October 28-31, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 87 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Changes to Social Security guidelines coming in 2018 Some beneficiaries to expect significant raises in monthly stipend SINCE its inception in 1935, social security is one of the most important social programs available to Americans. For lawmakers, it’s one of the most contested of all federal programs, with left-leaning lawmakers looking to expand benefits and conservatives looking to eliminate the program entirely. As of August 2017, nearly 62 million Americans receive social security benefits. More than 42 million of those are retired workers and a majority of them rely on their monthly checks administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Duterte, Trump to discuss security, trade at ASEAN meet by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
SECURITY and trade relations are among the top issues to be discussed at the upcoming bilateral meeting between Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and United States President Donald Trump in Manila. According to Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, the two top leaders are slated to meet on the
sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) conference next month. In a chance interview on Wednesday, October 25, Cayetano said Duterte and Trump would discuss the threats posed by terrorism and illegal drugs to the public. “What’s the fundamental interest, intersecting interest of America and the Philippines? First is security…which includes terrorism and drugs, the threat
of terrorism and illegal drugs. Secondly, trade. So if you have security but the people are hungry, it’s useless,” Cayetano disclosed. The top diplomat added that the U.S. government is also seeking a free trade agreement with the Philippines. “They’re negotiating many regional and multilateral trade agreements but there’s a possibility that we will explore a bilateral agreement,” he said. U.S. President Donald Trump
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US envoy denies CIA part of plot to oust Pres. Duterte
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CA immigrant advocates celebrate passing of several pro-immigrant bills
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE United States’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is not behind any destabilization plot against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, a U.S. official said on Thursday, October 26. “There is absolutely no effort by the CIA to undermine the Philippines leadership,” U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim told reporters in a media forum as he stressed that the relationship between the two countries remains strong. Earlier this month, Duterte warned that he
Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León celebrates the passage of his sanctuary state bill EARLIER this month, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a package of bills dedicated to protecting and uplifting the state’s immigrant and undocumented communities. Brown’s passage of the bills was a huge win for immigrant advocates who have been fighting against the stringent immigrant policies proposed by the Trump administration. At a press conference on Tuesday, October 24, legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA) held a press conference to celebrate the passage of the bills and
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Photo from Whitehouse.gov
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CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is escorted by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (left) and outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff General Eduardo Año (right) during the turnover and change of command ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday, October 26. Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero replaced Año at the AFP helm. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim
Inquirer.net photo
Filipino WWII Vets honored at historic PH gov’t expects normalcy in Marawi Congressional Gold Medal ceremony City to return within two months by MOMAR
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
G. VISAYA
AJPress
FILIPINO Veterans of World War II were honored in a bipartisan and bicameral Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Oct. 25, by Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) who presided over the official presentation. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor the United States can bestow. In accordance with Public Law No: 114-265, a single gold medal has been struck to honor the Filipino veterans of World War II in recognition of their dedicated service during the war. “Today, we recognize the extraordinary heroism and sacrifice of the Filipino Veterans of World War II by conferring the highest honor Congress can bestow. Generations of Ameri-
THE Philippine government is expecting normalcy to return in Marawi City in two months, now that the area is cleared from Islamic State (IS) militants after five months of conflict. According to the Department of National Defense (DND), the
military is still in the process of clearing the city from possible unexploded ordnances, improvised explosive devices, and other booby traps before allowing the complete return of the residents. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, October 26, Defense Secretary Lorenzana also said
clearing operations may last for two months. “Normalcy siguro couple of months, weeks pa dahil kini-clear pa nila yung mga unexploded ordnance tapos chine-check pa nila kung meron pang mga butas-butas, kung may mga tao pa dyan (Normalcy may return in
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‘LP AFRAID OF ITS OWN GHOST’
Filipino Veterans of World War II were honored in a bipartisan and bicameral Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Oct. 25, by Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) who presided over the official presentation. Screen grab from Speaker.gov
cans and Filipinos alike have been shaped by their courage, inspired by their service and humbled by their sacrifice,” Rep. Nancy Pelosi said. “We are inspired not only by their bravery on the battlefield but also by the courage they have shown in fighting for the recognition they have earned but long been denied. We must not rest until the
Palace denies hand in Drilon, Roxas’ alleged drug links by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
service of every Filipino veteran is recognized and rewarded.” The long-awaited event was a formal presentation recognizing the tremendous service and sacrifice of Filipino WWII veterans during the war from July 26, 1941 to December 31, 1946. Some of the families of the surviving veterans and representa- Target of drug probe: Senator Franklin Drilon and Mar Roxas’ alleged ties to
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Melvin Odicta Sr. (center).
Inquirer.net photos
MALACAÑANG on Friday, October 27 denied that it was behind the testimony of a drug personality that linked Liberal Party (LP) stalwarts Senator Franklin Drilon and former Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II to the illegal drug trade. A day earlier, the LP issued a statement accusing President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration of ”going all-out to demonize” the party and “divert[ing] attention” from
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A october 28-31, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL
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From the Front Page
Duterte, Trump to discuss...
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Trump is expected to visit Manila from November 12 to 13 and participate in the special gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and the ASEANU.S. meeting. The U.S. leader, however, will skip the East Asia Summit (EAS) on November 14 in Pampanga.
“The decision was really that he will be here on the 12th and 13th [of November]. We tried to accommodate. We tried to fix all the schedules. But since you’re dealing with more than a dozen world leaders plus the ASEAN, it’s very difficult to get all the schedules together,” Cayetano said.
“They were actually just waiting for the East Asia Summit (EAS) [schedule]. Now that it has been finalized that the East Asia Summit will be on the 14th, it looks like his Secretary of State would be the one to attend,” he added, referring to U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Cayetano explained that Trump could not extend his stay in the Philippines as the U.S. leader still has to visit other countries that are part of his Asia-Pacific tour. These include China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the U.S. state of Hawaii. “It would have been great if President Trump could attend all the activities but the reality is any world leader, especially of the United States, cannot spend too many days outside [his country]…He’s attending most of the activities, and the bilaterals with the allies including the Philippines. It’s a very, very strong message of friendship,” he said. The EAS is composed of the ten ASEAN countries and its dialogue partners Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the U.S. and Russia. Apart from the Philippines, ASEAN countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
MADE IN RUSSIA. President Rodrigo Duterte examines a Kalashnikov rifle, one of 5,000 given by Russia to the Philippines on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Duterte, accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Eduardo Año and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., toured the Russian anti-submarine ship Admiral Pantaleev docked at the Manila port. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
Despite Trump being unable to attend the EAS, the U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to the region. “We have made very clear that the United States is fully committed to the Asia Pacific region,” said U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim, saying that “it is in our interest to remain closely engaged in the Asia Pacific region.” n
US envoy denies CIA part of... PAGE A1 t
would not hesitate to set up a revolutionary government in order to avert the country from falling into chaos amid the alleged destabilization efforts by his political enemies. The president accused the CIA as among the entities allegedly working on his ouster. At one point, Duterte also claimed that he obtained reports pointing the foreign intelligence agency has plans to eliminate him. “They say that the CIA wanted me out of the government. I believe so but not really killing but they could have – they would have prepared another one,” he said in a speech. The U.S. envoy, however, denied the allegations. Kim remarked that the U.S. government respects Duterte’s electoral victory last year. “President Duterte won a very impressive election. We respect his election and we are in fact working very well together with his administration,” he added. Kim further emphasized, “It is much important for us to focus on what we are doing with our relationship than public statements.” Marawi role During the forum, the top diplomat also highlighted Washington’s crucial role in combating Is-
lamic State (IS)-inspired terrorists in the Southern Philippines. Kim cited American intelligence, urban warfare training, and drones as among the factors that contributed to the success of fully retaking the Marawi City from Maute rebels. “We did play a very important role in supporting the (Philippines’) efforts to retake Marawi,” Kim said. “We had P-3s (surveillance planes), Grey Eagles (drones) providing crucial intelligence information to the Armed Forces of the Philippines so that they would be able to carry out operations necessary to retake Marawi,” he added. Kim added that the U.S. forces provided guns, ammunition and rubber boats to the Philippine military, as well as “very useful technical advice,” particularly in the area of urban warfare. The U.S. government likewise committed P750 million ($14.7 million) in aid to victims of the crisis and for rehabilitation of the city. On Monday, October 23, the Philippine Department of Defense (DND) declared the Marawi siege is now over, five months since the Maute group launched an attack onMay 23. n
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From the Front page
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 28-31, 2017
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Filipino WWII Vets honored at historic... PAGE A1 t
WHITEWASHED. A child cleans one of the ‘apartment-type’ tombs at the Manila North Cemetery on Friday, Oct. 27, ahead of All Souls Day on November 2. ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.
Palace denies hand in Drilon, Roxas’ alleged...
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pressing issues. This was after Ricky Serenio, a confessed bagman of the Berya drug cartel, submitted an affidavit earlier this month identifying the two LP officials as protectors of slain Melvin Odicta Sr., who allegedly controlled the narcotics trade in Iloilo City. Lashing back at the opposition party, Malacañang said the LP is merely “afraid of its own ghost.” “The administration has nothing to do with the testimony of a drug cartel bagman, Mr. Ricky Serenio, implicating Senator Franklin Drilon and Former Secretary Mar Roxas to the illegal drug trade in the Visayas,” said China Jocson, Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella’s assistant. “The Liberal Party is afraid of its own ghost after conducting several witch hunt investigations against their perceived political enemies when they were in power,” Jocson added. In a statement on Thursday, October 25, the LP accused Malacañang of “manufacturing witnesses” against some members of the opposition. “After efforts to link the party to destabilization, it is now being accused of being involved in the illegal drug trade solely because of a baseless testimony of a socalled bagman of a drug syndicate,” it said.
It added, “It appears this administration has the habit of manufacturing ‘witnesses’ who have questionable record and reputation, just like what it did to Senator Leila de Lima, who is now languishing in jail due to testimonies of convicted criminals serving jail sentences.” De Lima, a staunch critic of the president and also an LP member, has been detained since February over drug charges. Among those who testified against her were high-profile inmates and convicted drug lords, which include Noel Martinez, Herbert Colanggo, Joel Capones, and Rodolfo Magleo. In his affidavit, Serenio accused Drilon and Roxas of partnering with Odicta to “take-over the drug trade in Negros by kicking out Berya-Camaria drug operations.” “Being in power with close association to the PNP (Philippine National Police), it was easy for the Roxas-Drilon tandem to paralyze, and eventually overthrow the Berya-Camaria drug operations and wipe out these groups from operating in Negros Island,” his affidavit read. By taking out the Berya-Camaria taken out of play, Serenio said Drilon and Roxas could then “turn over” the drug operations in the region to Odicta. Serenio likewise claimed that
Drilon and Roxas were patrons of Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who supposedly protected the illegal drug operations of the Odicta. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said his department would treat Serenio’s affidavit tagging Drilon and Roxas as a complaint. According to Aguirre, “a preliminary investigation can be conducted since the affidavit could serve as a complaint.” Serenio’s affidavit was submitted to La Carlota City prosecutor’s office in Negros Occidental on Oct. 18. “If sa city prosecutor, parang complaint na ‘yan (if it was filed with the city prosecutor, then it’s like a complaint), then we would be duty bound to act on it,” the Justice secretary said. Roxas, for his part, dismissed Serenio’s testimony as a “poor and laughable attempt at fake news.” “I don’t know nor have I any dealings with Serenio nor Odicta; as in zero. I have been and am anti-illegal drugs and the record of arrests, confiscations and buy bust operations by the PNP during my time at DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) will show this,” Roxas said. Drilon, meanwhile, has yet to release a comment on the issue. n
tives of those who have passed on attended the event. The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) spearheaded the national campaign to secure the Congressional Gold Medal for these Veterans. FilVetRep is also the officially-designated liaison to the U.S. Mint, which handles the design and minting of the Congressional Gold Medal. In his special remarks, Filipino World War II veteran Celestino Almeda of Gaithersburg, Maryland said that many of his fellow soldiers have passed away as they waited 75 years for this day to come. It is estimated that there are fewer than 7,000 surviving veterans residing in the United States today. “After the war, we felt underappreciated and under-recognized and I wondered what else could we have done, but we stayed loyal and relied on our faith and prayers. We thank God for watching over us in this long ordeal,” said the 100-year-old veteran, who received wild applause and standing ovation from the audience. “With the gold medal we present today we are paying tribute to a selfless sacrifice, we are remembering the indomitable spirit of a Pacific people, we are preserving for generations hence this enduring reminder of valor and of honor. This powerful symbol of a nation’s gratitude,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, thanking the veterans. Among the other speakers at the event were Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Rep. Ed Royce, Sen. Mazie Hirono and Sen. Dean Heller. The ceremony is a result of Congresswoman Gabbard and Senator Hirono’s bill to honor the over 260,000 Filipino and FilipinoAmerican soldiers who fought in the Pacific Theater. “What a wonderful day for many veterans who have patiently been waiting for this. We are finally righting this wrong, and finally honor the service and sacrifice of these heroes and their families, and ensure they are never forgotten,” Rep. Gabbard said. Sen. Hirono in her speech said that the recognition is the culmination of decades of hard work to honor the veterans for their service to our country. “Today is an opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to the more than
250,000 Filipinos who heeded the call of then President Roosevelt. Only 18,000 of them are still alive and theirs is a story of struggle and perseverance,” Hirono said. “Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to our Filipino World War II veterans is a long overdue honor for hundreds of thousands of veterans and their families. Last Veterans Day, Filipino World War II veteran Domingo Los Banos urged me to make sure our Congressional Gold Medal bill was passed that year. I hope that today’s ceremony conveyed to Domingo and every other veteran our gratitude for their service during the war and recognition of the hardship they face in receiving the benefits they earned.” From July 1941 to December 1946, 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers served and fought for the United States and the Philippines to topple Axis powers during World War II. In July of 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called all organized military forces of the Philippines into the service of the United States. Their bravery, heroism, and dedication played an integral part in leading Allied powers to victory over Nazi and fascist forces. They were promised U.S. citizenship and health and pension benefits. In February 1946, the U.S. Congress passed the Rescission Act of 1946, which stripped Filipino soldiers the benefits promised by President Roosevelt. Hirono and Gabbard’s bill, the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act (Public Law 114-265), was signed into law by President Barack Obama and awarded the medal collectively to the over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the American flag during World War II. “Today we pay tribute to the quarter of a million Filipinos who answered an American President’s call to fight for our country in the defining war of the 20thCentury. Those brave men, who bravely took up arms and risked life and limb on behalf of a country that was not yet their own, were heroes. It is a mark of a confident and exceptional nation to look back on its history and say we made a grievous error, but we recognize it
and pledge never to let it happen again,” Sen Charles Schumer said. “I’m especially proud to be an American today as Congress rights a decades-old wrong and bestows the highest civilian honor on the Filipino veterans of the Second World War, enshrining in the history books their courage and sacrifice on behalf of a grateful nation.” Caroline Burkhart, daughter of WWII veteran Thomas Burkhart, was one of the six veterans and next of kin called by Rep. Ryan to be recognized as he presented the Congressional Gold Medal to them. Mr. Almeda represented the Philippine Commonwealth Army; Mr. Frank Francone, an American veteran, representing the Philippine Scouts; Mr. Dean Aquilino Delen, Filipino veteran representing Guerrilla units; Mrs. Alicia Benitze, next of kin of Filipino veteran; Mrs. Margrit Baltazar, next of kin of Filipino veteran and Mrs. Burkhart, next of kin of American veteran. Community support “We have waited a long time to witness the well-deserved honor of presenting Filipino Veterans of World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal,” said John C. Yang, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC President and Executive Director. “It is fitting the ceremony occurs during Filipino American History Month in acknowledgment of the contributions and proud heritage of nearly four million Filipino Americans who call the United States home.” “As we honor these veterans and their families today, we must remember to keep supporting their right to be reunited with family members through the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program.” For Congressman Bobby Scott, what happened at Capitol Hill on Wednesday morning is a proud moment. “As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and the only member of Congress of Filipino ancestry, I am proud to honor the invaluable service of our Filipino veterans who nobly served in World War II,” Scott said. “The contributions of our Filipino veterans have left a remarkable legacy on the history of the United States and the Philippines. We must continue to recognize and honor the sacrifice and dedication of these veterans.” n
A october 28-31, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL
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US proposes new maritime exercises with ASEAN by Dana
SioSon AJPress
THE United States proposed to conduct a new maritime exercise with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2018, Pentagon said Wednesday, October 24. In his visit to the Philippines, U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis attended ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMMPlus), where he highlighted the maritime security as a natural area for deeper cooperation be-
tween the U.S. and ASEAN. According to Pentagon spokesperson Dana White, Mattis proposed to hold a new maritime exercise with ASEAN partners in 2018, as well as to host a maritime security dialogue featuring regional navies and maritime law enforcement. During the meeting, the Defense secretary also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to allies and partners across the region. He likewise reaffirmed the
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United States’ “commitment to freedom of navigation, and to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows.� This apparently indicates that Washington will continue its freedom of navigation operations challenging China’s massive territorial claims at the South China Sea, which are partly disputed by its neighboring countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. Earlier this month, the U.S. carried out its fourth freedom of navigation operation under the administration of President Donald Trump. The USS Chafee, a guided-missile destroyer, reportedly sailed near the disputed Paracel Islands in South China Sea. Apart from the freedom of navigation, Mattis also stressed the importance of international cooperation to pressure North Korea amid its nuclear threats “in order to realize the shared goal of complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.� The U.S. Defense chief likewise commended the Philippines for its victory against Islamic State (IS)-inspired terrorists in Mindanao. His praise came following the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND)’s declaration on Monday, October 23, that the Marawi siege is finally over, five months since the Maute terrorist group attacked the city on May 23. To improve counterterrorism cooperation among ASEAN members, Pentagon said the U.S. Defense chief proposed to convene a tabletop exercise to discuss lessons learned from the D-ISIS campaign. Mattis also proposed to hold a workshop on regional terrorist threats at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. Apart from Defense ministers from ASEAN and U.S., the ADMM-Plus was also attended by their counterparts from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Russia. “Meeting participants recognized the importance of the ADMM-Plus as an inclusive platform for high-level discussions of strategic defense and security matters including North Korea, terrorism and maritime security, as well as to promote practical cooperation and confidencebuilding among their defense establishments,� White said. n
(L-R) Community leader Karin Mak, former CA Assemblymember Mike Eng, Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de Leon, Advancing Justice - LA President Stewart Kwoh, CAIR-LA Policy Advocacy Coordinator Asmaa Ahmed and policy advocate for Advancing Justice - LA Michelle Lim pose for a photo. AJPress photos by Klarize Medenilla
CA immigrant advocates celebrate passing of... PAGE A1 t
assure Californians that the state will advocate for all its communities, especially its communities of color and immigrants. “We’re very pleased that California has stepped up and I’m very pleased there has been, in the last couple of weeks, the passage of bills that stand up for people all throughout California,� Advancing Justice - LA President and Executive Director Stewart Kwoh said at the press conference held in the City of Rosemead. One of the most anticipated bills came from Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de Leon (SD24) who penned SB 54: The California Values Act. Widely known as the sanctuary state bill, SB 54 ensures that local and state law resources — including law enforcement — do not help facilitate in the capture, detention and deportation of undocumented individuals. The motivation for the bill was to combat the rising threats by the federal government to seek out undocumented individuals and to carry out deportations, according to De Leon, who recently announced he’s running for the U.S. Senate in 2018. “In our state we celebrate diversity. We don’t ban it, we don’t deport it and we sure don’t wall it off. Not in a great state like California,� De Leon said of his landmark bill. “We know that tearing up families is not the answer and all of us together defend family values because no federal government should separate innocent mothers from their children and children from their fathers.�
“California is the state of resistance for the American people, for our immigrant communities, our young people and it’s time we see someone stand up to the things we’re seeing in the federal government,� Advancing Justice - LA President and Executive Director Stewart Kwoh said.
SB 54 enacts into law many policies already adopted and practiced by institutions like the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), which embraced the bill which LAPD Chief Charlie Beck described as “a balanced approach to protecting all communities from crime.� “The LAPD has reduced crime to historic lows through constitutional policing and building strong partnerships with all our communities, regardless of civil immigration status, and SB 54 strengthens our ability to continue this proven crime fighting strategy,� Beck said in a statement. Advancing Justice - LA also applauded the governor’s signing of AB 699: Safe Schools for Undocumented Immigrant Students bill. The aptly named bill upholds constitutional rights to public education for all California students regardless of their citizenship status. Since introduction of his immigration policies which favor
narrowing the country’s immigration system, undocumented immigrants, especially students, became the target of widespread bullying and harassment, according to Advancing Justice LA policy director Betty Hung. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), three days after Trump’s election there were more than 200 reported incidents of intimidation and harassment across the country, and the most commonly reported location were K-12 schools. “There is tremendous fear on the part of students and especially now with the rescission of DACA,� Hung said, referencing the administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program which granted work benefits and protection from deportation for undocumented youth. Penned by Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell of the Long Beach area, AB 699 requires all
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One nurse per 4,000 pupils: Not the healthiest arrangement by AnA B. IBArrA Californiahealthline.org
CONCORD, Calif. — During a 15-minute recess, the elementary school students trooped from the playground toward nurse Catherin Crofton’s office — one with a bloody nose, a second with a scraped knee and a third with a headache. Kids quickly filled a row of chairs. Staffers brought paper towels for the bleeders and tried to comfort the crying. “We’re here for first aid, emergency, counseling,” said Crofton of the Mount Diablo Unified School District. “There is always something to do.” Mount Diablo and other districts around the nation can use all the help they can get. Many suffer a severe shortage of nurses, and money to hire more is scarce. Outside of California, shortages have been reported in recent years in Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Colorado, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and Florida. Last year, Crofton saw 20 to 30 children a day at Cambridge Elementary, located in eastern Contra Costa County in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some were first-timers, others her regulars — those with chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis who need daily medication. Crofton said there are dozens of diabetic kids in the district, a huge change from 20 years ago, when they were rare. Before taking a leave earlier this year, Crofton was on site at Cambridge Elementary three days a week and at Meadow Homes Elementary, about six blocks away, the other two weekdays. Desperate to fill the nursing
gap, the Mount Diablo district partnered with John Muir Health, a local health system of doctors and hospitals, to pay for her position. Other districts are also addressing nursing shortages creatively — and with mixed success — by opening school-based community clinics, conducting video sessions with faraway doctors and even training office staff to dress wounds or check glucose levels of diabetic children. Beyond tending to minor scrapes, school nurses see many kids with chronic, potentially life-threatening illnesses that need medication and monitoring. Sometimes they are a child’s only regular link to medical care and often are the first to spot emerging disease outbreaks. Last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics called for a minimum of one full-time registered nurse in every school. Before that, the recommended nurse-to-student ratio had been 1-to-750. California, the nation’s most populous state, is far from hitting either goal. It had one registered nurse for every 2,592 students in the 2016-17 school year, according to the latest state data. In many districts, one nurse must cover two or more schools. (Districts don’t report their use of licensed vocational nurses, who are not as highly trained but are sometimes hired to fill in the gaps.) At Mount Diablo, the ratio is 1 registered nurse to nearly 4,000 kids. Figures for the smaller, neighboring district, Antioch Unified, show 1 nurse per 17,326 st udents. California, like most states, doesn’t have a specific budget for school nursing, and it doesn’t re-
The nurse’s office at Cambridge Elementary in eastern Contra Costa County, Calif., on Oct. 16, 2016. Heidi de Marco/California Healthline
PH gov’t expects normalcy... PAGE A1 t
couple of months, weeks, because we are still conducting clearing operations),” he said. Lorenzana added that the military is still searching for the body of Malaysian terrorist Mahmud Ahmad, who is believed to be a financier of the Maute terrorist and tipped to become the new leader of the IS in Southeast Asia. “In fact, the military is trying to locate kung san nakaburol yung si Mahmud kasi ‘yun ang disclosure ng mga hostages na na-recover natin, namatay daw at inilibing daw don ng mga Maute (We are still trying to locate where Mahmud’s body is, based on the testimonies of hostages that he was killed and buried by the Mautes),” Lorenzana said. “So we’re trying to recover para naman masigurado natin na nakita natin ‘yung bangkay ni Mahmud (So we can confirm his body),” he added. The Philippine government declared the crisis over on Monday, October 23. In a press conference on Thursday, October 26, AFP Spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla Jr. said the government is now starting a full-blown rehabilitation and reconstruction of the city. “Pumapasok na tayo ngayon sa isang full-blown na (We are now entering a full-blown) rehabilitation, reconstruction at (and) rebuilding ng (of) Marawi and our long road to normalcy of the city,” said Padilla. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has recorded at least 77,000 internally displaced persons staying in 80 evacuation centers since the terrorist group attacked Marawi City on May 23. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Deputy Administrator Asec. Kristoffer Purisima said the return of displaced residents will begin as early as Sunday, October 29. He said the Marawi City local government unit recently conducted a peace caravan, which activities include the restoration of power and water supplies, and house cleanup at Barangay Basak Malutlut. “This barangay is the first barangay where Marawi residents may return and only two members per family shall be allowed to enter the barangay for the cleanup,” Purisima said. ‘Preserve ruins’ Also on Thursday, October 26, Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo expressed hope that the rehabilitation team would consider the preservation of ruins in Marawi City. The ruins, she said, will “serve like a monument not only for the bravery of our soldiers, but also for the residents.” “This would also serve as a lesson to all on terrorism and conflict, a warning to everyone to prevent a repeat of the mistakes that happened in the past,” Robredo added. The vice president also called for unity of all government agencies and private sectors for a faster rehabilitation of the area. “Now we will help Marawi, I hope those who will help will get along. Let us set aside politics and doubts. Let us unite in order to hasten the recovery of Marawi,” she said. n
Local officials show a bullet-riddled house believed to have been rented by Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute in Marawi City. Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales
quire schools to have a full-time nurse. Yet schools are obligated to provide certain health services to students, such as vision and hearing tests and medication monitoring. “Obviously a nurse has to be on board to do that, so we kind of come in the back door that way,” said Pamela Kahn, presidentelect of the California School Nurses Organization. The organization has tried several times to get the state legislature to set minimum nurse-tostudent ratios with no luck so far. “When you crunch the numbers, it’s overwhelming what it would cost to provide that kind of service in the state,” Kahn said. In the meantime, some districts are looking beyond the traditional model of bringing health care to school kids. Last year, the Sacramento City Unified School District experimented with telehealth, which gives school staffers electronic access to a doctor to guide them, but as of the beginning of this school year, district officials had not decided whether they’d continue. Telehealth works well if there is a school nurse, not a school secretary, consulting with the doctor, said Nina Fekaris, the president of the National Association of School Nurses and a school nurse in Beaverton, Ore., outside Portland. “It can’t be viewed as a replacement of [nursing] services,” she said. In some instances, clerks and other school staff have been assigned medical duties in the ab-
sence of nurses, with disastrous results. In Washington state, a girl reportedly died of an asthma attack in 2008 under the watch of a playground supervisor when no nurse was around. Partnerships between school districts and health care organizations are among the most promising approaches because schools don’t have to bear the full costs of hiring nurses. Besides building goodwill, nonprofit health systems like John Muir can count their contributions of nurses and free student services toward the “community benefits” they must provide to retain tax-exempt status. Under this model, they cannot collect reimbursement from Medicaid or private insurers for seeing the students. Since 2008, John Muir Health has donated two nurses in schools where the need is the greatest. One of those is Cambridge Elementary, which is in a densely populated area, next to a busy corridor dotted with fast food joints and apartment complexes. Many families are firstgeneration immigrants and English learners who don’t have an established health care provider, said Chris Grazzini, John Muir’s clinical program manager. Such partnerships, however, tend to be more popular on the East Coast. Schools in Toledo, Ohio, for example, hired 12 school nurses through a deal with a local health care system in 2015. As part of the three-year agreement, ProMedica, a local nonprofit health system, invested
Cambridge Elementary pupil Nancy Navarro had her insulin levels checked daily by nurse Catherin Crofton in October 2016. Heidi de Marco/California Healthline
$1.8 million to hire nine nurses. The school district, Toledo Public Schools, pays for the others. Ann Cipriani, the health coordinator at Toledo Public Schools, said the arrangement allowed the district to attain its goal of having one nurse in each of its 50 schools — meeting the Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation. “It has made an amazing difference,” she said. Schools in the Bronx partner with medical organizations to open health centers on campus. One partner is Montefiore Medical Center, which has established 25 school-based health centers, serving about 30,000 children. Montefiore covers the cost of services by billing Medicaid or other insurance. State grants and private donations also help. The medical center is responsible for providing a doctor, nurses and a mental health provider at each center. Similarly, Fresno Unified School District in California’s
Central Valley aims to have seven health centers on campuses operated by Clinica Sierra Vista, a local group of health clinics and Valley Children’s Health Care. The first opened in 2014 and draws close to 500 visits a month. A second is scheduled to open next year. Even with money in place for clinics and additional nurses, however, finding qualified professionals to fill the positions can be tough. The 10-month work schedule is great, said Gail Williams, director of student health services at Fresno Unified, but it’s tough to compete with hospitals open year-round, 24/7. For a nurse, especially one with student loans to pay off, those jobs can be more enticing This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. n
A october 28-31, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL
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CA immigrant advocates celebrate passing of... PAGE A4 t
schools from collecting immigration and citizenship information from students and establishes model policies developed by the state attorney General that keep Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from raiding schools. Parents and students will also be given “know your rights” guidelines. To reduce harassment and bullying, schools will also be required to establish anti-bullying policies and guidelines to educate all students the ramifications of bullying. SB 31 California Religious Freedoms Act was also seen as a win for the immigrant community. The bill, penned by CA state Senator Ricardo Lara of Hawaiian Gardens, ensures that local and state resources are not being used to discriminate against individuals based on religion or ethnicity. Additionally, state registries that documented religious affiliation and national origin, which Lara described as methods to “terrorize minority” communities, are not to be used to aid the federal government in any pro-
California Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de Leon discusses the sanctuary state bill he authored, SB 54: California Values Act, that was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown earlier this month. AJPress photo by Klarize Medenilla
posed federal registry. Another bill, AB 918, was designed to ensure that a more diverse pool of voters can easily vote in elections. The California Voting for All Act calls for the wider accessibility of translated ballots (including mail-in ballots) and bilingual poll administrators. The bill was co-authored by Filipino-American Assemblymember Rob Bonta and former Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez as a way to create a more “inclusive and representative democracy.” “No American should be de-
nied the privilege and duty of voting because of a language barrier,” said Bonta in a press release. “As the state with the most immigrants and the most limited-English voters, California has an obligation to be on the leading edge of providing language assistance in elections. THEY’RE BACK. Dozens of members of the Special Action Force who fought Maute terrorists in Marawi City arrive in Manila’s North Harbor California’s current language ac- on Wednesday, Oct. 25, two days after the government officially announced the end of the war in the Islamic City. cess requirements are not sufManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr. ficient to provide meaningful language assistance to limitedEnglish proficient voters and lack any reporting or oversight mechanisms.” (Klarize Medetremist organizations around the out of places to go.” by Jose KatigbaK nilla/AJPress) Philstar.com Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairglobe.
IS running out of space after Marawi — US
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WASHINGTON – The Islamic State (IS) is running out of places to go following its defeat in Marawi in Mindanao. Brett McGurk, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the global coalition to defeat the militant group, gave this assessment at the conclusion of the annual Chiefs of Defense Conference attended by more than 70 countries including the Philippines to discuss mutual security challenges and foster security cooperation. The meeting in Fort Belvoir, a U.S. Army base in Virginia, focused on countering violent ex-
McGurk said foreign fighter inflows into Syria and Iraq have nearly stopped and those still there are unable to get out. “We believe we’ve cut their revenue down to the lowest level ever and their outside sources of finance are now entirely severed,” he said. The receding footprint of IS in Syria and Iraq is evident in its own propaganda, he said. “About a year ago they started to stop saying come to Syria. At the time they said go to Libya. Then they stopped saying go to Libya; they said go to the Philippines. Now they can’t go to the Philippines. So they’re running
man of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said with recruitment drying up, an IS strategy now is to send small bands and attempt to leverage local insurgencies. “I would probably avoid characterizing it as a major shift of ISIS. I think that what ISIS is absolutely trying to do is leverage local insurgencies now to rebrand themselves. They are trying to maintain relevance,” he said, using Daesh’s other acronym. “There’s been an effort for ISIS to gain traction, although the recent success by the Philippines has certainly set that effort back,” he added. n
Crawford to Pacquiao: ‘Are you willing to fight me?’ by Dino
Maragay Philstar.com
UNDEFEATED star Terence Crawford has decided there’s nothing left for him to do at super lightweight and thus moved to the heavier welterweight division. Crawford’s migration to the 147-pound class puts him on a possible collision course with Manny Pacquiao. In a report by Philboxing. com’s Dong Secuya, the 30year-old fighter was asked if he is still open to a showdown with Pacquiao, who remains a major player in the welterweight division. “That’s not the question. The question is, is Pacquiao willing to fight me?” Crawford (32-0, with 23 KOs) fired back.
The Omaha, Nebraska-based boxer, who has recently unified the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO, has long been considered as an opponent for the ageing Pacquiao. But for various reasons, the fight never materialized, with Pacquiao’s longtime trainer Freddie Roach not keen on pitting his ward against the younger, more dangerous Crawford. Roach had stated that 38year-old Pacquiao might already be too old to take on Crawford, which could well be true given the Filipino icon’s previous performance against Australian Jeff Horn. Pacquiao struggled against the burly Horn, a relatively limited fighter, when they fought at the Suncorp Stadium in Bris-
bane, Australia last month. Pacquiao appeared to be a shell of his former self in the bout that it’s not hard for observers to predict he’ll have an even more difficult time against the highly skilled Crawford. Horn stakes the WBO welterweight title he won from Pacquiao against British Gary Corcoran in December. The WBO, which recently named Crawford its Fighter of the Year, has reportedly installed the boxer as the mandatory challenger to the winner of Horn-Corcoran. Crawford, for his part, is ready to take over the division, confident he can beat any welterweight — including Pacquiao. But as Crawford said: Does Pacquiao want any part of him? n
Changes to Social Security guidelines coming... PAGE A1 t
On Friday, October 27, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report that found that the long-term projections for the social security system have improved since last year. “Compared with the long-term budget projections CBO made last year, the agency’s latest projections, published in March, indicate a slight improvement in the financial outlook for the Social Security system,” the report said. Every year, the SSA releases an update of its qualifying guidelines in October, and 2018 will be seeing seven major changes to the program. Beneficiaries to receive an income boost Starting next year, social security beneficiaries will receive a 2 percent increase in the cost-of-living adjustment, which works out to about a $27 increase a month for the average retired worker. Although it may not seem like a profound change, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that it’s the highest “inflationary increase” since 2011. However, a majority of beneficiaries may receive little to no raise depending on other social programs. Americans enrolled in Medicare that have outpatient services deducted from monthly social security stipends, the raise may be wholly allocated to Medicare. The maximum monthly payout for retired folks expected to jump This is good news for retired folks. Those who have earned enough throughout their careers and contributed decades worth of work history may be receive a profound increase in their benefits. The SSA’s guidelines indicate that once you reach “full retirement age” — the year you become eligible to receive 100 percent of the monthly payout — you will see a $101 increase, making the monthly stipend $2,788 a month, next year. The SSA determines an individual’s payout by the length of work and earnings history;
specifically, it accounts for the 35 highest-earning years. This applies to retired workers who were able to earn more than the maximum taxable earnings cap — when an individual’s social security tax ends — every year for at least 35 years. The bad news is that a vast majority of Americans don’t earn enough to qualify for this change; the SSA said that only one in 10 Americans earn more than the maximum taxable earnings cap each year, and far less are able to do it continuously for 35 years. Affluent Americans to be taxed more in 2018 Imposing more taxes on the upper class — in an effort to create a more equitable economy — is a cornerstone for the working class, especially those whose political leanings sway left. In 2017, workers had to pay a 12.4 percent payroll tax for social security on earned income between $0.01 and $127,200. The latter figure — the maximum taxable earnings cap — will increase by $1,500, setting it to $128.700. Although companies typically pay for half of a worker’s social security tax (6.2 percent), Americans that earn up to $128,700 are expected to owe a minimum of $93 in taxes. SSA to raise full retirement age by two months Though not a seemingly significant jump, the increase in full retirement age is crucial to Americans looking to receive 100 percent of their benefits. Next year, workers that were born in 1956 will have to wait until they turn 66 years and four months old before they will be eligible to receive 100 percent of their monthly retirement benefit. The social security claiming will remain the same; Americans that reach the age of 62 are still eligible to claim their benefits, with their benefits increasing by 8 percent annually four eight years. Withholding thresholds for early filers will increase Many Americans who enroll
for social security benefits before their full retirement age but still continue to work know that the SSA can withhold either part of or all benefits. The withholding threshold is dependent on earnings per year; for example, in 2017 early filers who hadn’t reached full retirement age and earned over $16,920 a year have $1 in benefits withheld for every $2 earned. In 2018, this threshold will increase to include those that make more than $17,040 annually. Disability income thresholds to increase, as well Those with disabilities, regardless of age, also comprise of the diverse pool of those that receive payments from the SSA, with roughly 10 million disabled Americans qualifying for benefits. Those that receive disability income through social security will also see a jump in monthly earnings and still qualify for disability payments. According to the SSA, people who aren’t blind should expect their monthly threshold increase by $10 a month, adding up to $1,180. Meanwhile, those who are legally blind may see a $20 monthly increase, earning up to $1,920 a month. Earned lifetime work credits to increase in 2018 Right now, social security qualifications are based on a lifetime work credit system; no American is automatically granted social security. Workers must accumulate 40-lifetime work credits; and, workers can earn up to 4 credits in a given year. In 2017, for every $1,300 earned in income, individuals were able to earn one-lifetime work credit. Consequently, $5,200 in earned income — four work credits — would max out coverage credits for the fiscal year. In 2018, the requirement to earn one work credit will increase by $20, meaning that workers must earn $1,320 in earned income to be eligible to receive onelifetime work credit, or $5,280 in the full year. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
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A
D ateline PhiliPPines DFA chief: PH to reject aid with Año appointed as DILG undersecretary conditionalities from all countries by Dana
SioSon AJPress
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday, October 25 clarified that the government’s policy to reject foreign aid applies to all countries and not just the european Union (eU). In an interview with reporters, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the new policy on accepting foreign aid came from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte himself. “I cleared it with the president last night. It is the policy to all countries. If you’re going to give us conditionalities that will affect our sovereignty to give you the right to interfere into our domestic affairs, we will not accept that donation,” Cayetano said. As for foreign assistance that comes with certain conditions, the country’s top diplomat explained it may be given directly to Filipinos through non-government organizations. “Now questions, will the people not suffer? No, because you can give it directly to the people. So for example, the U.S., they use the international organizations, even eU gives some of the money to the International Red Cross,” the DFA official said. “So just because we will not take something that is with conditionalities, that doesn’t mean our people will be hurt,” he added. Cayetano made the remarks days after the Philippine government announced that it would no longer accept grants from eU with conditions perceived to affect the country’s sovereignty. Asked if the government would accept aid from eU for the victims of Marawi crisis, Cayetano said everyone was “free to help” as long as the assistance is not tied to any conditions. “So the question should now be addressed to eU. Are they willing to give without conditionalities or if the conditionalities are there, are they willing to do it through international organizations?” he said. The european Commission recently pledged to provide €850,000, or about P49 million, in humanitarian aid for the victims and rehabilitation of Marawi City.
Foreign Affairs Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano Malacañang photo
The DFA chief also disclosed he that recently had a “very frank and honest” meeting with eU officials. During the meeting, Cayetano said the bloc gave an assurance it was not interfering in the country’s autonomy as he cited the Philippines’ concerns about statements issued by some european-led parliamentarians criticizing Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
Cayetano likewise affirmed that the Philippines’ relation with eU remains “strong,” and that the country remains committed to trade relations with foreign countries for mutual benefit. “Well, it was a long meeting and of course nagkapaliwanagan about ito ang stand nila, hindi naman sila nakikialam (they made a clarification concerning their stand, they’re not interfering),” he said. he went on to say, “We agreed on two things, one to keep talking. Number two, to look for the way forward. So hopefully kung maganda ang usapan ng (if talks went smooth between) eU and President Duterte then it’ll be a giant step forward but there are real issues that have to be resolved.” earlier this year, the Philippine government announced it would reject aids from the eU. But economic Planning Secretary ernesto Pernia later said the move to reject eU grants was “not a policy.” n
by aJPress PhILIPPINe President Rodrigo Duterte has officially appointed former military chief Gen. eduardo Año as undersecretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Año’s appointment letter was signed on Thursday, October 26, the same day he retired as the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). he was replaced by Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero. Malacañang released Año’s appointment document on Friday, October 27. Duterte had repeatedly expressed interest in appointing Año as the interior secretary. But the Constitution prohibits military officials to take top government posts within a year after retirement. During the AFP change-ofcommand ceremony on Thursday, Duterte said Año will as-
sume the DILG secretary post in 2018 once the one-year ban to military officials expires. “Gen. Año goes to be from a general to a secretary of the Cabinet. he would head the Department of Interior and Local Government,” the president said in his speech. “But while he is prohibited from assuming the tasks for one
year from the military service to the civilian sector you have to wait for one year. he either takes the title of special assistant to the president or the undersecretary, whichever is tenable legally,” he added. Duterte likewise commended Año for his “distinguished” leadership in AFP since assuming
u PAGE A10
A8 OCTOBER 28-31, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
New challenge for Año
FEATURES
THE man in charge of retaking Marawi from Maute terrorists was appointed as the new undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). As DILG undersecretary, Eduardo Año will have supervision over the Philippine National Police (PNP). Año’s appointment was announced as he retired from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As AFP chief, he was given the challenging task of retaking Marawi from Islamic State-inspired gunmen who used civilians as shields and holed out in mosques as they engaged government forces. The urban warfare took five months, but the AFP, assisted by the PNP’s elite Special Action Force, managed to neutralize the top terrorist commanders together with over a thousand militants and liberate the city. With that victory, much is expected of Año as he takes charge of the department that supervises the PNP. Unlike the AFP, the PNP has seen its public image deteriorate amid gross abuses in waging the war on illegal drugs. Año now has the challenging task of restoring public trust in the PNP, especially if it rejoins the anti-drug cam-
paign. Can Año liberate the PNP? Año will also have supervision over local governments, including barangay units. President Duterte has said thousands of barangay captains and personnel have been linked to the illegal drug trade. A number of barangays, together with municipal, city and provincial governments, are also notorious for red tape, graft and inefficiency. Many have yet to comply with the president’s order to keep the waiting time for public documents and other government services to no more than three days. Año will also have supervision over the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, whose facilities are overwhelmed by inmates apprehended in the campaign against drugs and criminality. With full support from the President, the new DILG chief should be able to make a dent in these problems. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Filipino veterans finally get long deserved honor: Where are the benefits their counterparts have already been receiving?
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THE FILIPINO CHANNEL’s daily newscast “Balitang America” has been covering the plight of our Filipino World War II veterans since the program started airing 15 years ago. In all those 15 years, we have seen how demoralized and frustrated these Filipino veterans had been for hoping, year after year, that their sacrifices would finally be recognized by the U.S. government. Yet, year after year, they were crushed by the fact that Congress had seemed to ignore
what these heroes had been fighting for. Finally, last Wednesday, October 25, during the celebration of Filipino-American History Month, our kababayans who offered the biggest sacrifice fighting for the U.S. military during World War II, had been honored with the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal. It was a proud and emotional moment for these Filipino veterans, whom we fondly call “Manongs” when finally, they were commended by House Speaker Paul Ryan for “answer-
ing President Roosevelt’s call to duty, despite having no formal training, risking their lives to fight for the United States.” As “Balitang America” reported, after the Congressional Gold Medal was presented at the Capitol, more than 500 of these Filipino heroes or their families received their own gold medals at a gala held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Maryland. These Fil-Vets, their families, and the advocates fighting with and for them were tearful during the ceremony. For some Filipino veterans’ families, this
recognition came too little, too late, as most of those who fought during the war for the U.S. had already died before this day of recognition. As “Balitang America” Correspondent Rommel Conclara reported, about 250,000 Filipinos fought under the American flag, and were promised all the benefits accorded to those who served in the US Armed Forces. However, in 1946, U.S. Congress stripped many of the Filipinos of the benefits promised by Pres. Franklin Roosevelt. The report further said that of the 66 countries allied with
the U.S. during World War II, only Filipinos were denied benefits they rightfully deserved. Veterans Equity Center (VEC) Board of Director Member and Balitang America Legal Counsel Atty. Lou Tancinco said, “This is actually an issue of injustice. And it might be costly to the government to give them what is due but we should not stop fighting.” Veterans advocates like Ago Pedalizo, coordinator of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans, say their next campaign is to launch a legislative initiative to have Congress
reverse the 1946 Recision Act that stripped the Manongs of their full veterans rights and benefits. It’s still a long way to go but we can help our Fil vets. Call your representatives in Congress and advocate on behalf of our Filipino World War II veterans. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Can silk fibers and threads talk peace beyond Marawi?
Rhizomes
PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “The artisan, therefore, whether amateur or “professional,” gets impromptu art instruction and a chance to promptly correct mistakes. Clearly, to the natives who have a predilection for decoration and the aptitude for producing beautiful objects, the process of creation is accorded equal, if not more, importance as the finished product. As a result, the ethnicity of the finished work can be distinguished, but not necessarily the mark of an artist whom freedom of expression or artistic license is almost always subordinate to certain inherited techniques and a strong tradition of design.” – Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa, “Visual Arts of the Sulu Archipelago,” 2005. San Francisco, California — Anthony Cruz Legarda gave this writer an unsolicited docent-guided tour on October 7. He is a textile technologist, fashion designer, researcher and a consultant. He has been traveling to Mindanao for the last 15 years. Wearing a pisyabit — a type of headgear — he pointed to a photo of the head of the sultanate with his pisyabit pointing towards the front, surrounded by his heir apparent and his relatives. Anthony was wearing his pisyabit pointing backwards, “I do not want to offend them, their culture. I am a fashion designer, so this is my statement.” Two imperfectly aligned woven peace panels struck my attention. Imperfectly aligned, yet they felt perfect to this writer. It is part of the six peace pan-
els’ collection at the Hinabi Project’s Weaving Peace and Dreams, displaying the artistic work-products of the weaving communities of Mindanao: Mandaya, Bagobo, Higaonon, T’boli, B’laan, Yakan, Tausug, Maranao and Maguindanao. “This is the piece I am most involved in. Seventy percent of this panel was made in an evacuation camp. The middle portion is lighter in colors. I engaged them. Do you see the different colors – this marks when they had to evacuate? It stopped here. But, they risked their lives to salvage what they had finished. “After the evacuation, this became a battle cry panel – ‘Marawi will live in us and Marawi will live in their weaving.’ They had to salvage this. You see this [pointing to the color green in the panel], of course, these are synthetically dyed. We had to send them new threads from Manila. “When their kids are sick, they have to bring them to the hospital. So stop na naman (So stop again). Look at the space around you, pointing to another photo, they had to look for [where to hang their backstrap] for weaving. Mother and daughter collaborated. They talked to each other. But, it is misaligned,” Anthony animatedly shared the story. As the Hinabi Project’s brochure reads, “Peace cloths” – as peace offerings to resolve community conflicts and uneasy alliances, what typically was a peaceful activity has now been disrupted by competing ideologies and consumerism.” Weaving peace and dreams “Notice the weaving is still nice. When they started to weave, I wanted flowers. But, in their dreams, they saw frogs.” “Frogs – palaka?” “Yes, frogs. In their dreams, they were faced with hin-
drances, obstructions, but if the royals help them, they walk through the obstructions. They really walk through the obstructions! The frogs show how resilient, how strong and how powerful they are,” Anthony emphasized. I shared a similar observation I had made of the Getty Art Museum’s five water gardens. The lower level pool is fed by cascading waters, with massive blue-veined marble boulders transported from the Gold Country of Northern California, while the water from the highest level is hardly blocked at all, with only small rocks standing in the way of the cascading water, making for a free fall into the lower pool. Could this be the message of living our life on earth, that as we connect to the Higher One, the massive boulders [challenges] become little rocks that no longer impede God’s grace and instead, an overflowing of blessings? Last May 8, the officials of Davao Oriental gave legal ownership titles over the ancestral lands to the indigenous peoples in twelve sitios in the hinterland village of Pichon, Caraga. Giving them that title also meant duties and responsibilities, to which Governor Corazon Nuñez Malanyaon spoke to, “ an example of united Lumads, working together to proudly preserve their culture and traditions.” Anthony described his trek to Sitio Sangab, with folks from the governor’s office, to the peak portion of the village, a trek uphill. They have to wait until low tide, when the river water has subsided, allowing for travelers to go to the foot of the mountain. It takes another half hour to climb uphill to the village. Earlier, he pointed to a photo taken by Eden Jhan G. Licayan,
70 percent of the panel on the right was woven while in the evacuation camp, when martial law was imposed in Marawi, Mindanao on May 23, 2017 to the present. Photo courtesy of Edwin Lozada
a resident of Davao Oriental who works as a publicist for the governor’s office. He has cultivated rapport with the indigenous tribes that his pictures of the abaca chopping, stripping, making into threads, and weaving these abaca threads, were captured so vividly. One photo shows an elderly woman sitting next to her grandchild, inside reed-built walls, with an uncluttered, minimalist spacious room, with just the loom and the threads, so as not to cause any distractions. They sit for hours in a certain position until they are one with their threads, and at times, they speak to their threads, so as not to break the process of weaving. They pray and meditate, while their designs are at times inspired by their dreams. Anthony described the ar-
tistic design process that he went through. It consists of understanding the capabilities of the master weavers and asking them if they are willing to work with the parameters of the project. Since these are indigenous weaving done by their masters whose techniques have been passed on through generations and through centuries, “I asked them what fabrics and threads they use,” Anthony said. They use polyester and synthetic dyes. So Anthony challenged them to produce natural dye colors and now, they are using annatto, coconut husk, and talisay leaves to interact with the indigo colors to produce a green color. He points to a beautiful panel of blue and white colors, notice how they are placed opposite each other, as if in dia-
logue, he asked? The blue took many tries, he said, first – it was pale, then, it was too dark, and now, this blue color is just the royal blue we want to see in modern times. Another is to use eco-friendly fabrics, the use of silk, instead of polyester. But silk is in short supply in the Philippines. Everyone wants to use silk and there are only three places you can obtain them: Northern part of the Philippines, Negros in Bacolod and in Mindanao. The silk used for these peace panels took six months to save and produce. The sericulture, aka the process of collecting silk, involves extracting silk from silkworms on mulberry leaves. Once the worms start producing silk in their cocoons, the silk fibers are degummed and then, fed into the spinning
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Can silk fibers and threads talk...
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COOPERATION VS TERRORISM. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzan receives Chinese Defense Minister Ge Chang Wanquan at the Department of National Defense. They held a bilateral meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 25 in an effort to enhance the security and defense ties of the two nations. To achieve this goal, the two nations are looking at the possibility of improved intelligence sharing, joint counterterrorism exercises and specialized training. Photo courtesy of DND
NCRPO: No terror threats in Metro Manila ahead of ASEAN Summit
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has not detected any terror threats ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila to be held in two weeks’ time. “As of this time we are not monitoring any clear and present danger on any imminent terror attack here in Metro Manila,” NCRPO chief Police Director Oscar Albayalde said. “But we assume (that) the ter-
ror threat here in Metro Manila is always high so that we will not be complacent and we will always be on our toes,” he added during a briefing on Friday, Oct. 27. The ASEAN Summit and other related meetings will be held from Nov. 10 to 15. Albayalde’s assurance comes despite the recent arrest of a Maute supporter, who is also a suspected financier of the terrorist group that led the five-month siege in Marawi City.
“Despite this series of arrest, Metro Manila remains very peaceful and we are very much ready to receive the 22 leaders in the upcoming Asean Summit and the 3,000 delegates with them,” he said. Albayalde said they don’t see any presence of terror cells in Metro Manila but there are indications that the Maute Group has sympathizers and supporters here. (Frances G. Mangosing/Inquirer.net)
Sara to run for Congress, Paolo to retire in 2019 by Catherine
S. Valente
Philstar.com
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s oldest son, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, has announced that he would retire from politics in 2019, but hinted that a “Carpio-Duterte” tandem would still lead the city. The announcement came after Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio announced that she would run in 2019 as representative of the city’s first congressional district. In a statement sent to reporters on Thursday, Oct. 26, Paolo was quoted as saying he would retire from public service but added that a Carpio-Duterte tandem would still run for the top two seats of Davao City in 2019. “When Mayor Sara announced that she would file for a congressional seat in the first District, everybody was asking me where I
was going. It will still be a CarpioDuterte tandem [for]mayor and vice mayor. We are still talking to the other Duterte but definitely it will not be me,” Paolo said. Paolo said Sara’s husband, Manases Carpio, would be very qualified to lead the city. He said talks were ongoing with his younger brother, Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. “Enough of politics,” the vice mayor said, adding he wanted to focus on his family and his small backyard farm. “If you will ask me where will I go, I will be going back to farming. I am planning to retire,” Paolo said. Paolo said the decision came after his daughter, Sabina, cried in front of him and his wife when Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV accused him of being a member of a drug triad. The vice mayor has repeatedly
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte Inquirer.net photo
denied links to the drug trade and even appeared during a Senate probe, but refused to show his back that allegedly bore the triad’s signature dragon tattoo. Earlier this week, Sara said she was not planning to run for senator in 2019 but could opt for a seat in the House of Representatives. n
reel, and then, later woven into these panels with the most intricate designs. As to designs, Anthony works closely with the master weaver. “I asked, ‘Can you put in here single or double?’ The weaver said no. Of course, he had to respect that as the artist is the master of her work. So, the weaver wove in triple images.” It is a process of respecting the master and the master allowing some nuanced influences from the outside. “How did you achieve coherence with the indigenous culture,” I asked. “Well, I make my trips to Mindanao. I talk to scholars. I do my research. They are modern artists. So I respect their art,” he responded. I probe some more, “So how do you keep the balance between ethics and cultural preservation?” I really wanted to ask how do you not culturally appropriate their designs and then ascribe it as your own? But, I did not have to. Anthony was sensitive and immediately responded, “Intentions,” in a very loud, firm declarative voice. Intentions are very high in his artistic process. Intention to preserve, intention to cultivate the work of another artist. Intention not to harm that artist nor their culture. His intentions reminded me of what a culturally sensitive and ethically rigorous leader does. “The leader who cultivates the creativity of others serves as a guide and mentor for a community of people. To do this, leaders must have a personal understanding of the creative process, but they must also be able to put personal visibility aside to make space for the expression of others. The overall performance of others takes on more importance than any particular thing that the leader does,” Shaun McNiff wrote in “Creating with Others.” Footnote: The Hinabi Project of Weaving Peace and Dreams: Textile Arts of Mindanao is on display from Sept. 18 to Nov. 24, 2017 at The Mills Building, 220 Montgomery Street in San Francisco. Contact the docent, Anthony Cruz Legarda, so you can get the depths and meanings of this beautifully curated project, presented by the Phil-
ippine American Writers and Artists, in partnership with the Mills Building, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Philippines, Non-Timber Forest Products-EP Philippines, Philippine Consulate General in SF, Philippine Dept. of Tourism in SF and Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJPress 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.
A10 OctOber 28-31, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL
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Speaker: Sereno is desperate with weak defense by Delon
Porcalla Philstar.com
MANILA — The vengeance pitch of beleaguered Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno is nothing but an act of desperation borne out of her “weak defense” in the impeachment complaint filed against her, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said on Friday, Oct. 27. “Sereno never testified against me in any court where I was a respondent (defendant). They are just trying to divert the legitimate issues against Sereno rather than arguing on the merits. Apparently, it only shows their defense is weak,” he observed. Alvarez issued the statement following pronouncements made by spokesman Jo Perez of a relatively new group called Filipino Alliance for Transparency and Empowerment, which he said is obviously identified with the previous yellow administration. “That shady and mushroom group called FAKE is peddling lies,” Alvarez said. The Speaker told former vice president and now ABS-CBN anchor Noli de Castro that Sereno never testified against him in the case filed against him when he was still transportation secretary, where the chief magistrate represented the government against Piatco or Philippine International Air Terminals Co. Inc., the contractor that built the now Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 whose construction spanned several administrations on allegations of anomalies. Alvarez said all the charges against him have been dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
He assured Sereno that she would be accorded due process in the impeachment hearings being deliberated by the committee on justice of the House of Representatives, where all the evidence will be scrutinized by its chairman, Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali. Alvarez reiterated his policy not to make the same mistake of the chamber during the Aquino administration in 2012 where 185 lawmakers impeached chief justice Renato Corona but ended up convicting him only for SALN violation, which is not even an impeachable offense. For his part, lawyer Lorenzo Gadon, who filed the complaint against Sereno, said the “yellow FATE is just muddling the issues to divert the public from looking at the merits of the case which is backed up by evidence and valid grounds.”
“FATE is typical yellow propaganda. They are a bogus propaganda of the yellow, they just want to muddle the issues. There are many grounds cited in the complaint against Sereno. The complaint is meritorious,” he insisted. The 57-year-old Sereno, who was neither a prosecutor, a judge nor Court of Appeals justice, was a private lawyer when she was appointed SC justice by former president Benigno Aquino II in 2010. She was named chief justice two years later. She replaced Corona, who was convicted by the Senate impeachment court in May 2012. Sereno has the distinction of being the first woman Chief Justice, the second youngest ever and probably the only chief magistrate whose term could span four administrations — from Aquino, Duterte and two others who will be elected in 2022 and 2028. n SCARY RIDE. Staff and security personnel of the Light Rail Transit 1 station in Monumento, Caloocan City spook passengers on Friday, Oct. 27, ahead of Halloween. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
Cayetano represents Duterte at Thai king’s cremation by Helen
Flores Philstar.com
MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano represented President Duterte at the funeral rites for Thailand King Bhumibol Adulyadej last Thursday, October 26. Bhumibol’s funeral was attended by dignitaries and royal Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has begun using the P5.1-million sport utility vehicle families from 42 countries, in(SUV) cited in the impeachment complaint against her as evidence of her supposed “lavish cluding U.S. Defense Secretary lifestyle,” The Manila Times has learned. The pearl-white Toyota Land Cruiser parked at the Supreme Court complex in Manila. It had a siren and blinkers. ManilaTimes.net photo
EU mulls P6-billion grant for Marawi rehab by Ian
nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com
THE Philippine government’s decision to refuse international aid that comes with conditions is not yet an official policy, the European Union’s ambassador here said Thursday as he announced a fresh grant from the bloc for the rehabilitation of Marawi City. Asked if talks are ongoing to convince the Philippines to “change” its policy on accepting aid, EU Ambassador to Manila Franz Jessen said he believes the government has yet to decide on the matter with finality. He also said he had a “very good” and “very intense” meeting last Tuesday with Foreign Af-
fairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. “I’m not aware that a final decision has been taken. So there’s nothing to change at this point in time,” Jessen told reporters. “What we do is continue with our development program as it has been agreed previously,” he added. Jessen then disclosed that the bloc might give as much as 100 million euros (P6 billion) for the rehabilitation of battle-scarred Marawi, adding that job creation is the “major focus” of the grant as well as other peace initiatives in Mindanao. While the assistance is still being discussed by both officials of
the EU and the Philippines, Jessen said he expects the planned aid to proceed if things go well. “We look at this as not just reconstruction but also to give people hope and permanent jobs in the region, in the area,” Jessen said. “I expect that the misunderstandings that we’ve had in the past will be ironed out as we move forward,” he added. Europe’s offer to help rebuild Marawi came after the government announced it would reject conditional assistance from international donors to discourage them from meddling in Manila’s internal affairs, and as part of the administration’s “independent
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James Mattis, Britain’s Prince Andrew, Japan’s Prince Akishino and royalty from Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Sweden. “His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was the father of a nation, well-loved and revered for his 70 years of reign characterized by wisdom, compassion and remarkable progress,” Cayetano said in a statement. The king was immensely pop-
ular during his reign. The five-day royal cremation ceremony marked the end of a nationwide mourning period in Thailand that started on Oct. 14 last year. The king passed away on Oct. 13, 2016. Duterte paid his last respects to the king when he went to Bangkok in November last year. n
Año appointed as DILG... PAGE A7 t the post in December, which the president said paved way for a “stronger” military. “The crowning jewel of his impressive career is the battle for the liberation of Marawi which resulted in the neutralization of almost a thousand IS (Islamic State)-inspired insurgents which include high-value targets being hunted around the world,” Duterte said. Duterte also teased Año that he could start reporting for the his new post as soon as the next day. For his part, Año said he prefers to rest for a while before taking his new role in the DILG. “About the exact date, it still
has to be negotiated.. Gusto ko rin sanang makapagpahinga nang kaunti (If possible, I want to rest a bit),” said the veteran intelligence officer. “Pero kung talagang pagtrabahuhin na tayo, wala tayong magagawa (But I can’t do anything if I’m called to work immediately). In my humble ways, I hope I can contribute again to serve the public and be able to make a difference,” he added. Año is a 1983 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). He was supposed to step down early from his military post in June, but he was asked to lead the government troops’ operations against the Maute terrorist group that attacked Marawi City Interior and Local Government Undersecretary on May 23. n Eduardo Año Inquirer.net photo
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Lacson in disbelief at accusations against Roxas, Drilon as drug trade protectors by Jhoanna
Balaran Inquirer.net
ONE YEAR LATER. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle leads the graduation rites for 132 drug users who went through the Manila archdiocese’s ‘Sanlakbay’ recovery program, at San Sebastian Church. ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma
Palace defends obscene remarks of Andanar, Panelo by alexis
romero Philstar.com
MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday, Oct. 26 defended the two Cabinet secretaries who drew flak for their sexual jokes, saying they were just trying to reach out to their audience. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo stirred controversy recently for cracking jokes that some sectors found inappropriate. Andanar told Filipinos in the United Kingdom that officials of the European Union lack sex or “kulang pa sa iyot.” The EU has expressed concerns over the
deaths tied to President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs. Panelo, meanwhile, told the Swiss National Public Radio and Television Southeast Asia that he was “better in bed.” The presidential legal adviser also claimed to have been told that he f***s like an 18-year-old when he was still a bachelor. Andanar said his remark was made in jest while Panelo said he was just interplaying words to make his interviewers laugh. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said Andanar and Panelo were just trying to connect with their audience. “I think we need to be able to see in the light of these officials…
attempting to relay it in a more personal manner with the intended audience,” Abella said. Asked if the jokes of Andanar and Panelo were acceptable, Abella said: “Well, I suppose the levels of acceptance differ. And, you know, the cultural landscape continues to evolve… So if you’re asking what is acceptable, then you know, it all depends on what kinds of standards you’re asking.” “I am not implying any bias. I’m simply saying, that apparently, the secretary was trying to relate in a manner that seemed to him appropriate to the culture... I’m not the judge of the acceptability regarding that matter,” he added.
HARD to believe. This was Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s reaction to the accusations that Liberal Party (LP) stalwarts Senator Franklin Drilon and former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II were drug protectors. “For me, not only probably because I know senators Drilon and Sen. Panfilo Lacson Roxas too well, but also it is hard to believe the words of a rival drug lord of Odicta who cannot anymore confirm or deny that statement,” Lacson said in a statement on Friday, Oct. 27. Lacson was referring to drug lord Melvin Odicta of Iloilo, who was killed together with his wife last year in Aklan. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said self-confessed bagman Ricky Serenio of the Berya drug cartel tagged Drilon and Roxas as protectors of Odicta. Aguirre said Serenio had submitted last October 18 before the La Carlota City prosecutor’s office in Negros Occidental an affidavit purportedly indicating the alleged links of Drilon and Roxas to the drug trade. He said the Department of Justice may treat Serenio’s affidavit as a complaint, and use it as basis for the agency’s preliminary investigation on the matter. The LP has denied and condemned Aguirre’s accusations, saying the government should not divert attention from the investigation on the P6.4-billion drug smuggling scandal at the Bureau of Customs and the mounting death toll of the government’s violent crackdown against drugs.
EU mulls P6-billion grant for... PAGE A10 t
foreign policy.” The EU has been a strong critic of President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which has taken the lives of more than 3,900 suspected drug personalities. Citing police data and Duterte’s remarks “encouraging” cops to take “aggressive approach” on drug suspects, EU this week released a report flagging the worsening “respect for the right to life, due process and the rule of law” in the Philippines during the second half of 2016.
In the same interview, Jessen said the hefty grant for Marawi would be a “government-to-government” agreement. He also took the occasion to point out that in accepting external assistance, the aid-giving body and the recipient country must enter into a contract that would ensure the donation would be spent correctly. “Anybody would have an agreement where you’re offering €50 million or €55 million—of course you have a document behind that. And in that document, there are so to speak conditions and one
European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen.
of them is it has to be done in a transparent and corruption-free manner,” Jessen explained. Europe had been funding
Philstar.com file photo
about 100 community projects across the country, which is drawn from the European Development Fund.
Inquirer.net photo
A12 OctOber 28-31, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JOUrNAL
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SHOWBIZ&STYLE
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Journal Celebrities ask prayers for Isabel Granada James Reid nominated for MTV
AS of 10:20 a.m. of Thursday, Oct. 26, actress Isabel Granada is “stable�. Isabel, who is reportedly in comatose after suddenly collapsing during a fan meet-and-greet in Qatar on Tuesday, Oct. 24, now has “okay� vital signs. In an Instagram post Wednesday, Oct. 25, by Isabel’s friend, Bianca Lapus, the actress said: “I would like to ask for healing prayers for my dear friend, sis Isabel Granada.� According to Bianca, she got information from former actor and promoter Robby Tarroza that Isabel is “in critical condition� due to “massive internal bleeding in the head� allegedly caused by brain aneurysm. Bianca was also informed by Filipino nurse Michael Soliven that Isabel has been reportedly rushed to the Heart Hospital in Doha and then transferred to the nearby Hamad General Hospital, which confirmed that she suffered from internal bleeding due to brain aneurysm. It was added that she is due for a major operation on Wednesday as she reportedly had “6 times cardiac arrests.� The 41-year-old actress is said to be in Qatar for a business tour with her husband Arnel Cowley, who owns multi-level marketing company Star Net. Isabel serves
Isabel Granada
Philstar.com photo
as the company’s marketing director. She was also invited to speak at the philippine Trade and Tourism Conference – Qatar on October 20 in Shangri-La Hotel Doha. In a Facebook status, Isabel’s former love team partner, Chuckie Dreyfus, also asked for prayers for Isabel or Isa to her friends.
“I don’t want to add to the frenzy of posts about Isabel Granada’s current medical condition. I myself woke up to this very terrible news. I have spoken to her husband and am currently keeping tabs on her status,� Chuckie said. “Instead, I would just like to ask everyone for prayers for Isa’s quick recovery and restoration. Just a quick prayer. Anywhere you may be. Spare a minute of your time or perhaps just a couple of seconds.� According to Chuckie, “Isa is a really wonderful person. Very joyful, loving and truly passionate in everything she does. Walang masamang tinapay kahit kanino. pala-bungisngis. She is also the person I’ve spent more than half of my life with in and out of showbiz. That’s why it truly pains me all the more to know that this has happened to a person such as her.� He asks Isa to be strong. “You’ve always been a fighter. You’re one of the strongest women I know, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.� Chuckie and Isabel were part of German Moreno’s hit variety show “That’s Entertainment� in the 1990s. In a Twitter post, actress Dawn Zulueta also sends out her prayers for Isabel. (Deni Rose M. AfinidadBernardo/Philstar.com)
EMA Best Southeast Asia Act by Deni
Rose M. AfiniDAD- BeRnARDo Philstar.com
FILpINO singer-actor James Reid has been nominated for Best Southeast Asia Act at the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA), to be held in London on November 12. Reid will be going against Faizal Tahir (Malaysia), Dam Vinh Hung (Vietnam), Isyana Sarasvati (Indonesia), Slot Machine (Thailand), The Sam Willows (Singapore) and the social wildcard winner, palitchoke Ayanaputra (Thailand). MTV’s website describes James as “not just an ordinary cutie.� “He’s smart and talented too!,�
the music channel says of the Filipino singer-songwriter, actor, dancer, model, and now producer. Since releasing his self-titled debut album in 2012, Reid has established his own music label, Careless Music Manila and has just dropped his new album, “palm Dreams,� featuring “bass-boosted club bangers that could easily induce eargasm,� says MTV. The music channel considers “Cool Down� (2017) as Reid’s bigJames Reid gest hit yet. Photo from Instagram/@jaye.wolf PAGE B4
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Actor Cogie Domingo reportedly caught in drug raid
Cogie Domingo
MODEL-actor Cogie Domingo and his wife Rhea Sacasas were reportedly nabbed during the anti-illegal drug operations by the philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Calabarzon. According to reports by radio station DZBB of GMA Network Inc., Domingo was arrested on Friday, Oct. 27 by pDEA operatives. Authorities are yet to confirm how much and what kind of illegal drugs were confiscated from the actor. According to an ABS-CBN reGMA photo port, Cogie’s father, Rod Domingo,
is a human rights lawyer. Domingo is best known for his critically-acclaimed portrayal of an orphaned boy who was sentenced to capital punishment in the movie “Deathrow� with Eddie Garcia. Cogie also starred in TV series such as “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin,� “Kung Mawawala Ka� and “Bakekang.� He has also been linked to actresses such as Lovi poe, Angel Locsin and Anne Curtis, and accused of having an affair with the partner of politician Chavit Singson. (Philstar.com)
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Regine Velasquez-Alcasid at ‘R3.0’: A triumph of hit songs by
BaBy a. Gil Philstar.com
I recall once reading an interview with regine Velasquezalcasid wherein she was quoted as saying that she gives her all to every performance she does. “People pay to watch me perform. They pay with hard-earned money most of the time. It is my duty to give them their money’s worth.” Oh and how she did when she returned for two glorious nights at the Mall of asia arena last Oct. 21 and 22 for the “r3.0” concerts. Her return to the MOa after that devastating evening five years ago during which she lost her voice and left the stage in tears, was an incredible triumph. It was that of an artist on top of her game bringing thousands to smiles and tears of joy with her singing as she looked back on her milestone-studded 30 years in show business. “r3.0” was a triumph of hit songs. The success of a singer is usually measured by how many hit songs he or she makes and regine has a lot. and how she enjoyed bringing back three decades worth of hits prompting the audience to sing along while tapping into their memories. She went the entire gamut, from her first single “love Me again” down to “You are My Song,” “You Made Me Stronger (By Breaking My Heart)” to her latest, “Hugot” and “Tadhana”. and how she brought new life to her classics by performing them with her guests, who I must say, also rose up to her challenge. Sweetest of all was recalling 16-year-old regine in duets with Mark Bautista, “In love With You;” Jed Madella, Muli; and erik Santos, “Forever,” that ended with all of them singing Jose Mari chan’s “Please Be careful With My Heart.” regine met one-time “Star For a Night” discovery Sarah Geronimo on equal footing with a duet of “Sana Maulit Muli,” “Dadalhin,” “Ikaw ang lahat Sa akin” and “Ikaw.” Generously, she partnered with angeline Quinto, “On The Wings Of love”; Julie ann San Jose, Shine; Jona, “Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing”; aicelle, “Say That You love Me”; Morissette, “Sometime Somewhere”; and all together in regine’s “Hamon Sa Kampeon’s” winning piece, “In Your eyes”.
Regine Velasquez-Alcasid sings “I Can” from her film “Do Re Mi” with son, Nate, a very poised six-year-old. Philstar.com photos
Renewal in spirit and in marriage at the Wedding Church at Cana by Emil
PErito
IN a just concluded nine day pilgrimage through the Holy land and Jordan from October 12 to 21, six couples namely, charles and Nena Mutia, Jorge and elizabeth Soriano, William and Marilen castil, Gregorio and rosario Sinajon, adel and agnes camba, and Danilo and cristina cabana renewed their wedding vows at the beautiful Wedding church at cana. The church (also known as the Franciscan Wedding church) located in the lower Galilee, is where Jesus performed his first
Regine with husband Ogie Alcasid, doing a medley of themes that he composed for her movies
Then, in a gracious moment, she told the audience, “Please take a bow to your new queens.” Full of memories was regine’s duet with her husband Ogie alcasid, a medley of themes that he composed for her movies. “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw,” “Pangako,” “Hanggang Ngayon,” “Sa Piling Mo,” “Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka.” Their voices blended well and they seemed so happy singing together. regine paid tribute to her huge beshi following who I must say sent a huge enthusiastic delegation to the event. Sarado daw ang mga parlor on the occasion of her concerts. She had some of them strutting on stilettoes on stage while she sang “Urong Sulong.” For her fans and everybody who helped her succeed these past 30 years she had the in-
spiring “Oceans” and “Go The Distance.” and who can forget that moving tribute to her father, Mang Gerry Velasquez. She sang the standard “You’ll Never Know” with him in an old show footage, followed by Ogie’s new composition “The First Man In My life.” I noticed teary eyes all around. There were tears, too, but those were of happiness watching regine sing “I can” from her film “Do re Mi” with her son, Nate, a very poised six year old. Those tears turned into goosey bumps and a collective roar across the arena when her co-stars in the movie, Donna cruz and Mikee cojuangco joined her onstage. I am glad I was there both nights. I am happy I did not listen to my lazy bone telling me PAGE B3
miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding feast as recorded in John 2:1-11. While it was a definite trip highlight for all of us on the pilgrimage, it was especially so for the couples who planned to renew their marriage vows. Further making the occasion special was the presence of rev. Fr. rey Mutia, of San Miguel the archangel Parish, Mahayag, Zamboanga Del Sur, Philippines who joined the trip and solemnized the wedding ceremony. adel camba, one of the marriage vow participants, described the event as a “must once in a
lifetime experience, regardless of your religious preference.” The rest of the pilgrims who later became friends, were all present to show and give cheers to the marriage couples. The event was followed with a sumptuous meal at the Golan Hotel where all were billeted. air Plus Travel specializes in religious travel. celebrate your marriage vows at the church at cana, and join us in our next trips to the Holy land in March and October 2018. For more information, contact air Plus Travel at (562) 863 - 0624, or visit us at www.airplustravel.net.
Richard & Sarah expecting another baby boy by ricky lo Philstar.com
eVeN after she and son Zion burst the balloon that confirmed her and fiancé richard Gutierrez’s second child is a boy, Sarah lahbati still thought that it would be a girl. “Blame” it on alexa Uichico, wife of richard’s brother elvis, who was the first to learn about the baby’s gender from Dr. Teresa Henson, her and Sarah’s OB-Gyne. Until the “gender reveal” party held last Sunday, Oct. 22, at Discovery Primea in Makati city, alexa kept the “secret” that she had shared with Dr. Henson who very gladly “conspired” with alexa. even elvis didn’t know, and neither did ruffa. You know how ruffa is…she couldn’t keep a secret. remember how, after Sarah gave birth to first child Zion in april 2013 in Swit-
Richard Gutierrez and girlfriend Sarah Lahbati with son Zion who helped his mom burst the balloon that revealed the gender of the couple’s second child at a party at Discovery Primea. Photos from Instagram/@sarahlahbati
zerland (where Sarah’s parents are based), ruffa kept hinting at it even as the whole Gutierrez family kept mum until, as per the contract stated, the big reveal would be done on the family show “It Takes Gutz To Be a Gutierrez” (ITGT-
BaG) on e! channel. “Ate ruffa would ask me, ‘You know what the gender is?’ and I would tell her, ‘Yeah, but I’m not telling you.” all the while, Sarah was trying PAGE B5
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Health@Heart
Fraud Waiver Denial turned around to Approval with No Fraud Waiver Required, on this Sunday’s CITIZEN PINOY! Wilma entered the U.S. on a C-1 “transit” visa, on her way to work in Guantanamo, Cuba. She remained in the U.S., married a U.S. citizen, and filed for adjustment of status. A “consultant” gave her hope and said he would take care of Wilma’s papers. Unfortunately, the consultant altered Wilma’s documents and put down false information (that she entered on a visitor’s visa), to cover up that she actually entered on a C-1 transit visa. Her case ended up being denied because of fraud! Wilma then consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, who took over the case, and filed an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Washington, DC. Atty Gurfinkel convinced them that Wilma committed no fraud, and was eligible for a green card, despite her entry on a transit visa. Watch how Atty. Gurfinkel’s determination won the day for Wilma, when her name was cleared, and she got her green card with no fraud waiver required, on an all-new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.
Was she really guilty of fraud? Find out the truth about Wilma on ‘Citizen Pinoy’
WILMA had been separated from her daughter for 12 long years. They missed celebrating birthdays, Christmases, graduations and other holidays and milestones together. All Wilma wanted was to give her daughter, Arlene, a better life. Little did she know it was going to be a very long and painful process. Wilma entered the U.S. in Miami, transiting to the Philippines from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. She decided to stay in the U.S. and soon became out of status. She then fell in love with and married a U.S. citizen, who petitioned her. She filed for adjustment of status, so she could get her green card in the U.S.
They hired a consultant to handle the paperwork, because he was “cheaper than an attorney.” Besides, he promised he would take care of all the paperwork. All they needed to do was sign the forms. However, without their knowledge, the consultant altered Wilma’s documents and put down false information. The USCIS discovered this fraud and denied her adjustment of status. Her fraud waiver was also denied. Wilma had been watching “Citizen Pinoy” and saw that leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel had successfully handled many complicated cases. She decided to retain their services, as her future in the U.S.
was at stake. Atty. Gurfinkel filed an appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office in Washington, DC (AAO), arguing Wilma committed no fraud, but instead was a victim of the consultant’s fraud. The AAO agreed, finding Wilma committed no fraud, and no fraud waiver was needed. Case approved! Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen PInoy” this Sunday, and witness how mother and daughter will finally get their chance to be together. “Citizen Pinoy” airs this Sunday at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers). (Advertising Supplement)
Regine Velasquez-Alcasid at ‘R3.0’... PAGE B2 to spend that Sunday relaxing because I was already there last Saturday and the show will probably be just the same. It wasn’t. Despite the always present danger of again losing her voice what with her demanding repertoire, Regine came up an almost totally new song line-up for her second night
with an almost new set of guests. And she sang even better. What I feel bad about now is that even if Regine makes the effort to redo everything as is in a repeat show, all those emotions can never be duplicated again. Truly fortunate where those who were present. She made braving the horrendous traffic getting to
MOA most worth it. I am sure her sincerity and dedication to her work will still be there in the future, but this “R3.0” will always be one very special memory. On the other hand though, this Songbird, despite 30 years, still surprises. Who knows her next solo show might be even more special?
B
Causes of major illnesses
Sixty percent of the world’s diamust minimize to maintain our weight and good health. Rice betic population is Asian. Asians contributes to high triglyceride have a higher risk for type 2 level, obesity, and increased risk diabetes compared to those with PhiliP S. Chua, for diabetes, heart attack, stroke, European ancestry. More than MD, FaCS, FPCS Alzheimer’s, and even cancer, 6.1 million Filipinos have type 2 ExCEPT for infectious, congeni- and overall morbidity and mortal- diabetes. Our staple food, rice, aptal diseases, and rarer maladies, ity rates. pears to be the major culprit, not to Repeat: Soft drinks as a whole, mention the lack of exercise. the most common major illnesses today are caused by four main risk regular or diet, cola or uncola, The Filipinos (even those with factors, for which I have coined the caffeinated or not, all toxic to our normal weight) have a disproporacronym: TABA, which happens body, especially to children. They tionately high incidence of type to be the Filipino word for fat, extremely increase the risk for 2 diabetes, with 6 percent of its PAGE B5 for easy remembrance. However, metabolic illnesses. in this context, I am not relating it to weight or BMI (Body Mass Index). T is for Tobacco, A for Alcohol, B for Bad diet, and the second A, for Activity deficit or absence of exercise. This acronym itself, TABA, when used to mean fat or overweight, is also a significant factor, since obesity impacts our health negatively, catapulting our risk for major ailments, like hypertension (High Blood Pressure), arthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Even the English word, FAT, could be an applicable acronym: F for Food (quality and quantity), A for Alcohol abuse, T for tobacco use or exposure, and we could add “E,” for Exercise deficit, and make it FATE. This also spells the prognosis (fate) of those individuals with an unhealthy lifestyle, which most often means higher morbidity and mortality (more illnesses and shorter life). Genes vs. lifestyle While we know that our genes are also a risk factor, studies have shown that a healthy lifestyle could outplay genetic predisposition, enabling siblings of parents, who are both diabetic and hypertensive, who smoke, drink excessively, eat unhealthy diet, and do not exercise, to escape diabetes and hypertension simply by living a healthy lifestyle, starting from their teen years. It is clear that children are not doomed to their elders’ fates, provided they take the healthier path. But, if they are a copycat of their parents’ unhealthy behaviors and bad habits, obviously, they will fall victims to major illnesses as well. To paraphrase Einstein, we 67,5 +(@: ( >,,2 c -964 (4 74 cannot do the exact same things +,=65:/09, :; or actions repeatedly and expect :<0;, ( */(;:>69;/ *( a different result. Killer carbohydrates When it comes to diet, carbs (rice, bread, sugary desserts, soft E=D H6><DC & drinks, which I call “liquid candy,” ,_WPYH[PVU! 5V] other sweets) are food items we
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The glow and shine of a beautiful bride
By Monet
85°C to open 7 new bakery cafes in California
IRVINE, Calif. – Recently named one of the 2017 Future 50 by Restaurant Business, 85C Bakery continues its expansion throughout Southern California bringing premium coffee and Asian-inspired pastries to foodies in Azusa, Claremont and Rancho Cucamonga, Northridge, South Gate, Tustin and Valencia. More than 557K residents in these Golden State communities will soon be able to indulge in the delectable menu items 85C Bakery Cafe has to offer without driving outside their city. The first location opened was Claremont whose Grand Opening was on October 13, with other bakery locations opening throughout this quarter, including South Gate which opened on Friday, October 27. The Claremont location of 85°C Bakery Cafe joins over 1,000 store locations across the globe, and is the 35th in the USA, and the 30th in the California market. The first US location to open in 2008 in Irvine, Calif. became an overnight sensation, spurring sister openings throughout California, Washington and Texas. Much of 85°C Bakery Cafe’s success is based on the favor of the brand by millennial 25 to 35year-old consumers, who prefer affordable quality foods that are in easy-to-access locations. New product launches occur every month, providing even more opportunities to try varied flavors from around the world that the bakery offers. The store locations themselves are designed to provide a favorable consumer experience, within a fashionable setting and with fast check out. With an eye to this millennial focus, 85°C Bakery Cafe’s desserts and coffees have recently been making a splash with the Holly-
wood and Los Angeles communities, with the bakery chosen as a partner for October’s LA Fashion Week Spring 2018 grand opening party, this year’s Smurfs: The Lost Village Premiere Party, and a variety of fashion influencer events. Upcoming new locations • Claremont: 865 South Indian Hill Boulevard, Claremont, CA 91711 • Azusa: 1119 E. Alosta Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702 • Northridge: 9046 Tampa Avenue, Northridge, CA 91324 • Rancho Cucamonga: 11767 E Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 • South Gate: 5831 Firestone Blvd., South Gate, CA 90280 • Tustin: 1100 Irvine Blvd., Tustin, CA 92780 • Valencia: 24455 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355 Grand opening promotions at each store location: • 85°C Coffee Hot/ Iced for 10¢ on Grand Opening Day only! • Free 85°C State Mug for every $20 purchase (while supplies last) • Free 85°C Tote Bag with any purchase (Excludes 10¢ promotion) • $3 off Coupon Promotion 10/16-10/29 85°C Bakery Cafe consistently offers a wide array of taste-tempting breads, delectable cakes and refreshing teas, all under the expert hands of master chefs. The 85°C Bakery experience begins when patrons walk through the front door, grab a set of tongs and begin walking from one tempting Asian-European inspired pastry to the next. Their choices are placed neatly on a tray and are boxed as they make their way to the register. The bakery also has an extensive offering of pre-made and made-to-
order layer and roll cakes for any special occasion. The 85°C Bakery Cafe journey began when founder and president Mr. Cheng-Hsueh Wu visited a cafe in a 5-star hotel, and realized his dream was to bring affordable yet premium baked goods and coffee to the mainstream consumer. Wu stated “We have chosen communities in Southern California to build new 85°C Bakery Cafe locations that embrace both cultural and ethnic diversity, and whose residents and business workers desire the highest quality of coffee and baked goods. Our non-traditional baked goods are inspired from locations around the world ranging from Taiwan, Japan and Europe, bringing the tastes of the world to local California communities.� Coffee and baked goods lovers who want to enjoy more premium java, breads and cakes for their money can learn more about 85°C Bakery Cafe and its newest locations online at http:// www.85cbakerycafe.com. 85°C Bakery Cafes 85°C Bakery Cafe was founded with the philosophy of High Quality at affordable prices. The company operates under the premise that coffee holds its flavor best at a steady temperature of 85 degrees Celsius. To the business’s founder, Mr. Cheng-Hsueh Wu, the name 85°C symbolizes a devotion to providing his clientele with coffee of the highest quality. The company strives to give its customers the best drink possible by paying careful attention to every detail that may affect its taste. That goal of perfection extends to all of 85°C Bakery Cafe’s products, including premium tea, bread and cake, not just coffee. For more information, please visit http:// www.85cbakerycafe.com.
“THE radiant glow of my bride is simply breathtaking.� This was what people have told me about beautiful actress Joyce Jimenez, and countless other brides that have trusted me to be part of their very special day. Even after many years of making brides shine on their wedding day, I still have this important task—to master perfection and pursue my passion to continuously update my knowledge in the latest styles in make up and hairstyle, like the new “ 3D illusion technique 2018.� My stylists and I have done weddings so many times that they have become second nature to us. If you have been doing this as long as we have, I think you reach a certain level of proficiency. It is my passion, and I am still so excited to apply the skills that I gained after all these years of being in the beauty industry. I employ highly proficient hair and makeup artists as my part of my team. We work together in unison to create a perfect makeup look and style for the whole bridal entourage. Timeless elegance starts with perfection. Personalized service is a key element in my profession and experience, especially for brides who are still deciding on a look they want to wear on the big day. It’s important that the bride communicates how she wants her overall look to be. It’s her day and she should be the center of attention. As experts, we can make recommendations and perhaps improve on her raw ideas but ultimately it is up to the bride.� From our variety of personalized service menu, brides may opt for
than Monet Salons, but the important question to ask is: “Will I be happy with the outcome?� Brides should choose talent and expertise over budget. My team of makeup artists and hairdressers boast of extensive training and experience both in the Philippines and in the United States. We have three locations in Panorama City and Winnetka, California. All are full service salons that specialize in hair and makeup for weddings, debutante balls, and other special occasions. For the full service menu and a complimentary consultation, visit www.monetsalon. com or call (213)216-4923 and ask for me. I would love to be of service to you. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
Taylor Swift leads the race with nominations in six catPAGE B1 London. The awards will also fea- egories, including best video for Last year, Filipino pop star ture performances from Kesha and “Look What You Made Me Do.� Sarah Geronimo was also nomi- Camila Cabello. Rita Ora is due to Other multiple nominees include nated for the same spot. Sarah and host the November 12 ceremony at Mendes, Ed Sheeran and Kendrick Lamar. James have recently announced London’s SSE Arena, Wembley. Winners will be selected by fans MTV said Thursday that awards their team up for a movie. Lovato, singer-songwriter presenters will include “Game of across the continent. The EMAs, Shawn Mendes, rockers The Kill- Thrones� actress Natalie Dormer, held in a different European city ers and grime artist Stormzy are teen star Madison Beer and actress each year, were last held in London in 1996. set to perform at the EMAs in Sabrina Carpenter.
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salon-caliber makeup and hair service from the comforts of their own home or hotels. More than this, brides can also count on me and my crew to dish out useful tips on the essential pre-wedding must-knows, such as choosing the perfect gown, the placement of the tiara, skin care and other details. One suggestion would be light makeup, which is very soft, glowing and flawless. The aim is to look like you are not made-up. The natural, timeless look never runs out of style, nor do the dramatic smoky eyes — so that when a bride looks back at her wedding pictures, she will be reminded that she wore a style that never ages. I have been grooming beautiful brides from all over Southern & Northern California, Nevada, the East Coast and even as far as Europe. Budget is never an issue, as I give personalized and reasonable prices depending on the bride’s need and location. We understand that price is always a big consideration when it comes to choosing your hairstylist and makeup artist. There are other salons out there who charge lower
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Causes of major illnesses
PAGE B3 population afflicted with type 2 diabetes. Saudi Arabia has the highest, 20.2 percent, followed by Kuwait, 17 percent, Lebanon, 14.5 percent, Singapore, 12.3 percent, China, 12 percent, United Arab Emirates, 10 percent, and the USA, 9.4 percent. The lowest, Maldives, at 3.8 percent. Globally, an estimated 1.6 million deaths were attributed to diabetes and its complications in 2015. In the USA alone, about 30.3 million people have type 2 diabetes (23.1 million diagnosed and an estimated 7.2 million (23.8 percent) undiagnosed. About 84.1 million (33.9 percent) have pre-diabetes, or the so-called borderline diabetes. More than 6.1 million Filipinos are diabetics and about 8 million are undiagnosed. Hypertension – a “time bomb” Asians, particularly Filipinos, consume an overdose of salt each day. We tend to grab the salt shaker, or add salty condiments, even before we taste the food before us. As a result, about 10 million Filipinos have high blood pressure and 20 percent are prehypertensive. The Department of Health says, about 6 million are undiagnosed and unaware they have high blood pressure, and are a “walking time bomb.” Worldwide, high blood pressure kills 7.5 million each year, and 1.5 billion suffer from its complications, like coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. In the USA, 75 million of adults (one in three, or 33 percent) have hypertension, killing about 1,200 a day. This disease costs the nation $48.6 billion dollars annually. In the Philippines, about 200,000 die each year from complications of hypertension. In the United States, one person is diagnosed with a stroke every 40 seconds. This dreaded and debilitating illness is so common it victimizes more than 2,000 individuals each day and killing about 133,000 each year. Luckily about 80 percent of stroke is preventable. Less salt is best Salt consumption significantly affects individuals with hypertension. The current recommendation is no more than 2300 mg (one teaspoon) of salt (sodium chloride) a day. The average intake of 3400 mg is way above what is healthy. The American Heart Association is even suggesting 1500 mg a day
(3/4 of a teaspoon) a day. The total should include all use for cooking, in condiments, and what is in processed or canned goods, which are loaded with salt preservative. Reducing our salt intake could reduce the number of hypertensives by 11 million, in the USA alone. It would, indeed, be best to get rid of salt shakers. In the United States, one person is diagnosed with a stroke every 40 seconds. This dreaded and debilitating illness is so common it victimizes more than 2,000 individuals each day and killing about 133,000 each year. Not to mention kidney failure, heart attack, and cancer. Discipline and sacrifices Good health, freedom from illnesses, and longevity are not free. To achieve them, we must be pre-emptive and pro-active early, and religiously work for them, by arming ourselves with a proven scientific strategy, discipline, compliance, determination, and a lot of personal sacrifices. Here are some tips to greatly reduce the risk of having hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart attack, Alzheimer’s, and cancer, basically by living a healthy lifestyle or making necessary lifestyle changes, following the acronym TABA or FATE as suggested above: Food - low-carb, fish, vegetables, nuts, fruits, minimal or no red meat Alcohol - extreme moderation, not more than 2 glasses of wine or beer Tobacco - total abstinence and avoid second-hand smoke Exercise - brisk walking, tae-bo, swimming, biking, etc. 30 minutes daily. When it comes to health, our fate is significantly in our hands. The choice is ours: fight or surrender. The crucial question is: Are you prepared to do personal sacrifices to prevent illnesses and achieve a healthier life and greater longevity? *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
Richard & Sarah expecting another... PAGE B2 to “catch” Alexa. “Every time she asked me, I would say, ‘She’s gonna be so cute!’ Then, Sarah would ask again, ‘Girl, bakit mo sinasabi?’ I pretended na I was making a slip of the tongue. She didn’t suspect na drama ko lang ‘yon.” Now into her fourth month of pregnancy, Sarah was convinced that she was having a girl so at home, she would practice taking care of a daughter with Alexa and Elvis’ kids Aria and Ezra. Incidentally, Annabelle Rama,
the family matriarch, was visibly absent from the party. The guests wondered if the reason was the presence of Ruffa’s foreigner boyfriend Jordan Mouyal whom Annabelle openly disliked. “Tita Annabelle said she was not feeling well,” said the Gutierrez family PR Jun Lalin. “So she stayed home and watched Richard’s (ABSCBN) TV series ‘La Luna Sangre’ on the network’s iWantTV.” By the way, Sarah and Richard are engaged but they haven’t decided when they would get married.
Features
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 28-31, 2017
B
99 Ranch hosts Korean food festival
On Saturday, October 21, 99 Ranch Market held a Korean food festival at its San Gabriel, California store, to show the increased global popularity of Korean food and culture. The event featured a whole host of activities, such as a Kpop dance performance, Korean food samplings, cooking demonstrations, and a live DJ. Until November 2, 99 Ranch will be offering a huge selection of discounted Korean products, such as rice cake, sauces, tea, noodles, fruits, and more. Sponsored by the Korea AgroFisheries Trade Corporation (AT Center), the purpose of the Korean Food Festival is to share, promote and raise awareness of Korean food to the wider public. 99 Ranch Market - San Gabriel is located at 140 W. Valley Blvd., San Gabriel, CA 91776. For more information and other locations, please visit www.99ranch.com.
AJPress photos by Ding Carreon
B october 28-31, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL
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COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Obtaining a green card after being ordered deported
Your Immigration Solution DEVIN M. CONNOLLY THE ability to apply for permanent resident status (green card) in the U.S. rather than at the Embassy in your native country is frequently more than a simple convenience. Rather, being forced to depart the U.S. and apply abroad can have life-altering consequences. By leaving the U.S. an applicant may be making themselves ineligible for the very thing they are leaving the U.S. to apply for – a green card. And no, it does not matter that they only reason you left the U.S. was because you were told that you were ineligible be granted your green card from within the U.S. So it is clear that it is beneficial to apply in the U.S. Not only is it less disruptive to your life and likely less expensive since you do not have to travel, but you also will not trigger any bars to returning because you would have never left. Unfortunately though, not everybody is eligible to be granted their green card in the U.S. There are many reasons why a person may not be currently eligible to apply for their green card in the U.S. A common reason for this ineligibility is because they were previously ordered deported. Whether they were ordered deported after failing to appear in Immigration Court or because the Immigration Judge denied their application, this outstanding order of deportation will make you ineligible for your green card. It then becomes necessary to have the prior court case reopened. A person will be ordered deported if they fail to appear for their hearing in Immigration Court. This is referred to as an in absentia order of deportation. A foreign national issued an in absentia order of deportation has 180 days to file a motion with
the Immigration Court requesting that the order be rescinded because their failure to appear was due to ‘exceptional circumstances.’ The term ‘exceptional circumstances’ refers to compelling situations beyond the control of the foreign national, such as serious illness to themselves or serious illness or death of their spouse, child, or parent. As you can see, a case will not be reopened for something as trivial as car problems the day of the hearing or an inability to take time off from work. Rather, it truly must be an exceptional situ-
There are also times when a person appears in court and submits their application for relief, only to have the Immigration Judge deny their case. The foreign national may even appeal and have their case denied by the Board of Immigration Appeals as well. In this situation a person is required to file their motion to reopen within 90 days of the decision. But what happens if you do not become eligible for your green card for several years, perhaps when your child turns 21-years-old. Despite being well beyond the 90-day limit, it may still be possible to have your case reopened and be granted your green card. You will have to show clear evidence that you are eligible for your green card if the court case is reopened, and it helps to also show compelling evidence why your case should be reopened, such as hardship to family members or significant ties to the U.S. Despite an outstanding order of deportation, a green card may still be within your grasp. It is advisable to consult an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the practice of immigration law so that they may advise you of potential options and their likelihood of success. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com website: www.rreeves.com
“ There are also times when a person appears in court and submits their application for relief, only to have the Immigration Judge deny their case.” ation for a case to be reopened on this ground. A second reason an in absentia order of deportation may be rescinded is if the Immigration Court did not provide proper notice of the time, date and location of the hearing. And while many people are indeed notified and simply choose not to appear because they fear the outcome will not be positive, many others are not properly notified. There are no official time limits on filing a motion based on a lack of notice, but a person should make this request to the court in a timely manner after learning that they were ordered deported. It is also important to note that a foreign national is required to inform the Immigration Court when they changes their address, Thus, a person cannot fail to appear after moving and then ask for their case to be reopened because the post office did not properly forward their mail.
*** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 28-31, 2017
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Community Journal
Debt problems can be frustrating but there’s a way out
Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon IF you are experiencing debt problems, you may find it difficult to talk to other people about it to the point that you are not getting the help that you need to find a solution. I understand. Debt is a very personal matter so most people don’t feel comfortable discussing it with anyone. Like most people, you’ve probably worked hard, paid your taxes and have done your best to pay all your bills on time. But at some point in life, all of us get into more debt than we can afford to pay back. It happens to the rich and the poor. We all make mistakes. Many people feel hopeless and powerless over their debt problems. I have seen marriages become unstable and relationships destroyed forever. If you are currently in debt, rather than allowing your money problems to affect your life in such a dramatic way, filing for bankruptcy protection may help you get your life back on track. If your liabilities exceed your total assets, you’ve suffered a job
Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA
S CORPORATION is a corporation that has elected to be taxed under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code. But why elect S status? Well, this type of entity enjoys both the limited liability of corporations and absence of double taxation of sole proprietorships and partnerships. The corporation elects to pay zero corporate federal tax! Boy, this is a goodie, a real nice tax break for businesses that are aware of its existence. Other states have different rates. For example, it pays a super-low California franchise tax of only 1 ½ %. In general, S corporations enjoy the best of both worlds of sole proprietorships and corporations. Let’s discuss the benefits and drawbacks of S Corporations. A. Benefits: 1. Single tax – The entity es-
loss, are facing foreclosure or have bills you can no longer afford to pay, Congress has enacted bankruptcy laws that can help you get your finances in order. I know that the mere thought of bankruptcy makes most people nervous so they avoid exploring their options until it’s too late. I find this unfortunate because, in a lot of cases, people could have turned their situation around much sooner had they taken the time to find out what their legal rights are. Some people wait too long to file bankruptcy even when it is their only option. In the process, they use up hard-earned assets like their retirement plan, savings accounts, etc. but in the end, they realize that this was nothing more than a temporary fix to a lingering problem. If you’ve come to the end of your financial rope and don’t know what else to do, it is time to face your debt problems with dignity and do what your situation calls for. I am not saying that bankruptcy is for everyone but after being a bankruptcy attorney for 20 years now and having represented thousands of clients in bankruptcy, what I have seen
is that oftentimes, bankruptcy is THE ONLY WAY for most people in debt to get a fresh start when they are in over their heads in debt. If bankruptcy is the best option for you, you don’t need to keep living paycheck to paycheck while digging a deeper financial hole every single month. Yes, bankruptcy may be a scary thing for a lot of people who don’t understand the process but once you’ve taken the time to find out how it works and how it could help you get out of debt, you may realize that it’s actually not as difficult as you first may have thought. To schedule a free consultation, please call Toll-Free at 1 (866) 477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)
capes taxation at the corporate level. There is only a one-time tax at the shareholder level. The net income is passed through a K-1 to the shareholder. 2. Limited liability – is enjoyed since it is a corporation, a separate entity. 3. It has a lower audit profile than sole proprietors. 4. Corporate net losses – are also passed through and taken advantage by the shareholder to offset other income. For example, a shareholder’s loss of $20,000 can offset the spouse’ $30,000 wage leaving the couple with zero taxable income after deducting standard deduction and personal exemptions. Nice. 5. Self-employment tax – does not apply to the net income of S corporations. This savings can be substantial, as the shareholder does not have to pay FICA of about 15% on the net income passed through from the corpo-
ration. This savings in the first year alone can pay for incorporating costs. 6. Accumulated earnings tax – does not apply to S corporations. 7. Personal holdings tax – does not apply to S corporations. 8. Alternative minimum tax – also does not apply to S corporations. 9. Trust Fund – Discuss with your tax adviser how you can save on the employer’s portion of problematic delinquent payroll taxes. 9. Passive losses – of passive S corporation shareholders can be offset against passive loss activities with their S corporate earnings. 10. Deductible business interest – S corporate shareholders who incurred debt to acquire company stock may deduct the expense as business interest if they materially participate (debts
Should you form a regular “S” corporation?
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Bouncers Pony rides Ferris wheel Petting zoo
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Haunted house BINGO
ir a F
Grandma’s Attic Facepainting Maze Obstacle Course Horse races Small children’s area
October 28 and 29, 2017 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Grade School and High School grounds 400 S. Louise Street & 400 E. Lomita Avenue Glendale, CA 91205
Musical performances Pumpkin carving contest Costume contests for Kids, Adults & Pets Mediterranean dinner by Raffi’s Catering-Pasadena (Saturday) American and Filipino Breakfast (Sunday) Mexican Food Wine & Beer Garden Baked goods For more information visit our website
www.hfglendale.org or call 818.243.3743
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Client with bank account levied seeks Chapter 7 relief
Client receives notice of default on house, pursues Chapter 13 relief THE client is 60 & his wife is 58. He issued his check to pay rent of $1,200 but the check was dishonored for insufficient funds. The landlord called him to tell him that his rent check bounced. The client was surprised that his check bounced because he had at least $5,000 in the checking account. He went to the bank and asked why his check bounced when he still had $5,000 in the account. The teller informed him that there was no money in his account because the bank received a notice of levy from his judgment creditor for $11,000 and so the sheriff took all the money in his bank account. Client explains that he had consolidated his credit card loans of about $30,000 through a business providing that service and he had been paying in monthly installments and was surprised to find out that his account was levied and all his money taken. He said he only owed the creditor $3,000 so how come the judgment is $11,000? Well, if you add interest and attorney fees and some time, it $3,000 of debt can become $11,000 of judgment. It’s not unusual. Can he get his $5,000 that was levied back? Yes, he can, how? By filing a claim for exemption in the court that issued the judgment and levy, on the ground that the funds taken are necessary for his basic necessities. He must also attach a declaration and financial statement showing his gross and net income for the household vs. monthly living expenses and conclude that the funds taken are required for his basic necessities. He must file the claim in with the supporting documents, get a hearing date and time form the clerk of court, then serve the claim of exemption on the creditor and file in the proof of service to the creditor. The creditor is given the opportunity to object to the claim of exemption and appear at the hearing. The hearing will be set at least 30 days after the claim of exemption is filed but the claim of exemption and all supporting documents must be filed within 10 days of the levy date. If the judge agrees with the client, the judge will issue an order to have the $5,000 returned to the client. The client has also decided to file for Chapter 7 re-
Debt Relief
Atty. lAwRence yAng
lief as he and wife still owe about $25,000 of credit card debt and he wants all of those discharged once and for all to avoid another levy or wage garnishment situation. If the judge denies the claim of exemption, then the client has lost the $5,000 for good. He doesn’t feel good losing the $5,000 because he only owed $3,000 and says it is unjust that he now owes $11,000 for a $3,000 debt. Can he keep the $5,000 in Chapter 7 if the judge orders the refund? Yes. He can keep the $5,000 because in his case, he can exempt the entire $5,000 under 703.140(b)(5) of the California Code of Civil Procedure. So, with Chapter 7, he and his wife get a fresh start in life without the burden of any debt while keeping all their assets, all their retirement accounts, all their cards, and all their cash. No worries anymore and they don’t have to keep paying installments on a consolidation through a business service that probably keeps the money in their pocket. That’s why client’s bank account was levied despite the consolidation because who knows where the installment payments are going. It’s not like a Chapter 13 where the court-appointed trustee distributes the plan payments to all creditors and there is a court order that prohibits further collection efforts against the debtor while the Chapter 13 is still in effect. The next client is 52. He doesn’t work. His wife makes about $88,000 a year as a registered nurse. They own a house but the mortgage has not been paid for eight months. The mortgage is $2,500 a month so he owes about $20,000 in arrears. He received by certified a notice of default with a recording date of June 27, 2017, informing him that the bank has decided to commence foreclosure proceedings and that he has 90 days to pay the arrears in full plus all legal fees and penalties otherwise
a foreclosure sale date will be set approximately 21 days after the 90 days expires. So the client is worried that he may lose the house to foreclosure after September 27, 2017. Well, I think he should worry more about his wife asking him to explain why the mortgage is 8 months past due when she has been giving him her net income of $6,000 a month? That’s a perfectly valid and legitimate question to ask don’t you think so? At any rate, the client now needs to file for Chapter 13 to save his house from foreclosure. Chapter 13 will freeze the default at $20,000 and allow client to pay that off in 60 months, that’s about $340 a month. In addition, he has to resume the current mortgage payment a month after the case is filed. The foreclosure process stops immediately upon the filing of the Chapter 13 case. I told him that it may help if he actually got a job to help with the additional expense of the plan payment for the arrears because wife’s income is good at net $6,000 but the mortgage has not been paid for 8 months, so something else must be going on that is draining the funds, right? I mean, we weren’t born yesterday, money doesn’t just disappear, its going off somewhere where its not supposed to. The math doesn’t add up. If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. “GLORY IN HIS HOLY NAME; LET THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO SEEK THE LORD REJOICE!” PSALM 105:3 *** Disclaimer: The foregoing is an expression of opinion and is not meant to be legal advice to any reader. There is no attorney-client relationship established by this article with the reader. If you want to discuss your situation, you have to set an appointment to consult with the attorney. The first general consultation is free.
*** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.
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Community Journal
Larry Itliong Day and the continuing struggle of immigrant workers for just wages 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 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
The Prophetic Voice reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS THEY were beautiful and heartwarming wedding ceremonies: an intimate one at the church where the bride grew up and another one by the beach with their family members and friends to convey the couple’s love for nature. In both occasions, the bride and groom expressed their Christian faith and their gratitude to God for bringing them together. In both ceremonies, they communicated to their guests how Jesus is at the center of their relationship. “It takes three to get married: man, woman, and God,” we priests would often say. We find this saying to be true. When we put God and His words in a relationship such as marriage, it gets transformed into a loving, honest, blissful and fruitful relationship. Ask any Christian couple who have been married for a long time, and they will tell you that the key to its success is their faith in God. Despite the challenges of marriage, they have remained faithful to each other because of their faith in Jesus. We cannot profess our love for God if we do not have genuine love for people, especially those that God has brought closer to our lives. And we cannot love people heroically if we don’t have God in our lives. This is why the two greatest commandments—love of God and our neighbor—are intertwined. We cannot do one without the other. For us Catholic Christians, the power of the Sacraments and the Word of God strengthen and enliven our love for family,
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS THINKING about one’s demise is not something people want to spend time thinking about. However reality is that we all have to face this one day. It is just a matter of whether you depart this world prepared or unprepared. If you pass away with at least $150,000 in gross assets and you do not have a living trust (even if you have a will), your beneficiaries would have to open up a probate case before title to the assets can pass to them. When I say gross asset, I mean regardless of how much debt you owe on them. For example if you own a house valued at $350,000 at the time of your death, it does not matter that your mortgage balance is $300,000, a probate case has to be opened in order to pass title to that property. The same is true with other types of assets such as owning a business, a professional practice, bonds, equities, etc. This is a very low threshold to exceed specially in
Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. 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 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 2015, that history has always given credit to Cesar Chavez alone for advancing the cause of the American farm labor movement, and improving the farm workers’ wages and working conditions. History, it seems, had forgotten the FilAm hero, who, with his band of other Pinoys, started it all: Larry Itliong. On June 30, 2015, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law designating October 25 every year as Larry Itliong Day. No longer will his story be known only to a few historians. 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 to-
day, 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. Denying overtime pay, requiring employees to work off-the-clock, misclassifying workers as independent contractors or exempt to avoid overtime pay, and not providing employees with mandated meal and rest breaks are all forms of wage theft. 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) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.] (Advertising Supplement)
Love of God and neighbor ”He said to them: You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22:37-40
friends, and other people. It is the love that is patient and kind; does not envy and boast, and is not proud. It is a love that is not rude or self-seeking; is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs; and does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7). This kind of love extends to our neighbors and everyone on this planet. It is not selective or racist. It embraces all people and seeks everyone’s dignity and well-being. It is merciful, compassionate, and forgiving. Indeed, it is a love that is human-centric. It seeks the good of all human race and every person. It’s free from political lenses. All governments, institutions, and segments of society should make this kind of love as the ground of all economic policies, reforms, and education. Pope Benedict XVI even made it clear in his vision for Catholic higher education. “Where does the central theme of ‘love of God and others’ fit into academia?” he asks in his book, “A Reason Open To God: On Universities, Education, and Culture.” Pope Francis also made the love of God and neighbor as the fundamental principle for speaking about human ecology. “I would like us all to make a serious commitment to respect and protect creation,” he said, “to be attentive to every person, to counter the culture of waste and dis-
posable (mentality), to promote a culture of solidarity and of living alongside others, especially on the margins, as opposed to individualism.” (See National Catholic Register, January 30, 2014) If we don’t call this love of God and neighbor, then what is it? In a meeting of Catholic thinkers and doers on human and natural ecology at St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity, Professor Michael Naughton said, “When the love of creation is married to the love of God, the vocation of the businessperson becomes a powerful force for business to contribute to the common good.” (See National Catholic Register, June 15, 2015) Wherever we find ourselves in—whether in marriage, family, work, business, government or society—God calls us to love God and neighbor as we love ourselves. Amen. *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
How important is it to have a living trust? California where real estate prices, even after the economic crisis, remains in the upper end of the curve among the 50 states. Commencing a probate case is expensive and a very slow process. Someone qualified will have to file a Petition with the probate court to have someone appointed as executor or administrator. The Petitioner’s attorney gets paid a statutory rate for attorney’s fees commencing with 4% of the gross estate. The probate referee will have to be paid for appraising the assets of the estate. If it is necessary to post bond, the premium on the bond would have to be paid as well. There is also the cost of administering the estate such as selling some of the assets to satisfy the estate’s obligations and to divide the estate according to the will or the intestate line of succession if there is no will. The entire process could take up years specially if certain beneficiaries and creditors file certain claims. The probate court file would be public record.
On the other hand if you have a living trust, your estate can avoid the entire court system and court supervision. In certain situations, the process may also save you estate taxes which may be substantial if your assets exceed a certain threshold. Basically, you and/or your spouse can be named as the initial trustee of the trust while you are alive. The trustee is the person who manages the trust. This means you retain control of all your assets the same way as if you never had a trust. For revocable trusts, you can later on, at any time during your lifetime, revoke the entire trust if you change your mind. The assets held in your living trust will be managed by the trustee and distributed according to your directions without court supervision and involvement when you pass away. This can save your heirs time and money. Since the trust would not be under the direct management of the probate court, your assets and their value and your beneficia-
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 28-31, 2017
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K-1 Fiancé(e) visa: Getting your significant other to the United States SEVERAL options exist for a U.S. citizen to bring his/her foreign-national fiancé(e) to the United States. One popular option is to marry the fiancé(e) in the country in which he/she resides, and file an I-130 immigrant petition, with the fiancé(e) to undergo consular processing for an immigrant visa when the I-130 petition is approved. However, this option often is not advisable in that the U.S.-citizen petitioner would have to learn and comply with complicated, country-specific marriage license requirements, or legal barriers to marriage may exist to the US-citizen petitioner in the foreign country (as in the case of the Philippines, which in some circumstances will not recognize a foreign divorce judgment). In such cases, the best way to get your fiancé(e) to the U.S. is via a K-1 Fiance(e) visa. The K-1 Fiancé(e) visa allows a fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. for 90 days to allow marriage to take place. By having the marriage take place in the U.S., couples are able to bypass the foreign country’s license requirements and/or other impediments to marriage imposed by a foreign law. To be eligible for the K-1 Fiancé(e) visa petition, the following are required: 1) the petitioner must be a U.S. Citizen, 2) the petitioner must have an intent to marry the fiancé(e) within 90 days of his/ her arrival in the U.S., 3) the petitioner and fiancé(e) must have the ability to marry (i.e. any previous marriages were terminated by divorce or death), and 4) the petitioner and fiancé(e) must have physically met each other within 2 years of filing the K-1 Fiancé(e) visa petition (certain exceptions apply to this fourth requirement). Minor unmarried children of the fiancé(e) may also come to the U.S. under a K-2 visa classification. Upon arrival in the U.S., the fiancé(e) can immediately apply for authorization to work in the U.S. He/she does not have to wait until marriage to apply for work authorization. The work authorization issued to the fiancé(e) is valid for 90 days after entry. This provides the fiancé(e) the ability to immediately seek lawful employment. Once married, the spouse of the U.S. citizen can file an I-485 application for adjustment of
status (from K1 to permanent resident), and remain in the U.S. while the application is pending. At the same time the I-485 application is filed, the fiancé(e) may apply for an extended work authorization. Upon approval of the I-485 application, the fiancé(e) is granted a conditional green card that is valid for 2 years, Darrick V. Tan, Esq. after which he/she can apply to remove the conditions on the green card. The K-1 Fiance(e) status automatically expires after 90 days. If marriage with the U.S. Citizen who petitioned the fiancé(e) does not occur within that time, the fiancé(e) begins to accrue unlawful presence. Also, the fiancé(e) will be precluded from adjusting to permanent resident status in the U.S. if he/she marries another U.S. citizen (however, he/she may be able to become a permanent resident through consular processing with a provisional waiver). If you are a U.S. Citizen who is planning to marry your foreign national fiancé(e), or you are someone who arrived under a K-1 Fiance(e) visa whose marriage did not take place, it is recommended you consult with an experienced attorney.
“The K-1 Fiancé visa allows a fiancé to enter the U.S. for 90 days to allow marriage to take place. By having the marriage take place in the U.S., couples are able to bypass the foreign country’s license requirements and/or other impediments to marriage imposed by a foreign law.”
*** 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)
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
C4 OCTOBER 28-31, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
People and Events
Free oil filter and motor oil recycling event in Gardena environment and keeps our water clean. So don’t miss out – we’re making it easier for you to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. It will be held on Saturday, November 4 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at AutoZone (1361 W. 190th St., Gardena, CA 90248). ■
ATTENTION all Gardena and West Carson residents – free oil filter & motor oil recycling event! Everyone is invited to bring in their used motor oil and used oil filters. All those who recycle their used oil filter will receive one FREE new oil filter. Recycling motor oil and filters helps save our
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Should you form a regular...
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of sole proprietors are treated as investment interest that can only be offset against investment income). B. Drawbacks: 1. Some fringe benefits received by 2% shareholders are not excludable from shareholder income. These include $50,000 group term insurance, health insurance premiums, meals and lodging for the convenience of the employer, and the $5000 death benefit exclusion. 2. Calendar year – must be used generally. 3. Pension plan borrowings – prohibited for 5% shareholders. 4. New shareholders may miss to file S election documents or
existing dissident shareholders may purposely cause trouble by making a disqualified transfer of stock... 5. Higher marginal tax – than a C corporation could result. 6. Limitation on the use of cash basis – an S corporation that has more than 35% of its losses allocated to shareholders who do not actively participate in the management of the company will be treated as a tax shelter and therefore will be required to use the accrual method of accounting. 7. Tax liabilities of an S corporation in trouble could end up with the shareholders (as opposed to being trapped inside a C corporation). You could enjoy
the tax benefits of an S corp and switch to C corp as soon as problems are anticipated. *** 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)
New book “Glimpses of Heaven God’s Gift of Grace in Daily Life” to be launched How important is it to have...
LOS ANGELES —Author, writer, and artist Roela Victoria-Rivera will be in town to launch and promote her new inspirational and devotional book, “Glimpses of Heaven: God’s Gifts of Grace in Daily Life.” The promotional and signing of book events will be held on December 31, 2017 at First United Methodist Church of Torrance, 1551 El Prado St., Torrance, CA 90501. Roela, together with her husband Jun, founded the GraceNotes Creative Ministry in 2009 with a mission to share God’s message of truth and love, and grace and hope with many people. According to her, this book is her covenant and thanksgiving offerings to God after she had a near death experience in 2002 and became legally blind in 2004. Using their “GraceNotes” published books and inspirational items designed and produced by Roela and her family, they raise funds to help support mission projects in the United States, the Philippines, and Mexico. This new book in full color features inspiring faith stories, testimonies, and prayers mostly written by Roela with contributions by individuals from all walks of life. It also includes the author’s selected poetry and creative artworks done before and after she became legally blind. The book also includes their various religious missions and humanitarian projects in some parts of the world. The author is well-known as “a legally blind woman of faith who saw Heaven.” She described her near-death experience in her earlier book, “The Glimpses of Heaven—Lessons on Faith and Hope, Love and Joy.” Now residing in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Roela, also a diaconal minister, is a graduate of the University of the East, and a native of Hagonoy, Bulacan, Philippines. She also completed Theological Studies at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA and Doctorate in Ministry at Drew University Theological School in New Jersey. Book copies are available and may be ordered at different book outlets including Barnes&Noble, Amazon.com, Kindle, and Cokesbury or Ebook. For further inquiry on the launching event, please call Torrance First United Methodist Church at (310) 328-3242 or send an email to gracenotes-
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rvrivera@gmail.com or junrivera@bellsouth.net. ries’ identities would not become (Submitted by Paddy Padilla / jplansmart@aol. a public record. Your heirs and beneficiaries would still have to com). ■ be notified about the living trust and advised, among other things, of their right to obtain a copy of the trust. If you are contemplating setting up a trust or have an existing trust that needs to be updated because your family circumstances have changed over the years, you should set an appointment with an experienced attorney that un-
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*** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
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2nd annual Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival in Carson, CA You are invited to the 2nd annual Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival (LAPIFF) from October 26 to 29 at the SouthBay Pavilion Cinemark Theatre in Carson, CA. LAPIFF is an organization devoted to the advancement, development and showcase of Filipino filmmakers/artists around the world through film, providing the global community of entertainment professionals and film goers with consistent annual screening events and workshops. LAPIFF provides charitable scholarships and a forum where Filipino filmmakers/ artists can be recognized for their gifts, have open discussions about their movies and connect with industry professionals for understanding on production, distribution, representation and acquirement. Cinemark is located at 20700 South Avalon Boulevard #285, Carson, CA 90746. For more information and schedule, please visit http://www.lapiff.org/.
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3rd annual Larry Itliong Day parade & festival in Los Angeles Catch the Hollywood premiere screening of the award-winning Filipino indie film, “1st Semester” on Wednesday, November 8. “1st Semester” is a Filipino coming-of-age comedy movie about a young boy who is sent to college by his mother with their entire clan but goes home immediately after experiencing separation anxiety. It explores a boy’s rite of passage to manhood and a mother’s strong will and determination to uphold the best for her family. “1st Semester” stars Allan Paule, Darwin Yu and award-winning actress Lotlot de Leon. It is written and directed by Dexter Paglinawan Hemedez and Allan Michael Ibanez. The Hollywood Premiere will be held on Wednesday, November 8 at the American Film Institute (AFI), 2021 N. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. Showtimes are at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Come and meet the writers and directors of this internationally-acclaimed film. Parking is free For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please email 1stSemAFI@gmail. com.
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AAPA’s achievement awards & graduation gala in San Gabriel, CA Celebrate the 2017 class of Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) Mentorship and Board Leadership Program participants, and this year’s Achievement Awardees on Monday, Nov. 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy a banquet dinner, entertainment, and keynote speech from Brigadier General Mark Toy! It will be held at the San Gabriel Hilton (225 W. Valley Blvd. San Gabriel, CA). For more information, please visit https://aapagala2017.org/.
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Filipino indie film “1st Semester” screening in Los Angeles Catch the Hollywood premiere screening of the award-winning Filipino indie film, “1st Semester” on Wednesday, November 8. “1st Semester” is a Filipino coming-of-age comedy movie about a young boy who is sent to college by his mother with their entire clan but goes home immediately after experiencing separation anxiety. It explores a boy’s rite of passage to manhood and a mother’s strong will and determination to uphold the best for her family. “1st Semester” stars Allan Paule, Darwin Yu and award-winning actress Lotlot de Leon. It is written and directed by Dexter Paglinawan Hemedez and Allan Michael Ibanez. The Hollywood Premiere will be held on Wednesday, November 8 at the American Film Institute (AFI), 2021 N. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. Showtimes are at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Come and meet the writers and directors of this internationally-acclaimed film. Parking is free For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please email 1stSemAFI@gmail.
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Diva 2 Diva concert in Pasadena, CA
Fax résumé to:
The Philippines’ Pop Diva, Kuh Ledesma, and the Divine Diva, Zsa Zsa Padilla, are back in Southern California with DIVA 2 DIVA on Saturday, November 11! They will be joined with comediennes Nanette Inventor and Mitch Valdez. The show will begin at 7 p.m. at the “PazNaz” First Church of the Nazarene (3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, California). For tickets, you may purchase them online at diva2diva2.eventbrite.com or you may call Henry at (818) 612 4500 for more details.
D EC E M B E R 1
Historic Filipinotown parol parade and festival in Los Angeles The Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council (HFNC) announced that the annual parade and festival will be on Friday, December 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will start with the assembly of parols and vehicles at 250 N. Union St. at the Our Lady of Lorreto Catholic Church courtyard. The parade will start at 5 p.m. and will go westward from Union to Beverly, and will eventually end up at the FCC/FACLA compound at 1740 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90026. The HFNC is calling for volunteers who will serve as security, ushers, for registration and monitors for the parade. To volunteer, please call Art at (213)318-9065. For more information, please contact Cecile at (213) 503-8176.
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CBP ‘inspects’ domestic flight from SFO to JFK
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ON October 12, 2017, several passengers aboard a domestic Delta flight from San Francisco to New York, filed a lawsuit against U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), alleging a violation of their Fourth Amendment rights against illegal search and seizure. According to the allegations/ claims in that lawsuit, on February 22, 2017 CBP stopped and searched every passenger on board that flight (including U.S. citizens) before allowing them to deplane. CBP officers stood at the exit door, and would not let passengers off until they produced identification documents. This was despite them already showing ID to TSA before boarding the flight in San Francisco. As the plane was pulling up to the gate, there was an announcement from the flight crew that all passengers would have to show identification documents to the CBP officers. When the doors opened, two uniform CBP officers were standing at the doorway, forcing passengers to line up inside and delaying their exit as CBP officers stopped each passenger.
According to CBP, this action was taken at the request and direction of ICE, and was a routine matter consistent with their policy. The passengers who filed the lawsuit are frequent flyers on domestic airline flights, and are afraid they will again be subjected to similar treatment, which they considered to be an illegal search and seizure, in violation of their Fourth Amendment rights. This case raises concerns because ordinarily when a person flies domestically (or within the U.S.), no visa is required, and a person does not need to be “inspected” by CBP. In order to board a flight, a person shows the TSA officers some form of government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or the picture page of their passport. However, passengers are usually not “inspected” by CBP, unless the person is coming into the U.S. from a foreign country. Many people who are out of status and travel domestically normally do not encounter CBP. It remains to be seen what will happen with this lawsuit, and whether CBP will continue inspecting do-
mestic flights. In the meantime, you should know your rights and what to do if DHS should ever knock on your door or be waiting for you upon arrival to your destination on a domestic flight. I have already published articles on what to do if DHS comes knocking at your door. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
No serious cybersecurity threat against PH banks by Mayvelin
U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net
BSP, are being attacked. But it’s also reflective of the quality of cyPHILIPPINE banks remain bersecurity that these [attacks]are relatively safe from serious cy- now being routinely repelled,” he bersecurity threats but mon- added. Espenilla nevertheless said etary authorities aren’t letting up on efforts to improve industry monetary authorities could not vigilance, the chief of the Bangko be too cautious given the rising sophistication of cyberattacks. Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said. “That is why we always raise “We are not seeing or we are not in the seat of serious [at- the level of vigilance of the whole tacks],” BSP Governor Nestor industry,” he said. The Bangko Sentral chief that BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. Espenilla Jr. told reporters. “[E]very day banks, even the Inquirer.net photo PAGE D2
Business Quote of the Week “If it really was a no-brainer to make it on your own in business, there’d be millions of nobrained, harebrained, and otherwise dubiously brained individuals quitting their day jobs and hanging out their own shingles. Nobody would be left to round out the workforce and execute the business plan.” — Bill Rancic, entrepreneur
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Manila, other airports need major upgrades by Reicelene Joy ignacio ManilaTimes.net
MAJOR upgrades are needed for Manila, Jakarta and Bangkok’s airports given rising economic activity in the Asia-Pacific region, the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) said. “We are headed for a major infrastructure crisis. In many ways, the Asia-Pacific region is ahead of the game with major hubs having robust expansion plans,” IATA Director General and Chief Executive Officer Alexandre de Juniac said in a statement. “But there are challenges. Bangkok, Manila and Jakarta are among airports that need major upgrades,” he added. De Juniac noted that jobs and economic activity in the region
— currently at 34 million and $700 billion, respectively — “are expected to more than double in the next 20 years.” “But the realization of these economic benefits is at risk if the region does not address the big long-term challenges of sustainability, infrastructure, and regulatory harmonization,” he said. He also pointed out that Chinese air traffic management was struggling to cope with growth and that India’s privatized airports and their higher costs were burdening the industry. “The challenge for governments is to ensure sufficient capacity that is affordable and in line with airlines’ operational requirements,” de Juniac said. He cautioned against privatization as a solution to fund infra-
structure investments. “The primary focus of airports should be to support local and national prosperity as an economic catalyst. But in private hands, shareholder returns take top priority, leading to costs increases. And economic regulation has yet to produce any long-term success stories in balancing national and private interests,” he said. In the Philippines, the government has been pushing for the development of the Clark International Airport as an alternative to the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte shares a light moment with Alibaba Group Founder and Executive Chairman Jack Ma during a meeting Malacañang According to the Bases Con- Palace on Wednesday, October 25. Malacañang photo by Rolando Mailo version Development Authority, operation and maintenance contracts for Clark would be bid out under the public-private partnership program.
Easing of foreign investment registration rules seen THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will further liberalize foreign exchange rules by easing registration requirements for foreign direct investments, Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. said. “Right now, the BSP is working on a new regulation in consultation with the banking industry. Basically, we want to do away with the registration process as a necessity to be able to access foreign exchange from the financial system,” Espenilla said during a luncheon meeting hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. “That registration was actually a product of the crisis in the ’70s’ and this is what we are saying: It was borne out of a situation where we
were rationing foreign exchange simply because we didn’t have a lot of those back in the day,” the BSP chief said. According to Espenilla, what they wanted now was for transactions to be reported to the BSP, but not as a screening mechanism of what should come in or out. “We are reforming the system such that electronic reporting can be done so you don’t have to submit documents to the BSP. We’re going to do that not just for inward investments but also for foreign borrowings by the private sector,” Espenilla said. “The reason for that is today we have a highly regulated formal foreign exchange market and a very
liberal parallel market that passes through the FCDU [foreign currency deposit units] system. What it has created is a formal foreign exchange market that is shrinking as opposed to a growing parallel market. We want to see transactions move into the regulated market where it is visible, and where we can apply clear standards, including antimoney laundering standards,” he added. The approach, he said, would be dual. Requirements will be tightened for nonbanks that are currently dominant in the parallel market while those on banks operating in the formal market will be liberalized, he said. (Ben O. De Vera/Inquirer.net)
Jack Ma says Filipinos’‘heart to serve’ withstands artificial intelligence wave by Dana
SioSon AJPress
MANILA - Several studies have predicted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology may displace certain types of work in the near future, particularly in manufacturing, but for one of the top richest man in Asia, Filipinos can survive the automation wave. According to Chinese billionaire entrepreneur Jack Ma, Filipinos are armed with what he called “heart to serve,” which empowers them to withstand the threat posed by the AI-powered systems. “Artificial intelligence, robots will kill a lot of jobs for manufacturing but the services industry will always be the key,” he told
students of the De La Salle University (DLSU) on Wednesday, October 25 in Manila. “Filipino people have the best heart (for) service. It takes centuries to build up the heart to serve the people. The Philippines has great talent, great capabilities. No other country in the world has that,” added the Chinese tycoon, who’s also the founder of Alibaba Group. In September last year, international research firm Forrester released a report projecting that cognitive technologies—such as robots, AI, machine learning, and automation—will replace 7 percent of jobs by 2025 in United States alone. For the Philippines, remittances coming from both overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and business process outsourcing (BPO) are among its primary source of economic growth. But the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) allayed fears of massive layoffs in the local BPO industry. Earlier in August, CCAP said it even expects the sector’s revenue to rise to $20.4 billion in 2022 from $12.8 billion last year. Ma arrived in Manila on Tuesday evening, October 24, and spend his Wednesday around the country’s capital. Upon his arrival, the Alibaba chief had a meeting with his staff over how to develop e-commerce in the country. The following morning, he received a Science in Technopreneurship Honoris Causa from DLSU and conducted a lecture on how technology swiftly changes how the world views sustainability. During the forum, which is
also attended by Globe and PLDT executives, Ma expressed frustration over the country’s “no good” internet. “I arrived late last night and I tried to test the speed of Philippine internet... It’s no good,” he said. Observers had blame the situation on the duopoly in the Philippine telco sector between Globe and PLDT, but instead of pointing fingers, Ma encouraged private sectors to invest for better internet connection. “Honestly, it’s unfair to blame anyone for slow internet. Opportunity exists in areas most people complain about. If you can solve a complaint, you have a chance,” he said. He recounted how in 1995, “the internet speed in China was terrible, much worse than the speed of the internet in the Philippines today.” “So that’s not an excuse for the telcos but it’s a great opportunity for telcos to invest [in providing more bandwidth to users]. This is an investment where I guarantee you will get your return back,” Ma added. A study released by Akamai Technologies’ Global State of the Internet Report last May showed that the Philippines has the slowest average internet speed in Asia Pacific. Falling short of the global average internet connection speed of 7.2 mbps, it says the Philippines’ average connection speed is just 5.5 mbps. Later in the afternoon, Ma paid a courtesy call to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañang. He also had a meeting with the officials of his local business partner, the Globe telecom.
Economic managers OK 2 infra projects worth P31.7-billion by Ben
o. De VeRa Inquirer.net
ECONOMIC managers last week green-lighted two infrastructure projects worth a total of P31.7 billion as well as additional financing for a new airport in Bohol province, the state planning agency National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Tuesday, October 24. One of the projects approved during the NEDA Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) meeting was the P20.3-billion first phase of the Safe Philippines Project to be rolled out by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Neda said the DILG-led project will involve the construction of 18 integrated operations and command centers, which will be equipped with video surveillance systems as well as a remote backup data center. “The Safe Philippines Project aims to improve the capabilities of local government units towards collaborative and more efficient management of public order, security, and safety,” NEDA said. “We value the need of people to
feel safe wherever they are in the country and to be able to go about their business and other pursuits. This is essential in building the foundation for inclusive growth, a high trust society, and a globally competitive knowledge economy,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA chief Ernesto M. Pernia, for his part, said. The NEDA ICC-CabCom also approved the P11.4-billion Bridge Construction and Acceleration Project for Socioeconomic Development, under which five “iconic” bridges as well as 25 truss bridges will be built by the Department of Public Works and Highways. The bridges, aimed for completion in 2022, will have a combined length of 2,848 lineal meters running across nine regions. Also, the NEDA ICC-CabCom gave its go-ahead for the P1.2-billion additional financing for the new Bohol Panglao International Airport. The increase in funding will “address further civil works requirements of the project” aimed to be completed by June next year, NEDA said.
No serious cybersecurity threat... PAGE D1 soon-to-be-issued regulations would clarify expectations on the role of banks’ boards and senior management with regard to security risk management. “This one actually strengthens the message that the board … should pay attention to cybersecurity because in our observation … [this]is left to the attention of technologists or [those] lower in the organization,” he said. As cybersecurity is normally not embraced as part of a bank’s business strategy, Espenilla pointed out that management may not invest enough resources in this area. Besides rules involving top management, the BSP chief added that monetary authorities would also be issuing prescriptive measures detailing cybersecurity expectations as well as adopt prevailing international standards. Banks are also being rated by the Bangko Sentral in terms of the strength of their cybersecurity
systems as well as their risk management frameworks, he added. “They get grades from the BSP. And depending on the grade, there is an established process where we deploy enforcement action all the way from corrective action for the worst cases to no action,” he said. Earlier this year, two of the country’s biggest banks were hit by glitches that affected depositors. In June, Bank of the Philippine Islands was forced to temporarily take down its electronic banking channels after a system glitch — later attributed to human error — resulted in account mispostings. The same month also saw Security Bank reporting transaction posting delays, which prompted the lender to extend banking hours. Banco de Oro clients were also hit by skimming attacks and the bank admitted that some of its automated teller machines had been “compromised”.
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Marawi rehab, Manila subway project to BSP sets new deadline to exchange old bills to Dec. 29 be discussed during Duterte’s Japan visit by Gaea
by Gaea
Katreena CabiCo
Philstar.com
MANILA — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Friday, Oct. 27 set a new deadline for the replacement or exchange of old bills with the new design banknotes. The public can still swap their New Design Series bills with the New Generation Currency banknotes until December 29. BSP said the Monetary Board decided to establish a new deadline as a response public clamor. The replacement or exchange of old bills shall be processed without charge at the BSP Cash Department, regional offices and branches. A maximum amount of P100,000 of demonetized NDS banknotes shall be allowed per transaction. NDS exchange for larger amounts may be allowed but payable only by check or direct credit to a bank account. NDS banknote series, which was launched in 1985, was succeeded by NGC banknote series issued on Dec. 16, 2010. The deadline for the demoneti-
Stephen C. Canivel Inquirer.net
THE Duterte administration “continues to enjoy the confidence of foreign direct investors” after two large Chinese investors reiterated their interest to invest a combined $4.5 billion in the Philippines. The Board of Investments said in a statement Monday, October 23 that Chinese firms Huili Investment Fund Management Co., Ltd. and Yi Ding Tai International Corp. again expressed their interest to set up shop in the Philippines. The Chinese companies were among the five firms that submitted letters of intent to BOI earlier this year. The projects, however, have not yet been filed as investment pledges with the BOI. Both companies are still conducting feasibility studies, the BOI said. The two companies are interested in iron and steel manufacturing as well as shipbuilding. BOI said the projects had the potential to create around 8,000
CabiCo
MANILA — The Mega Manila Subway Project and the rehabilitation of Marawi City will be among the topics to be discussed during the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Japan by the end of October. In a Palace briefing on Thursday, Japanese Deputy Head of Mission Takehiro Kano said that Duterte and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe might also tackle South China Sea disputes and nuclear issues of North Korea. Duterte will visit Tokyo on October 29 to 31 to meet with Abe and other high-ranking officials to enhance the “strategic partnership” between the two nations. Kano described the relationship between the Philippine and Japan as “robust.” The public can still swap their New Design Series bills with the New Generation Currency “Japan and the Philippines banknotes until December 29. Philstar.com photo share the common values such as freedom, democracy and rule of zation of the NDS banknotes was could no longer be exchanged. Under Republic Act 7653 or law so our bilateral relationship is originally set on January 1 this year but was extended to March the new Central Bank Act of robust across different administra31. It was eventually extended to 1993, BSP could call in for re- tions,” he said. Kano clarified that there has June 30 due to numerous requests placement notes of any series or denomination that are more than been no announcement yet if from the general public. After the deadline, the NDS five years old and coins that are Duterte will meet with Emperor Akihito of Japan. bills would lose their value and more than 10 years old. Duterte’s visit to Japan came after Abe’s ultra-conservative Liberal Democratic Party scored a fresh election victory. on the steel industry that will new jobs. Department of Foreign Affairs Beijing-based private equity allow us to pursue President Spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar firm Huili Fund outlined plans to Duterte’s vision of having a glob- said that DFA Secretary Alan Peter locate its $3-billion project in the ally competitive iron and steel Cayetano, Department of Trade country in a letter of intent signed industry, to support the growing and Industry Ramon Lopez and earlier this year and endorsed by economy, to alleviate poverty, and China’s Ministry of Commerce, to create jobs for every Filipino,” Lopez said in a statement. BOI said. According to BOI, Mr. Xiaosu The project is a world-class integrated steel manufacturing said putting up a facility in the facility that will employ 6,000 Philippines would help regional expansion while reaching out to people by 2022. by ian niColaS CiGaral Company Chair Meng Xiaosu other countries in the AssociaPhilstar.com paid a courtesy call to BOI Chair tion of Southeast Asian Nations SAN Miguel Corp.’s proposal to and Trade Secretary Ramon Lo- (Asean) with lower freight cost. On the other hand, the BOI build a new international airport pez on Oct. 5. During the meeting, BOI said said that Yi Ding Tai Interna- in Bulacan worth P700 billion is the company official said the first tional Corp. had picked the Phil- now up for deliberation of the phase would include production ippines as the “best location” National Economic and Developof billets, long, and flat products. for developing a shipbuilding ment Authority board. This was confirmed by TransThe chain will then be completed and ship repair (SBSR) facility in the second phase through the for frontier-island, regional size portation Secretary Secretary vessels with 15,000 deadweight Arthur Tugade on Friday, Oct. 27, production of iron ore. BOI said the company was in tons, including advanced ship saying his department examined the middle of a feasibility study, and vessel designing, manufac- and approved SMC’s unsolicited which includes scouting for a turing, repair, sales, and finan- proposal. “Last week, we forwarded to possible location for the facility, cial support. The company would partner NEDA...not for approval, for deputting into consideration the availability of port and low elec- with a local player for the project liberation,” Tugade told reporters with an estimated cost of $1.5 bil- during the Philippine Aviation Day tricity costs. “This is one of several invest- lion. The facility will add at least on Friday. Of the 2,500 hectares to be covment proposals we have received 2,000 jobs by 2022.
Chinese investors still keen on PH by roy
Katreena Philstar.com
President Rodrigo Duterte will visit Tokyo on Oct. 29 to 31 to meet with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other high-ranking officials to enhance the “strategic partnership” between the two nations. Malacañang file photo
other economic managers will join Duterte in Japan. Duterte visited Japan in October last year, which was capped by investment pledges worth $1.8 billion. After lauding the efforts of the Philippine government to put a conclusion to Marawi siege, Kano said that Japan is considering the ways on how to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the war-torn city. In September, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced that Japan has pledged P100 million for Marawi rehabilitation. “So far, we have provided some humanitarian assistance. But right now, we are in a different phase and we are in a close contact with the Philippine government,” he said. Kano added: “With the needs assessment and information pro-
vided by the Philippine government, we will see what we can do.” Last month, the board of the National Economic and Development Authority has approved the first phase of the Japan-funded Mega Manila Subway Project scheduled to begin construction next year. The first phase of the subway has an estimated initial investment requirement of P355.588 billion. It will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City through FTI in Taguig and end at NAIA in Parañaque City. The project will be financed by official development assistance coursed through the Japan International Cooperation Agency which will bear an interest rate of 0.10 percent per annum payable in 40 years, with a grace period of 12 years.
SMC’s P700-billion Bulacan airport proposal up for NEDA’s deliberation ered by the project, 1,168 hectares will be an airport complex, while the remaining 1,332 hectares will serve as a city complex. Construction of the new Bulacan airport is expected to be completed in six years after it is approved by the government. In the same media interview on Friday, Tugade said the Department of Transportation is now awaiting for a formal proposal from a private party to develop an international airport in Sangley Point Cavite. But Tugade made it clear that the government is open to private sector proposals as long as they don’t require state subsidies and won’t prompt airlines to transfer
operations. SMC is proposing the Bulacan airport as an international gateway that will eventually replace the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. As the Philippines starts building more roads and modernizing ports, the private sector is still having a hard time finding its role in the current government’s ambitious infrastructure plan, with President Rodrigo Duterte favoring foreign money to fund the big infrastructure push. But unlike his predecessor, the Duterte is more welcoming of unsolicited proposals, while criticizing the slow progress of Private-Public Partnership initiatives.
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Business and organization leaders join the 14th annual NAAC Economic Development Conference
by Rae
anne VaRona AJ Press
On Friday, October 20, business leaders and entrepreneurs came together at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles for the 14th Annual National Asian American Coalition’s (NAAC) Economic Development Conference. The theme for this year’s conference was “Our Diverse America”. “We have really good news,” said Faith Bautista, president and CEO of NAAC, during the conference luncheon. Bautista, who moderated the luncheon, started off by announcing that the National Diversity Coalition (NDC) and NAAC secured a partnership with private investors and banking professionals to launch a lending platform to finance underserved homeowners and small businesses. “NAAC applied to become a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) six months ago,” said Bautista. “Six weeks later, they were granted to become a CDFI,” she added at which luncheon attendees gave applause. Bautista further announced, that as of Thursday, October 19, NAAC was able to secure a $20 million investment for the venture. According to the press release, the equity capital raise is the largest to launch a new, nonbank CDFI since the program’s founding in 1994. “It’s been fantastic over the last
HOMEOWNERSHIP PANEL DISCUSSION with state & federal regulators from OCC, FDIC, CDFI, and iBank and reps from the community and banking sector was held after the luncheon.
Business and organization leaders join for a luncheon in the Skirball Cultural Center’s Cotsen Auditorium for the 14th Annual NAAC Economic Development Conference on Friday, October 20 in Los Angeles. Photos courtesy of Debbie Lee Ruiz/NAAC
six to nine months to work with the National Diversity Coalition and National Asian American Coalition,” said Steven Sugarman, founder of Banc of California. “It’s been a continuation of the work we had done as partners — our Banc of California — in really trying to solve some of the issues that NAAC has been bringing into the forefront for such a long
NAAC President Faith Bautista and Banc of California Founder Steven Sugarman announce a partnership with private investors and banking professionals at the 14th Annual NAAC Economic Development Conference on Friday, October 20.
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time,” he added. Sugarman, who led the announced NAAC partnership, expressed the need of providing access of capital to underserved communities. “We really have the chance to do it ourselves, so we’re focusing on homeownership and low income and minority communities that don’t have access to capital,” said Sugarman, adding that over 25 percent of the population is either underbanked or unbanked, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Rhonda Crichlow, senior vice president and chief diversity officer at Charter Communications, has been working on the overall strategic development and implementation of Charter’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, and shared her insights. “I think it’s particularly important to be able to represent the company, given the theme of this conference — the desire to make sure that our country really reflects and embraces the rich diversity that has offered opportunities to so many before us,” said Crichlow. Upon the May 2016 merger in which Charter acquired Time
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Warner Company and Bright House Networks, efforts to drive diversity and inclusion in the company have included Memorandum of Understandings (both nationwide and with California), the formation of a Diversity Inclusion Council, and the formation of an executive-led Diversity Inclusion Steering Committee that meets on a quarterly basis to talk about important issues impacting Charter’s ability to drive and engage the organization around diversity and inclusion. Other efforts mentioned were the launch of Charter’s television program “Owning a Piece of America” with NAAC, Charter’s Spectrum Internet Assist service which looks to challenge inequities brought by the digital divide, and the company’s first ever philanthropic program Spectrum Housing Assist, which has approved over 12,000 low income homes across the U.S. through the help of employee volunteers. “We are very proud of our 92,000 employees — 10,000 of whom are here in California, and of which 75 percent self identify as people of color,” said Crichlow. “I’m heartened and inspired
when I look out across this room and see the wealth of diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs,” she ended. Steve Solk — president of consumer banking, California, and president of Commercial Investment Trust (CIT) Business Capital — highlighted the opportunity for businesses and organizations to partner and provide services like financial literacy education. “You have to educate people before they learn how to build something,” said Solk. “It’s important for businesses and organizations like us, that have means, to help others help themselves,” he added. Last year, CIT and OneWest Bank, which merged in 2015, provided a $55 million tax credit grant in a project which has helped women veterans who have been abused, with housing and other ancillary services. Another $65 million investment with five other organizations was made, and is expected to be worth 2,000 affordable homes — 60 percent of those are families, and 40 percent are seniors. Through the company’s three smaller enterprises being Commercial Services, Equipment Leasing, and Direct Capital, businesses have been able to avail of their allotted capital, equipment, and other financial services. Among their customers is Island Pacific, shared Solk. Representing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was Jeff Tignor, who serves on the special counsel of FCC’s Broadband Division of the Wireless Bureau. He shared of how the commission has been working to create access and opportunity to all communities, especially to those affected by the
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digital divide. Quoting the FCC’s Chairman Ajit Pai, Tignor said, “Everyone that wants to participate in our digital economy should be able to do so.” While only two percent of people in urban areas lack access to the internet, up to 25 percent of people in rural areas lack access, he added. Economically, while 93 percent of Americans making at least $75,000 have internet access, barely half making $30,000 have such access. Tignor also highlighted the work of the FCC’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment, which provides recommendations on how to solve digital divide related problems to the commission, through a variety of individuals from across the industry. Closing the NAAC luncheon was Bob Zook, vice president of procurement at Charter Communications, who ended with a call to action. “The average big tech company has four percent Latinos, two percent African-Americans, with a much lower percentage in leadership positions,” said Zook. “That’s why there are no black CEOs among high tech companies. It’s why there are probably none among Latinos, and it’s probably why there are none that are Filipino-American,” he added. “I want to see that change.” Also taking place at the 14th Annual NAAC Economic Development Conference were a panel on small business and supplier diversity, a supplier forum, a roundtable discussion on economic development, networking opportunities, and a concluding Gala Awards Dinner and Dance where sponsors were thanked.
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