June 3-6, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 45 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
Security expert: Resorts World attack more likely a robbery by MIKAS
MATSUZAWA Philstar.com
MANILA — A security expert cast doubts on the claim that the Resorts World Manila attack was an act of terror, saying the robbery motive suspected by the police is more likely. “It is still unclear what is the real score. I would tend to believe the claim that it was a robbery,” Joseph Franco, an analyst specializing on counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism, said. “If it was really a lone-wolf attack, there would be more
casualties.” Shortly after the attack early Friday, June 2, the SITE intelligence service, which tracks jihadist activity online, said an Islamic State-linked Filipino operative who provides daily updates on the ongoing clashes in Marawi claimed that “lone wolf soldiers” were responsible for the attack. Distributed across several proISIS Telegram chat groups was an English message by the operative detailing that the attacker intended to burn the casino as the activities inside were haram, or forbidden, by Islam.
The attack in the hotel and casino complex happened amid fear that militants in Marawi might stage an attack elsewhere to divert the attention of government forces quelling the siege there. Lone wolf attack a ‘sign of weakness’ Franco said a lone wolf attack is actually a sign of weakness. He noted that ISIS-inspired lone wolves resort to such operations because there is no organization to plug into. In the Philippines, however, terrorism is more organized, he added.
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CCTV footage shows the still unidentified lone gunman who went on rampage inside the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City on Friday, June 2. Authorities said robbery was the likely motive of the attack as more than PHP100 million worth of casino chips were found in his area. Several were injured as a result of the ensuing panic. Photo courtesy of Southern Police District
Clients and workers of Resorts World Manila in Pasay City scampered for safety when pandemonium broke loose after a still unidentified lone gunman fired warning shots and set on fire gaming tables inside the luxury hotel casino on Friday, June 2.
House, Senate pass Trump condoles with victims resolution supporting of Resorts World Manila attack DATELINE USA Duterte hits back Mindanao martial law at Chelsea Clinton: Did you slam your father’s affair? FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
by JOSE
KATIGBAK Philstar.com
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte hit back hard at former United States’ first daughter Chelsea Clinton over her criticisms against his recent rape remark. In a speech during the Philippine Navy’s anniversary on Wednesday, May 31, Duterte made referChelsea Clinton ence to former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Chelsea’s father, who had an affair with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern, in 1998.
EXPRESSING its “full support,” both the House of Representatives and the Senate said it found “no reason” to revoke Philippine President Rodrigo’s recent implementation of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao. On Wednesday, May 31, the House adopted Resolution No. 1050, which supports the Philippine president’s move. “Resolved by the House of Representatives, to express its full support to President Rodrigo Duterte as it finds no reason to revoke Proclamation Number 216, entitled ‘Declaring a State of Martial Law and Suspending the Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the whole of Mindanao” the House resolution read. The House also said it has “determined the sufficiency of the factual basis for the issuance of Proclamation Number 216.” Earlier on Tuesday, May 30, the Senate likewise adopted its amended Resolution No. 388 which says it has “no compelling reason” to revoke Duterte’s Proclamation Number 216.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump offered “his thoughts and prayers” to those affected by the violence at the Resorts World Manila before his momentous announcement he was pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate accord. But reports said Trump got laughs as he called the violence in the casino complex a “terrorist attack” when Philippine authorities had yet to make such determination. “I would like to begin by addressing the terrorist attack in Manila,” Trump said at the start of his speech before it was found that the shooting incident was caused by a robbery attempt. “We’re closely monitoring the situation but it is really very
sad as to what’s going on in the world with terror. Our thoughts and our prayers are with all of those affected,” he added. A U.S. official was quoted as saying that Trump was “freelancing” when he associated the shooting incident in Resorts World Manila with terrorism and “a laugh went up in the Situation Room” after Trump made the comment. U.S. First Lady Melania Trump also expressed her thoughts and prayers to those who were injured during the incident at the casino complex. The immediate reaction among the Filipino community in the Washington area was that President Duterte would declare martial law throughout the Philippines. Last week, Duterte declared a 60-day martial law in Mindanao because of the battle for Marawi, a largely Muslim city, which
PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Pres. Donald Trump
forced the evacuation of thousands of people and left at least 140 people dead. U.S., UK, Australia warn their citizens The embassies of the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia issued urgent warnings to their citizens to exercise a heightened degree of caution while in the Philippines following the shooting incident at Resorts World Manila. The U.S. embassy in Manila issued an emergency message
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Sandigan OKs Junjun Tourism chief: Nickelodeon Study finds Healthy park in Coron to push through Binay’s US vacation California Act will DOT confident in resiliency of PH tourism u PAGE A3
by ELIZABETH
MARCELO Philstar.com
cost billions less and cover millions more than current system
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
DESPITE heavy opposition from environmental advocates and concerned citizens, the planned construction of Nickelodeon theme park in Coron, Palawan will still push through, according to Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo. Teo made the confirmation in a television interview on Thursday, June 1, almost six months after the project was announced. “Yes, they’re pushing through,” Teo told CNN Philippines. Last January, Nickelodeon’s parent company Viacom, in partnership with Coral World Park Un-
Middle class families and California businesses would pay less and receive more coverage
SACRAMENTO, CA – A study by national researchers released Wednesday, May 31, found that the Healthy California Act (Senate Bill 562) will save billions of dollars while expanding coverage to uninsured and underinsured Californians. “Healthcare costs Californians billions and one-third of people with healthcare still don’t have enough coverage,” said Senator Ricardo Lara. “The good news is that California
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Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo
AJPress file photo by Wanda Teo
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MANILA — The Third Division of the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has allowed former Makati mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay to push through with his three-week vacation to the United States together with his children. As he prayed for in his motion, Binay was allowed to stay in United States of America from June 8 to 30. He is specifically allowed to travel to the states of California, New York and Washington – the places he cited in his motion to travel filed before the court on May 22. The Third Division did not give weight on the prosecution’s position that Binay must not be allowed to leave the country as he is
Former Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay
supposedly a flight risk given the gravity of the cases he is facing in court. Binay is facing four counts of graft, one count of malversation of public funds and six counts of falsification of public documents before the Third Division in con-
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A JUNE 3-6, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Security expert: Resorts World... PAGE A1 t The Philippines’ top cop Ronald dela Rosa has denied that ISIS is behind the attack. He said the gunman armed with an assault rifle didn’t shoot at anyone, not even the guard who chased him, which is why there is no indication that the incident is terror-related.
The only gunshot wound sustained was self-inflicted after a guard in the complex accidentally shot himself as he was pulling out his gun, Dela Rosa said. However, this was countered by Resorts World Chief Operating Officer Stephen Reilly. Dela Rosa said they are looking
at robbery as the motive. “He entered armed and went to the gaming area, burned it. He might be angry as he lost. He went to the storage room of the chips,” Dela Rosa said in a mix of English and Filipino. A bag containing P113 million worth of gambling chips was found by authorities inside the toilet. Hundreds fled the casino after warning shots were fired. Over 70 people were hurt in the ensuing stampede. Others suffered injuries after smashing windows on the second and third floors to escape. Eyewitness: Suspect was regular gambler It is unclear how the gunman was able to smuggle gasoline and an assault rifle inside the crowded casino. The man’s car at the parking lot is being examined. Closed-circuit television footage obtained by the police showed him ignoring a guard who tried to question him at the entrance and heading straight to the gambling area. Investigators are also checking the sprinklers and fire alarms inside the establishment. At least 36 died from choking fumes after the unidentified attacker set fire on the gambling tables. The gunman, himself, was found dead inside a room on the 5th floor of the Maxims hotel. Dela Rosa described the attacker as “white, with a mustache” and about 6 feet tall. A client of the Resorts World, Jeff Santos, said that the suspect was not a terrorist but a regular gambler at the casino. Dela Rosa said the suspect apparently blanketed himself on the bed, doused gasoline on him, then set himself on fire. The security expert said that contrary to organized assaults, which are more devastating but easier to preempt, lone wolf attacks have a relatively low casualty count. Although he said the latter are harder to detect due to the “smaller signature” involved. Franco also took issue with the term lone wolf. “Why not call them lone actor. Wolf gives them legitimacy and makes them sound fierce,” he said. (With reports from AP)
COURTESY CALL. President Rodrigo Duterte meets with U.S. Senator Cory Gardner who paid a courtesy call in Manila on Wednesday, May 31. Joining the President is Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano while Senator Gardner was accompanied by US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim. Malacañang photo
Trump condoles with victims... PAGE A1 t
for its citizens, urging them “to exercise caution and review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events.” “Heed any instructions given by local authorities,” the embassy told its nationals. The UK, through its Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), also urged its citizens “to avoid the area and follow the advice of local authorities.” The Australian government asked their citizens to “exercise heightened caution. Be vigilant about your surroundings. Monitor the media for information that may impact on your security.” In their respective Twitter accounts, the ambassadors of the three countries also expressed their condolences to the families of those who were killed. “We offer our deepest condolences to families and friends of the victims of the Resorts World incident,” U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim said. “My condolences to relatives and friends of the victims,” said British Ambassador Asif Ahmad. “We urge all British nationals in the Philippines or with plans to visit, to contact relatives and friends to let them know they are OK,” Ahmad said.
He said UK’s consular team is cooperating closely with Philippine authorities to determine if any Britons have been affected. Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely said Australia’s latest travel warning was a “very sad outcome to the Resorts World incident.” Gorely said Australia continues to support the Philippines in fighting terrorism, particularly in the area of intelligence. DOF chief: No long-term effect on business Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said that while the incident in Resorts World Manila might have a slight impact on the country’s tourism industry, it would not have any long-term effect on business and the economy. “We don’t think it will affect business as much or investment. Maybe there will be some questions about tourism coming in. Maybe we’ll have a little dip,” Dominguez said. The finance chief also advised business establishments to tighten their security to prevent such disturbances. Better measures needed The business community also called for better measures to prevent the repeat of the incident in Resorts World Manila.
“The violence and tragedy this morning in one of our hotel-casinos must serve as a wake-up call to all sectors that we live in challenging times that tend to make more difficult our journey towards inclusive and sustainable growth,” Makati Business Club executive director Peter Perfecto said. “In the same way that we have become more resilient to natural calamities through better preparedness, so too must we develop more effective and more urgent response systems, mechanisms and protocols to man-made disasters,” he added. According to Perfecto, building confidence in the country’s crisis response systems must become a shared urgent priority. “Government, private sector and media must develop a better way to respond to the next crisis so that we can save more lives and assure our people and our visitors and investors that, while we can never ensure that things like this will never happen again, violent individuals and groups will be more aggressively dealt with and quickly restrained, if not neutralized altogether,” he said. Business leaders also admitted that the attack is a cause for concern, especially to the country’s tourism industry. “Just like in any big cities all
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FROM THE FRONT PAGE
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-6, 2017
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House, Senate pass resolution... PAGE A1 t Fifteen senators filed the first version of resolution on Monday, May 29. They were Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Senators Ralph Recto, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Emmanuel Pacquiao, Vicente “Tito” Castelo Sotto III, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Senators Francis Escudero and Grace Poe later signed the amended resolution “expressing the sense of the Senate not to revoke, at this time, Proclamation No. 216, series of 2017, entitled ‘Declaring a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao.’” All five minority bloc senators, meanwhile, voted against the resolution: Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros. The vote was 17-5. Malacañang, for its part, welcomed the Senate majority’s move. “The President has acted swiftly
and decisively to suppress the ongoing rebellion in Marawi and to prevent its spread in the provinces of Mindanao,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement. Earlier on May 23, a clash sparked between government forces and an Islamic States (IS)linked militant group in Marawi City, prompting Duterte to impose martial law and suspend the writ of habeas corpus in the whole Mindanao later on the same day. Since last week’s atrocities, the death toll has reached over 100, wherein more than half were from the militant’s side, according to the military. Government officials said clearing operations are still ongoing in the area. With the approval of House Resolution No. 1050, the separate resolution filed by Makabayan bloc calling for a joint congressional session to revoke Duterte’s declaration was effectively dismissed. The Makabayan bloc’s resolution, which was filed on Tuesday, May 30, said the declaration of martial law throughout Mindanao “is entirely bereft of factual basis.” “It is unwarranted, unjustifiable, and wholly out of proportion to the threat posed by the Maute
and Abu Sayyaf groups,” the bloc added. Among the signatories of the resolution were Antonio Tinio and France Castro of Alliance of Concerned Teachers; Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela; Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna; Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis; and Sarah Jane Elago of Kabataan. They bloc warned that the imposition of a state of martial law in Mindanao “could just be a prelude to similar declarations of military rule in other parts of, or the entire country, in the immediate future” if left unchallenged. Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states that the president of the Philippines may place the country under martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in case of invasion or rebellion for not exceeding than 60 days. PH NAVY ANNIVERSARY. President Rodrigo Duterte poses for a photo with (from left) Philippine Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Edgar The law, however, also gives Fallorina, Armed Forces Chief of Staff of Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Philippine Navy Commander Vice Admiral Ronald Mercado, Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda and Eastern Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Rey Guerrero outside the Congress the power to revoke the Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Davao del Sur following its commissioning during the 119th Anniversary of the Philippine Navy or extend such proclamation or at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City on Wednesday, May 31. Malacañang photo suspension for a period. The Supreme Court may also review the “sufficiency of the factual basis” of the proclamation or the suspension of the privilege of passage of SB 562. Healthy California will give full the writ of habeas corpus follow- PAGE A1 t Middle class families will pay coverage to the estimated oneing an “appropriate proceeding less for healthcare. The average third of Californians who are uncan get a lot more for our money filed by any citizen.” ■ and reduce the costs of health- middle class family will see their derinsured and burdened with care for middle class families and out of pocket costs fall by 9 per- high out of pocket costs. cent if they now buy insurance, Healthy California cuts costs businesses.” Here are some of the findings and 2.6 percent if they get insur- through better administration and lower prescription drug of the economic analysis by a ance from their employer. Businesses will pay less for costs. Having one publicly run team of economists at the Politiñang downplayed the issue. cal Economy Research Institute healthcare. Small businesses system will reduce inefficiency In defense, Malacañang (PERI) at the University of Mas- with fewer than 9 employees and missed prevention opporclaimed that the president is just sachusetts Amherst, led by na- who provide healthcare will see tunities, similar to Medicare expressing his full support to the tionally known economist and costs fall by 22 percent. Mid- now. military while “taking complete re- author Robert Pollin. dle-sized business with 10-19 The California Nurses Assosponsibility for their actions, even The total cost of healthcare in employees will pay 13 percent ciation/National Nurses United exaggeratedly describing crimes California will fall from $368.5 less. Even large businesses with is the sponsor of Senate Bill 562 like taking a fourth wife.” and sponsored the study. ■ billion to $331 billion with the 500 employees will pay less. “As Commander-in-Chief he would stand by his personnel and that no one will be abandoned, including the fallen,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said. Sadhwani, however, said that “no PAGE A1 t said. She went on to say, “In fact, formal communication” has been Abella added that Duterte “is decisively acting, speaking with dersea Resorts Inc., announced they said: ‘You’re lucky because, given to the local government reheightened bravado, that law its plan to develop a 400-hectare actually, we were thinking of a garding the project. place somewhere in Indonesia.’ “As of today, we can’t say if and order would be brought back theme park in Coron. The report about the planned But they bid and it’s in Coron.” we’re pro or against it because we in these areas of rebellion in the From a “tourism perspective,” haven’t received any documentasoonest time possible and that construction has alarmed the connormalcy would likewise be re- servation community over possible Teo said her department is “ex- tion,” Sadhwani said. cited” about the attraction that Earlier, a Viacom press release stored with minimal loss of lives.” damage to the marine ecosytem. Teo, however, allayed con- would draw more tourists. dated January 9 said it was planThis, however, Duterte figured cerns, saying the park developers “But with regards to the ap- ning to build an “undersea dea “rape joke” controversy. In April last year, Duterte men- assured her that they would “pre- proval of such a concept, the DOT velopment showcasing the area’s would properly refer the matter to marine life that would give fans a tioned the rape of an Australian serve the environment.” “They told us, ‘We are not go- the appropriate agencies that can chance to ‘interact with the brand missionary in 1989 when he was the Davao City mayor, gaining ing to destroy the corals. The res- evaluate and decide on it,” Teo and the iconic characters they love.’” criticisms after commenting that taurant will be floating... Of course added. Coron Counselor and Tourism The developers, however, clari“the mayor should have been we know that we will preserve the place.’” the tourism secretary Committee Chairman Michael first.” (Dana Sioson/AJPress) u PAGE A4
Study finds Healthy California Act...
Duterte hits back at Chelsea Clinton... PAGE A1 t “I will tell her (Chelsea), when your father, the president of the United States then, was screwing Lewinsky and the girls there in the White House, how did you feel? Did you slam your father?” Duterte quizzed. “I repeat. When President Clinton was f*cking Lewinsky, what was your statement or your reaction?” the Philippine president asked again. Earlier, Chelsea criticized Duterte in her social media account when he said that he would take responsibility for crimes committed by soldiers, even rape, during the recently imposed martial law in Mindanao. “Not funny,” Chelsea commented on Twitter. Responding to another user, Chelsea went on to say, “Duterte is a murderous thug with no regard for human rights. It’s important to keep pointing that out & that rape is never a joke.” But Duterte said he was “not joking” in his remarks. “She slammed me for the rape
joke. I was not joking. I was being sarcastic, you listen to the speech,” Duterte stressed. Rallying the government troopers, Duterte said last week that he would shoulder alone all the consequences for their actions during his recently imposed martial law in Mindanao. The Philippine president declared the imposition of military rule in the area amid clashes between the military and Islamic State-Maute Group in Marawi City on Tuesday, May 23. “Sasamahan ko kayo (I’ll be with you all the way). If you go down, I go down. But for this martial law and the consequences of martial law, and the ramifications of martial law, I and I alone would be responsible. Trabaho lang [kayo]. Ako na bahala (Just do your job. I have your back),” he told the military. “Ako na magpakulong sa inyo. ‘Pag naka-rape ka ng 3, aminin ko na akin ‘yun (I’ll take your place in prison. If you rape 3, I’ll take the blame),” Duterte added. But amid criticisms, Malaca-
Tourism chief: Nickelodeon park...
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Bill to stop automatic suspension of driver’s licenses passes Senate The bill follows on Hertzberg’s work to restore fairness to California’s criminal justice system and roll back overly harsh penalties
SACRAMENTO – The Senate passed Wednesday, May 31, a legislation by Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), to prevent the automatic suspension of driver’s licenses for people who are unable to pay fines or fees for minor traffic tickets and require courts to determine viola-
tors’ ability to pay before setting fine amounts. SB 185 states that your economic status shouldn’t determine your access to justice and ability to make amends. In addition, any previously suspended licenses must be reinstated for violators who make a good faith
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effort to begin payment plans. The Senate passed the bill on a bipartisan 29-5 vote, and it goes next to the Assembly for consideration. “Large fines for minor traffic infractions force many people to go into debt and lose their driver’s licenses, and that can result in them losing their jobs. That’s a punishment that doesn’t fit the offense,� Hertzberg said. “This legislation restores basic fairness and common sense to fines and fees for minor traffic offenses.� Gov. Jerry Brown has endorsed the idea in his proposed spending plan for the 2017-18 fiscal year. In the budget plan, he wrote: “There does not appear to be a strong connection between suspending someone’s drivers license and collecting their fine or penalty. Often, the primary consequence of a drivers license suspension is the inability to legally drive to work or take one’s children to school.� Across the country, rising court fines, fees and penalties for minor offenses have proved especially burdensome to the poor and working poor, who can end up losing their driver’s licenses , jobs and freedom – sometimes going to jail – simply because they could not pay a traffic fine or failed to appear for a court hearing. A New Jersey study found that 42 percent of people whose driver’s licenses were suspended lost their jobs as a result of the suspension. According to a report issued last year by the U.S. Federal Reserve, 46 percent of Americans don’t have $400 to pay for an emergency expense and would have to sell something or borrow money to cover the cost. Traffic tickets often cost hundreds of dollars and can exceed $400, depending on the offense. The state’s traffic fines and fees are among the highest in the nation and create hardships for many middle-class Californians, according a report issued in May by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area. In particular, the high fines disproportionately impact people of color, the report said. SB 185 is sponsored by a coalition of social justice groups that
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OATH TAKEN. New appointees of President Rodrigo Duterte (sixth from left) pose for a photo with the Chief Executive after their oathtaking in MalacaĂąang on Thursday. The new appointees include The Manila Times Chairman Emeritus Dr. Dante A Ang (second from right), special envoy for international public relations; businessman Robert Coyiuto Jr. (fifth from left), presidential adviser on capital market development; The Manila Times columnist Brigido Dulay, deputy administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration; retired general Danilo Lim (seventh from left), chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority; former Senate president Edgardo Angara, special envoy to the European Union; and former House speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., special envoy to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. ManilaTimes.net contributed photo
Legislation to prevent school lunch shaming goes to Assembly The Child Hunger Prevention and Fair Treatment Act establishes a process to tackle school lunch debts without publicly embarrassing kids SACRAMENTO – The Senate recently passed legislation by Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, to stop schools from publicly shaming or embarrassing students by either denying them lunch or providing a snack instead because their parents haven’t paid lunch fees. SB 250 ensures that school officials do not delay or deny food to hungry students as punishment for unpaid school meal fees, and it directs schools to establish a process for notifying their families about unpaid fees and collecting them. The Senate passed the bill on a bipartisan 39-0 vote, and it goes next to the Assembly for consideration. “California kids need healthy meals so they can succeed at school,� Hertzberg said. “We must stop school lunch shaming, make sure school kids get the food they need and create a different approach for tackling lunch fee debt.� Students have a harder time focusing and learning when they are hungry, and 23 percent of
California children come from families living below the federal poverty line. According to a national survey conducted in 2015 by the anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength, 75 percent of teachers say their students come to school hungry and 59 percent say “a lot or most� of their students depend on school meals as a primary source of nutrition. In recent years, the practice of school lunch shaming has come to light. In some school cafeterias, students who haven’t paid lunch fees are directed out of lunch lines and instead given bread and cheese, or their lunches are simply dumped into the garbage while peers look on. SB 250 forbids this practice and requires schools to make meals available to needy kids, even if their fees have not been paid. The bill directs schools to exhaust all options in finding a way to certify students for free or reduced-price meals or reimburse them for the fees. In addition, schools must notify guardians when unpaid lunch
fees exceed the amount for five full-priced lunches. The legislation is co-sponsored by the Western Center on Law and Poverty, Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations, Children’s Defense Fund-California, Food Research and Action Center, MAZON and SEIU California. It is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, California; California Association of Food Banks; California State PTA; California Teachers Association; California School Nurses Organization; and many other organizations. “National School Lunch Program is an essential program, preventing hunger and securing opportunity one lunch tray at a time,� said Jessica Bartholow, of the Western Center on Law and Poverty. “California’s school nutrition professionals are some of the best in the country. This bill will help clarify rules for them, families and for kids when school lunches go unpaid and remove opportunities for school children to be shamed or go hungry in the school environment.� n
Sandigan OKs Junjun Binay’s...
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nection with the alleged overpriced construction of the P2.2 billion Makati City Hall Building II, also referred as the Makati parking building. The Third Division had earlier issued a hold departure order (HDO) against Binay to bar him from leaving the country unless there is a prior written permission from the court. In a minute-resolution promulgated on May 29, released to the media Friday, the Third Division set Binay’s travel bond at P608,000. The Third Division, however, clarified that since Binay has not withdrawn the P608,000 travel bond he deposited to the court
during a previous travel to US the same bond would suffice for his new travel request. The court reminded Binay that he must leave the country not earlier than June 8 and must return not later than June 30. Binay was also directed to personally appear before the Third Division office of the clerk of court within five days after his return to the country and present the original and photo copy of his passport bearing the stamps of his departure from and return to the Philippines. The Third Division warned Binay that “any material misrepresentation� in his motion “shall be punished as contempt of this Court and shall be dealt with ac-
cordingly�. The Third Division further warned Binay that any violation of the terms and conditions set by the court in connection with his travel request, shall be a ground for the “forfeiture of his bail and travel bond and the issuance of a warrant for his arrest�. In his motion, Binay said he will be accompanying his four daughters, who are minors, in their much-deserved vacation in the US after they “successfully hurdled the 2016-2017 school year�. Binay maintained that “he has no intention to jump on his bail or evade the law...[and] wants to protect and defend himself during the proceedings of this Honorable Court.� n
Tourism chief: Nickelodeon park... PAGE A3 t fied that the project is not an underwater theme park but a land-based “resort and attraction� designed as “an undersea attraction with an ocean conservation focus.� Resiliency amid crisis In a separate statement, the DOT expressed confidence in the resiliency of the Philippines’ tourism industry amid the imposition
of martial law in Mindanao due to the ongoing confrontation between the government forces and local militants in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. “This is just a temporary setback. We express full confidence with our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP),� Teo was quoted saying in a press release. While cancellations of trips have
been reported, Teo said there are still “wide selection of alternative destinations in Mindanao and elsewhere in the country.� The tourism chief also expressed confidence that Mindanao would recover from the crisis and win more visitors. Likewise, the DOT assured that it would continue monitoring the ground to ensure the safety of both local and foreign tourists. n
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Senate passes bill ensuring transit agencies receive revenue from fare evasion tickets SB 614 follows up on legislation decriminalizing fare evasion violations for minors, provides incentives for agencies to issue their own citations
SACRAMentO – A legislation by Sen. Bob Hertzberg, (d-Van nuys) that encourage transit agencies to set up their own administrative processes for citing and fining juveniles who ride without paying fare was passed last May 15 by the Senate. SB 614 was approved by the Senate on a 38-0 vote and goes next to the Assembly for consideration. “Fare evasion is wrong, and there should be consequences to violations,” Hertzberg said. “While a criminal charge is too harsh a punishment for youths, transit agencies can and should issue their own citations and fines to violators. this bill makes that easier by clarifying that the fines collected should go to the transit agency issuing the citations.” the Legislature passed, and the governor signed into law,
SB 882 last year. it decriminalized public transit fare evasion for minors by eliminating transit agencies’ ability to cite for this offense under the penal code. Criminal charges for transit fare evasions can force youths to miss school for court appearances, saddle a youth with a criminal record and, sometimes, result in a youth ending up in juvenile hall. the measure is part of Hertzberg’s ongoing efforts to roll back overly harsh penalties for minor offenses that hit the poor and the working poor especially hard. SB 882 reduces the likelihood a youth will enter the criminal justice system or drop out of school. Research shows that when a youth makes even one court appearance during school, it quadruples his or her odds of being pushed out of school alto-
gether. As an alternative, SB 882 encouraged the use of an administrative process to assess penalties. the administrative enforcement is similar to a court procedure with a hearing and appeals process, except the possibility of a criminal record or jail time is eliminated. existing law requires that revenue from public transit citations issued under the administrative process be deposited in the county’s general fund. By INDEPENDENCE DAY PREPARATIONS. Senate utility personnel install a long Philippine flag at the Senate Building in preparation to the country’s celebration of Independence Day on June 12. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan changing that portion of the law and directing fare evasion citation fines and fees to go to the transit agency that issues them, it creates an incentive for agennewly-elected French President former Pentagon adviser and cies to set up their own adminisby Dana SioSon emmanuel Macron when the two national Security Council official AJPress trative processes. spoke after the latter’s election told the AP. the legislation is sponsored the report came weeks after United States President don- victory in May, according to a by the California transit Assothe supposed “confidential” tranciation and the Western Center ald trump asks world leaders to French official. the official, who also requested script of the phone conversation call him directly on his cellphone, on Law and Poverty. n according to an Associated Press anonymity, refused to comment if between trump and Philippine Macron would communicate with President Rodrigo duterte was report. According to U.S. officials, who trump through his personal line. publicized. Both the White House and the full transcript, apparently requested anonymity, trump gave Canadian Prime Minister Justin trudeau’s office refused to com- revealed the conversation bealso being claimed by the Philip- trudeau and Mexican President ment on the issue, which raised tween duterte and trump that pines, is included in the ruling of enrique Peña nieto his personal concerns about communications occurred during the closing of a United nations-backed tribunal number, inviting them to just call security and possible break of di- the 30th Association of Southeast based in the Hague, netherlands. him directly. plomacy, Asian nations (ASeAn) summit in the tribunal considered Mis“if you are speaking on an Manila in April 29. AP reported that only trudeau chief Reef as a low-tide elevation, has utilized the direct communi- open line, then it’s an open line, Both the Philippine and U.S. which gives no entitlement to any cation line so far. meaning those who have the abil- governments refused to verify the exclusive maritime zone under inthe U.S. leader also report- ity to monitor those conversations transcript but none disputed its ternational law. n edly exchanged numbers with are doing so,” derek Chollet, a content either.
US senator calls for joint exercises to challenge ‘bully’ China by Patricia LourDeS Philstar.com
Viray
An American senator suggested that United States-led multilateral exercises could be a good way to push back against Beijing’s excessive claims in the disputed South China Sea. “if the Chinese are able to prevent us from exercising freedom of navigation then i think that has a profound consequences for the entire region,” Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) said in a speech in Sydney. McCain, chair of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, stressed that China’s vast territorial claims have no basis in international law. “the challenge is that as China has grown wealthier and stronger, it seems to be acting more and more like a bully,” McCain said. McCain’s remarks in Australia comes days before delegates from the US and China are scheduled to attend the Shangri-La dialogue or the 16th Asia Security Summit in Singapore. the US senator noted that Australia has become entangled in a strategic competition between America and China. the senator, however, did not directly urge Sydney to take part in freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea. “i would not try to tell the Australians what they need to do, but
there are exercises where a number of nations join together — we call it RiMPAC [Rim of the Pacific exercise]— that the Australians participate in. they’re broad naval exercises,” McCain said. Hosted by the US navy’s Pacific Fleet, the RiMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise. Countries that participated in maritime exercises last year were Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, denmark, France, Germany, india, indonesia, italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the netherlands, new Zealand, norway, China, Peru, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, thailand, tonga, the United Kingdom and the US. McCain added that the joint naval exercises would be an opportunity to exercise freedom of navigation. “But i also wanna emphasize i understand the importance of trade with China and Australia. i understand the importance of their relationship,” the American senator said. Washington recently launched its first freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea under the trump administration. irking Beijing, a US navy warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef, one of China’s artificial islands in the Spratly islands. Mischief or Panganiban Reef,
U.S. Sen. John McCain delivers a speech at the invitation of the United States Studies Centre in Sydney, Tuesday, May 30.
Trump condoles with victims... PAGE A2 t over the world, this can happen. this will initially unnerve business but bottom line, however, it will not deter our growth prospects,” Management Association of the Philippine chair for national issues committee Perry Pe said. “All bad publicity is not good for tourism, but this tragedy will probably not have serious impact since most tourists have good experiences. that needs to be maintained,” American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines senior advisor John Forbes said separately. But for Perfecto, it is unfortunate that with tourism serving
as a key driver of the Philippine economy, the country finds itself again “feeling helpless and unprepared to efficiently provide assistance to visitors, with accurate information being the immediate casualty.” (the immediate reaction among the Filipino community in the Washington area was that President duterte would declare martial law throughout the Philippines. Last week, duterte declared a 60-day martial law in Mindanao because of the battle for Marawi, a largely Muslim city, which forced the evacuation of thousands of people and left at least 140 people dead. (With reports from Helen Flores and Richmond Mercurio)
Trump asks world leaders to call him on his cellphone
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Kobe Paras formally introduced by CalState Northridge by Denison
Rey A. DAlupAng Philstar.com
California State University, northridge (CSUn) has made it official. Kobe Paras is now a Matador after being introduced as a member of the school’s men’s basketball team on Wednesday, May 31. “This is a very exciting day for me. i want to share the expansion of our CSUn family— this is a family that is focused
on building a legacy, and that starts off with a young, exciting hooping recruits‌ and of course, Kobe Paras,� said CSUn head coach reggie Theus. Paras, who was accompanied in the event by his father Benjie, will be serving a one-year residency before actually seeing action with the Matadors. The 6-foor-6 shooting guard parted ways with Creighton University—where he saw limited minutes—last april. The
Bluejays were quickly eliminated in the nCaa tournament last March. for now, Paras said he is focusing on improving his relationships with people and improving his academics. He is set to don the Philippine tricolor in the fiBa 3x3 World Cup this June. He joins collegiate stars Jeron Teng, Kiefer ravena and PBa cager Jr Quinahan in the ChooksPilipinas crew in the tourney in france. n SENATE HONORS KATALA CONSERVATIONIST INDIRA LACERNA-WIDMANN. Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri enjoins the Senate to recognize the honor brought by Indira Lacerna-Widmann when she was awarded by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, the 2017 Whitley Award of the Whitley Fund for Nature in ceremonies at the Royal Geographic Society in London. Indira was the leading advocate for the conservation of the Philippine cockatoo or the Katala in Rasa island, Palawan. Indira has a Master of Science in Environmental Studies degree from the University of the Philippines in Los BaĂąos and Diploma degree in Conservation Education from the Durell Institute of Conservation and Ecology in the University of Kent Canterbury in the United Kingdom. Senate photo
US to turn over counterterror equipment to PH Marines by JAiMe lAuDe Philstar.com
THE United States government is handing over military equipment in support of the armed forces of the Philippines (afP)’s counter terror campaign. The equipment, which will be turned over to the Philippine Marines on Monday, include 300 M4 Carbines, 200 Glock 21 pistols, 25 units combat rubber raiding craft, 100 M203 rail-mounted grenade launchers, 30 outboard motors and four M134D Gatling-style machine guns. “These counter terrorism equipKobe Paras with head coach Reggie Theus during the former’s introduction as the newest member of the Matadors. ment will further enhance the capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps to counter terrorism and address threats posed by various groups,� Capt. ryan lacuesta, Marine spokesman, said. Battalions of Marines, army and air force troops are currently much needed global paradigm curity of our people, the food battling Maute terrorists and their by JAnvic MAteo Philstar.com shift towards a more climate- and water needed to sustain resilient and climate-smart fu- them, and their livelihoods,� said the climate body. THE decision of United States ture,� the CCC said. “We call on all other coun“The Philippines, as one of President Donald Trump to pull out from the Paris climate agree- the most vulnerable countries tries that are parties to the Paris PAGE A4 t ment may have an adverse effect to the adverse effects of climate agreement to become even includes the Western Center on on the efforts to address the ef- change, affirms its commitment more vigilant in ensuring that law and Poverty, american Civil fects of climate change, the Cli- to the Paris agreement,� it add- the Paris agreement achieves liberties Union of California and its goal, as the future of our chil- East Bay Community law Cenmate Change Commission (CCC) ed. The climate body stressed dren and this world depends on ter. said on friday. “Under current law, when peoin a statement, the climate the need for everyone to work it,� it added. President rodrigo Duterte ple get their licenses suspended body said the Philippines is together to address climate earlier expressed his reserva- because they can’t afford to pay “deeply troubled� by the with- change. “We recognize the need for tions in ratifying the treaty as it the cost of the ticket, they can’t drawal of the US from the agreement and urged Trump to recon- all countries to work together to may impede development in the get their license back until they pay off the fine,� said Mike Heraddress the increases in global country. sider his decision. He later changed his mind ald, legislative advocate for the “The US, as the 2nd largest temperature, which have resultemitter of greenhouse gases, ed and will continue to result following after most members Western Center on law and Povand more importantly, one of in more intense and frequent of the Cabinet recommended erty. “But for low-income people, the world leaders, would have typhoons and droughts for the that the Philippines ratify the that may mean they have to wait years before they have a valid liplayed a key role in creating the Philippines, threatening the se- agreement. n
US pull out from Paris climate deal troubles Philippines
islamic State cohorts in Marawi City. The turnover of equipment will be held at the Marine headquarters at fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, lacuesta said. The US support comes as the Philippine government is pivoting toward russia and China. a group of defense and military planners is reportedly flying to russia next week to inspect defense and military equipment that the government is planning to procure from Moscow. aside from Moscow, the defense department is also eyeing to purchase big-tickets items from China, including fast attack boats, drones and night-capable attack helicopters as a result of improved relations between Beijing and Manila. No more old equipment Meanwhile, President Duterte told soldiers in ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay that there would be no
more second-hand equipment for them. During his visit to the 102nd army Brigade to which some of the soldiers killed in the airstrike belonged, Duterte assured the afP that it would get 24 jet planes. He said during his term, he would not opt for any secondhand navy boats. “Hindi na ako tatanggap ng mga equipment ng military (i won’t accept military equipment). Yong binibigay ng amerikano ayaw ko na (I don’t like the ones Americans give). Even if i have to spend double the money. Yan ang maasahan ninyo (That’s what you can count on),� Duterte said. He also assured the soldiers that he would continue to shoulder the education of children whose fathers died in combat. He said he has an initial P20-billion trust fund for the education of children of fallen soldiers. n
Bill to stop automatic suspension...
PAUNAWA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Ang Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Awtoridad sa Panlungsod na Transportasyon ng Los Angeles County) ay magsasagawa ng isang pampublikong pagdinig sa Hulyo 2017 upang tumanggap ng komento ng komunidad tungkol sa iminumungkahing mga pagbabago sa serbisyong bus ng Metro. Ang mga inaprobahang pagbabago ay magkakabisa sa Disyembre 2017 o mas huli. Ang mga detalye ng mga petsa, oras, at lokasyon ng pagdinig ay nakalista sa dulo ng paunawang ito. Ang darating na pampublikong pagdinig ay gaganapin bilang pagsunod sa pederal na mga iniaatas sa pampublikong pagdinig na nakasaad sa Seksyon 5307 (d) 1 ng Titulo 49 U.S.C., at mga patnubay sa pampublikong pagdinig sa Seksyon 2-50-025 ng Kodigong Pampangasiwaan ng Metro, gaya ng sinusugan. Nakalista sa ibaba ang mungkahing serbisyo na isasaalang-alang sa mga pagdinig, at ang kaukulang mga Konseho ng Serbisyo na mangangasiwa sa pampublikong pagdinig. Sa pangkalahatan, ang mga iminumungkahing pagbabago ay magpapabuti sa kahusayan at pagkamabisa ng sistema ng pampublikong transportasyon sa pamamagitan ng mas mahusay na paggamit ng mga kakayahan. Ang publiko ay maaaring dumalo sa alinman sa mga pagdinig na ito at magkomento sa mga mungkahi na interesado sila. LINE
PANGALAN NG LINE
IMINUMUNGKAHING PAGBABAGO SA SERBISYO
2 Shuttle
'RZQWRZQ /$ ¹ 3DFL¿F 3DOLVDGHV /XPLNKD QJ LVDQJ EDJRQJ /LQH VKXWWOH PXOD VD 6XQVHW %O DW 3DFL¿F via Sunset Bl Coast Highway patungo sa Westwood, upang pabutihin ang nasa-oras na pagganap sa Line 2. Ito ay magkakaloob ng akses sa Wilshire Bl para sa mga koneksiyon sa serbisyo ng Line 2 sa Downtown Los Angeles gayon din sa mga Line 720 at 788. 2 'RZQWRZQ /$ ¹ 3DFL¿F 3DOLVDGHV Ipatupad ang Line 2 late night at owl na serbisyo na magpapatakbo sa Late night/ via Sunset Bl kahabaan ng regular na ruta ng Line 2 sa Sunset Bl mula sa Downtown owl LA patungo sa San Vicente Bl sa West Hollywood. Kasalukuyang sa gabi, ang Line 2 ay tumatakbo mula sa Downtown LA patungo sa Hollywood Bl & Vermont Av, at saka nagiging Line 217 at nagpapatuloy pakanluran sa Hollywood Bl. Tingnan ang mungkahing Line 217 na serbisyo sa ibaba, na magpapatuloy ng owl na serbisyo at gagawa ng mga koneksiyon sa Line 2 sa Sunset Bl at Vermont Av. 217 Hollywood/Vine Station – Hughes Magpapatakbo ng Line 217 owl na serbisyo mula sa Sunset Bl sa Vermont Center via Hollywood Bl – Fairfax $Y VD +ROO\ZRRG %O DW PDJSDSDWXOR\ VD UHJXODU QD UXWD SDWXQJR VD -HႇHUVRQ Av La Cienega Expo Line Station. Ang mga tagatangkilik ng Line 217 ay gagawa ng mga koneksiyon sa isang binagong Line 2 Sunset Bl owl na serbisyo na may isang inoorasahang koneksiyon para sa patuloy na serbisyo patungo sa Downtown LA. 28 Century City – DTLA – Eagle Dahil sa mahinang pagtangkilik, putulin ang huling tatlong owl na mga biyahe Rock via Colorado – York Bls patungo/mula sa Downtown patungo/mula sa Verdugo/Eagle Rock. 37/38 Downtown LA via Adams Bl & Itatag ang bagong Line 37 na dalawang direksiyong late night/owl na serbisyo 'RZQWRZQ /$ YLD -HႇHUVRQ %O sa Adams Bl sa pagitan ng Downtown LA at Crenshaw Bl. Putulin ang Line QD LVDQJ GLUHNVL\RQJ SDVLODQJDQJ ODWH QLJKW RZO QD VHUELV\R VD -HႇHUVRQ %O VD 'RZQWRZQ /$ $QJ SDPDOLW QD VHUELV\R PDODSLW VD -HႇHUVRQ %O D\ ipinagkakaloob hanggang 2AM ng Metro Expo Line. 45 Lincoln Heights – DTLA – Dahil sa napakahinang pagtangkilik, putulin ang late night/own na ruta mula Rosewood via Broadway sa Rosecrans/San Pedro patungo sa Carson Plaza. 60 Downtown LA – Artesia Station Dahil sa napakahinang pagtangkilik, putulin ang late night/owl na rutang via Long Beach Bl paglihis mula sa Long Beach Bl patungo sa Compton Blue Line Station. 162 West Hills – Sun Valley – N Lumikha ng bagong owl na serbisyo sa Lankershim Bl/Sherman Way via Hollywood via Sherman Way Route 162. Baguhin ang rutang late night/owl na Route 656 ng Line 237 mula sa North Hollywood Station upang magpatuloy pahilaga sa Lankershim Bl patungo sa Sherman Way, saka kanluran sa Sherman Way patungo sa Van Nuys Bl. Ang pamalit na serbisyo sa Burbank Bl. at Van Nuys Bl ay ipinagkakaloob ng Metro Orange Line at Line 233. 237/656 237: Mission Hills – Hollywood Baguhin ang rutang late night/owl Route 656 ng Line 237 mula sa North via Woodley Av, Cahuenga Bl Hollywood Station upang magpatuloy pahilaga sa Lankershim Bl patungo sa Sherman Way, saka sa kanluran sa Sherman Way patungo sa Van Nuys Bl na 656 Owl: Van Nuys - Hollywood lilikha ng isang bagong owl na serbisyo sa Lankershim Bl/Sherman Way na via Van Nuys Bl, Burbank Bl, katulad sa Route 162. Ang pamalit na serbisyo sa Burbank Bl. at Van Nuys Bl Cahuenga Bl ay ipinagkakaloob ng Metro Orange Line at Line 233.
San Fernando Valley
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cense. SB 185 fixes that by ending suspensions when people can’t pay and making sure courts offer a fair payment plan that people can afford.� The measure is part of Hertzberg’s ongoing efforts to restore common sense to California’s criminal justice system and roll back unfair and overly harsh penalties that hammer those of modest means. in December, Bob Hertzberg introduced SB 10, The California Money Bail reform act of 2017, which aims to replace a pretrial process that often forces people with limited income to remain in jail until a court can determine their innocence or guilt but allows the wealthy to go free. like a driver’s license suspension, a few days in jail can cost many people their jobs and send their lives into downward spirals before a court has even determined whether they are innocent or guilty of charges filed against them. in 2015, Hertzberg authored SB 405, which, along with
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ISKEDYUL NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG SAN FERNANDO VALLEY Miyerkoles, Hulyo 5, 2017 6:30PM Marvin Braude Constituent Center 6262 Van Nuys Bl Van Nuys, CA 91401
PANREHIYONG LOKASYON Sabado, Hulyo 8, 2017 10:00AM Metro Boardroom 1 Gateway Plaza, 3rd Floor Los Angeles, CA 90012
WESTSIDE/CENTRAL Miyerkoles, Hulyo 12, 2017 6:00PM Metro Headquarters Building 1 Gateway Plaza Union Station Conference Room Los Angeles, CA 90012
GATEWAY CITIES at SOUTH BAY Huwebes, Hulyo 13, 2017 6:00PM Dollarhide Community Center 301 N Tamarind Ave Compton, CA 90220
Ang pampublikong pagdinig ay magsisimula sa mga nakalistang oras at magsasara pagkatapos matanggap ang lahat ng pabigkas na testimonya ng mga miyembro ng publiko na naroon alinsunod sa mga patnubay sa pagdinig. Tandaan: Ang mga mungkahing ito ay maaaring aprobahan sa kabuuan o bahagi sa isang petsang kasunod ng mga pampublikong pagdinig. Sa mga inaprobahang pagbabago ay maaaring kabilang ang ibang mga alternatibong galing sa komento ng publiko. Ang mga interesadong miyembro ng publiko ay hinihimok na dumalo sa darating na mga pagdinig at magbigay ng testimonya tungkol sa anumang mungkahing serbisyo na isinasaalang-alang (ang komento ng publiko ay hindi itatakda sa mga ruta lamang ng bus na tumatakbo sa isang heograpikal na lugar). Lahat ng komento ng publiko na natanggap ay dadalhin sa responsableng Konseho ng Serbisyo, at isasaalang-alang bago gawan ng aksyon ang mungkahing serbisyo.. Ang mga taong hindi makakadalo sa mga pagdinig ay maaaring magsumite ng nakasulat na testimonya na may tatak ng koreo na hanggang sa hatinggabi ng Sabado, Hulyo 15, 2017, ang pagsasara ng pampublikong rekord. Ang mga komentong ibibigay sa pamamagitan ng Koreo ng U.S. ay dapat ipadala sa: Metro Customer Relations Attn: December 2017 Service Changes 1 Gateway Plaza, 99-PL-4 Los Angeles, CA 90012-2932 Ang mga komentong ibibigay sa pamamagitan ng e-mail ay dapat ipadala sa: servicechanges@metro.net Attn: “December 2017 Service Changes� Ang mga facsimile ay dapat na may address na tulad ng nasa itaas at ipadala sa: 213-922-6988. MGA INIAATAS NG ADA: Kapag hiniling, ang interpretasyon ng senyas na wika, mga materyal sa mga alternatibong anyo at ibang mga kaluwagan ay makukuha ng publiko para sa itinataguyod ng MTA na mga pulong at ginaganap. LIMITADONG KASANAYAN SA INGLES: Kapag hiniling, ang mga interpreter ay nakahandang maglingkod sa publiko para sa itinataguyod ng MTA na mga pulong at ginaganap. Ang mga adyenda at katitikan ay ihahanda sa ibang mga wika kapag hiniling. Lahat ng mga kahilingan para sa mga makatwirang kaluwagan, mga serbisyong interpretasyon at mga materyal sa ibang mga wika ay dapat gawin nang hindi kukulangin sa tatlong araw ng trabaho (72 oras) bago ang nakatakdang petsa ng pulong. Mangyaring isumite ang mga kahilingan sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa (213) 922-4600 sa pagitan ng 8 a.m. at 5 p.m., Lunes hanggang Biyernes. Ang aming linyang TDD ay (800) 252-9040. Ang mga taong may kapansanan sa pandinig o pagsasalita ay maaaring gumamit ng California Relay Service 711 + na numero ng telepono ng Metro. CNS-3014239#
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Brown’s related budget proposal, established a traffic amnesty program for fees and fines incurred prior to 2013. The traffic amnesty program allowed people to talk to a judge if they wanted to before paying fines, restored driver’s licenses to those with a payment plan and reduced exorbitant fee debts by taking a person’s income into account in setting the fine amount. over the course of that program, more than 205,000 Californians received amnesty fine and fee reductions and more than 192,000 had their suspended driver’s licenses reinstated, according to the California Judicial Council. in 2016, Hertzberg went on to author SB 881, which required courts to respond to traffic amnesty claims within 90 days of the claims being filed, and SB 882, which prohibits youths from being charged with a criminal violation for transit fare evasion and instead treats the offense through an administrative process. n
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-6, 2017
D ateline PhiliPPines Napoles insists on transfer to NBI
Enrile wants Sandiganbayan chief to inhibit from his plunder case
by ElizabEth
MarcElo Philstar.com
MANILA — Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged mastermind of the multibillion-peso pork barrel fund scam, is not giving up on her bid to be placed under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation. In a “very urgent motion” filed before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division on June 1, Napoles, through her lawyer Stephen David, reiterated that she should be transferred to the NBI Custodial Center in Manila due to supposed serious threats to her life. “This plea is in light with the recent development of her entire cases which greatly affect not only her line of defense but more importantly her life and security,” Napoles’ motion read. Napoles’ camp said the threats that she has been receiving “became serious and strong when the news circulated that she may be used as government/state witness against some high-ranking government officials regarding the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam and that the present administration intends to revisit her case.”
Janet Lim-Napoles said she is being “bombarded” with threats almost everyday.
Napoles said she is being “bombarded” with threats almost everyday, including the ransacking of her personal belongings by unknown individuals. Napoles said she also received written threats. Napoles filed the motion in connection with the seven counts of graft that she is facing before the Fifth Division as co-accused of former Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives party-list representative Edgar Valdez. The cases stemmed from the
alleged misuse of Valdez’ P9-million worth of PDAF or pork barrel from 2004 to 2010. Valdez and Napoles are also facing a plunder case in connection with the same alleged anomaly, but the Fifth Division, in April 2016, granted their petition for bail citing the weak evidence of the prosecution. Fifth Division records, however, show that Napoles has yet to post bail both for the plunder and graft cases, even though graft is a bail-
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Gigi Reyes seeks bail for plunder case by ElizabEth
MarcElo Philstar.com
MANILA — After three years in detention, lawyer Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes, who used to be the chief of staff of former senator Juan Ponce Enrile, is now seeking bail for a plunder case in connection with her alleged involvement in the multibillionpeso pork barrel scam. In a seven-page motion filed before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, Reyes, through her legal counsels Anacleto Diaz and Maria Rosario Del Rosario, said it is never to late for her to seek freedom from detention despite the case’s filing in June 2014. Reyes said that although plunder is a capital offense punishable by reclusion perpetua, she is still “entitled” to post bail as the prosecution’s evidence against her is supposedly “weak.” “In the instant case, accused Reyes has consistently main-
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Lawyer Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes is currently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Female Dormitory in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.
tained that she is entitled to bail because no evidence of her guilt for the crime of Plunder as charged by the Prosecution, exists.” Reyes’ motion read. “There being thus no evidence, let alone strong evidence that accused Reyes is guilty of the crime charged, accused Reyes is entitled to bail as a mat-
ter of right,” it added. The filing of the bail petition came after the Third Division, on May 8, upheld its January 3 ruling denying Reyes’ motion to quash the case. The court said the case information is sufficient and valid contrary to Reyes’ claim that the
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MANILA — Former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile has asked Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang to recuse herself from handling his plunder case in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel fund scam. In his 15-page motion filed before the Sandiganbayan Third Division, Enrile, through his lawyers led by former Solicitor-General Estelito Mendoza, said Tang should “consider recusing herself from further participation in the case” as her appointment by former President Benigno Aquino III supposedly “subconsciously” affects the verdicts she renders. Tang chairs the Third Division, which is handling the plunder case against Enrile, his former chief of staff Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes and the alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles. “There can hardly be any doubt that the Honorable Amparo Cabotaje-Tang has the qualifications of an associate justice or of the presiding justice of the Sandiganbayan,” Enrile’s motion read. “But her appointment by then President Benigno S. Aquino III as presiding justice on October 7, 2013 notwithstanding being the most junior among the associate justices of the Sandiganbayan at the time, forms part of what Justice Benjamin Cardozo describes as the ‘subconscious forces’ which affect the verdicts she renders in momentous cases she decides,” Enrile said. Enrile then went on quoting a passage from the book of former U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Benjamin Cardozo about the “subconscious forces” affecting the decision of a judge. Enrile recalled that Aquino even mentioned in his sixth and last State of the Nation Address the prosecution and detention of three senators as proof of his administration’s commitment to fight corruption and that the justice system works under his administration. Aquino was apparently referring to Senators Enrile, Jinggoy
Estrada and Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., who ar all facing plunder cases over the pork scam. Enrile further cited an instance on July 11, 2014 when the Third Division denied his motion for a bill of particulars,
which sought additional details from the prosecution regarding his plunder case. Enrile said the Third Division ruled to deny his motion in just a span of 10 minutes.
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Features
Security breach
TOTING an assault rifle and a handgun, a tall man who looked Caucasian and reportedly spoke English walked into the Resorts World hotelcasino complex from the basement parking late Thursday night, June 1. Eyewitnesses said he waved away people at the casino before pouring gasoline on a baccarat table and setting it on fire. Shot and wounded by two Resorts World security guards, the gunman fled to the upper floors and entered a room on the fifth floor, where police said he covered himself with a blanket doused with gasoline before setting himself on fire. He died clutching his M4 Carbine, which police said he apparently also used to shoot himself. While the gunman didn’t shoot anyone, the fire he started emitted toxic fumes that suffocated scores of hotel guests and employees. As of last night, the death toll stood at 38 including the gunman. The rampage happened while the entire Mindanao is under martial law to contain the Maute and Abu Sayyaf threat. President Duterte has even warned that martial law could be extended to the Visayas and Luzon. The nation is supposed to be on alert for a spillover of the violence, including diversionary attacks.
Despite IS claims that the gunman was a lone wolf inspired by the terrorist group, police have ruled out terrorism in the casino rampage. Still, security concerns can only be heightened by the fact that a man who looks like a foreigner can lug around an M4 Carbine and a .380 pistol and effortlessly enter a hotel-casino complex just across the road from the NAIA Terminal 3. In the early hours yesterday, the casino rampage was being reported around the world as a terrorist attack near the Philippines’ main airport in Metro Manila. Even if it is established conclusively that the gunman was simply a robber or a sore loser in the casino, his attack inflicted nearly as much damage to the nation as an act of terrorism. Security officials clearly need to get their act together, starting with tighter enforcement of gun laws. (Philstar. com)
Guest Editorial
Philstar.com photo
ISIS radicalizing and forcefully recruiting kids in Mindanao
The Fil-Am Perspective
IN my midweek article, I wrote about Fil-Ams who support President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of marGel sAntos-relos tial law in Mindanao. I shared with you the letter of support written by US Pinoys for Real Change in the Philippines, penned by its Chair, Atty. Arnedo Valera a— Fil-Am community leader from Washington DC who is also a human, immigrant rights advocate and international law specialist. I recently interviewed Valera on The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” where he called for the Fil-Ams’ trust and support for Duterte amid fears associated with the stigma of the Marcos-era rule. He contended that all Duterte wanted to do is to protect the
Philippines from the threat of ISIS, especially the young kids now being targeted by the terrorist group. According to Valera: “Ang very alarming and scary is the radicalization of children and forced recruitment of child soldiers. I mean tatlong problem iyan: 1. If the troops kill them they get accused of being child killers. 2. It means cops and troops have the emotional stress of not knowing even women and children are being used as shells or weapons there have been several reports of Maute leaving a crying child screaming in a area - so troops go in or civilians only to be hit by snipers. 3. Those kids will be next generation of fighters. If killed, they become symbols as martyrs or used falsely as victims.
Martial law imposed in Mindanao and cultural changes
Rhizomes
Street Talk
Prosy AbArquezDelAcruz, J.D.
GreG b. MAcAbentA
“It is the Spirit Who gives us the ability to know the truth about others. When we look at them from a human point of view, we tend to concentrate on their flaws and shortcomings. When we view them in a spiritual way, we will see what truly lies in their hearts.” – Rev. Jude Winkler My short visit to the Philippines in May 19 to June 1, 2017 was made memorable by the imposition of martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017. New york Times’ Felipe Villamor reported “President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines placed the southern island of Mindanao under martial law on Tuesday after armed men belonging to two terrorist groups affiliated with the Islamic State killed a police officer and two soldiers, officials said. The military and the police began a joint operation in the hopes of arresting Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group, who was reportedly in the area and joined by an additional 100 militants belonging to a group called Maute.” My high school classmates and I travelled mostly in Luzon, quite a distance from Mindanao, 579 miles farther, and even reached the northernmost tip, to view the Bangui windmills. Our travel was smooth and unimpeded. The highways were well paved from the Laoag airport to Bangui windmills. 9 of us were comfortably inside an air-conditioned coaster, neutralizing the humid and warm temperatures, which hovered to the high 90 F. But, a quick glance at nearby passengers of motorbikes revealed their constant use of handkerchiefs to wipe off sweaty foreheads and the back of their necks with fatigued and weary looks on their faces. Many tourists were stopping at various vista points, just like we were, taking selfies.
TAGALOGS have a term for approaching or solving a problem:santong dasalan or the soft, diplomatic way (dasal meaning prayer) and santong paspasan or the direct, tough way. We now know what approach President Rodrigo Duterte prefers. But wasn’t that why he was voted into office by a citizenry that had gotten exasperated with the way the administration of President Benigno Aquino III handled problems of governance? According to critics, the way Aquino and his government tackled problems (or even opportunities) ranged from passive-tentative to outright incompetent. They even coined a pejorative based on his nickname, Noynoyi ng, which was supposed to mean taking it easy or not feeling a sense of urgency. Well, Duterte’s supporters have gotten what they wished for. He has acted promptly, directly and harshly in his antidrug campaign, and this tough style of governance has extended to other aspects of his administration. In only his first year in office, his war on drugs has been bloody. Media and assorted kibitzers, as well as the PNP, have estimated the deaths to be in the thousands. Duterte has certainly served notice that he meant it when he vowed that bodies would fill up Manila Bay. Duterte has also fired a cabinet secretary and lower level officials for a variety of reported transgressions, thereby serving notice to those afflicted with the easy-going bureaucratic habit that their noynoying days are over. Duterte’s style—reminiscent of the movie character, Dirty Harry—has also called to mind another Tagalog phrase, Sala sa init, sala sa lamig, which means going to extremes (too hot or too cold) and not striking an ideal balance.
If not, a quick read of their cellphones, and with intermittent wifi, news was limited to a few frames for the day while texts become better sources of news. I got to read from a shared text to a Catholic lay leader by: “Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said the militants forced their way into a cathedral in Marawi and seized a priest, 10 worshippers and three church workers.” He said further, “The priest, Father Chito, and the others had no role in the conflict, Villegas said, “He was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none,” Villegas said of Fr. Chito. “His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilized conflict.” The New york Post, citing Associated Press of May 24, 2017 reported, “Muslim extremists abducted a Catholic priest and more than a dozen churchgoers while laying siege to a southern Philippine city overnight, burning buildings, ambushing soldiers and hoisting flags of the
Islamic State group, officials said Wednesday. President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in the southern third of the nation and warned he would enforce it harshly. The violence erupted Tuesday night after the army raided the hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf commander who is on Washington’s list of most-wanted terrorists with a reward of up to $5 million for his capture. The militants called for reinforcements from an allied group, the Maute, and some 50 gunmen managed to enter the city of Marawi.” “Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive director of the CBCP Permanent Committee on Public Affairs, said Catholic bishops understand the need for security and order following deadly clashes between government forces and Maute fighters in Marawi and the kidnapping of a priest and several parishioners in the city. The reason behind the declaration is very clear: because of terrorism. The terrorists are there, and then there is a priest who is actually
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This is clearly a new style of terror not seen locally before.” Valera explained that Duterte is adhering to and respecting the safeguards stipulated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution to make sure executive power will not be abused when Martial Law would have to declared again for urgent reasons — time limits, no automatic suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, no arbitrary arrests, all other arm of government still functioning, liberties still intact, etc. Do you trust and support President Rodrigo Duterte in his declaration of martial law?? *** 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
Now is the time for all good men The international notoriety that Duterte has gained because of his anti-drug war is not without basis. His bullheadedness is also turning off leaders of foreign countries whose help the Philippines needs. His defiant declaration that he would rather starve than ask for help from those who frown on his bloodbath is pure bluster. In the first place, Duterte and his family will never starve, but there are millions of poor Pinoys who could. And yet, we should not be too hasty in condemning his declaration of martial law to address the crisis in Marawi. It was a crisis that he, as a leader, had to confront and he had to make a prompt decision. Santong paspasan. On the other hand, while objective observers appreciate the tough approach that he has taken, they are concerned that extending martial law across the whole of Mindanao is an extreme and unnecessary move. Worse yet, they worry that members of the military, who are carrying out the presidential fiat, will abuse their power and authority. The concerns are not without basis. Shortly after President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972, euphoria accompanied the move. Gun-toting Manilans, forced to leave their weapons at home, became uncharacteristically good-natured towards their fellowmen. But the euphoria did not last long. Word eventually came out that perceived enemies of the Marcos government – mainly from media and the political opposition – had been rounded up and thrown behind bars without charges. Then followed reports of disappearances of student and rural activists, as well as the takeover by cronies of businesses and property owned by hapless victims. The joke at the time was that the Marcoses were in the mining business, as in, “That’s mine, that’s mine, this is mine and those are mine.” That experience has been replicated, as a result of Duterte’s war
on drugs. With the commanderin-chief urging the troops to go for the kill, much like a warlord whipping his men into a murderous frenzy, some members of the PNP have tended to take no prisoners and to act as judge and executioner in dealing with suspects. Worse yet, innocent lives have been wasted, including young children, and dismissed as “collateral damage.” More bad news: critics doubt that the bigtime drug lords have stopped their lucrative operations, pointing out that the fatalities have been mostly slipper-shod residents of squatters’ areas. But what is most disturbing is that certain elements of the PNP have seen an opportunity to make a profit from Duterte’s kill orders, epitomized by the kidnap-killing of a Korean businessman, right within the grounds of PNP headquarters. However, whatever the critics, the political opposition and the human rights activists say, the country is facing a serious problem, not just in Marawi but in Mindanao. As I write this, CNN has just reported that “ISIS has planted its flag in the Philippines.” The report stated that the presence of ISIS in Marawi is “the first outside the Middle East.” Whether accurate or not (it is said that ISIS has been recruiting and indoctrinating disgruntled Mindanaoans for some years now), that news which was broadcast worldwide will have an impact on tourism and the economy. It will also attract adventurers, mercenaries and ideologues to the new battleground in Mindanao. Clearly, the Marawi crisis is not the time for noynoying or halfway measures. To say that Duterte’s move should have been limited to Marawi may be naïve. Would these critics prefer to fight the ISIS cancer when it has already metastasized across Mindanao? And those who think that the cancer will be limited to Mindanao and will not spread across
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OpiniOn & Features
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-6, 2017
A
Martial law imposed in Mindanao and cultural... PAGE A8 t
kidnapped,� he said in an ANC interview, published by ABSCBN News on May 26, 2017, “Terrorism is not limited only in Marawi. So, declaring martial law in the whole of Mindanao is, I think, practical in a sense, just to contain the spread of violence.� ABS-CBN News continued, “The CBCP official noted, people living in Mindanao have welcomed the martial law declaration in light of concerns that the terrorists could assimilate with locals. However, Secillano also acknowledged concerns that the declaration of martial law could lead to human rights violations.� The primary concerns, of course, are the violations that may go along with it. There is always that thought that maybe because of martial law, then violations against human rights are going to happen and civil liberties are going to be abused. These are valid concerns, I understand their sentiments and because we do not want the people to suffer again,� he said, “We should not forget the past. We should learn from the past.� A quick survey of the events amongst relatives who live in Manila, showed their full support of Pres. Duterte’s actions. They see Davao as a concrete example of the Philippines they would like to have. They rely on their own local experiences of visiting Davao, moving freely at night, riding jeepneys, unencumbered by street criminals. They also point out to the relatively clean streets and gutters of Davao. In our travels to Manila, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati
and GBC, Ilocos Norte and Vigan, Ilocos Sur, we noticed clean streets, clean sidewalks and how even the streets of Makati had their night food truck festivals replete with the modern sounds of music, with families in attendance. The trek to the airport was smooth and uneventful, made possible by the completed skyways done by Pres. Noynoy Aquino’s partnership with San Miguel Corporation. When I got to the airport, I observed the government airport employees to be alert, mindful of giving effective customer service and operating with teamwork. I regret not meeting my cousin who was in a meeting, to give him my personal thanks for the changes, as he now heads the international airport’s operations. I am more optimistic now as the children of the elites who studied abroad are more visible in making changes in the Philippines. I just hope they too can make lasting changes in government systems to have a country, more respectable in all its operations, for all of us to experience. Still, a part of me wonders if all these observed changes can be sustained for generations to come to benefit the citizens of the Philippines, their children and grandchildren? Would martial law bring law and order in Marawi and Mindanao for the sixty days it was imposed or will it bring the specter of the dark years of our democracy under Ferdinand Marcos? After all, Ted Aljibe of Agence France of May 25, 2017 report-
ed, “Forces had initially been confident they would capture or kill the elusive Hapilon, regarded by the United States as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists. The US government offers a $5-million bounty for his capture. The military had for months been conducting offensives against Islamist militants in nearby mountains, and came close to killing Hapilon during a bombing raid in January. After receiving intelligence that he had come to Marawi for medical treatment and was hiding in a house, a small group of security forces conducted what two military spokespeople described as a “surgical operation� to get him. “We had been pummeling them in the mountains, but were caught unaware when they entered Marawi,� Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana conceded in a briefing to reporters on Wednesday.� Next series: Feature articles on places we saw and folks we met. *** 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.
Now is the time for all good... PAGE A8 t the country, particularly Metro Manila, may be equally naĂŻve. Indeed, it is so easy to be a kibitzer and to point out all the bad things that can result from the declaration of martial law, especially when one does not have access to in-depth information on the seriousness of the threat. On the other hand, a citizenry that has already had a painful experience with the suspension of civil liberties cannot be blamed for being skeptical. Like the cat who sat on a hot stove, avoiding even an unlighted stove, it is understandable when people declare, “Never again!â€? about martial law.
West Coast
This is where our national leaders, whatever their political stripes may be, should close ranks for the sake of the country. They should rally behind the president, giving him the benefit of the doubt as the commanderin-chief and the person who must carry the burden of leadership. These national leaders should consider it a solemn responsibility to contribute their wisdom to help ensure that the powers unleashed by martial law are not abused, while the terrorist threat is effectively turned back. Frankly, it pains me to read the statements on social media posted by those for and those against the actions being taken
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Palace disowns deleted PCOO video promoting martial law by AJ
BolAndo Philstar.com
MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday, June 1 disowned the controversial martial law video that the Presidential Communications Operating Office posted on social media Wednesday, May 31 and that drew flak from netizens for its poor quality and for seeming to call for martial law across the Philippines. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a press brief-
ing that the Palace did not prepare the 36-second video that was posted on PCOO’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts. “It’s not something we prepared,” he said, adding he did not see the entire video but that he saw netizens’ reactions to it. Pressed for comment, the president’s spokesman told reporters to ask Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. The animated video has been deleted but some netizens were able to download and re-upload it
on social media. “In the free society, there are groups who don’t want to give independence. They are adamant on detaining peaceful spirits. They are distressing feelings with fears. Let us not allow them to terrify us. We will all fight in unity. Martial law should be the rule of the land. Martial law. Now,” a narrator said in the video. Martial law was declared in Mindanao on May 23, more than a week before the video said that “martial law should be the rule of the land” and demanded for “martial law, now.” Andanar’s office has figured in three blunders in May alone. Philippine News Agency, which is attached to the PCOO, was lambasted this week for using a Vietnam War photo in one of their stoPresident Rodrigo Duterte views a presentation by Gen. Eduardo Año, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, on developments on the terror crisis ries on the Marawi clashes. Malacañang photo In the May 27 report titled “Ur- in Marawi City during a meeting in Davao City on Monday, May 29. With them is Special Assistant to the President Bong Go. ban warfare a challenge for soldiers in Marawi,” the government news website used an uncaptioned photo of a soldier seemingly investigating a house while residents looked on. The image was cropped from an original photo uploaded ELEVEN soldiers were killed soldiers died while 7 others were he noted that the military “will in Wikimedia Commons showing and eight others were injured in a wounded during bombing error. add appropriate measures to US soldiers in Vietnam in 1966. “We are deeply saddened by ensure that such an incident is Media sought an explanation military airstrike meant to restrain on the PNA’s mistake but the sec- the pro-Islamic State (IS) Maute what transpired. We mourn the avoided.” 50,000 children affected retary snuck out of his office. On group in Marawi City, according loss of 11 of our brave harbingers The United Nations Children’s the same day, Andanar abolished to Philippine Defense Secretary of peace and the wounding of 7 others,” AFP spokesman Briga- Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday exthe Strategic Communications Delfin Lorenzana. “A group of our own military dier-General Restituto Padilla said pressed concern on the safety of Office through Office Order No. 26 around 50,000 children affected and reassigned some members of army men were hit by our own in a separate press briefing. Padilla explained, “One of our in the clash between the govthat office under his direct supervi- airstrike,” Lorenzana told the SF-260 aircraft conducting air- ernment forces and militants in press on Thursday, May 1. sion. The accident reportedly oc- strike that day was successfully Marawi city. Earlier in May, PNA also pubUNICEF Philippines represenlished an inaccurate story that 95 curred on Wednesday, May 31, hitting its assigned target in its nations in the 27th Universal Peri- when one of two the military air- earlier sorties. However, it was tative Lotta Sylwander said ongood Review of the UN Human Rights crafts missed its target and instead unfortunate that the last ordi- ing fighting might severely affect nance round it delivered went the children’s psychosocial and Council were convinced that there hit the government troopers. With the announcement of wayward for an unknown reason physical health. were no extrajudicial killings in the She said some of them were Philippines. The United Nations the so-called “friendly fire” inci- and accidentally hit and caused even used as combatants or hudisputed the PNA’s assertion and dent, the combined death toll has the lives of our ground forces.” The Maute group laid siege of man shields by the militants Assistant Secretary Epimaco Dens- reached 139 as of Wednesday— ing, whom PNA quoted in the sto- 89 of which were militants, 19 ci- Marawi City last week on May 23 against the military. “Wea are deeply concerned ry, denied that he said what he re- vilians, and 31 from the security amid a government operation to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the sup- about any action that may put portedly said. PNA has apologized forces. “We are trying to ascertain posed leader of IS in Southeast children’s life and safety at risk for the errors and has promised a how it happened that the first Asia. Houses and facilities were and disrupt their overall develreview of its vetting processes. Ironically, these gaffes hap- hit the target, the second was far seized and burned down, civilians opment or access to basic social pened since President Rodrigo off. There must be some mistake were held as hostages, and IS services such as education and Duterte appointed blogger Mocha there, either the men directing banners were reportedly spotted healthcare,” Sylwander was quoted saying in a Philstar report. Uson as an assistant secretary of from the ground or the pilot,” in the area. The crisis has prompted PhilipLorenzana said. Sylwander also urged the local the PCOO. Due to the tragedy, Lorenzana pine President Rodrigo Duterte to governments and law enforcement For her part, Uson, who vowed to fight fake news in social media, said the government might sus- declare martial law and suspend agencies to ensure that schools shared a photo recently on her pend air strikes and “let ground the privilege of the writ of habeas in Marawi City and surrounding corpus in the entire Mindanao. areas would be safe and open on Facebook account urging the pub- troops do their thing.” Authorities said about 90 per- time as the national school calen“Probably, we have to limit air lic to pray for government troops fighting in Marawi City. The sol- strikes to aircraft that can deliver cent of Marawi has been retaken dar begins next week. “It is important to keep children diers in the photo, however, were accurately their ordnance,” he by security forces as of Wednesday. away from harm and injuries as not from the Philippine Army and added. While Padilla said it is up to they return to their communities In a contradicting facts, howlater on identified as police officers ever, the Armed Forces of the the the ground commander if air or schools,” Sylwander added. of Honduras. n Philippines (AFP) has reported 11 strikes would still be conducted, (Dana Sioson/AJPress)
Defense chief: 11 soldiers killed by ‘own airstrike’ in Marawi
Napoles insists on transfer... PAGE A7 t
able offense. This is because posting bail seems futile as the Sandiganbayan’s First, Third and Fifth Divisions have earlier denied her petition for bail as co-accused in the plunder cases of former senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada, respectively, also in connection with the pork scam. Just last month, the First, Third and Fifth Division denied Napoles’ motion to be transferred to the
NBI Custodial Center. Napoles was instead transferred from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Female Dormitory in Taguig. Her transfer of detention was in connection with her acquittal of a serious illegal detention case filed by her second cousin and former employee Benhur Luy, the primary state witnesses in the pork barrel scam. Meanwhile in a motion also
filed on June 1, state prosecutors from the Office of the Ombudsman urged the Fifth Division to issue a ruling affirming Napoles’ commitment to the custody of the BJMP in order “to thwart any confusion” as to where she should be detained. Just last week Napoles tagged opposition senators Leila De Lima, Franklin Drilon and Antonio Trillanes IV, as well as former Budget secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad as supposedly involved in the PDAF scam. n
Gigi Reyes seeks bail for plunder... PAGE A7 t
charge sheet is “confusing and confounding” as the prosecution allegedly failed state her “specific overt criminal acts” showing her supposed involvement in the scam. In her motion for bail, Reyes stressed that she is “not waiving, abandoning or abrogating in any way” the option of filing a petition before the the Supreme
Court to question the Third Division’s denial of her motion to quash her plunder case. Reyes and businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles stand as coaccused of Enrile in plunder and graft cases in connection with the alleged misuse of the latter’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel. Reyes is accused of receiv-
ing on Enrile’s behalf a total of P172.83 million worth of kickbacks in exchange for the then senator’s alleged allocation of his PDAF to the fake non-government organizations supposedly owned by Napoles. Reyes and Napoles are currently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Female Dormitory in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig. n
Enrile wants Sandiganbayan chief to... PAGE A7 t
Enrile further pointed out that after his counsel Mendoza orally argued on the decision, Tang declared a five-minute recess and when the hearing resumed, the latter declared that the court is affirming its decision. Enrile recounted that after the said hearing, his camp considered filing a motion for Tang and the other division members’ recusal. But instead, their camp decided to just contest the ruling before the Supreme Court. In August 2015, the SC granted Enrile’s motion and directed the prosecution to supply additional details in the charge sheet of his plunder case. Enrile also cited the Third Division’s January 31, 2017 ruling denying his motion to dismiss the case. The ruling was affirmed by the court on April 27. Enrile maintained that the Third Division erred in its two rulings as the information of the cases allegedly does not identify the “combination or series of overt criminal acts” he and his co-accused committed which led to the supposed amassing of ill-gotten wealth. Under the rules of procedure, the inhibition of a division chair-
Former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile
man is tantamount to the reraffling of the case to another court division. In a short hearing Thursday, the Third Division gave the prosecution 10 days to comment on Enrile’s motion and the defense seven days to reply, after which, the motion is deemed submitted for resolution. Sought for a reaction, Tang said she will not be issuing any statement but “we’ll just resolve the motion once it is submitted for resolution”. Enrile, through Reyes, is accused of amassing P172.834
million worth of kickbacks by allegedly allocating his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel to the fake foundations allegedly owned by Napoles. Reyes and Napoiles are currently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Female Dormitory in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig. Enrile, on the other hand, was released from hospital arrest at the Philippine National Police General Hospital in August 2015 after the SC granted his petition for bail. n
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Sharon Cuneta denies HIV-positive rumor by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net
Megastar sharon Cuneta immediately denied a fake news item circulating online that she has human immunodeficiency virus or HIV—a disease that attacks the body’s immune system. In a social media post on thursday, June 1, the celebrity mom said she could not believe such stories will be made up against her. “On my way home from the Voice teens taping. Uunahan ko na kayo so you will be aware that there is an article circulating—suddenly without any warning—that I have HIV,’� she said in her Facebook account. she laughed it off and shared, “If
Angel Locsin thinks Liza Soberano is a worthy successor of her famous Darna role. Photos from the official Facebook page of Angel Locsin and Star Magic. Photos courtesy of ABS-CBN
Angel Locsin welcomes Liza Soberano into Darna’s world caption. “these three comic books are very special to me. these were given to me way back when I was asked to play the role of Darna for me to get to know the superheroine better. and for 10 years, I kept these. Now that we have a new Darna, I asked tita Malou [santos] to give these to Liza as my gift hoping they can help her just as they helped me,� Locsin wrote on her Instagram account @therealangellocsin. thereafter, Locsin wished for soberano to continue the gesture when the time comes for the latter to pass on the iconic role. “and just like the stone of Darna, I’m hoping that she’ll pass this on to her next successor someday. I wish Liza the best of luck! I know she’ll do great,�
by Christina
alpad ManilaTimes.net
aFter the much talked about revelation that Liza soberano will soon fly as the Filipina superheroine in aBs-CBN’s movie remake of Darna, fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry immediately congratulated the 19-year-old. a day later, when everyone has said his or her piece, it was actress angel Locsin’s turn to do so. Making her welcoming gesture even more special, Locsin went as far as handing down the very same comic books that she first held when she got to play Darna. On Wednesday, May 31, Locsin shared a photo of soberano holding three comic books accompanied with a hearty
the actress added. Finally, Locsin took the opportunity to thank the people behind her successful run as Darna as well as the fans who have taken the journey with her. “Sa huling pagkakataon, maraming salamat po sa pagmamahal kay Darna. Salamat po sa former (gMa) and present network ko (aBs-CBN) pati ang ravelo family sa pagkakataon. Now it’s time to welcome our new Darna.� While everyone’s congratulatory messages mean a lot to the new Darna, it could be said that Locsin’s weigh the most as the 32-year-old was first considered to reprise the role she first took in gMa’s 2005 remake. Locsin, however, had to bid farewell to the role due to her spine injury.
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I really have HIV, it only means that I am hungry because of continuous diet, but I am slowly becoming very sexy again|! hahaha! Joke! But it can also be not a joke!� Brushing it off, Cuneta ended, “that is super-fake news. god have mercy on the souls of those responsible for this horrible ‘joke’. I’m excited to see god’s punishment for you!..those who are oppressed are blessed. Yahoo I will have more blessings because of the wickedness of other people. thank you!� Fifty-one-year-old Cuneta has become talk of the town in the past few weeks following her cryptic Instagram posts. During her departure for the U.s., the Megastar
Sharon Cuneta
said she needed to take a rest from “pain and fatigue�. as such, hearsays suggesting that she was experiencing marital woes with senator Kiko Pangilinan arose. she eventually dismissed the issue.
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Features
Sylvia La Torre leads first FASO Excellence Awardees The Philippines’ national tegral part of FASO since treasure, Sylvia La Torre, its inception in 2008. In leads the first Filipino Ameraddition to playing with ican Symphony Orchestra FASO, Coo-Cruz devotes (FASO) excellence in Music countless hours to assist and Service Awards recipithe orchestra in various ents who will be honored volunteer capacities. in a special gala on June 17 Titus M. Verzosa is a at the former Mary Pickford Certified Public Accounestate in Los Angeles. tant, presently working as La Torre and internaa senior tax manager at tionally acclaimed soprano DeMera Cameron, LLP, an Maria Christina Navarro will accounting firm in Fresno, be honored for their outCalifornia. With his love standing accomplishments for music, Verzosa volin music by FASO, the only unteered his tax and acFilipino symphony orchestra counting services in formoutside of the Philippines, ing FASO as a non-profit in “A Night of Symphony organization. When FASO – excellence Awards Dinner was incorporated in 2013, and Gala.” he was invited to sit on the excellence in Service Board of Directors and to awardees—musician and assume the position of the teacher Cecilia A. Coo-Cruz Treasurer. he served on the and accountant and former FASO Board until 2015. FASO board member Titus FASO will serenade Verzosa—will be recognized guests as they savor Pinoy Photo by Hydee Abrahan cuisine prepared by chefs for their valuable contri- Sylvia La Torre butions to the orchestra, Clinton Nuyda and Nanette whose members come from cal heritage and nurturing young Sicat. various professions of the Fili- talents, FASO needs to raise funds In addition, guests will have pino American community with on a constant basis. the opportunity to bid and win a variety of musical background The night’s tribute to the four unique live and silent auction experiences. awardees will spotlight their items, including a week’s stay at FASO’s first ever gala prom- achievements and generous vol- an apartment on Champs-elysees ises to be an exciting evening unteer service that inspire current in Paris; a stay at the handumanon the beautiful estate of Mary and future generations of Filipino an estate in Kalibo, Aklan, with Pickford, the original America’s Americans. complimentary river cruise and Sweetheart and a pioneering La Torre, having begun per- sightseeing to coincide with the woman in hollywood. She co- forming at the age of five in 1938 popular Ati-Atihan Festival, and founded United Artists studio, in Manila, will celebrate her 80th a stay in world-famous Boracay; was one of the original founders year in show business in 2018. and a chance to conduct FASO, of the Academy of Motion Picture She is the first soprano to success- no less. Arts and Sciences and was one fully break through pop culture Another treat will be the Riof the first women producers in in the Philippines. In fact, she is godon de honor, the traditional hollywood. Pickford’s majestic the first Filipino artist to enjoy Filipino dance by couples. home is now owned by edwin a hugely successful career in all The exciting gala is sponsored Raquel, a FASO board member, major entertainment fields in by Bank of hope, Pacific Western and his family. the Philippines: radio, television, Bank, Silver Saddle Ranch & Club, “A Night of Symphony...” will record, stage and film. F&W Foodservices and Supplies, raise much-needed funds to susNavarro has given recitals, op- Kanstul Musical Instruments, tain FASO, a non-profit organiza- era performances and performed Philip Stein Global Filipino Watch, tion, and its music education and with orchestras around the world Image Spa, Island Pacific Seafood outreach programs. Throughout which were met with thunderous Market, Ishkaster Media, events the year, FASO conducts work- applause and cheers and earned by Sandy, LBC, Perfect energy, shops, classes and recitals, espe- glowing reviews. She has per- G.K. Skaggs, Leelin Bakery & cially for aspiring young talents in formed with top opera companies Café, Nautilus Brand, Ramar voice and music instruments. and orchestras. She is a former Foods International, San Antonio The orchestra, under the baton member-soloist of the Philippine Bakery, Unistar Foods, Inc., Partyof conductor and musical director Madrigal Singers, UP Filipiniana works, etc. and Print hub USA. Robert “Bob” Shroder, has been Dance Group and the Asian InstiFor inquiries, contact FASO giving acclaimed concerts that tute for Liturgy and Music. board members Rocio Nuyda, the highlight Filipino musical works Cecilia A. Coo-Cruz is a sea- gala’s chairperson (818-602-3214, and showcase Filipino American soned violinist who has played rocio@msn.com), or Jose Luis musicians and artists. for various orchestras, chamber Garcia (310-936-2988, jl.garcia@ To keep the orchestra as a groups and alternative bands aol.com). More details are also vital non-profit entity dedicated and has collaborated on various available at www.fasogala.org. to presenting the Filipino musi- recordings. She has been an in- (Advertising Supplement)
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Moonlighting
Grandmas are to love
by Mylah de
leon
“SO, if you have a grandma, thank the Good Lord up above and give grandmamas hugs and kisses for grandmothers are to love. Funny, you don’t look like a grandmother.” - Lois Wyse The most invisible person on the street is an old woman, what a bittersweet tragedy, yet Victor hugo believed “if you want to civilize man, start with his grandmother” We will always be grateful to our grandmothers for many reasons. For what we see them to be, for the loveliness they have been, and for the good and essence we see in them. You felt a deep respect, even reverence, for you had seen her meet tragedy with resilience, when she had to give back a father, a husband or a child…and gain nobility. For she is compelled to know that the seeds of value sown had been winnowed, and that is her prize. For no matter how old a grandmother is, she watches her middleaged children for signs of improvement, she never outgrew her burden of love and to the end, she carries the weight of hope for those she bore. She watches enchanted and anxious, half expecting that the newborn grandchild will make the world a little better and bring tranquility to the human spirit; having shared its fragility, its resiliency, who never asked for proof or expression of affection. She was always there, for you and for her grandchildren, to let them be. even her immoderate neatness is another vice of age. What makes her more special is that she is now completely relaxed with a delicious feeling on indolence that was never enjoyed in her earlier years. She had been a part of nature, a living part with blood softly coursing through her veins. The future still exists for her, but not to worry about. There are countless physical
Dr. Erlinda Grey
Susie Rose
Vina Nacionales
Lydia Solis and the Moonlighter
pleasures of age besides dozing in a rocking chair. Sometimes, they can make themselves grotesque by their efforts to simulate former charm—by being overdressed, over jeweled, over made up (as my colleagues would talk about this fossil in wet whispers), they too, do fun gossip, you know. The vanity of older women is simply to explain and condone. With less to look forward to, they yearn to be recognized for what they have been. After all, being admired and praised is a compensation of age. Why shouldn’t the, almost very old, have more than the share of others, when honor costs very little. They have experienced the rewards and challenges for themselves, perhaps it is time to take a
refreshing look at the broad spectrum issues of aging, in a society that glorifies youth. By the middle of next month here in Southern California, Ms. Mildred B., an intrepid but gracious trailblazer, will lead the Fil-Am community as they bring together a most gratifying joy to celebrate and evoke the beauty, honor and courage of women, living in their later years. Their endearing merits, their moments of joys and passions found in the rich and varied world of midlife and beyond; it will be a day of exciting glimpses into the lives of older women in all its honesty, and purity of truth as we really know them, through ourselves. here’s to Joie de Vivre!
Emma Manaois
Aida Reyes
‘I AM ME: Jessa Zaragoza’ concert to wow Los Angeles August 12 MS. Jessa Zaragoza, the Philippines’ “Phenomenal Diva,” is all set to take Los Angeles by storm when she brings her multi-acclaimed concert dubbed “I AM Me: Jessa Zaragoza” to the City of Angels on August 12, 2017 at the Aratani Theatre. The high production value concert marks Jessa’s 20th year in the music and entertainment industry, a career marked by extraordinary professional success and her significant influence on an entire generation of Filipino music lovers all over the world. As part of her 2017 world tour which kicked off in Manila and Oahu, hawaii, Jessa’s “I AM Me” concert series begins at the Cache Creek Resort and Casino in Sacramento, California and culminates at the Aratani Theatre on August 12. The concert features Jessa’s wide musical repertoire and includes collaborative numbers with the “Original Prince of Pinoy Pop”, Dingdong Avanzado, together with up and coming artist Jayda Avanzado. The “I AM Me: Jessa Zaragoza” concept show has received very good reviews capped by several nominations during the 29th Aliw Awards: Best Female Performance in a Concert for Jessa Zaragoza; Best New Female Artist for Jayda Avanzado and Best Concert Stage Direction for Dingdong Avanzado. Jessa eventually went on to garner the top award as Best Female Performance in a Concert during Aliw Awards night. Jessa began her career in show business in 1987 at the age of eight when she joined Little Miss Philippines, a popular beauty pageant for young girls. In the early 1990s, she joined German Moreno’s “That’s entertainment,” Philippine TV’s longest running variety show. She also appeared in several TV sitcoms and movies under Viva Films before embarking on her phenomenal musical career. As a musical artist, Jessa enthralled her audience with her first
Jessa Zaragoza with husband Dingdong Avanzado and daughter Jayda Avanzado.
album entitled “Just Can’t help Feelin’,” gaining stellar status when her single “Bakit Pa” topped the charts and became some sort of “national anthem” for Filipinos all over the world. Jessa’s album turned platinum eight times, making it one of the biggest selling debut albums in Philippine music history. Not content to rest on her laurels, Jessa continued to produce one hit album after another, churning out unforgettable songs such as “Di Ba’t Ikaw,” “Paano Kaya,” “Baliw Na Puso,” “Siya Ba Ang Dahilan,” “Ibigay Mo Na” and “hindi Na Bale.” Jessa also ventured into films, starring in several motion pictures including “Bakit Pa,” the movie that launched her career as an actor under Octo-Arts Films. In December 2012, Jessa was inducted into the Walk of Fame for her contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry. That same year, she released the album “Pag Wala Na ang Ulan,” from which almost all songs became theme songs or were used as sound track for GMA’s telenovelas and Koreanovelas. Two years later, Jessa won the Star Music Listener’s Choice Award for “Bumabalik Ang Nagdaan,” a song she interpreted for composer SJ Gandia. Jessa is married to Certified OPM hitmaker and “Original
Prince of Pinoy Pop” Dingdong Avanzado. They have a daughter, 13-year-old Jayda, a musical artist in her own right and all set to embark on a musical career of her own. In 2006, Jessa and Dingdong set a new record as the very first married couple to release an allduet OPM album dubbed Laging Ikaw under Universal records. Dingdong himself will hold his first ever solo live concert in Southern California on July 21 and 22 at Josephine’s Bistro and Music Bar in Cerritos. Produced by Mendrei and Cecile Leelin of Rosy Cheeks Production, the “I AM Me: Jessa Zaragoza” concert features all three musical artists together in one venue as Dingdong and Jayda join Jessa for a tour de force performance that showcases the best in Philippine entertainment. The show promises to be a fun evening filled with several unexpected creative numbers and will likely be the concert that Los Angelenos will not forget. Tickets are available at Seafood City Supermarkets in Los Angeles County, Leelin Bakery and Café in Cerritos, eagle Rock, Vermont, West Covina, North hills and Panorama and Aratani Theatre at 244 S. San Pedro S., Los Angeles, CA 90012. (Advertising Supplement)
Features
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2017 Philippine Independence Day celebration in Carson on June 10 The Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc. (PIDF), in conjunction with the City of Carson, GMA life TV, GMA Pinoy TV, and GMA News TV, will celebrate the 119th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day at the Carson Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Street, Carson, CA 90745) on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Thousands of people will enjoy the non-stop, day- long event that will be jam-packed with entertainment and activities featuring the rich, beautiful, and spirited Filipino heritage. It truly is an opportunity to spend time with families and friends in the Filipino/Filipino- American Community of Carson, CA and across the South Bay, los Angeles Area. The eventful day kicks off with a Flag Raising ceremony at 7:45am, followed by an ecumenical Service and a Community Mass afterwards. The parade, to be headed by 119th Philippine Independence Grand Marshal – Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz of the Philippine Consulate General los Angeles - and to be participated in by a multitude
of Community organizations and Associations from all across Southern California, will be at about 10:30am. This will be followed by the day-long program featuring talented performers from across the South Bay, Southern California, and beyond! The program will be highlighted by a Kapuso Artista headliner from GMA Network. This event would not be possible without the leadership of Councilmember elito M. Santarina and the generosity of our sponsors;Tesoro Refining and Marketing llC, Watson land,
Kl Fenix, Community Dynamics, Nationwide environmental Services, Kellogg Garden Products, IBeW local 11 and NeCA los Angeles. We look forward to spending a fun-filled day with you, your families, and your friends at the City of Carson, CA’s Veterans Park on Saturday, June 10th during the celebration of the 119th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day! For questions or clarifications, please email pidf.info@gmail. com. (Advertising Supplement)
A MOTHER’S AND HER ATTORNEY’S PERSISTENCE RESULT IN HER DAUGHTERS FINALLY BEING ISSUED CSPA VISAS BASED ON “EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES” — ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Lolita left her two daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the U.S., with the dream that she would eventually have them join her. However, her previous attorney missed the one year “sought to acquire” filing deadline for CSPA eligibility, resulting in the Embassy refusing to issue their immigrant visas. Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was her beacon of hope, as he did not give up in trying to convince the Embassy that the daughters should be entitled to visas, despite missing the one-year deadline. Find out how Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to prove extraordinary circumstances, have the two “aged-out” daughters be issued visas, and reunite this family on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday, June 4 at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.
Decorative item in the bedroom can cause anxiety, sleeplessness tion.” *All of our items have been PeoPle get defenseless when purified by authentic process of they are asleep and can be easily FengShui way. *** affected by surrounding energy. even tightly fixed items like a Feng Shui master Sean Shono owns Dragon picture or decoration above one’s head are not perfectly safe, as it gives you an unconscious fear. Whether it is a picture of a scenery or a portrait, its image will be imprinted on one’s mind and is considered as taboo by FengShui. Consult with us, Dragon God, regarding “bedroom and decoraBy Sean
Iza Calzado gets singled out for ‘A Love To Last’ acting by Ricky
caldeRon ManilaTimes.net
oNe of the most watched programs on ABS-CBN aside from “FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano” is the family drama “A love To last” which stars Bea Alonzo, Ian Veneracion and Iza Calzado. It is Iza’s fine display of acting as the mother trying to win her children back that gets talked about on social media. Most viewers of the series say that Iza is winning the acting battle with Bea Alonzo hands down. No contest. of course, Iza is thankful and flattered that her performance is being singled out.
Iza Calzado
For wannabe-actresses looking for a role model to emulate, the acting of Iza in “A love To last” is definitely a must-see every night. The timing is just perfect, the emotions on point. But even if her acting is being singled out, Iza humbly says she can’t take sole credit for it. She credits the entire production team for making her acting look good. “This is a team effort. All of us are working hard to come up with a good show,” she said. Iza is so good that she ought to win all the Best Supporting Actress awards up for grabs in the forthcoming TV awards. A performance like hers should not go unrewarded.
Shamcey Supsup on possibility of Miss U in PH anew by iza igleSiaS ManilaTimes.net
FIlIPINAS have been dominating every beauty contest around the world —the reason why the Philippines is considered a powerhouse when it comes to pageants. Because of the enthusiasm of the country in watching every event, the Philippines has been blessed to host one of the most important and highly publicized pageants in the world—Miss Universe—three times. A year after she was declared Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach was able to pass the crown in her home country to France’s Iris Mittenaere. Due to the success of the holding of Miss Universe 2016 in Manila, there is a big possibility that the country will host the prestigious beauty pageant anew. Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Wanda Teo revealed to the media last week that the Philippines has been offered the hosting rights again to the Miss Universe pageant this coming November. The reason, according to Teo, is that the Miss Universe organization (MUo) was pleased with the work done here and that surprisingly, the pageant was able to overshadow the pre-events of the Super Bowl—the annual championship game of the National Football league considered to be the biggest sporting event in America. Should the Philippines accept to host Miss Universe again, Teo said they want the DoT to have more control over the event and, as before, they would have to look for sponsors to shoulder the costs. Meanwhile, Shamcey Supsup—who represented the Philippines in Miss Universe 2011 and ended Third Runner-Up, said that it will be another great honor for the country to host the pageant again and will help the country’s new new candidate—Rachel Peters gain confidence. “I think we’ve worked hard for it so it’s a dream come true for the Philippines to be hosting Miss Universe competition successive-
Shamcey Supsup
ly. It really helped the Philippines to be known all over the world, the places we can offer,” Supsup told the media during the Celeteque event on May 30 where she was named #ThinkPlusBeautiful Ambassador. “Filipinas really have a different kind of confidence when it comes to the international stage and we saw it when the competition was held here. The stage presence is on a different level because of the supporters, it’s always a big help,” she added. According to Supsup, it is normal to have an added pressure to the country’s candidate especially when the pageant is held here, and there will be supporters as well as bashers along the way. “I told Maxene Medina before she competed in the Miss Universe here in January that there are downsides and advantages when it comes to having it here in our home country. But I said when I weigh it both, there are more advantages than the disadvantages,” she shared. “I told her—number one, you don’t have to be home sick because you’re here; two, if you forget anything you don’t have to be scared. like me, I was in Brazil, what if I forgot something, so I’ll feel sorry for me; and third is that since it’s in the Philippines, the loudest cheer will be for you so it will give you a boost of confidence,” she added.
Supsup further explained, “however, the only downside is that I think you will always be in the spotlight but it’s not really a bad thing. Whatever happens in the competition doesn’t really matter, what matters is how you compete and how you show the whole Philippines and the whole world what you can do. Whatever the results is not going to be on you but it’s the judges’ preference.” The Philippines hosted Miss Universe first in 1974, then in 1994, and to hold the pageant in the country for the fourth time, Supsup hopes that there will be some changes. “I hope the candidates will be able to go to more places around the country. I think the only problem here is that although I want them to go to far places as possible, I saw the hardship they’ve been through. Ideally, half of the girls go to a particular area, some of the girls in another place, so everybody will have time to rest. I saw the girls to be really tired. They went to one place in the morning, then they come back in the evening, and then the next day there is another event so I think they just need proper scheduling so that the girls will enjoy their stay here and not just work, work, and more work,” Supsup noted. Supsup said there is a possibility that the Philippines can win the crown for the fourth time after Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973) and Wurtzbach through Filipino-British Rachel Peters hails from the province of Camarines Sur. “I watched the local pageant, I told my friends when we were watching, Rachel showed everything that night, there was really something about her. When she was in her swimsuit and evening gown, you’ll feel like it was really meant to be. I hope it happens also when she competes in the Miss Universe,” she said. “I think it’s possible for us to win it again. She has to really just have trust in herself and not succumb to pressure. I hope she’d take it as an advantage competing on home court,” Supsup ended.
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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.
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B JUNE 3-6, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
LBC launches Calendar Design contest for Filipinos in US and Canada A NEW year ushers in new beginnings. What a better way to symbolize this new beginning but with a calendar that denotes the days we look forward to. that is why LBC UsA and Canada have come up with a competition that will preserve their customers’ artistry and vision with the 2018 calendar as their
canvass. the LBC Calendar Design competition was launched with the theme, “the Way We Move It in the Philippines”. Artwork must be able to clearly depict the unique ways Filipinos move, may it be through cultural activities like traditional or modern dancing or way of life like transportation.
According to Patricia Garcia, VP for sales and Operations in the Region, “We are extremely excited that our customers and their families can now participate in a nationwide contest where their artwork can be appreciated by their kababayans. More than that, we are happy that these artworks will all be showcased through a calendar, which is what our customers look forward to every turn of the year.” the art tilt is open to all LBC Customers and non-customers and their families. submission of entries will be from June 1 to July 31, 2017. Other details of the contest can be viewed at www.lbcexpress.com. twelve winners will be chosen, each to take home $500 with their artwork to be featured in LBC’s 2018 Collectible Calendar. Winners will be announced midAugust and calendar will be released by thanksgiving. through the contest, LBC hopes to celebrate the winning masterpieces as a means of bridging the love of their Filipino customers in UsA and Canada to their families and countrymen back home. LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & amp; warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered timesensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to- door delivery in the Philippines. today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1-800-10 8585-999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and twitter). (Advertising supplement)
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Gary V World Tour 2017 hits Pechanga Resort & Casino Theater on June 3 All tickets are now sold out!
It’s a date! World-renowned artist-singer, Gary Valenciano, once again hits centerstage in Pechanga Resort & Casino theater on June 3 at 8p.m., in his oneof-a-kind special World tour 2017 performance. Due to overwhelming response, all tickets are now sold out. thank you for all your passionate support. Pechanga Resort & Casino is wellknown for hosting the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers such as Megastar sharon Cuneta, the singer/ actress and tony Award winner Lea salonga, popular comedian and actor Vice Ganda, winner of “star Power search 2011” Angeline Quintos, international actress and top endorser Anne Curtis, and Pop star Princess sarah Geronimo—who all gave wholesome entertainment to the delight of the crowd. Not only fine dining, relaxation and entertainment, Pechanga Resort & Casino wish to provide the ultimate experience especially, to Filipino-American patrons. thus, Gary V, with 31 years of solid international exposure in the field of singing and dancing will ‘wow’ the crowd in this year’s opening extravaganza. Gary V, a singer/songwriter/musician, was born to a Puerto-Rican mother and a Filipino father. He remains consistently visible in the public eye since he began his career in 1983. At 18, he first burst on the Philippine music scene with look-a-like antics of Michael Jackson and Al Jarreau’s pyrotechniques. Of late, Gary V has released 32 albums including those released in the UsA and the Asian Region. the Pop idol has the most illustrious track record in the Philippine recording scene winning a total of 12 Awit (song) Awards (Us counterpart of Grammy Awards) in the Best Male Recording category alone. Aside from the critical acclaim given to his album releases, he has also been consistently collecting Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum awards for the sale of his products. His songs enjoy millions of hits online. the wide acceptance of his recordings has led many film producers to use his songs in the soundtrack of their movies. Likewise, Gary has starred in 14 full-length movies over the span of his career. As a concert performer winning global audience, Gary V stands head and shoulders with the
world’s best. He has performed with some of the most respected musicians and singers including Brian McKnight, George Duke, Julia Fordham, George Black, the Emotions, and Ricky Martin, to name a few. A UNICEF Ambassador of Goodwill, Gary V is also an international endorser of the prestigious sennheiser microphone, alongside with other famous singers as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Julio Iglesias, the Backstreet Boys and sting. this led Gary V to perform at the Musik Messe in Frankfurt, Germany— the world’s largest exhibit and convention of musical instruments and equipment dealers. At the height of his singing career, Gary V goes to great lengths to share his blessings to those who are less fortunate and as enduring artist maintains a regular sunday show—”AsAP 20”—aired in Manila and also globally through a Filipino cable network. shows in the Pechanga theater offer a comfortable and intimate concert experience. With 1,200 seats in its theater, each show features state-ofthe-art and acoustically perfected sound. Enjoying favorite artists at Pechanga versus other venues proves effortless with free valet and self-parking for guests, complimentary casino/resort shuttles, gourmet and casual dining options on site, plus comfortable chairs and an up-close view from every theater seat. Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United states. Voted the Number One Casino in America by readers of UsA tODAY and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway. Offering more than 3,400 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.Pechanga.com. (Advertising supplement)
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Morisette Amon, Angeline Quinto, Jonalyn Viray and Klarisse de Guzman
A night with the ‘Birit Queens’
By Monet
Lu
tO keep up with my social life, while at the same time support our local artists, I spent one melodious sunday watching the “Birit Queens” belt out a tune or two at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and it was phenomenal! I confess that I am not into the “birit” fad otherwise known as your voice hitting the highest notes similar to that of a whistle. think: Mariah Carey, Regine Velasquez or Lani Misalucha, but this concert was such a game changer for me. As expected though, the Birit Queens namely, Angeline Quinto, Jona, Morisette and Klarisse De Guzman were astounding. But what impressed me even more is how the entire event was so well coordinated. May I just add also that the stylist or wardrobe manager did a great job dressing the singers. their gowns were stunning but not too flashy to the point of overshadowing the one wearing it. Overall, it was wonderful experience for me. All four them are such amazing singers. I do have to say that out of all of them, Jona is my favorite. she can effortlessly switch her singing style. I feel that she sing as beautiful with or without belting the highest octave known to a human being. I am looking forward to watching them again perform. As for those who want to know more about the Birit Queens, read on. Angeline Quinto she is also known as “Queen
of teleserye theme songs.” After emerging as the “First Female Pop superstar at the “star Power: sharon’s search for the next Female Pop superstar,” Angeline released her debut/self-titled album under star Records. Her concert bio says, “the album has 14 tracks including the original, alternate, radio, extended remix and minus-one versions of ‘Patuloy Ang Pangarap’, her winning contest piece in the 1st search for the Next Female Pop superstar. Her self-titled album topped the list of best-selling albums for both local and foreign artists. It is considered the bestselling album of the first quarter of 2011.” Morissette Amon this Cebuana native made her Broadway debut in the Repertory Philippines’ Disney’s “Camp Rock: the Musical,” as the lead role of Mitchie torres and the rest, as they say, is history. Morissette later joined the first season of ABs-CBN’s singing competition, “the Voice of the Philippines.” While she did not came home as the grand champion, she had much success in her singing career as a recording artist. she had released her first album, selftitled, “Morissette,” which won her New Female Recording Artist of the Year by the 7th PMPC star Awards for Music. she also earned a regular spot in ABsCBN’s sunday afternoon musical variety show, “AsAP,” as well as recording theme songs to several popular drama series and movies. Jona At an early age, Jona has already made a name for herself. she joined several singing
competitions, and won as first grand champion of “Pinoy Pop superstar.” Jona then joined the trio girl group, La Diva, as lead vocalist. the group met much success, winning various music awards and earning several hits. she is now a mainstay on the ABs-CBN music variety program, “AsAP,” and has sung theme songs for several popular dramas on ABs-CBN. Klarisse de Guzman Her version of Celine Dion’s “All By Myself” paved the way for her to be discovered and compete with the big leagues. After Klarisse put her singing career on hold to continue her studies, she graduated in 2010 with a degree in music production. Klarisse found herself still yearning to perform and compete. she joined the first season of ABs-CBN’s “the Voice of the Philippines,” where she finished second. According to her online bio: “Klarisee continues to build her impressive resume with her self-titled debut album, local and overseas concerts, as well as her appearances on the ABs-CBN programs, ‘AsAP’ and ‘We Love OPM – the Celebrity sing-Offs,’ where is she is a mainstay.” *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning 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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EntErtainmEnt
Richard Gutierrez: The Mulawin is now a vampire by Deni Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com
“Dream come true.” That is how actor richard Gutierrez described his new character, the supreme vampire Sandrino, in aBS-CBN’s upcoming soap opera, “La Luna Sangre.” “Initially, very vague kasi ‘yung naging usapan, but when I read the script, the storyline and the character description, I knew right away that this project is perfect. To be portraying a vampire has always been a dream of mine as an actor and doing something like this as my first project for aBS-CBN is a really good path for me,” he explained this week in a press conference for the show. “Vampire—astig ‘yung character eh, so happy ako!” he declared. “Very challenging role! First time ko pa lang gagawin ‘to.” While taking cue from Hollywood vampires such as Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in “Interview with the Vampire” and Wesley Snipes in “Blade,” richard wants Sandrino to be different from the rest. “Originally talaga, one of my favorites is ‘Interview with the Vampire.’ I rewatched it when this offer came in…It was pretty good. I got some ideas there,” richard shared. “I have to dig deep for this character, prepare mentally, physically, research. Watch movies and series. I did my research also so I’d be aware of what vampire I’m going to be.” according to him, “That’s also the exciting and challenging part
Mulawin vs. La Luna: Richard Gutierrez trades his wings for fangs.
for me, to create my character Sandrino different from the rest. I’m thankful also that I’m surrounded by creative minds like direk Cathy molina.” “It’s a vampire role but we’re not really making it a dark character. We’re going to make it different by attacking it differently and having some light moments and we’re going to do the best we can to give life to Sandrino in a very collaborative way.” He said that though a vampire, Sandrino is not pure evil. “Maraming layers ‘yung character. ‘Di lang s’ya straight na character. Medyo dark ‘yung presence n’ya ngayon dahil sa mga pinagdaanan n’ya sa past, kaya ganun s’ya, kaya ganun ‘yung mga ginagawa n’ya… Pero ‘yung character n’ya marami pang revelations. Marami pang layers na ipapakita, so abangan n’yo na lang po!” He has taped a lot of episodes and hopes to be there for the entire run of the series.
Fans of the actor are surprised that instead of appearing in Gma’s “mulawin vs. ravena,” the sequel to “mulawin,” in which richard and angel Locsin originally starred in, richard headed for the TV show of the competitor network. “I’m thankful for what Gma has done for me through the years. They shaped who I am. But as an individual, as an actor, I’m happy where I am today. I’m thankful, but I’m also looking ahead,” richard explained. He is not scared of being pigeonholed as a fantasy series actor. “I’m doing different things. But I’m enjoying this process, these characters they give to me. “ When asked if he also bites his real-life partner, Sarah Lahbati, he said: “Minsan!” When asked with the follow-up question, “Gaano kadalas ang minsan?” richard quipped: “Ngayon ‘di na kasing dalas, pero mas madalas dalas bago nag-start ‘yung taping!”
Celebrities in Nepal: Kim Chiu bashed, Mikael Daez vlogs NePaL — Nepal, the landlocked country bordering China in the north and India in the south, east and west, is having a social media moment. Upon arriving in the capital Kathmandu last week, apparently to shoot a movie, young Kapamilya queen Kim Chiu had an unpleasant impression, posting on her Instagram that she felt: “like I’m in the set of ARGO movie or the TYRANT series, the people, the scenery, everything!!! like super! It feels like parang may maglalabs ng arm-alight tapos may magbabarilan or may maglalabas ng kutsilyo tas may kikidnapin, lalo na pag nakatingin sila sayo tas magsasalita ng nepali...” “argo” is the 2012 Oscar-winning film by Ben affleck about the 1979-1981 Iran hostage cri-
only about the wonderful time she is having there at the moment. In stark contrast, Kapuso hunk mikael Daez was all praises for the central Himalayan country during his trip there over Christmastime with his siblings Nicky, mauro and Chiara, and future brotherin-law Seb. On his recently posted vlog, Daez recounted his “magical” time Kim Chiu in Nepal. sis and the rescue of six U.S. “Getting there was tiring (mNLdiplomats.“Tyrant,” meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur-Kathmandu). But is a TV series set in a politically seeing Nepal was shocking! We volatile but fictional middle east- didn’t know much about the counern country. try so everything we saw was a Chiu was called out by fans for surprise,” he said. “Nepal is so her negative post, and she has similar to Baguio. The weather, the since deleted it. She, however, clothing, the traffic and pollution hashtagged her trip “#NePaL too hehe. First thing to do is eat the work + pleasure+learning experi- local food and it was really good!!” ence.” Since then, her posts are (Philstar.com)
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-6, 2017
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-6, 2017
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Help! I overstayed my visa! ernment (DHS) is represented are not able to return. With the administration’s ex- by an attorney from the Office pressed intent to step up enforce- of the Chief Counsel (OCC). The ment to cut down on the violation, noncitizen has the right to be there will be a greater focus on represented by an attorney at those who have overstayed their no cost to the government. If Atty. Devin Connolly visas. While fear of being arrest- he decides to represent himself, & nAnCy Miller ed and deported is a reasonable he is expected to comply with and understandable response, the appropriate legal and proWHEN the term “illegal im- noncitizens should remember cedural requirements. In court, migrant” is used, some assume that they do have due process the immigrant will be required that the discussion is about some- rights. And even once one has to plead to the facts and charges one who entered the United been taken into custody, he may contained in the NTA that assert why the alien States without Overstay means that a noncitizen violated the terms of should be representing themselves for the visa issued by remaining in the United States beyond moved. Pleadinspection at the time permitted. One who overstays her visa is out of ing means eiadmitting the air, sea or status, meaning, she is now here illegally. While overstay- ther that they are land border. However, “ille- ing a single day past the expiration of the visa is unlawful, t r u e a n d l e gal immigrant” overstaying becomes even more problematic when the non- gally approprican also apply citizen stays past 180 days but under one year because she ate or denying because they to one who entered legally then triggers a bar from returning to the United States for are factually inaccurate or but whose sta- three years when she exits the country. legally wrong. tus has expired. If the judge sustains the chargIn fact, more people become “il- apply for immigration benefits if es (finds they are factually true legal immigrants” by overstaying he is eligible for them. A noncitizen who is taken into and legally accurate), the alien visas than by entering without custody by the Department of will have the opportunity to apdocumentation. Overstay means that a nonciti- Homeland Security (DHS) can ex- ply for any relief for which he zen violated the terms of the visa pect to be placed in removal pro- may be eligible. He must file issued by remaining in the United ceedings by means of a Notice to the appropriate applications and States beyond the time permitted. Appear (NTA). The notice will set supporting evidence and present One who overstays her visa is out out the reasons why DHS believes oral testimony to support the apof status, meaning, she is now the immigrant is ineligible to re- plications. It is the alien’s burden here illegally. While overstaying main in the United States. Either to prove eligibility. As is clear, a single day past the expiration of it or a second document called a this is a complicated and complex the visa is unlawful, overstaying Notice of Hearing will set forth process. One should exercise his or her becomes even more problematic when and where the immigrant’s when the noncitizen stays past hearing is to be held. Failure to due process rights. One should 180 days but under one year be- appear at a hearing in removal also apply for all benefits for cause she then triggers a bar from court can result in an in-absentia which they are eligible. But in returning to the United States for removal order. That means that order to do so, one must know three years when she exits the the alien is ordered removed what they are. Therefore, anyone country. This unlawful presence without ever having appeared in who is not in status should consult penalty increases to a ten-year bar court. Exceptional circumstances with an experienced and knowlwhen she leaves after overstaying beyond the alien’s control are the edgeable immigration lawyer to only acceptable reason for failure discuss their options. by more than one year. Some immigration benefits re- to appear. And, unless the im*** quire the alien to leave the United migration court judge knows of Reeves, Miller, Zhang & Diza Law Corporation’s States to complete processing those circumstances in advance, offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San through the U.S. Consulate in she will issue the in-absentia re- Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City. their home country but because moval order. In order to then have Telephone: (800) 795-8009 they have been here illegally, her day in court, the immigrant E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com they invoke the bar as soon as will have to timely file a motion Website: www.rreeves.com. they depart in order to pursue to reopen the proceedings. There *** the benefit they seek. A waiver is no guarantee that the motion The analysis and suggestions offered in of the bar is possible if one can will be granted. It is up to the im- this column do not create a lawyer-client prove that their U.S. citizen or migrant to prove that her reason relationship and are not a substitute for the lawful permanent resident parent for not appearing meets the legal personalized representation that is essential or spouse - NOT child - would requirements. to every case. In court, the United States govsuffer extreme hardship if they (Advertising Supplement)
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Minding Your Finances
Community Journal
Drowning in debt but too afraid to ask for help?
month. Is this insane or what? If your finances are out of control, you need to do something about this situation- the sooner the better. A word of advice (and you can take it with a grain of salt, it’s up to you): Don’t let yourself drown in debt and ruin your future. If you need to get a fresh financial start by eliminating debts or at least consolidating your bills, remember that we also have bankruptcy laws that can help you get out of the financial mess that you may be in. Debt problems can happen to anyone and there is no need to be embarrassed in asking for help. What’s worse is recognizing that there is a problem and doing nothing about it. Don’t be discouraged. It’s not the end of the world. If you have made mistakes in the past, well, who hasn’t? You don’t need to face debt problems alone. Help is available but you need to take action. For a free CONFIDENTIAL attorney consultation, please call Toll-Free 1-866-4777772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia.
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12 ways to avoid an IRS audit
Tax Tips
that can accumulate and catch attention. 6. Do not exceed national averages for donations, mortgage interest, or taxes if you do not have documentation. IRS computers compare your deductions with others in your income bracket. Excess deductions could increase your DIF score, a secret IRS formula to select returns with the highest probability of helping reduce budget deficits via audits. 7. Do not boast about how you got away with undeclared income or manufactured deductions. Ever heard of whis-
C (Income from Business or Profession) with an attractive net loss. Avoid low gross receipts and few but unusually high expenses. 10. Do not consistently file late returns. It speaks of a taxpayer who disregards tax laws. It points to a taxpayer who is fair game for scrutiny. 11. Do not submit shoddy tax returns. A shoddy return speaks of a disorganized person who probably does not keep good records—a good catch for an IRS agent. 12. Do not go to unprofessional tax preparers who promise big refunds even if you have little withholding. You could be solving a tax dollar problem with bigger taxes, penalties, and interest. Mas problemas.
HAVE you ever faced a situation in your life where you needed help so badly but you were just too afraid to ask for it? Perhaps you felt confused and overwhelmed with the problem that you spent sleepless nights trying to figure out what to do. Or maybe you were afraid of being judged, I don’t know. As a bankruptcy attorney, over the years I have met a lot of people who were simply too fearful or even embarrassed to seek help with their debt problems. Of course, this is perfectly understandable. After all, financial matters are often too personal that we don’t even share this kind of information with our family or closest friends. The result is often isolation and loneliness. If people only knew what you were going through, maybe they could have extended a helping hand or at least offer to help you get professional help. But unless you open up, people don’t have the foggiest idea about what you’re going through. So what do you do? A lot of people tell me that on the outside, everything looks good as if they were doing fine, financially speaking. At least that’s what everyone thinks. They have good jobs, live in nice homes, they drive fancy
cars and they own expensive things. These people look financially successful in the eyes of the world. But unbeknownst to everyone, these people are harboring a deep secret: Nobody knows that everything that they have was purchased on credit and they could hardly afford to make the payments each month!!! These people are in debt to their eyeballs and no one has the slightest idea about what they are going through. I am sorry if this offends some people reading this but this is the REALITY that I see everyday. At the end of a long day, these people can’t even get a good night’s sleep because they are worried sick about how their next paycheck will cover all their bills. They get this sick feeling in their stomach just thinking about the pile of bills on their kitchen table that they haven’t been able to pay. The world thinks that they are financially successful- so how can they let anyone down? They need to keep up with the image that the world has of them and they don’t want to disappoint anyone. So day after day, they continue to live with this “secret” that nobody knows. Deep inside, it’s driving them crazy. What do you think these people do in order to keep up with what they have? That’s right. They continue to borrow, which gets them in an even bigger financial hole month after
Immigration Corner
What to do if you lose at the Board of Immigration Appeals
Atty. RAymond BulAon
Atty. BRiAn leRneR QUESTION: I am so sad. I lost at the Immigration Court and then I lost at the Board of Immigration Appeals. Is there anywhere else to go and anything else I can do to try to stay here in the U.S.? Answer: Yes. You are eligible to file a Petition for Review to the Circuit Court of Appeals. Petitions for review must be filed and received by the court no later than 30 days after the date of the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This deadline is jurisdictiona. The 30-day deadline for filing a petition for review
is not extended either by filing a motion to reopen or reconsider or by the grant or extension of voluntary departure. Separate petitions for review must be filed for each BIA decision, including issues arising from the denial of a motion to reopen or reconsider. ICE can deport an individual before the 30-day deadline to file a petition for review Filing a petition for review does not stay the individual’s removal from the country; Instead, a separate request for a stay must be filed with the court. Filing a petition for review terminates the voluntary departure order, with one exception. A petition for review may be litigated even if the individual has been removed. However, you probably want to stay here, so try to get the
*** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 4777772. (Advertising Supplement)
Motion to Stay promptly filed. Question: That’s good to hear. However, what exactly is a ‘petition for review’? Answer: A petition for review is the document filed by, or on behalf of, an individual seeking review of an agency decision in a circuit court of appeals. In the immigration context, a petition for review is filed to obtain federal court review of a removal, deportation or exclusion decision issued by the BIA. In addition, a petition for review may be filed to obtain review of a removal order issued by ICE under a few very limited specific provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Question: So what can you challenge in the Petition for Review? Answer: A challenge to a BIA
VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA
1. DO not hide interest and dividend income from the IRS, even if your spouse may not be aware of some savings and stock brokerage accounts. Remember Murphy’s Law—your bitter half will learn about it at a worse time later when IRS sends notice of unreported income or notice of audit. Malo. 2. Similarly, do not estimate income from interest, dividend, i n d e pendent contract, partnerships, S-Corporations, or LLCs. Banks, stock brokers and entities send exact amounts of your income to IRS via form 1099s and K-1s. Estimates are bad. They generate mismatch - the main source of correspondence audits. 3. Do not estimate mortgage interest because lenders send exact amounts via form 1098 to IRS. TIP: Request copy of form 1098. Go online to lender website for interest paid. 4. Do not claim unsupported charitable contributions or use big round numbers that look like guesstimates. 5. Do not dump amounts into “miscellaneous” deductions
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Avoid low gross receipts and few but unusually high expenses.
or ICE decision may involve legal, constitutional, factual, and/or discretionary claims. In general, (1) legal claims assert that BIA/ICE erroneously applied or interpreted the law (e.g., the INA or the regulations); (2) constitutional challenges assert that BIA/ICE violated a constitutional right (e.g., due process or equal protection); (3) factual claims assert that certain findings of fact made by BIA/ICE were erroneous; and (4) discretionary claims assert BIA/ICE abused its discretion by the manner in which it reached its conclusion.
To Live With Faith ReVeRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAS MANY years ago when I was an associate pastor, there was a young man named Nick who spoke boldly in front of hundreds of his fellow youth about his Christian faith. He was filled joy, passion and courage as he shared his faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He spoke with genuine concern for his peers, convincing them to turn their hearts to God who loves them unconditionally. “The longest journey in life is the journey of the heart,” he proclaimed these words, referring to his conversion. These were words that got stuck in my mind and heart. And I have often wondered how a young man like him got this wisdom. It’s true — the longest journey is the journey of the heart. I see this more now that I am involved in the field of teaching. Many times the movement of the mind to the heart is hard for students to practice. It’s not even easy for many professors and leaders to practice it because it requires inwardness, honesty, vulnerability, humility, selflessness, and ultimately conversion. Parker J. Palmer attests to
tleblowers? They earn rewards of 15% to 30% of your assessments. If you have a tendency to be creative, keep it to yourself. Just shut up. Better yet, stop being creative. Remember the law of averages. Remember Murphy’s Law. 8. Do not be careless in organizing records and preparing tax returns if you belong to an industry that traditionally transacts in cash. Recent studies have identified small business owners and independent contractors that do not declare cash collections and therefore are inviting targets for IRS agents. 9. Do not be complacent about submitting Schedule
Keep in mind that the 30-day deadline for filing a petition for review of the underlying decision is not extended by the filing of a motion to reopen or reconsider, nor is it extended by the grant or extension of voluntary departure. To obtain review of issues arising from a BIA decision and issues arising from the denial of a motion to reopen or reconsider, separate petitions for review of each BIA decision must be filed. It is quite complex to properly do a Petition for Review, so be sure that you get a qualified immigration at-
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*** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** 2�e �e has ��� years of e�perience in defending ta�payers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. �e is publishing a book on his e�pertise - “�OW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email ta� questions at vicsy@live.com. (Advertising Supplement)
torney to get it filed for you. *** Atty. Brian D. Lerner has been an Immigration Attorney for nearly a quarter of a century. �e 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. �e is a certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Legal Board of Specialization, California State Bar. The initial consultation is free. Call (�62) 49�-����4 and/or send an e-mail to blerner@californiaimmigration.us. (Advertising Supplement)
The journey of the heart
this human condition in his book, The Courage To Teach: “Many of us became teachers for reasons of the heart, animated by a passion for some subject and for helping people learn. But many of us lose heart as the years of teaching go by. How can we take heart in teaching once more so that we can, as good teachers always do, give heart to our students?” Palmer contends that it is the journey of the heart that would bring salvation not only to each person but also to the society. He alludes to the wisdom of Vaclav Havel, poet, and man of practical affairs and leader in the Velvet Revolution that liberated Czechoslovakia from Soviet rule. Havel says: “The…experience I’m talking about has given me one certainty:…the salvation of this human world lies nowhere else than in the human heart, in the human power to reflect, in human meekness and human responsibility. Without a global revolution in human consciousness, nothing will change for the better, and the catastrophe toward which this world is headed…will be unavoidable.” Indeed, not too many people are not listening to and discerning the movement of their hearts. The technical world mesmerizes them than the inward world. If they would only
look deeply into their hearts— what God is telling them to do to bring freedom, justice, and well-being to others, to their countries and their lives, then their lives would become more peaceful and fulfilling. In the Christian world, Easter season is a journey of mystagogy —the period in which the Church explains the meaning of the Sacraments to those who have newly received them. May this season be also a journey of mystagogy for all us, when we take the journey of mind to heart to receive the truth of our faith and of ourselves, destined to be partners with God in bringing life and light into this world! May the power of the Holy Spirit during this Pentecost Sunday illumine our hearts to advocate against all forms of violence, warm, and terrorism to that all people will live in peace! ***
From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. �e served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2����1). In 2����1, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of ImmAaculate �eart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2����2, which lasted 12 years. �is term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2��14.
New I-94 Feature: Check your last possible departure date online dent visa holder (F1)’s allowLAST May 31, 2017, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection able stay is “duration of stay”, of the Department of Homeland which is the day of completion Security issued an advisory that of the academic program plus the CBP will now remind travelsixty (60) days grace period. ers to the US of their last posThe I-94, Arrival and Desible departure date, according parture Record, is of utmost to the terms of their admission, importance because it is in two (2) ways: by email and proof of lawful entry into the through a new feature in the US which is used to verify I-94 website. Travelers under alien registration, immigrathe Visa Waiver program can tion status, and employment now check online how long authorization. For instance, they can legally remain in the Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos any alien who wishes to adU.S. and ensure they are in just status must present proof full compliance with the terms of their admis- of admission into the US, i.e., an immigrasion. The CBP advised that additional non-im- tion officer inspected and admitted the alien. migration travelers will also be able to do the As you may be aware, CBP electronically cresame in further updates to the I-94 website. ates an I-94 for each arriving alien in a non-imThe class of admission of the traveler deter- migrant status. In lieu of a paper copy of the mines his period of admission in the US. Upon I-94, an annotated entry stamp in the alien’s an alien’s arrival at the port of entry, the U.S. passport is provided. A copy of the alien’s I-94 immigration inspector/CBP official determine is available online free of charge. Prior to April the alien’s length of visit - either an admitted- 30, 2013, all aliens admitted to the US in a nonuntil date or “D/S” (duration of status). For in- immigrant visa status were required to fill-up a stance, the maximum length of stay of a visitor form, Form I-94, Arrival and Departure Record, visa holder (B1/B2 visa) is six (6) months from u PAGE C3 the date of arrival. On the other hand, a stu-
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-6, 2017
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When is an employment termination ‘wrongful’? Reinstatement for surviving beneficiaries on
Q: I worked in a company for over 10 years. Protecting A new supervisor and I do not get along. Last Employee week, the company let & Consumer me go without any explanation. I don’t have any Rights disciplinary record. Can Atty. C. Joe sAyAs, Jr. the company just fire me without a good reason? A: Yes, an employer may fire an employee without a good reason. Employment in California is considered to be “at-will.” The employment-at-will doctrine states that either the employer or the employee may end the employment relationship at any time. Therefore, an employee can quit his or her job for any reason at any time. Likewise, the employer may terminate the employment at any time, even if the employee’s job performance has been excellent. The employer may also terminate employees for unfair reasons such as nepotism or favoritism. The employer may even terminate the employee for no reason at all. However, there are limitations to an employer’s freedom to terminate employees at will. One of these limitations may arise when the employee has a contract with the employer who agrees that the employee can only be fired for “good cause” or “just cause.” This may be true, for example, in the collective bargaining agreement of employees who are union members. A second, and more important, limitation is that an employer may not terminate employees for an illegal reason. An illegal “reason” behind the termination will render the termination “wrongful” or “unlawful.” A termination is illegal if it is based on discriminatory intent or is a violation of public policy. Discriminatory intent pertains to discrimination based on such protected characteristics as age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, and even union affiliation. A termination is also illegal if it violates public policy. This means that the termi-
nation is likely illegal if the employee was fired because: The employee refused to violate a statute (e.g., the employee refused to commit an illegal act) The employee performed a statutory obligation (e.g., the employee was absent in order to serve in a jury) The employee exercised a statutory right or privilege (e.g., the employee declined to take a polygraph examination) The employee reported a statutory violation for the public’s benefit (e.g., the employee reported the employer’s illegal act to a government or law enforcement agency – this is also known as “whistleblowing”) A termination may also be wrongful if the employer was retaliating against the employee for registering internal complaints regarding the safety of the employer’s products or for refusing to engage in nonconsensual sexual acts. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who opposed unlawful practices, filed complaints, testified, assisted, or participated in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing conducted by a government agency. Terminations can be difficult situations, particularly where employees see the employer as unfair. Unfortunately, an employer’s unfair conduct may not necessarily be illegal. But if there is a discriminatory or retaliatory motive behind the firing, the employee should consult with an experienced employment attorney to determine available remedies under the law.
*** 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)
Disclosure of text messages, e-mails and facebook info of a spouse or significant other may constitute domestic violence DOMESTIC violence is abuse perpetrated against a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, a girlfriend, a boyfriend, the mother or father of your child, your child. Family Code Section 6211. Abuse is not limited to the actual infliction of physical injury or assault. Family Code, § 6203(b). A court may issue an order enjoining specific acts of “abuse” (§ 6218, subd. (a)), which are defined as, among other things, behavior that could be enjoined under section 6320. (§ 6203, subd. (d).) Section 6320, in turn, permits a court to enjoin a party from engaging in various types of behavior, including “disturbing the peace of the other party.” (§ 6320, subd. (a).) “[T]he plain meaning of the phrase ‘disturbing the peace of the other party’ in section 6320 may be properly understood as conduct that destroys the mental or emotional calm of the other party.” (In re Marriage of Nadkarni (2009) 173 Cal.App.4th 1483, 1497, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723 (Nadkarni ).) The phrase includes “destroying the mental or emotional calm of [a former spouse] by accessing, reading and publicly disclosing her confidential e-mails.” (Id. at p. 1498, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723.) The expansion of the term “disturbing the peace” to cover accessing, reading, and publicly disclosing electronic communication has profound effect in every divorce and family law case. In Nadkarni, a former wife alleged that her ex-husband had accessed her private e-mail account while she was away on a business trip, then attached copies of the e-mails to documents filed in proceedings regarding custody of their teenaged children. In re Marriage of Nadkarni (2009) 173 Cal. App.4th 1483, 1497, 93 Cal. Rptr.3d 723. She sought a permanent restraining order, but the trial court denied it without a hearing after finding that the DVPA did not cover situations in which there was no physical harm alleged. The appellate court reversed and remanded the matter to the trial court for a hearing. It held that the definition of abuse under the DVPA is not limited to the infliction of physical injury or assault. Id. at pp. 1498, 1501, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723. In Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney, husband’s actions in releasing and threatening to re-
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes lease personal data downloaded from wife’s cell phone constituted “disturbing the peace of the other party” and thus “abuse” which warranted restraining order. In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal. Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) Phrase “disturbing the peace of the other party” in injunction provision of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA) includes destroying the mental or emotional calm of a former spouse by accessing, reading and publicly disclosing her confidential e-mails. Cal. Fam. Code § 6320. In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal. Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) Husband’s actions in releasing and threatening to release personal data downloaded from wife’s cell phone constituted “disturbing the peace of the other party” and thus “abuse” which warranted restraining order under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA). Cal. Fam. Code §§ 6218(a), 6300, 6320(a). In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal. Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) In Evilsizor, Ms. Evilsizor testified that it had been “incredibly incredibly difficult to deal with” the dissemination of her personal information, stating, “I have sleepless nights. I’m sick to my stomach. My friends are mad at me, embarrassed as if I let him. I didn’t know he was even doing any of this. My parents are upset, you know. Why did I marry him? I didn’t know that things were going—I didn’t know. Yeah. It’s been incredibly challenging to live with.” She further testified that she had suffered shock and embarrassment and feared for her safety because of the disclosure. Evilsizor also was concerned about Sweeney’s threats to reveal information to the Internal Revenue Service about “things
[she] didn’t do.” The court concluded in the Evilsizor case that even if Sweeney legally obtained Evilsizor’s information, an issue left unresolved, it was authorized under the DVPA to enjoin the disclosure or threats of disclosure of the information to protect Evilsizor’s peace of mind. The court ordered Sweeney be “prohibited from using, delivering, copying, printing or disclosing the messages or content of [Evilsizor’s] text messages or e-mail messages or notes, or anything else downloaded from her phone or from what has been called the family computer except as otherwise authorized by the court.” Sweeney also was prohibited from trying to access or otherwise interfere with Evilsizor’s internet-service provider accounts or social-media accounts. Text messages, E-mails, Social media, and other electronic communication has become a common and inseparable part of today’s lifestyle. Accessing, reading, and publicly disclosing electronic communication of an ex, spouse, or sgnificant other has profound effect in every divorce and family law case. A finding of domestic violence against a party can affect the rulings on custody and spousal support issues. If your divorce or family law matter involves your ex, spouse, or significant other downloading and disclosing confidential electronic communication, one has to consider taking appropriate action in the case to be protected from conduct which is regarded as abuse under the California domestic violence statute. ***
Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. (Advertising Supplement)
New I-94 Feature: Check...
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and present the same to the CBP Officer who then stamps the form and gives the final approval for admission of the alien. Starting last September 29, 2016, travelers to the U.S. can apply and pay for their I-94 online up to seven (7) days prior to their entry. The CBP hopes that this will expedite travelers’ entry to the US by providing their biographic and travel information online, and paying the $6
fee ahead of their arrival date. 284-5984 or (626) 329-8215. Atty. Santos’ If you are contemplating office is located at 3450 Wilshire Blvd., of filing bankruptcy, it is ad- Suite 1200-105, Los Angeles, CA 90010. visable to seek the counsel *** of a bankruptcy lawyer to Information contained in this article does not, nor guide you on the intricacies is it intended to, constitutes legal advice for any of filing for such a petition. specific situation and does not create a lawyer*** Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos is a member of the State Bar of California and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. To schedule for a free initial in-person consultation, please call Tel. Nos. (213)
client relationship. It likewise does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
(Advertising Supplement)
an I-130 petition filed by a deceased relative
DEAR Attorney Tan, My U.S. Citizen mother filed an I-130 immigrant petition on my behalf, which has a priority date in February 2000 and which has been approved. She filed the I-130 petition after I came to the U.S. in 1999 as a tourist from the Philippines. Since my arrival, I have lived in the U.S. and have been out of status. Since I was petitioned as an unmarried adult daughter, I was advised that I had to wait several years to get a green card. Recently, my mother passed away. Can I still get a green card through my mother’s petition? -Apparently In Limbo Dear Apparently In Limbo, When your mother passed away, the I-130 that was approved on your behalf was revoked by operation of law pursuant to 8 CFR Section 205.1. However, depending on the facts of a particular case, all is not lost. You may be eligible to get a green card pursuant to INA Section 204(L). Under INA Section 204(L), relief from an automatic revocation of an I-130 petition is available to certain surviving relatives. Surviving relatives who are eligible to seek 204(L) relief include a 1) principal or derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a deceased permanent resident or U.S. Citizen, and 2) derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen where the principal beneficiary has died. Section 204(L) relief is also available to derivative beneficiaries in I-140 employment-based petitions where the principal beneficiary has died. Another requirement for Section 204(L) relief is that the person seeking relief must have “residence” in the US. What is meant by “residence?” It is your primary home or principal actual dwelling place. At least one beneficiary must have resided in the U.S. when the petitioning relative died, and must continue to reside in the U.S. when seeking Section 204(L) relief. It is worth noting that all beneficiaries of a petition can benefit from Section 204(L) relief as long as at least one of the beneficiaries meets the residence requirement. Further, although “residence” is required, Section 204(L) does not require actual physical presence in the U.S. when the relative died. In your case, it appears that you are eligible to obtain a green card. You are a principal beneficiary of an I-130 petition filed by your U.S. citizen mother. Further, you appear to meet the residence requirement in that you have been in the U.S. since your arrival in 1999—you resided in the U.S. when your mother passed away, and currently reside in the U.S. A check of the USCIS visa bulletin indicates the priority date for the I-130 petition filed by your mother on your behalf is current, so you can file an I-485 adjustment of status application, requesting reinstatement of the I-130 petition filed by your mother pursuant to Section 204(L). As a sidenote, Section 204(L) relief is also available if one’s relative died while the I-130 was pending, not only after the I-130 petition was approved. Section 204(L) relief therefore is broader than Humanitarian Reinstatement of a petition under 8 CFR Section 205.1, which can only be requested by the principal beneficiary when the petitioner him/herself has died, and after approval of an I-130. Relief under Section 204(L) is discretionary, and can be denied if factors in support of relief are not presented properly. It is accordingly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced attorney. *** 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.
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What is meant by residence? It is your primary home or principal actual dwelling place.
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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)
C JUNE 3-6, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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alendar of Events
Community Journal
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across merica
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS JUNE 10
119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day in Carson, CA The Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc. (PIDF), in conjunction with the City of Carson, GMA Life TV, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA News TV, and Tesoro, will celebrate the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day at the Carson Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Street, Carson, CA 90745) on Saturday, June 10. Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the non-stop, day-long event that will be jam-packed with entertainment and activities featuring the rich, beautiful, and spirited Filipino heritage. The eventful day kicks off with a flag raising ceremony at 7:30 a.m., followed by an ecumenical service and a community mass. The parade — to be headed by 119th Philippine Independence Grand Marshal, Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz of the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles, and to be participated in by a multitude of community organizations and associations from all across Southern California — will be at about 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by the daylong program featuring talented performers from across the South Bay, Southern California, and beyond! The program will be headlined by none other than GMA Network Kapuso’s Primetime Queen Marian Rivera and Primetime King Dingdong Dantes! In addition to the live entertainment, cultural center, food booths, exhibits, vendors, PWC’s Jeepney, chess tournament, and children’s area, there will also be a bone marrow drive for Fil-Am LAPD Officer Matthew Medina. This event would not possible without the leadership of Councilmember Elito M. Santarina, the hard work of our dedicated PIDF Trustees and volunteers, and of course the generosity of our sponsors; Tesoro Refining and Marketing LLC, Waste Management, Carson Companies, KL Fenix, Watson Land, Community Dynamics, IBEW Local 11 &NECA Los Angeles, Nationwide Environmental Services, Brea Canon Oil Co., Inc., Leelin Bakery & Cafe, and Kellogg Garden Products. For more information or any questions, please email pidf.info@gmail.com.
JUNE 11
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.
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.
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Client seeks Chapter 13 relief for mortgage default, credit cards; Senior seeks Chapter 7 for relief for 40K credit cards CLIENT is 48, married, and has a good job paying him $100K gross a year. A family emergency has caused him some financial hardship because money meant to pay for the house and credit cards were used instead for medical expenses of his brother abroad. Brother is only 35 and single and lives abroad, waiting his turn to receive his visa to migrate here. Another 4 years to wait. Brother has a good job abroad working as representative in a call center. He makes about $700 a month. For a single person making $700 a month, and just waiting for his visa to come to the Promised Land, life can’t get much better. No responsibilities; enough money to spend; and good health. What else can a guy ask for? On weekends, he goes scuba diving about 40 miles off the capital. He says its very enjoyable because going under water with a lot of live corrals and fish to see is “like traveling to another planet”. However, lately, brother noticed that his legs were getting “fatter.” The doctor says that his legs are starting to retain water because he has some kind of heart problem. Thoracic and cardiac surgery had to be performed immediately as otherwise his physical condition would rapidly deteriorate and he could very well die from cardiac arrest! Not cool. Brother had no medical insurance to pay for the surgery and medical expenses estimated at $20K. The family depends on client for financial help because at $100K gross a year, client does have the resources to help. And since he loves his younger brother, client sends the $20K by not paying his mortgage and using $10K of credit cards. So that’s done. The surgery is performed and brother has a new lease on life. Thanks be to our God Almighty, Yahweh, and His beloved son, Jesus Christ! Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to Him, “You are my defender and protector. You are my God;
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrence yAng in you I trust.” He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. This is what Moses said in Psalm 91 so it is true. Moses was as close as a man could get to our God. After the family emergency, client is now behind 3 mortgage payments, is faced with $20K of credit cards. He also owes $5K to the IRS for 2016. He has sent this month’s mortgage payment to
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receives social security and a work related pension that gives her a combined gross of $2400 monthly. She still works full time as a caregiver and is paid $1800 gross monthly. So, she has $4200 monthly. Not too bad. The problem is that she owes $40K of credit cards. She needs $1500 to make minimum monthly payments on these cards, which she has kept for the last 10 years. To make a long story short, she has paid $180K on $40K of credit cards for the last 10 years but still owes today the same $40K. This is why Visa is a good stock to own. It makes tons of your money! As a result, everything that she makes from the full time job goes to pay her credit cards. Chapter 7 will wipe out all of the $40K credit cards so she can start saving her net take home pay from her caregiving job. It’s about time. At 74, she certainly needs to be able to save all of the money she makes. She really should have filed for Chapter 7 ten years ago. If she did, then she would have $180K in the bank saved up today, wouldn’t she? If you are saddled with debt, now is the time to get them discharged. Better now than later when you are about to retire. But if you have not yet gotten rid of your debts yet and you are now a senior, believe me, you need to get rid of your debts now that your income is less than half of what it was when you were younger. If you need bankruptcy relief, please call my office for an appointment and I will analyze your case personally. “THERE WILL BE NO MORE NIGHT. PEOPLE IN HEAVEN WILL NOT NEED THE LIGHT OF A LAMP OR THE LIGHT OF THE SUN, FOR THE LORD GOD WILL GIVE THEM LIGHT. AND THEY WILL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER. “ REVELATION 22:5
If you are saddled with debt, now is the time to get them discharged. Better now than later when you are about to retire. the bank. But that payment has been returned to him with a notice that the bank will be sending him a notice of default with intent to foreclose soon if he does not send the bank 4 payment or $12K. The best relief for this kind of financial situation is Chapter 13. Why? First, Chapter 13 will stop the foreclosure process upon filing. So client does not have to worry about losing his house to foreclosure. Second, client will be given 5 years to pay the default of $12K without interest. Third, he will also be given 5 years to pay the $20K of credit cards and the $5K of back taxes. So, Chapter 13 gives client a breathing time of 5 years to handle his mortgage default, his credit cards, and his back taxes. During all this time, client is immune from all collection efforts of creditors, including foreclosure of house, lawsuits, garnishment, and liens. Second client is 74. Pretty much a senior but doesn’t look a day over 60. She is now a widow. Her husband predeceased her 5 years ago. Her single daughter lives with her and they help each other. Her income is still ok. She
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*** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
People and Events
25th Annual Grand Coronation of our Blessed Mother THE Heart of Mary Ministry invites you, family and friends to take part in the 25th Annual Grand Coronation of our Blessed Mother on Saturday, June 17, at 11:30 a.m. at the Precious Blood Catholic Community Church, 435 South Occidental Blvd., Los Angeles. Let us Join together in the Novena Mass and procession to honor our Mother who loves and cares for each and every one of us. Precious Blood parking lot addresses: 1. Precious Blood Church, 421 S. Occidental Blvd., Los Angeles 2. Precious Blood Church, 416 S. Hoover St., Los Angeles 3. Precious Blood School, 307 S. Occidental Blvd., corner 3rd St. and Occidental Blvd., Los Angeles
City of Carson awards key to Paranaque mayor ON MAY 25, the City of Carson awarded its prestigious key to Paranaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez during the latter’s visit. Olivarez was welcomed by Carson Mayor Albert Robles and Councilmem-
ber Elito M. Santarina. True to its motto, “Future Unlimited,” Carson is a growing economy and a culturally diverse community with Filipinos occupying a good percentage of
the population. During his visit, Olivarez and his entourage observed how the city functions, visited departments and facilities, learned about its programs and how these are sustained.
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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.
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
Edwin ‘EJ’ Olivarez, Jr, Councilman Elito M. Santarina, Mayor Albert Robles of Carson, Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Janet Olivarez, Christine Olivarez, Ira Bautista and Pablo Olivarez II
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Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS WHAT is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is malignant tumor of the cervix (mouth of the womb). It is the second most cancer in women and the third most common gynecologic cancer, the second being cancer of the ovary. The most common gynecologic malignancy is endometrial (inner wall of womb) cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in women. The first being cancer of the breasts, followed by colorectal cancer and lung cancer. Cervical cancer develops in women at the mean age of 50 years old, although it can occur in women as young as 20. In the Philippines it is the number 2 most common form of cancer among women. In the United States it accounts for least 3000 mortality, and globally, about 300,000, annually. How prevalent is cervical cancer? In the Philippines, there are about 5,000 new cases of cervical cancer each year. However, more alarming than that is the fact that there are between 10,000 to 25,000 women walking around (not seen by physician) who have undiagnosed pre-invasive lesions in their cervix. If diagnosed early, these women could be saved. For every four survivors of breasts cancer, there are less than 3 women who survive cervical cancer, which shows how virulent cervical cancer is. What causes cervical cancer? Human Papilloma Virus (HPV, also known as genital herpes virus) accounts for most, if not all, cervical cancers. At least 50% of sexually active men and women are infected with genital HPV, especially those with multiple partners. There are about 20 million American men and women infected with HPV, many linked with abnormal pap tests, genital warts and cervical cancer. It is estimated that 10,370 new cases of cervical cancers will be discovered in 2005. Between half a million to a million Americans have genital warts, transmitted thru sexual contacts. Is there cure for cervical cancer? Better than the cure! A vaccine that prevents cervical cancer has just been discovered, and was found to be “effective 100%, in the short term, at blocking the cancer and lesions likely to turn to cancer”
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Anti-cervical cancer (like the pre-invasive lesions), according to drug manufacturer, Merck & Co. What is this “new” wonder drug? The vaccine, which is genetically engineered, is Gardasil, which blocks infection caused by two of the more than 100 types of human papilloma virus (HPV), strains 16 and 18. These two sexually transmitted viruses are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers. HPV, in one form or the other, afflicts about 20 million Americans. The other strains of the virus cause painful genital warts, and sometimes, cervical cancers too. Part III clinical trials in 225,000 women worldwide are underway How good is the study? Excellent. The final stage investigation on Gardasil involved 10,559 sexually active women (ages 16 to 26 in the United States and in 12 other countries) who did NOT have HPV 16 or 18 infection. One half of the subjects were given 3 vaccine shots over 6 months, while the other half (control group) received the placebo (dummy) shots. Among those who got Gardasil were still virus-free after 6 months and none of them developed cervical cancer or precancerous lesions over the 2 year follow-up. Twenty one in the control group had precancerous lesions and cervical cancers.” To have 100 percent efficacy is something that you have very rarely,” Dr. Eliav Barr, Merck’s head of clinical development for Gardasil, told The Associated Press. How early should the vaccine be given? Students in grammar school, middle school and high school should be vaccinated before they become sexually active, because once they catch HPV infection, there is no cure; herpes is for life. This was the recommendation of Dr. Gloria Bachmann, director of The Women’s Health Institute at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Brunswick, NJ., who said this vaccine is a “phenomenal breakthrough.” Prophylaxis Gardasil vaccination comprehensively eliminates HPV 16 and 18 associated non-invasive and invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also cuts down infection with HPV 6 and 11, the causes of 90% of genital warts. Is Gardasil limited to cervical cancer prevention? No. The US Food and Drug Administration approved Merck’s application for the distribution and sale of Gardasil on June 8, 2006
for ages 9 to 26 for the prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV related diseases. On September 15, 2008, the US FDA approved the expanded use of Gardasil for the prevention of certain vulvar and vaginal cancers. This vaccine is in head-to-head competition with a rival (Cervarix) from GlaxoSmithKline, a UK-based company. As the good old cliché goes “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” Is Gardasil also used for boys? Yes, since boys are potential spreader of sexually transmitted diseases, the FDA recommendation includes giving the Gardasil 9 vaccine to boys and young men (ages 9-26) since October 16, 2009. On December 22, 2010, the FDA recommended its use to prevent genital warts and anal cancer. There are some parents who objected to having their young sons be vaccinated with this vaccine, fearing its potential complication, in spite of clinical evidence showing the vaccine’s medically accepted standard level of safety. This unfortunate controversy has left many of these boys and young men exposed to the these venereal diseases and their potential role as carriers and spreaders of sexually-transmitted illnesses. It is indeed a big waste of billions of dollars and manpower, time, and resources spent in the laboratory experiments and researches that led to the discovery of this wonderful life-saving vaccine that has been clinically proven to be very effective (at least 99.9 percent) in preventing cervical, vulvar, anal, cancers. This is as foolish as the refusal of some people in Pakistan, Nigeria, and even some in the United States to allow their children to get polio vaccine, resulting in the expected outcome. Let us all be proactive and pre-emptive advocates and take advantage of the great state-of-the-art advances in medical science and technology for disease prevention, health, and longevity. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
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 MARRYING a U.S. citizen is one of the fastest and most commonly known ways to obtain a green card. It is also subject to much fraud and abuse, where people will enter into a marriage of convenience with a U.S. citizen solely for immigration benefits. The U.S. citizen might be a friend willing to do the person a “favor,” or demands the payment of money to go through with the marriage and marital interview. There may be cases where a couple is truly in love, but because of miscommunications, misunderstandings, confusion, anxiety, nervousness, answers that don’t match, age or cultural difference, or not providing sufficient documentation, the immigration officer becomes suspicious it is a fixed marriage. The couple may be asked to come back for a second or third interview. Their case could also be referred to USCIS’s Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) unit to make a site visit to the couple’s home. If you are called back for a second or third interview, or USCIS visits your home, there can be no clearer sign that USCIS suspects you are in a fixed marriage, even if yours is a bona fide, love marriage. If that is your case, rather than trying to “repair” your marriage case on your own, have an
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Your marriage petition could be in Gaming stocks plunge after trouble if USCIS visits your home Resorts World Manila attack attorney evaluate and salvage your case. If FDNS comes to your house, it is typically an unannounced visit, usually early in the morning. During the visit, they want to observe and confirm both spouses are living in the same house. If you put down in your papers that both of you are living at the same address, but in reality one of the spouses is living elsewhere, this will only increase USCIS’s suspicions it’s a fixed marriage. (In fact, there may be a legitimate reason for not living together, such as work or school. But still, it creates the suspicion of a fixed marriage). They will also be checking sleeping arrangements. Are both spouses sleeping in the same room and/or bed? Or, is one spouse sleeping in the bedroom, while the other sleeps on the living room couch? Does the couple have roommates living under the same roof, such as the U.S. citizen’s ex-boyfriend or girlfriend? Are there pictures on the wall of the US citizen’s ex-boyfriend or girlfriend or ex-spouse? Or are their pictures of the married couple together? FDNS could also check your closets and medicine cabinets, to see if both your clothes are in the closet and if the medicine cabinet contains men’s and women’s care products, such as cologne for men and perfume for woman, shaver, etc. If the closets contain only one spouse’s articles of
Debt watcher Moody’s Investors Services has retained the country’s economic growth forecast for this year despite the ongoing siege in Marawi City that paved the way for the declaration of martial law by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Moody’s retains 6.5% Philippine growth forecast by LAWRENCE
AGCAOILI Philstar.com
law limited but could pose challenge to rule of law” the debt MANILA - Debt watcher watcher has maintained its 2017 Moody’s Investors Services has gross domestic product (GDP) retained the country’s economic growth forecast of 6.5 percent for growth forecast for this year de- the Philippines. “We expect the impact on ecospite the ongoing siege in Marawi City that paved the way for the nomic activity from the crisis in declaration of martial law by Marawi to be minimal and shortlived… We have maintained our President Rodrigo Duterte. Christian de Guzman, vice forecast for real GDP growth in president and senior credit officer the Philippines at 6.5 percent for at Moody’s, said in a commentary 2017,” he said. titled “Economic impact of martial PAGE D2
Asian investors drive demand for PH luxury properties by ANGELICA
BALLESTEROS ManilaTimes.net
DEMAND from foreigners, specifically Asian investors, is sustaining the growth momentum of the luxury and high-end residential market, Santos Knight Frank President and CEO Rick Santos said on Thursday. “The luxury and high-end residential markets are set to grow as interest from foreign investors, high net worth individuals and developers continues to increase,” Santos said in a briefing in Makati City. Investors from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indo-
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nesia, Hong Kong and Malaysia are fueling the luxury property market, the property consultancy firm said. Of the 34,143 high-end residential units that came on stream in the market, 77 percent has been purchased. “While demand is driven by foreign investors, Santos Knight Frank noted that the low interest rate environment, flexible payment schemes and the weaker peso also attracted affluent endusers to acquire properties,” Santos added. The luxury market “was unPAGE D2
PHILIPPINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Ernesto Pernia (center) hands over a copy of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the blueprint for the country’s development under the Duterte administration, to Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. during its launching at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Friday (June 2, 2017). Also in photo (from left) are Assistant Secretary Carlos Abad Santos, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano; Undersecretary Adoracion Navarro and Undersecretary Jose Miguel dela Rosa. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
clothing, and the medicine cabinet contains only that spouse’s medications as well, it looks like you’re not living together. FDNS could also knock on neighbors’ doors, and ask your neighbors if they are aware you are husband and wife. They may even be shown a picture of the couple. If the neighbors say they saw only one person living there alone, and they never saw the other person, it could also be a sign of a fixed marriage, and that you’re not really living together. I want to emphasize that people should never enter into a fixed marriage. I know that there are stories of people who “got away with it,” but USCIS has become more sophisticated and their databases provide far more information than in the past. If you’re found in a fixed marriage, you are blacklisted for life, and no future petition can be approved on your behalf. However, if you are truly in a bona fide, love marriage, and USCIS suspects it’s fixed, you should definitely seek the assistance of an attorney. Multiple interviews and site visits are clear signs of USCIS’s concerns over
a fixed marriage. Having an attorney handle your case from the outset could greatly reduce the chances of suspicion, because the attorney could help you properly gather and package the relevant documentation, and clear up any confusion or miscommunication that may arise at your interview or in the processing of your case or petition. ***
by MIGUEL
R. CAMUS
Inquirer.net
BIG casino operators took a hit at the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday morning, June 2, as details emerged on the dawn attack in the Resorts World Manila gaming and hotel complex beside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 3. Resorts World Manila operator Travellers International Hotel Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California Group Inc. lost 8.8 percent to and New York. All immigration services are P3.10 per share by the noontime provided by, or under the supervision of, an recess. The effects were also felt by active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information major casino operators in the contained herein including testimonials, nearby Entertainment City Com“Success Stories,” endorsements and re- plex along Manila Bay. Melco Resorts and Entertainenactments) 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)
ment (Philippines) Corp., which operates the City of Dreams Manila, was down 3.27 percent while Bloomberry Resorts Corp., the operator of Solaire Resort & Casino, slipped lower by 1.02 percent. The fact that trading volume was relatively low for each of those companies, and the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index had closed 0.55 percent higher at the noontime break, meant the drop was likely a knee-jerk reaction by some investors. “We’re hoping it’s an isolated case,” Eduardo Francisco, president of BDO Capital & Investment Corp., said in an interview Friday.
Business Quote of the Week “If you’re not stubborn, you’ll give up on experiments too soon. And if you’re not flexible, you’ll pound your head against the wall and you won’t see a different solution to a problem you’re trying to solve.” - Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com
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Revised tax reform bill to benefit Filipino consumers by Julian
OcampO Philstar.com
MANILA — Despite an increase in excise tax on fuel, consumers could actually expect more purchasing power from the revised tax reform bill approved by the house of Representatives on Wednesday, an investment bank said. “We disagree with the consensus view among investors that the tax reform bill is negative to private consumption,” Credit Suisse analyst Michael Wan said in a research note on Thursday. “For one, the latest substitute bill is more supportive of private consumption compared with the original tax bill filed on January 2017,” he added. Voting 246-9 with one abstention, the Lower house had approved on final reading house Bill 5636, containing the first of the four tax reform packages of the Duterte administration. The bill, which was revised from its original form under hB 4774, mandates the lowering of personal income taxes, while increasing excise levies in oil, cars and imposing a new one on sugary products. For Wan, the contentious fuel excise tax hike is not expected to dent consumer demand since increases of P6 per liter had been staggered until 2020 from the original 2019. Aside from fuel taxes, the bill also imposes a new sugar-sweetened beverage tax of P10 per liter.
CHINA BANK LISTING OF LONG-TERM DEPOSIT. China Bank Corporation president and CEO Ricardo R. Chua rings the bell during the listing at the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. of the bank’s PHP6.35-billion Tranche 2 of Long-Term Negotiable Certificates of Time Deposit due in December 2022. PNA photo by Joanne Santiago-Villanueva The revised tax reform bill mandates the lowering of personal income taxes, while increasing excise levies in oil, cars and imposing a new one on sugary products.
Car excise levies for importers will also be raised. “The tax hikes imply a lower peak and also more spread out path for inflation,” Wan said. Social support coming from the bill will also “offset” the negative impact of tax hikes, he said. Incremental revenues to be generated from the higher fuel levies will be channeled to support public utility drivers for four years, up from the original measure’s three. Cash transfers to the poor will also be funded. household income from cash transfers will add to additional take-home pay expected to from the lowering of personal income taxes, Wan said. More than 80 percent of taxpayers will effectively be ex-
empted from paying income taxes under the bill, while those currently paying a maximum rate of 32 percent will see that go down to 25 percent. Meanwhile, the “ultra-rich” individuals earning up to P5 million annually will see their income tax rate rise to 35 percent. “We estimate inflationary impact from tax hikes alone will cut aggregate private consumption spending by around 0.6 percent by end-2018 based on our model estimates,” Wan said. “Conversely, personal income tax cuts could add around 1 percent to private consumption spending, but with the extreme assumption that consumers spend all their gains to incomes,” he added. PAGE D5
PH tax reform a boost to infra buildup plan by Ben
O. de Vera Inquirer.net
The approval of the Duterte administration’s first tax reform package by the lower house augurs well to financing the massive infrastructure projects to be undertaken by the government, Japanese financial giant Nomura said. “We maintain our base case that this package will be passed this year and take effect at the start of 2018, creating additional fiscal space to support the government’s medium-term infrastructure spending plans,” Nomura said in a note to clients, referring to house Bill No. 5636, which President Duterte certified as urgent last Monday, May 29. “Apart from the revenue impact from these measures,
there are benefits from tax administration reforms to expand the tax base, including the VAT (value-added tax) changes,” it added. hB 5636 contained the Department of Finance’s proposal to ease the tax burden on personal income earners while slapping new or additional taxes on consumption. On Wednesday, May 31, the house of Representatives passed hB 5636 on third and final reading, with 246 votes for, nine against and one abstention, ahead of Congress’ adjournment. The DOF has yet to announce an official estimate of the net revenue impact of the version that was passed, but it appears that there has been some dilution, with some reports suggesting a net revenue impact of about 0.5 percent of GDP (gross domestic product), lower than the 1 percent in the original DOF proposal, it said in the note. “While key components were largely intact such as the personal income tax cuts and an increase in excise taxes on fuel, cars and sugar in beverages as offsets, the lifting of VAT exemptions excluded some key items such as those for cooperatives,” Nomura noted. Nomura said even the re-
duced estimated revenue impact was still relatively significant. Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III earlier said the nonpassage of hB 5636 “would disrupt the planned increase in public investments in infrastructure, education, health and social protection.” Dominguez had warned of “dire consequences” if hB 5636’s passage would be delayed “given its design to help guarantee a steady revenue flow for the Duterte administration’s unmatched public investments over the next half-decade to support its envisioned ‘golden age of infrastructure,’ attract investments and create jobs, cut the poverty rate from 21.6 percent to 14 percent, and transform the Philippines into an upper middle-income economy by the time the President leaves office in 2022.” “Without the [first tax reform package], the government’s strategy to embark on an aggressive expenditure program by raising deficit spending to 3 percent of GDP would lead to an unsustainable fiscal position, which, in turn, could trigger a credit rating downgrade that will possibly cost the government an extra P30 billion in annual debt servicing and P100 billion more in higher borrowPAGE D3
Moody’s retains 6.5%... PAGE D1 Last May 23, President Duterte issued Proclamation No. 216 “Declaring a State of Martial law and Suspending the Privilege of Writ of habeas Corpus in the Whole of Mindanao.” De Guzman pointed out the ongoing siege and imposition of martial law would not materially impact the country’s robust nearterm economic outlook. “however, although unlikely to happen, potential challenges to the constitutional system of checks and balances could arrest or reverse the improvements in the rule of law over the past few years,” he said. According to official statements, the military has regained control of most of Marawi as of May 30. As such, martial law, which is limited to 60 days by the Philippine constitution and after which congressional approval would be required for an extension, may not be needed for much longer, pending the full resolution of the situation. Mindanao has about 24 percent of the Philippine population and accounted for 15 percent of GDP last year but contributed less than one percentage point to the country’s real GDP growth. The economy grew 6.9 percent last year from 5.9 percent in 2015 as election related spending boosted private consumption and led to higher investments growth. This year, economic managers penned a GDP expansion of 6.5 to
7.5 percent. “Unless violence escalates markedy and/or martial law is extended and imposes significant constraints to the economy, the contribution of the region to national output will remain positive,” De Guzman said. he explained the fighting has thus far been contained to Marawi, located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao which itself accounts for only 0.7 percent of GDP. however, beyond the immediate implications of the crisis in Marawi, President Duterte has publicly stated his willingness to bypass safeguards provided by the constitution against the arbitrary declaration of martial law, including the power of Congress and the Supreme Court to review, and even revoke, martial law. The country’s chief executive has also previously threatened to invoke martial law to address other issues such as the eradication of drugs, which may not conform to the definition of “cases of invasion or rebellion” that is required under the constitution. The Moody’s official said it is unlikely recent developments in Mindanao would lead to changes in economic and fiscal policies, which continue to be anchored by Duterte’s well-articulated 10point socioeconomic development agenda. Moody’s has placed the credit rating of the Philippines at Baa2 or a notch above minimum investment grade on a stable outlook.
Asian investors drive demand...
PAGE D1 derserved in the past. Developers have focused on scalability,” said Kash Salvador, associate director for Investment and Capital Markets at Santos Knight Frank. “They understand that majority of Filipinos belong to the middleincome segment in terms of the bracketing and then developers have focused mostly on that segment and taking advantage of the lower land values outside Metro Manila,” he added. Today, the market is seeing an increase in the number of properties. Ten luxury residential projects to be completed in the next two to four years are in the pre-selling and construction stage with an overall absorption rate of 86 percent. A total of 3,290 units have been launched in Metro Manila, 58 percent of which is in Taguig City, 21 percent in Makati City, 17 percent in Ortigas in Pasig City and 3 percent in Alabang. Taguig City has the highest momentum with a 96.6 percent absorption rate, followed by
Makati City with 89.4 percent, Alabang with 60.4 percent and Ortigas with 48.3 percent. Constructing high-end residential properties are Rockwell Land Corp., Shang Properties Inc., Megaworld Corp., Filinvest Land Inc. and Ayala Land Premier. Makati City has the most expensive high-end properties ranging from P145,000 to P185,000 per square meter (sqm). Taguig City is offering P155,000 to P179,000 per sqm; Quezon City, P120,000 to P145,000; Ortigas, Pasig City with P123,000 to PP163,000; and Bay Area, P130,000 to P158,000. Among the upcoming luxury developments this year are The Albany of Megaworld, near Forbes Park and McKinley West in Makati City. It will cost about P300,000 per sqm. The P5 billion SMDC and Federal Land Partnership is 3,500 per sqm between Discovery Primea and Ritz Towers, which is envisioned “to be the most beautiful skyscraper in the country.” Santos Knight Frank is part of the Knight Frank network, operating from more than 400 offices in 60 countries across the globe.
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PH property market unperturbed by martial law in Mindanao by Catherine
talavera Philstar.com
MANILA - The Philippine property market is not seen to be negatively impacted by the martial law declaration in Mindanao, as foreign companies continue to express interest in the robust BPO sector,according to a property services firm. In a media briefing yesterday, Santos Knight Frank chairman and chief executive officer Rick Santos described the implementation of martial law in Mindanao as a temporary measure to take out some of the lawlessness. “Demand to continue in the IT-BPO sector despite what’s happening in Mindanao. So it’s business as usual,” Santos said. “So the business community is viewing it practically. Business will continue after this temporary measure.” Santos said the country remains as the most attractive inbound investment destination in the region for IT-BPO companies, driven by the Philippines’ favorable demographics, strong dollar, competitive labor cost and continuous infrastructure development. “We expect the IT-BPO sector to sustain its upward trajectory
especially as the government paves more growth opportunities in areas such as Clark, Cebu and Iloilo through an aggressive infrastructure program,” Santos said. The company official cited the results of the 2017 ASEAN B u s i n e s s O u t l o o k S u r v e y, which showed that investors are enthusiastic of the country’s growth, compared to its ASEAN neighbors, driven by the government’s Build Build Build platform. Based on the survey, the Philippines registered the highest satisfaction sentiment with 77 percent, followed by Vietnam with 72 percent and Myanmar with 70 percent. Santos Knight Frank senior director for landlord representation John Corpus said it is the Filipino workforce that is attractive about the Philippines, apart from the lower rental rates it offers. “Aside from the rent, of course, the flexibility of our people, our proficiency in terms of English, the cheap labor cost has been the main driver of our country,” Corpus said. “We see opportunities for expansion from different countries, new markets such as
Israel, Qatar, Russia, China, UK. These are the growth markets,” added Corpus. Moreover, apart from the demand for BPO office spaces, the real estate services firm noted growing foreign interest for high-end and luxury residential properties in the country. “The luxury and high-end residential market continues to reap the benefits of the country’s sound and sustained macroeconomic fundamentals as investment buying activities become more prominent,” the company said. Santos said demand is coming from investors from countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Malaysia. At present, 77 percent of the 34,143 high-end residential units in the market have already been sold, while 86 percent of the 3,290 luxury residential units have been absorbed by the market. Indicative selling price of high-end residential units currently ranges from P120,000 to P185,000 per square, while average selling prices for luxury residential units from P180,000 to P350,000 per square meter.
PH beefs up cybersecurity amid WannaCry threat by Ma. lisbet
K. esMael
ManilaTimes.net
THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is taking the widespread WannaCry attack a “wake-up call” and putting measures in place to make the cyberspace in the country more resilient. DICT assistant secretary Allan Cabanlong, in-charge for cybersecurity and enabling technologies, said Thursday that “the government is treating this attack as a wake-up call.” Cabanlong pointed out that while the department has been actively creating awareness among the Filipinos even before that worldwide outbreak, the country still needs to take more
aggressive actions to avoid these attacks. According to him, the cyberspace must adhere to the same rules applied to weapons in the physical world. “We need to consider the damage to civilians that comes from hoarding these vulnerabilities and the use of these exploits,” he told The Manila Times. Thus, aside from the National Cybersecurity Plan 2022 which presents the government strategies to protect the Philippine cyberspace, including cybersecurity awareness, the DICT has the Cybersecurity Caravans which was first introduced in Zamboanga in April, to be followed by Cebu next month. According to Cabanlong, the Cybersecurity team has been
visible in the national and international scenes speaking on cybersecurity strategy, education and awareness. While Cabanlong acknowledged the difficulty in meeting the cyber risks in the country, especially after the ‘WannaCry’ incident, he insists that “the problem is too important not to understand.” “Interconnected technologies permeate all aspects of the global economy,” he pointed out.” “Addressing cyber risk will require collaboration between the government and industries,” he said. “Together, the Philippine government and industries can make our economy more resilient to the most important risk of the 21st century,” he added.
CORPORATE GIVEAWAYS EXPO 2017. Members of media shows Different products on display during the Media Launch of “Corporate Giveaways Buyers Show 2017” on Friday (June 2, 2017) held at the Banquet Hall of Milkyway Restaurant, Pasay Road in Makati City. PNA photos by Gil S. Calinga
PH nears fresh ratings upgrade, says Tetangco by lawrenCe
agCaoili Philstar.com
MANILA - The Philippines is a step closer to another credit rating upgrade after the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the first package of tax reforms certified as urgent by President Rodrigo Duterte. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the country could get the long overdue rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings with the implementation of structural reforms such as the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP). “We remain confident that the continued strong performance of the economy, relentless pursuit of the governance agenda, and implementation of vital structural reforms such as the CTRP will soon finally translate to a long overdue upgrade from Fitch,” Tetangco said. Last March 29, Fitch affirmed
the “BBB-” rating or minimum investment grade on the sovereign debt of the Philippines. The country’s outlook was upgraded to positive from stable in September 2015 but has yet to translate to an upgrade in rating. “We note that the Philippines has already exhibited considerable improvements in these rating factors since Fitch assigned the BBB- rating in 2013,” he said. The Philippines’ 24 positive credit rating actions since 2010 as well as the distinctions received by the country’s banking system provide strong validation for our economy’s solid performance. The highlight of the Philippines’ credit rating history came in 2013 when we finally achieved investment grade rating from Fitch, Moody’s Investors Service, and S&P Global Ratings. The Philippines’ credit rating of Baa2 with Moody’s Investors Service, and its BBB rating
with S&P Global Ratings, NICE Ratings, and R&I are one notch above investment grade. Tetangco said the Duterte administration has been proactive to enact the points in its 10 point Socioeconomic Agenda, including maintaining sound macroeconomic policies, implementing tax reforms, accelerating infrastructure spending, and streamlining processes to improve ease of doing business. “With sustained positive developments in these reform areas, we are optimistic that an upgrade from Fitch is only a matter of time,” Tetangco said. Fitch expressly acknowledged the BSP’s “effective monetary policy stance given the maintenance of modest inflation levels, and the foreign exchange managed float regime – allowing the peso to act as a cushion against external shocks.” It also recognized the BSP’s effective supervision of the PAGE D5
PH tax reform a boost to infra...
PAGE D2 ing costs for the public,” Dominguez had said. In April, economic managers unveiled the administration’s “Dutertenomics” thrust of “build, build, build” that they claimed would usher in a “golden age of infrastructure.” The government plans to roll out P7.125 trillion in public infrastructure projects from 2017 to 2022 while also jacking up to 75 from 55 the number of so-called flagship, “gamechanging” projects that the administration aimed to start and complete before 2022.
About P8 trillion to P9 trillion will be spent by the administration in the next six years to build vital infrastructure such that the share of infrastructure spending to GDP will rise from 5.3 percent this year to 7.4 percent in 2022. The latest DOF computations showed that lowering the personal income tax rates coupled with reduction in donor and estate taxes would result in foregone revenue of P140.1 billion when implemented in 2018. The VAT base expansion as well as higher automobile and petroleum excise taxes, meanwhile, would bring about a rev-
enue gain of P187.7 billion next year. Complementary measures, including the P10 excise tax on sugar-sweetened drinks, would add P65.8 billion in revenue, on top of a P43.8-billion gain from tax administration measures. The said tax administration measures, which were contained in HB 5636, were the mandatory use of fuel marking; mandatory issuance of e-receipts; mandatory interconnection of large and medium firms point of sale machines and accounting system with the BIR, and the relaxation of bank secrecy law for tax fraud cases.
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Cauayan City promotes green rides by leander c. domingo ManilaTimes.net
CAUAYAN, Isabela - To help reduce emissions from vehicles using fossil-based fuel, the city government here on Monday last week launched the first electricpowered vehicle charging station in Cagayan Valley (Region 2) along with several eTrike prototypes. The launching was in collaboration with various stakeholders in pursuit of the city government’s program of becoming a “Smart City” based on standards outlined in an ordinance adopted in 2016. The project called “Charging in Minutes” or Charm of the city government is in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Isabela State University (ISU), University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, and various private sector groups engaged in the manufacture and sale of electricity powered eBikes and eTrikes. “We expect that the eTrikes will decrease carbon monoxide emission by 260,000 tons if we replace 100,000 gasoline-fed tricycles with electricity powered ones,” DOST Region 2 director Sancho Mabborang said. The first Charm station in the region, which was made commercially viable by DOST’s funding support, is now operational at the ISU Cauayan City campus gate with college students as prospective primary users of eBikes and eTrikes.
A parade of eTrikes marks the inauguration of the first public charging station in Cauayan City.
Engineers from the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (EEEI) of UP Diliman (Quezon City) were the brains behind the charging station’s design. Leo Allen Tayo and Rovinna Janel Cruzate of EEEI said local stakeholders who are willing to develop cost-efficient prototypes would solve the affordability issues raised by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. Earlier this year, Cusi shut down the $500-million Asian Development Bank-funded project to replace 100,000 gasoline-fed tricycle units with energy efficient electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the Ropali Group (RG) here paraded cheaper and
Revised tax reform bill...
PAGE D3
PAGE D2 To this end, Wan said the current version of the tax reform bill could lead to a credit rating upgrade, specifically from Fitch Ratings, but admitted “more resistance” at the Senate could be expected. The Senate will tackle the bill once a new session opens on July 24. Senate ways and means committee chair Sonny Angara has said the chamber will not pass the current bill’s version. “Any such dilution could be negative for the country’s credit rating prospects and could eventually also limit the government’s planned infrastructure drive,” Wan said.
country’s strong banking sector, which enjoys ample liquidity and capitalization levels, as well as healthy asset quality ratios. In a research note titled “Philippines: Tax Reform – impact and implications,” Credit Suisse economist Michael Wan said the latest tax reform bill is positive for credit rating. “We believe what matters most from the credit rating agencies’ perspective is the revenues generated over time, and not just one year’s revenues. While the revised version of the bill implies that some revenues will be backloaded, the total tax receipts generated by 2020 are actually quite similar,” he said.
smaller prototypes designed to accommodate two passengers only. Christopher Capistrano, the RG official who is leading a team working on eTrikes and eBikes, said the P450,000 price tag of the DoE’s abandoned prototype is simply not affordable to the masses. The Providers Cooperative based in Naguilian town also presented a model similar to the DOE prototype which can accommodate eight to 10 passengers, ideal for passengers from villages away from the center of the city. Another similar variant with a solar panel on its roof and back to charge the battery while running was also presented.
PH nears fresh ratings... According to him, the additional tax revenues could raise spending by one percent of gross domestic product (GDP) while still lowering overall government debt metrics. Euben Paracuelles, economist at Nomura Securities Ltd., said the passage of the first in a series of tax reform “packages” Wednesday evening with an overwhelming 246 to 9 vote is a significant step toward enacting this package into law within the year. “We therefore view this as a positive step. There were concerns that this could be delayed following the establishment of martial law in Mindanao earlier this week, which also required attention from Congress,” he said.
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