June 10-13, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 47 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
‘I HAVE NO AMBITION TO PERPETUATE MYSELF IN POWER’
Duterte says he’ll follow any Supreme Court order on Mindanao martial law by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
MARAWI VISIT POSTPONED. President Rodrigo Duterte opted to postpone his scheduled visit to Marawi City on Thursday, June 8 and remained at the 4th Infantry Division (4th ID) Headquarters in Camp BGen. Edilberto Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City instead. The President, however, made the best out of his time at the 4th ID as he imparted words of encouragement to the troopers. He told soldiers that he is doing what he can to achieve peace in the country while he also vowed to provide the best equipment and services to them in a bid to boost their military capabilities as well as improve their welfare. Malacañang photo
USA
DATELINE Former FBI chief Comey testifies before Senate, blasts Trump for ‘lies’
by AJPRESS
POTUS fires back, accusing Comey of ‘lying under oath’
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Gomez wins race for California’s 34th Congressional District State assemblymember to replace Xavier Becerra CALIFORNIA Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez was elected to the United States Congress on Tuesday, June 6, beating attorney Robert Lee Ahn in a tight runoff race to represent the state’s 34th district. Gomez will take over the congressional seat previously held Xavier Becerra, who became the state’s attorney general in January. The champion for progressives will preside over a district that comprises of a large, rich immigrant community that stretches from downtown Los Angeles to Eagle Rock to Boyle Heights. “Today, our community said yes to California values, our progressive values,” Gomez told supporters and volunteers at an election
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After gunman’s attack, Pagcor suspends Aguirre clears Aquino from Resorts World Manila’s gaming license alleged ties to Marawi attack
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
FORMER FBI Director James B. Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee (SIC), on Thursday, June 8, where he slammed President Donald Trump and his administration for lying about why the president fired him in May. “Although the law required no reason at all to fire an FBI director, the administration then chose to defame me and, more importantly, the FBI by saying that the organization was in disarray, that it was poorly led, and the workforce had confidence in its leader,” Comey said in his opening remarks before the testimony. “Those were lies, plain and simple,” he remarked, adding that the president’s “shifting explanations” over his firing “increasingly”
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo on Friday, June 9, affirmed that he did not declare martial law in Mindanao to keep himself in power. Speaking before the military in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Duterte pointed out that he declared martial law because “the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the police told [him] that it has reached its critical moment.” “You keep on asking where it (martial law) will
end. This is my answer to the doubting Thomases: I do not have the ambition to perpetuate myself in power,” Duterte said. (Thomas was an apostle who did not believe Jesus’ resurrection until he personally saw Him.) Contrary to what his critics claim, the chief executive said he was neither “proud” nor “happy” for being included on the list of Philippine presidents who declared martial law. Martial law has been perceived negatively by most Filipinos, particularly by the victims of abus-
RESORTS WORLD MANILA INQUIRY. Chief, Safety, Security and Surveillance Office Mr. Armeen Gomez, Chief Legal Officer Atty. Ma. Georgina Alvarez, Resorts World Manila President Kingson Sian, Chief Operating Officer COO Stephen James Reilly, PAGCOR Chairperson and CEO Andrea Domingo, DILG Usec. Catalino Cuy, NCRPO Police Director Oscar Albayalde and representatives from the Philippine National Police, took their oaths during the Congressional hearing on the Resorts World Manila incident following the attack on Friday, June 2. The congressional hearing was held at the Dignitaries Lounge of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, in Pasay City on Tuesday, June 6. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
STATE-OWNED Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has suspended the gaming license of Resorts World Manila (RWM) a week after a lone gunman stormed the casino and set fire to the premises, causing the deaths of 38 individuals. On Friday, June 9, Pagor has ordered RWM to “cease and desist all gaming operations while investigation on its liability regarding the June 2 incident is ongoing.” Stressing that the incident also placed the Philippine gaming, tourism, and hospitality industries in “bad light,” Pagcor said the suspension “will remain until
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by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
RETRACTING his earlier claims, Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Friday, June 9, cleared Senator Bam Aquino from his alleged involvement with the Marawi clash. In a press briefing, Aguirre said he found out “upon further verification” that the senator was not present in the alleged meeting between opposition lawmakers and political families that supposedly occurred weeks before the confrontation between the government forces and local terrorists broke out in Marawi City last May 23. “Upon further verification, I
was able to establish that Senator Bam Aquino went to Marawi City on May 19, 2017 upon invitation of Governor Soraya Alonto-Adiong to promote the GoNegosyo Program,” Aguirre clarified. “He was not present in the alleged meeting of opposition leaders said to have been held in Marawi City on May 2, 2017.” Aguirre also insisted that he did not issue a photo of the meeting. The photo circulating that was allegedly taken in 2015 did not come from him either, he said. The justice secretary came under fire after previously insinuating that several opposition lawmakers—Senators Aquino and Antonio Trillanes IV, together with
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DENR vows thorough investigation into planned Nickelodeon park in Palawan by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) vowed to conduct a “thorough” inquiry into the planned construction of a Nickelodeon theme park in Coron, Palawan. In a statement on Thursday, June 8, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said he has ordered the DENR bureaus on Biodiversity Management, Environmental Management, and the Region IV-B office, together with
the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, to “undertake an inquiry into this proposed plan.” He said they will also be in close coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the local government units, the Tagbanua tribe and their council of elders, and other key stakeholders. “We shall conduct a thorough inquiry regarding the proposed project to ensure that ecological, social, economic and human interests are factored in into the project’s
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Sen. Bam Aquino IV on Thursday, June 8 sought for a public clarification and apology from Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who claimed he is involved with the Marawi terror attack. Philstar.com photos
DOT: Philippine back-to-back hosting of Miss Universe possible by ROSETTE
ADEL
Philstar.com
Tourism Sec. Wanda Teo
AJPress file photo by Noel Ty
MANILA — The Department of Tourism said the back-to-back hosting of Miss Universe is possible. According to Tourism Undersecretary for Advocacy and Public Affairs, Kat De Castro, the Miss Universe organizers are arriving on Friday for a charity event featuring the candidates of the pageant’s 2016 edition. She said they will discuss the
possible renewed hosting contract of the Philippines. “Ang maganda dito, sila mismo yung lumapit,” De Castro, who handles the Miss Universe event, said. De Castro said the tourism department will come up with an announcement within the month. Last January 30, the Miss Universe coronation night was held at the Mall of Asia Arena. Prior to the main event, several pre-pageant events were held in various
destinations in the country. Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Chavit Singson, one of the major sponsors of Miss Universe 2016, last January said he is open to the possibility of staging the international pageant in the country again. Singson said it is possible as he will be supported by government agencies. For Miss Universe 2017, Philippines will be represented by Binibining Pilipinas Universe Rachel Peters. ■
A JUNE 10-13, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Duterte says he’ll follow...
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es and their families during late President Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship in the 1970s. On May 23, Duterte imposed martial law and suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the entire Mindanao following the attack of the Islamic State (IS)-linked Maute terror-
ist group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Entering its 19th day of conflict this Saturday, June 10, close to 200 have reportedly been killed in the on-going firefight, including about 30 civilians and 40 government troopers. Under the 1987 Constitution, the president may place the
country under martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in case of invasion or rebellion for no more than 60 days. Congress has the power to revoke or extend martial law, while the Supreme Court (SC) may also review the “sufficiency of the factual basis” of the proclamation or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus following an “appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen.” Last week, both the House of Representatives and the Senate adopted separate resolutions that both found “no reason” to revoke Duterte’s proclamation. The SC, meanwhile, received three petitions seeking to nullify martial law in Mindanao. Two other petitions requested the SC to compel Congress to convene a
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TO THE HIGH COURT. Former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, former Commission on Human Rights chief Etta Rosales, former representative Barry Gutierrez and PhilHealth president Alex Padilla hold copies of the petition asking the Supreme Court to compel congress to hold a joint session and discuss martial law. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
After gunman’s attack, Pagcor suspends...
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RWM rectifies its serious security lapses and deficiencies.” The gaming regulator warned that failure to comply with the order may cause additional sanctions. On Friday, June 2, a gunman, identified as Jessie Carlos, stormed
into RWM in Pasay City. He fired shots inside the casino, burned down gambling tables, and stole millions-worth of casino chips. He died after setting himself on fire and shooting himself in the head. While reports claimed the gunman didn’t directly shoot any individual, officials said the incident
led to the deaths of 13 employees and 24 guests who mostly died from suffocation. Authorities are currently investigating the possible liabilities of RWM management with regard to security. Pagcor clarified it cannot revoke RWM’s license prior to the results of the investigation and without due process. RWM, for its part, said it had voluntarily suspended its gaming operations since June 5. “We are currently focused on ensuring that the victims, both injured individuals and the families of the deceased, are being assisted and well taken care of,”
the company said in an earlier statement. “Our company’s position is to voluntarily suspend operations in affected facilities until all investigations are concluded by the [Philippine National Police] and [Bureau of Fire Protection] and safety is certified by appropriate authorities,” it added. On Friday, Pagcor also required all integrated resorts to submit security and safety protocols to make sure that this will not happen again. “As the country’s gaming regulator, Pagcor will continue to safeguard the interest not only of all gaming industry players but also, of all guests, tourists and other stakeholders involved,” it added. n
DENR vows thorough investigation... PAGE A1 t evaluation once received,” Cimatu said. “So that at the outset we can ensure that we continue to conserve and protect this bastion of coastal biodiversity in Palawan,” he added. Despite vehement opposition from environmental advocates, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo announced in a recent television interview that the project will still push through. Last January, Nickelodeon’s
parent company Viacom, in partnership with Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc., announced its plan to develop in Coron an “undersea development showcasing the area’s marine life that would give fans a chance to ‘interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love.’” The developers, however, was quick to clarify that the project is not an underwater theme park but rather, a land-based “re-
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From the Front page
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 10-13, 2017
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Aguirre clears Aquino from alleged ties... PAGE A1 t and Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano and former Aquino administration presidential political adviser Ronald Llamas—met with the prominent clans in Marawi he identified as Alonto and Lucman. “I don’t understand why after they went there, there was chaos after about two weeks,” the justice secretary told reporters in a briefing on Wednesday, June 7. While saying that he did not want to speculate, Aguirre said that there is a possibility that the meeting could have “sparked the terroristic acts.” “Because Senator Bam Aquino, I’m not — all I’m saying is, he went to Marawi on April 24 and April 28 and they stayed, they had a meeting at Lake View Resort Hotel on May 2. Present were Senator Aquino, Ronald Llamas, Alejano, Trillanes, and some clans there in Marawi, mga Moro family,” Aguirre said. He also suggested that the Marawi incident could be part of destabilization plot against President Rodrigo Duterte. “I don’t know, but what I was told is that, they met with several families there, including Lucman and Alonto families. But I don’t want to connect it, unless there is evidence in the money taken, seized,” Aguirre added, referring to the P52 million cash found in a previously Maute-occupied house. In an apparent support for his allegations, reports said that Aguirre briefly showed the members of the press a photo of Llamas,
Aquino, Trillanes, Alejano, former Pampanga Gov. Mark Lapid, and Zamboanga Vice Governor Ace Cerilles. But Cerilles, through social media, clarified that the reported photo was taken two years ago. In separate statements, Aquino, Trillanes, and Alejano, all denied alleged links to the Maute group and slammed Aguirre for his “lies.” On the same day, Aguirre later retracted his remarks, claiming that the media “misquoted” him. But the justice secretary went to express his “sincere apologies” to the Alonto and Lucman families “for any confusion” in connection with the issue. “For the record, I did not say there was a meeting between the two families and some lawmakers prior to the Marawi siege. The said meeting never took place and no member of both families ever met with Senator Trillanes, Congressman Alejano and Ronald Llamas,” Aguirre said. He further insisted, “What I said was that there were reports that some opposition senators and leaders who went to Marawi to recruit local politicians and warlords to destabilize the Duterte administration. I never said that they were successful in recruiting any local politicians and warlords.” Crying foul, reporters covering Aguirre’s press conference denied the justice secretary’s claim that the media “misquoted” him in their news reports. “As recorded in our videos and voice recorder and even in
Former FBI chief Comey testifies... PAGE A1 t disturbed him. When Comey was fired, the White House alluded to the director’s failure to move forward with the investigation of 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server. The White House later redacted that reason entirely. “That didn’t make sense to me for a whole bunch of reasons, including the time and all the water that had gone under the bridge since those hard decisions that had to be made,” Comey said. Comey implied that Trump fired him for moving forward with the Russia investigation, despite the president asking for Comey’s “loyalty.” The former FBI director also revealed that he
had turned over memos about his conversations with Trump to the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller, who was assigned to oversee the Russia investigation. “Lordy, I hope there are tapes,” James Comey said when asked if the president suggested he may have recorded their phone conversations. Comey also confirmed that the president had made several attempts to derail the investigation into Trump-Russian collusion in the 2016 presidential election, which involved a look into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn’s meetings with Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak. The president didn’t take too kindly to the testimony, accusing the former FBI director of lying
our Facebook Live coverages, we quoted Sec. Aguirre verbatim and only reported the facts to our viewers and readers – including the fact that he showed a photo from his mobile phone supposedly showing the meeting between the senators and Muslim clans in Marawi last May 2,” Justice and Court Reporters Association said in a statement. The group added, “As responsible journalists, we also took the opportunity to perform our duty of verifying the counter checking the information and photo that the Secretary has presented during the briefing, and found that several details and information were wrong.” In a statement on Friday, Aguirre, however, maintained that the press misquoted him. “Only that the media didn’t mention [my] repeated precautions that [I have] yet to fully verify the truth of the reported incident,” Aguirre insisted. Aquino demands public apology After clearing his name, Aquino said the justice secretary apologized to him personally on Wednesday night. “Nag-usap na kami (We already talked). He already apologized. He told me, with all the reports, he got confused… Humingi siya ng paumanhin (He apologized),” Aquino said in a press conference on Thursday, June 8. But for Aquino, personal apology wasn’t enough. Pointing out that the justice secretary made “outrageous” accusations in the
u PAGE A4 under oath. “Yesterday showed no collusion, no obstruction,” Trump said at a news conference in the White House Rose Garden with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Friday, June 9. “That was an excuse by the Democrats, who lost an election they shouldn’t have lost. It was just an excuse, but we were very, very happy, and frankly, James Comey confirmed a lot of what I said, and some of the things that he said just weren’t true.” White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders also defended Trump, responding to Comey’s assertion that the president had repeatedly lied. “I can definitively say that the president is not a liar, and frankly I’m insulted by that question,” Sanders said at a White House press briefing. (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)
Members of the Filipino-American community in Los Angeles rally behind California Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez’s bid for Congress.
Gomez wins race for California’s 34th... PAGE A1 t party at his campaign headquarters in Highland Park on Tuesday. “All of you here that helped me on this campaign, we are the resistance.” When votes started coming in, both Democrats were toe-to-toe. Aggressive campaigning within the Asian American community and active canvassing in Koreatown helped Ahn gain momentum early on. But Gomez’s support from Democratic leaders — including Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti — and Latino Americans (the 34th District is 65 percent Hispanic) ultimately took over, increasing Gomez’s lead and forcing Ahn to concede just before 11 p.m. on Tuesday. A second-generation Mexican American who will represent a Latino-heavy district, Gomez vows to work on behalf of his constituents to combat the Trump administration’s strict proposals on immigration policy and single-payer health care. “I believe we have to take a hard stand against Donald Trump when it comes to immigration and healthcare because in the end what we have to do is have a unified Democratic caucus,” Gomez told the Asian Journal at a canvassing event on May 27 in Historic Filipinotown. He added that he believes in strengthening the Democratic Party in order to force the administration and Republicans to compromise, rather than attempting to negotiate with conservatives. As a part of the state Assembly, Gomez co-authored a bill with fellow assemblymember, Filipino-American Rob Bonta, that ensured that high school curricula include the role of Filipino immigrants in the farm labor move-
California Assemblymember Rob Bonta joined Jimmy Gomez at a canvassing event in Historic Filipinotown in late May. Gomez will represent California’s 34th Congressional District after winning the runoff race on Tuesday, June 6. AJPress photos by Klarize Medenilla
ment. He also co-authored a bill that established October 25 as Larry Itliong Day in California. “I’ve been able to establish deep relationships with the [Filipino] community and we care about the same issues: community college, higher education, health care, how you empower workers. And that’s how a lot of my relationships with the community have come from, are these similar values,” Gomez said about his commitment to serving the Filipino-American community as a member of Congress. Bonta, who developed a close working relationship with Gomez in the state legislature, noted his fellow assemblyman’s willingness to stand up for the immigrant and undocumented community. “Jimmy is an honorary Filipino,” Bonta told the Asian Journal on May 27. “He knows the importance of the immigrant community and right now we’re living in a time where immigrants at a full-frontal assault from the Trump administration and we need someone who is going to stand up, and Jimmy will do that
for all communities. His values are ones that really support us. He’s our guy.” As an assemblymember, one of Gomez’s crowning achievements was authoring AB 908, a measure signed by the governor that will expand family leave benefits for Californians in 2018. Cited by former President Barack Obama as a shining example for paid family leave across the nation, California will soon offer the highest level of compensation, have the most lenient eligibility requirements and will expand the pool of family members that would qualify for leave. “He’s a guy that always sees a path and won’t back down, won’t give up won’t give in and will always fight for his community because he knows they’re counting on him,” Bonta said of Gomez’s work ethic. “He’s taken on some pretty big fights in the state legislature that folks thought couldn’t be done, and through his passion and commitment and valuesdriven leadership and his strategic political mind, he was able to chart paths to get things done.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)
Dateline USa
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Filipino in Las Vegas arrested for punching 3-year-old toddler SAN FRANCISCO — A Filipino man in Las Vegas was arrested when a three-year-old girl almost died after he repeatedly punched her in the stomach, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police. Mauricio Paras, 27, was babysitting his girlfriend’s toddler and her five-year-old brother. When the children’s mother returned home from work, she found her
daughter limp on the couch with bruises on her stomach, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police records. Paras told police he hit the girl five times. The child’s mother took the toddler to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, where she was revived. Hospital staff reported to Metro that the girl had red and purple bruising on her abdomen,
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Child abuse suspect Mauricio Paras. Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police
leg, right cheek and forehead. Paras faces three counts of child abuse and neglect with substantial bodily harm. He was booked into Clark County Detention Center on $75,000 bail. (Inquirer.net)
RELIEF OPERATION. Air Force personnel load relief supplies for displaced residents of Marawi on Thursday, June 8. The relief goods, ranging from food to pails, were were packed at the PAF Multipurpose Gymnasium in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. Photo from 220th Airlift Wing of the Philippine Air Force
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sort and attraction� designed as “an undersea attraction with an ocean conservation focus.� Teo also affirmed that the park developers assured her they would “preserve the environment,� and that the project will not damage the corals. In a separate statement, the Tourism chief, likewise, clari-
fied that only the DENR has the authority to issue permits for the construction of the park. “Syempre at the end of the day, hindi naman kami yung mag-i-issue ng permit, it’s DENR and the local government unit (Of course at the end of the day, it is not the DOT who will issue the permit but it’s the DENR and the local government
unit),� Teo said. She went on to say, “DOT does not issue permits. We are only here to sell the destination once it is ready...to promote the destination. If it has complied with everything, I’m sure bibigyan ng permit ‘yan (I’m sure they’ll be given permit) and we will sell the destination definitely.�
Aguirre clears Aquino from alleged ties... PAGE A3 t
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But according to Cimatu, the DENR “at all levels...has not yet received any formal communication� about the planned construction of any theme park in Coron. “We are, however, trying to find out the specifics of this supposed project even as we await the formal receipt of the said proposal,� Cimatu added. n
public, the senator demanded that Aguirre also make a public apology. The senator added that he is looking into the possibility of filing cases against the justice secretary for his accusations. “The least he can do is make a public apology, at hinahanap natin ang pangako na mas magiging maingat na siya sa kanyang mga binibitawang salita (and vow to be more careful in his statements),� Aquino remarked. Taking a swipe at the justice secretary, Trillanes earlier advised Aguirre “to avoid getting his intel from Facebook conspiracy theorists.� “The incompetence of Aguirre is only matched by his stupidity,� Trillanes said. He also denied involvement with the rebel group, adding that he hasn’t been in Marawi for years.
“For the record, I am not involved in any way with the Maute group or the Marawi incident. Sec. Lorenzana said so himself. I also did not have any meeting in Marawi in May 2 since I haven’t visited Marawi for the past three years. But don’t take my word for it, simply check the Senate records for May 2,� Trillanes remarked. Alejano, meanwhile, said records can verify that he was at a press conference with the House media, and later, in a plenary session, on May 2. He then slammed Aguirre, calling him a “peddler of lies.� “This is a complete lie fabricated by no less than a secretary of justice who should be the first one to uphold truth in pursuit of justice in this country,� Alejano said. “He has become a purveyor of anything that is fake, a peddler of lies and a persecutor of people who does not agree with the policies of the Duterte administration.� n
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Dateline USa
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12,000 Filipinos overtsayed their US visas in 2016, Dept. of Homeland Security reports by Anthony
AdvinculA Inquirer.net
NEW YORK — Amid an uptick in deportation and the unwavering stance of President Donald Trump to remove millions of immigrants living in the United States illegally, thousands of Filipinos took the risk and overstayed their U.S. visas during the last fiscal year. A new entry/exit overstay report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which was released on May 22, says that more than 12,000 Filipinos continued to remain in the United States after their visas expired in 2016. Of this number of Filipinos, 5,000 came to America on business and tourist visas, known as B1 and B2 visas, respectively, while about 934 were students and exchange visitors, according to the report. But the biggest bulk of Filipino overstays (6,523) last year include temporary workers and trainees, traders and investors, fiancées of U.S. citizens and spouses and children of US citizens and permanent residents whose visas are pending. ‘TNTs’ An overstay is “a non-immigrant who was lawfully admitted to the United States for an authorized period but stayed in the United States beyond his or her lawful admission period.” In Filipino parlance, an overstay is known as “TNT,” which stands for Tago Nang Tago or always in hiding. DHS described two types of visa overstay: individuals for whom no departure has been recorded, and individuals whose departure from the United States was recorded after their lawful period of admission expired. The fiscal year started from Oct. 1, 2015 to Sept. 30, 2016. Valid periods of admission to the United States vary, and thus it is necessary to establish “cutoff dates” for the purposes of monitoring and determining the entry/exit data. “This [report] only shows that we do have a problem with visa overstays in the United States,” said a senior DHS officer in a press release. Overall, DHS officials announced that during the 2016
fiscal year, there were more than 50 million non-immigrants who were admitted into the United States via air and seaport entries. This figure does not include individuals who either walked or drove across the U.S. Canada and U.S. Mexico borders. Most follow terms of admission Interestingly, only 1.47 percent of those individuals— about 740,000 — overstayed their visas. It means that 98.53 percent of non-immigrant visitors actually departed the United States on time and abided by the terms of their admission. But the number of Filipino overstays is comparatively much lower than many other countries in Europe, South America and Asia. The top 10 countries with highest number of overstays are as follows: 1. Canada (129,311); 2. Mexico (52,958); 3. Brazil (43,722); 4. China (36,568); 5. India (30,399); 6. Venezuela (25,481); 7. United Kingdom (23,422); 8. Germany (21,756); 9. Colombia (20,351; and 10. Italy (17,297). However, the DHS has acknowledged: “Determining lawful status is more complicated than solely matching entry and exit data.” Here’s one scenario of its complexity: A lawfully admitted person may receive a six-month admission from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon entry into the United States, but then he or she may apply and receive subsequently from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services a six-month extension. Flaws in agency estimates That demonstrates that there could be some flaws in each agency’s estimates, as a result of lack of hard exit data as well as of the challenges coordinating more than 27 information systems and database between agencies. According to the Pew Research Center, the general visa overstays account 45 percent of the 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. “I’m aware of the risks,” said Rory, a 52-year-old Filipina who came to Chicago, Illinois to attend a trade show last year and then decided to stay past the du-
Duterte says he’ll follow... PAGE A2 t joint review session on the proclamation. Asked if he will abide by the decision of the high court on his martial law declaration in Mindanao, Duterte responded: “Of course. We are bound by rules. Supreme Court na ‘yan.” But Duterte also expressed confidence that the SC will take into account the role of IS in the crisis when it makes its decision. “What is the final answer. I’m sure that they would take into account the fighting going on, and what’s behind it,” he added. In an earlier speech, Duterte said he “will not listen to others,” insisting that would only end martial law if the military and police say so. “Until the police and the Armed Forces say the Philippines is already safe, this martial law will continue. I won’t listen to others,” Duterte told troopers of the Joint Task Force Sulu on May 29. But Malacañang was quick to clarify that the president is only saying the military and the police have the accurate information on the ground. “This is not meant to bypass the Supreme Court (SC) of the legislative,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said. “It simply means to say that those who have true and accurate report on which he will depend on will be the military and the Philippine
National Police.” Constitutional crisis On Thursday, June 8, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez warned of a constitutional crisis if the high court ordered the Congress to convene a joint review session on Duterte’s martial law. Stressing that the judiciary and the legislature are co-equal branches, Alvarez said Congress would ignore any directives from the SC. “Balikan muna nila ‘yung law books (They should review the law books). How can the Supreme Court dictate Congress what to do? Co-equal body ‘yan.” He even threatened to “tear down” the possible order. “Mag-issue ng direktiba ang Supreme Court telling Congress, dictating Congress mag-convene kayo ng joint session, punitin ko ‘yan (If the Supreme Court issues an order dictating Congress to convene, I’ll rip up that order),” he remarked. Likewise, Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III commented that the petition urging the high court to compel the Congress to convene in joint session over the martial law declaration “is courting a constitutional crisis.” “Now, in the event the SC says Congress should convene in a joint session and Congress does not agree, who will enforce the order?” Sotto told reporters on Tuesday, June 6. n
ration of her U.S. visa. “I know I have a choice, but this is my decision to become a TNT.” Individuals voluntary depart the United States after overstaying their visas could be barred from returning to the United States for three to 10 years, depending on the period overstayed. Counterterrorism The Counterterrorism and Criminal Exploitation Unite (CTCEU), an arm of the U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE), oversees the national program dedicated to the enforcement of non-immigrant visa violations, the report added. Those overstays who pose a potential national security threat to the United States are prioritized and referred to ICE field offices for further investigation or removal operations. According to the report, “the goal is to identify, locate, prosecute where applicable, and remove those overstays posing real or potential national security threats to the United States.” Rory says that, part of the reasons that she had overstayed, is that she was only given a twoweek visa at the U.S. Embassy, in Manila. “It was very difficult for me to get the visa, and I am afraid I won’t be able to get another one again,” she said. “I don’t know how will I legalize my status here in America, but I do need to be very careful.” n
LIFEGUARD TRAINING. The Department of Health-Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and Department of Tourism, conducted a 12-day Lifeguard Licensure Training in WASAR (water search and rescue) for 33 participants—boatmen, tourist guides and resort lifeguards in Puerto Princesa City. Photo shows some participants trying rescue a ‘drowning victims’ during their training at Puerto Princesa City Baywalks Plaza on Friday, June 9. PNA photo by Roland Nablo
Pentagon: China used coercive force to enforce maritime claims by PAtriciA lourdes Philstar.com
virAy
BEIJING has used its growing power to assert its sovereignty claims over features in the East and South China Seas, the US Department of Defense said in its 2017 China Military Power
Report. “China has used coercive tactics, such as the use of law enforcement vessels and its maritime militia, to enforce maritime claims and advance its interests in ways that are calculated to fall below the threshold of provoking conflict,” the report read.
The Pentagon reported that for the past year, China continued construction of its military outposts in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea, part of which the Philippines claims as the West Philippine Sea.
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UN official seeks protection for Special Rapporteur Callamard amid threats
ZEID Ra’ad Al Hussein, one of the top United Nations officials for human rights, sought for protection for his staff, including Special Rapporteur for Extrajudicial Executions Agnes Callamard, who was subject to smear and hate campaigns in the Philippines. In a speech before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Zeid said it is the UN’s “responsi-
bility to do all we can to protect” Callamard and other special procedures officers who were targets of “disgraceful incidents of personal threats and insults.” Zeid said that it was government officials that led the intimidation and reprisals against Callamard, Special Rapporteur on Myanmar Yanghee Lee and Special Rapporteur on Iran Asma
Jilani Jahangir. Rapporteurs are independent experts considered as fact finders who are not officially employed by the UN. Though appointed by the Human Rights Council, Callamard and other special rapporteurs do not receive salaries from the international body. “When government or other officials intimidate, arrest or harm these individuals, they are attacking a fundamental element of the work of this council and the UN, and it is our responsibility to do all we can to protect them,” Zeid said in his speech on Tuesday. Callamard, he said, was specifically subject to such reprisals in the context of discussions on the Philippines. While Zeid did not specifically mention Rodrigo Duterte, the president and his officials publicly criticized Callamard when she made an unofficial visit to Manila last month to attend a drug policy forum at the University of the Philippines. Then Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who became Duterte’s pick for the top diplomat post, also took aim at Callamard before the UN body that appointed her, questioning her credibility and qualifications to look into cases of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. Callamard has been outspoken, usually through her Twitter account, against killings in the Philippines done in the banner campaign against illegal drugs launched by Duterte. The Philippine government, meanwhile, has set conditions on her visit to the Philippines despite it being a periodic mission for designated rapporteurs on human rights. Among the conditions for her visit was to inspect only areas allowed by the government and appear in a public debate with Duterte where he would be allowed to ask her questions. Callamard, however, stood her ground and noted that findings of the investigation should remain confidential. “The Philippines has accepted three visits in the past five years but 23 other requests are pending,” Zeid said. In September, Zeid also expressed his alarm before the UN Human Rights Council over the refusal of governments to grant access to his staff. (Camille Diola/ Philstar.com)
PH-CHINA FRIENDSHIP DAY. In celebration of the 42nd anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations, the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), Filipino Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation (FCAAF) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) organize a multi sports festival like table tennis, badminton, basketball and golf dubbed as the “2017 Filipino-Chinese friendship Games” in celebration of the 16th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day on Friday, June 9 at Chiang Kai Shek College covered court along Padre Algue St, Tondo, Manila. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Uncertainty over Federal money could spur Covered California rate hikes by Emily Bazar Kaiser Health News
IF the federal government does not clarify by mid-August whether it will continue an important health insurance subsidy for consumers next year, California’s state-run exchange will instruct its insurers to sell plans with significantly higher premiums to cover the loss of the money. “Bottom line, we have come to the conclusion that if there’s no federal commitment to fund [the subsidies] by mid-August, we will presume they will not be funded and use higher rates for 2018,” Amy Palmer, director of communications for Covered California, said in an email. At issue are the so-called costsharing subsidies that reduce what some consumers pay out of their own pockets for medical expenses such as physician visits, prescription drugs and hospital stays. These reduced rates are only available to Covered California enrollees who choose silver-level plans, the second-least expensive among the exchange’s four tiers. The subsidies are to help people whose annual income is between 139 percent and 250 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $34,200 to $61,500 for a family of four. As of last summer, about half of the exchange’s enrollees — currently about 1.4 million people — benefited from cost-sharing
reductions, Palmer said. The subsidies are under challenge in a pending lawsuitby House Republicans, and President Donald Trump has threatened to stop making the payments, which go directly to health insurers to cover the cost of lowering consumers’ out-ofpocket expenses. The subsidies are separate from the federal health law’s tax credits, which reduce monthly premiums for qualified consumers. A recent analysis commissioned by Covered California estimated that premiums for silver plans would jump by 16.6 percent if federal funding for costsharing subsidies were lost. That is over and above any annual rate increases on the table. Last week, Covered California instructed participating insurers to submit alternative premium hike proposals for 2018 in the event they lose the federal payments. The agency told them to apply the hikes only to silver-tier plans, since the cost-sharing subsidies are available only to people who buy those plans. The insurers’ proposed rates are due to Covered California by June 30, and the agency will publicly announce the final rates in mid-July, after negotiations with the health plans. After that, the exchange can’t wait too long before determining which rates consumers will face in 2018, Palmer said. State regu-
lators will still have to review the rates, and Covered California as well as the health plans will need to time to prepare for open enrollment in the fall. As a result, the exchange determined this week that it will move forward with the higher rates in August if the uncertainty remains about the federal payments. “As we hear about health plans exiting some markets, and as we work hard to create necessary market stability, waiting for clear federal guidance on [the subsidy] funding is no longer an option,” Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee wrote in an email to colleagues and health policy leaders on Wednesday. Lee noted that if Covered California adopts the higher premiums to cover the cost of the subsidies, many consumers would nonetheless be protected from them. That’s because as premiums rise to make up for the loss of the cost-sharing subsidies, federal tax credits would grow to offset those higher premiums. “These increased costs will be borne by the federal government … and will be significantly more than the federal government would pay if it continued making direct payments” for the subsidies, Lee wrote in a separate letter to Seema Verma, head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. n
Pentagon: China used coercive force... PAGE A5 t China can now deploy military asserts to the Spratly Islands as it is nearly finished with the construction of infrastructures on Subi, Mischief and Fiery Cross Reefs. The report also noted that Beijing was able to land civilian aircraft on its airfields on the “Big Three” artificial islands. The Pentagon took note of the July 2016 of an arbitral tribunal ruling which invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim in the disputed waters, which Beijing rejected. “Among other things, the tribunal ruled that China’s ‘ninedash line’ cannot represent a lawful maritime claim to the
extent that any of the claims it reflects would exceed the limits of China’s maritime entitlements under the Convention,” the Pentagon said. The report added that the United Nations-backed tribunal did not rule on sovereignty claims to land features which is an issue outside the scope of the Convention on the Law of the Sea. President Rodrigo Duterte did not attempt to advance the Philippines’ position based on the ruling, easing tensions between Beijing and Manila. “China publicly welcomed improved relations with the Philippines, signing $24 billion in potential economic agreements
and pledging to settle territorial disputes through dialogue, and it also characterized President Duterte’s approach towards China as contrasting with that of his predecessor, former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III,” the report read. Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson accused China of using its economic power to “buy its way out” of problems including the South China Sea dispute. In a joint statement after the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations in Sydney, Tillerson and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop called for the demilitarization of disputed features in the South China Sea. n
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D ateline PhiliPPines Comelec, Smartmatic execs charged Malaysia sentences 9 Filipinos to death for Sabah attack over 2016 elections script changes by Dana
SioSon AJPress
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the filing of charges against several Smartmatic and Commission on elections (Comelec) officials for changing the script in the transparency server during the result transmissions of the May 2016 national elections. The DOJ’s move, which was made public on Wednesday, June 7, reversed the Manila Prosecutor’s Office’s (MPO) earlier decision that dismissed the case for violating Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act against the officials due to lack of merit and insufficiency of evidence. Among the charged were Comelec’s IT specialists Rouie Peñalba, Nelson herrera, and Frances Mae Gonzales. The DOJ also found probable cause to charge Smartmatic technical support team head Marlon Garcia and his subordinates Neil Baniqued and Mauricio herrera. The DOJ, however, affirmed the dismissal of elie Moreno, Smartmatic general manager and project director, due to “lack of any allegation attributing any act of participation constituting a violation of the provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.” “[T]he Comelec IT personnel at the [Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting] center had no authority to allow any Smartmatic personnel to tweak the script of the transparency server,” the resolution resolution read. Marcos’s camp, meanwhile, welcomed the DOJ ruling. “This is a most welcome development because the unauthorized change they introduced in the script of the transparency server indeed undermined the credibility of the elections. It was only after the script was changed that the results for the vice-presidential race began to change at a uniform rate of 40 to 1, which was statistically impossible,” said Vic Rodriguez, Marcos’s spokesman. The issue on the script changes is among the grounds raised by Marcos in his fraud accusations against the Liberal Party and Vice President Leni Robredo. Marcos initially led the results
during the election night but Robredo turned the tables the following morning. Robredo won the position with only around 263,000 votes more than Marcos. “This is a victory for the Filipino people, especially those whose votes were not counted on election day,” Rodriguez added. In its resolution, the DOJ dismissed the Comelec’s argument that the script change was only for “cosmetic” purposes when they corrected the items “ñ” appearing as “?” and thus, do not affect the election results. The DOJ, however, pointed out the criminal intent is unnecessary in RA 10175. “Criminal intent is not necessary where the acts are prohibited by reason of public policy. The mere perpetration thereof constitute an offense against the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer data and systems.
When the doing of the act is prohibited by law, it is considered injurious to public welfare, and the doing of the prohibited act is the crime itself,” the DOJ said. The Justice department also rejected the Smartmatic’s defense when it said the Protocol of escalation gave them authority to take action in case of glitches in the systems. “It was established that respondents [were] able to access the transparency server to change the same without notifying the Comelec en banc. It must be noted that the Comelec IT personnel assigned at the PPCRV center had no authority to allow any Smartmatic personnel to tweak the script of the transparency server,” the resolution added. The DOJ further noted that the change was not immediately reported after it was implemented. n
by JefferSon
antiporDa ManilaTimes.net
62; and Ismail Yasin, 77. The nine were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2016 by the Kota The Department of Foreign Kinabalu high Court. But Court of Affairs (DFA) plans to seek a re- Appeals Justice Datuk Setia Mohd consideration of the verdict of the Zawawi Salleh, who led a threeMalaysian Court of Appeals sen- man panel, granted the appeal of tencing nine Filipinos to death by the prosecution to impose capital hanging for attacking Lahad Datu punishment. The decision was in Sabah four years ago. unanimous. The Malaysian Court of Appeals on Thursday, June 8 meted the death penalty on nine Filipinos involved in the Lahad Datu attack that left 70 people dead in 2013, an act considered as waging war against the Malaysian monarch and head of state, or the Yang diPertuan Agong. Sentenced to death were Datu Amirbahar hushin Kiram, 54, son of the late self-proclaimed Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram; Julham Rashid, 70; Virgilio Nemar Patulada, also known as Mohamad Alam Patulada, 53; Salib Akhmad emali, 64; Tani Lahad Dahi, 64; Basad Manuel, 42; Atik hussin Abu Bakar, 46; Al-Wazir Osman,
“With this current sentence, I am satisfied,” Deputy Public Prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin told Agence France-Presse. “hopefully this will deter other alien nations from intruding into Sabah and Malaysia,” he added. Jail sentences of 13 to 18 years were also handed out to the nine
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OpiniOn
Features
Bum steer
IN dispensing justice, credibility is indispensable. Credibility can only be eroded when the secretary of justice gets his facts, photos and public accusations wrong. Never mind if Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II retracted yesterday his accusation that several opposition politicians notably Sen. Bam Aquino met with members of certain political clans in Marawi last May 2, during which they might have plotted a destabilization campaign linked to the ongoing siege in the beleaguered city. The entire story was flat-out wrong, from start to finish. Whether Aguirre was the victim of a bum steer or deliberately peddled fake news, it was an appalling blunder on the part of the secretary of justice. This raises the question: which of his other serious accusations against administration critics are also wrong? The only consistent thread in his latest accusation was the composition of the alleged destabilization cabal: anti-administration senators and a smattering of officials in the previous administration – the so-called yellows. If there is any smidgen of truth in the suspicions of the administration about the involvement of the political opposition in the Marawi siege, it can only
be undermined by public impressions that the secretary of justice is showing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder while on a mission to persecute critics of the administration. A quick, sincere public apology if not from Aguirre himself, then from Malacañang officials might have put the issue to rest. Instead the Palace aggravated the blunder by saying that Aguirre was doing “an excellent job.” If this is excellence, this government is doomed. Even without a public apology from Aguirre, the opposition was the winner in this controversy. The individuals named in the supposed destabilization plot should go back to that airport coffee shop at the Iloilo international airport where they chatted and posed for a photograph way back in 2015. This photo was flashed to the media by Aguirre as his “proof” of the meeting last May 2 for the Marawi destabilization. Aguirre shot himself in the foot with his story. The opposition should celebrate over cups of coffee. (Philstar.com)
Guest Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Comey testifies under oath, Trump lashes back: He said vs he said FIRED FBI Director James Comey finally testified under oath before the Senate Intelligence Committee, armed with his contemporaneous memoranda he wrote immediately after each communication with President Donald Trump that made him feel uncomfortable, with the integrity of his bureau and the Department of Justice in mind. Comey, a veteran career official at the FBI who was well respected by both Democrats, Republicans, and almost every public servant he has worked with, put his name, his credibility, his honor and perhaps even his freedom on the line, when he told the committee that Trump had been lying, and that he was asked by the president to drop the Flynn
investigation. The former director even disclosed that the president demanded that he give him his pledge of loyalty if he wanted to keep his job as FBI chief. Trump fired Comey after the latter continued to move forward with the investigation against Flynn and the Trump campaign’s alleged collusion with Russia to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. After Comey was fired, he asked his trusted friend to share one of his memoranda with the New York Times so the government may be pushed to assign a special counsel to investigate the Trump campaign-Russia connection. With that, he may be able to have the protection he needs, now as a private citizen to di-
The Fil-Am Perspective Gel sAntos-relos vulge the truth and protect the integrity of the office he held and on a bigger scale, help protect the democratic principles and institutions of America. On Friday, June 9, Trump fired back at Comey, calling him a liar and a leaker, while at the same time, saying he felt vindicated by Comey’s testimony. Trump cherry picked parts of his fired
FBI director’s statements, whereby indeed, Comey told him that he was not under investigation. The bigger picture: the Trump campaign was under investigation and Trump happens to be the head and at the top of his campaign. Trump said he will be willing to testify under oath to prove he did nothing wrong and that Comey was the one lying. The future of this probe will be a “He said-He said” court battle. Does Trump have the “tapes” he tweeted about against Comey, which Comey was hoping Trump would be issued a subpoena for? If so, the president will be forced to turn them over to Special
Counsel Robert Mueller (who is now on top of investigating the Russia-Trump campaign connection) so the American people may and can know what really happened — who is telling the truth and who is lying. And if Comey’s testimony is indeed factual, would this constitute the impeachable offense of “obstruction of justice” which Comey said will be up to the special counsel to determine? ABANGAN! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Resist, vote and respect the US Constitution
Rhizomes
Prosy AbArquezDelAcruz, J.D. “WE are fortunate in our society that a means of resistance has been built into the law and the political process – the vote. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democracy. We must use our votes, our power and our organizational abilities to create a movement for good. We must not give up this power. We must not give in. We must not give out. We must use what we have—all our talents, resources, energy, and creativity. We must do all we can to help build a better nation and a better world.” - Congressman John Lewis, 2008. I was four when the U.S. civil rights movement started in 1956, and 13 when it ended in 1968. I was in my third year of high school in Manila. I had long been inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s speeches, but I did not realize the full significance of the civil rights movement in redeeming the soul of America. Not until I saw two exhibits, “Road to Freedom” and “Breach of Peace” at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. I saw the exhibits one cold, dreary weekday when gray clouds blanketed Los Angeles and rains were pouring non-stop. The weather compelled you to shirk, to hide underneath the blanket. But at the urging of my daughter, Corina, I went. I found myself perusing more than 170 photographs, taken by over 35 photographers. The images were moving: policemen hosing down citizens; a hotel owner pouring acid on the swimming pool with black folks wading in; attack dogs pursuing demonstrators kneeling on the sidewalk; a fresh pool of blood next to a man laying down on the sidewalk; police using their batons on folks in a prone position; unarmed boys and women with linked arms, guarded by rifle-armed men; buses that were firebombed with
passengers locked inside; and a storm of state troopers breaking up marchers. More images moved me to tears: linked arms of men in their coats braving the rain and snow; women holding hands with men clad in their overalls; young black faces singing with tears in their eyes, afraid yet defiant of injustice; marchers standing tall while being given a two-minute warning by state troopers, yet not cowering in fear; a woman kneeling on the sidewalk, dressed in her Sunday suit, pearl earrings, a hat and an umbrella; a poster demanding freedom, and hovering is a white police officer inside a black police van. Images of lynching or killings were not there, nor corpses, but the audio recordings of the marches were enough to move us to tears — me, along with exhibit-goers composed of young students, teachers, young professionals and older folks lingering, reading captions, listening to Dr. Martin Luther King’s speeches. Many more brutalities were documented for preservation, displaying America’s loss of its soul. Equally moving were photographs depicting hope and a sense of idealism that America’s constitution has yet to be realized: ” life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for everyone.” America brutally reflected on those images had another side to it, an aspiration contained in the Bill of Rights that all men are equal, but deeply buried in its soul. A short documentary depicted Rabbi Rachel Cowen speaking of the civil rights movement as ”a religion, a secular creed, a community, with values, its liturgy, its rituals, part of a larger narrative, with its high ideals that the world can improve, love would conquer, it would triumph.” Dorothy Zellner spoke of her conviction, that when you see such inhumanity, there is a moral imperative to go, ”Thou shalt not stand idly by.“ Half of the white attorneys
working in the South were Jews who felt a kinship with the injustice happening to blacks. Rabbi Prinz shared a ”sense of complete identification and solidarity born of their painful experience.” This mattered to him to take a stand. Will he allow these state troopers to kill in his name? These were the dilemmas that they faced, dilemmas that are not unlike the choices and decisions that are now to be made by U.S. Congress. Will we stand by as America loses its soul today? Will we allow the 45th U.S. President Donald Trump, as described by former FBI Director James Comey, to continue in his presidency? As recounted by the New York Times’ editorial board in a piece entitled “Mr. Comey and All the President’s Lies” on Thursday, June 8: “In sworn testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mr. Comey, the former F.B.I. director made clear that he had no confidence in the president’s integrity. Why? “The nature of the person,” he said. Confronted with the low presidential character for the first time in his career, Mr. Comey began writing meticulous notes of every conversation with Mr. Trump. “I was honestly concerned that he might lie about the nature of our meeting,” he said. Mr. Comey said he was stunned during one Oval Office meeting by Mr. Trump’s request — which he very reasonably understood as an order — to drop the F.B.I. the investigation into Michael Flynn. Mr. Flynn had been forced to resign as national security adviser the day before, after lying about his contacts with Russia. And Russia, Mr. Comey usefully reminded the senators, had gone to unprecedented lengths to disrupt the 2016 presidential election, using “overwhelming” technological firepower. “This is about America,” Mr. Comey kept saying. Russia “tried to shape the way we think, we
vote, we act — that is a big deal,” he added. “They’re coming after America. ... They want to undermine our credibility in the face of the world.” The Russia investigation, he said, is “an effort to protect our country from a new threat that quite honestly will not go away anytime soon.” There is an aspect to public servants like Mr. Comey that Mr. Trump and his administration seem unable to comprehend, to their peril — a dedication to their roles that places service above any president’s glory.” Loyalty to the U.S. Constitution over party ideologies When I was part of a panel on clean elections at an EDSA-I commemoration forum in 2010, I spoke of three traits of good citizenship: loyalty, teamwork and social responsibility. The FBI director was sworn into office on Sept. 4, 2013, while the 45th U.S. President took his oath on Jan. 20, 2017. Both swore to uphold the U.S. Constitution, and in addition, the FBI director swore: “to protect and to defend the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.” They swore to be loyal to the U.S. Constitution! Barely four months into office, the president fired Comey on May 9. During this four-month period, the FBI and other intelligence agencies were pursuing their investigations on the interference of Russian hackers in the Nov. 2016 presidential election. In the same period, General Michael Flynn tendered his resignation as national security advisor on Feb. 13, as he “inadvertently briefed the Vice President Elect and others with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian Ambassador,” according to his resignation letter of the same date. On June 8, ABC News reported, “Flynn first came under investigation for his ties to Russia during the campaign when he was Donald Trump’s senior foreign policy adviser and a strident
supporter. Flynn failed to report that he had secretly met with the Russian ambassador, even lying to vice-president elect Michael Pence about discussing lifting sanctions with the ambassador at that meeting. Pence then unknowingly repeated the lie to the public. That discussion was at the heart of President Trump’s request to the then-FBI director to drop the investigation, according to the advance copy of Comey’s testimony.” The report continued: “The probe, which has already ensnared several current and former associates of President Donald Trump, has expanded to look at a questionable paid appearance Flynn made in Russia and side work Flynn was doing in the midst of the 2016 campaign through his consulting firm, the Flynn Intel Group. The firm belatedly filed papers with the Justice Department to disclose work he did that could have benefitted the Turkish government. Flynn also accepted $45,000 to attend a dinner in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his firm received $500,000 from a Dutch company with ties to Turkey.” The question for members of the House and Senate now is, “Will you respect the U.S. Constitution and find that obstruction of justice was committed by this 45th U.S. President when he asked Comey, ‘Can you let this go?’” Comey was fired as FBI director ostensibly because the agency was in chaos and he could no longer provide leadership. Yet, he is the same FBI director who served under the prior 44th U.S. President for three and half years? If true, three and a half years of chaos and lack of leadership would have been too long to remain unaccountable for, unless that chaotic leadership was a pretext to stop the investigation on Flynn? Teamwork and social responsibility The question now to those who represent us in the House
and Senate, to those with Democratic and Republican affiliations – would you set aside your party ties and seek the truth and allow the American public the courtesy of your public representation? Would you do the teamwork needed to get credible evidence and give us the courtesy of not just deep throat bystanders of the Nixon era, but to give us the courtesy of knowing what are the hidden skeletons in the 45th president’s closet? More than ever, we need to show that as America — when a powerful institution, like the White House, is short and lacking in truth, honesty and the highest levels of ethics — those other institutions, like legislative, like judicial, like the states and the local cities will rise to represent the best of America and its soul. As our congresspersons, senators and some judges who were elected to represent our public interests as “the collective American people,” we challenge you to restore our standing in America. It is the shining city upon the hill that has momentarily lapsed into its dark corroded, rusty self, reminiscent of the yesteryears of Civil Rights movement, because of the 45th U.S. president’s lies, now numbering over 492+ as one reputable newspaper has cataloged. Let not your sworn oaths of legislative offices be a fake allegiance to our U.S. Constitution!
*** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.
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A
UP remains top Philippine university, according to QS by Audrey
MorAllo Philstar.com
MANILA — The University of the Philippines remains the top university in the country, according to the latest QS World University Rankings, after its ranking improved to 367th this year from 374th in 2016. UP, which got an overall score of 32.9, is the only Philippine university that improved its ranking after the placements of Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas slid. “UP Diliman is not only the home of diverse colleges, offering 94 graduate and undergraduate courses, it also runs several centers of research, many of which have been declared by the Commission on Higher Education as National Centers of Excellence,� QS said on its website. It added: “UP Diliman affirmed its own commitment to modernizing its facilities and services. Many of the libraries are already computerized and are providing automated services. It has also identified specific growth areas, foremost of which are in engineering education, interdisciplinary programs such as Material Science, Technology Management and Archaeological Studies and International Studies.� ADMU ranked second to UP among local universities although its ranking slipped to 551-600 from 501-550 last year. DLSU is still within the 701750 range, the same as its ranking the previous year. UST’s ranking also fell from
Infographics by Philstar.com
701-750 to 801-1000. However, UST is the only university among the four from the Philippines on the list to have obtained four QS Stars. “QS Stars is a rating system which allows students to get a wider picture of an institution’s qualities, looking at everything from the employability of graduates, to sports facilities and community engagement. It is designed to reflect the nuanced mission of universities, and the needs of students who may be interested in things other than those to which traditional rankings are necessarily limited,� QS said. American and British universities continue to dominate QS rankings as they got nine out of top 10 slots. Only the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology was able to break the dominance
of universities from these two countries. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the best university for this year, according to QS. “Rated 5+ QS stars, it’s achieved the maximum score across all categories, including research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalization, innovation, specialist criteria and inclusiveness,� according to QS. It was followed by Stanford University (US), Harvard University (US), California Institute of Technology (US), University of Cambridge (UK), University of Oxford (UK), University College London (UK), Imperial College London (UK), University of Chicago (US) and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Switzerland). n
Malaysia sentences 9 Filipinos to death for Sabah attack PAGE A7 t for “being a member of a terrorist group.� Raul Dado, executive director for migrant workers affairs of the DFA, said lawyers of the Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur had met to tackle the verdict. “The decision is now on automatic appeal at the Malaysian Supreme Court. The accused have legal assistance from the Philippine government and the case is being litigated fully,� he said. More than 200 supporters of the late Sultan Kiram, who died in 2015, stormed Lahad Datu in Sabah to press their historical dominion over the territory. The assault, Malaysia’s most
West Coast
serious security crisis in years, led to a six-week siege between the militants and the country’s armed forces who were sent to root them out. The episode eventually fizzled out when some of the militants fled the palm oil plantation where they had been holed up, and returned to the Philippines. The self-proclaimed Sultan of Sulu insisted there was enough proof to show that Sabah belongs to the Philippines because the Malaysian government had been paying him 5,300 ringgit in rent annually. The Sulu Sultanate leased Sabah to the British North Borneo Company in 1878, an ar-
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A10 JUNE 10-13, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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AFP: Manila safe despite transfer of Maute patriarch by alexis
ROmeRO Philstar.com
MAnILA - Metro Manila remains safe, the military said yesterday, amid concerns over the transfer of the Maute clan patriarch to a jail facility in Taguig City. Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the public should not overreact to the transfer of Cayamora Maute to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig as security measures are in place to prevent untoward incidents.
“Let us not overreact to this. The decision to move our high-value prisoners has basis. The security here is better than the one in the areas under martial law,” Padilla said in a press briefing in Malacañang. “We have the nCRPo (national Capital Region Police office) itself located in the same area. We have the JTF (Joint Task Force)-nCR assisting the nCRPo, and all other agencies that are continuously monitoring and ensuring that the national Capital Region is safe,” Weapons charges will be brought against Cayamora Maute (left), father of the leaders of the terror group battling government forces in Marawi City. Inquirer.net photo by Joselle Badilla
he added. Padilla said the transfer of Maute and his companions would also allow security forces in Marawi to focus on the terrorist threats in the area. “Here in Manila, we have institutions. our security posture is in place and it is getting better each day… So what I would want to convey to the public is trust your security forces to do their job and let us not overreact,” he added. Maute, the father of Maute group founders Abdullah and omar, and three others were arrested at a checkpoint in Davao City. Also nabbed were Kongan Alfonso Balawag, his other wife; norjannah Balawag Maute, his daughter; and Bengali Tinglao, son-in-law. Authorities recovered a grenade, a .45 caliber pistol, P360,000 cash and personal belongings during the arrest. on Thursday, June 8, eastern Mindanao Command deputy commander Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said security forces are prepared for retaliatory attacks related to the arrest of Maute. He said the military is not discounting the possibility that the Maute terrorists might try to rescue Cayamora. “We haven’t received direct reports on plots to rescue but if we look at how the Maute group operates, there was an instance when they rescued ordinary members of the group in Marawi. What more Cayamora, who is the head of the clan. It’s not a remote possibility here in Davao while he is detained here,” Gapay said in a press briefing in Davao City. “It is for security reasons that he was transferred. He is the patriarch, the head of the Maute clan and as such, is considered a high value and high risk individual,” he added. n
GO INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP. Saying the unemployment rate in the country is still high, Senator Cynthia A. Villar tells graduates of Cavite State University in Naic campus to be entrepreneurs, to employ people instead of getting employed. Speaking in the school’s commencement exercises, Villar says she has been advocating entrepreneurship as an option to earn a living. As a member of Congress, she has also been prioritizing and pursuing education-related bills. Senate photo
COA: Tetangco highest paid government official for 2016 by elizabeth
maRcelO Philstar.com
MAnILA — For two consecutive years, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor Amando Tetangco Jr. topped the list of highest paid officials of the government. Based on Commission on Audit’s “Report on Salaries and Allowances” or RoSA of government officials for 2016, Tetangco received a total pay of P15.912 million. This included P7.8 million as basic salary, P24,000 as additional compensation and honorarium, P2.778 million as allowances, P2.969 million worth of bonuses and P1.039 million discretionary funds and miscellaneous expenses. Tetangco, who is about to retire next month, also topped the RoSA list in 2015 with total pay of P13.957 million. Meanwhile, seven other BSP officials also made it to the top ten highest paid officials last year. Second on the 2016 RoSA list is Tetangco’s successor BSP Deputy Governor for Supervision
and examination Sector nestor espenilla Jr. with total pay of P12.282 million. BSP Deputy Governor for Monetary Stability Sector Diwa Gunigundo ranked third with P12.248 million pay followed by BSP Deputy Governor for Resource Management Sector Vicente Aquino with P12.145 million. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president Robert Vergara, meanwhile, ranked fifth with total pay of P9.743 million, followed by two other BSP executives, Monetary Board members Juan de zuñiga Jr. and Felipe Medalla, with total pay of P8.451 million and P8.375 million, respectively. Securities and exchange Commission (SeC) chairperson Teresita Herbosa meanwhile landed on eighth place with total earnings of P8.339 million, down from P9.801 million last year when she ranked third on the list. Ranking ninth highest paid official in 2016 was BSP Assistant Governor Ma. Ramona Gertrudes Santiago who earned P8.292 million. on the tenth place was anoth-
BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr.
er BSP Monetary Board member Valentin Araneta who earned P8.226 million. A total of 8,729 officials from 981 national government agencies (nGAs), government-owned and -controlled corporations (GoCCs), government financial institutions (GFIs), state universities and colleges (SuCs) and water districts were included in the 2016 RoSA list. excluded in the report were elected government officials such as the President, senators and congressmen. n
Court resets hearing for De Lima ‘disobedience’ case by Jhesset
O. enanO
Inquirer.net
A Quezon City court has reset the first hearing on the “disobedience” case against detained Sen. Leila de Lima over alleged irregularities in the judicial affidavit filed by the prosecution. Judge Ludmila de Pio Lim of the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 34 ordered on Friday, June 9 the deferral of the presentation of the first prosecution witness after discrepancies in the copies of the affidavit were seen between the document filed before the court and the one furnished to De Lima’s camp. The affidavit contained the testimony of House justice committee chief Rep. Reynaldo umali,
complainants in the case against De Lima, whom they accused of inducing her former bodyguard and driver Ronnie Dayan to snub the Congressional inquiry on the drug trade in the new Bilibid Prison. Lawyer Teddy Rigoroso, legal counsel of the female lawmaker, expressed opposition to the continuation of the proceedings, noting that there seemed to be “two different species” of documents signed on the same date. However, the prosecution, represented by lawyer Albert Angelo D.R. Villalon, insisted that Sen. Leila de Lima the corrections were mere typowho was present in the hearing graphical errors. The court said it would move as the first to take the witness to resolve the issue before the stand. umali was also one of the new trial date set on July 14. n
Poe pushes FOI bill, emergency powers despite delays by amieRielle
anne Philstar.com
bulan
MAnILA - Sen. Grace Poe on Wednesday, June 7 said she is eyeing a review of the Freedom of Information bill and the proposed emergency powers for the president. As chair of both Senate Public Information and Mass Media committee and Public Services committee, Poe said passage of the proposals have been delayed because the 17th Congress prioritized other bills. “Ang daming priority measures na inuuna, tulad ng tax measures. ngayon, nasa second reading pa lang tayo ng FoI and it is a concern,” Poe said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay. She added that the extension of the validity of driver’s licenses and passports were the first measures passed by the Senate. Poe filed the FoI Bill or Senate Bill no. 159 in August 2016. It is “an act implementing the people’s right to information and the constitutional policies of full public disclosure and honesty in the public service and for other purposes.” FOI lacks penalty measure The senator stressed that the absence of penalties for those who disobey the FoI bill, which covers government officials, is also a concern. “Ito yung pangamba ko… PCoo (Presidential Communications operations office) is very cooperative with their campaign on FoI. However, other agencies choose not to comply... pero walang penalty. Kung hindi ko sundin, anong gagawin ninyo sa’kin? Dapat patas,” Poe said.
The senator may have been referring to the executive order on FoI, which the president has signed. The eo only covers the executive branch. For Poe, government officials should also face the same charges that will be applied when they violate the FoI bill. “Dapat may katumbas na parusa para matakot talaga kami na hindi magbigay ng impormasyon. Sana naman kapag, nag-convene kami, maisama na rin itong FoI sa priority nila,” she said.’ ‘Emergency powers should be passed immediately’ Due to the delay in priority measures, Poe also expressed her support for granting emergency powers to President Rodrigo Duterte. “There is a lot in our law that delays initiatives of offices,” Poe said. “For example, through emergency powers, mabibigyan agad ‘yong mga informal settlers ng mandate para makalipat sila. Hin- Sen. Grace Poe faces the members of the di na kailangan dumaan sa maha- press at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay in Cafe bang proseso in a way na mabib- Adriatico, Manila on Wednesday, June 7. Philstar.com photo by Rosette Adel inbin din ‘yong mga proyekto,” she added. ers” through House Bill 4334 inon Dec. 14, 2016, Poe endorsed stead of emergency powers. The the proposed emergency powers House bill is “an urgent, immedibill to address the country’s trans- ate, and comprehensive response portation issues before the Senate to the traffic crisis that is prevain plenary. lent in the Metropolitan Manila Poe sponsored Senate Bill 1284 Area, Metropolitan Cebu, and or “An Act Compelling the Gov- Metropolitan Davao.” ernment to Address the TransDespite this, Poe said there is portation and Congestion Crisis still a need for emergency powThrough the Grant of emergency ers. She said local governments Powers to the President.” should be under one traffic czar. However, in January, the Poe shared that she previously House Transportation committee discussed the issue of emergency led by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar powers with Duterte but he did Sarmiento approved a measure not specify why he needed the granting Duterte “special pow- measure. n
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The pressure is on for KathNiel to lead ‘La Luna Sangre’ by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net
The much-awaited teleserye “La Luna Sangre� is inching its way toward a primetime premiere on June 19. headed by top love team Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla—popularly known as KathNiel—the show is the third installment in the fantasy franchise of “Lobo� (2008) and “Imortal� (2010). Besides the return of KathNiel to the small screen after their last series “Pangako Sa’ Yo� in 2015, and their string of box-office movies in “Crazy Beautiful You� (2015), “Barcelona: A Love Untold� (2016) and “Can’t help Falling in Love� (2017), fans are eagerly anticipating the special participation of big named stars Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz who will reprise
their well-loved Imortal characters Lia and Mateo. With Locsin, Cruz as well as Piolo Pascual [in Lobo] credited in raising the bar in the action-fantaserye genre on local television, Bernardo and Padilla admitted they are nervous to follow in the trio’s success. “We are definitely feeling the pressure,� Bernardo acknowledged at the series’ press launch on Tuesday. “We’re kind of nervous because this is new to us and we’re still adjusting. We’ve waited for this as much as our fans since it should have started after ‘Got to Believe’ [their series in 2014], but we feel it’s better we’re doing it today because we’ve become more mature as actors.� “Yes, the pressure is there because like Kathryn said, so many people are waiting for this to show,� Padilla agreed.
“We will give it our 100 percent and in saying that I am also thankful and honored to be able to continue to the franchise. I am also very excited to show a different flavor to our fans.� Locsin, who was also present at the news conference, helped calm the nerves of the pair of young actors when she declared that La Luna Sangre will be better that both ratings winners Lobo and Imortal. “I feel happy to see that people appreciate the hard work we’ve done in the past shows. We’re all very happy—with Piolo in Lobo and John Lloyd in Imortal. And now, two of the biggest stars in the country from this generation will portray new roles in the series so I am both honored and thankful because in a way, this third instalment feels like a tribute for all of us,� Locsin explained. She added, “So when they asked me if it’s OK to appear in La Luna Snagre, I said yes without any hesitation. I will help however I can because I really love the project. For Locsin, the network could not have given the lead roles to a better pair of actors. “We are happy to turn over the franchise to Kathryn and Daniel and I know they will surpass what we did before.� Based on KathNiel’s filmography, La Luna Sangre will be the love team’s first action project, which is why they have both committed to rigorous training to deliver convincing fight scenes. “When they first told us about this project, I was so overwhelmed because I’d been longing to do action. I can say we really prepared for this knowing it will not only test our acting skills but challenge us physically too. We trained in Pekiti martial arts as well as Wushu, and I ended up bruised in both,� Bernardo chuckled. Team Angel-Richard Meanwhile, newly minted ABSCBN talent Richard Gutierrez will PAGE B3
‘How To Get Away With Murder’ Fil-am star plays Ninoy Aquino anew
The Filipino-American actor who stars as “Oliver� in hit US TV series, “how to Get Away with Murder� will once again portray the iconic martyr, Benigno “Ninoy� Aquino Jr. in a play. Conrad Ricamora will play as Ninoy in a musical adaptation of “here Lies Love� at Seattle Repertory Theatre. It will run from April 8 to June 18. “here lies love� is an album collaboration by David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim. It was first produced and had successful runs at New York Public Theater in 2013 to 2014 “It’s the journey of Imelda Marcos from her rags to riches story,
it follows her from her first beginnings in Tacloban and all the way up through her notorious power reign in the Philippines,� Ricamora said in a 2014 interview with Fox News. Ricamora said that what’s unique about the play is that it involved the people in a disco-like musical. “The highlight is the very end of the show when it’s all about the people and their stories. Through all the politics of the Philippines, those who’s really affected is the people,� he teased about the play. Imelda will be played by Jaygee Conrad Ricamora Macapugay while former President trayed by singer and actor Mark Ferdinand Marcos Sr. will be por- Bautista. (Philstar.com)
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There was a woman, as beautiful as day Lea Salonga invited as presenter at 2017 Tonys Moonlighting by Mylah de
leon
“If you want anything said, as a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.” - Margaret Thatcher At the level of daily life, we learn by experience how to protect ourselves, by learning many strategies. Perla Santos, the mother of MOTHER, or the Movement to Help End Rape and Other Child Abuses, inimitably took the center stage and received the support and partnership of arnis aficionado Master Allan Fami, founder of KALAHI, and other volunteers. They volunteered their services through workshop trainings conducted in various communities during the outreach of the MOTHER free self defense clinic that started last month. The sessions were attended by the less fortunate youth and moms in various barangays including the Bayan ni Juan (BNJ) community in Calauan, Laguna which was arranged through the Bantay Bata staff and BNJ president Leah Bautista, ABS-CBN’s Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation. All the trainees enthusiastically carried out the hands on training and asked interesting questions at the Q&A, and went home enlightened, confident and empowered - and very grateful with the un-
expected bagful of goodies which the MOTHER group solicited from friends in the community here. Since February, MOTHER has been sending door-to-door boxes of donated shoes, backpacks, t-shirts, pants, and miscellaneous hand-me-downs that students need for school opening this June. Other barangays who heard about this community service have requested to be included in their next MOTHER outreach, which is now done regularly. Seventeen years ago in 1999 while working as an OFW in Saudi Arabia, Perla Santos founded the movement with the mission and vision based on the principle that self-defense is an instinct that needs to be developed. The mission of MOTHER is to empower vulnerable individuals to be able to defend themselves in the face of imminent danger. Its vision: intentionally-inflicted personal crimes will be a thing of the past. Since then, MOTHER had been getting the support of various martial art experts who banded together to form the collaborative working group. The diversified aficionados on karate, taekwondo, aikido and other styles provided voluntary services and offered their advise as well as conducted practical hands-on training. For starters, “Techniques Manual Volume 1,” with tens of thousand copies were printed and distributed to those who have undergone the self defense clinics through private and government organizations . In 2006, “Self-Defense Tech-
Perla (Mother Pearl) Santos - President of MOTHER
niques Manual Volume 2” was published through the support from the United Nations Women Guild which was collaborated by the Geneva and Manila MOTHER Chapters and spearheaded trainings to poor kids of Metro Manila The MOTHER Rape Prevention bill was filed in 2000 by members of the House of Representatives and the Senate that mandated that instinctive self-defense awareness and training be included as part of the PE curriculum as well as a workshop for women going abroad. Through the newly formed MOTHER Expert Working Group, a social media collaboration, comprised of several arnis clubs in various parts of the globe who have signified interest to support the crusade, the bill will undergo modification. Efforts are being intensified to re-campaign for passage of counterpart priority bills to include the teaching of instinctive self-defense awareness and basic training in the PE curriculum as well as a workshop for women going abroad. This is in support of RA 9850 or the Act Declaring Arnis as the national martial art and sport. Armed with wealth of experience, honed skills and confidence gained from having worked with high-end, multi-level and diversified ethnic background including the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, World Health Organization in Geneva as well as in the Western Pacific Region, the King Faisal Specialist Hospital, in various continents, Perla Santos is committed to pursue her passion.
Rosalie Caratao – President of The Los Angeles Women’s Club
by arlo
CustodIo ManilaTimes.net
INTERNATIONAL theater actress and singer Lea Salonga confirmed her attendance as celebrity presenter at the 2017 Tony Awards on her Facebook page Wednesday, June 7. “I’m leaving on a jet plane tonight … for this! It’s official, I’ll be presenting at the Tony Awards this Sunday, June 11! It’s theater’s biggest night and I’m thrilled to be heading there!” she posted. Salonga is the first Asian woman to win a Tony award for “Miss Saigon,” the musical play that made her a byword in the theater circuit, first in London then on Broadway. She likewise shared the official announcement of the event. “Hosted by Kevin Spacey, the American Theater Wing’s 2017
are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.” The list of celebrity presenters and performers includes the biggest names in the performing arts like Scott Bakula, Sara Bareilles, Orlando Bloom, Glenn Close, Whoopi Goldberg, Mark Hamill, Scarlett Johansson, Anna Kendrick, John Legend, John Lithgow, Patina Miller, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Surridge, Olivia Wilde and 2017 Tony nominees Sally Field, Josh Groban, Better Middler and Ben Platt. Earlier in the week, “The Voice” coach tweeted she is excited to take selfies with both theater Lea Salonga greats and Hollywood stars come Tony Awards will be broadcast awards night. live from Radio City Music Hall “Making a list in my head of the in New york City, on CBS, on selfies I intend to take on Sunday Sunday, June 11th 8 to 11 pm @The TonyAwards. Wheeeee!!! [Monday morning in Manila] and Good luck to meeeee!!!”
Super Vacation / America Asia Travel Center, Inc. offers unforgettable getaways at reasonable prices SUMMER is just around the corner which means that vacation season is almost in full effect. With so many places to visit and so many agencies to book with, planning a trip can be overwhelming and worrisome. However, Super Vacation / America Asia Travel Center, Inc. vows to take away all the stresses that come with vacation planning to promise fun and memorable experiences. One of the country’s leading vacation package providers, Super Vacation offers a boatload of tour packages from a wide variety of tours in the United States as well as long-haul trips to Europe and Asia -- at very reasonable prices. U.S. tours will be led by tour guides who have at least 10 years of experience and speak fluent English and Chinese. Most tours in the continental U.S. also include transportation in one of the company’s state-of-the-art deluxe coach buses. “We always have the customers’ best interests in mind and we like to offer them an unforgettable experience but at a reasonable cost,” President Helen Koo said. “We make sure we hire the safest drivers, book 3-star hotels and hire very experienced tour guides. Above all, we want our travelers to be safe and enjoy their vacation. We know they work hard and we want to make their vacation as easy going as possible.” During the summer months,
vacation goers may opt for the ever-popular yellowstone National Park, for which Super Vacation offers four to seven-day tours. They also offer yellowstone packages that travel to other breath-taking destinations like the Grand Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Antelope Canyon and Mt. Rushmore among others. Another popular package is a three-day tour to Las Vegas and West Grand Canyon which offers a perfect balance between the kinetic energy of Sin City and the peaceful serenity of the Grand Canyon. For those looking for an island getaway, Super Vacation offers a unique Hawaii tour package that focusses on the natural wonders of The Aloha State like Maui, the Big Island and parts of Oahu. And these are only a few packages from the company’s extensive tour catalogue, which includes U.S. tours in the East Coast, Caribbean and Mexican cruises, grand European tours and the ever-popular China tour. America Asia Travel Center, Inc. was founded in 1981 with three employees and started off as a standard travel agency, booking flights and hotels and tour packages reservations. The company expanded in 1986 when it purchased its first 56-seat tour bus, establishing itself as the first Chinese-operated bus charter company in the U.S. Now branded as Super Vacation / America Asia Travel Center,
Inc., the company has more than 170 employees in 16 regional offices throughout the U.S., Canada and China and serves more than 200,000 travelers a year. Today, they own and operate more than 20 touring vehicles including 10 56-seat deluxe coaches. In addition to offering such a wide range of vacation packages, America Asia Travel Center, Inc. is one of the most reliable agencies with a customer-first policy providing top-quality service. “We provide customers with all the knowledge, but we also make sure to provide them with high-quality services. The person-to-person relationship is very important to us,” Koo said. “For us, the customers’ happiness and safety are our No. 1 priority.” The company is your friendly one-stop for all your vacation needs like making reservations for flights, cruise lines, and hotels. Book now! Super Vacation / America Asia Travel Center, Inc. is located at 117 E. Garvey Ave., Monterey Park, CA. For more information, contact 626-607-0170 or any of their CA offices: Monterey Park 626-571-2988; Rowland Heights 626-810-4388; Irvine 949-5598088; Arcadia 626-821-1986; Cerritos 562-402-2558 and San Diego 619-400-4827. you may also visit their website at www.americaasia.com. The company’s SOT# is 1018680-10. (Advertising Supplement)
Joey Mead and transwoman spouse Angelina King tell their story on TV by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net
EVERyONE knows the story of boy meets girl. They fall in love and live happily ever after. But of course, everyone is also aware that the “happily ever after” part is generally the stuff of dreams with love becoming more complicated as life unfolds. No other couple knows this more than Joey Mead King and her transwoman spouse Angelina, formerly known as Ian King. It has almost been a year since the Kings shot to the top of the news in July 2016 when Ian—a luxury car enthusiast-entrepreneur and managing director of his late father’s popular hotel chain Victoria Court—shockingly came out on Instagram as a transgender woman. His wife, Filipino-Iranian TV personality and seasoned fashion model Joey Mead, stood firmly by his side. Ian took the name Angelina and bravely told her story with Joey’s full support. The couple were once high society’s perfect couple who had it all—fame, fortune and good looks. Today, they still hold a prominent position as one of a few “progressive couples” not just in the Philippines but also across the region because they continue to be madly in love with each other while finding ways to adapt to their new reality. A truly unconventional love story that deserves to be told, the Kings have just landed an eponymous part-documentary, part-reality television program on cable channel TLC, which will delve into how a marriage between a woman and a transwoman can work in this ever-changing world. Love and family After love, the most important factor in making an unusual marriage work out is the entire family’s support. Angelina—nicknamed Angie—had her younger brother Atticus King at the show’s preview on Monday explaining why. “We are here as a family. Much of my thought right now is that I wish my dad was here to see this because I’m excited. I’m excited to see how something that my brother—my sister now—has been struggling with for a long time is finally resolved. I feel happy she
A married couple still—model Joey Mead (left) and Angelina King
is finally at peace [with who she is],” Atticus said in an ambush interview. It will be remembered that Angie and Atticus King’s father Archie King died in 2015 after his private chopper crashed in a forested area of Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas. Many believe that Angie held back her identity because of her father, a prominent Chinese-Filipino businessman. Meanwhile, according to the couple, when Angie came out, there were already a number of television offers knocking on their doors, but they believed—also with their family in mind—that their story had to be told in a particular way and most importantly at the right time. “We didn’t want to be exploited. We’re not making any money from this. We waived our talent fee—I mean, we’re doing this to get the word out, to get the message out,” Angie told the press. She shared it took a long time for her loved ones to accept who she is now, but because of their love and respect, she is now enjoying her new life with everyone’s support. “If I had to, I would come out to Joey again and again. The regret would’ve been not trying to do so—of not coming out. The feeling of having her love and support–one of the most important people in my life—is huge. It gives you confidence. It makes you feel secure and safe. It makes you feel loved,” Angie related. In response, the strong woman
that is Joey Mead said, “It’s because of the love that Angie had for me [that I was able to accept the situation]. I told myself, ‘My goodness, this is someone I don’t want to lose. Someone that I really, selfishly, want to have in my life’.” Poster child While Angie is eager to share her journey into self-discovery, she revealed she continues having to adjust to becoming a public personality. “The hardest part of doing something like this and putting myself out there is not having privacy anymore. It’s tricky because I want to live a normal life, but now but I’m sort of the poster child for this topic,” she acknowledged. “But it’s crazy. When did being trans become cool? But it sort of gave me hope that people can change and people can accept. We’re still trying to figure out what we did right so we can share it with other people,” Angie continued. For Joey, their family’s message is “positivity.” She made it clear that she is no superwoman in the whole process, admitting it was difficult to reach the point of acceptance. “It was really hard–the last two years was hard. But I’m glad I went through that. I was throwing plates against the wall. I mean, hello, of course it’s hard. If you say, ‘I don’t want this, this is not for me,’ you’ve made a decision. But the thing is, I want her. I want to make this work. I just had to get over whatever kiyeme [issues] I had. That’s it, basically.”
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 10-13, 2017
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Bed without a headboard
By Sean
Shono
THE area above your head is considered a “mountain” by Feng Shui, while the headboard protects your back. This “mountain” also controls human relationships. No headboard means no protection; no support can be expected for your work or business. It can lead to being isolated from others. And if a pregnant woman sleeps in this kind of environment, she is at risk of having a brain damaged baby. To avoid these complications, visit consult with a Feng Shui master at Dragon God. *All of our items have been purified by authentic process of Feng Shui way.
*** Feng Shui master Sean Shono owns Dragon God, a Feng Shui store in Gardena, California. He is the U.S. Chief of the International Feng Shui
Association. For more information, please call Sean Shono at (310) 787-1891. Dragon God is located at 1580 W. Artesia SQ. Suite A, Gardena, CA 90248.
Turning your luck around with Dragon God Feng Shui GARRy Prado felt hopeless. He was broke, struggling to maintain his personal relationships, and stressed out. But then an unexpected conversation with a stranger rekindled his fascination with the principles of Feng Shui. Fortune led Prado to Master Atsushi “Sean” Shono, the head of the International Feng Shui Association’s U.S. Branch and proprietor of Dragon God Feng Shui. The lifelong practitioner of the ancient tradition was a student of Grandmaster Raymond Lo, and has evaluated major projects like the Tokyo Tower in Japan. With the aid of Shono’s expertise and the specialty items from his shop designed to optimize the flow of energy throughout a person’s home, Prado started to see his luck turn around in just a few weeks. “It can work if you allow it to,” said Prado, a clinical research coordinator. “It helped me find inner
ABUSED AND ACCUSED WOMAN GETS THE ULTIMATE REDEMPTION IN HER GREEN CARD ON A BRAND NEW EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY”. Imagine being broken on the inside by your husband’s constant verbal abuse and then getting a signed confession from him saying that yours was never a real marriage. That’s the hellish nightmare that Evelyn (center) suffered from her former husband. That same confession jeopardized the petition by her current spouse, Glenn (left), for her. Leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) proved the allegations wrong and eventually delivered Evelyn’s ultimate redemption in the form of her green card on a brand new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” - on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
The pressure is on for KathNiel...
Kayoko Ogura and Master Atsushi “Sean” Shono
peace.” Prado said Shono’s guidance has helped frame his life with positivity and left him better equipped to handle its challenges. Because circumstance and energy are always in flux, he regularly consults with Shono, and, over time, has gotten to know him.
“Sometimes he’s so funny, but when it comes to giving advice he takes it very seriously,” said Prado. “They’re very genuine, They will really help you.” For more information visit Dragon God USA at 1580 W Artesia Sq. #A in Gardena, California, or its website at www.dragongodusa.
PAGE B1 also make his Kapamilya debut via La Luna Sangre as The Manila Times earlier reported. He plays the role of Sandrino, the king of vampires, who will stand in the way of Malia (Bernardo) and Tristan (Padilla). A truly exciting time for the actor to resume his career in a new environment, he is also happy to be reunited with Locsin with whom he had a successful love team for both TV and the movies when they were both young actors in GMA Network. “I am very excited to work with Richard again after 10 years,” Locsin exclaimed. “ I knew him from the very start of my acting career—I’m familiar with his nuances and I’ve almost memorized them already. But I’m eager to see how he has grown as an actor now as I’m sure he is with me. What’s nice is that when we started taping, it was as if 10 years hadn’t passed us. I believe our chemistry is still there.” Gutierrez on the other hand shared how Locsin was very happy for him when she found out he was making the cross com. you can also direct questions over to ABS-CBN. She gave him to dragongod4@gmail.com or dial a big welcome and they are both (310) 787-1891. looking forward to working on La (Advertising Supplement) Luna Sangre as well as a movie for
Star Cinema. “Ang sarap ng feeling na makakatrabaho ko ulit si Angel kasi sabay kami nag-start. It’s good to see familiar faces and work with them Angel’s been a vital person in my career, and I feel blessed to be able to do a reunion project with her,” Gutierrez said. With an exciting story on offer to viewers, box-office Director Cathy Garcia-Molina promised this third instalment will be “so much better” than its predecessors especially when it comes to the quality of effects. “Of course, the graphics will be more advanced than the first two. This is the weakness of the movie industry in the Philippines—we cannot compare the quality of our shows or action films with those of Hollywood because of the computer graphics. They can do it because they have money, while we have limited budget for the same expectations. But we will try our best to make the quality better for the viewers to enjoy,” she related. Also part of La Luna Sangre’s cast are Ina Raymundo, Randy Santiago, Gelli De Belen, Joross Gamboa, Toni Labrusca, Isabelle Daza, Danita Paner, Romnick Sarmenta and Victor Neri, among others.
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B JUNE 10-13, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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Age Beautifully Cookbook wins Gourmand’s ‘Best in the World’ award
O S ANGELES — “The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World” by Grace O was awarded the 2017 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards’ top honor — ‘Best in the World’ — in the innovative category on Sunday, May 28 at Gourmand’s annual awards event in Yantai, China.
Grace O and members of the FoodTrients team traveled to China for the awards ceremony and were thrilled when “Age Beautifully” was announced as the winner. “It was two and half years in the making, but it has been a labor of love for good foods that can help us look and feel younger,” Grace O said in her acceptance speech.
“The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World” by Grace O.
AJ Ads 92 May Cookbook” 2017_Layout 1 5/22/17 3:18Weller PM (left) Page “The Age Beautifully executive editor Barbara and1author Grace O (right) at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards ceremony on Sunday, May 28.
Grace O has been cooking and baking professionally all of her adult life. As a young adult in the Philippines, she managed her family’s cooking school and eventually opened three restaurants. Grace has worked more than 20 years in the health-care industry and is the owner and CEO of four skilled nursing facilities in California. She is also the author of the award-winning “Age Gracefully Cookbook” and lives in Pasadena, California. The awards have been called the “Oscars” of the food world, and Grace O’s “The Age Beautifully” won the U.S. National Award in the Innovative category earlier this year. The cookbook then went on to compete with seven other countries for the ‘Best in the World’ title in its category. Gourmand Awards founder and event host Edouard Cointreau commented, “I urge foreign publishers to pay attention to this cookbook. It is timely, innovative and would do particularly well in the Asian market.” The four-day awards event in Yantai was attended by nearly 500 people from 59 countries, including cookbook authors and publishers. The cookbook themes ranged from single-subject books on garlic, cheese, chocolate and sandwiches, to national cuisines from around the world. Daily tastings and cooking demonstrations from international authors and chefs also highlighted the awards event. “The Age Beautifully Cookbook” has now received three awards since its publication in April 2016. In May, the cookbook was honored as a finalist in the
Grace O is also the author of “The Age Gracefully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS to Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life.”
age gracefully
Tofu Is a Good Balancing Act for Your Heart and Hormones Tofu Tacos with Kimchi Slaw Serves 2 Tofu and Dressing Ingredients 1 block extra firm tofu, drained, pressed, and chopped into squares 1 Tbs. toasted sesame oil 1 Tbs. soy sauce (or tamari or iquid aminos) 4 corn or whole grain tortillas 1 avocado, sliced
A healthy vegetarian and vegan friendly protein, soy contains heart-healthy minerals, fiber, antioxidants and polyunsaturated fats. Soy takes on the taste of whichever spices or sauces you use to cook it and can be a wonderful addition to your healthy diet.
Soy (and many other foods) contain plant estrogens or phytoestrogens and the antioxidant family isoflavones. Diets that include soy foods – choose an unprocessed source like tofu, tempeh or edamame – have been shown to modify estrogen receptor activity in a positive way, and help keep your hormones in balance.
In this convenient and satisfying vegetarian entree, savory baked tofu is topped with homemade vegetable kimchi slaw and fresh avocado. This dish is convenient enough for quick, weeknight meals but also festive enough for entertaining and parties. Feel free to substitute with your favorite protein sources (try fish, shrimp, or black beans) and you’ll want to make these tacos over and over again.
Grace O, who was born and raised in the Philippines, has been cooking and baking professionally all of her adult life. Photos by Matthew Fried
Grace O and her husband, Rupert.
Gourmand Awards founder Edouard Cointreau (center) with (L-R) “The Age Beautifully Cookbook” photographer Matthew Fried, executive editor Barbara Weller, author Grace O, and graphic designer Lynn Fleschutz.
1. Preheat oven to 400-degree Fº and prepare a baking sheet. Add tofu squares to a large mixing bowl. Whisk together sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and pure maple syrup in a separate small bowl and then toss with tofu. Transfer to baking sheet and bake until tofu is golden brown, about 15–20 minutes. 2. In the meantime, prepare the slaw using same mixing bowl. Add kimchi, carrots, kale, cilantro and lime and stir until mixed. Set aside until tofu is cooked. 3. Lay tortillas on a flat surface and remove tofu from oven. Divide tofu between tortillas and top with sliced avocado and slaw before serving.
© 2017 by FoodTrients.com
BY GRACE O
Slaw Ingredients ½ cup kimchi ¼ cup shredded carrots ½ large cucumber (about ½ cup), sliced into small strips ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 Tbs. sesame seeds 1 tsp. pure maple syrup 1 lime, zest and juice
2017 International Book Awards in the International Cookbook Category. The cookbook also won Gold in the Specialty Cookbook category of Independent Publishers’ Living Now Book Awards presented in September, 2016. The cookbook’s executive editor Barbara Weller, graphic designer Lynn Fleschutz and photographer Matthew Fried also attended the Gourmand event. Joining the FoodTrients team on the trip were Grace O’s husband Rupert Ouano and his brother Rico Ouano, Trinity Foliente, Sandy Mattarazzo, and Danny Rengifo. In addition to visiting Yantai, the group traveled to Shanghai and Beijing to see the sites and to learn more about the foods, herbs and spices of China. People don’t have a choice when it comes to aging, but they can choose HOW they will age – the foods they eat, exercise, and healthy habits can have dramatically positive effects on aging. That’s why Grace O created FoodTrients®, a website (FoodTrients. com) and cookbooks dedicated to great-tasting recipes that also deliver age-defying benefits. Eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing the foods people love or satisfying meals. “The Age Beautifully Cookbook” provides over 100 easy-to-make recipes that promote health and wellbeing. The recipes are built on foundations of modern scientific research and ancient knowledge of medicinal herbs and natural ingredients from around the world. And consumers won’t believe how good they taste, too! Since the publication of her first anti-aging cookbook, Grace O has identified eight categories of FoodTrients that are essential to age-defying and healthier living – Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Disease Prevention, Immune Booster, Mind, Beauty, Strength, and Weight Loss. Specifically designed logos represent each category and are indicated with every recipe along with summaries of the recipe’s healthful properties. These benefits show how specific foods, herbs, and spices in the recipes help keep skin looking younger, prevent the diseases of aging, and increase energy and vitality. By incorporating these properties in an everyday diet, people are more likely to look and feel younger, have more energy, and improve their mood and mind. The cookbook also includes Grace O’s Feel-Good Formula for Longevity, Beauty and Wellness, and lists of the top age-fighting fruits, vegetables, grains, spices, and proteins. Plus, a guide to age-defying FoodTrients and their benefits, a list of ingredient resources, and menus for entertaining. Who knew that the right foods in sufficient amounts could do so much good for your body? Now there is the science to prove it. “The Age Beautifully Cookbook” is available in both hardcover and eBook online and at bookstores nationwide. Lifestyle tips, age-defying recipes, and secrets of the healing properties of food are the centerpiece of FoodTrients–all available through cookbooks, the website, e-newsletters, and much more. For more information, visit foodtrients.com and at facebook.com/foodtrientsagegracefully.
GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooks – The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently won the National award for Innovation from the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry. Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com
The 2017 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards — known as the “Oscars” of the food world — was held this year in Yantai, China and was attended by nearly 500 people from 59 countries.
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Bela Padilla ‘back to school’ with directors by Maridol
ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com
BELa Padilla is like a sponge forever absorbing everything she can from her surroundings. In aBs-CBN’s “My Dear Heart” (Monday to Friday, after “ang Probinsyano”), Bela (and her costars, like Heart Ramos, Coney Reyes, Robert arevalo, ZanjoeMarudo, Eric Quizon and Ria ataydee) are wrapping the series this week a bit wiser and even more human. Bela has learned to see things in the eyes of an innocent, trusting child, thanks to Heart, the lovable little girl around whom the story revolves. “she’s so positive,” Bela gushes. she is closing the book on the top-rating series and opening a new chapter in her life – that of apprentice to acclaimed directors Joyce Bernal and Dan Villegas. Bela told the two directors she is taking a break from acting after “My Dear Heart’s” last taping (and airing) day on Friday, June 16, to become their full-time students. “Learning from experience works best for me,” she explains. “I’ll be on the set from call time to pack-up time. I’m willing to learn new things. I’ll be these directors’ apprentice until they tell me I’ve passed their standards.” If you see that sparkle in Bela’s eyes when she talks about working behind the scenes, it is because she received good news lately. Her first full script is now the backbone of a movie starring the country’s big Kapamilya stars. Bela is like a proud mom, tickled pink getting a thumbs up from industry people who matter. “It’s different. You create something out of nothing, letter per letter, from your heart and mind. Nobody contributed to it. and seeing it come alive on screen is a big blessing.” Bela, after all, is a storyteller at heart. she wrote the story of
Bela Padilla
the movie “Luck at First sight” with former boyfriend Neil arce. she has written a few scenes for the movies. That is because she loves to read – a passion that has widened her imagination and sent her creative juices flowing. Now that she is about to start another adventure, Bela is in no mood to continue her interrupted love life. “I’m super submerged in work. I have no time for love.” Bela revealed how she got by with only an hour’s sleep in between shooting an indie movie and taping “My Dear Heart” thrice a week. she catches up on sleep in the car, and wakes up just in time to prepare for the movie and the primetime series. But she is not complaining. when you are on the brink of a brand-new adventure you have been dreaming about all these years, you do not mind the long hours, the tight schedule and the sleepless lifestyle. You do not even mind putting your love life on hold. Yes, a new Bela Padilla is coming. and she will introduce her to the world when the time is right.
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To the newest ‘Kapamilya’ star Richard Gutierrez: Keep your head high and your feet on the ground
Programming for Kababayan Today, June 12-16 Tenor sal Malaki promotes “ a Night of Music.” The Global wealth Financial Life with Kababayan Michiko sumiller Thursday, June 15 - we discuss a bill that can advocate for safer dialysis practices for all Kababayans. G. TönGi Friday, June 16 - Re-air of a past program of “Kababayan Monday, June 12 - Marivi so- Today.” liven, author of the novel “Mango *** Bride,” comes to the show. Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer Learn about Pinoy Rising ap- of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that parel. features relevant topics for Filipinos living Tuesday, June 13 - The avan- in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the zado family give you details to cultural gap between America & the Philippines their concerts happening in Los but to help with the generational gap between angeles this summer. our own people. She is married with two Wednesday, June 14 - The children and is based in Southern California asian Journal brings you the latest and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to headlines relevant to the Filipino Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans community in america. who are empowering the FilAm community.
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 10-13, 2017
By Monet
Lu
I was watching the news the other day when I saw a report about Richard Gutierrez’s transfer to aBs-CBN. as I watched him talk about the move to his former rival station, my mind wandered off to memory lane. I recall the time when this young man was just a little kid – yes, I’ve known him since he was still a child star and as part of their on-screen duo with his twin brother, Raymond. I remember how I used to take him to the movies and we would eat ice cream afterward. He was a simple kid with such a kind and innocent heart. It scared me a little when he finally decided to move to the Philippines to take his showbiz career seriously. He was growing into a typical adventurous teenager. It felt like letting go of your own son so he could spread his wings. I remember telling him that life in the Philippines would be different and that no matter what happens, he should always look back and remember his fans who were there for him when he was just starting out. several years later, standing before me now, is a fine gentleman with a string of accomplishment up his sleeves – the greatest of which is becoming a father to his son Zion. Fatherhood seems to suit Richard pretty well and he is maturing
in so many ways. His relationship with his partner sarah Lahbati is going strong and this networkmove seems to be heading in the right direction. among his projects with aBsCBN are a movie with his former onscreen GMa partner, angel Locsin, and angelica Panganiban, and the upcoming series “La Luna sangre.” In “La Luna sangre,” Richard will play the role of sandrino, the supreme vampire and the long lost son of Magnus (Jake Roxas). “La Luna sangre” is the third installment of the hit fantasy franchise, after Lobo and Imortal, both produced by star Creatives. This is Richard’s first role as a vampire and is definitely a must-see. I am looking forward to seeing him again perform in a teleserye. without a doubt, he is definitely going to rock this role! “Everything fell into place perfectly. I believe that it’s a blessing. I believe that God won’t give me this blessing if He knew I’m not ready. an opportunity, an offer like this doesn’t come very often. I’m not going to take it for granted. I’m going to embrace it and enjoy it and work hard for it! My whole family is very happy. actually, napanood nila ‘yung live stream. They’re very supportive and very happy. I’m so blessed to have my family with me all the time,” he said. Richard is very thankful for the trust the network has given him. “at ‘yung pag-welcome nila sa’kin,
ang sarap ng feeling. Pati sa set, napakabait nila sa’kin...I couldn’t ask for anything better…” Richard said at a press conference. It’s been years since Richard went on a hiatus from the limelight and now that he is back, he brings such a calm and renewed demeanor like we’ve never seen before: “I’ve been away from the limelight for a while now. I really needed that to grow as a person, as a man, to spend time with my kid and my family. I needed that time away. Now, I’m back. Now, I’m ready. I’m reenergized and focused and I know myself better now.” “I chose to rest, to really step back, to look myself, to look at people around me, what really matters to me, to my family, and I needed that just to re-energize myself,” he added. In many ways, Richard has grown into the very person I wished for him to be. without taking credit, I really believe that he has taken all of my advice to heart – and for that, I will always be thankful and proud of him. To Chard, You’ve heard me say this one too many times but I’ll say it again: keep your head high and your feet on the ground. I wish you all the best on your projects with your new home. In your journey as a parent, I have no doubt in my mind that you will carry with you all the lessons you’ve learned growing up and teach Zion everything he needs to know to grow up
Richard Gutierrez’
to be like his dad. stay as loving as you are now to your family and friends, and most especially to sarah. she is such a great influence and an amazing partner to you. advance Happy Father’s Day! Hope to catch up soon! *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
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COMMUNITY Journal
The importance of an immigration attorney
Your Immigration Solution Devin M. Connolly THERE are countless number of people who dream about lawfully living and working in the United States. Making this dream a reality is a possibility for many of them, but only if they are able to successfully navigate the United States’ confusing and complex immigration laws. Given the incredible importance placed on being granted permanent resident status (green card) or U.S. citizenship, it is surprising how many people attempt to achieve their immigration goals without the assistance of an experienced attorney that specializes in immigration law. It is true that some do succeed, but many others fail. And this failure may lead to their ultimate nightmare – being deported. A person that is presently living in the United States must file their request for immigration benefits with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). However, do not think that the process merely requires the completion of a simple form. First, the forms are not always easy to understand. Many of the forms contain complicated questions that require a person to understand terms and language which have a precise meaning unique to immigration law. This meaning may differ from what many people expect it to be. Thus, a person may deprive themselves of lawfully residing in the United States simply because they did not understand the question they were being asked. More important than the forms though is that an applicant should carefully review their eligibility for the requested benefit before submitting any application to the USCIS. This assessment requires a review of many things, including dates of entries and exits from the U.S., type of visa (if any) held at entry to the U.S., the immigra-
tion status and history of the applicant and their family members, etc. The failure to make this assessment before submitting the application may lead to something much worse than a denial – it may lead to being deported, perhaps within a matter of hours. After eligibility is established, the applicant must submit a welldocumented request for an immigration benefit. The submission of sufficient documentary evidence, ranging from a birth or marriage certificate to complex medical records, is vital since it is the applicant who has the burden of proving that they
of these types of interviews. In addition, the USCIS officer may aggressively question the applicant, they may pressure them to answer questions to which they do not know the answers, and they may also allow the applicant to make statements that are harmful to their case. Saying the wrong thing during an interview can make it significantly more difficult to ever lawfully reside in the U.S. And while the applicant may later realize they misspoke or that they did not actually understand the questions they were being asked, it may too late to fix the problems created. The application may already be denied and the Department of Homeland Security may have already begun the process of deporting them to their native country. As you can see, the personal interview is extremely important. In conclusion, it is always advisable for immigrants to retain the services of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the practice of immigration law. Hiring the right attorney may be the difference between obtaining a green card and being deported. It is therefore one of the most significant decisions that a person will make in their lifetime.
“Many of the forms contain complicated questions that require a person to understand terms and language which have a precise meaning unique to immigration law.” are eligible for the requested benefit. Since it is the applicant who must prove admissibility, they should do everything they can to maximize their chances of being granted the requested benefit by submitting evidence that is thorough and persuasive. It is clear that an assessment of eligibility is important, as are properly completed forms and sufficient supporting documents, but perhaps the most important reason to retain an experienced immigration attorney is to be adequately represented at your personal interview before a USCIS officer. A decision on the application will frequently be made based off statements made by the applicant during their interview. These interviews can be stressful, nerve-wracking experiences, but the aspiring immigrant needs to do everything possible to ensure their personal interview is successful. That is not always easy though. It may be the applicant’s first time attending a personal interview for an immigration benefit with the USCIS, and they are likely to be questioned by an experienced USCIS officer who has conducted many
*** 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)
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 10-13, 2017
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Minding Your Finances Atty. rAymond BuLAon IF you’ve ever found yourself financially broke or buried in debt at one point in your life, I’m sure you still remember how it felt. The feelings of despair and helplessness, the sleepless nights, the endless anxiety about the future- A lot of people will never understand until they have experienced it for themselves. From personal experience and from my work as a bankruptcy attorney, I’ve learned that the first step to financial recovery is to acknowledge responsibility for where you are. I find that much energy can be wasted on trying to assign the blame on someone, the economy, the government, etc. but that doesn’t get you anywhere. You can also keep wishing that things were different and ignore your present reality but until you accept things for what they are at the moment, you will remain powerless to make a change. Leave the past where it belongs and focus only on what you can control. I am not in any way diminishing the magnitude of your problem if your situation is overwhelming and complicated. To the contrary, I realize that you didn’t end up where you are
To Live With Faith reVerend rodeL G. BALAGtAS I PREACHED about love last Pentecost Sunday—a revolution of love that the world urgently needs in these times of violence, hatred, and terror. I told people that we need to invoke the power of the Holy Spirit to melt people’s hearts to learn to forgive and to let go of hatred and division. All the violence and terror that are happening in the world come from the evil one. We need God to intervene by allowing the Holy Spirit to fill the world with love. We need His warriors—the saints and angels—to fight the forces of the devil. We can’t allow the evil one to win; we can’t succumb to defeat. St. Paul’s words in the second
Community Journal
Stuck in debt? Here’s how you can turn things around
overnight so it may take time to find a solution. There are usually no magical transformations. But every step you make in the right direction beginning right now will help. In some cases it takes months or years for people to recover from a financial crisis and that’s perfectly OK if that’s the best possible outcome under the circumstances. For example, during the peak of the foreclosure crisis from 2008-2011, I’ve helped hundreds of clients who were facing the loss of their home. While a lot of people were able to do so, there were others who simply could no longer afford their mortgage payments. I encouraged the clients who lost their home that foreclosure was not the end of the world and that eventually, they will be able to buy a home again. I have seen a lot of clients do just that just a few years later. Remember: Nothing in life is ever permanent and the one thing you can be sure of is that things change all the time. You may be down right now but up again before you know it. Eventually, the pendulum of life swings back. If you’re already too deep in debt and you have no other choice but to file bankruptcy, realize that our laws were designed in order to give you a fresh financial start when you can no longer
help yourself. If you have made some financial mistakes that led to your present situation, bankruptcy laws serve to help you get back on your feet so that you can become productive again. Some people are afraid that once they file bankruptcy, they are financially ruined forever. This is one of the biggest lies told by creditors and their bill collectors. The fact is that people who file for bankruptcy only need a few years to regain their credit although the bankruptcy still appears on their record. Remember that future lenders don’t care too much about what happened to you 3 years ago as much as they care about what appears on your credit in the last 12 months. Yes, your credit can become normal again much sooner than what other people might have led you to believe. For a free CONFIDENTIAL attorney consultation, please call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia.
Immigration Corner Atty. BriAn Lerner
QUESTION: I have friends in the countries which Trump wants to still do his travel ban. I know it was denied. Is it still ongoing or could it still happen? Answer: Yes, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals had granted the injunction and made it nationwide. However, the government has now submitted the request for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. This is known as a Writ of Certiorari. First, The government has filed a petition for a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court appealing the Fourth Circuit’s injunction against Section 2(c) of Executive Order 13780, which suspended the entry of nationals of six Muslim-majority countries to the United States for 90 days. The Trump administration argues that the Constitution gives the president “broad authority to prevent aliens abroad from * * * entering this country when he None of the information herein is intended deems it in the nation’s interest.” to give legal advice for any specific situ However, on the decision from ation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully the Fourth Circuit, they ruled eshelped thousands of clients in getting out sentially that the rhetoric which of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of Trump used during the campaign your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law was that he wanted to ban MusOffices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. lims. Because he said this mul(Advertising Supplement) tiple times, he could not simply
A revolution of love
“God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” - John 3:16 reading of this Sunday’s Mass are relevant to us today: “Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” In the midst of the insurmountable terror that we are experiencing in the world, we need to proclaim the God that we believe, a “merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.” We pray that all religions of the world would foster in their communities and in the hearts and minds of their members this image of God. We must all be warriors of peace and love, not warriors of
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hatred. Makers of superhero movies even spread this message. In the end, it is love that would conquer the world. It is only the love of God, as seen and interpreted in Scriptures, that would defeat His enemy. Let’s not allow fear to overtake our lives. We have the God of love on our side. Instead, let our actions in every place that we live and travel show our desire for the well-being of all people. Let’s start with smiles on our faces and genuine concern for humanity. Let’s promote this revolution of love in the internet and social media. Let’s keep preaching it in our churches, temples,
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Tax Tips Victor Sy, cPA, mBA
1. DON’T volunteer information. A typical agent is a low-key, friendly agent. They get your guard down by playing a nice guy role. Don’t be deceived by it. Remember that he (includes her) is not on your side. He may appear to be, but he is not. 2. Don’t be a blabbermouth. Taxpayers are scared to talk before introductions and then become relaxed and chatty upon observing that the auditor is not a mean dude after all. This is why I never bring my clients to IRS audits. I strictly forbid my clients from talking with and writing to the IRS. If a client breaks this rule, I disengage. 3. Don’t be late. It doesn’t
Is the travel ban still alive?
write an executive order which seemed somewhat valid on its face without seeing the intent of why he made it in the first place. Thus, assuming the U.S. Supreme Court takes this (which is not guaranteed), then one of the major issues is whether a Court can look at past conduct, statements, Tweets, etc. in order to determine the ‘intent’ of the executive order outside of the executive order itself. Question: What about Trump’s new set of tweets, where he just stated that because of the attacks in London, that he does not even want the watered down executive order, but rather, that he wants the Supreme Court of the U.S. to rule that the first executive order should be ruled upon? Answer: In actuality, Trump has basically proven the opposing sides arguments. Their arguments are essentially that he really does not mean what is ‘written’ on the ‘watered down’ executive order as Trump puts it. In fact, he only ‘watered it down’ in order for it to hopefully pass. Trump tweeted it is time to NOT be politically correct. Thus, the whole argument that his executive order is really just a Muslim Ban has been given a significant amount of ammunition by his last round of Tweets. It is almost certain that the opposition to the Writ of Certiorari will put forth arguments showing that his latest Tweet Storm clearly shows that
Trump’s true intention was to ban Muslims from coming to the U.S. Question: About how long will it take for the U.S. Supreme Court to decide on this matter? Answer: In actuality, first the U.S. Supreme Court has to agree to take the case. Judicially speaking, the U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court. If they decide to not take the case, then that is an affirmation that the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals was correct. However, the reality, is that this is a case of new impression and has constitutional implications on the executive branch of the U.S. Thus, it is likely that the U.S. Supreme Court will take the case. If they do take the case, it will most likely be on an expedited schedule and will be heard probably in the term of the U.S. Supreme Court next year and decided shortly after that. Theoretically, it could be heard sooner, but only if they deem it to be of such importance and such an emergency that it would mandate such an expedited hearing. * * * Atty. Brian D. Lerner has been an Immigration Attorney for nearly a quarter of a century. He is married to a Filipina and has helped thousands of Filipino families all over the country. In addition to his offices in Southern California in Long Beach and Carson, he has an office in Quezon City. He is a certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Legal Board of Specialization, California State Bar. The initial consultation is free. Call (562) 495-0554 and/or send an e-mail to blerner@californiaimmigration.us. (Advertising Supplement)
15 dont’s during an IRS office audit
make a good first impression. 4. Don’t walk in without records. 5. Don’t dump a paper bag in the auditor’s face. A happy auditor may not necessarily favor you but an angry auditor certainly will not help you. 6. Don’t fight the auditor. Don’t tell him to go after the Mob instead of small fish like you. He was given a case file to work on and he is just doing his job. He could make life more difficult for you. 7. Don’t ever bribe an auditor. Your case will be referred to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). 8. Don’t be overconfident especially if you have some knowledge about taxes and audits. 9. Don’t underestimate the skills of the auditor. The agent is
a professional. He does this kind of thing for a living. Compared to his skills, you’re an amateur. 10. Stay away from referring to the IRS as Nazi, Gestapo or ISIS. 11. We understand that this experience can be nerve-wracking, but don’t be overly nervous. You must be hiding something. 12. If you want to end your misery, don’t make it so obvious that you want to rush. The auditor must have missed a major issue. 13. Don’t file tax return during an audit. That return is likely to be audited as well. 14. Don’t lie. The auditor may already have the answer and is just testing your credibility. For example, you may say “no” to a question if you have a stock brokerage account while auditor
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Community Journal
Rights of employees who work 7 days a week CHRISTOPHER Mendoza and Meagan Gordon are for- Protecting mer sales associates of Nordstrom, Inc., a retail chain with Employee locations throughout Califor- & Consumer nia. Mendoza and Gordon worked more than six con- Rights secutive days in a week with Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. some shifts that lasted six hours or less. Both employees sued Nordstrom claiming that the employer failed to provide them the required day of rest, for working 7 days a week. Under California law, employers are required to provide employees at least one day’s rest in seven. This applies to employees regardless of whether they are engaged by the day, the week, month, or year, and regardless of whether they work during the day or night. The law further adds that “no employer shall cause his employees to work more than six days in seven.” However, in some cases, work of more than 6 consecutive days is allowed “when the total hours of employment do not exceed 30 hours in any week or six hours in any one day thereof.” Work of more than 6 consecutive days may also be allowed if the nature of the employment reasonably requires that the employee work seven or more consecutive days, so long as each calendar month the employee receives days of rest equivalent to one day‘s rest in seven. The case reached the California Supreme Court, which clarified the following issues: Is the day of rest calculated by the workweek, or does it apply on a rolling basis to any seven-consecutive-day period? A day of rest is guaranteed for each workweek (not per rolling seven-day period). However, periods of more than six consecutive days of work that stretch across more than one workweek are not per se prohibited. The Court noted that the Legislature has expressly defined a “week” and a “workweek” as any seven consecutive days, starting with the same calendar day each week. Thus, a week or workweek means a fixed and regularly recurring period, e.g., Sunday to Saturday, or Monday to Sunday, and not a rolling period of any seven consecutive days.
Does the exemption for workers employed six hours or less per day apply so long as an employee works six hours or less on at least one day of the week, or does it apply only when an employee works no more than six hours on each and every day of the week? The exemption for employees working shifts of six hours or less applies only to those who never exceed six hours of work on any day of the workweek. If, on any one day, an employee works more than six hours, a day of rest must be provided during that workweek. What does it mean for an employer to “cause” an employee to go without a day of rest: force, coerce, pressure, schedule, encourage, reward, permit, or something else? An employer causes its employee to go without a day of rest when it induces the employee to forgo rest to which he or she is entitled. However, an employer is not forbidden from permitting or allowing an employee to voluntarily choose not to take a day of rest, so long as the employee has been fully informed of the right to a rest day. Employees who work 7 straight days must be paid according to California’s principal overtime laws, which provide premium pay based not only on daily and weekly hours, but also on seventh-day work. For the seventh day of work, employees must be paid the first eight hours worked at the rate of one and one-half times the regular rate of pay (“time and a half”). Any work in excess of eight hours on any seventh day of a workweek shall be compensated at the rate of twice the regular rate of pay (“double time”). *** 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 or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.] (Advertising Supplement)
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 10-13, 2017
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Maximizing recovery in personal injury cases UNDER Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions (2011) 52 C.4th 541, the California Supreme Court ruled that persons who are injured and who are pursuing a personal injury claim cannot recover the full amount of medical bills incurred if an insurer paid a smaller, negotiated amount to the medical provider. The Court’s ruling further limited an injured person’s right to recover for past medical expenses. In light of the Howell decision, it is even more important for a person who suffered injury to develop his/her claim for other economic damages. The term “economic damages” means “objectively verifiable monetary losses including medical expenses, loss of earnings, burial costs, loss of use of property, costs of repair or replacement, costs of obtaining substitute domestic services, loss of employment and loss of business or employment opportunities.” Civil Code Section 1431.2(b)(1). A person’s claim for economic damages apart from medical expenses are often overlooked and not pursued by inexperienced counsel. Loss of earnings are often a significant part of an injured person’s claim for economic damages. Damages are recoverable for both past and future lost earnings. To recover for past lost earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she has lost to date. To recover damages for future earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/ she will be reasonably certain to lose in the future as a result of the injury. CACI No. 3903C. How are past lost earnings proven? Medical records, which show the doctor authorizing a release from work or giving instructions to restrict work activities, can support the time taken off from work due to the injury. For those self-employed, medical providers typically do not provide a release from work; however, medical records should record work restrictions placed by the medical provider. After showing that the time off was justified, the next step is to value the lost earnings. A letter from a person’s employer that outlines the amount of time that one has lost as a result of his/her injury, the loss of benefits, and the rate of pay during the time of loss is evidence of the value of one’s loss of earnings claim. Other supporting documents include pay stubs, time cards, and tax returns. The monetary value of sick leave and vacation time that are used due to the injury are also recoverable. For those self-employed, earnings history as reflected by tax returns and profit and loss statements can help prove the value of lost earnings. Similar supporting documentation must be presented for future lost earnings. If you were suffered injury in an auto accident or someone’s premises, please contact our office to discuss your case. To maximize monetary recovery, it is important to have the assistance of an experienced attorney in presenting your personal injury claim. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. com. (Advertising Supplement)
Can a divorcing couple agree to pay for their adult children’s college expenses in their divorce judgment?
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS DIVORCING couples with children sometimes worry about who is going to pay for their children’s college education after the divorce once their children graduates high school. They want a guarantee that their soon to be ex-spouse will share in the college expenses of their children. This is specially the case when the other spouse has moved on with a new family. The old family becomes less of a priority. In California, there is no legal basis for a spouse to request the family court to order the other spouse to pay for their adult children’s college expenses. However, the divorcing couple can agree to pay for their adult
children’s college education as part of a marital settlement agreement. Family Code section 3587; In re Marriage of Rosenfeld and Gross, 225 Cal. App. 4th 478 (2014). Pursuant to statute and court cases, college expense payment provision in a stipulated marital settlement agreement, as incorporated into a Court’s judgment, constitutes adult child support such that court had jurisdiction to modify the provision in light of the settlement’s failure to specifically provide that adult child support was not subject to modification. In re Marriage of Rosenfeld and Gross, 225 Cal. App. 4th at 488 (2014). Providing for payment of adult children’s college expenses is recognized more of an “add on” to adult child support. Family Code 4062(b)(1). However, the parties may “opt
out” or restrict the court’s jurisdiction to modify an adult child support order (including college expenses) but the parties must expressly and specifically state in their marital settlement agreement that any resulting adult child support order will not be subject to modification or termination by the Court because the adult child support order is rooted in the parent’s contractual agreement. Cal. Family Code Section 3587, 3651(a). So if you are concerned about your spouse sharing for the college tuition and expenses of your children after the divorce, you should negotiate a provision in your marital agreement that both of you will share on the college tuition and expenses of your children. In doing so, you should also think about whether
Senior with bank account levy seeks Chapter 7 relief for $60K credit card debt Businessman considers bankruptcy for $400K lawsuit I ASKED him if he owed any This is better than transferring debts. He said he owed $60K Debt title to the properties to someone of credit card debt but that they else under his control because were all still current. I asked Relief this asset protection move can him if he was thinking of filing a easily be penetrated. It’s totally Chapter 7 petition to wipe out the not bullet proof. I wasn’t sure $60K of credit card debt and the exactly what he wanted from me. bank levy. He said he was seri- Atty. LAwrenCe yAng He said he wanted some kind of ously considering it because his assurance from me that bankminimum payments on the $60K he’s 78, would he rather still owe ruptcy would protect his two credit cards was almost $2K a the same $60K and throw away houses. I said I couldn’t do that month. He has been paying the another $240K of minimum pay- because there are too many if $2K for the last ten years. So, he’s ments in the next ten years? I and buts about what he wants me paid $240K in the last ten years in don’t think so. If he buys the to do. Even the judgment, if he minimum payments to keep the right stock with the savings of loses, can have a finding of fraud $60K current in the last decade. $24K every 12 months, he will which would make the judgment But after having paid $240K, he make himself “great again!” itself not dischargeable. Beside still owes the same $60K! That’s Client no. 2 is 50 and mar- with that much equity, his banknot a good deal for ruptcy choices are client but a great really limited. He deal for the credit can’t do a Chapter card companies. 7. If he did he would That’s why he certainly lose both should have done properties. his Chapter 7 ten If you need debt years ago and relief, set an apbought instead pointment to see $240K of visa me. I will analyze stock. Check out the price of visa ried. His wife looks a lot younger your case personally. stock in 2007. It was around $20. probably 30. He is a business“WHOEVER GOES TO THE Now it’s almost $100. So if cli- man. You know how it is with LORD FOR SAFETY, WHOEVER ent had theoretically invested the business people. Sometimes REMAINS UNDER THE PRO$240K he saved from discharg- they get into a situation where TECTION OF THE ALMIGHTY, ing his $60K cards in 2007 and they can get sued for breach of CAN SAY TO HIM, ‘YOU ARE used all of the savings to invest in contract or something similar MY DEFNDER AND PROTECjust visa stock, how much would to that. Client did get sued for TOR. YOU ARE MY GOD;IN YOU client have today? Well, client $400K and he thinks he can’t win I TRUST.’HE WILL KEEP YOU would be wealthy today because the lawsuit. I don’t know why he SAFE FROM ALL HIDDEN DANhis visa stock would now be thinks he can’t win but apparent- GERS AND FROM ALL DEADLY worth $1.0M! Instead of being a ly he wants a fallback position us- DESEASES…” PSALM 91 – Aumillionaire today, client still owes ing bankruptcy to get out of the thored by Moses! the $60K credit cards and facing judgment that he fears so much. *** a bank levy, wage garnishment I turns out that he has two pieces Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in and a lien on his car. of real estate with over $1.0M of bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil I would say that its about time equity. Well, that’s certainly a litigation and has successfully represented that he should get rid of the ball problem. I actually told him just more than five thousand clients in California. and chain that is keeping him to sell those properties now and Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) poor and unproductive since convert the equity to cash now. 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. he’s now 68. Client sees the light At least cash can be easily sent Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite clear as day now and chooses to abroad out of the jurisdiction of 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. file Chapter 7. It’s ten years late the United States. That’s a pretty (Advertising Supplement) but better late than never. When common asset protection move.
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Instead of being millionaire today, client still owes the $60K credit cards and facing a bank levy, wage garnishment and a lien on his car.
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you want this provision to be non-modifiable or not. In the absence of a specific provision limiting adult child support as nonmodifiable and non-terminable, the default is that child support is modifiable. Sometimes, leaving the adult child support provision as modifiable protects the spouses from unforeseen future events such as a disability or retirement which limits the earning capacity of a spouse and ability
to comply with the adult child our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** support provision in the MSA. Please note that this article is not legal advice *** 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) 3881611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit
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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Filipino Medical Program hosts community health screening in Passaic, NJ Holy Name Medical Center’s Filipino Medical Program will have a health screening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 11 at the Philippine Independence Day Festival in Passaic, New Jersey. It will be held at 3rd Ward Park, 350 Passaic Ave (cor. Van Houten), Passaic, NJ 07055. For more information, please call the FMP at (201) 833-3355 or email lavarro@ holyname.org.
JUNE 16
Philippine Independence Day Concert & Gala in San Francisco A concert and gala reception will be held at the beautiful and historic Marines’ Memorial Theater in San Francisco on Friday, June 16. The annual Philippine Independence Day Concert & Gala has been a favorite event for Fil-Am political, business, arts, academic and non-profit circles, foreign dignitaries, state and city officials, and a wide cross-section of the Bay Area community. This year’s event will kick-off with a full-length concert at the Marines’ Memorial Theater featuring renowned Filipino music maestro, Ryan Cayabyab with seven of his highly-acclaimed and award-winning vocalists at 7 p.m. The gala reception will follow immediately after the concert at 8 p.m. at the adjacent Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel hall where guests will be welcomed by a beautiful Rigodon de Honor, a Filipino-Spanish quadrille folk dance, to be performed by consular officials and community leaders. Three beautiful ballrooms and reception areas will be open for guests to either sit with friends or mingle with the community. A sumptuous buffet dinner and bar will be served while guests are treated to exciting performances by featured artists. Finally, a top DJ will be on hand to keep everyone dancing till midnight! Tickets are $125 / person. Marines’ Memorial Theater is located at 609 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94102. For more information, please visit www.kalayaansf.com/gala or email gala@kalayaansf.com.
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People and Events
New art gallery set to open featuring contemporary Philippine and Fil-Am art and artists in San Pedro, CA
TO feature compelling art done by Filipino American artists in the greater LA region, Linda Nietes-Little has decided to open an art gallery adjacent to her Philippine Expressions Bookshop which is located on Suite 105 of the beautiful vintage building called “The Arcade.” Philippine-born and raised artist, and celebrated muralist Eliseo Art Silva was the featured artist for this 1st Thursdays Artwalk Preview and soft opening of the art gallery. For the inaugural exhibition, titled: “DISRUPTIONS: The Art of Eliseo Art Silva”, works included embraces sparring ideas and intentionally disrupts the expected to bring attention to new ideas or to begin conversations. As an artist of over 100 public works under his name from the US east coast and west coast; and, in his own studio practice, the artist strives to bring the audience to situations to rethink and disrupt in order to energize. His signature work is the 150 ft.-long and 30 ft.- high Filipinotown Mural of LA (1994) which was recently recognized as one of the “20 Iconic Murals of Los Angeles” by LA Weekly. The new paintings, mixed media pieces and drawings featured in the show is an extension of his practice in public art which reconciles the history of his lineage with the history of painting. He attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine, received a BFA at Otis College of Art and Design and an MFA at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) un-
der the auspices of the pioneering great abstract expressionist Grace Hartigan and resident MICA art critic Dominique Nahas. This new space for contemporary Filipino art in Southern California was named after the PINTADOS (the painted people)- the name designated by early Spanish colonizers to the early inhabitants of the Philippines. The early Filipinos “painted” their bodies all over with elaborate tattoos and exquisite gold ornaments, thus the play of words also brings attention to the largely unknown and unchartered yet highly developed and advanced Philippine civilization; which was also known as: the 600 years of Indianized Kingdoms in the Philippines (900 AD1565). PINTA (paint) and DOS (second or two) also references the two walls allotted for art in the new gallery; and the fact that the new space also functions as a twin or annex of the Philippine Expressions Bookshop. DISRUPTIONS: The Art of Eliseo Art Silva (June 1 - July 29, 2017) will be held at PINTA DOS Philippine Art Gallery at 479 West Sixth Street, Suite 107, San Pedro, CA 90731. Reception and Art Gallery Grand Opening, Saturday, June 24, 5 to 8 p.m. HOURS OF OPERATION: Thursday-Friday: 3-6 p.m.; Saturday: by appointment only. First Thursday of every month during Art Walk: 3-8 p.m. (*Gallery is open on other days and hours by appointment.)
JUNE 17
FASO to hold gala benefit in Los Angeles The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, will hold “A Night of Symphony,” its first ever gala benefit dinner on Saturday, June 17 at the majestic estate of Hollywood legend Mary Pickford in Hancock Park, Los Angeles. The special evening will honor FASO’s first Excellence in Music awardees and distinguished contributors to the pioneering orchestra’s mission and objectives. The names of the honorees will be announced soon. Filipino chefs who are part of the movement that’s making Pinoy cuisine a worldwide sensation will prepare the sumptuous dinner. The exciting gala, sponsored by Bank of Hope, Pacific Western Bank and Silver Saddle Ranch & Club, will feature two parts. There will be a meet and greet for a limited number of guests, starting at 4:00 p.m., with a guest of honor, the awardees and other distinguished guests. The second part will be the main event – awards program and dinner – which will begin at 5:30 p.m. For inquiries, contact FASO board members Rocio Nuyda, the gala’s chairperson at 818-602-3214 or rocio@msn.com, or Jose Luis Garcia at 310-936-2988 or jl.garcia@aol.com. More details are also available at www.fasogala.org.
“Dancing for the World,” a fundraiser for the Columban Mission in Los Angeles Kalayaan Incorporated Southern California, with the cooperation of the Philippine Consulate GenDancing for the World is hosting an event on Saturday, June 17 to raise funds for the Columban missionaries all over the world. It will be held at the Friendship Auditorium (3201 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027) from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Columban missionaries help poor communities that need spiritual, material and organizational assistance. Priests and lay missionaries alike follow the examples of Jesus by witnessing and helping people, crossing boundaries of culture, language and dialogue with other religious beliefs. The dinner dance event ticket is at $40 and raffle ticket is at $2 each. If you buy a booklet of $20 raffle tickets, you can get 2 extra tickets. The more tickets you buy, the more chances of winning. First prize is a cruise for two along the Mexican Riviera; second prize is a Flat Screen TV and third prize is an iPad tablet. If you have anything to share for consolation prizes, we are also collecting. You can send it to this address: Dancing for the World (c/o Bernie Santos), 2912 Moss Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065.For tickets and more information, you can contact Carmencita Enriquez at (213) 880-5075 or Ariel Presbitero at (323) 691-5262.
J U N E 25
Fiesta ng Calamba in Carson, CA The Calamba Association of Southern California invites everyone to the Fiesta ng Calamba (St. John the Baptist Feast Day) on Sunday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held at the Veterans Sports Complex at 22400 Moneta Ave., Carson, CA 90745. For more information, please contact Teresita Pinuela Hermosura at (626) 335-1008.
“Musikahan! with Maestro Ryan Cayabyab” in Glendale, CA Come to the Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 25 for an unforgettable performance! The Ryan Cayabyab Singers will be joined by local Fil-Am artists, including Giselle Tongi, Annie Nepomuceno, Miguel Vera, The Harana Men’s Chorus, Edsel Sotiangco, Michael Keith, the Los Angeles Young Ambassadors (LAYA), Josie Gonzalez, Louisa Tampi and more from the Pilipino Artist Network. Presented by Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA in cooperation with FilamARTS, tickets are available at the Alex Theatre box office and online links are posted on www.musicartsevents.com. Venue address is 216 North Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203.
J U N E 29
APALA’s fundraising awards dinner in San Francisco The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)’s San Francisco Chapter will hold a “fundraising awards dinner” on June 29 at 5:30-10 p.m. at Fort McKinley Restaurant (101 Brentwood Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080). APALA will honor individuals who have dedicated their lives to advocating and defending worker and immigrant rights and promoting economic justice. For more information, please call Celia Rivera of APALA-SF at (650) 296-9623.
J U LY 7
Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in concert in Las Vegas Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS) will hold a concert at the Flamingo Theatre of the Clark County Library at 7 p.m., with touring guest Annie Nepomuceno and special guest tenor Edward Granadosin. Front acts are Michael Perez and Esmeralda Padilla. Please call Dr. Mike Santa Juana at (516) 669-5834, Art Jerus (702) 738-8029 or Randolph Umali (702) 985-5724 for inquiries.
J U LY 8
United Batanguenos of Southern California Induction in Los Angeles The United Batanguenos of Southern California will hold its induction of officers on Saturday, July 8 at Casa Italiana in Los Angeles. Millie Moncada will be inducted as new governor. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For other related questions please call Millie at (818) 322-9429; Cely Anuran (805) 630-3377 or Willie Manacsa at (818) 400-7391. Casa Italiana is located at 1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
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A revolution of...
and synagogues. After all, we are all children of the One God. Let all Christians lead the way of promoting God’s love and peace, which the life of the Trinity manifests As the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit
are one in love, let’s all promote unity and solidarity among all nations, races, and creeds. And let’s start in our homes, schools, workplaces, cities, and towns. For, indeed, “God did not send his Son into the world to con-
demn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” Let the love of the Father and the Son, which the Holy Spirit personifies, ablaze in our hearts so that we can all be instruments of love, peace, and justice. Amen!
15 dont’s during an IRS office... PAGE C2 t
small business. They also have to stares at a dividend income 1099 prepare their report in between. in his files. *** 15. Don’t react negatively to Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE an office auditor who may not re- with a BBA and from Indiana State University spond positively to your friendly with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, gesture. Office technicians have Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst a tight schedule—four per day & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy for wage earners and two for Corporation in Pasadena, California.
*** 2He 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)
ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice.
The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
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Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ON July 29, 2016, the USCIS published its FINAL rule, expanding eligibility for a provisional waiver of the 3\10 year bar. The expanded provisional waiver now includes “all individuals who are statutorily eligible for the waiver of the unlawful presence ground of inadmissibility.” This includes people who have a spouse or parent who is a U.S. citizen or green card holder (called “qualifying relatives”), provided they demonstrate “extreme hardship” on those qualifying relatives, and the person has an approved petition with a current priority date (or their visa is “available”). Upon approval of the waiver, they may depart the U.S. for immigrant visa processing and interview at the U.S. Embassy in their home country, without being subject to the 3/10 year bar. A provisional waiver could benefit people who are not eligible to adjust status in the U.S., 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 military duty or U.S. veteran; • People who entered the U.S. on a K-1 fiancée visa, but did not marry the U.S. citizen who petitioned them, but instead married a different U.S. 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 their home country and apply for an
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Who can benefit from the ‘Expanded PH among most preferred Provisional Waiver’ rule for the 3/10 year bar? investment sites - UN body immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy, which could trigger the 3/10 year bar. however, before you jump on a plane for your home country, here are some FAQ’s about this regulation: • 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 over 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 over 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. • Who is eligible under the expanded provisional waiver process? People eligible for the expanded provisional waiver could include: • “Immediate relatives” of U.S. citizens (spouse, parent, child). • People petitioned by an LPR (green card holder) spouse or parent, or even an employer, provided they have a “qualifying relative” who would suffer extreme hardship. For example, if you have a USC child over 21 years of age, 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. • 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
Solaire still bullish despite cancellations by Daxim luCas Inquirer.net
ThE Philippines’ largest casino resort experienced a number of guest cancellations in the aftermath of last week’s attack on Resorts World Manila by a lone gunman who started a fire that resulted in 38 fatalities, and raising fears about its impact on the country’s tourism and gaming industries. Speaking to reporters, Bloomberry Resorts Corp. chair Enrique Razon Jr. said some guests and players withdrew their reservations from Solaire Resort and Casino immediately after the incident in Pasay City that was initially feared to be the work of terrorists.
“We had a total of 40 bookings from individuals and junket (operators who cancelled),” he said. Despite this, the tycoon expressed optimism that the rapid growth of the sector in the first quarter of 2017 would continue for the rest of the year. he added that Solaire—a sprawling casino resort development in Pagcor Entertainment City on the edge of Manila Bay— had not experienced more guest cancellations after the initial salvo. This, he explained, could indicate resilient demand from the market that had so far experienced a strong 2017. “The [gaming industry] is going stronger this year, so far. In the PAGE D2
Cebu Pacific said the seven A321CEOs have a total value of $812 million and would be delivered in March of next year. The new aircraft is expected to allow the airline to meet increased capacity requirements pending the start of delivery of 32 A321NEO aircraft, which will now begin in the fourth quarter of next year.
Cebu Pacific buys 7 Airbus A321 for $812-M by louella
DesiDerio Philstar.com
MANILA - Budget carrier Cebu Pacific has placed an order for an additional seven A321CEO (Current Engine Option) aircraft with Airbus, as it decided to defer the delivery of the A321NEO aircraft. In a statement, Cebu Pacific said the seven A321CEOs have a total value of $812 million and
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would be delivered in March of next year. The new aircraft is expected to allow the airline to meet increased capacity requirements pending the start of delivery of 32 A321NEO aircraft, which will now begin in the fourth quarter of next year. The 32 Airbus A321NEO aircraft were initially scheduled for PAGE D2
Business Quote of the Week “Be fearless. Have the courage to take risks. Go where there are no guarantees. Get out of your comfort zone even if it means being uncomfortable. The road less traveled is sometimes fraught with barricades, bumps, and uncharted terrain. But it is on that road where your character is truly tested. Have the courage to accept that you’re not perfect, nothing is and no one is — and that’s OK.”
- Katie Couric, journalist and author
processed for their immigrant visa and return to the U.S. as a green card holder! • Would the provisional waiver process apply to other immigration violations or grounds of inadmissibility, such as fraud or a person entered the U.S. under an assumed name? No. This provisional waiver applies if the ONLY violation is “overstaying” or unlawful presence. If a person has other immigration violations, such as fraud (assumed name entry), criminal convictions, and the like, he or she is not eligible for a provisional waiver. • 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., which would trigger the 3/10 year bar. See an attorney, who can determine your eligibility to adjust status in the U.S., or if you even need to depart the U.S. to obtain
your green card. In conclusion, if you think you are eligible under the expanded provisional waiver, you should definitely seek the advice of a reputable attorney, who can evaluate your circumstances and status, 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 provisional waiver. ***
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 attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
by Czeriza
ValenCia Philstar.com
MANILA - The Philippines still remains in the list of most promising investment destinations worldwide as reforms to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows are made, according to the 2017 World Investment Report released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The country is among the choice prospective host countries by multinational enterprises (MNEs) for the years 2017 to 2019 along with other countries in developing Asia such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, India and Singapore. “Top executives maintain their confidence in developing Asia’s economic performance,” said the report. Among developed nations, meanwhile, MNEs prefer to invest in the United States, Canada, Spain, and United Kingdom. In 2016, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow into the Philippines rose to a record high $8 billion, bucking the regional decline. Following a record high in 2015, combined FDI inflows to develop-
ing Asia contracted 15 percent to $443 billion in 2016. This year, however, UNCTAD expects FDI inflows in developing Asia to increase 15 percent as the improved outlook in major Asian economies is likely to boost investor confidence in the region. “In major recipients such as China, India and Indonesia, renewed policy efforts to attract FDI may also contribute to higher inflows in 2017,” said the report, noting the Chinese government is opening a wide range of industries to foreign investment including extractive industries, infrastructure, finance and manufacturing. This will naturally have a spillover effect to lesser-developed countries like the Philippines. UNCTAD said this year, the Philippines stands to receive greater FDI inflows in line with the growth prospects in developing Asia. This is largely due to expectations that more developed countries will be focusing in the manufacture if goods with higher value added and would be outsourcing labor intensive activities to less developed countries. PAGE D3
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Making ‘traditional’ firms more PH still ranks low in internet speed, availability South Korea tops list with 96.5% reliability; nimble through technology Singapore has fastest at 45.62 mbps by Annelle
TAyAo-Juego Inquirer.net
TO serve as many Filipinos, as quickly as possible. That is the ultimate goal of local tech company Amihan Global Strategies with the launch of its newest product: Cloud Blocks, a cloud-based infrastructure solution that accelerates the digital transformation of large—and more “traditional”—corporations, to make them “as nimble and as exciting as Uber or AirBnB,” says Amihan executive chair Winston Damarillo. “[The companies that we work with] are the ones who impact Filipino society the most. We bank at BDO, we use PLDT, we eat at Jollibee. So our goal is to provide benefits to the Filipino population as quickly as possible [through these companies], and they need the [digital] infrastructure to make that happen—which is where Cloud Blocks comes in,” Damarillo adds. Using Google’s Kubernetes Platform, Cloud Blocks provides three basic services: data center modernization, which simplifies one’s IT infrastructure management; innovation platform development, through next-generation, cloud-native applications; and an enterprise data lake, which performs complex analytics real-time to make sense of a company’s data. The software ultimately transforms legacy companies by helping them execute their digital transformation strategies, Damarillo says.
Amihan executive chair Winston Damarillo
“They already know they have to transform, but how do they do it, given their traditional systems? How do you incorporate that Silicon Valley approach into conservative companies? That is Cloud Blocks’ function,” explains Damarillo. “It’s not risky, and you are connected to top leaders [in the industry], like Google and the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, of which Amihan is a member—and we’re the only member [in the Southeast Asian region]. Google has such an efficient system, and if you want that system, say, for BDO, then that’s what we do,” he adds. Damarillo cites as an example BDO’s chatbot function, which is on Facebook Messenger. As if chatting with a real person, one can ask the bot information such as one’s bank account balance, the latest foreign exchange rate, or the location of the nearest ATM. “People will say, what about
security? The security is already as good as the security you have with Facebook, because this is a cloud solution—you’ve basically given your security tokens to Facebook. So BDO basically just replicates that. It’s a lot easier and more convenient,” Damarillo says. “Try using the BDO app. You get [the information] after so many clicks. A chatbot answers you immediately.” Aside from BDO, PLDT and Jollibee, Amihan also works with Penshoppe and St. Luke’s Medical Center. Amihan customizes its Cloud Blocks service according to a company’s specific needs, Damarillo says. “What we’re saying is, old companies don’t have to be dinosaurs; they can move fast.” Steering older companies into the digital future is also part of Amihan’s mission, adds Damarillo. “Our name is Amihan—the trade winds. We’re pushing the sails so that trade happens. And with our services, wherever the trade winds blow, our clients won’t be left behind.” Damarillo is also particularly proud that Amihan’s Cloud Blocks solution is 100-percent Filipinoengineered—a product that is truly by Filipinos, for Filipinos. “We’re building our own Silicon Valley here. We’re proving that Filipinos can do this,” he says. “It’s challenging to transform, but we’re here saying to [corporations] that it’s simple, it’s easy—and now there’s a Filipino company that can help you.”
by Miguel
R. CAMus
Inquirer.net
THe Philippines gained in terms of LTe speed and availability, but so did the rest of the world, leaving the country still close to the bottom globally in terms of the quality of mobile internet, according to a crowdsourced survey. In its closely followed State of LTe report as of June 2017, United Kingdom-based OpenSignal ranked the Philippines fourth from the bottom in 4G availability and fifth from the bottom in 4G speed. OpenSignal’s survey covered 75 countries, with South Korea taking a leading position. Specifically, 4G availability in the Philippines was close to 53 percent, better than the 44.8 percent in OpenSignal’s Nov. 2016 State of LTe report. Still, the availability score placed the Philippines among 19 countries below the 60-percent threshold. Availability here refers to the time users are able to access an LTe network.
In terms of 4G speed, the Philippines achieved 8.59 megabits per second (mbps), better than 7.27 mbps six months ago. However, the global average stood at 16.2 mbps. OpenSignal said speed depended on various factors such as spectrum allocation, the network infrastructure and how many devices had access to those networks, which could cause congestion. “It’s been six months since OpenSignal published its last State of LTe report and in those half-dozen months the world’s 4G players haven’t been idle,” OpenSignal said. “Operators around the world have been expanding and upgrading their 4G infrastructures, adding more LTe customers and in some cases launching their first 4G services,” it added. The June 2017 scores were collected from 19.5 billion measurements across more than half a million test devices from Jan. 1 to March 31 this year.
As noted, South Korea had the best LTe availability at 96 percent. It was also the second fastest with 43.5 mbps, just behind Singapore’s 45.62 mbps. (Singapore’s availability stood at 82 percent). Other Southeast Asian countries scored better than the Philippines in availability. Indonesia had 62.7 percent, Malaysia had almost 65 percent while Thailand had 75.9 percent. In terms of speed, the Philippines was ahead of Indonesia’s 7.71 mbps but behind Thailand’s 11.85 mbps and Malaysia’s 14.35 mbps. Sri Lanka had the poorest LTe availability at just above 40 percent while Cost Rica was the slowest, at 5.14 mbps. “every country may face a different set of 4G conditions today, but those conditions are constantly changing. Operators are expanding their LTe footprints, upgrading their networks and finding more spectrum to plow into their 4G services,” OpenSignal said.
Boracay international airport completion eyed in Q3 2018 terminal in the third quarter of next year. SMC president and chief opMANILA - San Miguel Corp., erating officer Ramon Ang said the operator of the Boracay the new passenger terminal is Airport, expects to complete currently being built. “It would the new international passenger be completed, I think, by the third quarter of next year,” he told reporters. He said the two-story passenger terminal would have 12 air bridges. The facility would also be able to accommodate six million passengers per year. In November last year, the Boracay Airport started catering to bigger jet operations with the expansion of the runway. Ang said the airport could now handle aircraft such as the by louellA
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Airbus 321, 320, 319, as well as Boeing 737. The expansion of the runway likewise allows the airport to prepare to accommodate international flights from countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia. Previously, the airport could only accommodate smaller turbo propeller aircraft. Ang said the Boracay Airport is also set to have night capability by August. By having night capability, the airport would be ready for carriers offering evening flights. The Boracay Airport in Caticlan is one of the gateways serving popular tourist spot Boracay Island.
Speaking to reporters, Bloomberry Resorts Corp. chair Enrique Razon Jr. said some guests and players withdrew their reservations from Solaire Resort and Casino immediately after the incident in Pasay City that was initially feared to be the work of terrorists. Despite this, the tycoon expressed optimism that the rapid growth of the sector in the first quarter of 2017 would continue for the rest of the year.
Solaire still bullish...
PAGE D1 first quarter, we had clear growth of 48 percent. You have to be happy with that,” Razon said. He said that the aftereffects of the Resorts World Manila incident on the local tourism industry, having been determined to be an isolated incident, would likely “die down soon.” Razon pointed out that Solaire was one of the most security conscious gaming properties in the country. It invests heavily in technology and personnel to ensure the welfare of its hotel guests and casino players, he added. “Our security measures are quite stringent already. We started beefing up our security measures after the Davao bombing last year. We increased the security level when the Marawi incident started. We’re already very tight.” “We probably are much more concerned with security on a
normal basis,” he added. He said the organization employed a security force of 400 personnel assigned inside casinos and along its perimeter, as well as “waterside” on the property’s bay front. “We also have K-9 units, surveillance systems and control rooms,” Razon said. “We even have security watching the security.” These measures, he said, were important to reassure guests and patrons that they can enjoy the casino and hotel facilities without worrying for their personal safety. “[The issue of safety] is extremely sensitive, because it’s a hospitality business,” he said. “You have a hotel, and you have food and beverage outlets, so people have to feel safe. We have to make sure people feel safe when they’re on the property, or in the country for that matter.”
Cebu Pacific buys... PAGE D1 delivery beginning September of this year until 2021. Cebu Pacific decided to defer the A321NeO deliveries due to delays with the Pratt & Whitney engines to be used to power the aircraft. “We have decided to take a conservative approach to the introduction of the A321NeO into our operations. We remain confident that Pratt & Whitney will address all issues on the GTF (Geared Turbo Fan) engine. There is, however, the need to increase our current capacity to meet growing domestic and regional network demand, thus the A321CeO order,” Cebu Pacific chief finance officer Andrew Huang said. For his part, Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer
Lance Gokongwei said the new aircraft will enable the airline to increase capacity on popular routes, and at the same time benefit from low operating costs. “This will mean more low fares for more customers flying across our domestic and regional network,” he said. John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer - customers said the A321 would allow Cebu Pacific to respond to growing demand with the highest levels of efficiency. “Carrying more passengers further, and at lower cost, the A321 is the perfect solution to meet the requirements of airlines worldwide in the middle of the market segment,” he said. Cebu Pacific recently took delivery of two brand-new aircraft: an Airbus A330; and an ATR 72-600, to bring its current fleet to 61.
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Filipinos, with more work, turn more optimistic by Julian
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MANILA — More Filipinos secured more hours of work, contributing to a more positive outlook in consumption at the start of the second quarter, separate government reports showed on Friday. According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country’s jobless rate fell to 5.7 percent in April from 6.1 percent in the same period last year. However, the figure was a result of more people leaving the labor force than actual jobs created with the number of employed actually
going down year-on-year. Specifically, only 61.4 percent of people 15 years and above are actively looking for work, down from 63.5 percent. The number of Filipinos with jobs fell to 40.27 million from 40.66 million. A better picture, nonetheless, could be noted for the underemployed or those working less than 40 hours a day and are seeking more job. Their rate dropped to 16.1 from 18.3 percent, the lowest in 10 years, according to the National Economic and Development Authority.
The Philippines’ jobless rate fell to 5.7 percent in April from 6.1 percent in the same period last year.
PH among most preferred... PAGE D2 “In South and South-East Asia, several countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines are expected to receive more FDI in the years to come especially from within the region, in line with a division of labor between more developed countries and less developed countries,” said the report. “This may continue to strengthen these countries’ positions in regional production networks. For instance, five Chinese companies plan to invest $10 billion in the aviation, downstream oil, renewable energy, iron and steel, and shipbuilding industries in the
Philippines,” it added. On its own, the Philippines implemented several policy measures that aim to facilitate the flow of investments, one of which is “Project Repeal: The Philippine Red Tape Challenge,” which as its name implies, is meant to revoke regulations that are unnecessary or may be detrimental to the economy. The country also permitted 100 percent foreign ownership in the financing sector which covers insurance companies, lending companies, financing companies and investment houses. Global investment flows is expected to rise slightly to $1.8
“We can further enhance current programs like the Government Internship Program and JobStart Philippines to help workers make informed career decisions and acquire skills necessary in today’s competitive environment,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a statement. More work hours have led to a more positive consumer outlook from April to June, according to the central bank’s Consumer Expectations Survey (CES). The consumer confidence index rose to a record-high of 13.1 percent, signaling optimists continued to outnumber pessimists. Aside from availability of more jobs, consumers cited higher salaries, stronger business activity, effective state policies and better peace and order situation for their better outlook. “Their more positive outlook was also boosted by the assistance from government, expected higher overseas Filipino remittances and anticipated good harvest,” the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said in a separate statement. For the next quarter however, the index turned less bullish to 13.6 from 16.5 percent. “Respondents’ less favorable outlook...stemmed from concerns about increase in prices of goods, expectations of higher expenses for their children’s education... and lower income or no increase in income,” BSP said. The labor data comes from the quarterly Labor Force Survey conducted by the PSA among 41,000 households nationwide. Meanwhile, BSP collated the second quarter CES from a total of 5,631 households from April 1 to 12. trillion in 2017 and continue to rise to $1.85 trillion in 2008, still below the 2007 peak but higher than 2016 levels of $1.75 trillion. While a modest recovery is seen in the global investment environment for this year and the next, UNCTAD said this may still not be enough considering the enormous investment needs connected with the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). “Progress on sustainable development—and lasting peace—requires more investment in basic infrastructure, energy, water and sanitation, climate change mitigation, health and education, as well as investment in productive capacity to generate jobs and income growth,” said the report.
The Preserve at Chino delivers a fresh start that’s within reach of everyone
CHINO, CA — The Southern California dream can now be yours. In a new home at The Preserve at Chino by Lewis Community Developers, days are filled with first-class amenities, the satisfaction and peace of mind provided by award-winning schools and the remarkable shopping and dining that SoCal is known for. Here, well-respected builders ensure that new homes meet every expectation for quality and craftsmanship, for the new home you have always wanted. But, for affordability, search from San Diego to Los Angeles and you’ll see that this master-planned community stands out from the rest, bringing hopes of homeownership from someday to today. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or ready to retire, your ideal home is waiting for you at The Preserve at Chino. Renowned builders KB Home, William Lyon Homes and Woodside Homes craft their homes with exceptional quality, with options for every lifestyle. Ranging from approximately 1,610 to 2,805 square feet with up to five bedrooms and four baths, homes can accommodate even the largest of families. Priced starting in the low $400,000s, these homes are an exceptional deal, making homeownership attainable for all. Just steps from home, The Parkhouse at The Preserve at Chino brings neighbors together in an impressive resident-only clubhouse. Whether you’re trying to stay active in the state-of-theart fitness center or getting a little work done in a quieter spot at the modern business center, The
Parkhouse supports all your goals and ambitions. Game rooms, a library and intimate movie theater will help you relax and unwind. A wonderful location for any event, the on-site catering kitchen with connected multipurpose room has a welcoming feel. Lighted tennis courts, a junior Olympic swimming pool, spas and playgrounds make the outdoors at The Parkhouse just as inviting. In addition, The Parkhouse library is a great place for students from the award-winning Cal Aero Preserve Academy across the street to finish homework and study before walking home. The renowned Cal Aero Preserve Academy establishes a rewarding educational environment for children from kindergarten to 8th grade. At Cal Aero Preserve Academy, teachers prove they care, coaches act as role models and extensive clubs and extracurricular activities ensure the opportunities are endless. Teachers also strive to meet the needs of every individual child with additional curriculums for gifted and talented students as well as those with special education requirements. The campus, in a cuttingedge facility, is recognized as a California Distinguished School in the Chino Valley Unified School District. With education options like these, The Preserve at Chino offers a future as bright as your child’s dreams. With a home at The Preserve at Chino, days always turn towards new adventures. Just moments away, explore The Shoppes at Chino Hills to find hidden treasures in the shops or a new favorite meal
in one of the restaurants. Or take a short drive for new experiences at Chino Spectrum Marketplace, Chino Spectrum Town Center, Eastvale Gateway, Victoria Gardens, Ontario Mills or the famous Pomona Fairplex. This exciting location makes it easy to head up to the local mountains, find your spot on the beaches of Los Angeles and Orange counties or tour all the world-famous Southern California entertainment hotspots. From days spent at theme parks to afternoons at prestigious gardens and museums, you’ll find you’re at the center of it all. Connect with nature and your neighbors in more than 33 scenic acres dedicated to parks, playgrounds, lawns and gardens at The Preserve at Chino. Larger parks are home to team sports, picnics and group events, while smaller parks spread throughout the neighborhoods for playtime closer to home. Year round, these colorful outdoor spaces become an extension of the backyard and bring the community to life. Please call (877) 417-9623 or visit ThePreserveAtChino.com for more information. The Preserve at Chino is a development by Lewis Community Developers, a member of the Lewis Group of Companies. The Lewis Group of Companies has successfully developed more than 55,000 residences, 10,000 apartments and over 14 million square feet of retail, office and industrial space. Founded in 1955, the company is one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate organizations. (Advertising Supplement)
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New OwNer, New Attitude
Patrick Kane talks about a more exciting New Century Honda CUSTOMERS can expect a more exceptional level of service at New Century Honda in Glendale, California. Expressing his excitement, New Century Honda’s new General Manager Patrick Kane shared what customers can anticipate at the “changed” dealership. “My vision is to take the Century Honda to the next level,” Kane told the Asian Journal. “We have a lot of exciting things that we’re looking at right now.” Kane said that the store’s location will undergo construction and renovations for a more modern look. “We’re currently over on Glendale Avenue in the beautiful old historic building and we’ll eventually be moving to the Brand Boulevard of Cars right there,” he revealed. “We’re very, very excited about that. We will be looking at the construction so we will be coming, renovating a Honda location over there fairly soon,” he added. In addition to the new facilities, a “very exciting” Honda product line-up is on its way. “We like to make families feel that they could come in and truly feel that they’re getting an incredible deal,” Kane remarked. Citing the company’s mission to become a “destination d e a l e r,” h e e n v i s i o n s i t s customers to feel that they are truly cared as they experience the “heartfelt professionalism” of New Century Honda employees. He also spoke about planning
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to conduct more outreach projects for the community and engaging with local businesses. “I am very excited about the team we have here at New Century Honda,” Kane said. “I hope you can come in and visit us and, hopefully, experience a
very changed store.” The New Century Honda is located at 138 S. Glendale Ave. Glendale, California. For more information about their services, you can contact (818) 244-8674 or check their official website at www.newcenturyhonda.com.. 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek
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