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E D I T I OE ND I T I O NI T I O N ED
E DITION October 22-25, 2016
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T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R
Volume 26 - No. 84 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
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Duterte: No severing diplomatic ties with the United States
Also published in: • Orange County/Inland Empire • Northern California • Las Vegas • New York/ New Jersey
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
DIPLOMATIC ties between the Philippines and the United States will not be cut off, President Rodrigo Duterte clarified upon his arrival in Davao City after his four-day state visit to China. The president said his declaration of an economic and military split from the U.S. should be taken in the context of what he has been saying all along. “It’s not severance of ties because in severance of ties, you
have to cut diplomatic relations,” Duterte said during a press conference on the evening of Friday, October 21. “I cannot do that.” During the Philippines-China Trade and Investment Forum on Thursday, October 20 in Beijing, Duterte announced that he is breaking away militarily and economically from the U.S., the Philippines’ longtime ally. “I announce my separation from the United States both in the military…not social, but economics also. So please you have another problem of economics in my country,” he said, adding
that the Philippines would be more dependent on China instead. Later on in his speech, Duterte said he is open to visiting Russia to talk with President Vladimir Putin. “There are three of us against the world. China, Philippines, Russia,” Duterte expressed. Upon his return to the Philippines, Duterte explained that what he meant by “separation” was a “separation of foreign policy.” He noted that in the past and
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USA
Fil-Am Trump, Clinton supporters confident in their candidate
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
Clinton and Donald Trump ended on Wednesday, October LAS VEGAS — “Build a wall 19. Though, both candidates around Trump!” over a dozen Filipino-American labor orga- have previously delineated nizers and community lead- their stances on immigration ers chanted moments after the — perhaps one of the defining third and final debate between issues in this election — many presidential nominees Hillary Fil-Ams, both Democrats and AJPress
Donald Trump
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
SENATOR Leila De Lima on Thursday, October 20, said the House of Representatives should now move on from the “circus of sex, violence and videotape melodrama” after failing to uncover the truth behind the alleged drug trade in the National Bilibid Prison (NBP). In its report released on Wednes-
FBI help rescue dozens of Typhoon Lawin leaves trafficked children trail of destruction through Northern PH Senator Leila De Lima
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Republicans, told the Asian Journal that having it as a topic was one of the reasons they were closely watching this debate, given that it hits close to home. Many Filipinos have been waiting in line more than 20
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Hillary Clinton
De Lima: Inquiry failed to uncover truth behind NBP drug trade
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THE US Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with representatives from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and several international law enforcement partners, rescued 82 minors and arrested 239 traffickers and their associates in operations carried out in the Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia. The arrests were made under Operation Cross Country, an international effort focusing on underage human trafficking that ran from October 13 to 16, 2016. In the Philippines, using information from the FBI, law enforcers recovered two boys, aged 5 and 11, and a two-year-old girl. Authorities arrested five adults who ran a web-streaming service for individuals who would pay for access to livestreaming sexual abuse, as well as access to the children for the purpose of illegal sexual acts.
MAKING FRIENDS. President Rodrigo Duterte shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday, Oct. 20. The two leaders held “extensive” and “amicable” official talks and oversaw the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on business, infrastructure, and agriculture, among other fields, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, without giving details. Malacañang photo
AFTER LAST DEBATE
DATELINE UCLA hosts PH archaeology research showcase COINCIDING with Filipino American History Month, UCLA’s Costen Institute of Archaeology presented a research study that explored one of the most enthralling provinces in the Philippines. Over the course of 10 years, Stephen Acabado, assistant professor at UCLA’s archaeology department, has been conducting collaborative research on the Ifugao province called the Ifugao Archaeological Project (IAP). At the symposium on Thursday, October 23, Acabado was accompanied by Willeke Wendrich, director of the Costen Institute of Archaeology, and Adelio Cruz, Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles, who delivered opening remarks. According to Acabado, the study’s mission was to explore the relationships be-
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by ERIC
day, October 19, the House Committee on Justice stated that there was “sufficient evidence” to support De Lima’s involvement in the Bilibid drug trade. However, it did not propose filing charges against her and instead, recommended that the Department of Justice (DOJ) undertake further investigation. De Lima, however, stressed that the DOJ has no business conduct-
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Probe underway for incident outside US Embassy in Manila PNP chief angered, saddened by violence
ANTHONY LICAS AJPress
Thousands of people were displaced from their homes as Typhoon Lawin battered the Northern Philippines with extreme winds and rain for nearly two days before departing from the mainland on Thursday, October 20. The storm made landfall at the North Eastern corner of the country at Penáblanca, Cagayan on Wednesday, October 19, at about 11 p.m. local time. It proceeded to cause flooding, landslides and power outages as it travelled westward over Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan and other provinces. “We have received several reports of roofs that were ripped off because of strong winds,” said Mina Marasigan, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
DISPERSAL. An anti-U.S. rally turned violent on Wednesday, Oct. 19 in front of the American embassy along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. The militant groups were joined by students and indigenous communities as they protested the presence of visiting US troops in the Philippines and expressed their support for the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for an independent foreign policy. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
by DANA
SIOSON/AJPress
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa assured the public that the guilty will be held liable, expressing anger and sadness over the violent dispersal of protesters near the United States Embassy in Manila earlier this week. (NDRRMC). “Even the operations center of the Office At least 20 protesters and 30 police officers of Civil Defense in (Cagayan) was not spared.” were reportedly injured in the dispersal conductDepartment of the Interior and Local Government ed by Manila Police District (MPD) personnel on (DILG) Director Edgar Allan Tabell said at least eight Wednesday, October 19. people have died and two people have gone missing The PNP chief said the incident is now being inas a result of severe weather conditions, according to vestigated and charges will be brought upon those POWER LINES DOWN. Electric posts toppled by Supertyphoon “Lawin” block Campos Street in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan province. Even so, authorities reported a low death toll after the typhoon barreled through northern Luzon. Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes
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A OCTOBER 22-25, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Duterte: No severing diplomatic... PAGE A1 t
until he became president, the Philippines would always follow the cues of the U.S. Citing the millions of Filipinos and Americans “of Filipino ancestry in the U.S.,” Duterte pointed out that cutting diplomatic ties would not be according to the interest of Filipinos.
The president also disclosed that he would also consult the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) with regard to the implications of an independent foreign policy on the country’s military agreements with the U.S. Duterte’s economic planners
said in a joint statement that the Philippines will maintain relations with the West but will desire stronger integration with its neighboring countries. “The Philippines is integrating with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), China, Japan and South Korea. In a way, Asian economic integration is long overdue compared with the regional economic integrations,” Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said. Responding to the statements declaring the Philippines’ separation, the White House said on Thursday, October 20, that Duterte has made too many troubling statements over the last several months that lend uncertainty over its ties with the U.S. and are at odds with their alliance. “Based on his extensive, colorful previous comments, there is greater clarity that we would like to get about the intent of Presi-
President Rodrigo Duterte shakes hands with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua as he arrives in China for a four-day state visit. Also in the photo is Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Malacañang photo
dent Duterte and his government,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest told a daily news briefing. He added, “But based on
what you’ve read me that seems to be a change in tone that is more consistent with the seven decade-long alliance between
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De Lima: Inquiry failed... PAGE A1 t ing any kind of investigation against her, whether fact-finding or preliminary. She reiterated that only the Office of the Ombudsman has the constitutional mandate to recommend her prosecution, if warranted. “In any case, it simply vindicates what I have been saying all along: I am not complicit in the illegal drug trade, whether inside the New Bilibid Prison or elsewhere,” De Lima said. She described the committee’s decision as “a Pontius Pilate act, where the congressmen washed their hands of the despicable act of casting the fate of an innocent person to the judgment of a rioting mob, demanding a blood sacrifice for their entertainment.” For De Lima, the House failed to unearth the true extent and reason for the drug problem by being “obsessively focused solely” on her alleged involvement. She also claimed that the House allowed Duterte’s “agenda to shame, destroy and pulverize a woman who dared to criticize human rights abuses against Filipinos” to prevail. “I would say, though, that I hope that, somehow, something
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FROM THE FRONT PAGE
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 22-25, 2016
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UCLA hosts Philippine archaeology... PAGE A1 t tween the historical landscape and the people who have resided there for centuries. Ifugao is a landlocked province located in northern Luzon that boasts a rich history. The region is characterized by the renowned Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, which were a focal point of the IAP. The research team worked closely with the community and Ifugaoan people through a grassroots non-governmental organization dedicated to the preservation of the rice terraces and the Ifugao heritage called the Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMo). A major find from the IAP concluded that the rice terraces of the region are actually approximately 300 years old. Previously, it was accepted that they were more than 2,000 years old. “We helped rethink dominant models in Ifugao and in Philippine history and suggest that the differences we see today are products of colonialism in history rather than different adaptations in different environments,” Acabado said. Another important component
of the study was the language that was commonly used to describe the Ifugao people. During the Spanish conquest of the Philippines, the Ifugao people managed to maintain control over their land and people, and because of this, history accepted them as “uncolonized,” a problematic term, according to Acabado. “The findings of our work show that there’s no such thing as ‘uncolonized’ in the Philippines,” said Acabado. “The idea of being uncolonized is racist because it means there’s no substantial culture change occurring among these people.” Rather, he suggests that the Ifugao were “unconquered” and were able to “shift their socioeconomics” to avoid the Spanish conquest. UCLA students Madeleine Yakal, Queeny Lapena and Margaret Palaghicon Von Rotz also presented their own studies in bead and trade networks; animal domestication, rituals and Spanish colonialism and mortuary practices, respectively. Von Rotz, a third-year undergraduate student studying international development studies,
FBI help rescue dozens... PAGE A1 t “Operation Cross Country aims to shine a spotlight into the darkest corners of our society that seek to prey on the most vulnerable of our population,” FBI Director James Brien
Comey said. “As part of this effort, we are not only looking to root out those who engage in the trafficking of minors, but through our Office for Victim Assistance, we offer a lifeline to minors to help them escape
Duterte: No severing diplomatic... PAGE A1 t the United States and the Philippines.” ‘Productive’ China trip In the same press briefing, President Duterte described his four-day state visit to China as a ‘productive’ trip. “My state visit to China signaled a turning point in our shared history and showed that both countries are fully capable of working together for mutual beneficial cooperation even as we remain committed to settle disputes peacefully, in full adherence of international law,” he said. According to the president, the two countries agreed to resolve any disputes peacefully through bilateral consultations.
“We also agreed to continue discussions on confidence-building measures, including a bilateral consultation mechanism to discuss immediate issues of concern in South China Sea,” he related. Duterte expressed that both nations also recognize security and stability as necessary conditions for growth and affirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace and freedom of navigation and overflight in South China Sea. He added that they forged an agreement between their coast guards to lessen unwanted incidents at the disputed sea. The president also noted that the 13 agreements he secured with China on Thursday,
desired to understand the land from which her ancestors came. Nicknamed the “real Ifugaoan woman” by her research team, the half-Ifugaoan felt proud to have participated in a study that fostered her educational ambitions while allowing her to connect with her heritage. “When you’re Filipino-American, your narrative and your experience is so different and so unique and getting to talk to other Filipinos about that was really cool,” Von Rotz told the Asian Journal. “I felt like I learned so much about myself and my culture and I got to do it with so many great people at the same time. It’s a very unparalleled experience.” As the study reaches its final stages, Von Rotz would like to explore the current state of the SCARY RIDE. Passengers are helped out of a bus that fell on its side after the driver lose control because of the slippery road in Parañaque Ifugao province and its present City on Frida, Oct. 21. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma day community concerns. “As cool as archaeology is to talk about the past and really understanding our history,” said Von Rotz. “Now that I understand our history I want to PAGE A1 t understand how that history shapes what the Ifugaoan peo- involved with the incident. “With what transpired at Roxple are facing today.” (Klarize as Boulevard in Ermita, Manila Medenilla / AJPress) [on Wednesday], an investigation and full review is underway from a virtual prison no person and necessary sanctions will be ever deserves.” levied on any personnel guilty for Operation Cross Country is putting lives at risk,” Dela Rosa part of the FBI’s Innocence said in a statement on Thursday, Lost Initiative, which began October 20. in 2003 and has yielded more He promised to look at the inthan 6,000 child identifica- cident squarely and deal with it tions and locations. (ManilaT- “swiftly and decisively,” without imes.net) his emotions getting the best out of him. “Nakakalungkot at nakakagOctober 20, would generate two million jobs for Filipinos in the alit (It made me angry and sad). Manila Police District (MPD) chief Senior Supt. Joel Coronel said Police Officer 3 Franklin Kho next five years. The agreements I saw people get hurt. I watched of the District Police Security Battalion (DPSB) could face criminal charges for serious physical were mostly about trade and in- the video. I don’t like it when a injuries after he drove the van that rammed and injured protesters. vestments, and maritime secu- Filipino gets hurt,” Dela Rosa said. edly rammed the protesters who Embassy Detail; and Senior Inrity. Dela Rosa said he ordered gathered near the embassy. spector Edgardo Orongan, Chief According to Trade Secretary According to Albayalde, nine Operations District Public Safety Ramon Lopez, these resulted in National Capital Region Police several investment and financing Office (NCRPO) Regional Direc- police officers were ordered re- Battalion. On the other hand, 40 other agreements that summed up to tor Chief Superintendent Oscar lieved for investigation, includAlbayalde to place all the officers ing PO3 Franklin Kho, the driver police officers had been placed $24 billion. Lopez said $15 billion are for involved in the dispersal under of the police van that rammed under restrictive custody at the the investment projects while administrative relief to ensure some protesters, and Senior MPD. Supt. Marcelino Pedrozo, the Albayalde said this would $9 billion are for credit facili- the impartiality of the probe. On Wednesday, October 19, ground commander at the rally. “pave the way for an impartial ties. Also relieved were Supt. Al- investigation on the said inciRemarking that China has been protesters, mostly part of the a friend of the Philippines, Presi- national minority and peasant bert Barot, Station Commander dent.” Dela Rosa also noted that the dent Duterte earlier said the groups from across the country, PS5/Ground Commander; Chief roots of the two nations’ bonds came to demand an end to the Inspectors Dionelle Brannon, Pe- president has been informed of were very deep and not easily presence of U.S. troops in the dro Gil PCP Commander; Elmer the incident. country, and to back President P. Oseo Deputy, PS5; Joebie As“Our other priority now, is to severed. “Even as we arrived in Beijing Rodrigo Duterte’s call for an in- tucia, Chief Operations, PS5; Ro- look into the victims, and check berto Marinda, Coy Commander on their recovery and safety after close to winter, this is a spring- dependent foreign policy. During the dispersal, a van CRB (Augmentation); Roberto such an unfortunate incident,” time of our relationship,” Duterte driven by a police officer repeat- Mangune, Coy Commander US the PNP chief stressed. ■ added. ■
Probe underway for incident outside...
A OCTOBER 22-25, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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AFTER THE STORM. Residents wait for a boat to cross Penablanca in Cagayan after a bridge linking Barangays Cabu and Cabasan collapsed at the height of Typhoon Lawin. Senators on Friday, Oct. 21 called for immediate budgetary assistance and food aid to farmers and other victims of Super Typhoon Lawin. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban
Typhoon Lawin leaves trail... PAGE A1 t the Philippine Star. Almost 92,000 people were evacuated before the storm-ravaged towns in Northern and Southern Luzon and the Bicol region, according to initial NDRRMC statistics. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Vilma Cabrera told the Inquirer that, as of Thursday, more than 80,000 Filipinos who fled to shelters have not yet returned to their
homes. The recent disaster comes only days after another storm, Typhoon Sarika, scoured across parts of the Philippines and China. Lawin may have been the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines since Yolanda pummeled entire villages and left 7,300 dead in 2013, according to sources for the Inquirer. Estimated winds of 140 milesper-hour swept through com-
munities in Lawin’s path as the category 4 storm moved through the country at a pace of about 25 km/hr, according to the Weather Channel and other sources. It weakened slightly as it passed over the Cordillera Central mountain range in central Luzon before crossing back into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. The Typhoon is currently travelling North and should hit the Southeast Coast of China by Friday, Oct. 21. Relief operations for the thousands of families left homeless by Lawin are currently underway.
Fil-Am Trump, Clinton supporters...
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years for a visa to the United States. Around 270,000 undocumented Filipinos live in this country, according to an AAPI Data report. During the immigration portion of the debate, Trump — whose proposal includes vetting tests for potential newcomers to the U.S. — reiterated his call for “strong borders”
and to a “build the wall.” “Now, I want to build the wall. We need the wall. And the Border Patrol, ICE, they all want the wall. We stop the drugs. We shore up the border. One of my first acts will be to get all of the drug lords, all of the bad ones — we have some bad, bad people in this country that have to go out,” Trump said in his two minute
De Lima: Inquiry failed... PAGE A2 t positive would come out of all of these after all the public shaming and maligning that I was put through – not to my embarrassment, but, in truth, to the embarrassment of the House of Rep-
resentatives, which was turned into a circus of sex, violence and videotape melodrama,” De Lima said. From late September to early October, the panel probed the proliferation of drugs inside the NBP during four separate
response. “We’re going to get them out; we’re going to secure the border. And once the border is secured, at a later date, we’ll make a determination as to the rest. But we have some bad hombres here, and we’re going to get them out.” He cited that many Americans have been killed by individuals who came into the
u PAGE A5 hearings. The senator expressed her hope that the House Committee on Justice will move on from this inquiry. “I pray that they can now proceed with the conduct of business in a dignified manner worthy of the trust of the Filipino people,” De Lima added. n
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 22-25, 2016
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Poll: Most Filipinos trust US, not China by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
MAJORITY of Filipinos trust the United States (US) but have opposite feelings towards China, according to a Social Weather Stations survey released Tuesday, Oct. 18. The latest poll showed that 76 percent of adult Filipinos have “much trust” for the US while 13 percent are undecided and 11 percent have “little trust.” This garners a “very good” net trust rating of +66 for the country’s long-time ally. Meanwhile, 22 percent of adult Filipinos have “much trust” for China while 55 percent have “little trust,” registering a “bad” net trusting of -33. HALLOWEEN MASKS. BOO: Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz, PNP police community relations chief, shows off paper masks, including one of US President Barack Obama, prior to distribution to the public in time for Halloween. The masks have anti-crime tips written on the back. Philstar.com photo
Fil-Am Trump, Clinton supporters...
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country illegally, asserting “we have no country if we have no border.” Ron Falconi, mayor of Brunswick, Ohio and a member of Trump’s Asian Pacific American advisory committee, applauded the Republican nominee’s answer and his performance throughout the night. “There are many Filipinos who came to this country by following the rules and adhering to the law. It wouldn’t be fair to them if there was a pathway to citizenship for those who are here illegally. No one would be ‘jumping ahead in the line’ in a Trump administration,” Falconi told the Asian Journal. “Remember, there are many Filipinos in the Philippines who have been waiting almost 20 years…for a chance to obtain their green card. These individuals are following the law. I don’t think it would be fair to them.” On the other hand, Clinton painted herself as the candidate who won’t separate families. “I don’t want to rip families apart. I don’t want to be sending parents away from children. I don’t want to see the deportation force that Donald has talked about in action in our country,” Clinton said, adding that she believes in border security and deporting “any violent person.” Luisa Blue, executive vice president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) Executive Director Gregory Cendana applauded Clinton’s proposal. “There are issues that face our Fil-Am community, and they have to decide who’s in the best position [and] who’s the most experienced to address the issue of immigration reform, when Filipinos are the No. 2 group in this country that are undocumented. We need somebody who is going to fight for immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship,” Blue said. Cendana added that Clinton “understands that at the heart of our communities are our families.” Clinton also proposed comprehensive immigration reform within the first 100 days of her administration. In addition to immigration, the candidates made their last attempts to impress the American people by discussing their views on the economy, the Supreme Court, foreign hot spots, and fitness to be president. With November 8 quickly approaching, for Fil-Ams who have followed this election cycle closely, this debate solidified and confirmed why the particular candidate they are supporting will become the next commander-in-chief. “I am happy that Trump reconfirmed his commitment to protecting pro-life and conser-
(NAAS) released the first half of vative Supreme Court justices its fall survey on Asian Ameriand brought out [the Clinton can and Pacific Islander (AAPI) foundation’s] activities in Haiti voters, finding that Clinton has and with the Arabs,” Henry a 41-point lead over her RepubChen, a real estate professional lican opponent. in Los Angeles, commented. Looking specifically at regisHe added, “Hopefully Christered Filipino voters, the survey tians and Catholics who are reported that 54 percent said undecided will see her major that Clinton was their “presiplatforms, which are abortion, dential vote choice.” A quarter gay marriage and rights, and of Filipinos noted that they prewillingness to fund the refufer Trump for the presidency, gees instead of our veterans.” the highest Trump favorability With the controversial rerating among all surveyed ethmarks Trump has made about nic groups. n women, Irene Natividad, president of the Global Summit on Women, urged Fil-Ams to take those into consideration when deciding whom to vote for. “You cannot have a presidential candidate who denigrates half the population, who underestimates the talents that we bring to this country, and who underestimates the value women bring to every aspect of this society. Filipino Americans cannot afford to have a president who treats half of the country by measuring their bodies. We bring a lot more to this society as we did in the Philippines than just the way we look,” she said. Natividad praised Clinton’s performance and temperament when responding to Trump’s claims. “Filipino Americans who want a stable country, who live in a country that they value as a home for those who are different, will want to see Hillary Clinton as president of the United States,” she said. Despite the comments about women and accusers who have come forward, Dolly de Leon — a business owner and ardent Trump supporter in Las Vegas — said that they should not be the main focus of the Republican nominee’s campaign. Instead, voters should look at his record as a businessman since “running a country is like managing a business,” she said. “Further, Donald Trump will do for America what he has said during the campaign months. These promises are totally the opposite of Hillary Clinton’s agenda [of] open trade, open borders, and so many radical ideologies that should be shunned by many Filipinos, Asians and Hispanics because of our high moral and family values,” she said. “Also the 33,000 emails deleted are worth looking into as it connotes extremely flawed character on her part.” As the early voting period has begun in many states, including Nevada, Cendana reminded Fil-Ams that “there is a clear difference in their choices that will affect our community here and abroad… It is really going to be about turnout. It is now going to be our responsibility to educate our family and friends that they go out and vote.” Earlier in October, the National Asian American Survey
Australia garnered a +47 net trust rating followed by Japan with +34, Norway with +16, the Netherlands with +14 and Taiwan with +3. The survey was conducted from September 24 to 27 among 1,200 adult Filipinos nationwide with a margin error of plus or minus 3 percent. The independent poll was released as President Rodrigo Duterte heads to Beijing for a four-day state visit. The chief executive is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss issues of mutual concern including the maritime dispute over the South China Sea. Duterte earlier expressed his
intent to end the annual joint military exercises with American troops as China is not in favor of the war games. He had also threatened to break the Philippines’ ties with the US following criticisms on his campaign against the illegal drug trade. The president is eyeing to boost ties with Beijing, which has been marred by the maritime dispute. In July, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines in its arbitration case against China’s nine-dash line claim over the disputed waters. Beijing refused to honor the decision and insisted that it has indisputable claim over the South China Sea.
Fil-Ams told that PH wealth in wildlife needs urgent care by Pia LoPezbanos-carrion Inquirer.net
SAN FRANCISCO — “There is nothing more magical than taking a child into the water with a mask to see the world under,” said Dr. Terrence Gosliner, senior curator of Invertebrate Zoology of the California Academy of Sciences, describing the diverse and colorful life underwater in the Philippines. Gosliner spoke at the recent book launch of Hotspot, Cool Country: Biodiversity in the Philippines by Filipino American author Almira Astudillo Gilles.
Panel of experts (left to right): Atty. Ipat Luna, Terrence Gosliner, Ph.D., Roberta Lopez Feliciano and Almira Astudillo Gilles echo the pride and awe for the biodiversity of the Philippines. Inquirer.net photo by Pia Lopez Banos-Carrion
“Inflatable sharks, frogs that fly, metal-eating plants, cicadas that laugh” are just a few of the
unique species that can be found in the Philippines.
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A6 OCTOBER 22-25, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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Fil-Ams for Hillary host Kamayan dinner to promote earlyvoting by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AJPress
LAS VEGAS — Nearly a hundred Filipino Americans gathered on Sunday, October 16 to participate in a Kamayan-style dinner hosted by Hillary for Nevada. In addition to celebrating October as Filipino American History Month, this dinner was patterned after a political tradition in the Philippines, wherein candidates would feast with their constituents. “We are breaking bread with our president — our next president, Hillary Clinton. It is a way of showing her, yes we support her…Kamayan originally was a support system in the tribal areas of the Philippines,” said Kate Torres-Recto, a Fil-Am community leader and commercial loan specialist who was one of the dinner’s hosts. She added, “She has supported us — all our issues, veterans, children, immigration. This is your way of showing that you are supporting Hillary Clinton. When we break the Kamayan up, it’s not just because we want to feed you…but we also want to show that we can be one as a voice.” Jason Tengco, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) outreach director for Clinton’s campaign, said focus has been placed on mobilizing voters in Nevada in particular, given how the AAPI population in the state is one of the fastest-growing in the country. The campaign, he said, knows “how important every single one of you are to make sure Hillary wins on November 8.” According to the last U.S. Census, over 86,000 Filipinos reside in Clark County alone, making up the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) group. The Filipino population is significant enough that the Clark County Election Department has required ballots and election materials be in Tagalog in addition to English and Spanish. Tengco went on to cite Clinton’s record of fighting for AAPI issues, such as immigration and
Fil-Ams gathered on Sunday, October 16 to phone bank and have a Kamayan dinner.
benefits for Fil-Am World War II veterans. “As secretary of state, she’s traveled the world, she’s met with the president of the Philippines, she hasn’t called the Philippines names like the other candidate. As U.S. senator, she’s fought for comprehensive immigration reform and a lot of folks don’t know, she stood on the floor of the Senate defending Filipino-American World War II veterans,” Tengco said. “If you ask the other candidate how much he knows about our fellow manangs and manongs, I don’t even know what he’ll say. She’s fought for us, she’s fought for our community, so she needs us to actually fight for her in the remaining days of the election.” Christopher Cabaldon, the mayor of West Sacramento, California, traveled to Las Vegas for
this dinner and to help the campaign with phone bank efforts. “There is no better candidate in the world to provide the kind of stable leadership for my cousins back home in the Philippines right now and for this world as a whole. But the Philippines desperately needs someone with a steady hand, someone who knows Asia, and no one knows it better than America’s top diplomat, Hillary Clinton,” he said. With less than three weeks left, Cabaldon said Fil-Ams should be reminded why they
should care about the election and what’s at stake if they don’t vote. Fil-Am community leaders also urged fellow Fil-Ams to avail of the early voting period until November 4. This weekend, October 22 and 23, voters can head to Seafood City to cast their ballots. “The responsibility and accountability belong to each one of you,” said Rozita Lee, a Fil-Am civic leader and former member of the President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs. ■
Fil-Ams told that PH wealth... PAGE A5 t Gosliner reported that there are 9,253 species of plants, 535 species of birds, 281 species of freshwater fish, 245 species of mammals found in the country, to name a few. These numbers constantly change because many new species are being identified, while others could vanish or become extinct. The book launching, held at the Social Hall of the Philippine Center in San Francisco, was supported by the Philippine American Writers and Artists (PAWA), Inc./Filipino American Book Festival, California Academy of Sciences, SEA Institute, Pusod, Inc., ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan/ Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. and the Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco. ABSCBN The Filipino Channel (TFC) provided full media support for the event. The talk was emceed by Edwin Lozada from the Board of Directors of PAWA. Unique biodiversity Hotspot, Cool Country, a picture book, features the Philippines’ unique wildlife and marine life, which are among the
most at risk on the planet. The book shows that the Philippines is megadiverse, meaning it has more species concentrated in its territory than other countries, making it “cool.” At the same time the dangers facing wildlife makes it a “hot” spot. “Cool country is a good thing because there are new species being discovered every day in the Philippines. But being a hot spot is not a good thing. That means it is vulnerable to species extinction. The need for conservation is urgent,” Astudillo-Gilles said. Gilles says, “There is no book right now that introduces students to the natural wonders of the Philippines” and instills pride in them. Her book was written to fill this need. Panelists identified the Verde Island Passage (VIP) as key center of biodiversity. It is approximately 1.14 million hectares of seascape stretching between the provinces of Batangas, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon. Richest part of PH “The Verde Island Passage is the richest part of the Philippines,” stated Gosliner.
AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal
His colleague, Rich Mooi, director of Citizen Science, California Academy of Sciences, also said, “The diversity of the species completely blew me away. I’ve never been anywhere on a planet that was even remotely like that.” The throbbing, thriving life in this region has led experts to call the VIP the “center of the center” of biodiversity. It is also threatened by technology, industry, overdevelopment and pollution. Astudillo-Gilles’ book reveals that “there is a race between species extinction and discovery. The Earth is now losing species at the fastest rate since the disappearance of dinosaurs. That is why it is imperative to protect identified hot spots. It is important to safeguard and preserve this very important stretch that is the VIP.” Roberta Lopez Feliciano, chairman of the SEA-VIP Institute (Science, Education and Advocacy), which promotes science-based conservation in the Verde Island Passage, is setting up systems and processes to bring together government, NGOs, businesses, the academe and local communities to align
research, educational outreach and conservation efforts. A little goes a long way Feliciano believes that “every little ripple of action goes a long way.” She is convinced that “you can’t really care about the environment unless you experience it first-hand. That is why the SEA-VIP Institute wants to bring science into people’s lives.” Similarly, Atty. Ipat Luna, environment activist and president of Pusod, Inc. an environmental non-profit organization in the Philippines, stressed the importance of encouraging Fil-Ams to go to the Philippines “to see and experience what it is they are trying to protect.” “Until someone is able to link what he or she is eating to environment conservation advocacy, that person will not give a sustained commitment,” she contended. In this light, various groups in the Philippines are putting conservation measures in place. Feliciano reported that Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez, has marked 17 hot spots in the country to serve as models on how nature can be protected in other areas. ■
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A
D ateline PhiliPPines Bongbong Marcos to ask SC to stop ASG abducts Filipino, South Korean Comelec from releasing unused VCMs from ship near Tawi-Tawi Province by Dana
SioSon AJPress
Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. will ask the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential electoral Tribunal (PeT), to stop the Commission on elections (Comelec) from releasing “unused vote-counting machines (VCms)” to Smartmatic pending the resolution of his poll protest against Vice President Leni robredo. According to marcos’s lawyer, Jose Amor Amorado, the PeT must first approve any action taken on the VCms in light of the precautionary protection order (PPo). The PeT issued a PPo on August 2 for all election equipment and paraphernalia used in the may 2016 national polls for purposes of preserving and safeguarding the integrity of all ballot boxes. “Senator marcos is vehemently opposing the plan of Comelec to return the 1,356 VCms to Smartmatic for the simple reason that there is no approval from the PeT in the light of the PPo it earlier issued,” Amorado said. marcos’s camp insisted that VCms are covered by the PPo because these were contingency machines deployed during the elections. “These contingency machines were used during the last elections as contingency VCms. Some of them were deployed admittedly during the earlier meetings in different areas. Some of them were left here in (Comelec warehouse) Sta. rosa (Laguna).
So because of lack of PeT approval, the plan of Comelec to return the VCms to Smartmatic is vehemently opposed,” Amorado said. marcos is expected to file the necessary pleading next week. In a letter dated September 29, Comelec Commissioner Christian Lim wrote to inform PeT chairperson and Chief Justice maria Lourdes Sereno that the Comelec will return the machines to Smartmatic and that the parties to the vice presidential and senatorial election protests were invited to a briefing on the protocol for the release. According to the Comelec, the VCms were not covered by the PPo because it “were not actually deployed and/or used during the elections.” Attending the briefing on Wednesday, october 19, Amorado said that whether the machines were actually used or not lies with the PeT and not with the Comelec. He added that the poll body should have sought the consent of the tribunal first. “In so far as our technical people are concerned there is no way that Comelec will be able to prove that these machines were not actually used. Plus from the legal standpoint, these machines were used actually as contingency machines so whether or not they were opened is beside the point,” Amorado said. Last June 29, marcos filed an election protest against current Vice President robredo after losing the seat to her in may. robredo won the vice presi-
Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
dential position by just 263,473 by Eric anthony LicaS AJPress votes, according to the final official tally of the National Board of Canvassers. She garnered Armed men reportedly board14,418,817 votes while marcos ed a South Korean ship to kidnap placed second with 14,155,344 its skipper and a Filipino crewvotes. n man on Thursday, october 20
as they sailed through shipping lanes notoriously preyed upon by the rebel Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Skipper Chul Hong and crewmember Glenn Alindajao were abducted from the mV dong-
bang Giant as it was heading northward between the southern edge of the Filipino archipelago and the North east coast of Indonesia on its way to South Korea, according to the
u PAGE A11
A OctOber 22-25, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL
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OpiniOn
Features
Zero-sum game
IF this is a separation, what is the cost? Administration officials will have to spend the coming days explaining exactly what President Duterte meant when he announced on Thursday, Oct. 20 in Beijing that he was “separating” from the United States, not only security-wise but also economically. The 1.2 million Filipinos working in American business process outsourcing companies alone must be worried about their jobs. The US is also a top investor in semiconductor manufacturing – the No. 1 export of the Philippines. Millions of Filipinos remit earnings from the US to their relatives back home. Two-way trade stands at $25 billion. If the President is unhappy with the nation’s ties with a particular country, the disagreements can be discussed and kinks ironed out through the proper channels. This is what he is pursuing with China, which has yet to abide by the ruling of the United Nations-backed Permanent Arbitration Court that tossed out Beijing’s nine-dash-line claim over nearly the entire South China Sea and awarded the Philippines sovereign rights over several areas in disputed waters. The court ruling also declared Panatag or Scarborough Shoal off Zambales as a common fishing area, and that China violated Philippine fishing rights when it seized the shoal. President Duterte
said he would raise the issue during his China visit. As of Friday, Oct. 21, however, there was no word from Beijing on whether it would end its occupation of the shoal. Why does the country have to burn its bridges with a long-time ally just to cozy up to a new friend, which won’t even abide by international rules? China and the US themselves have strong ties in many aspects especially economic, and find it mutually beneficial to see each other prosper. Addressing businessmen in Beijing, Duterte said the Philippines is now part of a triumvirate, together with China and Russia, against the world. It’s uncertain if Russia is aware of the triumvirate, and if the two countries feel they are allied against the world. Russia and China are rivals of the United States, but the two countries also maintain links with Washington in many aspects. And all three tions in the UN – a body Duterte has also showcountries often find themselves needing to work ered with threats including a possible withdrawal together on matters with international ramifica- by the Philippines. We all live in the same planet.
Guest Editorial
Philstar.com photo
A nation plays a zero-sum game in alliances and isolates itself from the community of nations at its own peril. (Philstar.com)
Clinton or Trump? How to vote on November 8 FIlIPINOS in America are more driven than ever to cast their votes that will decide who will be the next president of the United States. As in the general American electorate, many kababayans are motivated not by their love and pride for their own candidate as much as their fear and disdain that the nominee of the other party may win the presidency. Many Fil-Ams have been asking me about how they can vote on November 8. If you have registered and have opted to vote by mail, then you should have already received your ballots by mail along with the thick info pamphlet. You should vote and mail your ballots ASAP.
locations before Election Day. Here are your options: Contact your county elections Vote by mail The Fil-Am office to see if they offer early * Request a vote-by-mail balPerspective voting. County contact inforlot by November 1. mation can be found at: www. * Return by mail—must be sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-repostmarked on or before Nosources/county-elections-ofvember 8 and received by your fices. county elections office no later Gel sAntos-relos Vote at the polls on Election than November 14. Day * Return in person—to your * Polls are open on Election Day, November county elections office or any polling place in 8, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. your county before 8:00 p.m. on November 8. * The location of your polling place is printed Vote early in person Some counties offer early voting at a few on the back page of the sample ballot booklet
your county elections official mailed to you. You can also find your polling place: By calling (800) 345-VOTE (8683); texting Vote to GOVOTE (468683) or going online at www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place. VOTE and exercise your right and obligation to choose the new president of the United States conscientiously! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Amplifying truth in the 2016 presidential election
Rhizomes
Prosy AbArquezDelAcruz, J.D. “Why do people exhibit racism or commit hate crimes? These things occur when we are split off from our own shadow, our inner pain. When people and circumstances press our buttons, we can easily believe that life is against us. We adopt a life script of martyrdom, imagining that life “has in it for us” or is “cheating “ us in some way, even though life is neutral. We may begin to believe that life always deals us a cruel hand. The reality is that there is no enemy “out there.” We regard them as an enemy only because of our inability to understand and master our internal shadow, which we project onto them. The more helpful response to being triggered is to recognize your emotional charge as a signal that something is amiss within you. Once you realize there are no enemies, only guides to inner growth, all who play a part in your life become mirrors of your forgotten self.” —Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., “The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children,” 2014. Dr. Tsabary believes we all have our emotional inheritance. When our parents were raised not feeling their pain, they raise their children based on their decrees, a complete control over them. When children choose to march to their own tunes, “parents resort to outrage in order to control the child. Children brought up this way learn fear, not respect. They believe that the only way to effect change is through overpowering others, which leads to raising their own children to one day become dictators themselves, hostile in their reaction to the world, and perhaps even violent,” she observed from patients in her clinical psy-
chology practice. We have an unprecedented first: a male presidential candidate whose mouth resembles a dirty trash can with putrid, decaying wastes. In public forums, he spouts off racial slurs, dehumanizing to women, disabled individuals and ethnic communities: “bad hombres” and “rapists and drug criminals” to Mexicans; “nasty woman” to Hillary Clinton; “animals and terrorists“ to Filipinos; “fat pigs, dogs, slobs” to women; “terrorists” to Muslims; and “He’s not a war hero. He’s not a war hero because he was captured. I don’t like people who were captured” to Senator John McCain. To take it further, he has said: “face of a dog to a columnist he wrote to” “you know it doesn’t matter what the media write as long as you’ve got a young, and beautiful, piece of ass” “thugs for African-Americans” “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the U.S” “laziness is a trait in Blacks” “who knows what the Japs will pay for Manhattan property these days” “You have to treat them like shit, referring to women,” including comparing golf equipment as changing tastes in marriage. “It’s weird. You see these great players with these really long putters, because they can’t sink three-footers anymore. And, I hate it. I am a traditionalist,” referring to his hatred towards gay marriage. We also have a male presidential candidate who shows disdain towards his opponent, calling her a “nasty woman” and “liar.” Imagine being the recipient of all these racist, bigoted and sexist slurs. How would you feel? TIME Magazine reported that Donald Trump interrupted Hillary Clinton 48 times during the
presidential debates. We also have this male candidate whose vision is to build a border wall that costs $4 million to build per mile, to an estimated total of $10 to 12 billion, according to BBC News. We also have this male candidate with razor-thin knowledge of foreign policies and confuses Aleppo with Mosul, forgetting that Aleppo is in Syria and Mosul in Iraq. Yet 13.3 million Republicans voted for him during the primary, over Ted Cruz’s 7 million votes. But why? 27% of Fil-Ams are for Trump? As the Asian Journal reported, the National Asian American Survey (NAAS) found that 27 percent of Fil-Ams support Trump, while 57 percent of FilAms support Hillary Clinton. Six percent are for a third party, while 10 percent do not know yet. “I am voting for Trump as I hate gay marriage and abortion,” one Fil-Am supporter wrote in his Facebook post. Where do those beliefs come from? Most would say from the Bible, but God’s good news is to love our neighbors, as ourselves. There is no distinction as to who to love. Even Pope Francis welcomes gays into the fold of the Catholic Church. Fifty states in the United States now recognize the civil union of gays, and of equal footing to straight people’s marriages, given the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic ruling last year. Could hatred towards gays come from misinterpreting the Bible while mimicking Christian pastors, with unconscious hatred towards gays? Some bigoted parents discriminate against gays, for they once experimented with being gay. From their past childhood loss, they are passing on their personal trauma, as if an emotional inheritance for their
children, while giving it some veneer of acceptability, using the imperatives of biblical verses. Hatred is still unacceptable, even if wrapped up in something God did not teach us. As to women who believe in pro-choice, no woman consciously conceives of her child wanting to be rid of it. In fact, a woman carried her fetus to 31 weeks as she wanted to be sure that she really cannot carry it to full term. But, fetuses sometimes develop abnormally in the fallopian tube. When it does, the fetus can cause a woman’s internal bleeding that only surgery can save her life from being at risk of blood poisoning. A woman is empowered with free will to choose her life, and tries for another pregnancy, as one friend I know and she now has a grandbaby as well as healthy children. Yet, during the final debate on October 19, Trump talked about a child being ripped from the woman’s womb, and repeated forcefully his opposition. Wildly misinformed, he did not realize that is how a woman gives birth, using the caesarean method. In callous disregard and to stir up more fears, he whipped up his ignorance about the reproductive birth process, as if equivalent to smart scientific knowledge. Unless folks take the time to verify with their medical doctors or by doing research, they would be misled, horrified, and remain afraid. The procedure that Trump describes is not abortion at all. Even physicians took to Facebook to explain that this procedure is not done to remove a fetus, but to give birth to a baby. Once, I questioned two Stanford-educated, Christian doctors on when does a fetus become a life? Is it when the egg is just meeting up with the sperm or after growing inside the womb with a full set of extremities and organs capable of viability on its own? They
looked at me, perplexed. Could these highly educated doctors also have relied on wrong beliefs propagated on Sunday, without critical thought? When women in China were forced to have an abortion or when women in Romania were forced to have babies, Hillary Clinton believes that the government went too far in regulating the most personal decisions that a woman has to make with her family, medical doctor, and guided by her faith. She passionately defended the women’s right to choose during the last debate. The real, caring, compassionate Hillary Clinton When I attended the Democratic National Convention, I heard Chelsea Clinton speak of how she is deeply loved and valued by her mother, Hillary Clinton. She recalled when she was growing up that she had a special drawer in their home, where her mom left her handwritten love notes for each day that her mom was gone for a work trip. She read them daily for each day she was gone and also received her mom’s phone calls. Hillary must have realized that her child might feel abandoned while she was travelling for work, that she took the time to accompany Chelsea, even if in a letter form, to stay close to what she was feeling at that moment. Hillary’s extra attention to detail may have nurtured Chelsea to become a caring, wise woman, with a compassionate heart towards those with the least. Jason Tengco, the Clinton campaign’s Asian American and Pacific Islander outreach director had this to say to Filipino Americans: “Filipino Americans are standing with Hillary because they see themselves reflected in her vision for America. They know that she will make college more affordable, close the wage gap, help small busi-
nesses thrive, and fight to pass comprehensive immigration reform. While Donald Trump continues to espouse bigoted rhetoric and empty policy proposals, Hillary is doing everything she can to ensure our community continues to thrive. The choice for Filipino Americans in this election couldn’t be clearer.” If we as voters have our own sense of worth and value, we will vote for leaders who mirror our inner selves and for a president who will respect us for our personal strengths, talents and knowledge and not inherit the emotional trauma of their childhood. Trump reportedly was kicked out of school at age 13 and had to be sent to a military academy. Hopefully, we have enough self-esteem as to not vote for a leader who considers us “terrorists and animals.” Only a voter with low self-worth can blindly choose Trump’s brand of Jim Crow philosophy to overpower and subjugate citizens of different races to segregation circa the 1950s. We are #nastywomen and #badhombres choosing a president aligned with our healthy family values and one who sees us as more than these hashtag labels. We are certainly not animals and terrorists. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Japan Labor Ministry rules Filipino trainee died from ‘overwork’ in 2014 by dana
SioSon AJPress
A FILIPINO trainee who died of heart failure in 2014 has been recognized by the Japan Labor Ministry as ‘karoshi,’ or death by overwork. The 27-year-old Filipino, identified as Joey Tocnang, died of heart failure at the company dorm in April 2014, three months before his scheduled return to the Philippines. However, last Monday, October 17, the ministry ruled that Tocnang died due to overwork. Records revealed that Tocnang logged up to 122.5 hours of over-
time per month, and despite the massive excess hours of labor, was only paid the minimum salary. Tocnang came to Japan in August 2011 and worked at a casting company, cutting steel and painting chemicals onto a mold, according to the Gifu Labor Standard Inspection Office. Following his death, the labor office recommended his family to file for government compensation so that the connection between his job and his death would be looked into. According to reports from the Japan Times, the Gifu labor office said they already sent the case
last March against Tocnang’s employer, Takashi Chuzo-jo, in Kakamigahara for violating the labor laws. Aside from Tocnang, the company overworked two other Filipinos and another Japanese employee, the labor office disclosed. This was the second karoshi case involving a foreigner in Japan according to Gaikokujin Ginojisshusei Kenri Network, a Tokyo-based advocacy group for foreign trainees. The first case was recognized in 2010, which involved a Chinese intern who worked at a metal processing company in Itako, Ibaraki Prefecture. n
DTI: Economic ties with US to continue by Richmond
meRcuRio Philstar.com
MANILA - Trade and investment cooperation with the United States will continue despite President Duterte’s pronouncement that he is cutting military and economic ties with the world’s largest economy, the Philippines’ trade chief vowed on Friday, Oct. 21. “(The) President’s statement means just maintaining the relationship and just breaking too much dependence on one side. But trade and investment cooperation (with the US) continues,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said when asked on possible implications of the President’s announcement in Beijing on Thursday, Oct. 20. The Cabinet official, who is part of the President’s delegation in his China state visit, said the Philippines would remain “friends to all.” He said, however, that he would let official spokespersons elaborate further on the President’s pronouncement. “We will maintain relations with our other partners but we would revive the stronger integration with our neighbors. We share centuries of trading, similar culture and a better understanding with our region,” Lopez said. The US has been one of the country’s biggest trade and investment partners for decades. Bilateral trade between the Philippines and the US is at $25 billion, according to John Forbes,
senior advisor at the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines. Forbes said the US is also the top country investor, most recently in the business process outsourcing space which currently employs 1.2 million. In addition, the US is the country’s top source of remittances and top investor in semiconductors, which is the Philippines’ number one export. As far as Duterte’s China trip was concerned, Lopez said it served as a “symbol of renewing old friendship and brotherhood.” Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said the Philippines would continue to honor its business with other nations despite President Duterte’s pronouncements that the country will “separate” itself from the United States. “All business investments, contracts and commitments, local and international, in the country and for our country will be honored by the Philippine government, consistent with the non-impairment and due process clauses in the Philippine Constitution and existing laws of the land,” Information Secretary Rodolfo Salalima said. “This pledge has been made by the President often during our meetings. The President is sincere in this pronouncement and he will be true to his words,” he said. News, information exchange Apart from the multibillionpeso trade and investment
“(The) President’s statement means just maintaining the relationship and just breaking too much dependence on one side. But trade and investment cooperation (with the US) continues,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said when asked on possible implications of the President’s announcement in Beijing on Thursday, Oct. 20.
deals the country entered into with China, the Philippines also agreed on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would enable news and information exchange and training between the two countries. Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the “enhanced relations” in the field of mass communication “would immensely help the Duterte administration’s efforts to explain its reform agenda and development program not only to Filipinos but also to the international community.” n
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 22-25, 2016
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A10 OctOber 22-25, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL
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Pacquiao nears peak condition, says Roach by Dana
SioSon AJPress
SENATOR Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is approaching his peak condition just in time for his comeback match, his coach Freddie Roach assured. “Not that Manny’s already reached his peak, but we’re heading to that. He’ll be there,” Roach said. According to a Philboxing report, Roach said Pacquiao sparred six rounds against undefeated
fighter Jose Ramirez and another four rounds against Filipino boxer Sonny Kabandagho last week. But as Pacquiao wanted to spar more, they made it a total of 12 rounds, Roach related. “We still have three sparring sessions next week and several rounds more with the mitts which we believe are enough before going through the fine-tuning phase of the camp two weeks from now in LA,” he added. In April, Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing after
winning a 12-round unanimous decision against Timothy Bradley Jr. to focus on his political career. Pacquiao was elected Senator in earlier in May. On November 5, Pacquiao will face World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title holder, Jessie Vargas, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Vargas has a record of 27 wins, one loss, and 10 knockouts. He won via TKO against his previous opponent, Sadam Ali, in March this year. n
PH hunger rate hits record low by Helen
FloreS Philstar.com
MANILA – The country’s selfrated hunger rate fell to 10.6 percent in the third quarter of 2016, the lowest recorded in over 12 years, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. The September poll showed 10.6 percent or an estimated 2.4 million families who claimed to have experienced involuntary hunger at least once, down by 4.6 points from June’s 15.2 percent or about 3.4 million families. It is also the lowest recorded since the 7.4 percent recorded
in March 2004. The survey was conducted from Sept. 24 to 27, using faceto-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide. The overall hunger rate is composed of 9.1 percent (an estimated 2.1 million families) who experienced “moderate hunger” and 1.5 percent (an estimated 329,000 families) who experienced “severe hunger.” Moderate hunger refers to those who experience hunger “only once” or “a few times” in the last three months. Severe hunger, on the other hand, refers to those who experience having nothing to eat
“often” or “always” in the last three months. SWS said both “moderate” and “severe” hunger eased between June and September. Hunger rate in Metro Manila dropped to 7.3 percent (an estimated 225,000 families) from 17 percent (estimated 521,000 families). It is the lowest rate in the area in over 12 years, since June 2004’s 7.3 percent, the SWS noted. In balance Luzon, hunger rate fell to 11.7 percent (estimated 1.2 million families) from 15.3 percent (estimated 1.5 million families), the lowest since December 2015 when it logged 9.7 percent. n
Poe calls for hearings on police rules of engagement by JonatHan De
SantoS
Philstar.com
MANILA - Sen. Grace Poe has filed a resolution for the Senate to hold hearings and come up with measures to make sure that police follow the rules of engagement and avoid the excessive use of force. The resolution was filed a day after a violent dispersal in front of the US embassy in Manila, where a police officer driving a police van was caught on video plowing through protesters gathered there to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s independent foreign policy. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has relieved the officers involved in the dispersal pending the results of an investigation into the incident. “Though it could be argued that the protesters might have crossed the line at some point during the violent dispersal, it is clear that the act of repeat-
edly ramming over numerous protesters with a police van without due regard to their presence and safety is an act worthy of utmost condemnation and should be labeled barbaric and illegal,” Poe, former chair of the Senate Public Order committee, said in a statement Thursday, Oct. 20. Poe said that police officers are supposed to observe maximum tolerance during protests. “We should be reminded that government was established to protect the people, thus, its power should not be unleashed against defenseless citizens,” she said in the explanatory note to her resolution. The Public Order committee, which has oversight over the police, is now chaired by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP chief. Lacson, in a statement earlier Thursday, said the PNP should not be judged on the actions of PO3 Franklin Kho, the
Sen. Grace Poe
van’s driver. “That was a judgment call made by one policeman behind the wheel of a police van who might have felt threatened by the possibility of being lynched by the protesters, and who impulsively drove the van wherever he could to avoid the dire consequences of his inaction,” he said. n
DEMAND FOR HIGHER PAY. Government employees hold a rally in front of the House of Representatives to press their demand for higher pay. Lawmakers had earlier warned that the salary increase promised to soldiers and policemen will cause agitation among state workers. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan
House body OKs con-ass for Cha-cha by Delon
Porcalla Philstar.com
MANILA – Voting 32-7 with three abstentions, members of the House of Representatives’ committee on constitutional amendments approved the plan to create a constituent assembly or con-ass as the mode of amending the 1987 Constitution and shifting to a federal system of government. “The results of the voting show that the committee approves the concurrent resolution calling Congress as a constituent assembly for purposes of revising the Constitution,” panel chairman Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado announced. Initial voting was held viva voce, but House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas – who was seated beside Mercado practically the whole time – suggested that lawmakers in favor or against the measure should stand up for an easy and more efficient count. Two lawmakers from former president Benigno Aquino III’s Liberal Party – Reps. Henedina Abad of Batanes and Kaka Bagao of Dinagat Islands – manifested that while they were for Charter change, they still preferred the more costly mode of constitutional convention (con-con).
Abad, wife of former budget secretary Florencio who served in the previous administration, wanted a more thorough study and a multisectoral consultation among all concerned stakeholders before the presidential system is changed. During the hearing, it was also agreed that a technical working group would be created and tasked to incorporate into one all of the pending resolutions for con-ass, including those authored by Reps. Albee Benitez of Negros Occidental and Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte. The two lawmakers filed their con-ass bills even before President Duterte changed his mind, from the original con-con – which he complained would cost about P7 billion – to conass, where an executive order will designate constitutionalists to introduce the changes. House Deputy Speaker Gwendolyn Garcia, who moved for the approval of the con-ass motion, defended the process by which their colleagues have approved the measure. Garcia said the committee followed the proper procedure and the proposal was not railroaded. The Cebu lawmaker also refuted critics’ claims that they
do not have the power to make changes to the law of the land, noting that while Cha-cha was not among the promises they made during the campaign, there never was a claim to do otherwise. “One position does not bind you to the other,” Garcia stressed. “Yes, we didn’t run and we were not elected because we promised to change the Constitution, but we also did not say that we will never change the Constitution. By supporting President Duterte, it goes without saying that I supported his platform of government (including federalism). Therefore, I am fulfilling the very mandate which my constituents have conferred me with,” she said. Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop, chairman of the House committee on public order and safety, agreed with Garcia, adding that if his colleagues have a problem with his decision, then they better check with his constituents. Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza expressed objection to the move of the Mercado committee. “This is a serious breach of our contract with the electorate. This goes against our core principles. This is not the manner of revising the Constitution,” he said. n
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 22-25, 2016
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US envoy: We have been helping PH lick illegal drugs humanely by Michael Joe
Philstar.com
PBA CHAMPIONS. The arc of Ginebra’s heartaches reached its climax Wednesday night as Kings import Justin Brownlee hit a 3-point shot at the buzzer to beat the Meralco Bolts, 91-88, and script a storybook ending to an eight-year championship drought. Philstar.com photo by Eifgenio Toledo IV
Metro Manila traffic ranked among 10 worst in world MANILA – Manila ranked 10th on a list of cities with the worst traffic in the world, according to a website that collates global information on cost of living, crime rate and pollution. Numbeo, which released a study on traffic based on a “Time Index,” placed Mumbai, India first on the list with a score of 66.18. Numbeo computed the average time spent by a commuter on a one-way trip. In the case of Mumbai, a commuter has to sit for over an hour to get to destination, it reported. On the list, Mumbai was fol-
lowed by Nairobi, Kenya with time index score of 65.20; Pune, India with 60.86; and Tehran, Iran, 59.84. Rounding up the top 10 are: Miami, Florida (59.20); Cairo, Egypt (58.61); Kolkata, India (58); Recife, Brazil (57.85); and Petronia, South Africa (52.25). Other factors considered in the study were poor traffic laws and driving attitudes. Last year, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reported that traffic in the Philippines cost P2.4 billion daily to the economy.
A study conducted by JICA warned that by 2030, the Philippines would lose P6 billion daily due to traffic. Heavy traffic is not limited to Metro Manila, especially during holidays, it said. It noted that during Christmas and All Saints’ Day, traffic is at a standstill as people leave and come to Manila to make their way home. Heavy rains and flooding are another cause of traffic both inside and outside Metro Manila, the agency reported. (Philstar. com)
ASG abducts Filipino, South Korean from... PAGE A7 t
Associated Press. About 10 suspected militants riding a speedboat intercepted the shipping vessel in waters near the town of Bongao in Tawi-Tawi province. Other members of the crew were not taken hostage and were able to report the attack to authorities. “They identified themselves as Abu Sayyaf Group members,” Maj. Filemon Tan, regional spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), told ABS-CBN news on Friday, October 21. Tan identified the ringleaders of the attack as ASG member Jul Hassan and the group’s subleader in Sulu province, Idang Susukan. The jihadist-inspired organization has operated in and around
the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for decades. “We do our best to secure that area but it’s a wide body of water,” Tan told reporters via telephone on Friday. A surge in attacks and the abduction of dozens of sailors from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and elsewhere this year have drawn international pressure to force an end to ASG activity in shipping lanes near Tawi Tawi, neighboring Sulu and other provinces. In July, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya told Inquirer that President Rodrigo Duterte had given him the order to exterminate the rebel group. Military officials in Tawi-Tawi have dispatched a joint-task force to find and free Hong and Alinda-
jao. “Validation and intelligence monitoring are currently being conducted by the military in coordination with local chief executives and the locals to track down the perpetrators and safely rescue the victims,” Tan told reporters on Friday. At least five Malaysians, four Filipinos, two Indonesians and one person from the Netherlands are currently in ASG captivity in addition to the two men taken hostage from the MV Dongbang on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera and other sources. In September, ASG released a Norwegian man, Kjartan Sekkingstad, after at least P30-million in ransom was paid for his freedom, according to previous reporting by the Asian Journal. n
Delizo
THE United States has been supporting anti-drug campaigns in the Philippines but in a “humane way,” the US ambassador to Manila said on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Philip Goldberg added that Washington has sent American agents to train with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and share best practices with them on combating illegal drugs. He said the US worked with Philippine authorities in “big seizures” of illegal drugs at the premier Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). “We support the efforts to eradicate drugs but in a humane way,” Goldberg said in a radio interview. “We cooperate a lot… We are not new to this.” The US, along with the European Union and the United Nations, had been the subject of expletive-laden rants of tough-talking President Rodrigo
US Ambassador Philip Goldberg
Duterte for supposedly criticizing his so-called “war on drugs” that has killed thousands of drug suspects. According to the Philippine President, the US criticizes him instead of helping him address the widespread problem on illegal drugs. “Mr. [Barack] Obama, you can go to hell,” he said in an extemporaneous speeches. “I have lost respect for the US.” Goldberg, who was once also
insulted by Duterte, insisted that he was not taking the President’s remarks personally. “I’m not in the Philippines as an individual. I am a diplomat representing my country. I have to be ready for anything,” he said, adding that Obama was also “taking everything in stride” because “he’s a very civil man, a dignified President.” Still, the ambassador, who is winding up his three-year tour of duty, maintained that Filipinos are among the warmest people he has met. “I’ve been here for three years. My government is now calling me,” he said. “It’s been a great experience. We have done a lot of things in our bilateral relations.” He expressed hope that the “very good, historic” relations between the two countries would remain strong and unbreakable despite the controversies. “The alliance should continue but we can’t control everything,” Goldberg said. n
A12 OctOber 22-25, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 22-25, 2016
SHOWBIZ&STYLE
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Journal Court of Appeals: No reason to void Jodi, Pampi marriage by JomAr
CAnlAs Philstar.com
The Court of Appeals (CA) threw out the decision of the ParaĂąaque City regional trial court declaring null and void the marriage between actress Jodi Sta. Maria and Panfilo “Pampiâ€? Lacson Jr., son of Sen. Panfilo “Pingâ€? Lacson. In a 19-page decision, the CA’s eighth Division junked the ruling of the Regional Trial Court Branch 194 of Paranaque City that Sta. Maria and Lacson’s marriage was void from the start. The decision was penned by Associate Justice Carmelita Salandanan Manahan and concurred in by Associate Justices Japar Dimaampao and Franchito Diamante. Sta. Maria and Lacson met at the set of the television series “Tabing Ilogâ€? in 2000.
They became sweethearts after several month of courtship. In March 2005, they were married in Nevada and in June of the same year, they also got married before a court in ParaĂąaque. On December 23, 2005, their only son, Panfilo Sta. Maria Lacson 3rd, was born. however, their union turned sour and Sta. Maria file an amended petition for declaration of nullity of their marriage before the court on grounds of psychological incapacity. The court granted her petition but the Office of the Solicitor General elevated the case before the CA. In its September 28, 2016 ruling, the appellate court thumbed down the verdict. “While we do not dispute the finding of the RTC, we cannot subscribe to its con-
clusion that the acts and behavior of Sta. Maria indicate psychological incapacity which rendered her incapable of complying with the essential marital obligations,� the appeals court said. The CA also held that Lacson’s psychological incapacity was not sufficiently proved. “A psychological report prepared by [Clinical Psychologist Dr. Visitacion Revita), which found Lacson to be suffering from a dependent type personality disorder, was offered in evidence,� the CA said. “We note, however, that Lacson was not subjected to an actual evaluation by Dr. Revita, and the conclusions of Dr. Revita were exclusively derived from the information given by Sta. Maria and Abigail del Mundo who claims to be a common friend of Sta. Maria and Lacson,� the court said.
Regine Velasquez and her sweet inspirations by Angel JAvier Philstar.com
Cruz
ASIA’S Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid is as fiercely dedicated to her home and family as she is to her music career. her first order of business these days: heirloom recipes that please the palate. her highly-rated Saturday morning talk show “Sarap Diva� bears witness to her passion for anything gustatory. “Cooking is like singing. You can sing someone else’s song and make it your own. In the same way, you can take someone else’s recipe and make it your own,� she writes in Bongga Sa Kusina, a cookbook she launched early this year. The book highlights some of her beloved recipes interlaced with celebrity kitchen concoctions lifted from her cooking show. Among them are Marian Rivera’s Talaba Tempura with Love; Alessandra de Rossi’sVeal Osso Buco; Chef Boy Logro’s Braised Pork Loin Rack; heart evangelistaescudero’s Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta; Michelle van eimerenMorrow’s hainanese Chicken; and Alden Richards’ Special Paksiw na Lechon.
Jodi,Panfilo Lacson Jr. and son Thirdy
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Regine Velasquez-Alcasid with husband Ogie and their son Nate: She is as dedicated to her family as she is to her music career.
Featuring a smorgasbord of visual and gastronomic temptations, the book also includes Songbird trivia, marriage advice, celebrity anecdotes, a rare look into Regine’s spacious domestic kitchen and a foreword from her husband, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid. “I’ve been doing it for more than three years. I really love doing the show,� she says ofSarap Diva, her most treasured show. It’s also an avenue for Regine to
showcase her natural flair as a homemaker. “It’s not a character, it’s me.� On her downtime, Regine enjoys preparing hearty meals for her two boys. Ogie adores her baked chicken and their fouryear-old tyke Nate just can’t get enough of his mom’ssinigang. In a light-hearted interview, the Songbird shares her most prized treasures that neither fame nor money can buy. PAGE B4
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B october 22-25, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL
Moonlighting by Mylah de
leon
With a firm hand he shakes my hand, his face seasoned by storm and values. Charles Simbulan smiles kindly, almost trying to disguise shyness. his voice is light hearted, his hair is spiked, but tousled like a high school lad. the more you look and listen to him, you experience mixture of feelings. You get dumbfounded with his reckless sincerity as he spoke of his work that bears witness to his faith in the power of ideas and in our willingness to be challenged by them through the public service he’s been honed. talking with Simbulan is instructive, he radiates optimism without forfeiting reason. it spins by visions, while much of his agenda is uncontroversial, which he asserts glibly. Our conversation flourished as i started with my first question: Moonlighter: It’s been pointed out that America today ranks first among industrial nations in terms of how much we spend on health care. But how healthy are we as a country? Charles Simbulan: if you base it on national metric healthiness — life expectancy, infant mortality, birth weight, chronic disease incident — based on statistics, our comparative performance is, probably in the cellar still a (lowman) in the healthiness totem pole. the nation spends more than 90 percent of our health dollar on health care (on doctors, hospitals, insurances, machines, pharmaceuticals and the like) but it turns out how wealthy we are as a nation is determined by what does health care dollars buy. M: How can that be? What could possible determine whether the nation is among the industrial world’s healthiest nation, if not the thing we’re all clamoring for — universal health insurance? CS: the answer — and this isn’t political opinion — lies in the social determinants of our physical condition like income, class, education, availability of public transportation. M: What of environmental policy, or participation in the political process or host of other factors that don’t depend on our genetic make up? CS: it is determinants, not from luck or individual sources, but from laws, regulations and priorities set
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Charles Simbulan: living a life of inspiration He
Mr. Charles Simbulan and the Moonlighter
at all levels of government and its private sector, as well, even our propensity take personal responsibility for diet and exercise hardly matters. M: So, what are our choices? CS: the way we currently think about health care, that is, or completely, understandable. Everyone wants access to the best possible health care for our parents, kids and ourselves. We want it to be affordable, with plenty of choices, and even if we covered all the uninsured health care, there are upstreams of the things that send us to doctors and hospitals and pharmacies. there’s poverty and stress, the amount of control and autonomy we have in our globe. M: so what are your thoughts on this issue? CS: to build — from the bottom up — a coalition to change how the nation deals with health. to shift our focus from health care to healthiness and the bigger social factors that determine our national healthiness. M: May I digress? I am seizing the word dignity, this is an abrupt question for you. What is dignity? CS: Dignity is recognizing yourself as a child of God. how can you be undignified? M: That entitles me to ask you a question. I’d like to put on every man or woman of power and authority. What gives you anxiety? CS: When my sense of equilibrium is distributed by thoughts like, “why am i spending so much time on something that may not
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by Pablo
3 is not a crowd
a. TariMan Philstar.com
thERE is a resurgence of films with gay characters in local cinema and the good news is that they are finely done with no attempt to arouse the moviegoers’ prurient interest. Some are delivered as pure whacky comedy and indeed without the redeeming moments of rare insight so difficult to come by and indeed so blatant as exemplified by a box-office comedian high on hysteria and low in discernment. Some output in the early batch of gay-themed films tend to overly explore the sensual side and the result is that it is patronized by mostly gay crowd and given cold shoulders by the mainstream audience. But director Jason Paul Laxamana’s “the third Party” is a pleasant surprise because it has something very positive for both the gay and the straight crowd. it highlights the do well?” “What if something trimmings of conventional relationgoes wrong?” So, i breathe in ship (notably that of the character of and i breathe out. this is not my Beauty Gonzales and her boyfriend) project, this is God’s project, it will and, alas, managed to put gay rebe well. that is faith. And when lationship (that of Sam Milby and you succeed, there’s the “noblesse Zanjoe Marudo) in a more respectoblige,” (a French phrase that able plane minus the bed scenes literally means “nobility obliges”). and unnecessary lip services. Superbly written by Charlene Weary is the head that wears the crown because it requires nobless Sawit-Esguerra and Patrick John Valencia, “the third Party” managoblige. M: Are you capable — I mean es to inform and entertain in equal — can you respect an adver- doses (there is a regular volley of shrieks, gasps and laughter from sary? CS: Always, of course. the the audience) and ends with such moment you think you’re better coming-of-age moment you wanted than your adversary, you lose the word. No one should be beneath you or above you. Just be in that special grace by God. Always put compassion in the law, what we can all do together to contribute in the progress of the community regardless of learning. Every human being should be treated with dignity. M: An abrupt question: who influenced you more, your father or your mother? CS: Both of them, the spirit of equality, they both infused on me. My obsession for public service came from my father. No one imposed anything on me. My father cared very much about courage and freedom. My mother was a teacher, and of abiding faith, where she passed on to all of us. Never has she lost her soft spoken ways or depart from her quiet reserve. She had one answer, one cure for everything — prayer. in an emergency, trouble or dismay, it was her only remedy. She was transfusion A1’s Mark Read also has a theater background like Filipino singer Christian Bautista. of faith and courage.
Angel Locsin stars with Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo (top photo) in the Star Cinema movie: Ensemble acting has never been better.
to give it a standing ovation. Apart from its well-written screenplay, the lead actors’ performances show both depth and intensity leaving no gaping hole in which one could find lackluster delineation. Angel Locsin’s character (Andi Medina) manages to be natural and her character’s vulnerability looks really spontaneous from moments of bliss to moments of shocking dis-
covery. in fact, she recovers easily after minor hysteria and has taken to accepting her former boyfriend for what he is. Friendship takes over the lover status and what happens after are the rare scenarios of noble acceptance so rare in Philippine cinema. One must say that both Sam (as Max Labrador) and Zanjoe (as Christian Pilar) have reached a PAGE B3
A1’s Mark Read admires Filipino singer Christian Bautista by Mary Joy
Villarey Philstar.com
When asked, most foreign performers usually answer the names of either Lea Salonga, Garry V or Manny Pacquiao as Filipinos they admire or would like to perform with one day. But A1’s Mark Read admits that it is Christian Bautista whom he finds to be a great Filipino performer. in an email interview with Philstar.com, Mark Read confirmed that Filipinos are indeed among the best performers around the globe. “i’ve seen and heard a lot of incredible Filipino musicians and singers. there’s a great musical theatre singer and performer, Christian Bautista. that could be a
cool collaboration!” Mark says. Mark, also having a theater background, recently played the role of Dandini, the Prince’s aide in the theater show Cinderella which ran last December 2015 until January 2016 in UK. Mark will be performing in Manila with his band A1, the 90s boyband composed of British-Norwegian Ben Adams and Christian ingebrigtsen. their group popularized the hit songs “Like A Rose,” “heaven By Your Side,” “Caught in the Middle” and “Same Old Brand New You.” When asked what they expect from their Filipino fans this time, Mark says, “We always expect the best from our Filipino fans and we’ve never been disappointed. the best fans in the world.”
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 22-25, 2016
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How to fix a house outside a bending road By Sean
Shono
OUTSIDE of a bending road is typical point of bad luck, which decreases energy. Other examples are freeways, rivers and railways. This can cause suffering -loneliness, intractable diseases and injuries. Hang the Ba Gua Concave Mirror on the following, which should be outside, or facing outside: the entrance door and the wall facing the entrance door. 1, Entrance Door 2, The wall facing the entrance door. Then, place “COPPER UnICORn,” which avoids minus factors at the place where family members gather like the living room. *ALL Feng Shui items must be purified by TAOIST way. *** Feng Shui master Sean Shono owns Dragon God, a Feng Shui store in Gardena, California. He is the U.S. Chief of the International Feng Shui Association. For more information, please call Sean Shono at (310) 787-1891. Dragon God is located at 1580 W. Artesia SQ. Suite A, Gardena, CA 90248.
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 US, 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, Oct. 23 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.
3 is not a...
Makino Sushi and Seafood buffet: Quality Japanese and fusion cuisine arrives in City of Industry Grand opening on Friday, October 28 FRESH seafood, over 30 styles of sushi and a wide variety of fusion dishes will be hot and ready for diner’s plates when the Makino Sushi and Seafood buffet opens in the City of Industry on Friday, October 28. The newest Makino location is built on restaurateur Kakino Makino’s vision of an upscale buffet dining experience serving both authentic favorites and contemporary fusion cuisine. Between options like chicken yakitori, fried tofu and bacon wrapped asparagus, even the pickiest patrons
can find something that will leave them satisfied. Fans of seafood are in for a particular treat. Makino’s menu features decadent pescatarian offerings like crab legs, calamari, breaded scallops and fried oysters. They also serve a variety of fish including mahi mahi, tilapia, sea bass and salmon. Makino also offers hot, made to order Ramen, a comforting japanese style of noodle soup that is perfect for leaving patron’s belly full and warm during the coming winter months.
Fans of quality cuisine will find all these options and more ready and at their fingertips when the newest Makino location opens in the Puente Hills Mall (1600 S Azusa Ave, Suite 370 City of Industry, CA 91748) this coming Friday. *** Makino Sushi and Seafood buffet is open on Mondays to Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on Fridays to Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and everyday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For information, please visit http://www. makinobuffet.com/. (Advertising Supplement)
Piolo Pascual and son Iñigo’s call to live an active lifestyle by ChriStina
alpad ManilaTimes.net
A nEW survey by an international insurance policy company showed that 89-percent of Filipinos place high importance on health. Despite the staggering figure, 59-percent of the same participants in the survey ironically do not exercise; 46-percent do not get enough sleep; and 41-percent eat unhealthily. Alarmed by the growing number of “unhealthy habits” among Filipinos, Sun Life intensifies its annual fitness and wellness advocacy, the Sunpiology run for 2016, and enjoined Iñigo Pascual to help his father and long-time brand ambassador Piolo to get the population moving. Youth magnet When Iñigo Pascual broke into the scene via the 2014 romantic flick, “Relaks, It’s Just Pag-ibig,” the teen star tried his best to veer away from his father Piolo’s superstar status. Try as he might, people could not help but regard the Los Angeles-raised teenager as the younger version of his father. After all the boy had his father’s charm, penchant for singing, and as attested by his numerous small and big screen projects, his dad’s acting chops as well. When it comes to fitness, the apple, likewise, doesn’t fall far from the tree. In fact, he is exhilarated to be deemed a fitness buff, just like his father.
Piolo Pascual with son Iñigo
“Papa P [as the industry fondly calls his father]is a good role model when it comes to staying fit. I like working out too and I always do sports with him. We play badminton, we run and we train for triathlon,” the 19-year old said at the launch of the yearly run that was named after his famed father. With him at Piolo’s side, Sunpiology hopes to attract more young participants to the marathon. “It’s great that my line of work encourages an active lifestyle— by dancing and performing I’m able to stay fit,” Iñigo noted. “I really hope that by example I can motivate young people to start being active as well.” ‘Sugar Wars’ Piolo, on the other hand, has always been in love with physical activities, not only in keeping his body fit but more so, in ensuring his health.
An avid runner and recently a triathlon finisher, Piolo is a true believer of the saying that “health is wealth.” “If you like to eat, exercise more,” he advised when his turn came at the mic at the Sunpiology event. “Because if you don’t exercise, you’ll run into all sorts of health problems, the most alarming one for me, being diabetes.” Echoing the company’s research, he related, “now that the Philippines is considered a diabetic hotspot, we have to raise awareness on who’s at risk and how to avoid it, which is why we have themed this year’s Sunpiology run as the ‘Sugar Wars’.” As such, Sunpiology makes sure to add both education and entertainment in the fun run. Per station, there are challenges PAGE B4
PAGE B2 level of rapport that is at once both refreshing and commendable. They know their characters inside and out and have given them enough humanity to last a lifetime. With Zanjoe as the aggressive one and Sam as the subservient partner, you can see that their characters blend naturally you are almost tempted to suspect: Could they be like that in real life they didn’t have to act (and just be themselves)? Indeed, their level of acting is so real and so true one can safely say that in this project, they have given what could be the best performances of their careers. From the supporting cast, there is also the marked performances of Cherry Pie Picache (as Angel’s mother) and Al Tantay (as the straight patriarch) and Matet de Leon who held her own in the tense dinner scene. This is a well-thought-out scenario when a straight father is irritated by two necking gays near their table while Sam is trying to confess his gay relationship. How his father reacted gave him a real scare he decided to become father of a pregnant friend to the consternation of the character of Angel.
A good script, excellent ensemble acting with a discreet scoring of Jessie Lasaten and sensitive direction gave moviegoers one of the most rewarding moments in cinema. Finally, here is one millennial director who can think beyond his generation and surprisingly has an
ample supply of subtlety, delicacy, humor and humanity — all in one package. By the looks of it, his latest film deserves the A rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board. One believes this is one of his best output after “Babagwa (The Spider’s Lair).”
Features
B october 22-25, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL
The Global Kababayan
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Programming of Kababayan Heart meets Hermès exec in Paris Today, October 24-28, 2016 by Rosette
Adel
Philstar.com
G. TönGi Monday, october 24 - Anthropologist Stephen Acabado shares his research findings about the archaeology and community engagement in Ifugao, Philippines. Tuesday, october 25 - The Philippine National Police’s
violent dispersal of indigenous and Moro people who were peacefully protesting outside the U.S. Embassy in Manila last Wednesday, October 18 is the topic of discussion for our Talk Tuesday Panel! Wednesday, october 26 Midweek News Updates from the Asian Journal and Mia McLeod of McLeod and Associates gives
real estate advice. Founded by Cristina Espiritu, World Crave is an online marketplace featuring unique products from talented artisans all over the world. Currently, they are featuring beautiful products handcrafted from Philippine artisans. Thursday, october 27 - Playwright Boni Alvarez talks about “Blood Letting,” the play opening this weekend. Friday, october 28 - We will show some footage about Filipino American History Month. *** Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipino’s living in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the cultural gap between America & the Philippines but to help with the generational gap between our own people. She is married with two children and is based in Southern California and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are empowering the FilAm community.
Piolo Pascual and son... PAGE B3
they must first complete to pass through such as interactive LED screens, challenging obstacles ala hole in the wall, and sugar mascots that they must outrun. Piolo added that besides raising funds for his Hebreo Foundation for grade school, high school and college scholars, Sunpiology will also allot a substantial amount this year to the Institute for Studies of Diabetes Foundation, Inc., to further medical breakthroughs for diabetes treatment and prevention. “But of course, the most effective way to prevent diabetes from ruining our health is to exercise,” he emphasized as he called on old and new faces to join his meaningful advocacy promoting an active lifestyle. “Besides Hebreo Foundation and the Institute for Studies of Diabetes Foundation, Inc., proceeds of the event will also go to LingkodKapamilya, Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation Philippines Inc., and the Star Magic Scholars,” Piolo finally shared.
ACTRESS and painter Heart Evangelista met the external relations head of a luxury designer bag brand in Paris, France. In her Instagram account, Love Marie Ongpauco-Escudero also known as “Heart,” shared a photo of her meeting with Michael Corte, head of the external relations of Hermès. Corte likewise took to Instagram to welcome Heart in Paris. “Welcome to #Paris Dear@ iamhearte !!!! So happy to greet you today at #Hermes! Enjoy the city and see you very soon,” Corte said in his Instagram post. Heart, dubbed as “Hermès savior” for her hand-painted Hermes bags, last month said the high-end brand is supportive of her art. She said she held a workshop on silk-tying with Hermès’s clients last year. The Kapuso actress’s meeting with Corte came a month after the “Carry Your HeART” exhibit of her hand-painted designer bags. Heart is currently in Paris, France to collaborate with an unnamed Parisian brand. Although she failed to identify the brand, reports said Heart revealed she will be printing paintings on the
Actress and painter Heart Evangelista met the external relations head of a luxury designer bag brand in Paris, France.
products of the brand whose founder is part of the Hermès forum. The actress said she was contacted by the brand via email invitation after they saw her works in her Instagram account. She previously shared the good news by posting the
screenshot of the email in her Instagram account without revealing the details. Netizens suspect the brand to be 7 Rue Paradis, a line which designs accessories for bag collectors, since the brand recently commented on Heart’s Instagram account.
Direk Olive on the KathNiel ‘challenge’ by Boy
ABundA Philstar.com
FILMMAKER Olivia Lamasan readily agreed to take on the task of helming Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo’s latest movie, even though she was aware it wouldn’t be a walk in the park. The movie “Barcelona: A Love Untold” raked in P300 million at the box-office. Everyone involved wanted it to be Daniel and Kathryn’s transition movie to more mature fare in the future. “It was clear to me that it would be a transition film and that was the challenge — what kind of story and what kind of storytelling in order for their transition to be smooth,” explains direk Olive. Direk Olive welcomed the challenge because she really wanted to work with Daniel and Kathryn, having missed on the chance to direct them in the remake of “Pangako Sa ‘Yo.” (Direk Olive was on the team that worked on the original version that starred Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa some years back.) “I did not get the chance to work on that project and I wanted very badly to do that. When Malou Santos said they wanted to do a project out of the country and I will handle it, I readily agreed and I was excited. I discussed it with screenwriter Carmi Raymundo. We thought, what would be our concept? What would be our story? And then I came up with the image of a guy, riding a train in a foreign land, then he sees a
Director Olivia Lamasan had to be tough on Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, stars of her latest film “Barcelona: A Love Untold.”
girl who reminds him of his past love. She wove the movie’s story based on that one image.” When the time came for them to shoot in Spain, direk Olive met with her team, including Daniel and Kathryn. She made it clear that she would be running a tight ship on location and she expected everyone to be on their best behavior and to do a great job. “It is very expensive to shoot abroad and you cannot afford to waste precious time and resources. We had very little sleep and we were focused on work. I wanted my actors to study every scene and memorize their dialogs without ad libs,” she says.
There were times during their stay in Spain that direk Olive had to be tough on her stars, but she believes it was for the best because Daniel and Kathryn ended up giving the performances of their lives in Barcelona: A Love Untold. “We had good rapport. We gelled. In every sequence we would shoot, there’s always a discussion between me and them,” direk Olive reveals. “They were interested to discuss what was happening with their characters. Daniel and Kathryn were so committed at alam nila may hangganan ang pagpapa-sweet. They have to move on and they were focused on their roles. They were truthful with their acting.” Direk Olive recalls that before they began working on the movie, she pulled Kathryn aside and asked her why she signed on to play the role of Mia. “She was very honest in saying that she wanted to prove herself. And she did. As for Daniel, I say, ‘He is very intelligent. Grabe ang depth.’ It is different when one has lived through pain. It shows in the eyes. And he told me, ‘I am so excited in this movie. It is here where I fully understood that I need to focus and study my role. Now, I know when people say acting is a craft.’” Now that “Barcelona: A Love Untold” has become such a big hit, direk Olive says, “I’m very much fulfilled that we have achieved our objective — for the actors to transition.”
Regine Velasquez and her...
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Most treasured role “Wife and Mom,” she says, basking in the joys of motherhood. In 2010, Regine married her long-time friend Ogie and a year later, she gave birth to their first-born, Nathaniel James (nicknamed Nate). “If you’ve gotten used to being taken care of all your life — kasi ganon ako, I was very sheltered — and now suddenly you’re taking care of someone else, it’s very liberating. It makes you stronger as a person kasi ‘pag ikaw ‘yung nag-aalaga parang sinasantabi mo ‘yung sarili mong mga needs. Inuuna mo ‘yung needsng family mo so I like that.” Most treasured person “My husband and my son,” says Regine, also citing her wedding and Nate’s delivery as her most treasured moments. “Everyday is a memorable experience. If
you have kids, you’ll find that you try to record each memory, and you pray that as you get older, and when they get older, that you remember everything. You try to savor everything. Everyday is memorable.” As a full-time celebrity, Regine wrestles with a full calendar most days, but she has her priorities straight. She is first and foremost a mother to Nate. “At the end of the day, I realized it’s really not about the gifts. What he wants is your time. Even if I’m busy, if he asks me, ‘Mommy, can you stay with me?’ I’ll stay with him for 10 minutes just to let him know I’m there for him. It’s not about the toys you give them, it’s the time you give. It’s better to invest in time. The time and attention you give them, they will remember.” Most treasured place or travel destination
Regine holding a copy of her cookbook Bongga Sa Kusina: Cooking is like singing. You can take someone else’s recipe and make it your own.
“Siguro pinaka-memorable na lang,” she mentions Australia as an afterthought. “Kasi we have a family there. Every Christmas we go there. We spend time with Nate’s sisters (Ogie’s daughters with ex-wife Michelle) and ninong. Every time we go there, parating masaya. Every Christmas kami doon. ‘Pag hindi kami makakapunta doon, sila ‘yung pupunta dito.” Most treasured moment as a Kapuso artist “Siguro ‘yung kakapirma ko lang,” she recalls, referring to her two-year exclusive contract with GMA, which she renewed last January. “I’ve been with GMA for a long time na rin, I’m very happy that they still want me as a Kapuso, I’m very proud.” Regine’s long-time partnership with the network spans nearly two decades. She began her television career with musical variety program “Sobrang Okay Pare (SOP)” in 1998, and went on to headline its successor Party Pilipinas in 2010. She has also hosted a string of reality talent competitions — among them, “Pinoy Pop Superstar,” “Celebrity Duets,” “Are You The Next Big Star” and “Bet Ng Bayan.” Last year, she sat in the judging panel for the first time (along with Joey de Leon and Jennylyn Mercado) to give advice to showbiz hopefuls in the sixth season of “StarStruck.” Most treasured advice Three decades in, Regine has this to say: “Invest more in relationships rather than material things,” she makes her point. “Most of the time, we’re caught up with work, we want to be somewhere, we want to be someone. I realized, it’s okay to earn money, it’s good to focus on your career, but you also need to invest in your relationships. And the most important thing is your relationship with God. Because when you have that, everything follows.”
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Philippine Opera Company offers brand-new opera experience with ‘Harana’ Philippine Opera Company (POC) celebrating its 15th year is the only opera company in the country that produces regular opera productions and has been the leading classical music agency for over 9 years. Founded in 1999, it is managed by classical performing artists whose thrust is to sustain as well as develop more audiences for classical music theatre in the Philippines. It is committed to extending opera beyond its elitist pedestal by performing in malls, churches, community centers, parks, and schools as well as in theatres thereby making opera more accessible to more audience. To celebrate the fusion of music and drama, to share this passion for opera and help nurture this medium in our country – to this goal the Philippine Opera Company is committed to, most of all in developing a new generation of classical singers and audiences, and to develop our own Filipino style of presenting opera. POC also helps develop opera appreciation among Filipinos by performing outreach programs for schools, government agencies and private corporate organizations throughout the country, with the funding from the outreach arm of POC, Friends of Philippine Opera Foundation. Over the years, the Philippine Opera Company also witnessed the sudden uptrend in the awareness and appreciation of opera and classical related performances by Filipinos particularly the young, educated segment of society. This favorable development has led POC to launch its very first annual opera season in the country. After the successful launching of the 2006 Opera Season with Terence McNally’s Tony Award Winning piece “Master Class”, “Operanow 2: An Evening of Puccini”, “Opera-lite … the first opera bar tour”, and
Mozart’s “Magic Flute”. In 2008, Philippine Opera Company embarked on its full-length opera production of Puccini’s most loved opera, “La Boheme” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. That same year, POC launched its cultural arm “HARANA” at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium. “HARANA” was invited to perform for the 111th Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Amsterdam at Campagnie Theater and garnered 3 standing ovations from the foreign community. “HARANA” has toured around the Philippines including the Visayas under the Filipino Heritage Festival. With the “HARANA” series success, “Ang Bagong Harana” was born and received rave reviews. The show was nominated by Broadway World Philippines as Best Filipino Musical (New/Revival). In June 2016, the company had a successful three-week performance tour of Canada in celebration of the 118th Philippine Independence Day and was awarded the “UFCABC Heroes Award” by the United Filipino-Canadian Associations in BC. Philippine Opera Company has performed in numerous corporate events and State Dinners in Malacañang. POC is also committed to a number of programs designed to bring communities a chance to experience opera firsthand – Young Artists Series’ “BLACK BOX”, “My First Trip to the Opera Program” that tours the provincial schools. Philippine Opera Company received the “Maria Carpena Memorial Award for the Arts” for POC’s contribution in the promotion and appreciation of the traditional Filipino music. POC is now a member of The Philippine Legitimate Stage Artists Group (PHILSTAGE), the country’s only organization of professional performing arts companies.
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 22-25, 2016
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COMMUNITY
Your Immigration Solution Devin M. Connolly anD nanCy Miller The Supreme Court of the US recently announced that they would not rehear the case involving President Obama’s attempts to implement Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This denial means that the lower court’s preliminary injunction will continue to stand and DAPA and DACA will be prevented from going into effect. While this is a setback to millions of undocumented immigrants residing in the US, it is also an opportunity to explore other potential options. The question now facing millions of undocumented immigrants is what to do since DAPA and expanded DACA are no longer options. Should they wait for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (“CIR”)? While many people would be thrilled with CIR, the reality is that it is not likely to pass in the near future. Therefore, instead of waiting, it is advisable to explore options that may be available to you right now. There may be alternative ways of obtaining a green card right now! One option available to undocumented immigrants is Cancellation of Removal for Non-Permanent Residents (“Cancellation”). Cancellation allows qualified individuals to obtain a green card if they have lived in the US for at least ten years, have good moral character and can show that their US citizen, or Lawful Permanent Resident parent, spouse or child would suffer exceptional and extremely unusual hardship if the applicant were forced to leave the United States. Applicants are eligible to obtain employment authorization as soon as their application is filed. With work authorization, one may apply for a social security number, work legally and even obtain a state-issued driver’s li-
Journal Immigration relief may still be possible even without DAPA or DACA cense. Another option that may be available is permanent resident status through the “Violence Against Women Act,” (“VAWA”). VAWA applies to both men and women and is available to victims of physical or emotional abuse. It allows certain spouses, children, and parents of US citizens and permanent residents to file a petition for themselves without any assistance from their relative. This self-petition allows victims to immediately seek both safety and independence from their abuser. And their abuser will not be notified about the self-petition. The most difficult task facing a self-petitioner under VAWA is typically establishing that they have suffered “extreme cruelty” by their family member. “extreme cruelty” includes acts of physical violence, but it also includes many other types of abuse as well. In fact, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) may approve a self-petition based solely on psychological and emotional abuse. The USCIS will also consider what has been deemed “immigration-related” abuse. Immigration-related abuse may include acts such as threatening to have a family member deported if they do not act in conformity with the abuser’s wishes, not filing necessary papers on behalf of a family member despite repeated promises
to do so, or even calling the US Immigration and Customs enforcement to report a family member’s unlawful presence in the US Another potential option for undocumented immigrants is to seek a Provisional Waiver. A provisional waiver helps intending immigrants who are ineligible for adjustment of status and who will incur a 3 or 10-year unlawful presence bar upon leaving the United States to consular process. eligibility for a Provisional Waiver was recently expanded to also include beneficiaries of employmentbased petitions, petitions from their parents or siblings, etc. A Provisional Waiver would allow the applicant to submit their request for a waiver before they ever leave the US They are also permitted to remain in the US until their waiver has been approved. Once approved, the applicant departs for their immigrant visa interview at a US embassy or consulate abroad. This pre-approved waiver avoids lengthy separation of family members, as the applicant would hopefully be able to return to the US within a matter of days. Waiting for potential comprehensive immigration reform may be the only option for some people. however, others may already have a viable path to legal status in the US After all, more than one million individuals obtain legal
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 22-25, 2016
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Community Journal
Bankruptcy: Why suffer needlessly if you seriously need help?
Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon HAVe you heard the story of a poor, old beggar who died one day- and to everyone’s amazement, a money belt found wrapped around his waist contained thousands of dollars in cash? Apparently, he had found the money belt one day while rummaging through trash. He decided to keep it but never realized that it contained a compartment where the cash was hidden. Thus, the poor, old beggar lived the rest of his days in poverty, not even knowing what he had. Had he known about all the money he had in his possession, perhaps he could have been spared from all the suffering he continued to experience for the remainder of his days. The story of this poor, old beggar comes to my mind when I see how many people continue to suffer needlessly in debt when the law provides a remedy for them to change their financial situation for the better. Not knowing what options are available to them, they continue
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to suffer, day in and day out, wandering aimlessly through life like a ship without a rudder. If you are in debt and the mere idea of filing bankruptcy makes you cringe in horror, it’s not as bad as you think. If appropriate for your situation, it could actually be a big turning point in your life. The legislative intent of Congress in passing our bankruptcy laws is to allow a fresh start to those honest individuals who
our economic system and our society. Because money affects almost all areas of our lives, money problems can have an extremely devastating effect on the family, our most fundamental social structure. It is probably fair to say that it is the families of this country that ultimately benefit from the protection afforded by our bankruptcy laws. Can you imagine how many families suffering in debt could possibly be out in the streets right now if it weren’t for the “fresh start” that our bankruptcy laws provide? For parents with dependent children, the challenges presented by insurmountable debt problems are even bigger because ultimately, the children’s welfare may be at risk. So bear in mind if you are considering bankruptcy as a possible solution to your debt problems that the purpose of our bankruptcy laws is to make financial recovery attainable as soon as possible to those who need it. Of course, this does not mean that filing bankruptcy is always the solution to every financial problem. Your bankruptcy lawyer must carefully
The legislative intent of Congress in passing our bankruptcy laws is to allow a fresh start to those honest individuals who have found it impossible to cope with debt problems. Because life is not perfect, Congress realized that a person who needs to recover financially after experiencing serious debt problems should at least be given a chance to do so.
Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA
INDIVIDUALS and businesses in all 50 states pay federal income tax. Residents in 41 states also pay state income tax while nine states have no state income taxes. Here are list of states with lowest and highest state income tax, sales tax, combination of both, as well as county, city, and school district taxes. States with no income tax: • Alaska • Florida • Nevada • South Dakota • Texas
have found it impossible to cope with debt problems. Because life is not perfect, Congress realized that a person who needs to recover financially after experiencing serious debt problems should at least be given a chance to do so. This concept of a “fresh start” is the foundation of our bankruptcy laws and has become an integral part of
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States with the lowest and highest tax rates • Washington • Wyoming. 10 States with highest income tax: • California 13.3% • Hawaii 11.0% • Oregon 9.9% • Minnesota 9.85% • Iowa 8.98% • New Jersey 8.97% • Vermont 8.95% • District of Columbia 8.95% • New York 8.82% • Maine 7.95% Five states with highest sales tax: • Tennessee 9.45% • Arkansas 9.19% • Louisiana 8.89%
• Washington 8.88% • Oklahoma 8.72% Five states with lowest sales tax: • Alaska 1.69% • Oregon 0% • Delaware 0% • Montana 0% • New Hampshire 0% 10 States with the lowest combined income and sales tax rates: • New Hampshire • Alaska • South Dakota • Wyoming • Florida • Texas • Washington • Delaware
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Permanent residence for crewmen Dear attorney Tan, I entered the US in 1998 as a crewman. I have recently married a US citizen and would like to get a green card. However, I have heard that since I entered as a crewman, I cannot adjust my status to a permanent resident. Is this true? --Lost on Land Dear Lost on Land, Under INA Section 245(c)(1), a person who enters the US as a “crewman” is generally barred from adjusting his status to permanent residence. However, analysis of this issue must begin with determining whether you are actually a “crewman,” who is barred from adjustment. A “crewman” is defined as a person “serving…in a capacity required for normal operation and service on board a vessel, …or aircraft, who intends to land temporarily and solely in pursuit of his calling as a crewman and to depart from the United States with the vessel or aircraft on which he arrived or some other vessel or aircraft.” INA Section 101(a)(15(D). A “crewman” under this definition is assigned a “D” visa classification, but is often issued a dual C-1 transit/ D crewman visa. Because of this, a common misperception exists that a C-1 visa classification is designated for crewmen, and that a person who entered the US under a C-1 classification is by definition a “crewman,” therefore barred from adjusting his status to permanent resident. However, it is important to keep in mind that if a person entered on a C-1 transit visa, he may not be a “crewman” and may be eligible to adjust status. Further, the facts of a particular case regardless of letter classification of one’s visa upon entry may also be considered. If you entered on a C-1 transit visa, or under circumstances that do not fit the definition of a “crewman,” you may be eligible to adjust status. If you are considered a “crewman” under the above definition, you can still file for adjustment of status to permanent residence and get a green card in the US if you are covered by INA Section 245(i). To be covered under INA Section 245(i), one must be the beneficiary of a visa petition or labor certification filed on or before April 30, 2001. If the petition was filed between January 14, 1998 and April 30, 2001, physical presence in the US on December 21, 2000 is also required. If you are not covered under INA Section 245(i), and are considered a “crewman” under the above definition, you would need to obtain your immigrant visa at a foreign consular post. Traditionally, persons who were unlawfully present in the US for more than 1 year, and who had to obtain their immigrant visa at an overseas US consulate were subject to an unlawful presence bar from returning to the US for 10 years. That person would be able to seek a waiver of the unlawful presence bar after leaving the US, but if denied, he would be left outside of the US, and away from his family for 10 years. However, under the Provisional Waiver program, you can apply for and get a decision on the waiver of the unlawful presence bar without leaving the US. If the waiver is approved, you can leave the US with some assurance that you will obtain your immigrant visa at the US consulate post and quickly return. Spouses and minor children of US citizens are eligible for provisional waiver relief. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@ dtanlaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
• Montana • Colorado 10 States with the highest combined income and sales tax rates: • New York • New Jersey • Connecticut • California • Wisconsin • Minnesota • Maryland • Rhode island • Vermont • Pennsylvania Top 10 states with the lowest combined total tax burden for all state, county, and city taxes: 1. Alaska
2. South Dakota 3. Tennessee 4. Louisiana 5. Wyoming 6. Texas 7. New Hampshire 8. Alabama 9. Nevada 10. South Carolina Top ten states with the highest combined tax burden for all state, county, and city taxes: 1. New York 2. New Jersey 3. Connecticut 4. California 5. Wisconsin 6. Rhode Island 7. Minnesota
8. Massachusetts 9. Maine 10. Pennsylvania *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@ live.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Community Journal
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Will a domestic violence finding affect my claim for sole or joint custody of our children?
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS
the court determines the class to be appropriate. (5) Whether the perpetrator is on probation or parole, and whether he or she has complied with the terms and conditions of probation or parole. (6) Whether the perpetrator is restrained by a protective order or restraining order, and whether he or she has complied with its terms and conditions. (7) Whether the perpetrator of domestic violence has committed any further acts of domestic violence. A person has “perpetrated domestic violence” when he or she is found by the court to have intentionally or recklessly caused or attempted to cause bodily injury, or
subdivision (a) based on conduct occurring within the previous five years.
AN action under the DVPA (Domestic Violence Protection Act) In Christina L v. Chauncey B, seeking a restraining order often 229 Cal. App 4th 731 (2014),the is necessary to protect parties Court of appeal held that because from abuse or domestic violence a Domestic Violence restraining perpetrated by the other spouse order must be based on a findor significant other. At times, it ing that the party being restrained is effective in preventing harm to committed one or more acts of doone of the parties. At the same mestic abuse, a finding of domestime, this process is sometimes tic abuse sufficient to support a abused by family law litigants as DVPA restraining order necessaria strategy for obtaining an advanly triggers the rebuttable statutory tage in a child custody case. The presumption that an award of sole basis for this is the presumption or joint physical or legal custody of against sole or joint custody una child to a person who has perpeder California family code section trated domestic violence is detri3044. mental to the best inCalifornia Family of the child. Cal. Code Section 3044 California Family Code Section terest Fam. Code §§ 3044. (a) provides “Upon 3044 (a) provides “Upon a finding by The presumption that a finding by the award of sole or court that a party the court that a party seeking custody of an joint physical or legal seeking custody of a child has perpe- a child has perpetrated domestic violence custody of a child to a person who has pertrated domestic viagainst the other party seeking custody petrated domestic violence against the is detrimental other party seekof the child or against the child or the olence to the best interest of ing custody of the child’s siblings within the previous five the child changes the child or against the of persuasion, child or the child’s years, there is a rebuttable presumption burden but may be overcome siblings within the previous five years, that an award of sole or joint physical by a preponderance of the evidence showthere is a rebutor legal custody of a child to a person ing that it is in the table presumption best interest that an award of who has perpetrated domestic violence child’s to grant joint or sole sole or joint physiis detrimental to the best interest of the custody to the offendcal or legal cusparent Cal. Fam. tody of a child to child, pursuant to Section 3011. This ing Code § 3044. In that a person who has perpetrated dopresumption may only be rebutted by a case, the father had a history of perpetratmestic violence is preponderance of the evidence. ing domestic violence detrimental to the against the mother. best interest of the child, pursuant to Section 3011. sexual assault, or to have placed Domestic Violence restraining This presumption may only be re- a person in reasonable apprehen- orders has been issued multiple butted by a preponderance of the sion of imminent serious bodily times over the years including injury to that person or to another, within the last 5 years. The trial evidence. In determining whether the or to have engaged in any behav- court ignored both the existing represumption in family code ior involving, but not limited to, straining order, the legal effect of 3044(a) has been overcome, the threatening, striking, harassing, such a judicial finding, and failed court shall consider all of the fol- destroying personal property or to apply the family code 3044 lowing factors:(1) Whether the disturbing the peace of another, presumption and instead awarded perpetrator of domestic violence for which a court may issue an ex joint custody to father. The Court has demonstrated that giving sole parte order pursuant to Section of appeal reversed and remanded or joint physical or legal custody 6320 to protect the other party the case back to the trial court. of a child to the perpetrator is in seeking custody of the child or to (copyright 7/7/15) *** the best interest of the child. In protect the child and the child’s determining the best interest of siblings.The requirement of a find- Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified the child, the preference for fre- ing by the court shall be satisfied Family Law Specialist. He was President of the quent and continuing contact with by, among other things, and not Philippine American Bar Association. He is a both parents, as set forth in subdi- limited to, evidence that a party member of both the Family law section and vision (b) of Section 3020, or with seeking custody has been convict- Immigration law section of the Los Angeles the noncustodial parent, as set ed within the previous five years, County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA forth in paragraph (1) of subdivi- after a trial or a plea of guilty or experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF sion (a) of Section 3040, may not no contest, of any crime against KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire be used torebut the presumption, the other party that comes within Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) in whole or in part.(2) Whether the the definition of domestic violence 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit perpetrator has successfully com- contained in Section 6211 and of our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** pleted a batterer’s treatment pro- abuse contained in Section 6203, gram that meets the criteria out- including, but not limited to, a Please note that this article is not legal advice and is lined in subdivision (c) of Section crime described in subdivision not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to 1203.097 of the Penal Code. (3) (e) of Section 243 of, or Section provide only general, non-specific legal information. Whether the perpetrator has suc- 261,262, 273.5, 422, or 646.9 of, This article is not intended to cover all the issues related cessfully completed a program of the Penal Code.The requirement to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply alcohol or drug abuse counseling of a finding by the court shall also to your matter may make the outcome different than if the court determines that coun- be satisfied if any court, whether would be anticipated by you. This article does create seling is appropriate. (4) Whether that court hears or has heard the any attorney client relationship between you and the the perpetrator has successfully child custody proceedings or not, Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not (Advertising Supplement) completed a parenting class if has made a finding pursuant to a solicitation.
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Why you should keep your I-94, arrival and departure record If your copy of the I-94 is lost PrIOr to April 30, 2013, all or stolen and it was issued prior aliens admitted to the US in to April 30, 2013, you can rea non-immigrant visa status quest for a replacement arrivalwere required to fill-up a form, departure document with the Form I-94, Arrival and DeparUSCIS. For who arrived after ture record, and present the April 30, 2013, the I-4 is availsame to a Customs and Border able online as stated above. If Patrol (CBP) Officer who then for whatever reason you canstamps the form and gives the not prove lawful admission and final approval for admission of you want to adjust status, you the alien. The paper copy of the might need to prove your eligiI-94 showed the name of the bility under I-485 Supplement alien, date of admission, class A, Adjustment of Status under of admission, and the allowable Section 245(i). Section 245(i) of period of stay. the Immigration and Nationality After April 30, 2013, paper Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos Act (INA) allows certain aliens copies of the I-94, Arrival and Departure record were no longer provided. In- to adjust by paying a $1,000.00 penalty even stead, the CBP electronically creates an I-94 for though they were entered the US without inspeceach arriving alien in a non-immigrant status. In tion, among others. Just a friendly reminder - keep your I-94 in a lieu of a paper copy of the I-94, an annotated entry stamp in the alien’s passport is provided. The safe place! If you are contemplating filing any immigration alien’s I-94 is available online free of charge. The I-94, Arrival and Departure record, is of petition for that matter, it is advisable to seek the utmost importance because it is proof of lawful counsel of an immigration lawyer to guide you on entry into the US. Any alien who wishes to adjust the intricacies of filing for such a petition. status must present proof of admission into the *** US, i.e., an immigration officer inspected and ad- Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos is a member of the State Bar of mitted the alien. The best way to prove admission California and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. To schedule is by submitting a copy of the I-94. for a free initial in-person consultation, please call Tel. Nos. (213) Since the I-94 also contains the allowable pe- 284-5984 or (626) 329-8215. Atty. Santos’ office is located at 3450 riod of stay, the CBP can determine if the alien Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200-105, Los Angeles, CA 90010. incurred unlawful presence in the US if the alien *** stays beyond the allowed period of stay. The alien Information contained in this article does not, nor is it intended must depart the US before the allowable period of to, constitutes legal advice for any specific situation and does not stay expires. Upon exiting, the alien previously create a lawyer-client relationship. It likewise does not constitute provided a paper I-94 must surrender the same a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your upon departure. For those not previously provid- legal matter. ed, the CBP electronically records the departure We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy based on the manifest provided by the carrier. relief under the Bankruptcy Code. (Advertising Supplement)
Bankruptcy: Why suffer needlessly... PAGE C2 t
review your situation, weigh the pros and cons, and make appropriate recommendations. When filing, there must be a clear objective and the chances of success for the type of bankruptcy being filed must be assessed. Is it your objective to eliminate debts you can no longer afford to pay or do you simply need to consolidate your debts to make
them more manageable? Are important legal rights or your assets at stake? What can be done to protect them and at what expense? These are some of the questions that must be answered. If you would like to explore bankruptcy as possible option in getting out of debt, please call TOLL FrEE 1-866-4777772 to schedule an appoint-
ment. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos & Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 4777772. (Advertising Supplement)
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 22-25, 2016
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Honoring the courage of a Fil-Am hero who fought for just wages
Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. IT was the spring of 1965, and in Coachella Valley, California, grape season was starting. Many of the workers in the grape fields were Filipinos, who had just discovered that they were being paid 15 cents less than former braceros (Mexican citizens who came to California to work in the fields). Braceros were making $1.40 per hour and Filipino workers were making $1.25 or less. After having their request for wage parity refused by the grape growers, the Filipino workers decided to strike on May 3, 1965. The group was led by Larry Itliong. After 10 days, the grape growers agreed to pay the Filipinos equal wages. However, as the 1965 crop season continued, it became obvious that other growers in other parts of the state continued to pay Filipinos less than equal wages. In Delano, California, the largest table-grape producer in California, Filipino workers were reportedly earning only $1 per hour. Growers ignored their requests for equal wages. The Filipino workers again turned to Larry Itliong. Despite threats of hunger and losing their homes, the Filipino workers, led by Itliong, voted to go on strike on September 8, 1965. And thus began the great Delano Grape Strike. The workers on strike demanded wages equal to the federal minimum
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wage. They suffered through violence at the growers’ hired hands and the sheriff’s department, and were thrown out of the labor camp. For a week, the Filipinos were striking alone. Since growers had a history of pitting farm workers of different ethnicities against each other, it was widely believed that the Mexican and Chicano workers would not join the strike. The Mexican and Chicano workers were led by Cesar Chavez. Itliong called upon
History, it seems, had forgotten the Fil-Am hero, who, with his band of other pinoys, started it all: Larry Itliong. On June 30, 2015, the California Governor signed into law designating October 25 every year as Larry Itliong Day. No longer will his story be known only to some historians and a few college students who major in Asian studies. Children, too, will be told about Larry Itliong, and how he helped to improve the working life of farm laborers in California. Larry Itliong, his struggles, and his legacy continue to be relevant to the workers of today, particularly immigrant workers who face similar challenges in the workplace. For example, present-day workers continue to face the realities of inequitable wages in the form of wage theft, where employers keep or take away monies that rightfully belong to their workers. Wage theft can take the following forms: 1) Manipulating timekeeping devices to reflect only the hours that employees are scheduled to work and ignoring any work done before or after a shift. 2) Misclassifying employees as independent contractors and depriving these workers of their rights to minimum wage, and overtime, among other things. 3) Denying overtime pay by paying employees a flat rate
Larry Itliong, his struggles, and his legacy continue to be relevant to the workers of today, particularly immigrant workers who face similar challenges in the workplace. For example, present-day workers continue to face the realities of inequitable wages in the form of wage theft, where employers keep or take away monies that rightfully belong to their workers.
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César Chávez and his followers to join forces with the Filipinos and strike together. The two groups combined, eventually forming the United Farm Workers of America, one of the greatest unions in the history of the nation. And the rest, they say, is history. But up until last year, that history has always given credit to Cesar Chavez alone for advancing the cause of the American farm labor movement, and improving farm workers’ wages and working conditions.
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Immigration relief may still be... PAGE C1 t permanent resident status each year. It is important to remember that there are potentially many options currently available to you. To find out for sure, consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to find out about your options.
*** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 795-8009 or visit www. rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009
E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.
(Advertising Supplement)
C OCTOBER 22-25, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Debt Relief atty. lawRence yanG When I say young senior, I mean 60. She’s a single mom with two adult daughters who are over the age of 21. One daughter is still in college but has a part time job. The other works full time. Both daughters live with client in her house, but she does not claim them as dependents in her income tax returns. When we filed her Chapter 13 three years ago, she had disposable income of $900. however, at that time, her job security was already in question as another company had just purchased employer and heads were rolling. Client was able to keep her head for three years but lost her employment recently. Without work, she no longer has disposable income. Our first attempt to end her case was filing a motion to pay off the 33% plan by liquidating $10K from her retirement account. The Chapter 13 trustee objected to our motion to pay off the plan unless the pay off was 100%. Well, that wasn’t a good deal because her unsecured debt was about $100K which meant that client had to come up with $90K more to get a Chapter 13 discharge, that’s a 100% plan pay off. Client had two other options dismiss the Chapter 13 case, or convert it to Chapter 7 and get a discharge of $90K of unsecured debt. The problem is that for the last three years, the value of her house, just like most houses in Los Angeles and Orange County, have been appreciating significantly. We checked Zillow, which estimated the value at $400K, and ReDFIn estimated it at $440K. Whereas her house only had $30K of equity when she filed for Chapter 13 in 2013, now she has equity of $160K. The other problem was that she had testified at the Chapter 13 hearing last week that her daughter was indepen-
Community Journal
Young senior loses job and converts Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 Senior files same to discharge $70k credit cards dent, although she lived with her. And she did not mention that she had a second daughter who also lived with her, a full time college student. So, the trustee concluded that her claim of homestead exemption should only be $75K, not $100K. We refused to reduce the exemption claim to $75K because the trustee was not on solid ground with her argument that debtor had testified that daughter was independent, therefore, she is not considered to be part of the family unit. We argued that the other daughter was a full time college student, therefore, unable to take care of herself. So by definition, she is part of debtor’s family unit. As a result, the homestead exemption of $100K is correct. Settlement offers and counter offers were made. The negotiations were fruitful and trustee settled for a reasonable amount to allow the debtor to keep her house. even though debtor was not employed, she was willing to liquidate a part of her retirement account to pay for the settlement to keep her house. Daughters were willing to buy the house from her anyway later on, so she gets her settlement payment back. nowadays, the correct value of the residence is critical to keeping the house safe from the clutches of the Chapter 7 trustee, because house values are at their peaks again. Mortgage rates have been kept very low by the Feds for a long time. The last time house values peaked was 2007, just before the mortgage crisis, which bankrupted a lot of big banks. When the crisis hit, house values dropped by more than half. now, all of that has
Calendar of Events across
been recovered, and new highs are being achieved. Therefore, a lot of factual and legal analysis must be done before deciding which path to take, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. The second client is 72. her husband passed away some time ago. She has a daughter who has just started college. I guess she must have married late. She now receives only social security and has no other income. however, she owes $70K of credit cards, which requires $2100 of monthly minimum payments. her social security is $1,600. Let’s not even go further. Client doesn’t own a house. She rents for $1,000. Well, with $600 left after rent is paid, and a daughter in college, let’s just say that there’s tremendous pressure on her to budget her expenses. Obviously, there is no money to pay $2100 for credit cards every month, is there? So, she chooses to make the $70K credit cards DISSAPPeAR with a Chapter 7 petition. Just imagine the number of calls she gets everyday from these cards trying to get their pound of flesh from her. That’s no way to live no matter how old or young you are. $2100 a month for credit cards is equal to a mortgage of $400K. I mean you can literally buy a house, condo or townhouse for $400K with nothing down, instead of carrying $70K of credit card debt. Think about where you want your hard earned money to go. Would you rather be the proud owner of a house, or the proud owner of $70K of credit cards? At 72, client finally realized that she should have gotten rid of her credit card debt a long time ago. If she got rid of them ten
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America
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 O C TO B E R 22
2nd annual Larry Itliong Day Parade & Festival Honoring the life and work of labor and civil rights leader Larry Itliong, the City of Los Angeles, Pilipino Workers Center, Larry Itliong Day Committee, FilAm ARTS and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust will present the 2nd annual Larry Itliong Day Parade & Festival on Saturday, October 22. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 125 Loma Drive and Unidad Park at 1644 Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA. The parade and festival will feature cultural performances and exhibits, a free film screening of the seminal documentary on Itliong titled “Delano Manongs” by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Marissa Aroy and a re-enactment of the Great Delano Grape Strike. The festival will also highlight civic engagement at the main festival grounds on Loma Dr. with voter education, a health fair, Empleo Pilipino, and interactive displays on the California Domestic Workers Bill of Rights campaign. At Unidad Park, there will be free tours of the mural, community garden and park. To get involved as a food vendor, a sponsor, walk in the parade or become a volunteer, please contact Eliseo Art Silva at eliseoart@earthlink.net or call Perla Santos at (213) 268-3222.
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Los Angeles Celebration for Filipino American History Month The Filipino American History Month Los Angeles (FAHMLA) Coalition is hosting a diverse array of intergenerational and trans-intercontinental talent at the newly renovated Greek Theater on Sunday, October 23 from 4 to 10 p.m., presented by Frontier Communications. Filipino music legend Gary V will headline the evening and will perform for the first time with his son, Gab Valenciano. Dance-pop artist Jocelyn Enriquez, R&B group Kai and others who helped start the Filipino-American music movement during the 1990s, will reunite after more than 15 years for special performances. YouTube sensation AJ Rafael and “The Voice” Season 9 artist Tim Atlas are among those who are expected to perform. UFC host, Arianny Celeste and KISS FM’s Manny Streetz will help host the show, and culinary masterminds including Kristine de la Cruz and Lynne Tolentino will be onsite whipping up delicious Asian food for the attendees. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. The Greek Theatre is at 2700 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Los Angeles Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘100 years of song’ at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center at 6pm. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Tickets are at www.ticketmaster.com, Venue is at CSU-Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330.
Harana in Glendale, California The Federation of Filipino-American Associations, Inc. in association with the DreamAgeGroup Art Entertainment presents ‘Harana: a journey for every Filipino.’ It will be held at Alex Theater on 216 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203 on Sunday, October 23 at 2 p.m. For inquiries and reservations, please call (818) 937-3071 or email The DreamAgeGroup@gmail.com. Box office tickets are available at Alex Theater; please call (818) 2432539.
NextDayBetter + Washington DC In lead up to the White House Event Celebration of Filipino American History Month, NextDayBetter is throwing a very special edition of NextDayBetter + Washington DC featuring bold thinkers and doers inspired by the Filipino diaspora. The October theme is RESILIENCE: how might we build more resilient communities in the face of local and global challenges? Speakers and attendees will address this challenge head on. Featured speakers: Gregory Cendana, the first openly gay and youngest-ever Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and Institute for Asian Pacific American Leadership & Advancement; Enrico Dungca, founder of the Amerasian Project & photographer; and Eileen Aparis, Executive Committee Member of Apl.De.Ap Foundation and Impact Investor. NextDayBetter + Washington DC is on Sunday, October 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Impact Hub DC, 419 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004. To register, please visit: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/nextdaybetter-washington-dc-fahm2016-resilience-tickets-27827463693.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
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The prayer of the humble
To Live With Faith
man seeks goodness in people. It lector: a heart that was remorse, is a prayer for the whole humani- hopeful of God’s forgiveness, ty, especially for outcast and sin- and willing to change. ners. It is even a prayer for one’s In our personal practices of ReveRend persecutors and enemies. prayer, do we show a spirit of Rodel G. BalaGtas Third, the prayer of the hum- humility? Do we come to Mass ble man is free of any jealousy. having an attitude that we’re in The words of this Sunday’s In other words, it is a prayer of church not only to ask for favors reading from the Book of Sirach gratitude not only for one’s gifts, from God, but, first and foremost, (35: 16-18) present a powerful but also for the gifts of others— to show our gratitude to him that image: “The prayer of the lowly their talents, their achievements, everything that we have comes from him and everything that we pierces the clouds; it does not their treasures. Fourth, the prayer of the are is because of him? rest till it reaches its goal.” The Do we consciously, intently, question is: “What characterize humble reflects a genuine conthe prayer of a humble man that cern for the well-being of other and generously pray for others? Do we even pray its power can for our enemies, for break into the In our personal practices of those that we dislike clouds to the doors of heav- prayer, do we show a spirit of humility? and those that have offended us? Do we pray en?” Jesus gives Do we come to Mass having an attitude for sinners, not in a us some hints to that we’re in church not only to ask for spirit of condemnation but with an attitude of answer this question by telling us favors from God, but, first and foremost, hope and compassion that they too deserve a parable in this to show our gratitude to him that the mercy of God? Sunday’s GosIn the Second Readpel. “Two people everything that we have comes from him ing this Sunday, St. went up to the mirrors this temple area to and everything that we are is because of Paul recognition of God’s pray; one was a him? grace in our lives and Pharisee and the concern for the salvaother was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his people. In fact, it is extremely tion of others by saying, “But the position and spoke this prayer to generous that it shows a self- Lord stood by me and gave me himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I sacrificial love for the one he or strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completam not like the rest of humanity— she endears. When God sees this kind of ed and all Gentiles might hear greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. I fast prayer coming from a heart of a it.” May we strive for humility in twice a week, and I pay tithes on person, he listens with compasprayer that pierces the clouds of my whole income.” But the tax sion and mercy. Certainly, the prayer of the heaven! collector stood off at a distance *** and would not even raise his eyes Pharisee in this Sunday’s Gospel to heaven but beat his breast and did not show this humility. In- From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me stead, it was arrogant, self-righ- G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from teous, and self-serving. It might St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as a sinner.” First, the prayer of a humble have recognized God with the Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City man is devoid of superiority and words, “O God, I thank you,” but (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and arrogance. It seeks communion the subsequent words of thank- St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). with God and with others rather ing that he was not like the rest In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of than preoccupation with oneself. of humanity would not please St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his It does not gloat over one’s suc- God because no matter how appointment as pastor of ImmAaculate Heart cess or blessings to the extent of sinful other people can be, God of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 not recognizing the generous ac- still offers them opportunities to years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral change. This might had been the Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began tions of God in other people. Second, the prayer of a humble quality that Jesus saw in tax col- in July 2014.
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Honoring the courage... PAGE C3 t every day or ostensibly paying employees per piece rate and requiring employees to work more than 8 hours per day. 4) Rounding down practices to avoid the payment of all hours worked. 5) not providing meal or rest breaks to employees. In honor of Larry Itliong’s courage and vision, we take a moment to be grateful for what
has been accomplished, and to recognize that there is so much more to do. For our part, the struggle for employment justice continues in our courts. As lawyers, we fight for Fil-Am and other immigrant workers to obtain wages due them 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) 2910088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully obtained significant recoveries for thousands of employees and consumers. He is named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently Aselected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum. (Advertising Supplement)
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PeoPle & events
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 22-25, 2016
Perfect peace amidst the storm
and worship Him, they will win the battle. We will never be alone with our storm because Jesus is bigger than the storm: matthew 8:23-27 From Ferdie to Karen to Lawin 23 Then he got into the boat and – these are the most recent typhoons his disciples followed him. 24 Sudthat hit the Philippines. Lawin develdenly a furious storm came up oped in the Pacific ocean with the on the lake, so that the waves strength of Signal Number 5, about swept over the boat. But Jesus was the same strength as Yolanda from sleeping. 25 The disciples went and 2013 that left the country in utter woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! devastation. Lawin has subsided to We’re going to drown!” Signal Number 3 in some areas by 26 He replied, “You of little the time it officially entered the Philfaith, why are you so afraid?” Then ippines. Henjie Pimenta he got up and rebuked the winds I was delighted to see in a way that the citizens have learned to listen to the authori- and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What ties when they advised them to evacuate to shelters, thus minimizing injuries and casualties. This kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” way, there is a better chance to preserve lives. remember that as believers of Jesus, when we on the other hand, here in Southern California, we are still hoping that it would rain would pour suffer through the storm, Jesus is with us in the to alleviate the drought problem. It was so dry that boat and he is in perfect peace for He is the Prince we had acres upon acres of brush fire about few of Peace. His presence alone provides calmness. Philippians 4:7 says: months ago. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all Nobody likes storms, especially the destruction they carry along. I understand that some of us still understanding, will guard your hearts and your have fresh memories of traumatic experiences of minds in Christ Jesus. Some may be suffering from an end stage sicktyphoons from the past. But like any other storm, a typhoon is not a mainstay in our lives – it just ness physically; others may have lost a loved one in the family, be undergoing personal economic passes away. A storm may also refer to the problems and tri- instability, traumatic pain, or divorce. But whatals that may come by our way. Yes just like cy- ever it is you are undergoing right now, call on clones, they have different strength and severity, to Jesus, you don’t have to be alone. Nobody unand most of the time an arrival without a warning, derstands what you are going through better than and I understand that sometimes the weight are Him. It is the perfect time to experience the grace of unbearable, a feeling of being crushed or sometimes caught in a corner. my friends we don’t have His presence in our lives. And during the course to go through this alone. We can call on to Jesus. of this sad moment, Jesus may bring in someone or use other ways to help you cope up, just be He is graciously offering that we come to Him. matthew 11:28-30 says:28 “Come to me, all you open to God’s ways into your life. Always say: “not who are weary and burdened, and I will give you my will but your will be done in my life Lord.” Psalm 30:5 says “...weeping may stay for the rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Again, storms in life are not meant to stay. They will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy are just passersby. Ultimately, all will be perfected and my burden is light.” Jesus carried the weight of our burdens on the in God’s perfect timing. And all who agree say, Amen. cross and so what is left for us is light. The Father If you need prayers, please do not hesitate to call in Heaven loves us so much that He gave us Jesus so we can partake in the grace envelope in His or visit us on any Sunday at: Praise Christian Fellowship of the Valley on 9051 Woodman Avenue, Son. Deuteronomy 31:6 says 6 Be strong and Arleta, CA 91331 (inside Helping Hands ADHC, courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because behind the CVS drugstore and Vallarta Supermarof them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he ket at the back alley) at 4:30 p.m. or call Pastor Emmanuel Madeja at (818) 813-3971; or at Praise will never leave you nor forsake you.” moses spoke this to the Israelites to assure them Christian Fellowship, Los Angeles at 2235 Bevthat the LorD will deliver the Promised Land to erly Blvd. (corner Roselake/Rosemont), Los Angethem. The Israelite will conquer the land and the les, CA 90057 at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. or Lord will be with them, for as long as they obey call Pastor Courtney Hall at (213) 484-8294. A Dash of Salt and Pepper (A simple thought of inspiration with biblical encouragement) by Henjie Pimenta
Young senior loses job... PAGE C3 t
the faster you can save money years ago, she would have saved and be productive again. Even at up $252K now. Instead she gave 72, it’s not too late to get rid of $252K to her credit cards of $70K, them, better late than never. “The Lord Himself Goes Beand she still owes the same $70K after ten years! Think hard what fore You And Will Be With You; you should do now because the He Will Never Leave You Nor earlier you get rid of credit cards, Forsake You. Do Not Be Afraid;
Do Not Be Discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 2841142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
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C OCTOBER 22-25, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 22-25, 2016
MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM
& Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ
According to Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, the DOT is eyeing two million Chinese arrivals every year, much like Thailand. Philstar.com photo
Chinese eye Philippine tourism investments by Mary
Grace Padin
ter operators, and hotel and resPhilstar.com taurant owners to address their BeIJING – The Department of inquiries and concerns about Tourism has expressed optimism running their businesses in the about the industry prospects Philippines. According to Teo, the DOT amid the strengthening relationship between Beijing and is eyeing two million Chinese arrivals every year, much like Manila. Tourism Secretary Wanda Thailand. And with the rapid increase of Teo met on Thursday, Oct. 20 with eight Chinese investors, Chinese visitors to the country, including travel agencies, charPAGE D2
Political risks unlikely to derail Philippine growth by Lawrence
aGcaoiLi Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines - Nomura Securities Co. Ltd. said the controversial rhetoric of President Duterte is unlikely to derail growth prospects as the Philippines is expected to post a sustained healthy economic expansion. In a special report titled “Philippines: Beyond Words,” Nomura economist euben Paracuelles said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is seen expanding 6.7 percent this year after slowing down to 5.9 percent last year from 6.1 percent in 2014. The country’s GDP growth accelerated to seven percent in the second quarter from 6.8 percent in the first quarter amid strong boost from election related spending. Paracuelles pointed out the country’s GDP growth is seen slowing down to 6.3 percent next year before recovering to 6.5 percent in 2018. Unlike the rest of the region, he said the potential growth of the Philippines has risen and could rise further given favorable demographics and higher investment. “We reiterate our out-ofconsensus 2016 and 2017 GDP growth forecasts of 6.7 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively, but raise our 2018 forecast to 6.5 percent to reflect our view that the foundations for economic resilience have been established
and that, despite the recent political noise from President Duterte’s rhetoric, reform progress will likely continue, which bodes well for the longer-term growth outlook,” he said. According to Paracuelles, the country’s GDP expansion is likely to average 6.7 percent under the Duterte administration, higher than the 6.2 percent average growth booked between 2010 and 2016 under the watch of former president Benigno Aquino III. “We expect the Duterte administration to make more progress than its predecessor on infrastructure spending,” he said. The economist said the past reforms allowed the present administration to hit the ground running and expedite project approvals and plugging the infrastructure deficit aligns well with the overarching goal of inclusive growth. Furthermore, he added the cost of congestion in economic centers, if left unchecked, is set to rise rapidly. he explained there are early signs of strong adherence to the 10-point economic agenda, which stresses policy continuity and more reforms. Paraceulles said the biggest risk to an otherwise positive growth outlook is political in nature and stems mainly from President Duterte’s war against illegal drugs. PAGE D3
LESS than 3 percent of banknotes currently in circulation comprise New Design Series (NDS) bills that can no longer be exchanged for the new series after December 31, 2016, the central bank said on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Inquirer.net photo
P26.1-billion worth of old banknotes still in circulation by MayveLin
U. carabaLLo ManilaTimes.net
LeSS than 3 percent of banknotes currently in circulation comprise New Design Series (NDS) bills that can no longer be exchanged for the new series after December 31, 2016, the central bank said on Wednesday, Oct. 19. In value terms, this means some P26.1 billion worth of the three-decade old series must be exchanged for the New Generation Currency (NGC) notes launched in 2010. Of the total banknotes in circulation, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said, 2.9 percent are
NDS bills. In volume terms, 305.4 million pieces of NDS bills must be exchanged. At the start of 2015, the BSP noted 711.7 million pieces of NDS notes, valued at P184.3 billion, were in circulation. Since January 1, 2016, all NDS banknotes were no longer acceptable as legal tender but could still be exchanged at face value, free of charge, in authorized agent banks and at the BSP-Cash Department or any of the central bank office. “NDS banknotes shall cease to be a liability of the BSP and shall be considered demonetized on 1 January 2017,” the BSP said.
There have been many people who claim non-citizens are registering to vote in the upcoming elections, and their votes could affect the ultimate outcome of the Presidential election. These claims and accusations are unfounded, and there is no vast conspiracy to have non-citizens vote in the upcoming federal election. I realize there could be situations where an alien may have accidentally or inadvertently registered to vote. Sometimes this can happen when they renew their driver’s license. There is a section on the form allowing them to register to vote. Not understanding what that section means, they fill the entire form out, thereby unintentionally registering to vote. Other times, they may be coming out of a supermarket, and a person with a clipboard asks if they want to register to vote, without explaining they must be a US citizen to do so, they register even if they are non-citizen.
D
False claims about unlawful voting
What these critics need to understand is that the punishment and consequences for any non-citizen voting in the election are harsh and severe. First, it is a criminal offense for a non-citizen to vote in a federal election. Therefore, if a non-citizen votes in the election, that person could go to jail. Second, it is also a ground of inadmissibility/removability to vote in a federal election. So even if the person is not charged with a crime and jailed, they could be deported, even if they are a green card holder. Third, if the person ever wants to apply for US citizenship, there are several questions on the N-400 about whether they registered to vote or voted in federal elections. If they check “yes”, not only will their naturalization application be denied, but they could be placed in deportation/ removal. Fourth, USCIS has the ability to access voter registration records, to confirm if the applicant for naturalization ever registered to vote. So even if the person checked the “no” box on the naturalization application, then “crime” could still be discovered, resulting in possible jail or
deportation. Therefore, with non-citizens knowing the severe consequences of unlawful voting or registering to vote, they would be foolish to take the chance to do so. however, if you are among the people who may have mistakenly or inadvertently registered to vote or voted in a federal election, seek the advice of an immigration attorney, who can evaluate your situation, and determine if waivers or relief are available to you. The bottom line is I do not think critics must be concerned about unlawful voting by non-citizens, because the stakes and penalties are just too high. ***
active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES
Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an
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D OctOber 22-25, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL
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Gov’t sees no Christmas port congestion by Prinz
P. MagtUlis Philstar.com
The BOC said it netted P33.95 billion last month, missing the P35.79 billion goal by 5.14 percent. The collection in September was 3.97 percent higher compared with P32.65 billion a year earlier. Philstar.com photo
Bureau of Customs misses collection target in Sept. by Mayvelin
U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net
THE Bureau of Customs missed its collection target in September even though the amount was higher than the year-earlier figures, preliminary government data showed on Wednesday, Oct. 19. The bureau said it netted P33.95 billion last month, missing the P35.79 billion goal by 5.14 percent. The collection in September was 3.97 percent higher compared with P32.65 billion a year earlier. Of the 17 collection districts, six have exceeded their collec-
tion targets for the month: Port of Clark (P225.2 million), Port of Iloilo (P211.8 million), Port of Zamboanga (P19.5 million), Port of Cebu (P1.759 billion), Port of Davao (P1.052 billion), and Port of Batangas (P8.529 billion). The Manila International Container Terminal (MICP) posted P10.583 billion based on initial reports, and is near its P10.601 billion target. Other than saying it expects a higher print once the final the report is complete, the bureau did not explain why it fell short of the collection target for the month. The revenue generated in Sep-
tember brought the year-to-date tally to P288.1 billion, up 7.41 percent from P268.22 billion a year earlier. Commissioner Faeldon welcomes this improvement in the revenue collection, and reminded the public of the other functions of the Bureau. “It depends on our ability to address other issues that we can improve the revenue collection,” he said. Faeldon emphasized in earlier interviews that the eradication of corruption—which his leadership is currently working on—will help the bureau increase collection.
MANILA - There will be no repeat of the port congestion that halted shipments to Metro Manila and resulted in price hikes during the past two Christmas seasons, officials said on Wednesday, Oct. 19. “We do not see that happening this year,” Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said in a phone interview. Jay Daniel Santiago, general manager of the Philippine Ports Authority, agreed. “We are not expecting port congestion as of the moment,” he told reporters. As of Wednesday, Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port (MICP) have recorded an average yard utilization of 68 percent, far from over 90 percent recorded in 2014 and in early 2015. The two ports, the largest in the country, got clogged with shipments as a result of Manila’s truck ban in February 2014, preventing deliveries from plying the capital’s roads. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, who imposed the expanded prohibition to address heavy traffic, lifted the ban in September 2014, but it was not until March last year that congestion was solved. “This time we are seeing very effective movements of shipments. It is averaging 25 to 30 moves per hour compared with just 10 during the congestion,” Santiago said. Outside the ports, he said the “no-window policy” for vehicle coding that began this week could
also help ease shipment deliveries. For Faeldon, “reforms” undertaken may have contributed to better port facilitation, without giving specifics. He said this gave Customs more revenues for the holidays. Collections up slightly Preliminary data showed revenue collections rose 3.98 percent year-on-year to P33.002 billion in September. This was however 7.79-percent below the P35.79billion goal. The bureau, in a statement, said revenues are still “expected to increase upon the finalization of the report.” “I am not sure if that (collections) included already the increased demand for Christmas. But definitely, we could see that there is an upward trend,” Faeldon said. Of the 17 collection districts, six beat their revenue targets for September -- the ports of Clark in Pampanga, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Cebu, Davao and Batangas. MICP, meanwhile, collected
P10.583 billion, just a little behind its P10.601-billion target for the month. “This does not include yet the effect of [the] weak peso since these shipments were booked early on,” Faeldon said. The currency slumped against the dollar by around four percent last month. A weak peso makes imports more expensive, translating to a higher base for Customs valuations. Santiago said only “perishables” forming holiday demand for food and other items are expected to come in over the last three months. Sought for comment, Sergio Ortiz-Luis, president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, echoed the government’s view. “There are some improvement making it (port congestion) not so bad this year. There still is, but not of similar magnitude than before,” Ortiz-Luis said by phone. “Hopefully, the situation will remain the same even with the influx of more shipments,” he added.
There will be no repeat of the port congestion that halted shipments to Metro Manila and resulted in price hikes during the past two Christmas seasons, officials said on Wednesday, Oct. 19.
Chinese eye Philippine... PAGE D1 Teo cited the need to increase the capacity of local hotels and accommodation. Teo earlier said, she was looking at one million arrivals from China this year, almost double the 490,841 tourists last year. During the meeting, Beijing Tourism Group (BTG) vice president Bai Fan said more Chinese tourists and investments were seen to come into the Philippines given efforts to improve the relations between the two countries. “Because of the warming relations between the two countries, we see that tourism is very promising,” Fan said in Chinese. This factor, as well as the abundance of tourism resources in the Philippines, is also seen to increase investment opportunities for Chinese businessmen in the country. He added the Philippines would have no problem capturing two million tourists from China as long as it continues to address current roadblocks including long visa processing, limited accessibility and lack of accommodation facilities. BTG is a state-owned tourism service group with six different business segments, namely dining, lodging, transportation, travel agency, retailing and scenic spots. Fan said the group remained keen on making investments in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. “We are going to consider (if we are going to invest) later. We plan to go first. (But we are so far interested in) Subic port. We contacted it before and we are very impressed. It has very beautiful sceneries and it has a lot of potential for the market. It is very close to Manila,” he said. Stephen Chen, general manager of Asia Landmark Tours and Travel, said President Rodrigo Duterte’s state visit to China presents a prime opportunity to promote the Philippines to Chinese travelers. “Now is a very good chance to promote the Philippines because of the trip of the President,” Chen said. “We need to change their minds. Actually, many people know that the Philippines is very beautiful, but they don’t know the culture and situation there,” he added. All the companies present during the meeting expressed eagerness to invest or expand their operations in the Philippines. Secretary Teo made the commitment to coordinate with other concerned agencies to address the issues raised. Guiller Asido, COO of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), also filled them in on the fiscal and nonfiscal incentives the government may be able to provide if they invest within the
country’s tourism enterprise zones (TEZ). “We have identified which areas in the country where you can actually invest in and we are open to invite you and look at those areas,” he said, referring to San Vicente, Palawan, Siargao, Samal Island, Corregidor Island, Bataan and Bohol. Section 86 of the Tourism Act provides for incentives in TEZs, such as income tax holidays spanning six years, gross income taxation of five percent, 100 percent exemption on all taxes and customs duties on the importation of capital equipment, and the exemption of transportation and spare parts from tariffs and duties. He said the clause includes 100 percent foreign owned enterprises, except for land ownership. In another bid to strengthen bilateral ties between China and the Philippines, the DOT and the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) have forged a partnership that aims to develop tourism cooperation between the two nations. Teo and CNTA chairman Li Jinzao yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tourism cooperation for the period 2017 to 2022. The MOU seeks to strengthen and promote the bilateral tourism cooperation between the two countries and boost tourist arrivals in China and the Philippines. According to data from the DOT, Chinese arrivals to the Philippines reached 490,841 in 2015, 24.28 percent higher than the 2014 recorded arrivals of 394,951. It occupied the fourth spot with 9.16 percent share of the market. Meanwhile, statistics from the CNTA showed the Philippines is its 11th biggest source market, with more than one million arrivals in 2015, up 3.7 percent from 2014. The agreement between China and the Philippines included seven key areas for tourism exchange. First component under the MOU is the exchange of tourism professionals and administrators. Both sides are expected to send tourism administrators and professionals to the other country to share their knowledge and expertise and help in further developing hotels, resorts, cruise, port, tourism products and other related industries and competency standards in the host country. Manila and Beijing are also expected to trade information on the latest trends in the tourism industry, as well as the current situation and statistical data of each country’s tourism sector. Under the agreement, the two state agencies will also collaborate on measures to guarantee PAGE D3
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Moody’s upgrades PH growth forecasts Longo Toyota delivers world class experience Credit rater cites tax reform, infra dev’t plans
by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
MANILA – Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the country’s economic growth forecasts for the next two years as it believes the successful implementation of the tax reform and infrastructure development plans by the Duterte administration could boost the credit rating of the Philippines. In its latest overview and outlook on the Philippines, Moody’s said it expects the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow 6.5 percent this year and next year. This was higher than the previous GDP growth forecast of 6.2 percent last July. “We expect the largely domestic drivers of growth to remain intact over the next year. Overall, we expect real GDP growth to remain at around 6.5 percent in 2016 and 2017,” Moody’s said. The economy grew seven percent in the second quarter from 6.8 percent in the first amid the strong boost from election related spending. This brought the average GDP growth in the first half to 6.9 percent from 5.5 percent in the same period last year. This is within the higher end of the six to seven percent growth penned by economic managers. Moody’s said the concrete plans of government to reform the tax system and accelerate infrastructure investments as being anchored on a “well defined development agenda.” “In particular, an acceleration of infrastructure development
and the passage of comprehensive tax reform would be credit positive,” it said. Other factors that, if achieved, can drive the country’s credit rating moving forward are sustained rise in government revenues and further improvement in its external debt profile, Moody’s said. At the moment, Moody’s assigns the Philippines a rating of Baa2, which is a notch above the minimum investment grade. This rating carries a “stable” outlook, indicating it is unlikely to change over the short term. A rating within the investment-grade scale indicates a government’s ability and willingness to pay debts as they fall due, given the generally healthy economic and political conditions of a country. As such, an investment-grade credit rating gives a country a favorable image before foreign and local investors, among other stakeholders, thereby helping boost investments. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez welcomed the recognition given by Moody’s to the Duterte administration’s economic programs. “The positive mention by Moody’s of the tax reform and infrastructure plans of the Duterte administration proves that by looking beyond headline noise, one would see sound macroeconomic fundamentals and a robust, credible, and sensible overall socioeconomic development agenda for the Philippines,” Dominguez said. “Recognition by credit rating firms and other stakeholders of reforms and sound policies
in the Philippines is always welcome. This is because the international community’s awareness of positive developments in our country is important in sustaining favorable investor sentiment,” Investor Relations Office executive director Editha Martin said. One of the key features of the tax reform plan, which has been submitted to Congress for legislation, is the phased-in reduction of corporate and income tax rates to 25 percent. At present, corporate income tax is set at 30 percent, while the maximum individual income tax is at 32 percent. The proposed income-tax cut is meant to boost purchasing power of Filipino households and to encourage more enterprises to do business in the country. As a result, there would be more consumption and job-generating investment activities. In tandem with the proposed income-tax cut are measures to compensate for the resulting revenue loss. These are expanded coverage of the value added tax, adjustment for inflation of the tax on oil, and imposition of excise tax on soft drinks and other sugary products. These compensatory measures are meant to prevent erosion of overall government revenues. On infrastructure development, the Duterte administration’s agenda entails consistent rise of the government’s annual spending for roads, bridges, transport facilities, and related projects from 5.4 percent of the country’s GDP in 2017 to 7.1 percent of GDP by 2022.
Chinese eye Philippine... Political risks unlikely to...
PAGE D2 safety and quality assurance of tourism destinations, products and services. The MOU also provides that the two countries should help promote the other’s destinations to boost their tourist arrivals. To do this, the two of them would implement joint promotions and activities, and urge their respective local tour operators and travel agencies to promote the other’s products and destinations. Both participants will also conduct workshops or trainings for the other party, depending on their needs, the strengths and weaknesses. They are also expected to support each other on marketing initiatives, such as trade fairs and exhibitions. They will also promote the protection of the environment and promote the sustainable development of each country’s tourist destinations and resources. Lastly, both the DOT and the CNTA will promote and facilitate investment in tourism infrastructure in each other’s countries.
PAGE D1 “This is hogging the headlines and has generated negative spillover effects via his seemingly adverse foreign policy pronouncements. In our view, concerns over the war on drugs will likely continue to weigh on investor sentiment in coming months, but we caution against jumping to any conclusion that the new government’s foreign policy will become isolationist,” he said.
able for catering services. Being the premiere Enterprise Rent-A-Car Toyota retailer in the naLongo Toyota also has tion, Longo Toyota aims to two enterprise Rent-A-Car deliver a truly world-class experience to our guests offices on its premises. on every transaction, evOne is located adjacent to eryday. the Service Drive in the it all starts with our Pre-Owned Vehicle Showfriendly and welcoming room, and the other is in staff, a clean and modthe Collision Repair Center. ern environment, and a Customers are welcome to wide range of services to IXpdfe[ G\i\q utilize the enterprise rentD\c :Xjk\cf make your visit pleasant al services, regardless of and convenient. Here are whether or not they leave some of our key amenities their vehicle in Longo for at Longo Toyota: any car service. Auto Club of Southern Complimentary Vehicle California (AAA) Delivery Service in november 1999, Longo Toyota also offer Longo Toyota became the complimentary vehicle defirst automotive dealership livery service. Our delivery in the US to have the Auto service is available 6 days Club on its premises. For a week, Monday thru Sat9lkZ_ >XYlk`eX 14 long years, our Auto :\jXi DXZXc`ef urday, anywhere within a Club branch has served K?8EB PFL =FI D8B@E> LJ ELD9<I FE< =fi k_\ cfe^\jk 60-mile radius of Longo countless satisfied Longo k`d\# Cfe^f KfpfkX _Xj Y\\e gi`[`e^ `kj\c] Xj k_\ ( KfpfkX Toyota. customers with its wide mfcld\ [\Xc\i `e k_\ Le`k\[ JkXk\j% 8cjf Zfej`[\i\[ Xj k_\ ( Longo Toyota Parts and array of services Accessories Department Gi`lj Xe[ ?pYi`[ [\Xc\i `e 8d\i`ZX# Cfe^f KfpfkX `j ^iXk\]lc Today, our on-site You can also shop at the branch offers DMV servic- ]fi k_\ Zfek`elflj jlggfik f] `kj Zc`\ekj k_Xk _Xm\ kiljk\[ Longo Toyota Parts and es, airline, car and hotel k_\d n`k_ hlXc`kp YiXe[ e\n Xe[ lj\[ ZXij% ?Xm`e^ j\im\[ Accessories Department, reservations, discounted Zljkfd\ij ]fi +, p\Xij# k_\i\ dljk Y\ X i\Xjfe n_p Cfe^f which carries a wide semovie and local attraction KfpfkX `j jk`cc Zfej`[\i\[ eldY\i fe\% :Xcc ($/''$-(.$+,(- lection of genuine Toyota tickets, membership pro- kf[Xp kf Ôe[ flk% parts and accessories for cessing, OnBoard Teen your vehicle. With thouSafe Driver Program, and more. Sign up at our sands of parts and accessories in stock, we defiLongo Toyota branch and get $13 off the origi- nitely have whatever it is you’re looking for. Our nal membership application price. Located in boutique also carries a selection of Ray-Ban and our new car showroom, our AAA branch is open Oakley sunglasses, women’s and men’s apparel, Mondays thru Saturdays, from 11am to 7pm. and so much more. For more details about our AAA branch, please Shuttle Service call (888) 494-2953. For your convenience, Longo Toyota offers Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer complimentary shuttle service while your veLongo Lexus is the first car dealership in the hicles are being serviced. Our shuttles can take US to provide Verizon Wireless and Verizon you to virtually anywhere within a 15-mile radius Wireless neighborhood services on-site. Our Ve- of Longo Toyota – be it your home, work, the rizon branch offers the latest in telecommunica- mall, or even the parlor! Anywhere! tions, mobile devices, accessories and services. An engaging stay We also offer complimentary cellphone chargWhile we understand that our customer’s time ing stations for our customers. Our Verizon re- is precious, we realize that many of them may tailer is located inside our parts retail center. Our need internet connectivity at all times. As such Wireless Playground is open Monday-Friday, we are more than happy to provide FRee WiFi 7am-7pm; Saturday, 7am-5:30pm; and Sunday, throughout our facility, and FRee use of our 8-4pm. Please call (888) 623-2133 for more in- great business center. in our business center, formation. we provide a quiet setting where our guests can Starbucks and Subway work on our computers or on their own laptops. While waiting for your car to come out of our We also provide free use of an iPad for Longo car-care service lines, you can enjoy a quick bite guests who are waiting for their vehicles. Our at Subway or a nice refreshing drink at Starbucks. guest Check-in representative will be more than We offer healthy dining options with Subway’s happy to arrange this for you. wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. if you decide to bring the kids to the dealerif you’re thirsty and you’re looking for that ship, boredom will never be a problem. We also quick coffee fix, you can grab a refreshing Hazel- offer a variety of video games and DVDs just for nut Macchiato or a smooth Caramel Frappuccino kids so that they can also enjoy their visit to Lonat Starbucks. Offering only the finest coffee spe- go Toyota. cialties, teas, juices, and assortment of pastries, For more information on our Longo Toyota there’s something for everybody at our on-site guest Services, please log on to http://www.lonStarbucks branch. gotoyota.com/dealership/amenities.htm. Please call (800) 969-6512 (Subway) or (877) Longo Toyota is located at 3534 north Peck 503-7915 (Starbucks) for more information. Both Road, el Monte, CA 91731. our Subway and Starbucks branches are avail 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek
D OctOber 22-25, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL
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PH e-vehicle industry gets SoftBank support by Raadee
S. SauSa Manilatimes.net
THE development of the Philippine electric vehicles industry got a boost with the launch of the P550 million Mobility as a System (MaaS) project on Thursday, Oct. 20. The project is an e-vehicle initiative of Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) in coordination with the Board of Investments (BOI) and Japan’s SoftBank Corporation. Its implementation will be under the scrutiny of a steering commit-
tee that include the BOI, the Intramuros Administration (IA), and the MC Metro Transport Operation Inc. (MMTOI) as members together with NEDO and Softbank. The project aims to operate 50 units of electric tricycles or e-trikes from BEMAC Electric Transportation Philippines Inc., along with 17 charging stations around the Club Intramuros area for two years. As a historic landmark and tourist spot with a diverse mix of people that include tourists and student, Intramuros was selected to pilot the project. “With projects such as the
MaaS, we hope to make PH an EV manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia. We hope that more local and foreign investments will come and make the country their production base, thus create around 100,000 in new jobs for Filipinos,” said BOI executive director for Industry Development Services Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa. Under the current Investments Priorities Plan (IPP), the manufacturing of electric vehicles and components, as well as the operations and maintenance of charging stations are the preferred investments that may be given incentives.
PH e-commerce lags behind Asian peers by LoueLLa
deSideRio Philstar.com
MANILA – As the Philippines lags in terms of e-commerce adoption, the government and the private sector will need to work together to educate businesses as well as address trust issues on selling and buying items online to promote continued development of enterprises. Mon Ibrahim, executive consultant for e-innovations at the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), said in a press conference on Thursday, Oct. 20 while e-commerce is seen to boost growth of businesses in the Philippines with more and more people going online, the country is currently one of the countries in the Asia Pacific region with the lowest adoption of e-commerce technology.
Of the country’s total registered enterprises, only one percent are currently online or have a website with a payment gateway facility. Ibrahim said enterprises in the country have been relatively slow in terms of e-commerce adoption amid issues on trust both on the part of businesses and the consumers. “I think we just need to start on the very basic areas which is educating, trying to improve the trust of people both in the sellers and buyers about doing commerce online,” he said. Ibrahim said education is an area where government and the private sector could work together to help accelerate e-commerce adoption in the country as well as reap its benefits. Earlier this year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released the Philippine e-commerce roadmap which seeks to
renew the collaboration between the government and private sector to promote the growth of e-commerce. Through the roadmap, the main objective is for e-commerce to contribute 25 percent to the Philippines’ gross domestic product by 2020 from an estimated 10 percent last year. Ibrahim said the DICT is currently working with the DTI in implementing the roadmap and promoting cooperation with the private sector. He said the DICT is also set to formalize its partnership with the UREKA Forum, a consortium of companies spearheaded by Union Bank of the Philippines, seeking to convene businesses, institutions and industry experts in order to provide a platform where local entrepreneurs could realize the potential of their businesses by going online.
While e-commerce is seen to boost growth of businesses in the Philippines with more and more people going online, the country is currently one of the countries in the Asia Pacific region with the lowest adoption of e-commerce technology.
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D OctOber 22-25, 2016 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL
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