJ[ [V JOHUNL ^P[OV\[ WYPVY UV[PJL Jason then decided to talk to the people behind “We Will Survive� and asked if it would be possible that Melai’s love team :Y 3VHU *VUZ\S[HU[ with Carlo be put in an end since >HSS -PUHUJPHS 0UJ +)( it was affecting their marriage. The production, he said, didn’t >PU 7YPTL 3LUKPUN listen to his plea and instead 543: :V /HY]HYK )S made a joke out of their marital 3VZ (UNLSLZ *( LTHPS! JHYVS T`^MP'NTHPS JVT problem in the set. PAGE B2
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B JULY 30-AUgUst 2, 2016 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOURNAL
Moonlighting by Mylah de
leon
LOS ANGELES – On a recent evening, summoned by invitation, about 20 or so distinguished guests arrived at the palatial home of Rupert and Grace Mercado, a haven that flattered their impeccable sense of courtesy and hospitality. The honored guest, Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas, governor of the province of Batangas, was welcomed over dinner at their Casa del Sol in La Canada. Ms. Grace Mercado, our host, is a powerful personage, one who only deserves respect and praise. At first glance, nothing in her showed authority or opulence, but you will always admire her for her ideology, and gentle modesty. Her disarming simplicity, Ms. Grace (as she is fondly addressed) seemed concerned only to make everyone around her feel at ease. From a lady, whose power, real or imagined it was a soothing gestures, that elated her guests. In continuing snatches of minutes, in between photo ops, spontaneous greetings and fellowship with other guests, I spoke with Gov. Mandanas. This was our third meeting, as over the years, whenever, he came to Los Angeles, he would find time to
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Hermilando Mandanas: the people’s governor
The Filharmonic show their grooves to an enthusiastic member of the audience
AJPress photos Andy Tecson
Fil-Ams and more fill The Ford at Collective Music Show The Filharmonic and Harana Men’s Chorus get rave reviews for July 24 concert
Interviewing the Governor
have me interview him. We spoke of his core area of interest: the promotion of excellence, creativity and profession in his domain. His resume is a veritable list of honor. He started out working for the most sterling companies, Carlos Valdes and Company, to being President of Far East Bank, Philippine commercial delegate of the Banque: Di Commerce Exterior, Managing Director of Manila and Hong Kong Capital Corporation to mention a few.
The Governor and Mrs. Grace Mercado
The list is enormous, so I dare mention a few feats. Gov. Mandanas also served as the first general manager of the Human Settlement Development Corporation as Governor of the province of Batangas. Concurrently, he became President of the Federation of Regional Development of the Philippines. It is a long list of achievements that gets longer. His awards and distinctions are especially astounding and worth mentioning like being the most outstanding Governor of Calabarzon, only to ameliorate into the being the most Outstanding Governor of the Philippines. Of his more noteworthy achievements are his committee PAGE B3
ONE of the hottest days of summer turned into the coolest evening of music at the revamped Ford Theatres. The “Fil-Am Collective Music Show” brought together a multi-cultural and multigenerational audience which was treated to traditional haranas to modern dance tunes through the glory of the human voice. The venue seemed to transform magically as the evening progressed. The show opened with “Sing A Song,” when producer/performer Annie Nepomuceno asked the audience to sing along, teaching each section of a audience a specific melodic line, which they gamely sang. Nepomuceno was then joined by veteran female back-up vocalists Sharon Rose Orosco and Cecile Azaret who sang new harmonized arrangements of English OPM (Original Pilipino Music) songs. The trio sang hits such as Basil Valdez’s “You”, Side A’s“Forevermore”, “I Think I’m In Love” written by Cecile Azarcon and “the Eraserheads “With A Smile” . The crowd favorite was the immortal “Tell Me” written by Louie Ocampo. As the sun started to set, The Harana Men’s Chorus’ Dennis Jardiel, Mike Zuñiga and Erwin Andaya demonstrated the “Harana,” and serenaded the women against the lush hillside backdrop. In this fifth time The Harana Men’s Chorus has been on the Ford stage, the group premiered new arrangements as well, notably the well-received “Superstar” with soloist Kenneth Laurente, “Never Ever Say Goodbye”, and the “Beatles Suite”. The men’s smooth harmonies ushered in the evening with standards “Only You”with soloist Eli Rada and “Happy Together,” and showed off their versatility with the jazzy “Mamang Kutsero” by Ryan Cayabyab and big ballad “Ikaw Lamang” written by Dodjie Simon. By nightfall, the Filharmonic took to the stage, bathed in multicolored light changes. Their cool
Singers Cecile Azaret, Annie Nepomuceno and Sharon Rose with guitarist Myke Gonzaga in the background
The Harana Men’s Chorus, backed by Music Director Ed Nepomuceno on acoustic guitar
harmonies and arrangements of pop hits “Chains”, “Shut Up And Dance,” “Love Yourself” and “No Diggity” showed off the groups vocal prowess. The group also brought a young lady onstage for a “hot” performance of “Dessert.” Netizens were quick to share this performance, to which the original artist Dawin gave his “like”. A ‘beatbox battle’ ensued, with Trace Gaynor teaching the crowd beatbox licks, proving that Niko Del Rey is not the only beatboxer in the group. Del Rey proceeded to amaze by producing bass licks and drum sounds at the same time. Jules Cruz’s strong bass voice anchored the group’s performance while giving a rap or two in his distinctive voice. VJ Rosales’ jazz influences are notable on the group’s interpretation of “Work.” Rosales has appeared
on the Ford stage before as part of the “Jazzmopolitan” series of concerts. Barry Fortgang and Joe Caigoy held their own as strong soloists, rounding out the lovable charm Filipino-American artists exhude. The group performed their famous routine for “Flashlight,” the video of which has just surpassed 3 million hits. Bringing together these artists was a creative coup by Music Arts Events, who expressly wanted to have these multi-generational artists perform in one show, with the hope that the fan base of each group learn just how awesome Filipino-American artists can be. Many members of the audience mentioned gaining a new appreciation of something they were not familiar with. The evening was a success, especially in terms of bringing multi-cultural audiences together and presenting the versatility of Fil-Am Artists and the span of our musical resources. The Ford was filled with music and inspiration that night, and the audience came away with renewed or expanded interest in the Filipino artist.
Did Jason Francisco reveal separation...
PAGE B1 “Walang respeto yuon porket kami ay ‘di malaking artista eh, kung tawagin nila sa showbiz,” he said, explaining how the joke offended him. This further affected their marriage, until he was not able to attend to his shoots for “My Super D” as he was deeply affected by their situation. Jason said that up to this day, they were not able to fix their marital problem, which he said was caused by the usual reasoning “trabaho lang.” He didn’t deny feeling down that work was more prioritized than family, and shared his belief that people shouldn’t only “grab” and “count” their blessings but also “know” them. He added that “family is everything.” In the end, she called out to the Kapamilya network, whom he said should be sensitive about what they’re going through as a married couple. He said he was saddened that it was them who are suffering the consequence of the network disregarding their plea to save their marriage. Jason also told the network that as artists, they wanted to be a model of strengthening a family the same way that the network wanted to teach this to their viewers. In previous interviews with Melai, she said that he will stick with her husband until the end. (Joyce Jimenez/Philstar.com)
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All set for another ‘star-studded’ Ironman By Patricia
EstEvEs Philstar.com
Filipino showbiz celebrities are not exactly the poster people for practicing a healthy lifestyle. The local showbiz industry has gained notoriety for the long hours at shoots that extend until the wee hours in the morning, the catered food which are high in fat and calories and of course, the little or lack of exercise due to the long working hours. Matteo Guidicelli is familiar with the toxic work habits of showbiz. The actor stressed that despite the unhealthy practices in their work, they should still strive to be fit. That’s why he and other actors always welcome the opportunity to join triathlete events, particularly looking forward to the ironman event. on Aug. 7, Matteo, piolo pascual and Dingdong Dantes are set to join the Cobra Energy Drink ironman 70.3 Asia pacific Championship, which will be held in the picturesque island-province of Cebu. Matteo said he hopes to meet his goal of finishing the whole race in five hours. “i’m very excited about ironman, it’s my sixth time to join and my goal is just to finish the race and not to beat anyone. i’m just gonna enjoy the race and suffer like everyone else,” Matteo told entertainment journalists at the launch of ironman at Shangri-la the Fort recently. Despite his busy schedule with the ABS-CBnteleserye Dolce Amore, Matteo said he’s trying to sneak in time to prepare for the event. “During breaks, i try to run on the treadmill for 10 minutes,” he said. Matteo got hooked on ironman because the routines worked for him, made him strong and most important of all, changed his bad health habits. “it’s a great sport. You under-
Piolo Pascual
Apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas
Matteo Guidicelli
Kuya Kim Atienza
stand your body more, you want to become healthier because with the sport comes the great lifestyle. in showbiz, we all have hectic schedules but we still need to be healthy. Joining triathlon events is a good example. This is the perfect way,” Matteo said. “The triathlon event taught me to be more responsible in life and of course, maintain a healthy lifestyle,” he added. Aside from piolo, Matteo and Dingdong, the other celebrities who will join ironman include Apl.de.Ap, paul Jake Castillo, Gretchen Fullido, Kim Atienza, Dyan Castillejo, ivan Carapietm Bubbles paraiso, Xander Angeles, Anthony and Maricel laxa-pangilinan, Sara Black and Gilbert Remulla. At the launch, business honcho and Sunrise Events inc. (SEi)
president Wilfred Uytengsu said the country scored a major win when it won the bid to host the ironman Asia pacific Championship because it was never done outside Australia and new Zealand. “This is also an opportunity to showcase the beauty of the philippines. We are going to show them that triathlon is more fun in the philippines,” Uytengsu said. Close to 3,000 participants from 43 countries have signed up for the event. The event sold out 2,900 slots in 28 minutes when registration opened in october 2015. “on its fifth year in Cebu, the province will be ready to welcome all the participants and their families with the traditional Cebuano warmth and festivities,” said lawyer Mark Tolentino, provincial administrator of the province of Cebu. World-renowned Filipino industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue will once again be crafting the beautiful medals and trophies for the winners. The event will be aired for the first time via live streaming in 120 countries on www.ironman. com,courtesy of Globe Telecoms. Titleholders Tim Reed and Caroline Steffen will banner a world-class field of 35 professional triathletes. The event will also feature 2,869 equally determined competitors in the Filipino elite, CEos, age groups and relay divisions.
Matteo Guidicelli, Domingo Ramon Enerio III, Hubert Tan, Kenneth Cobonpue, Lance Mosley, Paz Radaza, Rogelie Catacutan, Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, Mark Tolentino, Jil Go, Natalia Zotova and Joseph Cruel
FATHER AND DAUGHTER REUNITE AFTER 40 YEARS OF LIFE-CHANGING CHOICES AND “MISFORTUNES” ON A BRAND NEW EPISODE OF CITIZEN PINOY! Decades ago, Tatay Rolando left his wife and daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the US. After getting his green card, he petitioned his family, except for Anna Lyn (center) who had turned 21, and was left behind. The years that followed became a series of rough twists and turns for Anna Lyn, including being caught attempting to enter the US on a fraudulent visa. After a fraud waiver prepared by another attorney was denied, leading US immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL put together a convincing fraud waiver package that was quickly approved, paving the way for the much-awaited, happy reunion of this family on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – JULY 31, Sunday at 6:15 PM (EST/PST) on TFC.
Hermilando Mandanas: the...
PAGE B2 membership as congressman: - Ways and Means – Former Chairman - Congressional oversight Committee on Comprehensive Tax Reform program – Former Chairman physical Examination of imported Articles - Former Chairman - official Development Assistance – Former Chairman. Below are the highlights of my interview with him: Moonlighter: Sir, we are on the threshold of new gove r n a n c e ? W h a t a re y o u r thoughts? Gov. Mandanas: There is a lot more that can alleviate sufferings and needs of one’s constituents – if not our country in general, to each other. on this new beginning, there should be faith, hope, if not charity for all. We should be for each other, not against each other. We can’t hold people’s fault against them - people do the best they can. instead perhaps ask for tolerance…even to our own.
M: Sir, It is said that the governorship was yours for the taking. Now at the center ring where intrigues and conjecture thrives, how do you plan to navigate the political landscape of the current politics? GM: Sheer sincerity, my willingness to charter my own course through unexplored terrains, responding to changing times, will shield me from all these unscathed. i’ve not allowed the bruising political, print or the past personal campaign to color my temperament…never. M: Sir, do you think it is only experience and dedication that can hold the Batanguenos together? GM: let us clarify that, the governorship can be full of difficulties, which can not be eliminated. The people, our constituents, will always have them. The realistic thing is to accept them, if possible survive. Then…it
is a continuing conscious effort to rebuild. Batanguenos hold together by itself with their inherent sense of values. Concerted efforts parallel goals of men and women determined to be more productive, realists and committed in their struggle for a better way of life. M: Sir, what are your immediate priorities and focus now? GM: Health care, expand economics and educational opportunities, promote the needs of children, peace and order above all. Redefining the position to that of that of your constituents. The title “governor” is simply a job that incorporates others’ role whose primary duty is to improve the standards of living for all. A determined and resolve to build Batangas into a model for the whole region but ensuing and tapping suitable leaders for economic growth and social developments with the help of ones elected crew.
B JULY 30-AUgUst 2, 2016 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOURNAL
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The Global Kababayan G. TönGi Monday, august 1 - The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, Orange County invites the viewers to an event in Southern California called “Go Green.” Watch the show for details. Tuesday, august 2 - Representatives of the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services share important information on the process for application for
Programming of Kababayan Today, August 1- 5, 2016 the Parole Program for beneficiaries of Filipino-Americans who served in World War II. Wednesday, august 3 - Midweek News Updates from the Asian Journal and Mia Mcleod of McLeod and Associates gives real estate advice. Watch the show for details on an upcoming event called “Disco Manila” on Aug. 13. Thursday, august 4 - Get to know this talented Performer Jed Berina. Friday, august 5 - Get to
know teen opera singers, The Adapon Sisters. *** Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipino’s living in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the cultural gap between America & the Philippines but to help with the generational gap between our own people. She is married with two children and is based in Southern California and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are empowering the FilAm community.
Sunshine Dizon: I choose to move on By Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com
The Filipina Misses Universe: Gloria Diaz (1969), Margarita Moran-Floirendo (1973) and Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (2015)
Newsflash: Miss Universe 2017 to be held in the Philippines
By Monet
Lu
IF you’ve been reading my columns or following my posts on Facebook, you’d probably notice that I have three things that hold a special place in my heart: passion, pleasure and beauty pageants – particularly the Miss Universe pageant. And what could be more awesome but to have my favorite event of all time hosted in my motherland! Yes, you read that right! After two decades, it’s finally happening! The Miss Universe pageant will be held in the Philippines. According to Rappler, the announcement was made on Thursday, July 28, at a press conference in Makati City by Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo. It was also stressed that funding will come from the private sector. DOT Secretary Wanda Teo also confirmed that among the sponsors are Henry Sy and Japanese casino mogul Kazuo Okada. “I would like to inform everybody that the Miss Universe pageant will be on January 30, 2017 in the Philippines. The government is not going to spend any single centavo. It will be the private sector who would shoulder the expenses.” said Teo. It was reported earlier this month that President Rodrigo Duterte said he would not spend government funds on hosting the Miss Universe pageant. Which explains the transparency on where the funds will come from. Teo said she assured the President that the government will not shoulder
MANILA – Sunshine Dizon would like to move on from her marital problem with estranged husband Timothy Tan. It was last month when Sunshine revealed her separation with Timothy because of his alleged infidelity with a woman named Carissa Sison. “I choose to move on,” she said about the alleged betrayal of her husband, in an interview before the hearing, as reported by the Philippine Entertainment Portal. “Galit ako sa sitwasyon. Hindi ko rin kayang patawarin ang ginawa sa akin. But I choose to move on because I will not allow that kind of toxic thing in my life to eat me up. I will not allow that.” Tan has filed a habeas corpus complaint against Sunshine, since the Kapuso actress allows him to talk but not see their two kids. Sunshine said she’s open to fix things for their children but not for their marriage. She added that she has already explained the situation to their children. “It’s a little bit hard to explain
the reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach to crown her successor in the Philippines. In a previous interview, Wurtzbach said, “I am actively campaigning and we all want the pageant to happen here. We want to happen. It hasn’t been confirmed yet.” This will be the 3rd time that the Philippines will host the pageant. The country hosted Miss Universe in 1974 where Miss Universe 1973 Margarita Moran passed her crown to Spain’s Amparo Muñoz. In 1994, the country hosted the pageant for the second time, where India’s Sushmita Sen was crowned by 1993 Miss Universe Dayanara Torres of Puerto Rico. To say that “I wouldn’t miss this for the world” is an understatement. I’d definitely want to see everything unfold. Plus, I’ve pledged my full support to our candidate Maxine Medina. It is my wish that we (Filipinos) show the world – the universe rather – that the Philippines is truly amazing and the Pinoys are one of the most wonderful people they will ever encounter in their By BiBsy m. carBallo lifetime. Philstar.com Good luck to my Kababayans ANOTHER sexy drama series and may the entire universe be will soon be seen on ABS-CBN’s in your favor. primetime block. *** The series is titled “Never Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own Ever Say Goodbye,” starring Arci chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern Muñoz as Aryann and Jericho California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Rosales as Waldo under the helm Monet is known as an all-around artiste who of FM Reyes. In an interview with ABSproduces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. CBN News, Arci said that she Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary is thrilled to portray a new all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, character after the successful your solution to discoloration. To contact run of her soap Pasion de Amor. Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or She will be playing the role of a “probinsyana” who will embark email him at monetsalon@aol.com on a journey to Manila to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer. She also shared her exhilaration of working for the first time with Jericho. “The first time I met him, it became clear that working with first State of the Nation Address him would be easy as he was (SONA) of President Rodrigo very nice and approachable. Duterte on Monday, July 25. I’m just really excited,” Arci was quoted as saying. On the other hand, Jericho who was last seen in the primetime series “Bridges of Love” also admitted that he’s excited to be working with Arci. He added that the series has
any of the expenses, which will amount to $11 million. Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro said President Duterte never said he didn’t like the idea; he was just concerned about the expenses. De Castro said her department got in touch with Shawn McClain, the vice president of business development and marketing at the Miss Universe Organization, to clear the issue. Reports confirmed that President Duterte have met with officials of Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Incorporated led by Okada, executive assistant to the chairman Sumire Kamura, and chief operating officer Takahiro Usui at the Music Room in Malacañang Palace on July 18. As I recall, there have been talks about hosting the pageant but nothing was confirmed until now. I agree with de Castro when she said in an interview that hosting the pageant can bring many opportunities to the country such as creating jobs and increasing revenue. In addition, de Castro said that hosting the pageant will give the country a good image. “We know that the Miss Universe is one of the prestigious pageants that we have right now in the entire world. Kumbaga kapag kaya natin gawin natin dito sa (In other words, if we can hold it here in the) Philippines, it would show a very good image of the country para sa ibang mga bayan na yung mga ganyang prestihiyosong pageant ay kaya na natin gawin (to the international community that we can hold such a prestigious pageant),” she said. It would be surreal to watch
to them,” she admitted. “Pero I just explained that ‘Daddy made a mistake and that he has to face the consequence of his action. Of course, they feel sad that this happened.” As for the annulment that her estranged husband is asking from her, Sunshine said, “I will not do that. I will not go through this if that’s the ultimate goal. No.” “I’m fighting for my right and they have to face this,” she said. Sunshine and Timothy have
discussed the habeas corpus complaint on Thursday, July 28 under Judge Cleto Villacorta of Branch 229 of Quezon City Regional Trial Court. They were supposed to discuss the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children and concubinage complaints filed by Sunshine against Timothy, but it didn’t push through due to lack of time. The hearing was rescheduled to August 10. A gag order was also issued against the former couple.
Jericho Rosales, Arci Muñoz gear up for an epic love story
Heart Evangelista takes her own hand-painted clutch bag to SONA HEART Evangelista showed her love for fashion and art by bringing her own hand-painted bag at the
Sunshine Dizon stands by her decision not to annul her marriage with Timothy Tan.
been described an “epic” love story. “The word epic, medyo gets mo ‘yon, nakaka-nervous na. Kasi siyempre malaki ang requirement,” he said. “It’s like a remake of the movie ‘Kastilyong Buhangin’ of Lito Lapid and Ate Guy (Nora Aunor). Obviously, I play Lito Lapid and Arci is Ate Guy,” he also said. “Never Ever Say Goodbye” also features Danita Paner where she plays the third wheel in the love story that will develop between the characters of Jericho and Arci. In an interview, Danita expressed her excitement to work with other Kapamilya stars since she is still new in the network. “Until now, it has yet to sink in that I am part of the show and the cast. It is the first time for me to work with everyone, except Arci,” she said. Danita also commended direk FM, who previously helmed “Maging Sino Ka Man,” “Lobo,” “Moon of Desire,” “Two Wives” and had to leave his current series “Tubig at Langis.” “It was the first time for me to work with this type of direc-
Jericho Rosales and Arci Muñoz star in the ABS-CBN series “Never Ever Say Goodbye” which was partly shot in Caramoan Island.
tor. Talagang siya ‘yung perfect definition ng totoong set sa taping. You will immediately feel the right emotions and right moves for the scene,” she said in an interview. Some scenes of the series were shot in the beautiful beaches of Caramoan Island located in the lower eastern part of Camarines Sur in the Bicol region. This will showcase stunning scenery and camera-work that the viewers will love.
What ‘My Husband’s Lover’ meant to Kuh By yugel losorata Philstar.com
KUH Ledesma’s appearance in the famed gay-themed series “My Husband’s Lover” was apparently frowned upon by her Bible mates because it associated her to such a controversial subject matter. But that certainly didn’t stop the pop Heart Evangelista wears knee-length Ivarluski diva from being vocally proud of Aseron white lace terno paired with minimal it. In fact, she personally attended accessories and her hand-painted clutch bag. the media gathering to promote the Fox Filipino rerun of the show, Proving that she can kill the red which originally aired over GMA carpet with any attire, the spouse 7 in 2013. of Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero “For me, ‘My Husband’s Lover’ opted for a simple knee-length mattered because it brought an Ivarluski Aseron terno and minimal awakening to women na kilatisin accessories. mabuti ang pakakasalan nila,” Topping of her sleek look is her Kuh said recently while addressfringed clutch that sparkled with ing the press at the Le Jardin gold paint which she did herself. Manila in Bonifacio Global City Netizens praised the Juan Happy in Taguig. Love Story star for being able to “My Husband’s Lover,” starbring elegance and class despite ring Dennis Trillo, Carla Abellana toning down her outfit. In the after- and Tom Rodriguez, premiered on noon, Heart ditched the traditional Fox Filipino last June 20. terno and wore an off-the-rack For its depiction of gay lovers white coat and pants. Vincent (Tom), a closet one marHeart has been painting de- ried to devoted wife Lally (Carla), signer bags since last year, after and his old love Eric (Dennis), “My she was inspired by baby North Husband’s Lover” was talk-of-theWest who splattered paint on the town primetime series that both designer bag of her mother Kim tickled the fancies of the LGBT Kardashian. community and somehow shook With her artistic way to breathe the thinking of the ultra-consernew life into handbags, Heart has vatives, all in the name of good gained a growing number of elite TV. It gave Dennis a key citation clientele including Regine Velas- at the Asian Television Awards as quez, Carla Abellana and Jinkee the Emmy Awards saw it worthy Pacquiao. of nomination for its Telenovela Heart will be putting up 40 category. hand-painted Hermes bags in an Kuh, playing Vincent’s sharply exhibit this September. (Alixandra classy mother and whose song Caole Vila/Philstar.com) “One More Try” was used as
Kuh Ledesma at the media launch of the Fox Filipino rerun of the series “My Husband’s Lover.” She also took note of the soap’s theme song One More Try finally becoming a popular hit three decades after it was overshadowed by another of her classic “I Think I’m In Love.”
main theme in the series to good reception, expressed her salutation for “My Husband’s Lover,” saying, “People will continue to talk about the series. It’s so much more prevalent now, yung mga closet husbands. There are women who are not knowledgeable about it and there has to be enough education on this matter.” Her advice to women: “Dapat di ka nagmamadali (Don’t rush). Don’t be intimate with someone you just met. That’s where prayers come in because we make mistakes when we don’t follow God’s design.” By observation, the public’s positive reaction for My Husband’s Lover was grounded on Lally being the perceived victim
of the love triangle and therefore the recipient of the viewers’ sympathy. Bring in Eric and Vincent’s seamless expression of their burning affection for each other and you got a series that shows biting reality and makes so much sense in modern, liberated family set-ups. Fox Networks Group Philippines director Charo Espedido noted, “My Husband’s Lover is a quality Filipino production that challenges to question outdated norms. Fox Filipino is giving those who missed out on the series an opportunity to fall in love again with its characters.” Asked if she would join a sequel if there’ll ever be, Kuh quickly said, “Why not? Basta maganda ang ending.”
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Jessy Mendiola on Luis Experience a unique take on food at Tacolipino Manzano: We’re not yet a couple By Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com
MAniLA – nothing is official yet between Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano. This is what the Kapamilya actress clarified in an interview during the FHM victory party on Tuesday. “Hindi pa,” she replied, laughing, when asked if they’re already a couple. she added that they’ll reveal it when they’re already together. Meanwhile, it was an exciting experience for Jessy to meet Luis’s mom Batangas rep. Vilma santos,which has been the talk of the town last week. “sobrang kinabahan ako, pero
sobrang bait kasi siya. so nakakatuwa kasi pagpasok ko pa lang sa bahay nila sobrang welcome na,” she said. she also echoed what Luis said about the dinner, where Vilma just advised them to “just to be happy as long as wala kaming ginagawang masama, we just have to go on with our lives.” As for her career, Jessy didn’t deny that she hopes that winning the title as the Philippines’s sexiest Woman will help jump start her career again after several setbacks in the previous years. “i’m really happy. i feel lucky na despite all the intrigues, the issues thrown at me,” she said. “sana magtuloy-tuloy na ‘to.”
Jessy Mendiola denied that she and Luis Manzano are already an item. Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo IV
Angeline Quinto ‘regrets’ shortlived romance with Erik Santos By Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com
AngeLine Quinto didn’t deny that she feels regret over her short-lived romance with erik santos. she said she was not yet ready for a relationship that time despite erik being vocal about his feelings for her. “sobrang sayang, pero siguro hanggang do’n lang,” she said about her relationship with erik, in an interview with Mario Dumaual aired in “Bandila” on Tuesday, July 26. When asked what caused their fall-out, Angeline said it was because of different priorities. “sinasabi niya sa akin na gusto na niyang mag-asawa. Kasi ilang taon na siya, gusto na niya magkaro’n ng baby,” she revealed. “Wala pa ako sa sitwasyon na gano’n,” said Angeline. she also denied the rumored
Angeline Quinto admitted that she regrets her short-lived romance with Erik Santos.
gender preference of erik which caused the end of their blossoming romance. Despite this, their management Cornerstone assured their fans that they’ll continue to collaborate artistically. Angeline stars in the regal Film “That Thing Called Tanga na” which will be in cinemas on August 10.
Julie Anne San Jose gets candid Singer openly talks about new album, rumored beau By iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net
ACHieVing success could be a difficult one because it may require a lot of hard work, patience and courage. At 22, Julie Anne san Jose had had to overcome hurdles in her journey before being tagged as “Asia’s Pop sweetheart.” According to the gMA star, two things make her feel at her worst but said she uses both of them as an inspiration to do better to advance her singing career. she added that she even uses those experiences in writing her own songs. “There are two memories that drag me to my lowest point, one is when people try to bring me down, as if i did not do anything right, especially when i was just starting out. Of course you cannot please them, but for me i am just doing my job,” san Jose told the media during an interview. “i take it as a challenge and i am just thrilled to do better and i always believe that i can do better,” she said. Despite people’s doubts on her capabilities since she started her career in 2005, san Jose proved them all wrong when she received the “Diamond record Award” from the Philippine Association of the record industry. This was for her album Julie Anne san Jose that sold more than 150,000 units. Her second album, entitled “Deeper,” also gave her a Triple Platinum Award for reaching sales of more than 45,000 units in the country. Another thing that makes her sullen is the memory of her father disapproving of her participation in the television singing competition Popstar Kids, where eventually she became a finalist. “Papa wouldn’t allow me to join Popstar Kids because he didn’t like showbiz, maybe because i was still little then, i think 12 or 13 years old. He told me to not pursue it because it might ruin my time for school and family. i was just starting out then, so our expenses were bigger than the income i got
Julie Anne San Jose
from the competition,” the young singer said. “But then, he eventually agreed right after he saw that i really loved what i was doing, because i am really passionate about music, i am passionate about my singing. Before, i was just singing in a choir at the church but when i joined the competition, it became my platform to share with others what i could do. i wanted to inspire people,” san Jose added. Fruits of perseverance To prove her father wrong, san Jose decided to pursue her studies despite the pressure from her career. Her efforts did not go to waste, as she was able to graduate last May with a degree in Communication Arts. she said she is planning to take a master’s degree next year in the same school while teaching Theater Arts. Adding to her recent achievements, she was able to release her third album under gMA records, “Chasing The Light.” The album’s carrier single “naririnig Mo Ba” — and one of her compositions—topped the iTunes digital sales charts even before the release of the actual album. “The song is about faith in love and the hope of falling in love again, which i think anyone can relate to,” san Jose explained.
Diners looking for a unique twist on the flavors of the Philippines can satisfy their craving for something both familiar and fun at Tacolipino, a Filipino-Mexican fusion restaurant in Carson, California. This cozy eatery with a come-as-you are atmosphere serves re-imagined favorites, as well as finely executed classic dishes in healthy portions, all prepared according to each patron’s tastes and specific requests. richly textured sisig tacos and burritos are Tacolipino’s most popular dishes.Tender shredded pork with crispy skin is sauteed in onion, garlic, and bell peppers, as well as jalapeno for a customizable splash of heat. it comes served with a vinegary sauce that adds a bright layer of acidity to the savory and moist white meat. Other choices for burrito meats include adobo, carne asada, and bistek. Tacos can be topped with the same options, as well as fish, pork al pastor or shrimp. Customers can order a combination of any three varieties for $6 a la carte, or $8.99 served with pico de gallo, pinto or black beans, red or green salsa, and their choice of mexican rice or garlic fried rice. Crispy bagnet with house coconut & red chile sauce is another standout white meat dish that fans of fusion cuisine shouldn’t miss. For $11.99, cooks deep fry pork bellies before cutting them into cubes, which gives the meat a satisfyingly crunchy exterior, while leaving it soft and juicy in the middle. A sweet, creamy, and mildly spicy coconut and red chile sauce is poured over deep fried
decadence. A liberal dose of pico de gallo and mango on top of it all completes the colorful and intricately flavorful dish. Tacolipino is one of only a handful of sit-down restaurants in southern California offering a hybrid of Filipino and Mexican cuisine, according to restaurant Manager Arnel Clemente. He says the blend works because their recipes are inspired by an indirect history of exchange between the two cultures via colonial spain. Tacolipino also serves a rendition of kare kare that would give any lola’s recipe a run for its money. For $14.99 Oxtail and Tripe are cooked to fall-off-thebone tenderness along with bokchoy and green beans in a filling peanut, onion and garlic stew. The dish is topped by eggplants that are pan seared separately to keep them from taking on a rubbery texture. Vegetarians can find a variety of enticing options like chop suey, ginataan gulay (veggies cooked
with coconut milk), or lumpia sariwa (fresh spring rolls). Clemente says staff at Tacolipino will re-invent menu items to accommodate dietary constraints. He recalls serving an adapted version of lumpia sariwa that was a big hit with the restaurant’s very first vegan customers. He also recommends their offerings from the north West Coast of the Philippines like the ilocos empanadas or dinakdakan. “Be open minded,” says Clemente, who hopes people will
explore what his restaurant has to offer. Tacolipino shines a new light on some of your favorite flavors at 22005 s Main st., Carson, CA 90745. They serve breakfast all day, and their dining room is open from 11am to 9 pm, Monday through Friday, and 7 am till 9pm on the weekends. For pick-up orders and catering dial (310)803-9989. Online ordering for pickup coming soon. (AJPress) (Advertising Supplement)
B JULY 30-AUgUst 2, 2016 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOURNAL
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COMMUNITY Journal
Your Immigration Solution Devin Connolly & nanCy Miller BEIng granted United States citizenship is a dream-cometrue for countless people from around the world. Though the dream is the same, the paths to actually obtaining US citizenship can vary greatly because there are many different ways that a person may become a US citizen. The most common way a person is granted US citizenship is by birth in the US or one of its territories. This automatic granting of citizenship is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution and applies to almost everyone, regardless of the immigration status of the child’s parents. The next most-common way a person may obtain US citizenship is through the process known as naturalization. This is how those who immigrated to the United States become citizens. It begins with the filing of an application and ends at a swearing-in ceremony. It is the steps in between that can trip many up. Some may not be eligible and not know it. Some may have unresolved issues of removability that will become apparent when they file their application. Some may be eligible but not provide the necessary documentation. The wise applicant makes it his or her business to be educated and informed before filing for the benefit. Most applicants for naturalization must be a lawful permanent resident of the US for five years before they may apply for US citizenship. However, this five-year requirement is lowered to three years if the applicant has been residing in “marital union” with their US citizen spouse for the prior three years. This is true even if the applicant did not obtain their green card through the marriage. “Marital union” means that the parties actually resided together, so
The many ways of becoming a US citizen even an informal separation would disqualify an applicant from applying after only three years. In an attempt to ameliorate the delays in processing, the regulations allow the applicant to file 90 days before the three or five year period is reached. The applicant must have been physically present in the US for at least half of the three or five year period. And an absence of one full-year breaks the residency and the clock must start again. Each applicant for naturalization must show good moral character for the requisite period of time. Several past events in one’s life may not only preclude a person from showing good moral character and, thereby, prevent a grant of citizenship but may also cause the applicant to be placed into removal proceedings. These actions include misrepresentations made to obtain an immigration benefit or convictions for certain crimes. And CIS is entitled to look outside the prescribed period to determine the applicant’s good moral character. Some of these requirements for naturalization are eliminated for one who is applying based on military service, especially military service during a time of conflict. A child of a US citizen who is born outside the US may acquire US citizenship without going through naturalization if
they meet certain conditions. Specifically, the child must be under the age of 18, must already be a permanent resident of the US, at least one of their parents must be a US citizen either by birth or naturalization, and the child must be residing in the US in the legal and physical custody of their US citizen parent. Upon the satisfaction of the last of these four requirements, the child automatically becomes US citizens and may apply for a certificate of citizenship or a US passport. This provision applies to adopted children, but not to step-children of US citizens. Also, this law only applies to children who were under the age of 18 on February 27, 2001. There are more complex requirements for a person that turned 18-years-old before February 27, 2001. Finally, a person may also acquire US citizenship by being born abroad to a US citizen parent. Whether the child acquired US citizenship at birth will be determined based on the law that it was in effect at the time of the child’s birth. This aspect of US citizenship laws has changed many times over the years, so each applicant’s case is different. However, a common theme has been requiring the US citizen parent to have acquired a certain amount of physical presence in the US prior to the child’s birth. The laws regarding citizen-
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C JULY 30-AUgUst 2, 2016 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOURNAL
Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon Have your credit card debts become so large that you can’t even afford the minimum payments? Or perhaps you’re already behind and your accounts have been turned over to collections? What do you do to get out of this financial mess? If you are in this situation, maybe you’ve wondered about what the legal repercussions might be once you get to the point where you can no longer continue paying your creditors. Can credit card companies sue you for what you owe? and when they do, what happens when they get a judgment against you? These are the questions I’m often asked by people who seek legal advice regarding their debts. Of course, credit card companies don’t make it easy for you to catch up once you fall behind. They are quick to add on additional fees and demand that you bring your account up to date immediately by paying the current amount due, all past due payments as well as late fees. and if allowed by the agreement that you signed when you first applied for the credit card, your interest rate can also go sky-high upon default. Before you know it, your debt problems have become a financial nightmare and your phone starts ringing off the hook with bill collectors harass-
Community Journal
When an unpaid credit card debt turns into a lawsuit ing you at home and at work. What do you do at this point? If your credit card debts have escalated beyond your control, perhaps you are getting nervous about what your creditors will do next. Can you be sued? Yes, you can be sued once your creditors are convinced that they have exhausted all other options to force you to pay. Of course, the benefit to be gained by suing you must outweigh the costs so the creditor will take that into consideration as well. But most delinquent accounts are turned over to collection agencies in high volumes which significantly reduce the creditors’ litigation costs. Smaller companies like credit unions will also sometimes sue you in small claims court and they don’t even need an attorney to file the lawsuit. I often see people who ignore their debts for a long time until one day they receive a summons at home or at work and only then do they realize the seriousness and urgency of their situation. If you are sued by a creditor, it is very important that you do not ignore the lawsuit or you will definitely regret the consequences once the creditor takes the next step of garnishing your wages, seizing funds out of your bank account, filing a lien against your real property or a combination of the above. If filing bankruptcy is your best and only option, it is best
to seek legal help right away before your debt problems get worse. Spare yourself the suffering and the agony caused by debt if at all possible. In choosing a bankruptcy lawyer, remember that not all bankruptcy lawyers are created equal and may have different ideas on how to help you. It is important to choose a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who has your best interests at heart. Most debt problems are solvable but often they get worse if ignored. Don’t make this fatal mistake. If bankruptcy is not your best option, sometimes debt settlement can also be a way to avoid bankruptcy as long as you can come up with a realistic payment plan that your creditors will accept. If you are in debt and have not figured out a way to get out, constant worrying will not get you anywhere unless you act to change your situation for the better. For a free consultation, call my office at Toll-Free 1866-477-7772 and we will help you step by step in finding a solution that’s right for you. *** 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) 4777772. (Advertising Supplement)
Caregivers are presumptively disqualified to be named as beneficiary in a patient’s will or trust with ‘certain exceptions’ Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRsuA Reyes CaReGIveRS are presumptively disqualified from being named as beneficiary of a patient’s Will or Trust. Probate Code Section 21350, subdivision (a) provides: “except as provided in Section 21351, no provision, or provisions, of any instrument shall be valid to make any donative transfer to any of the following: …… (6) a care custodian
of a dependent adult who is the transferor.” a “disqualified person” under the statute “means a person specified in subdivision (a) of Section 21350, but only in cases where Section 21351 does not apply.” (§ 21350.5.) Other presumptively disqualified donees under section 21350(a), include: the drafter of the instrument; the drafter’s relative, domestic partner, cohabitant, or employee; the drafter’s law partner or shareholder; an employee of the law partnership or corporation in which the drafter has an interest; one having a fiduciary relationship with the donor (including a conservator or trustee), who transcribes
or causes the instrument to be transcribed; such fiduciary’s relative, employee, domestic partner, or cohabitant; and a relative of, domestic partner of, employee of, or a cohabitant with, a care custodian of the donor who is a dependent adult. (§ 21350(a).) The statute defines the terms “dependent adult” and “care custodian” as follows: “For purposes of this section, the term ‘dependent adult’ has the meaning as set forth in Section 15610.23 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and also includes those persons who (1) are older than age 64 and (2) would be dependent adults, within the meaning of Section
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Debt Relief Atty. lAwRence yAng THe first case involves clients who are still young. By young, I mean less than fifty, late forties. They have teenage children, one son, and two daughters. Their household income is about $75K a year. Husband used to work two jobs as a technician, while wife used to own a retail business, now defunct. She still makes some money but hardly enough to pay for her $68K of credit card debt. She racked up this debt when she used these cards to support a failing business, just to keep the business afloat for two more years. Husband owes only $20K of credit cards. Together, clients owe about $90K of credit cards. Minimum monthly payments are almost $3k a month. Needless to say, wife’s cards are now all past due, while husband’s cards are still current, as a last ditch effort to hold the fort, the same thing that Gen. Custer did. Thinking he could protect the fort, the Indians won and Custer died. Three Indian tribes, the Lakota, Cheyenne and arapaho decimated the 7th cavalry of Gen. Custer, which had 700 men. Custer and his two brothers died in the battle of ‘Little Big Horn” in 1876. So, I’m not so sure if it’s a good idea to take a last stand to try to pay $90K of credit card debt when clients’ household income, although decent at $75K a year, because there is no way mathematically for clients’ to pay $90K of credit card debt with minimum payments. These cards will never get paid in clients’ lifetime, unless they win the power ball lottery. Dream on. The chance of winning power ball is 1 in 292 million. You have a better chance of getting hit by lightning, twice, than winning power ball. after a little probing, I determine that clients want a Chapter 7 to wipe out all of the $90K credit cards. The problem is that their residence has about $130K of equity. It has a current fair market value of $450K and they owe about $320K on it. It this was four years ago, they could easily sail through a Chapter 7 without the risk of losing their house to an aggressive Chapter 7 trustee. Of course, their homestead exemption is $100K plus about $25K for cost of sale of the house, so there is no viable equity for the trustee to take, so there is minimal risk
Tax Tips VictoR sy, cPA, mBA
IF you are a U.S. citizen (or dual citizen) residing outside the U.S. but do not report your foreign accounts, you may be subject to harsh penalties—penalties that are more severe than you expect, penalties that can even exceed balances in your accounts. It is therefore critical that you learn the new rules for FBaR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial accounts) to determine if you should report your offshore accounts. Background on FBaRs. each U.S. person who has a financial interest, signature, or other authority over any foreign financial accounts, including bank and securities accounts with an aggregate value of more than $10,000 at any time during the calendar year, in a foreign country, must report in each calendar year by filing an FBaR Form FinCeN 114 with the Department of the Treasury on or before June 30th of the succeeding year. Potential FBAR penalties • Generally, the civil penalty for willfully failing to file an FBaR can be up to the greater of $100,000 or 50% of the total balance of the foreign account at the time of the violation. • alternatively, non-willful violations that the IRS concludes are not due to reasonable cause are subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. • In addition to the failure to file and failure to pay penalties, the IRS said that other civil pen-
Clients choose Chapter 13 to avoid risk of losing house Senior wants to wipe out $22k credit card debt
to the house. But there is a five percent chance that the trustee that gets assigned to clients’ case is the most aggressive Chapter 7 trustee when it comes to non exempt assets, particularly houses. If this misfortune should befall clients, this is just the worst thing that can happen to a Chapter 7 debtor with “borderline” exempt equity in the house, having to deal with a Chapter 7 trustee on steroids who is hell bent on selling your house for $1 of non-exempt eq-
This means that clients will pay 20% of their $90K credit cards over 5 years with no interest, the court will discharge 80% of $72K on the 60th payment. In Chapter 13, there is no risk of clients’ losing their house to the trustee because Chapter 13 trustees do not have the power to sell houses. On the other hand, Chapter 7 trustees have the power to sell your house if there is viable non-exempt equity. To avoid the hassle of dealing with an over aggressive
The chance of winning power ball is 1 in 292 million. You have a better chance of getting hit by lightning, twice, than winning power ball. uity. and even though debtors have the right to convert to Chapter 13 anytime, to escape the clutches of a Chapter 7 trustee who wants to sell their house, the right to convert is not absolute. This trustee will certainly oppose the conversion to Chapter 13. His trustee and legal fees to fight the conversion to Chapter 13 can easily reach $25K, and all of that $25K must be paid in full the Chapter 13 as priority Chapter 7 administrative fees. So even the trustee loses on the opposition, he still wins, because he still gets paid $25K in the Chapter 13 case. It doesn’t pass the smell test for fairness, but in reality, that’s the way it works. I have one case now and we are fighting to keep debtor’s house in Chapter 7 (no conversion to Chapter 13) because debtor owes more than $1.0M of unsecured debt. We are fighting the trustee in an adversary case because this house doesn’t even have non-exempt equity but the trustee is making it appear that debtor lied under oath and now asks for denial of discharge to debtor. I just can’t believe what is going on in this case. But we are fighting it 100%, and in this case, we are the Indians. To avoid this kind of scenario altogether, it is safer for clients to choose Chapter 13. In Chapter 13, they can pay a small amount, maybe $300 a month for sixty months. after having paid $18,000 in sixty months with no interest, the difference between $90K and $18K, $72K will be discharged with the last payment on the 60th payment.
Chapter 7 trustee and risk losing their house, clients chose to file Chapter 13 and pay 20% of their credit card debt. and may I add, this is the right choice because there is no risk to the house which they want to keep, and $300 plan payment is certainly a lot less than $3K a month for minimum payments that never end, with a bright light at the end of the 60th payment when $72K is discharged by the court! In 5 years, clients will owe zero unsecured debt, and they will still have their house, which may then have $200K of equity if Hillary Clinton becomes president. I’m with her. We are stronger together. Second client is a young senior. She is only 55. Divorced ten years ago. Now lives by herself. She used to be a happy camper with a $40K yearly salary. But she lost that job last year. She is stuck with $22K of credit card debt. She pays $900 a month for these cards to keep them current. But her savings are quickly diminishing. When it’s a choice between paying $900 of rent which lets her have a roof over her head for a month, or $900 to mastercard and visa, given the fact that she now has no income, it’s really a no brainer. The $22K of credit cards has to be discharged. She chooses Chapter 7 to achieve this goal. Her credit score will go up pretty fast since she still pays for a car. In two years her credit score will be about 620. Within a couple of months of getting her discharge, she will get new credit cards mailed to
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Penalties for noncompliant US citizens residing abroad alties may arise, including the accuracy-related penalty, fraud penalty and the other information reporting penalties. • No penalties are imposed if the IRS determines the violation was due to reasonable cause. Reasonable cause for failure to file FBAR: Factors weighing in favor of a determination that an FBaR violation was due to reasonable cause include: • Reliance upon a professional tax advisor who was informed of the existence of the foreign account, • That the unreported account was established for a legitimate purpose and there were no indications of efforts taken to intentionally conceal the reporting of income or assets, and • That there was no tax deficiency (or there was a tax deficiency but the amount was de minimis). Factors weighing against such a determination that an FBAR violation was due to reasonable cause include: • Whether the taxpayer’s background and education indicate that he should have known of the FBaR reporting, • Whether there was a tax deficiency related to the unreported foreign account, and • Whether the taxpayer failed to disclose the existence of the account to the person preparing his tax return. Generally, reasonable cause relief is granted when the taxpayer can demonstrate to the IRS that he/she exercised ordinary business care and prudence
but nevertheless failed to meet the tax burden. Factors demonstrating whether or not ordinary business care and prudence were exercised include: • Reasons provided for failing to meet the tax obligations; • Taxpayer’s compliance history; • Length of time between the taxpayer’s failure to meet the tax obligation and the subsequent compliance; • Circumstances beyond the taxpayer’s control. What the IRS Considers as Facts and Circumstance that determine Reasonable Cause for Failure to File FBaR: • The taxpayer’s education; • Whether the taxpayer has been previously subject to the tax; • Whether the taxpayer has been penalized before; • Whether there were recent changes in the tax law that the taxpayer could not reasonably be expected to know; • Level of complexity of a tax or compliance issue. *** 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)
The many ways of becoming... PAGE C1 t ship in the United States are extremely complex. One may be a citizen and not know it. alternatively, one may think they are going through a simple process and wind up fighting to keep their green card. Be informed. Consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration at-
torney when you start to think about citizenship. *** 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) 795-8009 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)
Community Journal
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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. Q: Thank you for a previous article you wrote regarding police use of excessive force and the violation of civil rights back in February. I am paying close attention to the news these days and see videotaped encounters of police arresting civilians. Is it legal to videotape police officers while they are doing their jobs in a public place? A: The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has always allowed the photographing or filming of police officers in public places as long as this does not interfere with official police duties. We live in an age when cell phones with cameras are everywhere. Bystanders who witness police officers making an arrest or detaining a suspect may record the incident on their cell phones. And, as in the case of some recent news, the detainees themselves have done the recording. In some of these instances, police officers have been caught on the recording ordering the person to stop the recording. So there is the unanswered question regarding ordinary persons out in public who witness these situations and record them – are these persons violating the law? California’s lawmakers would like to leave no doubt in people’s minds that photographing or filming of police officers in public places is legal. They enacted the Right to Record Act last year to spell out clearly a person’s rights in the situation. The new California law clearly
SKT Immigration
eliot Krieger FIlIpINoS can acquire visas by expanding their business to the United States. The l-1 visa enables United States employers to transfer existing executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge from an affiliated foreign office to an office in the United States. Alternatively, the foreign company can send an executive or manager to the United States to set up a new office or company. There are two types of l-1 visas: l-1A visa pertains to executives or managers, who will oversee the business and daily operations of the United States company; l-1B visa pertains to professional employees with specialized knowledge of the product, services, or process of the foreign company. Beneficiaries of approved l-1 petitions can bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States for the duration of the beneficiary’s stay. In addition, authorized spouses may work in the United States. L-1 Process
Can we videotape police activity in public? states that a person who takes a photograph or makes an audio or video recording of a police officer (or any public officer), while the officer is in a public place, is not violating the law. Even if the officer is not strictly in a public place, the act of recording is still lawful if the person making the recording is in a place where he or she has the
while they’re doing their jobs. Note, however, that the new law clarifies that simply taking a photo, audio or video of a police officer in a public place is not an “obstruction” which can be cause for detention or arrest. A photo, audio, or video is a factual record of an event, which can be used to protect the public from police misconduct, and
The new California law clearly states that a person who takes a photograph or makes an audio or video recording of a police officer (or any public officer), while the officer is in a public place, is not violating the law. Even if the officer is not strictly in a public place, the act of recording is still lawful if the person making the recording is in a place where he or she has the right to be. right to be. The new law also clearly states that simply because a person takes a photo, audio or video recording of a police officer, while the officer is in a public place, is not a reason to detain or arrest that person. For bystanders/civilians to avoid unknowingly breaking the law, the most important thing to remember about the Right to Record (and the First Amendment) is that the person taking the photo, audio, or video is not allowed to obstruct official police activities. This means civilians, while recording, should not interfere with the police
conversely to protect police officers from being falsely accused of misconduct. *** 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) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully obtained significant recoveries for thousands of employees and consumers. He is named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advo(Advertising Supplement) cates Forum.
L Visa: Come to the US by expanding your business To begin the process, the United States company must file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition must demonstrate that the following requirements are met: 1. Qualifying relationship between the U.S. company and company abroad; 2. U.S. company and company abroad will be doing business; 3. l-1 Transferee has worked for the foreign company for at least 1 of the 3 preceding years before the filing of the petition; 4. l-1 Transferee’s employment overseas was in an executive, managerial or specialized knowledge capacity; 5. Employment in the U.S. will be in an executive, managerial or specialized knowledge capacity; 6. l-1 Transferee is qualified for the job; 7. Employment in the U.S. is temporary. The maximum length of stay for managers or executives with l-1A visas is 7 years, whereas the maximum length of stay for specialized knowledge employ-
ees with l-1B visas is 5 years. Conclusion The l visa is a popular option for foreign nationals seeking to relocate to the United States due to its many advantages and potential pathway to permanent residence. As dual-intent is allowed for l visas, l visa holders can file for a green card in the United States without potentially jeopardizing their visa status. Additionally, there is no annual cap on the number of l-1 visas available each year so there is no wait time. This advantageous visa option allows the l1 Transferee’s family to obtain l-2 visas, where the spouse and children can lawfully work and attend school in the U.S. *** Eliot Krieger is a Partner at Sullivan, Krieger, Truong, Spagnola, and Klausner, LLP. He is a former Assistant United States Attorney with the United States Department of Justice. He has a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Website: www.sullivankrieger.com Contact us at any of our offices: Long Beach + 1 (562) 597-7070 Irvine + 1 (949) 390-5270 Philippines + 63-2-788-5196 (Advertising Supplement)
Clients choose Chapter 13 to avoid... PAGE C2
her. Some credit cards specialize in giving credit to people who have come out of Chapter 7. Chapter 7 is the best choice for client. “Give Unto the Lord The Glo-
ry Due To His Name; Worship The Lord in The Beauty of Holiness.” Psalm 29:2 *** 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)
Caregivers are presumptively disqualified... PAGE C2 15610.23, if they were between the ages of 18 and 64. The term ‘care custodian’ has the meaning as set forth in Section 15610.17 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.” (§ 21350, subd. (c).) “‘Instrument’ is broadly defined in probate Code section 45 as ‘a will, trust, deed, or other writing that designates a beneficiary or makes a donative transfer of property.’ ” (Rice v. Clark (2002) 28 Cal.4th 89, 97, fn. 4, 120 Cal. Rptr.2d 522, 47 p.3d 300.) However, there is an exception to the presumptive disqualification of care custodian as beneficiary in a Will or a Trust. The presumption of invalidity of donative transfers to specified individuals under section 21350(a)-including transfers to care custodians of dependent adults-does not apply, , where “[t]he instrument is reviewed by an independent attorney who (1) counsels the client (transferor) about the nature and consequences of the intended transfer, (2) attempts to determine if the intended consequence is the result of fraud, menace, duress, or undue influence, and (3) signs and delivers to the transferor an original certificate ... with a copy delivered to the drafter.” (§ 21351(b).) This “Certificate of
Independent Review” must state that the attorney: reviewed the instrument; counseled the client/ transferor concerning the nature and consequences of the subject transfer of property to the presumptively disqualified person under section 21350; was disassociated from any interest in the transferee; and concluded that the transfer to the presumptively disqualified person was valid because it was “not the product of fraud, menace, duress, or undue influence.” (§ 21351(b).) The intent of section 21350 was “to prevent unscrupulous persons in fiduciary relationships from obtaining gifts from elderly persons through undue influence or other overbearing behavior. [Citation.]” Bank of America v. Angel View Crippled Children’s Foundation (1999) 72 Cal.App.4th 451, 456, 85 Cal. Rptr.2d 117. In 1997, the legislature amended section 21350(a) to include care custodians of dependent adults as presumptively disqualified donees. (See Stats.1997, ch. 724, § 33; Conservatorship of Davidson (2003) 113 Cal.App.4th 1035, 1051 [6 Cal.Rptr.3d 702] [1997 amendment to section 21350 “was intended to apply to gifts made ‘to practical nurses or other caregivers hired to provide in-home
care. If an elderly patient intends to create a Will or a living trust naming a caregiver as one of the beneficiaries, it is important for the elderly donor to retain an attorney that can advise the elderly of the proper procedure for drafting the Will and the Trust and avoiding having the gift to the beneficiary caregiver held invalid by the court after the donor’s death. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. (Advertising Supplement)
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The problem with family caregiving by Andrew
PArAnAl, eSQ
oUR community is known for its expertise in caregiving. While we only make up around 3% of the general population in California, Filipinos account for 18% of the registered nurses in this state. Source: California Healthcare Foundation, 2010. With so many members of our community employed in the health care field; we often have family or friends who are nurses or caregivers. This fact coupled with our culture that respects our elders and sanctifies the family results in many Filipino families trying to care for our sick seniors at home without any help from outside the family. It is a wonderful thing that we and try to keep our parents, grandparents, and other family members at home as long as possible. When my grandfather had a massive stroke, we cared for him at home until he passed (which was relatively quickly). However, there are compelling reasons to seek assistance taking care of our sick seniors. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 50 million people, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year. perhaps you’re one of them. If so, and you feel as if your world has turned upside-down, you’re not alone: • Elderly spousal caregivers with a history of chronic illness themselves who are experiencing caregiving related stress have a 63% higher mortality rate than their non-caregiving peers. Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 282, No. 23, December 15, 1999. • Stress of family caregiving for persons with dementia has been shown to impact a person’s immune system for up to three years after their caregiving ends thus increasing their chances of developing a chronic illness themselves. Source: proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 30, 2003. • Family caregivers who provide care 36 or more hours weekly are more likely than non-caregivers to experience symptoms of depression or
Now, some seniors who “don’t want to be a burden on their families” voluntarily move to a retirement, assisted living or nursing home. on the other end of the spectrum, other seniors make their families promise to never put them in a nursing home (or the families refuse to put them there). When caring for my grandfather, my family experienced the kind of stress that comes from a family trying to care for an invalid loved one at home. We would take shifts so that there would always be someone with Andrew Paranal, ESQ him and everyone would get anxiety. For spouses the rate is breaks. We have a large famsix times higher; for those caring ily and my grandfather didn’t for a parent the rate is twice as survive that long; I don’t know high. Source: American Journal if we would have been able to of public Health 92:305-1311, care for him at home if we didn’t have as many people helping, 2002.
It is a wonderful thing that we and try to keep our parents, grandparents, and other family members at home as long as possible. When my grandfather had a massive stroke, we cared for him at home until he passed (which was relatively quickly). However, there are compelling reasons to seek assistance taking care of our sick seniors. • A wife’s hospitalization increased her husband’s chances of dying within a month by 35%. A husband’s hospitalization boosted his wife’s mortality risk by 44%. Source: New England Journal of Medicine, Feb. 16, 2006. • Family caregivers experiencing extreme stress have been shown to age prematurely. This level of stress can take as much as 10 years off a family caregiver’s life. Source: proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Dec 7, 2004, Vol 101, No. 49. • Family caregivers report having a chronic condition at more than twice the rate of non-caregivers. Source: National Alliance for Caregiving and AARp, Caregiving in the U.S., 2004. As the above statistics point out, providing care for a loved one is a stressful and demanding ordeal. It is important to remember that the caregiver also has human needs and emotions. In order for the caregiver to provide care to the patient, it is imperative that they care for themselves.
or if he lived much longer. I have had many families report that their loved one actually got better, i.e., became mentally more alert and put on weight, once they were placed into a nursing home. And if your decision not to place your loved one into a nursing home is a financial one, i.e., “It’s too expensive,” you need to know that it is legally possible to protect assets and qualify for Medi-Cal. *** Elder Law Services of California is proud to announce that attorney Andrew Paranal has joined its trust department. Mr. Paranal began his career in estate planning in 2013 and has since expanded into asset protection and Medi-Cal planning. He became interested in Elder Law after helping care for a family member who experienced a debilitating event. Mr. Paranal is excited to join an established law firm and hopes to educate his Filipino community about the tremendous benefits of proper estate planning. For more information, please visit elderlawcalifornia.com or call 1-800-4110546 (Advertising Supplement)
C JULY 30-AUgUst 2, 2016 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOURNAL
Community Journal
As we grow older
To Live With Faith ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas Summer is a time of reunions with families, friends, and former classmates. In these gatherings, the conversations are not just about memories of years long past but also about the present and the future.
“So how many kids do you have? Are they all done with college? How’s your business? How’s your practice? “When and where do you plan to retire? What are you planning to do when you retire?” These are the usual topics of conversation at these events along with comments about health, investments, travels, and politics. These conversations make us also think about the brevity of life.
“How times fly so quickly,” so we all say, “they are just like a blink of an eye.” Then deep within us is the fear of imminent sickness, growing old and inevitable demise. “Oh, let’s just enjoy life now,” we add, trying to console ourselves on the hard realities of life. The Scripture readings this Sunday wake us up from all our toils, worries, success and accomplishments to make us think
People and Events
Distinguished diplomat and journalist Laurencio De Venecia Zabala, Jr. dies at age 85 LOS ANGeLeS—Laurencio De Venecia Zabala, Jr., 85, passed away Thursday, 21 July 2016, at 1pm in the Intensive Care unit of the Los Angeles Community Hospital. During the 1960s, mr. Zabala reported and wrote for the Philippine nation’s leading newspaper, the manila Daily Bulletin, and during the 1970s and 1980s served as press attaché for the Philippine consulates in Singapore and Honolulu, Hawaii under former Philippine president Ferdinand marcos. Born January 9, 1931, in manila, mr. Zabala grew up in poverty in the provincial city of Dagupan, Pangasinan. Through talent, intellect, and hard work, he rose above his meager beginnings to become an award-winning Philippine journalist and was eventually appointed as consul by then Secretary of National Defense, Juan Ponce enrile, Sr. In 1982, mr. Zabala left the diplomatic service and returned to his first love as a journalist when he relocated to Los Angeles from Hawaii. In Los Angeles, he edited and wrote for a number of major publications, including the Los Angeles Herald examiner, a William randolph Hearst publication, and was editor-in-Chief of several Filipino-American newspapers and magazines. Throughout his illustrious career as a journalist, mr. Zabala wrote stories exposing corruption by Philippine government officials and about issues affecting the Filipino-American community. Well-known and respected by his fellow journalists, mr. Zabala served as President of the National Press Club of the Philippines and President of the Fili-
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profoundly of the essential matters of life. The Book of ecclesiastes confronts us with these honest words: “For what profit comes to a man from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which he has labored under the sun? All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation; even at night his mind is not at rest. This is also vanity. Psalm 90 reminds us: “For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades. Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain wisdom of heart.” The Gospel speaks about the story of an affluent man who produced a huge harvest one year and built larger barns to store all his riches and then planned to spend his remaining life resting, eating, drinking and being merry. But God said to him, “You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong? Thus will it be for all
who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God. In the shortness of life, and in all our preoccupations to claim material possession and successes, these readings touch the core of our beings deeply. In the end what matters most apparently are not earthly possession, honors, and prestige, but the marks of love and faith that we leave behind in the lives of people that we care about most deeply and in those that we meet along the way. What matters in life is that we love generously, care deeply and speak kindly. All material possessions fade away, including our bodies. And what endures for the generations we leave behind are our legacies of sacrifice, perseverance, loyalty, commitment, and care for the human race. And so, reunions with families, former classmates and friends are not a just opportune time to give thanks for blessings of love and friendships, but also profound moments to think about our personal lives. Have we built egoistic barns instead of big hearts filled with love, compassion, patience, and
kindness for people? How have we gone out of our grandiose self and reach out to make a difference in people’s lives for the better future of our world? Are we proud of what we have accomplished with our kids and yet recognize that it’s only through God’s providence and help that we were able to fulfill our responsibilities to them? As we grow older and plan retirement, perhaps we can reflect back on how we can still gain wisdom of the heart according to the Word of God so that we can live in peace, joy, and simplicity. It’s good to enjoy the pleasures of life, but it’s also wise and consoling to think about the wisdom of God. *** 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 (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19992001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of ImmAaculate 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.
A dash of salt and pepper
Mr. Laurencio De Venecia Zabala, Jr. is survived by his wife and three daughters, and five other children from his first marriage.
pino American Press Club of Los Angeles. equally recognized and esteemed by his fellow countrymen, mr. Zabala also served as President of the Greater Dagupan Association of California. “my Dad was a humble man; he simply did what he thought was right. And love for his family was the core of his being,” said Laurie Zabala, mr. Zabala’s daughter. A beloved husband and father, mr. Zabala is survived by his wife and three daughters, and five other children from his
first marriage. As we celebrate the life of a distinguished writer and consul, both Filipino and American communities join the family in mourning a departed writer of great repute and moral character. Funeral services will be held privately on 30 July 2016 at St. Dominic’s Church in Los Angeles. Laurie Zabala (808) 498-1892 LaurieZabala@gmail.com Pr writer for the Zabala Family
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THE best of heaven Greetings to all. my name is Henjie Pimenta and my reason for writing primarily is to bring glory to God the Father, Yahweh, Abba, Jehovah God, Adonai, The Great I Am, el Shaddai, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; and The Chief resident in my heart, The Holy Spirit; and to bring encouragement to everyone. What qualifications do I possess in sharing The Best of Heaven? Nothing really, except that I am also a recipient of God’s grace through Jesus Christ, just like many of you. And being able to experience the best of heaven while here on earth through the Holy Spirit is an awesome thing. It gives you hope for the future state after life here on earth. It gives you the reason to live knowing that you have a purpose in existence. And all who agree say Henjie Pimenta Amen. Getting to know the scribbler Born from an Ilocano and Bicolana parents in manila, a combination of north and south that is rich in culture and tradition. I love the way God knitted my life for He knew me even in my mother’s womb, and so do you ( Jeremiah 1:5). It is a molding of life and personality through experiences. Yes, there are ups and downs just like yours, but somehow unique in every individual. As a young boy, I enjoyed meeting people as I sold home-cooked food through door to door down the strip of ermita, manila (decada 70-80). That was of course before I went to school at noon time with my siblings. After school, I will go back at ermita again to collect payment from my regular customers and sell merienda to them as well. Then, at night time I will pick up food for our piggery, left-over food from restaurants situated around the tourist belt, which we cook and mix with feeds. Selling cooking ingredients in palengke at San Andres Bukid was a delight as well. Quite an upgrade was when eventually we operated an art gallery and handicraft shop in Pistang Pilipino. Then, eventually a kitchenette near the uS embassy in manila. The whole family joined together in this enterprise. I am truly grateful to God for all of the blessings. I am who I am now because of the grace of God through the years. Now married to mary Ann with children and grand children, a total package of another blessing from God, who can resist? We run an Adult Day Health Care Center called Helping Hands in Arleta, CA. A senior facility, an answer to our prayers seventeen years ago. On the side, mary Ann likes sharing her discoveries and concoctions for beauty products in mary’s Alabaster. ( my Proverbs 31 lady. Thank you Jesus). Praise Christian Fellowship along Beverly Blvd. and near Alvarado St. is our home church in Los Angeles City; founded by Pastor Joe Danganan and our current Senior Pastor is Pastor Courtney Hall from Church on the Way who was under the ministry of Pastor Jack Hayford. Our most recent daughter church planted is the Praise Christian Fellowship of the Valley located in 9051 Woodman Ave., Arleta, CA. 91331, located between Nordhoff and Osborne St. behind the small alley at the back of CVS drugstore and Val-
larta Supermarket, and we meet inside the Helping Hands facility. Our Senior Pastor in the Valley is Pastor Liel madeja. The service starts at 4:30pm so my wife and I attend the service in LA in the morning, Tagalog service 8:30am and english service at 11am (third service in L.A starts at 6pm with Pastor edwin Bernardino). Yours truly was entrusted by God to be the Associate Pastor for both locations. Something that I never thought it would happen in my wildest dream. No regrets just amazed how God orchestrates things for His people. By the way, we have a guest speaker this Sunday at Praise Christian Fellowship of the Valley. His name is Pastor Arnel malalang, ministering full time in the Philippines and is a good friend of Pastor Liel madeja. everyone is invited, Praise Christian Fellowship of the Valley ( inside Helping Hands ADHC), 9051 Woodman Ave., Arleta , CA. 91331 at 4:30 pm. End of the year prayer request Some years ago, only God knows when, I put my year ending prayer request for the upcoming year. I wrote to God that I would like to write a book someday, a small and simple book maybe for kids or a free booklet to give away for our first time attendees in church and everyone we meet. That request is something that is out of my expertise and vocation. But hey, pray for the impossible right. “….What seems to be impossible for man is possible with God (Luke 18:27).” Guess what? Just a few years ago, we had a meeting with Asian Journal executive and she invited me to contribute an article for the newspaper regarding my faith and practice about Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, how cool is that! Why “ a dash of salt and pepper?” As believer of Jesus Christ, we are the light and salt of the earth ( matthew 5:13-14). As salt is use to give flavor and light brightens the dark surroundings, we are to make an impact wherever we are, giving glory to God the Father, God the Son-Jesus and the Holy Spirit. All who agree say Amen! This simple phrase ( a dash of pepper) was originally used to refer to me by my friend George montero who is a multi talented man, who is not just a writer but a director and producer as well. We did some projects together in the early 90’s that was shown in LA and Chicago as well. In one of his articles, he featured me in that issue and he entitled it with “A Dash of Pepper”, simply because my last name is Pimenta which actually means ‘pepper’. I may have some relatives around that I have not met yet like mr. Garlic and ms. Onion. In God’s perfect time, we will all meet in this circle of life like pots and pans. So enjoy the savor with a dash of pepper, yah. Haachew!, excuse me. God bless you all. Jesus loves you more than you ever know. If you need prayers please do not hesitate to call us at: (818)813-3971 or visit us on any Sunday at 4:30pm Praise Christian Fellowship of the Valley (inside Helping Hands ADHC) 9051 Woodman Ave., Arleta, CA. 91331
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Cainta Catholic College 3rd Bi-annual Global Alumni Reunion Cainta Catholic College, formerly Cainta Catholic School, of Cainta, Rizal Philippines will hold its 3rd bi-annual global alumni reunion with Fiesta Filipiniana Theme on Saturday, July 30, 2016 in Anaheim, California. The Anaheim alumni reunion reconnects alumni from USA, Canada, Australia and Philippines. It is a reunion of high school alumni from the ’50s, ’60s, 70s, 80s, ’90s and 2000s. The global alumni reunion started in 2012 in Toronto, Ontario Canada. In 2014, the second reunion was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It takes place every two years. The Anaheim Reunion will begin on Saturday morning, Meet and Greet Event, from 9 am to 12 pm at Pearson Park in Anaheim, California. The Reception, Dinner and Dance will start at 6 pm at Embassy Suites-Anaheim South, 11767 Harbor Blvd. Garden Grove, California. Santacruzan festival parade participated by alumni will open the evening’s reunion and gala events. For information, contact the Reunion Planning Committee at ccs.ccc.international@gmail.com.
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Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ On July 29, 2016, the USCIS finally published their FInAL rule expanding eligibility for a provisional waiver of the 3\10 year bar. The rule will go into effect on Aug. 29, 2016. The expanded provisional waiver “expands eligibility for the provisional waiver process to all individuals who are statutorily eligible for the waiver of the unlawful presence ground of inadmissibility“. This could include people who have a spouse or parent who is a green card holder. (The original provisional waiver allowed only immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, parents, and child) to apply for a provisional waiver of the 3/10 year bar, provided they demonstrate “extreme hardship” on a US citizen parent or spouse.). Upon approval of the waiver, they can depart for immigrant visa processing at the U.S. Embassy in their home country. The new rule expands eligibility for the provisional waiver in several ways: • not only are immediate relatives of US citizens eligible for a provisional waiver, but also all other family and employment based categories\petitions, provided the person has an approved petition with a current priority date (whether a family or employment petition) and a spouse or parent who is a US citizen or green card holder. • A person can now demonstrate “extreme hardship” not only on a US citizen parent or spouse, but also on an immigrant (LPR) spouse or parent. A provisional waiver could benefit people who are ineligible to adjust status in the US, such as: • Crewman (or jump ships), who do not have the benefit of Section 245(i); • People who entered the U.S. without inspection (EWI), but do not have the benefit of Section 245(i) or a close family member who is on active duty or US veteran; • People who entered the U.S. on a K-1 fiancée visa, but did not marry the US citizen who petitioned them, but instead married a different US citizen, or have another avenue for a green card, such as an approved employment based petition; and\or • People who are out of status, do not have the benefit of Section 245(i), and no “immediate relative” spouse or parent. Instead, they may have a spouse or parent who is a green card holder. In all these cases, the person is ordinarily not eligible to receive a green card (adjust status) in the U.S., but instead must go back to the Philippines for an immigrant visa, which could trigger the 3/10 year bar. The purpose of this regulation is to shorten the amount of time these people are separated from their family members, while they process their immigrant visas overseas at the Embassy. However, before you jump on a plane for Manila, here are some
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DHS finally publishes ‘final’ expanded provisional waiver rule for 3/10 year bar!
FAQ’s about this regulation: 1. What is the 3/10 year bar? The 3/10 year bar is a law, which basically states that anyone who is out of status in the U.S. for more than 180 days, but less than a year, and then departs the U.S., is barred from returning to the US for 3 years. Anyone who had been out of status for more than one year, and then departs is barred from returning for 10 years. This 3/10 year bar is triggered only when the alien departs the U.S. 2. Who was eligible under the original\existing “provisional waiver” process? The only family members eligible for the original provisional waiver were immediate relatives (spouse, parent, or minor child) of a U.S. citizen, and only where a U.S. citizen parent or spouse would suffer extreme hardship. 3. Who is eligible under the new expanded provisional waiver process? In addition to “immediate relatives”, a petition by an LPR (green card holder) relative or even an employer would also qualify, where the “qualifying relative” is a US citizen OR LPR spouse or parent. For example, if you have a USC child and an LPR spouse or parent, you could be petitioned by your USC child (which is faster), and qualify for an expanded provisional waiver by demonstrating extreme hardship on your LPR spouse or parent. Similarly, if you were petitioned by an employer and have an LPR parent, you could also qualify for the provisional waiver, by obtaining your immigrant visa through your employer’s petition and by demonstrating extreme hardship on your LPR parent. 4. What are the benefits of the “provisional waiver” program? This procedure would allow qualified aliens, with a U.S. citizen or LPR parent or spouse, to apply for a waiver of the 3/10 year bar, while still in the U.S., and before they depart the U.S. for immigrant visa processing overseas. If the waiver is granted, they would then depart the U.S. (with the approved waiver in hand), to be processed for their immigrant visa and return to the US as a green card holder! 5. Would this provisional waiver process apply to other immigration violations or grounds of inadmissibility? no. This provisional waiver applies only to violations of the 3/10 year bar. If a person has other immigration violations, such as fraud (assumed name entry), criminal convictions, and the like, he is not eligible for a provisional waiver and would have to apply for all such waivers outside the U.S. 6. If I’m being petitioned as an immediate relative, do I really need to depart the U.S.? In many cases, people being petitioned as an “immediate relative” can still adjust status (obtain their green card), in the U.S. even if they are out of status, worked without authorization, or do not have the benefit of Section 245(i). If a person is eligible to adjust status in the U.S., they should not even think of departing the U.S., and, therefore,
Duterte fiscal plan raises red flags Infra pump priming, 24/7 construction, unsolicited proposals by Prinz
Magtulis Philstar.com
MAnILA - The new administration’s fiscal plan, which entails an aggressive infrastructure spending, around the clock public construction, unsolicited proj-
ect proposals and presidential emergency powers underscores President Duterte’s resolve to hit the ground running early in his term. Observers hailed the apparent fiscal pump priming after six years PAGE D2
First electric truck unveiled by Mercedes-Benz AS electric cars and scooters slowly gain a foothold on the streets of several countries, Daimler has unveiled the world’s very first electric semi, the MercedesBenz Urban eTruck. The eTruck is the same as most electric vehicles in that it is relatively whisper-quiet apart
D
from the low hum that can be heard when an e-vehicle passes by, unlike the traditional diesel truck, reports Engadget. With a weight capacity of 26 metric tons, the eTruck is the first electric “big rig” concept for the road. However, the eTruck has PAGE D2
Business Quote of the Week “Over the years, the US economy has shown a remarkable ability to absorb shocks of all kinds, to recover, and to continue to grow. Flexible and efficient markets for labor and capital, an entrepreneurial tradition, and a general willingness to tolerate and even embrace technological and economic change all contribute to this resiliency.” - Ben Bernanke, Economist and former chairman of the Federal Reserve
trigger the 3/10 year bar. See an attorney, who can determine if you even need to depart the US to obtain your green card. Maybe you don’t need to. 7. Are there any people who could benefit from the new expanded “provisional waiver” process? There are several categories of aliens who are not eligible to adjust status in the U.S., even if petitioned by a U.S. citizen as an immediate relative. These include: (a) crewman (jump ship) without Section 245(i); (b) someone who entered the U.S. without inspection (EWI), such as snuck across the border, and does not have the benefit of Section 245(i); (c) a person who entered the U.S. on a K-1 fiancée visa, but did not marry the US citizen who filed the K-1 petition, but married a different UIS citizen instead or was petitioned by an employer, and the like. So this regulation could possibly benefit them, if they have no other immigration violations, such as fraud, misrepresentation, etc. In conclusion, if you think this new expanded provisional waiver
could benefit you, you should definitely seek the advice of a reputable attorney, who can evaluate your circumstances and status, and determine your eligibility for a provisional waiver, and assist in preparing and processing this provisional waiver application. As you can see, only certain people would be eligible for this provi- The services sector in Metro Manila accounted for 81.1 percent of NCR’s economy in 2015, sional waiver. growing 6.6 percent. Output was driven by trade and repair; real estate renting and business *** activities; and transportation, storage and communication subsectors. 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. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) 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 attorney-client 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)
Philstar.com photo by Paulo Alcazaren
Metro Manila economy expands 6.6% in 2015 by Czeriza
ValenCia
Philstar.com
MAnILA - Metro Manila’s economy valued at P2.77 trillion in 2015 grew at a faster pace of 6.6. percent, still driven by the services sector, the nCR division of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday, July 28. In a briefing, PSA nCR director Rosalinda Bautista said even if the capital is no longer the fastest-growing region in the coun-
try, it accounted for the largest contribution (36.5 percent) to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2015 valued at P7.59 trillion at constant 2000 prices. The services sector in Metro Manila accounted for 81.1 percent of nCR’s economy in 2015, growing 6.6 percent. Output was driven by trade and repair; real estate renting and business activities; and transportation, storage and communication subsectors. PAGE D2
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More diverse emoji coming soon in ‘PH should prepare for TPP membership’ hopes of reducing gender inequality by Kristyn
niKa M. ManilaTimes.net
by Chay Lazaro Philstar.com
GooGle’s proposal to add a new set of emoji that highlights various career opportunities available to women has been approved by the Unicode emoji subcommittee. A total of 11 new emoji, representing “a wider range of professions for women (as well as men)” in different skin and hair colors, will be available in future versions of
Android and other platforms. Although Unicode argues that it does not normally specify the gender of the current emoji (i.e. the police officer is not a policeman), vendors usually have to choose the appearance of only one particular gender to display to get a greater sense of realism, resulting in limited choices for users. With this update, however, more characters can now be ei-
How do I feel?: Take your pick.
ther male or female. Unicode will also be adding male and female versions to 33 existing emoji. The sassy girl emoji will soon have its male counterpart, and the running man emoji will also have a female counterpart, among others. While using emoji to communicate may seem like something only teeny boppers and millennials do, a study conducted by emogi shows the use of emoji knows no age – with frequent users above 60 percent for all ages surveyed. According to the report, 90 percent of the online population use emoji to help them communicate accurately what they think. While 78 percent of women use emoji, Google feels the current crop of emoji does not empower young girls, nor does it reflect the pivotal roles women play in the world today. The rollout date of the new emoji has yet to be announced, but they may take some time to show up.
First electric truck unveiled by... PAGE D1 a limited range of roughly 200 kilometers so it won’t be used for long hauls. Instead it is ideal for load-bearing within city limits. Daimler has already done extensive tests for the utility of close-range 4.8-tonne capacity light trucks around Portugal. The eTruck will be a scaled-up version
of those early light trucks but with the capacity of a semi. Innovative as it is, especially with the growing demand for evehicles and green cities, eTrucks won’t be rolling off the assembly lines any time soon largely because of the cost and range of current batteries. Daimler expects battery technology to further mature
by 2025 and thereby drive costs down, paving the way for more evehicles to be manufactured. locally, we’ve already seen our fair share of e-vehicles from ebikes to e-jeepneys. Perhaps one day soon, eTrucks will start to replace the gas-guzzling, pollutionspewing semis on the roadways. (Alfred Bayle/Inquirer.net)
Lazo
THe Philippines should prepare for membership in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) to allow the country to capture Us markets and catch up with trade volumes in the region, outgoing Philippine ambassador to the Us, Jose Cuisia Jr., said. The Philippines, he said, should “pursue our membership in the TPP or Trans-Pacific Partnership” even with the change in administration from Benigno Aquino 3rd to Rodrigo Duterte. “We’ll focus on TPP. But now of course, we don’t know if this administration will pursue. The Us does not want a single country preference agreements anymore. They prefer the multilateral [trade agreements] like the TPP. so we have to accept that,” Cuisia told reporters after the Makati Business Club event on Friday. “And I’m hopeful that the secretary of Trade and Industry [Ramon lopez] and Undersecretary [Ceferino] Rodolfo will pursue the Philippine membership in TPP,” he added. The TPP is a trade agreement signed formally last February 4 by 12 member economies, which is focused on cutting of tariffs, lowering the cost of trade, as well as reducing restrictions on policy measures or so called non-tariff measures (NTM)—all to encourage free trade between its members. There are already twelve member economies included in the TPP, including Australia, Brunei, Cana-
da, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, singapore, United states, and Vietnam. Cuisia said the Us Congress might likely ratify the TPP in December after the Us elections in November, and then eventually include a “second batch” of potential member economies that are aiming to be a part of the trade bloc. The TPP will be the Philippines’ gateway into having freer access to the markets of Us, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Canada. “If it is ratified, then when will they open up to a second batch? I am saying we should be ready for that, we should prepare ourselves, [so] we can be in the second batch. Because there are also other countries who expressed interest to join like south Korea, Thailand, and possibly Indonesia,” Cuisia said. “so my position is, if we are not ready, we will fall behind especially against Vietnam and Malaysia because they’re part of the TPP. our markets will go to them especially in garments, shoes, and fruits like mango, among others,” he added. Asked what can be done to prepare the country for its TPP membership, the outgoing ambassador listed three steps: Consultations with TPP member countries,
improvement of our industries to be competitive, and amendment of the Constitution to allow for “higher foreign ownership in sectors which are limited.” “Because with that limited foreign ownership, we may not qualify. In other words, because one of the principles of TPP is that, there [should be] a level playing field. And if you have preferential treatments for nationals [like] Filipinos, Malaysians, or whatever, then we may not qualify, so that’s the problem. That’s the biggest challenge,” Cuisia said. With the Duterte administration being vocal into pushing for the amendment of the 60-40 rule in foreign ownership in the country, Cuisia said this will be a “good opportunity” for the Philippines as it will boost the country’s viability to be included in the second batch of TPP members. According to a TPP report by World Bank earlier this year, the Philippines may suffer 0.2 percent losses in gross domestic product and 0.5 percent losses in exports only in its first year if the country would not make it into the TPP. The 12 TPP member countries have a combined population of 800 million and are projected to account for 40 percent of the world’s gross domestic product and 30 percent of global trade.
Metro Manila economy expands... PAGE D1
Also registering strong growth was the industry sector which grew 6.5 percent, driven by manufacturing; construction; as well as energy, gas and water supply. As is traditional, agriculture and fisheries grew 4.1 percent, being a non-major industry in Metro Manila. NCR topped the 13 regions in the country whose economies were predominantly servicebased. The others were regions I, II, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII and XIII. Regions that were predominantly industrial were CAR, Region III and Region IV-A. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which registered a decline of 0.8 percent in 2015, was a predominantly agricultural region. Bautista noted the negative growth in ARMM pulled down the 2015 national GDP of 5.9 percent. “If ARMM had positive growth, 5.9 percent would have been higher,” she said. Compared to the national level, the per capita gross regional domestic product of NCR – the total output divided by its population – was significantly higher
at P219, 114 in 2015, up from P203, 231 in 2014. The national per capital GDP was only placed at P74, 770 in 2015, up from P71, 790 in 2014. NCR was the fourth fastestgrowing region in the country, the first being Bicol which registered a growth rate of 8.4 percent, followed by Western Visayas, 8.3 percent; and Davao Region, 7.9 percent. Bautista said while Metro Manila’s economy is growing, the effects would only be felt if growth is sustained at a level of around seven percent level for a period of time combined with a decrease in population. NCR’s economy showed a consistent, albeit fluctuating growth trend in the past four years. From a growth rate of seven percent in 2012, the capital’s economy grew faster by 9.2 percent. It slowed down to 5.9 percent in 2014 before rising again last year. “economic growth is a measure of the economy, not living standards. If there is consistent growth, this would translate to more jobs and more money in the pockets of Filipinos,” she said. “If the economy grows consistently and population goes down, that is when growth will be felt.”
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno
Duterte fiscal plan raises red... PAGE D1
of “cautious” spending program under the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III. Yet this early, red flags are already being raised. “Their methods mark an innovation, but a little bit complex,” said emilio Neri Jr., lead economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands. For her part, Rosario Manasan, research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development studies, said “it will all be a matter of projects to be prioritized,” while contractor Ibarra Paulino said execution will be “crucial.” From here, they listed three vital challenges facing Duterte’s fiscal plan. Absorptive capacity Topping the list is government agencies’ absorptive capacity. Manasan said this pertains to the capability of agencies to utilize funds through the completion of projects such that their budgets are consumed by the end of each year. such was not the case, how-
ever, since 1992, data from the Department of Budget and Management showed. since then, allocations were not completely used and that deficits are more a result of low revenues than high spending. “Agencies are being choked with funds. They are not used to having so much money to spend,” Manasan said. This could hit even President Duterte’s plan to get emergency powers from Congress to address what is already deemed a traffic crisis in Metro Manila. Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo is set to file a bill that would grant Duterte additional powers to deal with the deteriorating traffic situation in Metro Manila. Under her proposal, the President may enter into negotiated contracts for the construction, repair, rehabilitation, improvement or maintenance of critical infrastructure, projects and facilities, subject to certain conditions. “That will help, but as far as PAGE D7
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WIN Hyundai and WIN Chevrolet: Three giant locations to serve you There’s no better place for kababayans to shop for hyundai vehicles than WIN hyundai in Carson, Calif. established in 2011, the young dealership started with the goal of becoming the premiere hyundai dealership. since then, it has lived up to its aim by consistently ranked among the top five dealers in the district. In 2012, the dealership, which is also equus Certified, was also ranked No. 1 in district sales. WIN is proud to carry hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power and Associates ranked the automaker No. 2 among nonpremium automakers in the 2015 Automotive Performance, execution and Layout (APeAL) study. “Finishing among the top two non-premium brands in this year’s J.D. Power, the APeAL study shows hyundai takes design, technology, features, and performance seriously across the entire lineup. having the best-selling sonata ranking among the top two in its class is a remarkable accomplishment and we are committed to delivering the highest customer experience possible to our owners,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning at hyundai. WIN hyundai offers a wide selection of quality hyundai vehicles and extends its offerings across the Los Angeles area with its two locations: one in Carson and another in el Monte. On both sites,
customers can find new and certified pre-owned vehicles – including the santa Fe, sonata, elantra and Genesis Coupe – to meet a variety of budgets and preferences. Because the Carson and el Monte locations serve just about anyone and everyone in southern California, its experienced s a l e s re p re s e n t a t i v e s a re prepared and eager to help customers find the cars that best fit their preferences and needs. When it comes to purchasing a hyundai, WIN specializes in working with all types of credit, good or bad, and has the ability to refinance current loans. Additionally, although it sells hyundai cars, the dealership services vehicles of all makes and models and currently has an oil change special of $19.95 For Chevrolet owners and shoppers in Los Angeles, you may check out WIN’s third location at WIN Chevrolet, which will make sure to handle everything from helping you purchase a new or used Chevy. schedule an appointment or just stop on by to take any of our 2015 Chevrolet models for a test drive including the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro, 2015 Chevrolet Impala, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. Beyond the highly-praised brand WIN offers southern California residents, it has departments dedicated diverse groups found throughout the Los Angeles region, including Chinese, Korean, hispanic and Filipino communities.
Among Filipino members of the WIN hyundai Carson team include long-time car industry veterans Jun Milan and Jay Trinidad. “WIN is a great dealership and customer service is the best it can be,” Milan said. Also on the Filipino team i s Fra n k l i n M a g a r ro , t h e dealership’s internet sales manager. In addition to its on-location offerings, those shopping for hyundai cars can browse WIN’s inventory online with userfriendly filters. Whether you know specifically what make and model you’re looking for, are trying to shop based on a budget, or simply want to browse through what is available, the dealership website makes it easy to shop around from home. Live chat is also available and sales representatives are happy to assist customers via phone. WIN Hyundai Carson 2205 e 223rd street Carson, CA 90810 (877) 354-4253 Monday through saturday: 9am to 9pm sunday: 10am to 8pm WIN Hyundai El Monte 3462 N Peck road el Monte, CA 91731 (877) 290-2164 Monday through sunday: 9am to 9pm www.winhyundai.com Win Chevrolet 2201 e. 223rd street Carson, CA 90810 (818) 639-1216 www.winchevrolet.com 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 30-AUgUSt 2, 2016 D
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Longo Lexus offers the ultimate Longo Toyota delivers world class experience conveniences in customer amenities
We all know that the process of buying a car is not just as simple as buying a new pair of shoes at the mall. It is a long process that involves careful comparison between vehicle models, reviewing the car’s specifications with regards to the needs of the buyer, and of course, the negotiations for the financing packages and promos. As such, it is very important for Longo Lexus that its customers are supremely comfortable and well-pampered if they are going to make that important decision of which Lexus they will drive home. As a car dealership, there are many reasons why Longo Lexus has been an elite of Lexus dealer since 1992. One of those reasons includes the ultimate conveniences that they offer in customer amenities. As one of the leading Lexus car dealerships, Longo Lexus provides not only pre-sales conveniences, but also noteworthy post-sales services. Longo Lexus is known for the unique amenities that they offer to dealership customers. One of those unique amenities include an on-site Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) center. The AAA branch offers DMV services, airline, car, and hotel reservations, discounted movie and local attraction tickets, AAA membership application processing, OnBoard Teen Safe Driver Program, auto and home insurance, and more. Sign up at our AAA branch in Longo, and you’ll receive a special $13 discount off the original membership price. Aside from from the on-site AAA branch, Longo is also the first dealership in the US to offer Verizon Wireless and Verizon Wireless Neighborhood services on-site. Offering the latest technologies in telecommunications, mobile accessories, and services, Longo’s on-site Verizon branch makes it even more convenient for customers to stay connected with the world. Our Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer is open from Monday to Friday, 7am-7pm; Saturday, from 7am to 5:30pm; and Sunday, from 8am to 4pm. Please call (888) 8115201. While waiting for your car to come out of our premium carcare service lines or while you’re going through our wide inventory of luxurious Lexus vehicles, you can enjoy a quick bite at Sub-
way or a nice refreshing drink at Starbucks. If you want to pamper your car, you can also shop at the Longo Lexus Parts Boutique, which carries a wide selection of genuine Lexus parts and accessories for your vehicle. M`Zkfi I\p\j With over 31,000 parts and accessories in stock, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. The after-sales services of a dealership is just as important as the pre-sales amenities. And it these after-sales services that make buying a vehicle at Longo Lexus a truly rewarding experience. We offer complimentary loaner vehicles for your use while your car is in our service center. For inquiries, on our loaners, please call our coordinators at 1-800-5970813. For your convenience, we also offer complimentary shuttle service to take you to your office, home, or even the mall—basically anywhere within a 15-mile radius—while your vehicle is being serviced. If you don’t have time to make the drive to our dealership, our Longo Lexus Mobile Service Van and Truck can provide routine maintenance services, such as oil changes and tire rotations, right at your home or office. Appointments can be made up to 6 months in advance. Similarly, if your service requirements need the car to be physically present at our Longo service center, we offer complimentary flatbed truck pick-up and delivery of your vehicle to and from our dealership. Our Longo Lexus Mobile Service Van and Truck, and our complimentary flatbed truch pick-up and delivery service are exclusively for cars that are purchased from Longo Lexus, and are located within 60mile radius from Longo. Please call 1-800-597-0813 to schedule your appointment. Also, for every service appointment, each vehicle receives a complimentary car wash in our Longo Lexus Car Spa. For our clients who wish to use other cars, aside from those among our fleet of loaner Lexus cars, they can avail of the services of our enterprise Rent-A-Car offices.
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With two branches on the Longo Premises, enterprise is ready to address all your car rental needs. Please call (800) 969-6519 for more information. We understand that life’s daily grind requires our customers to be always on top of everything while keeping up with an onthe-go lifestyle. Which is they are more than welcome to work at our Longo Business Center where they can work on our computer terminals, free of charge. We also offer complimentary Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) to our customers throughout the facility. This is particularly useful for our customers with mobile devices, laptops, and tablets. While you wait for your car to come out of our service center, your kids can enjoy and have a good time at our Children Play Area, where we offer video games and other activities for the young ones. Longo Lexus customers will also be offered complimentary use of our iPads while they are waiting for their vehicle. For more information on our Longo Lexus Guest Services, please log on to www.longolexus.com/GuestAmenities or call (626) 539-2956. Longo Lexus is located at 3530 North Peck Road, el Monte, CA 91731. 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek
BEING the premiere Toyota retailer in the nation, Longo Toyota aims to deliver a truly world-class experience to our guests on every transaction, everyday. It all starts with our friendly and welcoming staff, a clean and modern environment, and a wide range of services to make your visit pleasant and convenient. Here are some of our key amenities at Longo Toyota: Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) In November 1999, Longo Toyota became the first automotive dealership in the US to have the Auto Club on its premises. For 14 long years, our Auto Club branch has served countless satisfied Longo customers with its wide array of services Today, our on-site branch offers DMV services, airline, car and hotel reservations, discounted movie and local attraction tickets, membership processing, OnBoard Teen Safe Driver Program, and more. Sign up at our Longo Toyota branch and get $13 off the original membership application price. Located in our new car showroom, our AAA branch is open Mondays thru Saturdays, from 11am to 7pm. Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer Longo Lexus is the first car dealership in the US to provide Verizon Wireless and Verizon Wireless Neighborhood services on-site. Our Verizon branch offers the latest in telecommunications, mobile devices, accessories and services. We also offer complimentary cellphone charging stations for our customers. Our Verizon retailer is located inside our parts retail center. Our Wireless Playground is open Monday-Friday, 7am7pm; Saturday, 7am-5:30pm; and Sunday, 8-4pm. Please call (888) 623-2133 for more information. Starbucks and Subway While waiting for your car to come out of our car-care service lines, you can enjoy a quick bite at Subway or a nice refreshing drink at Starbucks. We offer healthy dining options with Subway’s wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
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If you’re thirsty and you’re looking for that quick coffee fix, you can grab a refreshing Hazelnut Macchiato or a smooth Caramel Frappuccino at Starbucks. Offering only the finest coffee specialties, teas, juices, and assortment of pastries, there’s something for everybody at our on-site Starbucks branch. Both our Subway and Starbucks branches are available for catering services. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Longo Toyota also has two Enterprise Rent-A-Car offices on its premises. One is located adjacent to the Service Drive in the Pre-Owned Vehicle Showroom, and the other is in the Collision Repair Center. Customers are welcome to utilize the Enterprise rental services, regardless of whether or not they leave their vehicle in Longo for any car service. Complimentary Vehicle Delivery Service Longo Toyota also offer complimentary vehicle delivery service. Our delivery service is available 6 days a week, Monday thru Saturday, anywhere within a 60-mile radius of Longo Toyota. Longo Toyota Parts and Accessories Department You can also shop at the Longo Toyota Parts and Accessories Department, which carries a wide selection of genuine Toyota parts and accessories for your vehicle. With thousands of parts and accessories in stock, we definitely have whatever it is you’re looking for. Our boutique also carries a selection of Ray-Ban and Oakley sunglasses, women’s and
men’s apparel, and so much more. Shuttle Service For your convenience, Longo Toyota offers complimentary shuttle service while your vehicles are being serviced. Our shuttles can take you to virtually anywhere within a 15-mile radius of Longo Toyota – be it your home, work, the mall, or even the parlor! Anywhere! An engaging stay While we understand that our customer’s time is precious, we realize that many of them may need Internet connectivity at all times. As such we are more than happy to provide FREE WiFi throughout our facility, and FREE use of our great business center. In our business center, we provide a quiet setting where our guests can work on our computers or on their own laptops. We also provide free use of an iPad for Longo guests who are waiting for their vehicles. Our Guest Check-in representative will be more than happy to arrange this for you. If you decide to bring the kids to the dealership, boredom will never be a problem. We also offer a variety of video games and DVDs just for kids so that they can also enjoy their visit to Longo Toyota. For more information on our Longo Toyota Guest Services, please log on to http://www. longotoyota.com/dealership/ amenities.htm. Longo Toyota is located at 3534 North Peck Road, El Monte, CA 91731. Call (800) 617-4516 to set up your appointment. 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek
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Real estate leads industrial revenue growth in Q1 Things to make your car run better by catherine
c. talavera ManilaTimes.net
INDUsTRIAL revenue grew 6.9 percent in the first quarter of this year from a year earlier, with the biggest increase logged by the real estate sector, according to data from the Philippine statistics Authority (PsA). The PsA said the Total Gross Revenue Index of Industries—a measure of revenues generated by all industries from the shipment of goods produced, resale of goods and services rendered—grew 6.9 percent in the first quarter of this year. Revenues from real estate sector grew 13.2 percent, the fastest among all sub-indices, but it was slightly slower than last year’s 13.7-percent growth. This was followed by transportation and communication with revenue growth of 9.4 percent, also slower than the 12.3 percent posted in the previous year. “Trade accelerated to 8.8 per-
cent from 6.1 percent, Finance registered a growth of 6.1 percent from 3.9 percent, Manufacturing at 2.0 percent from 10.1 percent, and Private services at 0.5 percent from 7.4 percent,” the PsA said. Employment growth in the real estate sector decelerated in the first quarter to 8.1 percent from 15.3 percent posted in the previous year. The overall Total Employment Index slipped by 0.04 percent in the first quarter after growing by 3.8 percent in the previous year. The decline was driven by contractions in industries such as mining and quarrying and manufacturing, which declined by 6.3 percent and 0.9 percent from growth rates of 3.3 percent and 3.7 percent in the previous year, respectively, and in Finance, which decelerated by 1.8 percent from growth of 7.9 percent. The employment index in Electricity and Water turned around to growth of 1.3 percent
from a contraction of 0.3 percent, while Private services slowed to 1.1 percent from 8.0 percent in the same quarter last year. Only Trade accelerated in the employment index by 1.1 percent from 0.1 percent in the same period last year. Compensation in the real estate industry grew by 10.4 percent, though at a slower pace than the 20.1 percent posted in the previous year. The overall Total Compensation Index posted growth of 4.5 percent, slower than compensation growth of 6.0 percent last year. Under this, “Mining and Quarrying dipped further by 15.4 percent from a 2.0 percent contraction and Manufacturing declined by 3.4 percent from an expansion of 11.2 percent,” the PsA said. Electricity and Water was the only industry to post an accelerated growth in the first quarter of the year at 16.3 percent from the 1.4 percent last year, it said.
Duterte fiscal plan raises red... PAGE D2
public spending is concerned, the bottleneck is not really in the procurement side but on the agencies,” Manasan said in a phone interview. “You can increase the budget as much as you want, but if agencies cannot absorb it or spend it because projects are not ready, it will be useless,” she said. Neri had a different concern. He said while fasttracking spending is always welcome, this should not come at the expense of misusing public funds. He echoed Melissa Yan, deputy executive director of the Government Procurement Policy Board, who earlier said the procurement laws, no matter how tedious, are created as “an anti-corruption measure.” “If special powers are used to the extent of resorting to bending the rules, that’s a sign of wanting to take short cuts and that’s not good,” Neri said separately. Finance secretary Carlos Dominguez, however assured: “We will make sure that projects will undergo enough scrutiny.” Revenues The plan is to widen the budget gap—which indicates government spent more than earned — to three percent of economic output from just 0.9 percent last year. This will be done through ad-
EMPLOYMENT
ditional funds for infrastructure, programmed to corner at least five percent of gross domestic product (GDP) under Duterte. Last year, it hit a record high of 3.3 percent. While Budget secretary Benjamin Diokno said the figure is sustainable, Manasan said it would depend on where the deficit would come from. “What is the context of increased deficit?” “They have plans to have tax reform and reduce income taxes. It remains to be seen if they can offset that, but I don’t think tweaking VAT exemptions would do it,” Manasan said. “They should be careful because we might go back to a situation where we lack money,” she added. so far, details were scarce as to the contents of Duterte’s tax reform. Former Finance secretary Cesar Purisima left Dominguez a tax package that would generate as much as P77 billion in the first year, but the latter said he will not use it. He would, however, embarked on tax administration measures similar to Purisima’s such as filing of tax evasion and smuggling cases, rationalizing fiscal incentives, relaxing bank secrecy law, and making tax evasion a predicate crime to money laundering. “The impact would really depend on the timing when these
measures are rolled out. If they come in later than lowering income taxes, that could be revenue eroding,” Neri said. At 14.7 percent of GDP as of the first quarter, the Philippines’ revenues are one of the lowest in southeast Asia. Considering only taxes, the ratio of 13 percent was also among the worst. Before this period, revenues and taxes, as a proportion of GDP, underwent a decline since 1997, finance data showed. This contributed to an increase in deficit to five percent in 2002. “I think their appetite for risks is high would be willing to take a credit downgrade if it means pushing with their programs,” Neri said. Dominguez had long criticized the past administration for focusing too much on credit ratings. But Alvin Ang, economist at Ateneo de Manila University, believes there should be no problem with it. “Your economy is liquid and we have not really taken advantage of our investment grade. Besides, I’m sure Dr. Diokno knows what he is doing and will not let that happen,” Ang said by phone. Diokno, whose first term as budget chief saw the deficit at 3.7 percent of GDP in 2000, only had this to say: “The fear of higher deficit is misplaced.”
by Dave
Siytangco ManilaTimes.net
As we try and figure out how make our cars go faster, we often find ourselves going through hot rod or tuner magazines, and read what the featured cars did to attain those extra ponies. Changing camshafts is one way to get them. But we often see the term head works. A camshaft basically dictates how long an intake valve or exhaust valve stay open. Changing the size of the valves can also determine the amount of air/fuel mixture entering the chamber. These are what we call head works. Meaning, altering or modifying cylinder head specifications from factory or stock specs. The cylinder head plays a key role in how an engine breathes better. One way of making the engine breathe better is to match port or polish the intake and exhaust ports, and match it (internal diameter) to their respective manifolds. This minimizes any minor obstructions that may hamper the flow of air/fuel mixture to the chamber and as the burned mixture leaves. If you mount a stock head on a flow bench and compare it with a modified head, and you get a 3-percent increase in flow rate, that is good. Efficiency is still the goal when you massage any engine. You can go one step further by changing the shape or size of the ports. By doing so, you can increase the flow rate but it would have to match the specs of your cam. If not, it can affect the drivability of your car. By having the wrong port designs, your engine will drown from the excess flow of air/fuel mixture or it can starve. It is possible for the air/fuel mixture to swirl or stay to long in the ports before going into the chamber even when the intake
valve is open. shaving the head is also a way of increasing power. When you shave or machine the part of the cylinder head where the combustion chambers are located, you decrease the volume of each chamber. By doing so, you increase the compression ratio. Increase the compression ratio and you get a stronger bang. Again, too much you can cause problems. This is also done if the cylinder head is warped. A problem there is they shave the head to make the cylinder head square again. They don’t compute for the new compression ratio. The increase in compression ratio is an increase in power but also an increase in head temp that can cause overheating problems. Part of changing your camshaft is upgrading your valve springs. Hi rev springs as some would call them. stiffer valve springs means your valves will close faster as revolutions per minute increases. It also minimizes valve float. Valve float is when the camshaft moves the rocker arm, moves
the intake valve or exhaust valve with enough force that the valve is left in the open position longer that it’s supposed to. Why is it not good you ask… because if the valve doesn’t close on time, the piston might hit it on its way up. A trick that some do is they look for valve springs from a diesel engine that can fit their existing cylinder heads. Most of them have dual springs. something you might notice after installing stiffer valve springs is when you start up your engine, the starter may have a harder time turning the engine over. That’s because the starter has a harder time moving the valve train. A slight draw back but once it starts…. A decent shop will often ask you what kind of performance you are looking for and how much you are willing to pay for it. Performance doesn’t come cheap. Reliability should always be considered. Although a piston with a hole on top makes it lighter, it doesn’t make your engine more reliable.
Private sector woes Paulino, executive director of Philippine Constructors Association, said another factor to consider would be the capacity of contractors to cope with the spending push. While he welcomed plans to undertake a non-stop, 24 hours contruction of major infrastructure projects initially in Metro Manila, Paulino said there might not be enough willing contractors in the provinces, particularly Mindanao. “There are not much qualified contractors who would want to go to Mindanao because of the peace
and order situation there. Most of them are here (in Manila) and Cebu,” he said by phone. Cosette Canilao, former executive director of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, meanwhile said projects should also be scrutinized carefully, especially those coming from the private sector. Unsolicited PPPs -- such as the Metro Rail Transit 3 and Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 -- are so prone to corruption that the government should hire good consultants to evaluate them as well as improve swiss challenges. “The challenge process should
be clear. The challenge period should also be increased, but that can only be done via amendment of the BOT (build-operatetransfer) law,” Canilao said in an e-mail. But Neri said this would seem have to wait for a while. “What (Duterte administration) is doing is contrary to institutional reforms. We have not seen that yet,” he said. “I think they are trying to put out fires first. Focus on very urgent matters that need attention. Hopefully after, they would go on long-term reform, which is much more important,” he added.
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Efficiency is still the goal when you massage any engine. You can go one step further by changing the shape or size of the ports. By doing so, you can increase the flow rate but it would have to match the specs of your cam.
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D juLy 30-August 2, 2016 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN jOuRNAL
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