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PH wins sovereignty case against China UN ruled Beijing has no legal basis to assert claim on resources, territories by eric

anthony licas AJPress

A lAndmArk ruling from a Un tribunal issued on tuesday, July 12 overwhelmingly ruled in favor of manila against Beijing in ongoing territorial disputes in the south China sea. In a huge victory for the Philippines, the Un Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the hague, netherlands ruled that Beijing has no legal basis to assert sovereignty over most of the south China sea. the court’s five-judge panel found that China’s appropriation of land and resources in its neighbors’ territorial waters violate the United nations Convention on the law of the sea (UnClos) despite historic CHEXIT. Filipino activists belonging to Bagong Alyansang Makabayan picket the Chinese Consulate in Makati City on Monday, July 11. It is Filipino-American community members in New York rallied outside the United Nations headquarters claims based on centuries-old Chi- time for China to do a #CHexit from the West Philippine Sea, social media users and activists in the Philippines said ahead of the favorable on Tuesday, July 12, hailing the Philippines’ victory over its case against China. The UN Permanent nese maps and guides. verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on Beijing’s claims to most of South China Sea, including Philippine territorial Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands ruled that Beijing has no legal basis to assert sovereignty over most of the South China Sea. Photo by Troi Santos

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Asian Americans support Black Lives Matter, respond to recent shootings

In the wake of the shootings of two black men that reignited the conversation on racial profiling by law enforcement, Asian Americans are standing in solidarity with the Black lives matter (Blm) movement. Blm was formed in 2013 in response to the wave of police shootings of black individuals across the United states. the movement regularly organizes protests around police shootings of black individuals and speak on broad issues like racial profiling and inequality. the movement has been received with PAGE A3

waters. Inspired by the Brexit term coined for Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, the catchy new reference for China has quickly Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

PAGE A2 gained currency on Facebook, Twitter and protest placards.

PH police chief Marcos: I won’t stop until denounces violence I show extent of poll fraud as drug killings rise by yuji

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

Vincent Gonzales Inquirer.net

losInG vice presidential candidate and former ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. PhIlIPPIne national on tuesday, July 12 welcomed Police (PnP) director the statement of the supreme General ronald “Bato” Court, sitting as Presidential dela rosa has spoken electoral tribunal (Pet), saying out against the increased that it would issue a resolution violence and execution on his electoral protest against of criminals advocated the victory of Vice President leni by President rodrigo robredo “in due course.” duterte. marcos vowed that he “will not “the PnP does not stop” until he is able to show the condone vigilantism. I, extent of an alleged poll fraud personally, will be vigithat supposedly reduced his lant against vigilantism,” votes and favored robredo. he said at a weekly press “With the Presidential electorbriefing at Camp Crame al tribunal acting on my election on monday, July 11. protest, I join the filipino people According to a PnP rein awaiting for a speedy, fair and port, 103 drug-related PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” objective trial to ensue. every PAGE A2 Dela Rosa

citizen of this country deserves to know the truth and together we will uncover and expose what truly happened to our votes in the may 9 elections,” marcos said in a statement. “I would also like to thank the many individuals and groups who have continuously expressed their support to this cause. I am deeply humbled by your continued support and unwavering faith. Be assured that I will not stop until I show you the extent of the disenfranchisement and fraud committed in the last elections. this is for truth. this is for honest and credible elections. this is for our country’s future. this is for every filipino,” he added. the Pet on tuesday asked robredo to respond to marcos’

Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos

protest. In the said protest, marcos’ camp alleged various “anomalies and irregularities” that made robredo win as they asked the high tribunal to proclaim the son and namesake of the late dictator as the duly elected vice president. marcos lost to robredo by over 200,000 votes in the elections.

Sanders officially Pacquiao vows next fight won’t Ex-PDEA chief discloses endorses Clinton interfere with Senate work Aquino aware of 23 for president mayors linked to drugs by MarK

After a tempestuous primary season, sen. Bernie sanders (d-Vermont) has officially endorsed hillary Clinton to secure her position as the sole democratic presidential candidate. sanders and Clinton held a joint rally on the morning of tuesday, July 12 in Portsmouth, new hampshire, a city and state that sanders had won during the primaries by wide margins. sanders opened up the speech celebrating the progress of his own campaign—his “political revolution”—touting the 1,900 delegates he garnered during the primaries, which he said was “far more than almost anyone thought we could win.” he then went on to voice his support for Clinton’s presidential ticket, assuring that she is far more suited for the presidency than presumptive republican presidential nominee donald trump.

PAGE A4

GionGco Inquirer.net

mAnny Pacquiao will not take a break from his duties as senator to make a ring return, but the former eight-division boxing champion left the door open for a comeback. In a statement, Pacquiao clarified his top priority is his job as legislator and assured boxing “will not interfere” with his work should he unretire. “there is no truth to media reports that I’m planning to take a leave from my senate duties just to fight again atop the ring,” Pacquiao wrote in a statement released on his social media accounts Wednesday, July 13. “I want to make it clear — my priority is my legislative works,” he said. “my next fight has not yet been discussed. should there be

by joseph

Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao took his oath of office as a senator in Sarangani province attended by his friend president-elect Rodrigo Duterte last June 22. Philstar.com photo by AJ Bolando

any, I’ll make sure it will not interfere with my senate duties.” during his term as sarangani congressman, Pacquiao was among the top absentees at the house of representatives as re-

cords showed he only came to work just four times in 2014. Pacquiao fought twice in 2014, dominating timothy Bradley in their rematch in April and PAGE A2

alMer B. pedrajas AJPress

folloWInG the President rodrigo duterte’s earlier revelations, former Philippine drug enforcement Agency (PdeA) director General dionisio santiago claimed on monday, July 11 that former President Benigno Aquino III had known the 23 mayors protecting illegal drug syndicates, but explained that the government lost the cases filed against these officials. In a news conference at Aristocrat restaurant in manila, santiago disclosed that during Aquino’s term, Aquino and his executive secretary Paquito ochoa were given a list of local governments linked to drug syndicates. “they [Aquino and ochoa] knew these individuals. We provided them with the list like Amante, Alcala, Asistio, Ablan, Cuenca and soon,” added santiago, who also served as former Armed forces of the Philippines (AfP) chief of staff. According to him, the government lost the cases against the alleged drug protectors after either the prosecutors or PAGE A4

A

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From The FronT Page

PH wins sovereignty case... PAGE A1 Chinese activity within and near the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) illegally interfered with the island nation’s petroleum exploration and fishing operations, the PCA concluded. Sovereign rights over Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and Recto (Reed) Bank were awarded to the Philippines. The PCA ruling also defines the contested Scarborough Shoal as a common traditional fishing ground that no country may claim exclusive fishing rights to. A standoff at the Shoal between the Philippine and Chinese navies and China’s violation of a subsequent truce prompted former President Benigno Aquino III’s administration to file a complaint with the PCA in 2013. The Tribunal also unanimously found that China aggravated the dispute, and said the construction of a large artificial island on top of Mischief Reef caused irreparable harm to its ecosystem. “It’s an overwhelming victory. We won on every significant point,� said Paul S. Reichler, the Philippines’ chief counsel in the case. The decision was welcomed by Philippine officials, however members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration remain sensitive to the dispute’s unresolved nature. “The Philippines strongly affirms its respect for this milestone decision as an important contribution to ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea,� said Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay from Manila in response to the ruling. However, he also recommended “all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety.� Though the tribunal’s decision is final and legally binding for both countries, the PCA has no means to enforce its ruling. Chinese officials have denied the tribunal’s authority on the matter and had refused to participate in the court’s proceedings. They claim the Philippines violated international law by bringing forth its case without consulting China. “China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall under no circumstances be affected by those awards,� officials from China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement responding to Tuesday’s decision. “China opposes and will never accept any claim or action based on those awards.� China defines its area of sovereignty according to a “nine-dash line,� which encompasses most of the South China Sea. The demarcation conflicts with territorial and resource claims asserted by the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei. Jonathan London, Leiden University professor of Asian political economy, told the Associated Press the ruling will give involved countries, as well as those concerned with Beijing’s actions “something to point to and to rally around.� Japan, Vietnam, Australia and the United States have issued com-

ments in support of The Hague’s decision as of Wednesday, July 13. In a statement released by spokesman John Kirby on Tuesday, the U.S. State Department called the ruling an “important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution� and expressed “hope and expectation that both parties will comply with their obligations.� Though the Philippines has historically been a close ally of the U.S., the latter has not sided with any particular country. Officials in Washington have supported freedom of navigation in the region, as evidenced by joint naval patrols with the Philippines that have earned criticism from Chinese officials. Ben Cardin, a top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the U.S. should “fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows.� On Wednesday, China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Liu Zhenmin, said the country reserved the right to monitor and regulate air traffic in the region. During a press conference in Beijing, Liu said China may impose an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) requiring aircraft to notify China before flying through the South China Sea “if our security is threatened.� China had established an ADIZ in the East China Sea in 2013, however it has not been consistently enforced according to a report from the Us-China Security Economic Review Commission. Chinese jets intercepted and escorted an American plane flying over the South China Sea on May 17 for flying too close to Hainan Island. Meanwhile, in a rare instance of agreement with China, Taiwanese officials condemned the tribunal’s decision. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), asserts the same historic rights as Beijing. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the ruling “completely unacceptable,� and said their “rights over the South China Sea islands and their relevant waters is beyond dispute,� in a statement released on Tuesday. Liu also blamed the Philippines on Wednesday for stirring up trouble in the region ahead of the release of a policy statement alleging the Philippines of breaking an agreement to engage in one-onone negotiations. The paper went on to accuse Manila of presenting “distorted facts and a concocted pack of lies� to the PCA. Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ingwen, dispatched a patrol ship into the South China Sea, according to the Inquirer on Wednesday. Tsai said the move was an expression of “Taiwanese people’s determination to defend the country’s interests,� while speaking to sailors before the frigate’s departure. Most of the 70 countries that support China are outside the Pacific Rim, however, a bloc of smaller Southeast Asian countries have been stifling efforts to mobilize unified opposition to Beijing’s claims.

China would prefer to hash out disputes between individual countries separately in bilateral talks in which the regional powerhouse might be able to exert greater influence. However, despite fiery rhetoric from Chinese spokespersons, Liu said his country was still committed to direct bilateral negotiations with the Philippines. He suggested the “early removal of obstacles posed by the arbitration case,� in order to improve relations between Manila and Beijing. In May, Philstar reported that President Rodrigo Duterte told US President Barack Obama he was open to bilateral talks with China if the PCA decision fails to de-escalate tension in the region. However, has said his administration would closely study the award before moving forward with either bilateral, or multilateral negotiations. “We shall wait for SolGen’s (Solicitor General Jose Calida) interpretation of the ruling� Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told the Inquirer on Tuesday. “The SolGen shall provide the President a synopsis of the ruling [Wednesday] morning and a complete and thorough interpretation in 5 days.� On Tuesday morning, about 50 Filipino-American community members in New York organized a rally outside the United Nations headquarters and carried placards urging China to “not be a rogue state� and proclaiming that the “West Philippine Sea belongs to Filipinos.� “We as Filipinos are peace-loving,� Filipino philanthropist and community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis said outside the UN. “The Chinese have all the warships. All we have is worship.� In Los Angeles, Fil-Ams held similar signs outside the Chinese Consulate. “It’s a victory for the Filipino people. We are vindicated and a proof that a small nation can win over a big nation by reason,� Arturo P. Garcia of the Alliance Philippines said. China’s official response to Tuesday’s ruling makes an immediate resolution of tensions unlikely, but Reichler said that added international pressure could erode the defiant stance China has taken. “What China may ultimately do in six months, or a year or two years, may be different than what it says on July 12 or July 13,� Reichler told the AP. “I think a lot will depend on the reaction to the award (ruling) of the international community as a whole, particularly China’s neighbors.� International pressure is on China to comply with Tuesday’s decision. However, the military and economic powerhouse still wields significant leverage in the region, and President Duterte has publicly committed to avoiding armed conflict. The exact nature of future negotiations between the Philippines, China and other potential claimants remains uncertain. (With reports from Momar G. Visaya / AJPress)

OATH TAKING. Vice President Leni Robredo is sworn in by President Duterte as the chairperson of Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) on Tuesday, July 12. Her oath taking is witnessed by her three daughters, Aika, Tricia and Jillian Robredo. The oath taking ceremony was held after Duterte called a Cabinet meeting following the ruling of the United Nation’s arbitration court favoring the Philippines’ case against China over the South China Sea. Photo from the Office of the Vice President

PH police chief denounces violence... Philippines to create drug rehab program PAGE A1

suspects were killed over a ten-day period from the day Duterte was inaugurated. Police said that they were killed for resisting arrest. Despite his disapproval of the administration’s decisions, Dela Rosa expressed support for the policemen involved in the capture and persecution of the suspects. On the other hand, PNP Solicitor General Jose Calida expressed his support for Duterte’s crusade against illegal drugs at the same conference. He also assured that the administration was continuing to support the PNP, adding “we will not allow anybody to derail the efforts of the PNP against illegal drugs.� “Huwag kayong matakot (Do not be afraid),� he said. The president’s controversial tactics used in the war against drugs have received criticisms by many individuals and organizations. The Roman Catholic Church have previously denounced the rise in killings since Duterte’s victory. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) spoke on the recent 100 killings in a statement urging its members and followers to continue to stand up for what is “morally wrong.� “We will stand for and defend every person’s life and dignity,� said Archbishop Socrates Villegas. “We will shield the weak from harm. We will protect the confused form error.�

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

AS a part of the new administration’s push to wipe out the illegal drug trade, there are plans to institute rehabilitation programs for tens of thousands of drug addicts in the Philippines, according to Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella. There are no specific details on the plans yet, but the administration plans to set up rehab centers in all 18 regions of the Philippines, Abella said in a press briefing at Malacanang on Tuesday, July 12. According to Gulf News, since Duterte’s victory in the May 9 election, hundreds of drug addicts all over the country have surrendered to authorities in fear of getting injured or killed in sting operations that police have been carrying out. Since his inauguration on June 30, at least 103 suspects involved in the illegal drug trade have been killed by police. The government’s call to implement more rehabilitation programs and resources comes after over 1000 suspected drug users in Quezon City surrendered to police on June 22-24, according to Former Deputy Director for Operations Sr. Supt. Joselito Esquivel, Jr. of the Quezon City Police District. “Talagang dumagdagsa yung nagsu-surrender sa station levels (There really were a lot that have surrendered at all station levels),�

Esquivel, Jr. said in a Manila Bulletin report. Those that turned themselves in were promised amnesty as well as rehabilitation, counseling and livelihood training. Each suspected drug user had to take a drug test, submit their profile for records and asked to sign a sworn statement promising to withdraw from the illegal drug trade. Duterte has also voiced concerns over elected officials’ involvement in illegal drug activities. The illegal drug trade in the Philippines has historically been an issue, but the trade has expanded in recent years to take down narcotic networks which include approximately 200 government officials, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). “The president plans to issue a memorandum to barangay captains (village officials) and mayors,� Abella said. According to Abella, the administration plans to conduct investigations of officials in areas with high prevalence of drug-related problems. In a media briefing in April, Duterte promised to rid the country of its drug problem within three to six months of taking the presidency. “I will raise the level of the drug threat into a national security issue,� he said.

Pacquiao vows next fight won’t interfere... PAGE A1

overwhelming Chris Algeiri in

November. He was elected senator three weeks after announcing his retirement following his win over Bradley in their third fight last April in Las Vegas. Pacquiao’s statement came on the heels of reports that promoter Bob Arum had secured an October 15 date for the former welterweight champion’s potential return. As per Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times, Arum said Pacquiao already has the go-signal of Senate president Franklin Drilon to fight, but the proposed schedule will have to be moved to a later date. “He conferred with the president of the Philippines Senate, who gave him permission to fight, but the 15th was turned down because the senate needs to do the budget, so now we need to get the date that coincides with the schedule, Oct. 29, or Nov. 5,� Arum told the LA Times. In the case that the 37-year-old Pacquiao does decide to come back, he assured his fight will have to be set when he doesn’t have to

sacrifice his political work in lieu of his training. And unlike most of his training camps where he trained in the US, preparations will have to be made here. “When I ran for senator last May 9 elections, I made a promise to be present in all sessions. I owe it to the people,� said Pacquiao, who was seventh in a 12-man Senate race after garnering over 16 million votes. “If ever I decide to fight again, rest assured it will happen when Congress is on recess so there’s no reason for me to go on leave.� “The entire training will be done in the Philippines to ensure I can attend sessions even while on training camp.� In the race for a possible Pacquiao derby is the winner between undefeated junior welterweights Terence Crawford and Viktor Postol, who are scheduled to fight on July 23 in Las Vegas, and so are Danny Garcia and Jesse Vargas, as per Arum in an interview with the LA Times.

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Reports shows land constraints would negatively impact long-term economic development

LAS VEGAS—NAIOP Southern Nevada, the commercial real estate development association, today announced the results of a study that illustrates the impact of land constraints on economic development in Southern Nevada. The study, undertaken by Alan Schlottmann of the Theodore Roosevelt Institute, shows that under the restraints imposed by the Bureau of Land Management’s recent Draft Resource Management Plan, economic growth in the Las Vegas valley will be restricted and hinder the future growth of our economy. NAIOP Southern Nevada commissioned the study in February of this year with support from other organizations, including CCIM, SIOR, and NCA. “The Resource Management HOUSE BLESSING. President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, July 12 led the blessing ceremony of his official residence, the Bahay Pangarap, Plan does not significantly increase in Malacanang. Photos sent to the media showed Duterte holding a candle while two priests led the blessing. On Tuesday, Presidential the disposal boundaries to provide spokesman Ernesto Abella said Duterte spent his first night at the Bahay Pangarap on Monday, July 11. Photo courtesy of Christopher Go for future developable land,” said NAIOP Southern Nevada President Mike Shohet, who serves as vice president of Project and Development Services at Jones Lang LaSalle. “That plan adds significant PAGE A1 fundamental part of my life: they permits open carry of firearms. new environmental restrictions to mixed reactions. Some have are my friends, my classmates Several bystanders had filmed lands that are strategic for future hailed it as a modern day civil and teammates, my roommates, the encounter and the shooting. growth. If it’s implemented as is, rights organization. Others have my family. Today, I’m scared for One day later, 32-year-old the amount of land for future develpanned it as a racist organiza- them.” Castile, a nutrition services tion, like former NYC mayor The letter encourages Asian supervisor in Minnesota, was Rudy Giuliani, who accused BLM Americans everywhere to em- stopped by police for a broken of “isolating” blacks. pathize with the movement to rear light. When reaching for his New York City-based ethnog- stand up to racial inequality in license and registration, Castile AFTER nearly two years in one rapher Christina Xu wanted to America. The writers reference told the officer he had a licensed of the top posts in the American respond to negative reactions the nation’s history of black and concealed weapon in the car. As foreign service, Ambassador Philto the police shootings of black Asian persecution to encourage he put his hands up, the police ip Goldberg is ending his tour of individuals, particularly those of solidarity between the two com- shot him four times. duty with an assurance that the Asian Americans. She started a munities together today. Castile’s girlfriend Diamond United States will protect the PhilGoogle Doc page and allowed “Black people have been beat- Reynolds and her 4-year- ippines from any threat. contributors from all over the en, jailed, even killed fighting old daughter were in the car. “Our alliance is firmly invested country to share research, per- for many of the rights that Asian Reynolds live-streamed the in protecting the prosperity, secuspectives and thoughts in a col- Americans enjoy today,” the let- aftermath of the shooting on rity and peace in the region and a lective open letter. ter said. “We owe them so much Facebook. partnership between two sover“In fact, let’s draft letters in in return. We are all fighting Legal and civil rights organiza- eign partners,” Goldberg said in our native languages to our par- against the same unfair system tion Asian Americans Advancing his speech Wednesday night, July ents and our communities. Get it that prefers we compete against Justice has also come out in sup- 6 during the Fourth of July celpassed around WhatsApp, We- each other.” port for BLM in the wake of the ebrations in Makati City. Chat, LINE, etc,” Wu tweeted on The letter has been translated killings of Sterling and Castile. Goldberg is exiting as the new Thursday, July 7 to launch the -- and is continuing to be trans“As the nation’s leading legal administration of President Rodriletter. and civil rights voice rooted in go Duterte makes a pivot toward lated -- in multiple languages. She started the Google Doc at The letter came in the wake of Asian American communities, China to try to settle the West 11 a.m. that day, and hundreds the shootings of Alton Sterling we stand together with com- Philippine Sea (South China Sea) of Asian Americans contributed and Philando Castile, who were munities of color in the fight to territorial disp ute, in contrast to to the letter. Filipino Pulitzer shot and killed by police officers end systemic police brutality,” the pro-US stance of the previous Prize-winning journalist Jose just one day apart. the organization said in a state- Aquino government. Antonio Vargas assisted in editOn July 5, Sterling, 37, was ment. “As the facts of each case But Goldberg said the Philiping the final drafts of the letter. selling CDs outside a conve- surface, we ask the U.S. Depart- pines could always count on the “Mom, Dad, Uncle, Auntie, nience store in Baton Rouge, ment of Justice to not only inves- US for help, given existing agreeGrandfather, Grandmother: We Louisiana. When police officers tigate the fatal shooting of Mr. ments such as the Mutual Defense need to talk,” the letter opens discovered he had a gun on his Sterling but also to investigate Treaty and the Enhanced Defense up. “You may not have grown person, Sterling was shot mul- the shooting and death of Mr. Cooperation Agreement. up around people who are Black, tiple times at point-blank range. Castile.” (By Klarize Medenilla / “That alliance is based on our but I have. Black people are a Louisiana is one of 31 states that AJPress) shared commitment to democra-

Asian Americans support Black Lives Matter...

opment is very limited, which will ultimately limit economic growth and job growth.” The study, which serves as a response to the BLM’s draft Resource Management Plan, has been submitted to both the BLM and the Governor’s Office to support the Governor’s Consistency Review of the Resource Management Plan. The NAIOP-commissioned study builds on another industrial land study that was commissioned in 2008. According to Schlottmann, the limited availability of large parcels in Southern Nevada for long-run development of Nevada’s targeted industries, such as high-tech manufacturing, may represent a serious constraint. In the study, he put together an economic model that forecast the amount of land needed, the deficit of land available, and the quantifiable impact of that deficit. Shohet said the commissioned study was crucial to shine a light on constraints with economic development. The original Resource Management Plan - which outlines all the land that is federally owned and put in the pipeline to be sold in auction - hadn’t been updated in about 17 years. NAIOP has

two major complaints about the new plan: The development community was never asked for its opinion; and it didn’t significantly increase the boundary from the earlier report, making it a major hindrance to Nevada. The plan also dedicated additional areas as environmental concerns. “Everyone agrees environmental concerns are important, but they need to make sure that the areas dedicated for ecological reserves are also strategically consistent with economic development goals of the community,” Shohet noted. Shohet cited a couple examples of land that could enhance economic growth in the future, including the area south of the Ivanpah Airport and an industrial development area in Sloan. As McCarran Airport continues to get overloaded as a passenger airport, other airport traffic could be diverted to Ivanpah, which has 6,000 acres that can be designated over 15 to 20 years. The new plan, however, takes 25,000 acres and designates it as an area of environmental concern. “More needs to be done to help the economic future of Southern Nevada,” he said.

US envoy says goodbye, vows protection for PH cy, the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. As allies we stand together whenever the other is threatened and we will always continue to do so,” he said. The 59-year-old US envoy also said goodbye and took pride at having visited several places in the Philippines. “This will be my last July 4th in the Philippines so I want to say that I’ve been all around from Ilocos Norte to Tawi Tawi, from the mountains of Benguet to the tuna market in General Santos City, Mindanao,” Goldberg said. “I’ve seen the awe-inspiring beauty and unique character of your country, but above all, it is the warmth and the welcome of the Filipino people that I will remember most,” he said. Goldberg was appointed in November 2013 to succeed Harry Thomas. He will be replaced by Sung Kim, Washington’s special representative for North Korea policy and a former envoy to South Korea. Kim, who will be the first AsianAmerican appointed to the Manila

Ambassador Philip Goldberg

post, was nominated as the new US ambassador to the Philippines by President Barack Obama in May. Ties between the Philippines and the US have grown closer in recent years in terms of people-topeople exchanges, economic relations and security, Goldberg said. But the warm ties should continue amid new challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, he said. (Michael Joe. T. Delizo/ManilaTImesnet)

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Federal court ruling requires DHS to release child migrants in family detention by Eric

Anthony LicAs AJPress

A fEDERAL appeals court ruling issued Thursday, July 6, now mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to quickly release undocumented children caught crossing the border from family detention centers, but not their parents. The Ninth Circuit US Court of Appeals based in San francisco found that extended detention periods for underage migrants violated a 19-year-old settlement ordering their release shortly after processing. federal prosecutors had argued that the rule only applied to children who arrived at the border unaccompanied by an adult. The case revolves around detention centers in Texas that were built in response to a surge of immigrants who attempted to enter the US in summer 2014. Court documents describe prison-like facilities where children sleep on concrete floors with nothing but a mylar blanket and dirty clothes

to keep warm. Researchers who visited the centers said some sick children were not receiving medical treatment, according to the LA Times. “This decision makes it clear that the Obama administration can no longer detain accompanied children for long periods of time in unlicensed, locked-down facilities,” said one of the lead plaintiff attorneys and president of the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, Peter Schey. However the court partially reversed a prior ruling from Judge Dolly Gee in 2015 that expedited the release of families apprehended while crossing into the United States. The three-judge panel decided that the directive did not apply to the adults accompanying those children. Critics of Thursday’s decision, say it “misses the point.” The purpose of the case was to shield minors from inhumane treatment, according to the legal director of the American Immigration Council, Melissa Crow. She said the ruling harms children because

it will separate them from their families. Supporters for tighter border security say the ruling will prevent adults from using children as an excuse to avoid long stays at family detention centers. There had been an uptick of undocumented families caught at the border by the DHS since that ruling, according to the Associated Press. More than 23,000 families have been detained in the first five months of the year compared to about 13,400 in 2015 and around 30,600 in 2014, according to the DHS. Most are from Honduras, El Salvador or Guatemala. Many of those detained said they were fleeing from gang or domestic violence in their home country. The extraordinary number of Immigrants who attempted to enter the US in 2014 prompted DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson to drastically augment the capacity of family detention centers. At that time, Johnson said he wanted people who entered the country illegally, to get the impression that they would be apprehended and sent

SETTING SAIL. The coastal town of Subic in Zambales province hosts about 2,000 fishermen, many of whom have been frequenting the disputed Scarborough Shoal to earn a living. Fishermen geared up on Tuesday, July 12 for a return trip to the disputed Scarborough Shoal, saying they were now armed with a favorable ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. Inquirer.net photo by Allan Macatuno

home, rather than be detained for extended periods, according to the LA Times. Hundreds of parents and their children are currently housed at two centers in Texas and another in Pennsylvania. Researchers who inspected the facilities estimate that the average detention period is between 10 days and six

weeks. However, some detainees have been held for almost a year. The LA Times reports that some families were deported overnight without legal counsel. US Rep. Raul M. Grijalva (DAriz.) described Texas detention centers he visited this summer to the LA Times as “very moving and very, very depressing — and for

our country, very embarrassing.” federal attorneys have not announced how they intend to respond to the ruling. They have the option to appeal to the Supreme Court, or request that the case be reheard with the full panel of 9th district judges if they decide challenge Thursday’s decision.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) has officially endorsed Hillary Clinton to secure her position as the sole Democratic presidential candidate. AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal

Sanders officially endorses Clinton... PAGE A1 Despite his previous statement in April when he deemed Clinton unqualified for the presidency, Sanders said on Tuesday that her stances and plans on a myriad of issues, like immigration and the economy, will lead the country in the right direction. “It is no secret that Hillary Clinton and I disagree on a number of issues. That’s what this campaign has been about. That’s what democracy is about,” Sanders said standing next to Clinton, who received 389 more delegates than Sanders. “Secretary Clinton has won the Democratic nominating process, and I congratulate her for that,” Sanders said. “She will be the Democratic nominee for president, and I intend to do everything I can to make certain she will be the next president of the United States.” Sanders has not formally suspended his campaign due to “procedural reasons” related to the Democratic National Convention later this month. Although the two are not particularly close, Sanders and Clinton have a history of fighting on the same side. In the 1990s, Sanders, as a congressman, backed Clinton’s health reform plan. Both had overlapped two years in the Senate while Clinton was a New York senator. In the Senate, both served on the Health Committee where they co-authored legislation including the successful “Sanders-Clinton amendment,” which guaranteed training for “green collar jobs” in renewable energy technologies. In 2006, Clinton donated

$10,000 to a political action committee (PAC) to help get Sanders elected to the Senate. In 2009, Sanders voiced his support for President Barack Obama’s appointment of Clinton as secretary of state, calling her “one of the brightest people in Congress.” The Sanders and Clinton teams are undergoing discussions on Sanders’ role in the Democratic presidential campaign. The Republican National Committee (RNC) responded to the endorsement, suggesting that Sanders, a firm critic of “Establishment” politics, has “sold out” by supporting Clinton, who is considered an eminent Establishment politician. “This hollow display of left-wing solidarity flies in the face of Bernie Sanders’ months-long crusade against Hillary Clinton’s judgment, character, and fitness to serve as president,” RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement released on Tuesday. “Voters won’t forget Sanders’ blistering criticisms of Clinton’s paid speeches to Wall Street banks, her reliance on big-money special interests to fund her campaign, or her support for overseas military interventions. While Sanders may have pushed the Democrat Party even further to the extreme left, his supporters must rightly be wondering if their candidate has all of a sudden sold out to the same rigged system he so strongly campaigned against.” Trump took to Twitter to voice his opinion on the endorsement, which parallelled the RNC’s statement suggesting Sanders had abandoned his principles as an anti-Establishment leader.

“Bernie Sanders, who has lost most of his leverage, has totally sold out to Crooked Hillary Clinton. He will endorse her today - fans angry!” Trump tweeted on Tuesday morning. Sanders’ campaign responded with a tweet of its own. “Big talk from the same guy who was too afraid to debate Bernie in California,” the Sanders camp tweeted to Trump. following the endorsement, Sanders’ campaign team sent out an email to Sanders supporters assuring Clinton’s suitability for the presidency. The tension that had culminated between the two caused a divide in the Democratic Party between progressives and Establishment Democrats, but Sanders assured supporters that his decision was the right one. “Today, I endorsed Hillary Clinton to be our next president,” Sanders said in the email. “I know that some of you will be disappointed with that decision. But I believe that, at this moment, our country, our values, and our common vision for a transformed America, are best served by the defeat of Donald Trump and the election of Hillary Clinton.” The endorsement represents the final solidifying of the Democratic Party during this election cycle. On the Republican side, Trump has yet to receive endorsements from several of his primary challengers like former Republican presidential nominees Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Gov. John Kasich of Ohio and former florida Governor Jeb Bush. (By Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

Ex-PDEA chief discloses Aquino aware...

PAGE A1

the judge dumped the charges. Although Santiago did not drop first names, he believes that these officials have already been on Duterte’s list of drug lords. On friday, July 8, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa warned that the president has a list of 23 mayors involved in drug trafficking, which will be divulged only when the evidence is sufficient. “The president has the list of these local executives involved in illegal drugs. I can’t reveal their identities, only the President can make public their names,” Dela Rosa said. When these mayors were identified, they will face filed charges at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); the

court will handle the case if found guilty and they can be dismissed from their posts afterward. Meanwhile, Lucena City Mayor Roderick Alcala denied his link to any illegal drugs after being accused of taking over a relative’s operations in the Quezon province. Consequently, he said that he is planning to file appropriate charges against the publication that accused him of such. Mayors’ and vice-mayors’ relatives surrender In response to Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, relatives of high officials in various towns and cities surrendered to the police authorities – adding to the thousands of self-confessed drug users and pushers who have been surrendering since the president took office.

The son of newly-elected Mayor Vincent Unite of Ballesteros, Cagayan went to the police to admit that he was once involved with drugs. King Unite signed a memorandum of undertaking to cooperate with the police to identify other drug syndicates. Contrary to the statements of political opponents, Police Sr. Insp. Stanley Banan clarified that the younger Unite is a user and not a pusher. Meanwhile in Caloocan City, Vice Mayor Macario Asistio III surrendered his own brother, Luisito Jr., after the city police informed him that Luisito Jr. was associated with top drug personalities. Elias Deleña, a municipal councilor and relative of the Presentacion town mayor, also surrendered herself.

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Dateline PRobredo hiliPPines calls for probe on drug killings by cops

Duterte trust rating at high 84% by CatHerine

Valente

ManilaTimes

President rodrigo duterte started his presidency with a high trust rating of 84 percent, according to the latest social Weather stations (sWs) survey. the poll, conducted from June 24 to 27 among 1,200 adults nationwide, found that about 84 percent of those surveyed showed “much trust” in duterte, 11 percent said they were undecided and five percent had “little trust.” this gave duterte a net trust rating (percentage of “much trust” minus percentage of “little trust”) of +79. the sWs classifies net trust ratings of at least +70 as “excellent”; +50 to +69 as “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; and -70 and below as “execrable.” the President’s score represents a 53 percentage point jump and three grade surge from his May rating of 26 percent. in december of 2015, the first time the sWs took a poll on duterte’s trust rating, he was rated a “moderate” +16.

By January to February 2016, duterte had a trust rating +13 to +17. in March, the rating rose to +26, and a “good” +30 by April. duterte’s predecessor, former president Benigno Aquino 3rd, got an “excellent” +83 percent when he won the presidential race in 2010. the sWs attributed the 53-point surge in duterte’s net trust rating to increases across geographical areas and social classes. Based on the survey, the President posted “excellent” ratings in all geographical areas. in “Balance Luzon,” duterte’s trust rating rose to an “excellent” +75 in June from May’s “neutral” +9. A similar improvement was seen in Metro Manila where he got an “excellent” +78 from a +21 “moderate.” in the Visayas, duterte’s trust rating rose from a +17 “moderate” in May to an “excellent” +74 in June. in Mindanao, it rose to an “excellent” +90 from a “very good” +60. President duterte also got “ excellent” ratings in all social classes. the survey, first published in

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

BusinessWorld, had sampling error margins of ±3 points for national percentages, and ±6% each for Metro Manila, Luzon areas outside the nation’s capital, the Visayas and Mindanao. Malacanang welcomed the survey result, saying it was a “positive sign.” “it’s a positive sign and very encouraging to know that the people trust the judgment, decisions and actions of the President,” Presidential Communications secretary Martin Andanar told reporters in a text message. “the mandate is clear, the government cannot stop what it has started,” he said.

DOJ issues lookout bulletin vs 5 ‘narco generals’ by PerFeCto

raymundo

Philstar.com

MAniLA—the department of Justice (dOJ) on Wednesday, July 13 issued a lookout bulletin against the five alleged “narco generals” who were earlier named by President rodrigo duterte as the alleged protectors of drug lords in the country. the dOJ issued the order based on the request of the department of interior and Local Government (diLG) since there is already an ongoing investigation against the so-called “narco

generals.” included in the list are retired Philippine national Police (PnP) deputy director General Marcelo Garbo Jr., retired Chief superintendent and now daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Vicente Loot, and the active PnP officials, namely, former national Capital regional Police Office director Joel Pagdilao, former Quezon City Police district director Chief superintendent edgardo tinio and former region Vi director Chief superintendent Bernardo diaz. the lookout bulletin was signed

by dOJ secretary Vitaliano Aguirre ii. the dOJ immediately sent a copy of the lookout bulletin to Bureau of immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente, who will implement the order and monitor the movements of the five former and active PnP officials in the country’s airports and seaports. the three active police officials’ cases were already turned over by PnP Chief ronald “Bato” dela rosa to the national Police Commission while the retired officials cases are being handled by the diLG.

by Helen

Flores Philstar.com

MAniLA—Vice President Leni robredo on tuesday, July 12 called for an investigation into the rising number of people killed by the police in anti-drug operations. she noted that there have been over a hundred cases of drug-related killings in less than a month. robredo said while she supports President duterte’s fight against illegal drugs, it must be done without compromising the rule of law. “While we are one with the fight against drugs, we are concerned with the growing culture of vigilantism and violence. We hope that the war is not done at the expense of the innocent and defenseless,” robredo, a lawyer by profession, said. “We encourage authorities concerned to look into these cases. if there is really culpability, then justice requires that appropriate cases be filed and that those proven to be accountable be punished,” she said. robredo became an official Cabinet member after she was recently appointed by duterte as chairperson of the Housing and Urban development Coordinating Council (HUdCC). robredo said she believes that the President, being a lawyer and former prosecutor, will do what is appropriate. sen. Leila de Lima has sought a congressional inquiry into the recent killings of drug suspects during police operations. de Lima, a former justice secretary and chairman of the Commission on Human rights (CHr), said she would file a resolution to initiate a legislative investigation into the spate of killings since the election of duterte. As head of the department of Justice, de Lima had pursued an investigation into the socalled davao death squad during duterte’s term as davao City mayor. CHr commissioner roberto Cadiz is also pushing for an inquiry into the spate of killings of drug pushers. Cadiz told the star that there seems to be a pattern of extrajudicial killings in connection with the anti-illegal drug campaign of the duterte administration. He earlier noted that over a hun-

dred suspected illegal drug users and pushers have been killed since the new administration took over on June 30. “i think it should be looked into in a form of national inquiry,” he said, adding that their investigations right now are on a case-to-case basis and based on individual complaints filed in their regional offices.

CHr chairman Chito Gascon had said that the commission would create a task force to investigate reports of deaths related to the current administration’s anti-drug campaign. Gascon stressed that the investigation will determine if human rights violations were committed.

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OpiniOn

War on drugs

Features

A FORMER agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that the illegal drug trade in the country is thriving, and has become a P200-billion “industry.” Amid this intensified anti-drug campaign, there has also been a spate of surrenders from thousands of drug users and peddlers across the country. They have pledged to not do or sell drugs again and cooperate with the government’s drive against drugs. While the government is gaining momentum in its campaign against drugs, some senators have questioned its efficacy and raised concerns over the rising number of extrajudicial killings. “We have to look into that in aid of legislation. The killings are on the rise, and there are just telltale signs of summary executions in a number of them,” said Sen. Leila De Lima, who was the former chair of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Sen. Franklin Drilon echoed De Lima’s sentiments and agreed to conduct the Senate inquiry. “While we laud and support the campaign against illegal drugs of the Philippine National Police, the Senate cannot sit idly on allegations of extrajudicial killings that saw a spike in recent months,” Drilon said. Even Vice Pres. Leni Robredo agrees. She encouraged authorities “to look into these cases. If there is really culpability, then justice requires that appropriate cases be filed and that those proven to be accountable be punished.”

An even more alarming report is that the Philippines has turned into a global hub for the distribution and increased production of illegal drugs for international syndicates. According to the PDEA, 20.51 percent or 8,629 barangays (villages) out of the 42,065 nationwide are plagued with the drug-related cases. Metro Manila has the highest rate of being drugaffected with 92.10 percent of the region’s barangays involved. Methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, and marijuana remain the most abused illegal drugs in the country. PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr. revealed that barangays are considered slightly affected if there are identified drug users in the community but no known drug pushers or traffickers are operating in the area while moderately affected if at least a suspected drug pusher or trafficker is operating in the barangay. A barangay is seriously affected if at least a drug laboratory, den, dive or resort is suspected to exist in the community. Perhaps this is why Pres. Rodrigo Duterte stayed true to his word that when elected, he would launch a bloody war on drugs. In recent weeks, the nation saw a spike in drugrelated killings. Reports show that there have been more than 100 reported cases of drug-related killings in less than a month.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

“While we are one with the fight against drugs, we are concerned with the growing culture of vigilantism and violence. We hope that the war is not done at the expense of the innocent and defenseless,” Robredo said. Recognizing the rampancy of the drug problem in the country is only the first step. Instead of in-

flicting fear among the citizenry, the national government must initiate a cohesive effort in dealing with the drug problem. Engaging in an all-out war against drugs is beyond the power of the government alone. This campaign can only be deemed successful with the engagement of the public. (AJPress)

Fil-Am leaders speak up on the Philippines’ victory over China in UN tribunal decision KUDOS to former Philippine Pres. Benigno Aquino III, for- The Fil-Am mer DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario and the whole team which, Perspective on behalf of the Filipino people, filed, argued, and won the case against China before the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal. The court found China’s Gel SantoS-ReloS claims illegal in its territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), an area rich in seafood and other resources. As ABS-CBN News reported, this landmark ruling was the first case against China’s expansive claims, which has sparked international alarm and prompted the United States to send warships on “freedom of navigation” patrols. Kababayans in the United States gave their all-out support to the Philippine government in this fight, with Fil-Ams in the East Coast spearheading protest rallies against China’s “bullying” and intrusion in the West Philippines Sea. Manny rallies and five years after, these Fil-Ams are back, but this time it was to celebrate the victory of the Philippines with the tribunal decision that favored the Philippines. “The rule of law. The United Nations has fulfilled its existence, not war but peace through

Street Talk GReG B. MacaBenta I WAS one of the most severe critics of Rodrigo Duterte as a presidential candidate. But now that he has assumed the presidency, I believe he should be given every chance and every reasonable support to succeed. And, boy, will he need a lot of support! In my own limited way, I’ve faced the challenges of a presidency. Obviously, those posed by an ad agency or even a national organization in the United States are miniscule compared to what the chief executive of the Philippines must confront. But there are parallels, one of which is that, in spite of a cordon of advisers, a leader has to personally and singularly make the hard choices – the critical decisions – and be prepared to face the consequences, if any. Whether you lead a company of 200 people or a country of 100 million, the harsh realities are the same: success has many fathers and failure is an orphan. President Harry S. Truman said it more bluntly: The buck stops here. We know that candidate

the rule of law, so this is the triumph of the Philippines because we have followed the regular process of settling disputes,” said US Pinoys for Good Governance Chairman Loida Nicolas Lewis in a report by The Filipino Channel’s “Balitang America” New York Correspondent Don Tagala. Bobby del Rosario, the son former DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario, was among those who celebrated this victory in front of the United Nations in New York. “I’m gonna quote a couple of words from what my father said: China’s a great superpower, and to be a great superpower you have to follow the laws and the rules of the land…and International Law is a great equalizer,” del Rosario said in the report. Fil-Am leaders, however, acknowledge that this victory is just a moral and legal victory, which cannot be enforced against China. The biggest question and challenge remains: will China now exit the disputed area and leave the West Philippine sea to the Philippines, pursuant to the provisions United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) that were upheld by the tribunal ruling? China boycotted the hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague and has

If Duterte fails, we all lose Duterte had a bad habit of overpromising, over-dramatizing and putting his foot in his mouth, but, by now, he has likely undergone a reality check. In fact, he has begun to scale down his bluster and to backtrack on some of his more dazzling campaign promises. At this point, I think we should grant him the benefit of faith in his sincerity and his determination to do a good job. We should also be prepared to concede his limitations. One cannot help recalling what the late comedian, Dolphy, said when asked why he didn’t want to run for president. Was it because he was afraid that he would lose? No, he was afraid that he would win—and would then not know what to do. This is not to compare Duterte, as president, with the capabilities of Dolphy as a comedian. As a hands-on mayor of Davao City, Duterte is certainly better prepared to face the challenges of the presidency than Dolphy and, as we eventually found out, better, too, than Benigno S. Aquino III. And speaking of Duterte and Aquino, there appears to be a world of difference in the character of both men—as well as many similarities. Duterte has shown that he is prepared to accept responsibility for the consequences

of his actions and decisions. His classic boast is that he doesn’t care if he is impeached, as long as he believes he is doing his job. In contrast, Aquino bared a tendency to wash his hands and pass the blame on to others. Just as bad was his tendency to claim credit for policies and programs initiated by his predecessors. Where I think Duterte and Aquino are the same is in their bullheadedness and their twisted perception of right and wrong—and that doesn’t end with Duterte’s insistence on giving Ferdinand Marcos a hero’s burial. When a friend and former advertising client asked me to help in the presidential campaign of Noynoy Aquino, I told him that I was not impressed with the credentials of his candidate. I was assured that Aquino would have the support of the best advisers on every aspect of governance. I was also assured that, because of his heroic lineage, he would be the exact opposite of outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo whom the media had succeeded in portraying as the epitome of corruption. I could only argue that the best advisers in the world would not necessarily agree with each other and that, in a crunch, Aquino would have to make the hard decisions himself. But I allowed my-

Filipinos in Los Angeles also organized a rally outside the Chinese Consulate hailing The Hague’s ruling in favor of the Philippines . Photo courtesy of Art Garcia

repeatedly vowed to ignore the ruling, saying its armed forces would defend its sovereignty and maritime interests. After the ruling was announced, Cui Tiankai — Beijing’s Ambassador to the U.S. — said the tribunal’s decision denying China’s claims in the South China Sea will “intensify conflict and even confrontation,” as reported by Reuters. The Chinese ambassador, however, also said that Beijing remains committed to negotiations with other parties in disputes over the South Chi-

self to be persuaded and, in fact, lent my support. In retrospect, I believe that Aquino, as president, tried his best to live up to the high expectations of those who gave him a rousing mandate to lead the country. I believe that he himself tried his best to keep his promise of clean and honest governance by applying that vow to himself. But he had no control over the culture of corruption, incompetence and impunity that had become the norm – and still is the norm – in a transactional environment – an environment where mediocrity is acceptable and compromise is inevitable. I recall that, whenever the late President Cory Aquino was described to me as being nearsaintly in her honesty and integrity, I would draw an analogy with a housewife who kept herself meticulously dressed, coiffed and perfumed, but whose household was a mess and whose children were undisciplined. How could she be characterized as an ideal housewife? To her credit, Cory appeared to be aware of her personal limitations, as well as her mandate as a revolutionary head of state: to restore democracy to the country. She did that. And as soon as her term was over, she did not hesitate to step down. But I think she had a narrow perception of her mandate. She should not have left the country

na Sea waters that have some of the world’s most promising oil and gas fields and fishing areas. The Philippines’ newly sworn-in President Rodrigo Duterte had said that he was seeking a “soft landing” with China after the decision. ABS-CBN News reported that Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said he would seek negotiations with Beijing, mindful that the tribunal had no powers to enforce its decision. In response to the reaction of the Duterte administration to the UN tribunal ruling, Fil-Am community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis further said on Balitang America, “Para sa akin…We negotiate according to our constitution. We keep 60 percent, you [China] get 40 percent. If they don’t want to accept that, then they are a rogue state. Because it is very clear from the tribunal we have 100 percent ownership, but that doesn’t mean we cannot share 40 percent.” According to Balitang America Correspondent Don Tagala, the US Pinoys for Good Governance are amenable to President Duterte’s negotiation with China, but with pre-conditions. How do you think the Duterte administration should handle the negotiation with China? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

in a state that made it vulnerable to retrogression to its pre-People Power condition. But could she have done better? She had to cope with the “damaged culture” that American journalist James Fallows wrote about. The same culture that Noynoy Aquino had to deal and compromise with. And the very same one that Duterte must confront. In this regard, Duterte’s attitude appears to be different. He is aware of the damaged culture and appears intent on repairing it, even if it means doing it over the dead bodies of those who would stand in the way. The 16 million-plus who voted him into office should be cheering him on, except for the fact that many of them have been part of the root cause of that damaged culture. That includes Duterte, too. For instance, by tolerating the crimes of the NPA in his jurisdiction as mayor, in the name of ridding his city of the more traditional crimes, he bared the kind of weakness that has bedeviled president after president in our hapless country. Compromise. And yet compromise is the bitter pill demanded by politics. Regardless of any Utopian promises that Duterte has made, in the privacy of his presidential quarters, when all of his Solomonic advisers are asleep, he will have to accept the fact that solving one problem of nationhood may require tolerating another problem.

There are other realities that Duterte has to deal with. During the Marcos regime, Imee Marcos aptly described Malacañang as a snake pit. It still is. Who among Duterte’s closest confidants are among the snakes? He will soon find out. One thing is certain – in dealing with the CPP-NPA, he will be dealing with scorpions. The other reality is that, reforming a country is like trying to scale the steep face of a mountain. For his cabinet officials and other appointees, it will be challenging, exciting and inspiring at the outset. But soon, some will begin to tire and fall off. Others will seek short-cuts. Duterte himself, if he manages to maintain his zeal, will soon realize that he has fewer and fewer support. Msgr. Juan Hervas, moving spirit of the Cursillo, pointed out that every organization or movement eventually has to depend on a few hardy souls to keep it alive. He described them as martyrs. Duterte will find that out before his term ends. Unfortunately, he may also realize that the martyrs left to scale the mountain with him are Jose Maria Sison and the CPP-NPA. If we don’t want that to happen, then we must be willing to scale the mountain with Duterte and help him succeed. Truman was wrong. The buck does not stop with the president. If Duterte fails, we all lose. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern lifornia Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern lifornia, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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All boxed up: Things you need to know about the balikbayan box By Malou liwanag-Bledsoe AJPress

IT could be because of colonial mentality that overseas Filipinos are just as excited to fill up and send a balikbayan box home as those receiving it back in the Philippines. “Balikbayan” means returning to one’s country, and I guess sending balikbayan box is the Filipino way of staying connected to friends and families back home. It’s the simple tradition of giving pasalubongs—gifts—only that it has been raised to unprecedented levels because of the sheer number of Filipinos now live and/or work overseas. In the early days, only the very rich can go abroad. Today, there is an estimated 10 million Filipinos abroad due to their migration to the United States, Canada and Australia, and the demand for OFWs all over the What not to send Senders should keep in mind that since the shipping of a balikbayan box is consolidated, it means that one prohibited item caught will affect ALL the packages inside the container. In the past, a lot of individuals have abused the tax-free privilege by smuggling commercial items or contrabands. For this reason, cargo companies, as well as US and Philippine Customs offices always inform

senders not to send the following prohibited items: • Alcohol/alcoholic drinks • Automobile/motorcycle, parts or whole • Ceramic tableware • Cultural artifacts and pottery • Defense articles or items with military or proliferation applications • Products containing dog or cat fur, as well as animal hide • Drug paraphernalia (unless prescribed for medical

Automobiles and motorcycles parts are prohibited inside a balikbayan box.

conditions) • Firearms, explosives (including parts) • Cheese, Meat, fruits and vegetables (unless canned) • Pets, plants, seeds, soil • Used clothing of commercial quantity (ukay-ukay or in bales) • Pornographic materials • Fluids and perishable food items *Please check with your trusted balikbayan cargo company for other items that may not be on the list. The Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) In May of this year, former president Benigno Aquino III signed into law the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) or Republic Act 10863 in response to the growing concern of overseas Filipinos about the continued corruption and additional taxes and duties being planned by the Bureau of Customs on all balikbayan boxes. Prior to signing R.A 10863, the existing law was outdated because PAGE B4

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Top 5 things overseas Filipinos send back to the Philippines AS of 2014, there were around 10.5 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), a number that is only increasing. Many Filipinos living abroad ship their families back home balikbayan boxes, large cardboard boxes filled with items from the foreign country that the sender believes the recipients would enjoy. There are many things overseas Filipinos are allowed to put in their balikbayan box, but there are a number of favorites and staple items that they include. Though there are no statistics available on what Filipinos send back home, here are five things commonly found in balikbayan boxes: (1) Food Non-perishable goods are particularly on top of the list, particularly canned goods like spam, corned beef, and Vienna sausages for the reason that they can last the long journey home. Biscuits and chocolates are also sent, for the same reason that they contain preservatives that would avoid spoilage. One thing to note, though, that not many know that coffee —decaf or not, instant or for brewing — is prohibited. (2) Clothes and shoes Filipinos back home are somewhat inclined to US brand names, specifically shoes and clothes. American brands like Nike, Adidas, and Northface are some of the favorites. There is said to be a decline in sending clothing brands like Gap or Old Navy for the reason that most of these products are now mostly manufactured in Asia. Shoes, although a number of brands are already made in China, are still in demand. On average, a pair of shoes may be slightly cheaper in the United States. Also, Filipinos abroad tend to have access to better quality clothing and shoes and can obtain them more easily at less cost than in the Philippines, especially when they buy them at outlet stores. Plus, they make great gifts for relatives. (3) Personal and hygiene products Personal and hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, cologne and even perfume are also sent home.

Soap and hair products aren’t very expensive in the Philippines, but most people rarely buy imported brands. Although these are not restricted items, many cargo companies do not encourage their clients to send bottled liquids as they may break and leak, causing to damage not only to the other items where they are packed into, but also to other boxes as well. This is why that they remind Filipinos to make sure liquids are sealed tightly, so they don’t spill in transit. Bottles can be placed in resealable bags or wrapped around the opening with tape to ensure they do not leak. For bottles made of fragile material like glass, cover them with bubble wrap. (4) Toys Like shoes and clothes, most toys i n t h e U S a re made in China. Still, young children enjoy seeing new toys when they open a balikbayan box. Be sure not to send toy guns though, for they will be confiscated by customs. (5) Electronics Electronics like TVs, computers, cameras and game consoles are sent by overseas Filipinos to their families in the Philippines, as these tend to be cheaper in the US and have a wider selection. Although it is not advisable to send electronic items such as big screen TVs, laptops or desk top computers; balikbayans or returning Filipinos who wish to retire in the homeland try to ship these items. The good news is that just last May, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) was signed by former President Benigno Aquino III, increasing the tax-exempt value of items sent by overseas Filipinos from P10,000 to P150,000. Furthermore, Filipinos who have stayed in a foreign country for at least 10 years and are returning to the Philippines, will also be granted a tax exemption for the personal and household effects, not exceeding P350,000. As always, cargo companies remind their clients to carefully pack fragile items, declare their cargo truthfully in their packing list and to consider paying additional insurance to cover any damages that may happen while in transit. (AJPress)

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Your next best destination: the PhiliPPines These places less traveled are yet to be discovered By Joseph

Almer pedrAJAs AJPress

WITH over 7,100 distinctly beautiful islands, the Philippines has a huge variety of breathtaking destinations to offer. Whether you are a history geek, beach bum, adventure seeker or travel hardcore, you’ve got everything. The country harbors a multitude of attractions that will make you feel like you’re in paradise. Here are the top 5 less traveled, yet jaw-dropping destinations to unleash the best out of your trip.

5. Sagada: Surviving the ridges of the Mountain Province

Location: Sagada, Mountain Province, CAR

and dispose of it properly. • Avoid bringing outside food. The locals serve food with love. They do it the best they can. There are some restaurants that charge food and drinks if taken from the outside. • Pack lightly and wear comfortable clothes for trekking, hiking, spelunking and walking.

4. Sarangani: Deafening serenity Location: Sarangani Province

Sagada

Photo by Raphael John Oriel

The town of Sagada is one of the most adventurous destinations in the Philippines. Located behind the mountains of the Cordillera Region, Sagada can be reached by bus and takes roughly 12 hours to get there from Manila because of the bumpy and, literally, cliff-hanging roads. Sagada is perfect for adventure seekers. It offers the Sumaguing and Lumiang Cave connection, which gives guests an adrenaline rush. Brimmed with slippery rocks, ragged surface, bats’ feces, and minor cliffs, the caves are perfect for risk takers. However, if you are not into too much adventure, you can take an hour trek to Bomod-Ok Falls. Other options are the Hanging Coffins, a traditional way of the locals to bury the deceased, Echo Valley, watching Sagada weavers, Lake Danum, and witnessing the sunrise and sea of clouds in Kiltepan Peak. To restore your energy, the locals also offer their famous pinikpikan, arabica coffee, yogurt and lemon pie that are perfect for the near freezing temperature. Lately, many tourists (foreign and local) have been going to Sagada since the location has been featured more in television shows and movies. However, the difficulty of getting there still has kept the area less crowded compared to other tourist spots. How to get there: Option 1 — Direct bus ride to Sagada at Coda Lines Terminal in Quezon City. The ticket cost is P720/$17. Option 2 — You can take a side trip to Banaue before going to Sagada by bus via Ohayami Bus in Manila. Ticket from Manila to Banaue is about P450/$11. Upon arriving in Banaue, take passenger jeep bound for Bontoc then transfer to another for Sagada. There are also commuter vans available in Banaue bound for Sagada. The fare is about P200/$5. Option 3 — Coming from Baguio City, take a bus bound for Sagada at Dangwa Terminal Station near St. Mary’s Church. Buses start to depart by 5 pm.

Sarangani is one of the south’s best-kept secrets and more and more people are discovering other lovely features of the province aside from its pretty beaches. Sarangani is unlike anything you have visited before, yet it has everything to love — beyond and above your usual getaway. Philstar.com photo

Often ignored, the province of Sarangani boasts natural tourist attractions that can be at par with Palawan in the battle of the Philippines’ most preserved sanctuaries. Beaches, falls, diving spots and corals are abundant in the area. The serenity of the place is one of the reasons why tourists flock to the area. You can find the Small Boracay of the South at Gumasa Beach, Glan; while scuba diving in Maasim, Tino Reef is satisfying as the locals are working hard to preserve and protect the marine life. You could also meet the endangered pawikans, and enjoy other activities such as food trips, museum visits, paragliding and ziplining. How to get there: From Manila, take a flight bound for General Santos City. There, you can ride a van that will take you to Sarangani. Airfare costs around P6,000–P8,000/$143-$190.

Tips: • Respect the culture by refraining from making insensitive comments about the natives’ rituals or traditions. • Keep the environment safe and clean. Don’t leave trash

Tips: • Pack clothes and necessities for swimming and walking around, such as comfortable, cool clothes, sunblock and sandals/slippers. Don’t forget to bring a camera to take pictures of the beautiful sights! • Sarangani is one of the Philippines’ preserved paradises, so maintain cleanliness by leaving no trash behind and keeping the endangered sea turtles safe.

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Photo by Carlo Delantar

3. Siargao Island: Playing with crystal-clear waters of Mindanao Location: Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte Off the coast of Surigao del Norte is the island of Siargao, home of world-class waves that surfers from around the world visit. Unlike La Union in Luzon, Siargao is less visited because of its almost secluded location. Siargao produces huge waves that will make your heart beat, while its white sand beaches also add to the island’s beauty. However, if you are not into surfing, there are still other things you can do. Other activities to do in its three main islands are kayaking, diving, fishing, bird watching, swimming, spelunking, star gazing and sports. How to get there: Option 1 — Getting to Surigao City, the capital of Surigao del Norte, is the jump-off point to Siargao Islands if you are coming from Manila. Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific Airlines have daily flights to this city. A roundtrip flight is about P7,000-P8,000/$167-$190. In Surigao, catch a multi-cab or tricycle bound for Dapa Port (P250/$), to Dapa Port of Siargao dock. At Dapa Port, hire a tricycle or habal-habal to take you to General Luna. From there, you can find many people to assist you. Option 2 — Siargao has its own airport and the easiest way is to fly direct. However, only Cebu Pacific flies there and the fares may be costly. From the airport, you will still need to go to General Luna, which is a 45-minute van ride. Tips: • Siargao has ATM machines at Dapa Port. • Major mobile phone service providers deliver strong signals. • The Best time to go is from July to November

2. Leyte: Home of the most beautiful sandbars Location: Leyte, Eastern Visayas The resiliency of the province of Leyte and its people is the reason why you should visit this commonly underrated destination. You will be amazed by how God protected the place after Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), as well as how the people bounced back from the destruction. The Leyte Landing Memorial, or MacArthur Park located in Palo, is one of the must-visit destinations. The memorial sculpture represents an important piece of Philippine history when General Douglas MacArthur came back to our shores to win our fight against the Japanese in WWII. One can walk on 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge that connects Samar and Leyte and enjoy the picturesque islands and islets of the Philippine archipelago. There three stunning lakes in Ormoc — Kasudkuran, Janagdan and Danao —which are perfect for kayaking and swimming. PAGE B5

There is no problem that coffee, ice, cream and sweetness can’t solve.

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Fil-Am news producer wins Emmy Cruising through history, culture and grandeur: My first Mediterranean cruise by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

Working as a producer for a daily broadcast news team requires attention to detail, organizational skill and the ability to adapt to unpredictable circumstances. So when the San Bernardino attack happened on the morning of Dec. 2, 2015, Anthony Leong, a Fil-Am news producer for the Bay Area’s nBC station knTV, knew he had to act quickly and utilize everything he has learned working as a local news producer for the past 10 years. And that he did. Along with his diligent production team, Leong won a northern California Emmy Award for their 24-hour continuous coverage of on the San Bernardino attack. The Emmy Award-winning team included executive producer Dan Pyryt; producers Alison Holeyman, Eric rich and Leong; anchors raj Mathai and Janelle Wang; reporters Peggy Bunker and Cheryl Hurd; photojournalists robert Beasom and Mykie Vang and assignment editor gonzalo rojas. Upon learning of the attack, the team had decided by noon whom to send and by that afternoon, sent their own reporters from the Bay Area to San Bernardino. By the time Leong’s 6 p.m. newscast was set for broadcast, the nBC Bay Area team was able to gather their own information and report their own stories. “When you cover a story as big as this, you can’t just look at how you can cover it for one hour, you have to see how to cover it for the next 24 hours,” Leong, 33, told the Asian Journal. Leong said that covering the attack held a lot of significance to the team because of the proximity of the attacks to their home base. “Attacks like this don’t happen very often, thank god. This was a big story for us because it’s so

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close to home and because so many people here in the Bay Area know exactly where San Bernardino is,” Leong said, adding that the connection between the Bay Area and the LA area prompted the station to send three separate crews to San Bernardino. After covering the initial shock of the attack, the station began producing the reaction stories. The team produced “reality Check” stories, which investigated the perpetrators’ backgrounds and provided in-depth analysis on the attack itself. Leong was also a part of the news team that was nominated for breaking news coverage of the massive Valley Fire that consumed large portions of Lake County and affected Sonoma and napa counties in September 2015. knTV covered the second fire that broke out and had crews broadcast live from the fire line. While fires frequent the local news cycle in California, Leong said the Valley Fire was an entirely different animal. “Fires aren’t easy to cover, but you know what to do. But this wasn’t in the playbook or anything like we’ve done before,” said Leong. With 10 years of experience in of producing news, it isn’t a surprise that the seasoned news producer is receiving praise for his work. But broadcast journalism wasn’t always Leong’s the dream. Leong, who is half-Filipino and half-Chinese, knew he wanted to work in television but didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do. The Eagle rock and Burbank native studied at California State University, northridge where he majored in television production. He then landed an internship at ABC/7 in Burbank during his senior year, which helped in establishing his place in the news industry. “That’s when i fell in love with it,”

By Monet

Fil-Am news producer Anthony Leong with his Emmy.

Leong said, who took up a minor in journalism shortly after realizing he wanted to work in news. The internship experience helped him get his first producing job at a kESQ, the local CBS station in Palm Springs’. He then spent three years as a news producer in Portland, oregon. in late 2013, Leong started working as a news producer for nBC Bay Area. “i love what i do and whenever i get asked why i like it, i say it’s the one job i’ve ever had that lets me watch television and go on the internet all day long,” Leong quipped. After a decade ten years of news producing, Leong doesn’t see himself slowing down anytime soon. A newsman at heart, he remarked at on the fast-paced world of daily broadcast journalism. Although he does little writing now, he leads a team of writers and producers under him that produce the scripts, which he then copyedits before broadcast. As one of the team’s producers, he makes major editorial decisions on news stories, pitches and develops stories and marshalls breaking news. The next natural step in his career, Leong said, would to become an executive producer of news. “There’s no other job where people are so well-informed and know what’s going on, and it blows my mind,” Leong said. “it’s never been the most high-paying job, but it’s always been the most interesting job i can ever think about. You start at square one everyday. Whatever you did yesterday, you can’t rest on your laurels.”

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HAVE you ever been in one of those cruises that just took your breath away? if not, i highly encourage you to try it at least once in your life. i promise you’ll never regret it. i wasn’t as enthusiastic as i am now when my dear friend, Dr. Lorraine Diego asked me to join her and her parents, ray and nora, to go on a cruise. Don’t get me wrong — i am not hard to please. of course, i love the idea of sailing to some of the world’s great cities, meeting different people and feasting to your hearts content. i just didn’t have any expectations – yet – because i haven’t been in one. All of that changed when two weeks ago i had one of the most unforgettable trips in my life (Thank you, Lorraine!). So off i went with no expectations. The package was a Mediterranean 7- day cruise through Spain, italy and France. Since it was my first time, i couldn’t remember ever feeling so excited and nervous at the same time. our port of embarkation was in Barcelona where we spent the first night. There, we boarded the norwegian epic and before i knew it, we were sailing towards rome. We met with our friends, Junior Catindig and gilbert, who gave

us a tour around the city. our first stop was the Colosseum. Voted as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum is just breathtaking. The vibe takes you back to the roman Empire and you hear echoes of ancient gladiators fighting. This great amphitheater was built to give favors to successful legionnaires and to celebrate the glory of the roman Empire. its design concept still stands to this very day. A shout out to those who want to explore rome: this should be in your bucket list. We also went to St. Peter’s Basilica and i was awed by its

grandeur and magnificence. The Basilica overlooks St. Peter’s Square, which was designed by Bernini in the 17th century. After our jaws dropped over the cathedrals, we had to stop by the Trevi Fountain (3rd to the left in photo) where Lorraine and i tossed coins as we wished upon this infamous fountain. By the way, we also met a lot of Filipinos in the places we visited. Most of them live and worked there for many years. As always, it’s a wonderful experience reconnecting with our kababayans in different parts of the world. PAGE B6

All boxed up: Things you need to... PAGE B1 it was still following the 1987 taxexempt value of only up to P10,000 (about $200). Many lawmakers feel that it would be unfair to tax overseas Filipinos since the amount has not been adjusted according to inflation and increasing commodity rates. With the new law in place, Filipinos can now send up to three P150,000-worth (about $3,500) of tax- and duty-free balikbayan boxes in a year, given that the goods are not in commercial quantities nor intended for barter, sale or for hire. on top of the tax- and duty-free

balikbayan boxes, Filipinos, who have stayed in a foreign country for at least 10 years and are returning to the Philippines, will also be granted tax exemption for the personal and household effects, not exceeding P350,000, they will be bringing with them when they return to the country. As for Filipinos who have lived overseas for at least five years, they would be entitled to tax- and duty-free personal and household effects amounting to P250,000, while those who have stayed abroad for less than five years could enjoy P150,000 tax-free ceiling.

FOR RENT

As someone who has been on both the sending and receiving side, i realized that the balikbayan box is more than a piece of corrugated box filled with clothes, canned goods and chocolates, or that whiff of the “stateside” scent — it is a symbol of the hard work, generosity and love for family. it’s true that our families back home could probably buy most of the items in the Philippines, but i believe it the anticipation of what’s coming to their doorstep and the idea that every item has been carefully chosen and packed is what makes them appreciate it more.

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Your Immigration Solution atty. Devin Connolly & nanCy Miller A non-citizen who is granted lawful resident status based on marriage will receive conditional permanent residence if the marriage on which the green card is based is less than two years old at the time the application is approved. conditional resident status is nearly identical to permanent resident status. the major distinction is that the conditional resident’s status is only granted for two years. it automatically expires on the second anniversary of the application’s approval. in order to prevent the automatic termination of status, the conditional resident and the petitioning spouse are required to file a joint petition in the 90day period preceding the second anniversary of the date the noncitizen became a conditional

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

resident. A joint petition requires the conditional resident and spouse to prove that their marriage is bonafide or real. this is not the same as legal. A marriage may be legal but not bona fide. Bonafide refers to a marriage between two people who had the intent to establish a life together when they entered the marriage. the opposite is a sham marriage, which is entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit. the former is valid. the latter is not. the U.S. citizenship and immigration Service (USciS) will obviously only remove the conditions on a person’s residency when that person has sufficiently demonstrated they are in a bonafide marriage. the conditional resident and spouse must therefore provide sufficient documentation to support their claim that their marriage was bonafide. the joint petition must also prove that the parties are still living together as a married couple.

it is a sad reality that marriages sometimes end before they reach their second anniversary. in some cases, the marriages end due to the death of a spouse. in other instances, they end due to irreconcilable differences between the parties. in both cases, joint petitions are no longer possible. thankfully, the USciS allows the conditional resident to request a waiver of the joint filing requirement. the immigration and nationality Act permits requests for waivers to be granted in the following situations: (1) the marriage was entered into in good faith but the qualifying marriage has been terminated; (2) the non-citizen will suffer extreme hardship if removed to their native country; and (3) the marriage was entered into good faith but the non-citizen was subject to battery or extreme cruelty during the marriage. A good faith waiver requires the conditional resident to demonstrate that the marriage was

-Tiger Woods

(Part 1 of 2)

his own home before taking off from a nearby airport, leaving his second wife and daughter homeless and to pick up the pieces in tears. He had a massive bone to pick with the taxman. And who has not heard of tiger Woods’ blazing fall from grace? Amy Bishop felt entitled. So did Joe Stack. tiger Woods himself admitted, “i felt that i had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. i felt i was entitled…” Let’s go over the stories. Amy Bishop, who was perceived as a brilliant inventor and scientist but a social oddball strongly, obsessively felt entitled to be given tenure at UAH. She had a secret, troubled past beginning with the death of her own 18 year old brother whom she shot in the heart 24 years ago with a shotgun, a case that was ruled accidental in Braintree, Massachusetts. Well past the statute of limitation, that case was never logged in the national database because she was never charged in that incident. in hindsight police officials now believe there was probable cause to charge her for what she did after the incident when she held a man at gunpoint in a nearby dealership demanding a get-away car and holding officers in a stand-off. there are talks that because her mother, who had some clout, intervened and that there were some slip-ups in the chain of command, Bishop was effectively exonerated and nothing more was heard of this case until now. this important piece of information could have prevented the

Health@Heart

Gluten, junk foods, etc.

What is gluten? Gluten is protein substance found in cereal grains, barley, rye, and triticale, especially wheat, which is responsible for the elastic texture of dough, an ingredient that “glues” the dough together. it is actually a mixture of two proteins, gliadin and glutenin. Gluten causes illnesses in persons with celiac disease. What is celiac disease? this is a lifelong autoimmune genetic disorder where the small intestine is hypersensitive to gluten, causing problems in digesting food. the two main genes affected are HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8. one in 133 Americans has celiac disease. About 30% to 40% of Americans have one or both genes, but not everyone with the genes develop celiac disease, and about 1-2 percent of them do not have either of those two genes either. First degree family members usually have circulating antibodies characteristic of celiac disease. What does gluten do? Among these patients, the reaction triggered by gluten (which is metabolized to phytic acid) causes inflammation and damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in weight loss, bloating, and diarrhea anemia, malnutrition, adversely affecting all organs, including the brain, liver and kidneys. Among children, this condition affects growth and development. there is no cure for this disorder. Strict abstinence from gluten is the only treatment for celiac disease. are there gluten-free grains? Some natural gluten-free grains

not entered into solely for immigration benefits. Rather, they must prove that they entered into the marriage with the intention of creating a life together with their ex-spouse. An alien is not eligible for the waiver until the marriage is legally terminated. Separation is not enough. the divorce must be final. While waivers of the joint petition do not have the same two year filing requirement, failure to file will open the non-citizen to the possibility of being placed in removal proceedings. However, being placed into proceedings does not preclude the possibility of seeking the good faith waiver. the process is more complicated but, certainly, do-able. An extreme hardship waiver requires the conditional resident to establish that they would suffer extreme hardship if deported from the U.S. the USciS will only consider hardship to the conditional resident that arose during the conditional status period. USciS assumes that returning home

will have difficulties. therefore, the conditional resident must show that the hardship would be beyond the norm. examples of hardship include separation of family members, inability to treat medical conditions in the home country, lack of employment opportunities, political unrest, repercussions of natural disasters and more. identifying the hardship is Step 1. Showing why the effect is extreme is the essential Step 2. Finally, a conditional resident may also request a waiver of the joint filing requirement based on the extreme cruelty they were subjected to by their spouse. extreme cruelty may, but does have to, refer to physical violence. Psychological and emotional abuse are also forms of extreme cruelty. emotional abuse can be very subtle. that makes it harder to prove. often, expert evaluations are helpful in this regard. We briefly mentioned the possibility of the marriage ending due to the death of the U.S. spouse.

the full extent of relief available to widows and widowers is beyond the scope of this article. Suffice it today to say that there is relief for non-citizens in this situation as well. Removing the conditions on a person’s residency is a difficult process. it becomes ever more challenging when a request for a waiver is required. conditional residents should therefore consult knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorneys. *** Reeves, Miller, Zhang & Diza Law Corporation’s offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)

Tales of entitlement Nathan Adelson Hospice selected for Modern Healthcare’s ‘Best Places to Work’ for 2016 “…I felt that I had worked hard my entire life

SoMe stories are cautionary tales. if we approach our own lives with a smidgen of humility, stories do teach and show us the way. in 2010, these stories illustrated supreme ego and an overblown sense of personal entitlement. What do tiger, Amy and Joe have in common? Yup, you guessed it. All three of them felt entitled. Amy Bishop of Alabama gunned down a number of his colleagues. Joe Stack chose the murder suicide route. the last sad tale is that of the once-upon-a-time golf legend,tiger Woods. it looks like in the postcript to tiger’s tale, big, bad karma will have the last say on the remainder of his life story. on February 2010, Amy Bishop, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist killed 3 of her colleagues with a 9 mm gun in cold blood and wounded three others, in a faculty meeting in the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Bishop’s rampage may have been motivated by the fact that she was denied tenure and will have to look for work elsewhere by the end of the spring semester of that year. She is married with 4 kids and appears to be the sole family provider. With her action, she decimated half the Biology Department and two of the wounded, were hit in the head. She went target shooting at the range prior to this. the second story is that of the pilot Joe Stack who flew and rammed his small Piper cherokee plane in an iRS office that houses close to 200 iRS staff in Austin, texas, causing a huge explosion and a massive fire, killing himself and another person and injuring 2 others in the process. He torched

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

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Removing the conditions on your green card

and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled…”

Monette aDeva Maglaya

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 14-20, 2016

are brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, oats, sorghum, millet, buckwheat, corn (polenta), teff, and amaranth. today, there are many food items the have been prepared to make them gluten-free. the food label should state so. Why is gluten-free food popular? Besides people with celiac disease, many are opting for gluten-free diet (GFD), boosting the gluten-free food industry even greater, catapulting to 135 percent from 2013-2015 with sales up to $11.6 billion. celiac disease is also increasing globally. What are the hidden sources of gluten? the “stealth” gluten are found in processed food items, like artificial coffee creamer, imitation seafoods, malt and white vinegar, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, starch binders and fillers, garlic salt, mustard powder, onion salt, emulsifiers, flavoring, flavored tea and coffee, and soy sauce. those with celiac disease and those who opt to avoid gluten must avoid bread (almost all of them made with wheat), cakes, pasta, crackers, cookies, luncheon meats, gravies and sauces with flour, some preservatives, and all food made with wheat. the celiac Disease center at columbia University listed the following as safe foods: meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, rice, potatoes, lentils, and natural seeds and nuts, specially prepared breads, cakes, cookies, and gluten-free ready meals. Gluten-free food items are widely available today. Is gluten-free diet good for all of us? For those with celiac Disease, strict abstinence from gluten is standard treatment proven to be effective. Whether gluten is really toxic even for people without celiac disease is still an open

university from hiring her in the first place. Her husband, who appears delusional as she is, paints a pleasant picture of her as a mother and wife, in stark contrast from those who felt she was aloof and arrogant in her perceived superiority. She herself said she was arrogant because she is superior. She frequently mentioned Harvard in class and that she was a cousin of the author John irving who wrote “the cider House Rules” and “the World According to Garp.” Former neighbors in Massachusetts sighed in relief and held a pizza party when her family moved to Alabama. She and her husband had called the cops on their neighbors in excess of a dozen times over perceived slights to the point that the cops felt they could not do enough for them. She prevented the ice cream truck from coming to their street because her children were lactose intolerant. nor did she want her children to play with her neighborhood kids. Students at the UAH petitioned that she be removed from the classroom since she taught by reading from the textbook, didn’t make eye contact and was just plain ineffective in a classroom setting. there are other troubling incidents in her past life, such as, when she punched a woman at the local iHoP all because of a child booster seat while ranting profanities, raving and screaming, “i am Dr. Amy Bishop.” She and her husband were among those investigated but never charged in a mail bombing incident of ProfesPAGE B6

question. What are the side-effects of GFD? the columbia University group stated “there is no proven benefit of avoiding gluten, unless a person had cD or a wheat allergy…. avoiding gluten could mean a higher fat and calorie intake, because packaged GF goods often contain more fat and sugar than their conventional counterparts, potentially contributing to obesity and prediabetes…andavoiding gluten can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially of the B vitamins, folate, and iron, because GF products often lack fortification.” For those with cD or wheat sensitivity/allergy, the wisest and healthiest choice, albeit a bit more expensive, is a gluten-free diet. Before starting any diet or regimen, it is always best to discuss your plan with a physician. Junk foods can damage kidneys Junk foods and high fat diet, like improperly managed type 2 diabetes, can damage the kidneys, says a new study at the Anglia Ruskin University in United Kingdom. Persons with severely damaged kidneys usually require kidney dialysis, a cumbersome, uncomfortable, and expensive treatment, in order to survive. the increase in blood sugar levels among junk food and high-fat eaters is comparable to that seen in type 2 diabetes. that’s how serious the metabolic side-effects of junk food and high-fat diet are. this does not even include the fact that junk foods and high-fat diet also increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer, and cancer. hunger and behavior Why we care cranky, grouchy, impulsive when we are hungry has always eluded defined sciPAGE B6

LAS VeGAS—nathan Adelson Hospice, Southern nevada’s largest non-profit hospice, has been recognized nationally as one of the “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” for 2016. chosen by Modern Healthcare, a top national healthcare business news publication, nathan Adelson Hospice will be recognized at an awards gala on oct. 6 in new orleans. this is the fifth time the hospice has received this notable honor. the award is based upon results from an organizationwide employee engagement and Satisfaction Survey filled out by nathan Adelson Hospice employees, as well as employee comments from open-ended questions. Results of the survey were compared to national benchmarking data to identify award winners.

“Receiving this recognition for the fifth year is really remarkable and makes us proud we have achieved such great things in the workplace,” said nathan Adelson Hospice President and ceo carole Fisher. “We share our compassion with the community and continually remain committed to providing the highest quality care among our medical professionals, staff and volunteers.” Nathan adelson hospice nathan Adelson Hospice, the trusted partner in providing hospice care and palliative medicine for more than 35 years, is the largest non-profit hospice in Southern nevada, caring for an average of 400 hospice and palliative patients daily. in 1978, nathan Adelson Hospice began providing home care hospice service in Southern nevada with the mission to offer patients and their

loved ones with comprehensive end-of-life care and influence better care for all in the community. in 1983, nathan Adelson Hospice opened an in-patient hospice in Las Vegas, and today the hospice is recognized as a national model for superior hospice care. the mission of the hospice is to be the Hospice of choice, the employer of Preference and a training center of excellence. its vision is simple: no one should end the journey of life alone, afraid or in pain. the hospice also is home to the center for compassionate care, a non-profit counseling agency providing individual, group and family counseling services to address grief, loss and issues related to surviving life-threatening illnesses. For more information, visit www. nah.org.

Your next best destination...

PAGE B3 Aside from its history and bodies of water, you can climb eastern Visayas’ highest mountain, the Alto Peak. Another spot to visit is Kalanggaman island. its bird-like shape and thin sandbars will make you visualize that you are walking in the water. to wrap up your day at the beach, you can savor Leyte’s Binagol and Suman Moron delicacies. how to get there: option 1 — to get to ormoc, take a flight bound to cebu, then take the fast craft to ormoc city. Airfare may cost P4,000– P5,000/$95-$119. option 2 — You can also get there by flying to tacloban city and then take a two-hour car ride to ormoc city. Kalanggaman island: Fly to tacloban city and take a three-hour bus ride at tacloban new Bus terminal to Palompon. then ride a pump boat to Kalanggaman island. Tips: • Don’t forget to coordinate with the Palompon Ecotours Office to be more guided. • If you are not in a hurry, take the longer bus route to enjoy the scenery.

Kalanggaman Island

1. Batanes: Home away from home Location: Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan Valley Although the northernmost province in the Philippines, Batanes’ natural beauty, culture and people can still make you feel at home. comprised of 10 unpopulated islands (only three are habitable), the Batanes island group is proud of its virgin, infinitely green island. there are many things to do in Batanes that are in line with either nature or culture. You just have to choose which among the three

Batanes

islands to visit: Batan, Sabtang and itbayat. Meanwhile, the traditional ivatan houses will give you the experience of their culture. they are made up of limestone walls and cogon roofs, intended to strengthen the structure and protect it against possible earthquakes. the remarkable lion mane-like wigs are the trademarks of the ivatans. they call it Vakul, worn by farmers in the field. While the vests worn by men are named as

Photos by Christopher Glenn Tañega

Tip: • There are many hotels and lodgings to stay when in Batanes. Hotels may cost P1,200 ($29)/night and any other regular lodgings may P35–P600 (-$1-$14)/night. Kanayi, paired with talugong, or a hat (salakot in Filipino). how to get there: there is only one way to reach Batanes — by air. But there are at least three airlines that fly there and land in Basco Airport. Because of its location, airfare to Batanes can be expensive – from as low as P7,000/$167 to as high as P18,000/$429.

Photo by Potpot Pinili

Features

B july 14-20, 2016 • lAS VEGAS ASIAN jOuRNAl

The Do’s and Don’ts of treating food poisoning by Daniel W. Heller Pharm D. Smith’s Food & Drug Stores

SALMONeLLA. e Coli. Botulism. The dangers of food poisoning, otherwise known as food borne illness, remain a top concern for many patients who seek information and relief at the pharmacy, with some of the more serious, aforementioned outbreaks having had their fair share of news headlines over the years. Infections caused by food poisoning, both mild and severe, is a common problem affecting millions of people in the U.S. each year, so it’s good to review the “do’s and don’ts” of prevention and treatment. Food poisoning is caused by eating food that has been contaminated, from bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, and in some cases, allergens. Contamination can occur in a number of ways. Hand-to-mouth contamination, failing to wash your hands before touching and ingesting food, can cause an infection to enter the body. When you think about it, we touch several different surfaces throughout the day, any number of bacteria can be lying in wait. In the outdoors, plants, rocks and bodies of water can contain animal feces, which is another culprit that can lead to bowel infections. Placing food on a contaminated surface before ingesting, or cross contamination, is another common way that can cause infection to enter the body. DO correctly identify that you are suffering from a bout of food poisoning. The first step is to recognize the signs of food poisoning versus, say, a stomach flu or virus. Typically, a bout of food poisoning will come on quite suddenly, within a few hours, as opposed to the flu in which symptoms will gradually build over time and will involve the respiratory system with congestion and cough. Symptoms of food

PAGE B5

poisoning will include general malaise, upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, possibly fever, and abdominal pain. Dehydration is a key risk, with dry skin or cotton mouth, and will leave the sufferer confused and delirious if a severe case. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to the effects of food poisoning – both age groups have a low tolerance for dehydration and children sometimes lack proper hygiene. DON’T treat food poisoning symptoms with over the counter medication. Quite often people will visit the pharmacy in search of anti-diarrheal medicine that will quickly cure the diarrhea involved with poisoning. The wonderful thing about the human body is that it kicks into defensive mode when an infection is present, and will fight to rid it from its system. The unpleasant symptoms of food poisoning (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) is the body’s way of trying to expel the offending bacteria or virus. Over the counter medication can be helpful if you are not able to avoid a commitment (work, school, etc.), but I would recommend not taking medication if possible, as this tends to slow down the healing process by keeping the bacteria/ virus in us longer. A bout of food poisoning can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, and it’s best to just ride it out supportively and let the body naturally heal itself. DO stay hydrated and take something to control nausea, if necessary. With dehydration, vomiting or diarrhea, the body loses fluids quickly, but fluids are necessary in order to expel the infection, so make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Much needed electrolytes are also lost, so I recommend drinking products such as Pedialyte, which is gentle on the stomach and rich in electrolytes, making it ideal for both children and adults. electrolytes can be found in many different

products, but ultimately the fluid you drink will be most important. Nausea can be tough during the healing process, so I recommend Dramamine (Meclizine), an antihistamine commonly used to treat symptoms of motion sickness, but can successfully treat nausea and vomiting in these cases. DON’T reintroduce heavy foods after a bout of food poisoning. Your stomach has literally been put through the wringer suffering through an infection, so we want to be careful when reintroducing foods so not to create any further upset. Sugary or fatty foods, complex protein and meats, or foods heavy in starch will be difficult to consume and keep down. It is essential to avoid any dairy products in the beginning as well. With vomiting and diarrhea, the stomach loses enzymes that help digest lactose – without those enzymes present, dairy can bring about another round of upset, diarrhea and possibly vomiting. The BRAT diet is a bland-food diet that is often recommended for adults and children on the recovery side of food poisoning. Consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, the BRAT diet is gentle enough for easy consumption and will help restore energy. DO take preventative steps to minimize the chance of food poisoning. Proper food preparation is key in preventing food poisoning. Be very careful when preparing meats and eggs, always clean thoroughly and cook at recommend temperatures. Vegetables can cause food borne illness if not washed properly, as it can carry bacteria or disease from animal waste. Watch for cross contamination – wash hands thoroughly before preparing food, clean all cooking surfaces, and use clean cutlery. Daniel W. Heller, Pharm D., is Patient Care Coordinator for Smith’s Food & Drug Stores.

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Get the best price for your valuables at Nevada Coin Mart

WITH tons of places to choose from to bring your old jewelry, there’s only one place in Las Vegas that will pay the best amount for these valuables. At Nevada Coin Mart, customers can rest assured that they will be properly compensated for the precious stones and metals they bring in. Neil Sackmary, the owner of the store, is a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) with more than 20 years of experience in buying these items. “When it comes to myself, this is my passion. This is what I went to school for,” Sackmary said. GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones and pearls. It was established in 1931 and strives to protect the jewelry and gem buying public by setting quality standards worldwide. As a certified GIA specialist, Sackmary points out that simply because a business that purchases these stones has been around for decades, that does not make it an expert source. This is a particularly important fact for members of the Asian American community to note. “In the Asian community, people don’t buy cheap stones. They always spend really good money and when they do, they want to sell them for good money and they want someone who’s an expert. You don’t want to take it to someone who says they’re in the business for 35 years. That

Tales of entitlement

sor Paul Rosenberg of Harvard. It appears the professor was giving her a negative review of her postdoctoral work. That case remains unresolved. No one could have predicted that Amy Bishop’s very vocal ranting and internal raging over something she felt entitled to would result in tragedy. Her appeal for tenure was denied last October. Sadly, one of her victims, the Bi-

ology Department head, Dr. Gopi Podila, a well-liked academic who immigrated from India, and who supported her appeal for tenure and even dismissed the students’ petition against her, was the first Amy Bishop shot dead. The other 2 are Dr. Maria Ragland Davis and Dr. Adriel Johnson, all in their early fifties and by all accounts, great human beings. She fired repeatedly at her friend, Dr. Debra Moriarity despite her pleas for mercy

but the gun jammed and her friend lived to tell the gruesome details of the carnage. On April 2011, the Alabama Madison County District Attorney Robert Broussard said during a court proceeding that he would seek the death penalty for Amy Bishop. (Conclusion next week) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, email monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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does not make them an expert,” Sackmary said. Nevada Coin Mart purchases a wide variety of items, including coins, bullion, diamonds, jewelry, gold, silver and watches, at premium prices. At the shop, Sackmary has the latest technology, including a $9,000 diamond microscope and $30,000 X-ray spectrometer, which allows him to thoroughly examine how much the metals and stones customers bring in are worth. “Most people want to rip off customers because they don’t care. They look at them and say, ‘Well, if I can, I’ll take advantage. I’m never going to see you again’,” Sackmary said. That’s not what happens at Nevada Coin Mart. In one instance, Sackmary paid a customer $1,510 for two rings that were quoted for $150 at a competitor store. It’s because of its transparency and fairness to those who walk into Nevada Coin Mart that about 70 percent of its clients are repeat customers who come back for the value they receive for their items. The business takes it a step further by providing security

guards who are former police officers and 47 cameras to monitor the entire building. Visitors can also request to have a guard walk them in and out of the building free of charge. Sackmary and his wife have been in the business of buying jewelry and other metals for many years and have been online selling costume jewelry for about 15 years. They are also present every day the shop is open, which is located on the corner of Jones Boulevard and Flamingo Road. In addition to putting their customers’ interests first, the Sackmarys are active community members who have participated in charity event Operation FireHeAT and are founding sponsors for the Anthem Women’s Club. Nevada Coin Mart was established in 1971 and is licensed by Clark County to legally purchase jewelry from the general public. Nevada Coin Mart 4065 S Jones Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89103 Phone: (702) 776-7061 Hours: Monday through Sunday, 9am to 5 pm Advertising Supplement

Cruising through history, culture and... PAGE B4 We also visited Pompeii, which is a city in Rome that was buried under a thick carpet of volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. This volcano near the Bay of Naples in Italy has erupted more than 50 times. Then we sailed off to Florence, Italy on our fourth day. It is one of the most beautiful provinces we’ve been to. It was very cosmopolitan but still preserving the old world look. There are designer stores and fabulous restaurants everywhere, and the whole place is just nostalgically magnificent. And since we were in Italy, we didn’t pass up the chance to check out the Leaning Tower of Pisa. History tells us that it was constructed in 1173 but was interrupted due to subsidence, which is the reason it is “leaning.” The following day, we sailed to Cannes in France – very chic and sophisticated. Then we were off to Marseilles the next day. Our last stop was back to Barcelona where I saw the beauty of Spain when I gazed at at the awe-inspiring spires of Gaudi’s

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Fax résumé to:

Neil Sackmary

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It is, hands down, the most beautiful and enchanting church I have ever laid my eyes on. It was stated that the Sagrada Família Basilica has entered its final stage of construction, over 100 years since its foundation stone was laid and 90 years after its designer, Antoni Gaudi died. Six new towers will be added to complete the work. The tallest of the six spires, the Tower of Jesus Christ will measure over 172 meters and make the Sagrada Família the tallest religious building in europe. Chief architect Jordi Fauli said the structure is on track to complete in 2026 to coincide with the centenary of Gaudi’s death. Last but not the least, we visited the Montserrat church. “Montserrat” literally means, “saw (serrated, like the common hand saw) mountain” in Catalan. It describes its peculiar aspect with multitude of rock formations that are visible from a great distance. Montserrat is Spain’s first National Park. Overall, the experience left me yearning for more. I love that I’ve learned a lot about the cities we’ve

been to. I must say, this trip has awakened my newly discovered fascination of Roman history. I was also glad to have met a lot – or should I say – majority of the ships’ crew who are Filipinos. About seventy-five percent of them are Pinoys and Pinays; from waiters to chefs, stewards, officers, even performers. What can I say, Filpinos are amazing people and they are literally everywhere! All of these memories and awesome experience I will carry with me forever. All thanks to Lorraine, her parents and to our friends who joined us. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Gluten, junk foods, etc.

entific explanation. Studies at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, has finally pinpointed a hormone, Ghrelin, that is secreted in the gastrointestinal tract that acts on the hypothalamus of the brain to induce the feeling of hunger. When we are hungry, ghrelin is produced which interferes with our behavior, rationality and decision-making. This hormone transmits a message to our brain and our brain gives us the hunger sensation telling us its time to eat. If neglected, the hunger leads to more ghrelin which aggravates the adverse effects on our personality. Once the stomach is filled, secretion of ghrelin stops. People with discipline and self-control are less affected by the ghrelin hormone and could sustain hunger longer with composure.

Deep brain stimulation There are about 10 million people with Parkinson’s Disease worldwide. One million Americans live with this neurological diseases, mostly treated with medications. Available today is a minimally invasive procedure, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) even for advanced Parkinson’s, done under local anesthesia, which implants a small battery under the skin below the collar bone and places electrodes in specific areas of the brain to block abnormal brain circuitry seen in patients with Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, or tremors. My son-in-law, Dr. Jeremy Greenlee, Associate Professor and Director of Residency Program in Neurosurgery at the University of Iowa, who was on the list of America’s Best Doctor 2013, is the only neurosurgeon who does DBS in Iowa. He reported great success with DBS, which, unlike

pallidotomy and thalamotomy, does not destroy brain cells. The battery lasts for about 3 to 5 years, depending on the setting and usage, before it needs replacement. The health insurance usually covers this $30,000 to $50,000 surgery. The control of the symptoms is simply amazing, providing a vast improvement in the quality of life (physical, social and emotional) for the patients and their families. *** 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

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 14-20, 2016

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