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Volume 28 - No. 28 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
J U LY 2 0 - 2 6 , 2 0 1 7
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US Congress to conduct hearing on PH’s drug war by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
THE Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the United States House of Representatives is conducting an inquiry into Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial campaign against illegal drugs on Thursday, July 20. Citing figures from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Commission emphasized the reported 7,025 drug-related killings since he assumed presidency in July 1 last year until January 21 of this year. Duterte’s campaign to eradiSen. Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is cate drug problem in the Philipthanked by Ellecer Carlos (right), visiting spokesman of I-Defend PH coalition, for sponsoring S. 1055 the Philippine Human Rights Accountability and Counternarcotics Act, during their pines is among his major elecmeet and greet last June 26 at the Hart Senate Office Building.
USA
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Photo by Eric Lachica
PRESIDENT DUTERTE TELLS FIL-AM TOURISTS:
DATELINE Be ‘ambassadors,’ Investigators seek share govt’s progress man who gunned down wife of Filipino man FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AJPress
Authorities announce $20,000 award for information about suspect
ON Friday, June 2, a 45-year-old motel clerk was fatally shot during an attempted robbery in Monterey Park, according to local authorities. Xiuxia “Michelle” Chen was working the front desk of Ambassador Inn on 2720 Valley Blvd. when a masked man entered at 11 p.m. on June 2. He entered the motel pointing a handgun at her and demanding cash. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said that the man reached over the counter and shot the wife and mother of two once in the chest before running away from the scene. At a press conference held at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau office in Monterey Park on Tuesday, July 10, the sheriff’s department released new surveillance video and audio of the incident,
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US envoy says PH gov’t remains committed to alliance THE Philippine government remains ‘committed’ to its long-standing alliance with the United States. Despite Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s previous antagonistic statements against Washington, U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim reiterated the country’s commitment to its longstanding ally in a recent interview. “My sense is that the Philippines’ government, starting with President Duterte, remains committed to the relationship. There’s mutual respect for the relationship and mutual appreciation for the importance of the relationship,” Kim told ANC. Duterte has been constantly lashing out against the U.S. government for its supposed interference with Philippine affairs, particu-
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DAVAO CITY — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte addressed about 200 Filipino-American visitors in this city on Friday, July 14, urging them to be “ambassadors” bearing the message of change under his administration. Despite various travel advisories and the recent pronouncement of martial law in Mindanao, Fil-Ams from across the United States came to the Philippines this week for the 11th Ambassadors’ Tour, which highlighted attractions in Manila and Davao. “May you become Filipino ambassadors who shall carry a fresh perspective of the new and improved Philippines when you go back to the United States,” Duterte said during the dinner reception held at the SMX Convention Center. The six-day Ambassadors’ Tour — which was organized by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Promotions Board, and Rajah Tours — brought Fil-Ams from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York,
NO TO MARTIAL LAW EXTENSION. Members of militant groups hold a rally in Mendiola, Manila to condemn President Rodrigo Duterte’s move to extend martial law in Mindanao until December. President Duterte has asked both chambers of Congress to convene and tackle the extension of martial law on Saturday, July 22. His May 23 declaration under Proclamation 216, which ends on July 22, was upheld by the Supreme Court in a majority vote. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
‘WE WANT TO GO HOME’
Marawi residents say no to Duterte’s martial law extension in Mindanao by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
FOR the affected Marawi residents, extending martial law means extending their adversities of being away from home. Thousands of Marawi residents had to stay in evacuation camps since the Maute extremist group launched an attack on the city two months ago, which prompted Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to impose military rule in the entire Mindanao under his Proclamation No. 216. Earlier this week, Duterte requested Congress to extend the proclamation until the end of the year, saying that the “existing rebellion in Mindanao” will “not be quelled completely” by its legal expiration on July 22. “It’s difficult on our part. We FOOD RELIEF. An elderly woman receives food package and floor mat from a Philippine National cannot go to Marawi anymore,” Police (PNP) personnel who is assisting members of Cotabato City-based Al Balagh Foundation in
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the distribution of relief goods donated by Qatar government at the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol in Marawi City. PNA photo by Talha Mangayao
EU delegation in PH to check human rights situation CA junks $2-billion claim of Marcos human rights victims by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
TWELVE lawmakers from the European Union (EU) are in the Philippines to check the “political and human rights” situation in the country. Soraya Post, the EU delegation head, called their visit a “fact-sharing mission.” “We are very interested in the development of the situation of human rights in the Philippines. So we would like to have a meeting with different stakeholders in the Philippines,” Post told reporters on Tuesday, July 18. She cited the reported killings linked to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial crackdown on narcotics, as well as his administration’s bid to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 9 years old. “So we want to speak about this, to discuss the development of the
by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
Representatives from the European Parliament visit Senator Leila de Lima in detention. Photo from de Lima’s office
Philippines. But we wish also all the Philippines, the cities of the Philippines, good luck,” the lawmaker said. She went on to say, “It is our concern, it is the Filipinos’ concern, it’s the whole world’s concern. We
live in a global society, so we have to share responsibility with what’s happening around the world.” Later on the same day, the delegation also visited Senator Leila de Lima in her detention cell at
#ELEBRATING 9EARS
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THE Court of Appeals (CA) has junked the petition of a group seeking the enforcement of a 1995 United States district court decision awarding the supposed human rights victims during the term of late strongman Ferdinand Marcos of about $2 billion worth of compensation. In its July 7 decision, the CA’s 12th Division upheld the earlier decision of Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) which dismissed the case seeking the enforcement of the foreign ruling. The petition was filed by a group led by retired Judge Priscilla Mijares, Former Human Rights Commission Chairman Loreta Ann Rosales, movie director Joel Lamangan, Hilda Narciso, and Mariano Dimaranan. The CA decision, penned by Associate Justice Normandie Pizarro, affirmed the RTC’s decision
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Be ‘ambassadors,’ share govt’s... PAGE A1
Washington DC, Chicago, Hawaii, and Guam to the country. Boasting the strides Davao City has made to shed its former murder capital label, Duterte told the visitors who experienced the city first-hand that he has intended to bring similar policies on a nationwide scale. It was a “no brainer” to have the president’s hometown as
the host venue for this year’s Ambassadors’ Tour, Philippine Consul General in New York Ma. Theresa Dizon-de Vega said earlier this week, because “it is one of the premier cities in Asia” and to show the tourists “what a safe, clean, comfortable, and most of all, welcoming province Davao is.” The DOT is confident that it can continue to draw in foreign-
From The FronT Page
ers and break the 5.9 million visitor total from last year. In the first quarter of 2017, a record number of 1.7 million visitors came to the country, DOT Undersecretary Kat de Castro said on Friday. As of May, the arrivals have reached 2.8 million. “We at the Department of Tourism believe that this a clear indication that the Philippines remains to be a safe haven for residents and visitors alike,” she said. After his prepared speech, Duterte proceeded to address the audience for roughly an hour, overviewing his first year in office, including the war on drugs, the Marawi City crisis, and corruption in government. Referencing international news reports about the deaths associated with the Philippines’ crackdown on drugs, the president said he does “not enjoy the extrajudicial killing term.” “I do not relish killing people,” he declared, explaining that his threats to kill criminals have been misconstrued as actual actions. Duterte, who gained popularity during the election last year for his hardline rhetoric against crime, added, “Find me a law — wherever you come from — point out to me a law in your country and in my country, which says you cannot threaten a criminal from destroying your country.” Since taking office last June, some 9,400 homicide cases associated with the anti-illegal drug campaign have been recorded under the Duterte administration up until March, causing alarm from human rights groups around the world. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has argued that less than 2,000 have been killed in legitimate police operations He vowed that by the time his administration ends in five years, drugs and corruption will be at all-time lows. Echoing past speeches, the United States and former President Barack Obama were mentioned anew for the latter administration’s criticism of the way Duterte has been handling the illegal drug epidemic in the Philippines. “My duty is to preserve and defend the Filipino nation,”
SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR FEE ACCOUNTING SERVICES (RFP NO. P17039)
US Congress to conduct... PAGE A1
toral promises. The drug war, however, has earned heavy criticism from different local and international human rights groups for allegedly causing thousands of summary deaths—which Duterte’s administration has vehemently denied. “Although extrajudicial killings have been a major human rights concern for some time, in its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016, the Department of State recognized that such killings increased sharply over the last year,” the commission said in a statement posted in its official website. The Philippines, as a treaty ally, has been receiving U.S. assistance, which includes both counterterrorism and counternarcotics support to the PNP. The Commission, however, said that Duterte’s drug war and its tagged summary killings “raise questions about how the United States should balance its concerns PAGE A4 for protecting human rights and the rule of law with its desire to maintain the bilateral alliance and continue to pursue other shared goals.” In the upcoming hearing, the Commission said they will discuss “human rights consequences of the ‘war on drugs’ currently underway in the Philippines.” It said it also invited panelists who “will analyze the implementation of the ‘war on drugs’ and its consequences for the human rights situation in the Philippines.” Among the panelists invited include In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (I-DEFEND) Philippines spokesperson Ellecer Carlos, Amnesty International Senior Crisis Advisor Matthew Wells, and Human Rights Watch Asia Division Deputy Director Phelim Kine. “They will also provide policy recommendations for ensuring accountability for human rights violations and for addressing
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GUNS FOR HIS TROOPS/ President Rodrigo Duterte holds a .45 caliber pistol during the turnover of 3,000 guns to the military on Tuesday, July 18. In his speech, the President said he wanted soldiers to have handguns on top of their service firearms while fulfilling their duty to secure the country from lawless elements, including the New People’s Army (NPA). ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
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Ellecer Carlos, visiting spokesman of the I-Defend PH coalition, pose in front of the Capitol with retired US army chaplain Georgette Beltran of Maryland in support of Senate bill S. 1055 the Philippine Human Rights Accountability and Counternarcotics Act, on June 26, 2017 in Washington DC. Photo by Eric Lachica
the problems of drug abuse and trafficking in ways consistent with promoting public health and strengthening rule of law,” the Commission added. In a separate statement, Carlos cited an alleged “40 to 50 killings everyday of the most impoverished, beaten down individuals in Philippine society.” With the so-called drug war, Carlos claimed that Duterte has “consciously vilified human rights defenders, our commission on human rights, effectively distorted social values and taken advantage of a disoriented Philippine public.” “The Duterte administration should address the root causes of crime and drugs there,” Carlos said. While the Philippine government has no representative in the hearing, the country’s top diplomat said the administration expects the U.S. congress to observe due process in its inquiry. “We were not invited,” Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano told Philstar, adding that it is up to the U.S. gov-
ernment to determine how will it use its funds for the Philippines. In a separate statement, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) noted that the “universality of human rights presupposes due process be observed by all, and as such any proceedings that allege wrongdoing should provide the opportunity for all sides to be considered.” Defending the campaign, DFA maintained that the drug war is “a noble effort to protect the security and safety of Filipino people and the future of the nation.” “Insinuations and hasty judgments have no place in due process. Numbers should be verified and information should be cross-checked so that the ensuing conclusions have a solid basis in fact,” the department said. In an interview with ANC on Tuesday, July 18, U.S. Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim admitted that Washington may not have a “perfect situation” of human rights, but added that the issue is important for the U.S. government in terms of global aspect.
Marawi residents say no to martial... PAGE A1 Jalal Dipatuan, 49, a Marawi resident staying in an evacuation center, told Inquirer. “It’s cold here in the evacuation center. Please, Mr. President, don’t extend martial law anymore, we want to go home,” said Asliah Bandrang, 34, another evacuee and mother of seven children. The House and the Senate are set to convene in a Special Joint Session this coming Saturday, July 22, to discuss the military rule’s possible extension. House Speaker Pantaleon Al-
varez earlier commented that Duterte’s request to extend martial law until December 31 of this year is likely to get approval from Congress without much difficulty. Senate President Koko Pimentel also expressed confidence that the Congress supermajority will approve Duterte’s extension request and area coverage, but its duration is likely to be questioned. In a statement on Wednesday, July 19, Vice President Leni Robredo urged Congress to discuss
the issue thoroughly. “Pakinggan natin iyong dahilan kung bakit kailangan mag-extend (Let us listen to the reasons why it should be extended),” the vice president said. She went on to say, “Kung iga-grant ito, iga-grant dahil pinag-usapan nang maayos. Kung ide-deny naman, ide-deny siya kasi napag-usapan nang maayos (If it will be granted, it must be granted because it was discussed thoroughly. If it would be denied, it would be denied because it was discussed thoroughly).”
CA junks $2-billion claim of Marcos... PAGE A1
which concluded that the ruling of the U.S. District Court in Hawaii was not binding because it lacks jurisdiction over the class suit docketed as Class Action No. MDL 840. “Rules of comity should not be made to prevail over our Constitution and we cannot allow foreign impositions to trample upon our sovereignty,” the CA stated. In its decision, the appellate court said the Hawaii court violated the right to due process of all the unnamed claimants as well as the respondent Marcos estate. It also noted that the 10 Filipino citizens who initiated MDL 840 failed to prove that they were
“truly and legally authorized by the other purported claimants.” “In other words, each claimant in MDL 840 had a right, if any, only to the damage that such individual may have suffered, and not one of them had any right to or can claim any interest in the damage or injury which another suffered. Hence, MDL 840 was not and should not have been brought as a class suit,” the CA said. The claimants, who filed the class suit before the U.S. district court on May 9, 1991, are Celsa Hilao, Josefina Hilao Forcadilla, Arturo Revilla, Jr., Rodolfo Benosa, Danila Fuente, Renato Pineda, Adora Faye de Vera, Domiciano Amparo, Christopher Sorio, and Jose Duran.
“It boggles the mind how the final judgment could be enforced when the supposed claimants were not even identified… it gave no opportunity for the Marcos Estate to confront each and every claimant,” the CA decision read. The CA further noted that the classification of the claimants into three categories—torture, summary execution and disappearance victims—cannot be joined into a class suit since “no two persons can suffer the same nature and degree of injury or damage.” “All told, the Final Judgment of the Hawaii Court, being null and void for want of jurisdiction, may not be enforced,” the CA said.
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FOR GALLANTRY. President Rodrigo Duterte pins a medal on First Lt. Niño Paner who is being treated at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu. Paner was wounded during a clash with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group on July 8. ManilaTimes.net photo
EU delegation in PH to check... PAGE A1 the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame. “She (De Lima) seems very good and strong and we discussed her situation and she didn’t complain on the police in her detention, she said they’re taking care of her there. But she says that she would love to go to her family and she also would love to go to her work in the Senate,” Post said. De Lima, a fierce critic of Duterte, has been detained since last February over drug-related
charges. In a statement, the senator said she is “deeply grateful” to the delegation for visiting her. “My guests looked into my condition as a ‘prisoner of conscience,’ deprived of liberty for defending human rights, opposing the brazen killings and flagrant violations of human dignity in the wake of Duterte’s murderous war on drugs. I asserted before them my absolute innocence of the accusations against me,” she said. Earlier in March, the EU Parliament adopted a resolution calling for De Lima’s immediate release,
urging Philippine authorities “to ensure a fair trial…to drop all politically motivated charges against her, and to end any further acts of harassment against her.” In the same resolution, the EU also said it “strongly condemns” the alleged spate of summary killings in connection with Duterte’s drug war. It further called on the Philippine government to “immediately carry out impartial and meaningful investigations into these extrajudicial killings and to prosecute and bring all perpetrators to justice.”
management or the robust economic partnership, all of the good work that the U.S. Agency for International Development is doing here, I don’t think anything has changed,” Kim said. Kim admitted that the U.S. remains concerned over the alleged violation of human rights linked to the drug war, but, likewise, acknowledged that the issue of narcotics is a “serious problem for the Philippines.” “We do have concerns about some aspects of the anti-drug campaign, but at the same time, I want to make clear that we completely understand that there is a serious situation here involving illegal use of drugs, and that the government is right to focus
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Filipino super featherweight prospect Recky Dulay who climbed at lightweight to fight as a B-side against Golden Boy Promotions’s undefeated prospect Jaime Arboleda of Panama, shocked everyone at The Forum in Inglewood, California on Saturday, July 15, when he knocked out Arboleda in the 3rd round.
Golden Boy card shocker: Dulay stops Arboleda in 3
FILIPINO super featherweight absorbed his first loss and dropped prospect Recky Dulay who climbed to 10 wins and one loss. The Arboleda-Dulay matchup at lightweight to fight as a B-side against Golden Boy Promotions’s was originally scheduled as one undefeated prospect Jaime Ar- of the undercards of Golden Boy’s boleda of Panama, shocked every- Fight Club event Friday at the one at The Forum in Inglewood, Belasco Theatre in downtown Los California on Saturday, July 15, Angeles but was transferred to the when he knocked out Arboleda in undercard of the Miguel Berchelt vs Takashi Miura WBC world super the 3rd round. The taller Arboleda was hit by featherweight championship fight Dulay with a counter right cross at The Forum perhaps to give a who turned around and dropped wider exposure to Arboleda but like a sack of potato face first to instead showcased Dulay punchthe canvas. He tried to get up but ing power. The Dulay victory continued neohis legs could not support him thus the referee waived off the contest. phyte Filipino trainer Rodel Mayol’s winning streak after he engineered Time: 2:03 of the third round. on this important problem, very Dulay improved his record to 10 other Filipino underdogs to victory. serious problem for the Philip- wins with two losses while Arboleda Mayol, the former two-time world pines,” Kim said. Kim, who was named the ambassador to Manila a few months before Duterte assumed the presidency, said he met with the Filipino leader six times. He described their meetings as “very detailed, cordial, friendly, very substantive.” “They have been very, very cordial discussions. He has a very good sense of humor, so we enjoyed that. And of course, he and I were both prosecutors, so I think we have that common background which helps in discussing issues like law enforcement,” the ambassador added. (Dana Sioson/AJPress) Trainer Rodel Mayol (C) congratulates Recky Dulay as cutman Dr Ed de la Vega looks on.
US envoy says PH gov’t remains committed... PAGE A1 larly in his campaign against illegal drugs. He even chided former U.S. President Barack Obama and other Washington lawmakers in expletive-peppered speeches. He also launched the so-called Philippine independent foreign policy in pursuit of closer ties with Moscow and Beijing, and lessening of Manila’s dependency on Washington. While such issues raised questions on the true status of the relationship between the Philippines and U.S., Kim reaffirmed that nothing has changed between the two countries’ bilateral ties. “Whether it’s in the alliance
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 20-26, 2017
champion who now makes Freddie Roach’s Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles as his training ground, mentored Aston Palicte to victory against undefeated Texan prospect Oscar Cantu on Dec. 17, 2016; He trained Romero Duno to knock out another Golden Boy undefeated prospect Christian Gonzalez on March 10, 2017 that enticed Golden Boy to signup Duno; he was in the corner of Michael Farenas’s comeback knockout win against Martin Angel Martinez of Mexico on June 1, 2017; and now this scintillating victory by Dulay against highly regarded Panamian Arboleda. (By Dong Secuya/Philboxing.com, with a report by Dr Ed de la Vega at ringside.)
Photos by Jhay Otamias
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US embassy warns citizens against traveling to Mindanao by Jennifer
Soriano
AJPress
The United States embassy in the Philippines issued a travel warning for the southern region of the Philippines, following terror threats to foreigners, including U.S. citizens. The U.S. embassy in Manila posted a travel advisory on their website on Tuesday, July 18, advising its citizens to halt “nonessential travel” to the city of Marawi, Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago including the southern Sulu Sea, due to continuing “terrorist threats, insurgent activities, and kidnappings.” “This area stretches from the southern tip of Palawan, along the coast of eastern Sabah, Malaysia and the islands of the Sulu Archipelago, up to Zamboanga City, Mindanao,” the travel warning explained. It also advised U.S. citizens
to “exercise extreme caution” when traveling to other areas of Mindanao. “Separatist and terrorist groups continue to attack and kidnap civilians, foreigners, political leaders, and Philippine security forces in Mindanao,” the post read. “There have been no reports of U.S. citizens in Mindanao targeted specifically for their nationality. however, general threats to U.S. citizens and other foreigners throughout Mindanao remain a concern,” it added. U.S. government personnel were also restricted to travel to Mindanao, according to the country’s State Department. however, if imperative, a U.S. government personnel may obtain “special authorization” before traveling to Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. “[The] U.S. embassy [in] Manila received credible information that terrorists planned to
conduct kidnappings in Palawan, Cebu and Bohol provinces in 2017,” the advisory warned. The advisory, which replaces the Travel Warning dated December 20, 2016, cited similar threats that occurred in the Philippines starting September 2016 where terror groups facilitated a bomb explosion in Davao City which killed 14 and injured approximately 70 people. The incident led to the declaration of “State of National emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao.” Mindanao is currently under the 60-day martial law, which is set to expire this week. President Rodrigo Duterte has asked Congress to extend the martial rule GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. President Rodrigo Duterte does the peace sign with members of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro until the end of the year. In an Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels during the turn over of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang article by Reuters on Tuesday, Palace on Monday, July 17. Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez it said more than 500 people were killed and at least 260,000 have been displaced due to the conflict.
US offers 2 spy planes in Marawi operation The United States has offered the Philippines two surveillance planes in aid of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) operations against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired militant groups in Mindanao. The two Cessna 208 planes will be given to the Philippine government in two weeks, said U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim on Tuesday, July 18. The planes will be used to assist the AFP’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations. Kim expressed that the U.S. is deeply worried with the ground
situation in Marawi City, adding that the American government will also be contributing to the rehabilitation of the war-torn city. he added that American troops are currently deployed in Mindanao under a mutual defense treaty between the two countries. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said U.S. troops have always been present in Mindanao and were only asked to move to Marawi City after the break out of local terror groups. “They are not new people. Actually, that’s why there was no need for us to ask for their help because they’ve been here all
along,” Lorenzana said last July 5 in a press briefing. Despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s previous remarks on Washington for criticizing his campaign against illegal drugs, both Lorenzana and Kim affirm that Philippines-U.S. relations remain strong. “My sense is that the Philippine government starting with President Duterte remains committed to the relationship. There’s mutual respect for the relationship and mutual appreciation for the importance of the relationship,” Kim said. (With reports from Elijah Roderos/AJPress)
Be ‘ambassadors,’ share govt’s... PAGE A2
Duterte said. “Nobody should teach me how to do it.” he acknowledged that the U.S. has been helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its fight against the Islamic State(IS)-inspired Maute group in Marawi City since the turmoil broke out in late May. “Let us give credit where credit is due,” the president said. Despite a move toward a more independent foreign policy and pursuing warmer ties with Chi-
na and Russia, Duterte affirmed on Friday that he cannot enter into military alliances with other countries as it would violate the Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S. he said that he and China have discussed receiving P370 million worth of military equipment, as well as possible aid from Russia in the future. however, there would be no “attachment” to those exchanges. “Walang attachment diyan. Walang head of state, si Putin o
Iglesia ni Cristo buys another US town by edu
Punay Philstar.com
The expansion of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) continues in the United States with the acquisition of a second town: the long-abandoned Johnsonville in Connecticut, reportedly for $1.85 million. Glicerio Santos Jr., general auditor of the INC, announced over the weekend that their church acquired Johnsonville as part of its aggressive expansion in the US. Reports said the seller of Johnsonville was the Meyer Jabara hotels, which bought the property for $2.5 million in 2001. Reports also said the sale of the property was quick; emissaries first visited Johnsonville only in late June. The INC earlier acquired Scenic Town in South Dakota. Santos said the INC, after establishing numerous chapels in many states across the U.S., is “breathing new life into old, abandoned US towns.” Santos also bared that the INC would be working to “restore,
si President Xi Jinping magsabi, ‘O, bigyan kita (There would be no attachment. Putin or Xi did not say ‘I will offer you this but you should be loyal’), said Duterte. With his unfiltered language in Friday’s speech, Duterte told the audience that “at least nakilala ninyo ako (you got to know by dana SioSon me).” AJPress The president recently marked one year in office and is slated The International Revenue to deliver his State of the Nation Service (IRS) fully supports Address (SONA) on July 24. United States President Donald Trump’s tax reform efforts, Commissioner John Koskinen said on Wednesday, July 12. Describing the present U.S. tax code as a “mess,” Koskinen admitted that even he finds it difficult to fill out his federal returns. “Nobody’s more supportive of tax simplification than the IRS,” Koskinen told Fox News in a conference in Washington D.C. “The tax code is a mess. It is difficult for the IRS commissioner to fill out his tax returns.” The tax reform was among Trump’s major 2016 presidential
rehabilitate, and reinvigorate the town of Johnsonville, Connecticut” after acquiring the almost 200 year-old town, which was abandoned for 20 years. “We already have three congregations in Connecticut and we believe that restoring Johnsonville to its former glory is just part and parcel of our responsibility as positive contributors in the state,” he added. Johnsonville is a 62-acre property with a church, meeting house, general store, pond and covered bridge. Santos described the town as “picture perfect,” but the INC would be doing its best to restore Johnsonville to the way it looked when it was established in the mid-1800s. “Johnsonville looks like it was frozen in time. It’s a beautiful, picturesque property, so all our efforts will be focused on restoration. We will also establish our first eco-farming here in the U.S. to create jobs and livelihood in this town,” he added. Just over a century after the INC
was founded in 1914, the homegrown church has gone global under the leadership of executive minister eduardo Manalo. Since he took over the reins of the INC in September 2009, 79 new chapels have been dedicated abroad, in countries like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom and the U.S. In the U.S. alone, 45 new chapels have been dedicated during the current church leadership. Santos said that the INC leadership aims to uplift communities all around the world, “spiritually and physically, in form and in substance.” “This is all part of the INC’s mission, part of our evangelization efforts. We want to reach out and touch lives. This is evangelization through expansion, fulfilling our mission through a larger and better Church, serving the communities around us whether they are our members or not,” he added.
Koskinen: IRS very supportive of tax reform campaign promise, wherein he vowed the simplification of the tax code. While clarifying that the IRS is only involved with the tax administration and does not meddle with policies, Koskinen said that the agency has been communicating and offering its help to the new administration few weeks after Trump was elected as president. Koskinen said he has been gathering suggestions from the agency’s employees on ways how to simplify the tax code, pointing out that the reform is one of the agency’s “highest priorities.” “One of the questions was, ‘If major tax reform simplification was on the table, would there be anybody in the IRS opposed to
that?’ I was quick to respond, after having talked to employees, that nobody is more supportive of tax simplification than the IRS,” Koskinen said. he went on to say, “Most people want to be compliant, but when you make it very difficult for them…to work through the various nooks and crannies, it doesn’t seem, to me, to be in the best interest of the taxpayer or government.” Koskinen also remarked that the agency is eager to implement changes and make it more effective and easier to understand. “If you have an idea, oftentimes you can implement it in a way that is very complicated,” he added. “There can be more straightforward or simpler ways to do it.”
Horn rematch will be Pacquiao’s last fight, Freddie Roach insists by dino
Maragay Philstar.com
FReDDIe Roach is giving Manny Pacquiao one more fight—the chance to avenge his loss to Jeff horn. After that, it’s over for the Filipino icon. In a report by boxingscene. com, Roach said he does not see Pacquiao fighting beyond a rematch with horn, who shocked the world with a decision win over his prized ward more than two weeks ago in Brisbane,
Australia. Pacquiao has a rematch clause against horn and will likely exercise it. “I’ll accept [the scenario of] Manny fighting horn once more because he wants the fight, but the end is near,” said Roach. The bespectacled trainer previously said that now would be the perfect time for Pacquiao to call it quits, but understands that the fighting senator wants to go out on a high note. That’s why Roach will give Pacquiao one more shot.
“If the fight [Pacquiao-horn 2] is indeed done, it will be the last one so [Pacquiao] can dedicate himself to being a better politician,” he continued. As for horn, who seized the WBO welterweight title from Pacquiao, Roach warned that superstardom still isn’t within the Australian’s reach. “[horn] fought dirty, he had a plan and it worked out well. Now Bob Arum wants to make him a star, but it will not happen beyond the next fight. We have the rematch.”
Investigators seek man who gunned...
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where the suspect can be heard yelling at Chen, “Money. Money now.” Chen is heard to respond to the man, “excuse me, I do not have any money for you,” opening the desk drawer to prove there was no cash. he kept demanding money, thinking Chen was lying. he then threatened her, repeatedly asking her, “Do you want to die?” The video released by the detectives doesn’t show the shooting, but the motel owner found Chen wounded and called the police. She died at the scene. “This was, in our belief, a random act,” LA County Sheriff Department Det. Gary Sloan said on Tuesday, addressing reporters. Detectives described the suspect as a man with a medium build with a stature between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet. he was seen wearing dark clothing, a dark hooded sweatshirt and one
dark-colored glove. Chen’s husband of 23 years, Armando escandor, delivered an emotional testimony, speaking about her as a wife and mother and pleading the public to assist in the case. “The way she loved us, the way she treated us. We really miss her,” escandor remarked. “All I want is justice for my loving wife.” “Twenty-five years, taken just like that,” escandor said, his voice cracking and tears welling up in eyes. escandor and Chen married in 1994. Their son, Armando escandor, Jr., was serving in the Navy overseas when his mother was shot and killed. escandor, Jr. said the authorities are offering a $20,000 reward to anyone who has information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect. “My mother did not deserve this, not one bit,” escandor Jr. told reporters, in an emotional plea to bring justice for his late
mother. “So being able to know that this man, or the person responsible for this heinous crime was brought to justice, it would definitely take a weight off my heart.” Authorities are also requesting the public’s help in identifying a woman who they say spoke with Chen just before the incident. That same woman, believed to be a hotel guest, was also seen in another video leaving the hotel lobby seconds before the gunman entered. She is seen stopping and turning to look at the hotel lobby, as if she heard something, authorities said. Sloan said that the woman is not believed to be connected to the crime, but suggests that anyone who might recognize her to contact the police. The sheriff’s department is asking anyone with information about the shooting and the gunman to call the homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
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A
Dateline PDespite hiliPPines MNLF snubbing in BBL draft,
OFW remittances increase to $2.3-B in May by Krissy
AguilAr AJPress
REMITTANCES from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) increased to $2.31 billion in May, maintaining monthly remittances above $2-billion level for 16 consecutive months. The Latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data shows a 5.5 percent rise from $2.188 billion a year ago, exceeding April’s $2.083 billion. Cash remittances from landbased OFWs had 6.2 percent rise of inflows amounting to $1.8 billion, while sea-based workers contributed three percent increase equivalent to $500 mil-
lion, said BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla in a statement. The primary contributors by country source came from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Canada and Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Remittances from January to May totaled $11.346 billion, 4.5 percent higher than last year’s first five months with $10.859 billion. During the five-month period, cash sent home by land-based OFWs as of end-May increased 5.9 percent year-on-year to $9 billion. Meanwhile, transfers from sea-based workers declined by 0.6 percent amounting to $2.3 billion.
The BSP said 80 percent of cash remittances for the first five months of the year came from US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Singapore, Japan, United Kingdom, Qatar, Kuwait, Canada and Germany. The central bank expects fullyear remittances to breach a new record-high $28 billion, about four percent more than last year’s $26.9-billion haul. Remittances continue to play a major role in the domestic expansion as it drives strong consumption that contributes to economic growth. Guaranteeing the supply of dollars in the system through cash remittances from OFWs protect the economy from external shocks.
Despite criticism, Duterte still finds a role model in FVR by Jennifer
soriAno
AJPress
ON some rare occasions, President Rodrigo Duterte can be soft toward his critics and their harsh remarks. Duterte, in his speech during former president Fidel Ramos’ book launching on Monday, July 17, said that he “accepts” the advice and “respect” the criticisms the former president throws against him. “I respect your criticism. I accept your advice and maybe I will mimic your role as president before,” Duterte said “You can continue criticizing me, sir,” the chief executive added. Ramos gave Duterte a t-shirt with the words, “Follow me,” the motto of Fort Benning in Georgia, where the former president finished his special military courses. “I will follow you, just like what the shirt says,” Duterte said. “Only difference is that, I am not a military man. But love of country, patas tayo, sir (we are just on the same level). I would say that I love my country as much as you do, and we are ready to die for this country,” he added. Ramos first lashed out at Duterte in October 2016 in light of the president’s first 100 days. Ramos criticized Duterte’s brutal war on drugs and tirades against the international community. The former president’s latest
President Rodrigo Duterte chats with former President Fidel V. Ramos during the launching of the latter’s book, ‘Make Change Work,’ at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday, July 17. Malacañang photo by Alfred Frias
negative remark about Duterte was during the Russia trip last May that aimed to “boost economic ties” between Russia and the Philippines. During the said trip, the president was accompanied by his economic team and cabinet officials. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, some members of the Senate and the House, assistant secretaries and staff members also joined the presidential delegation to Russia. The former president said that the trip turned out to be a “junket” and that “some people should have stayed behind.” The Palace, in return, answered that it is important to have the “key members” of the president’s administration to accompany Duterte. Ramos played a role in convincing Duterte to run for the
presidency during the 2016 national elections. Duterte has ever since showed respect and trust towards Ramos, as manifested in different forms — through speeches, special assignments and as a “source” of information. During the president’s inaugural speech, he gave Ramos a special mention, saying, “President Fidel Ramos, sir, salamat po sa tulong mo (thank you for your help in) making me president.” In July, Duterte assigned Ramos to be the administration’s special envoy to negotiate talks with China regarding the controversial West Philippine Sea. In September, Duterte revealed that Ramos was one of his sources for his list of personalities linked to illegal drugs. However, Ramos denied giving such info to the president.
Moro leaders express optimism SOME Mindanao leaders were in defense and even expressed their optimism despite the recent snubbing by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of its rival Moro group, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). On Monday, July 17, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim did not mention MNLF as he acknowledged the different groups that helped in revising the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), a law which seeks to end conflict and poverty in Mindanao. According to the Manila Times, Datu Yusoph Boyog Mama of Masirikampo sa Marawi (traditional royal ruler of Marawi) said that the MILF and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) are “on the right footing” with the revised BBL draft that reflects the “collective aspirations of the Bangsamoro people” towards achieving their dreams. The traditional ruler of Marawi believes the MILF is fully aware of the essential role the MNLF played in the revised draft. “And although there was no personal acknowledgment of the MNLF chairman, I believe he [Murad] is highly cognizant of the important role the MNLF leadership can play through their shared cooperation,” Mama told The Manila Times. Tawi-Tawi Rep. Ruby Maquiso Sahali said however that there was a short mention of “MNLF brothers and sisters” at the beginning of Murad’s speech but no additional comments followed. Last week, MILF vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar was quoted to have said they are open to unification deals with the MNLF after the latter revealed its plan to submit their own proposal to the President Rodrigo Duterte. Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza also announced last week that he does not object to MNLF’s own BBL draft proposal that could complement with that of the MILF. However, Dureza, reiterated that no two Bangsamoro gov-
ernment could exist “since both MNLF and MILF belong to one Bangsamoro people in one territory.” Citing a report by ABS-CBN, the MILF, which is the country’s largest Moro group, has agreed
to revisions on the proposed law which seeks to create a new Bangsamoro territory in Mindanao “in an effort to gain support from another rebel faction.” (With reports from Jennifer Soriano/AJPress)
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OpiniOn
Commitment to peace
Features
FOR decades, the Philippines has been on a quest for lasting peace. While the country is spared from being left in turmoil, the lingering process also comes with debilitating consequences on the people and the environment in areas of conflict. There have been numerous attempts in peace and development interventions, but the country has yet to see one that guarantees a lasting solution. On Monday, July 17, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) turned over its draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to President Rodrigo Duterte, who promised to support it through the legislative process. “I commit to support my covenant with you that I will support and husband this instrument as it goes in the legislator for its consideration. And there will be no objections of the provisions of all that is consistent with the Constitution and the aspiration of the Moro people,” the president said during a ceremony at Malacañang. In return, Duterte assured Moro people that a Bangsamoro country will rise in Mindanao during his term. “This will be realized while preserving and strengthening the territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines,” Duterte added. Duterte described the BBL as a manifestation of the shared aspirations of the Philippine government and the Moro people for a peaceful, orderly and harmonious nation. “May this new entity be marked by good gover-
nance, equitable sharing of wealth and generation of revenue, and normalized, stable environment. We will achieve sustainable and inclusive peace and development in the Bangsamoro, Mindanao and the entire country,” Duterte said. Mohagher Iqbal, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator, echoed the president’s sentiments as he described the BBL as the “the menu for solidarity and unity of this country.” “If the Bangsamoro people are given the opportunity to rule itself and be given development, then they will succeed in this country,” Iqbal said. Meanwhile, Duterte hopes that his promise of autonomy for the Moro people will persuade Filipino Muslims to reject the Islamic State (IS) group. The president has already asked the Congress to extend his declaration of martial law in Mindanap as government forces still continue their operations to flush out IS-linked militants from Marawi City. As of July 17, the death toll in the Marawi crisis has reached 540, with at least 405 terrorists, 97 soldiers and 45 civilians killed. The BBL will go through a grueling process in cal will from all parties involved. The task is no doubt high, and expectations Congress before seeing its passage. This ambitious undertaking requires resoluteness and politi- from every Filipino and international spectator is
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS PRESIDENT Donald Trump loves to win and he just would never give up even after his campaign promise to “repeal and replace Obamacare on Day One” has collapsed many times over in the Republican-dominated House and Senate, despite going through several revisions and incarnations within his six months of presidency. After not being able to win enough support even among members of his own party to put the most recent “repeal and replace” Republican health care bill on the Senate floor for a vote, Trump and Senate Majority Floor Leader Mitch McConnell agreed to just repeal Obamacare and then come up with an accept-
growing by the day. The tendency to transform the Philippines as a citadel of peace should be worth all trouble. (AJPress)
Trump declares ‘let Obamacare fail’ as Trumpcare collapses again able replacement bill within two years. But even this Plan B has collapsed even before any debate or votes could be done as four Republicans have signified their decisions to vote NO. Democrats have consistently and firmly declared that they would only work with Republicans to “repair” Obamacare and not to repeal it, which means to pass the bill, the party of Trump cannot afford to lose more than two votes. This desperate Plan B was considered, despite pledging many times during the campaign that he will push for a “repeal and replace” of Obamacare instead of just repealing it because he did not want “people dying in the streets.” But after realizing how difficult and complicated it is to repeal and/or replace Obamacare as he promised, Trump has now
Commentary
SenatoR catheRine coRtez MaSto
ManilaTimes.net photo
repeatedly expressed his disappointment over the collapse of Trumpcare, and declared that it is time to “let Obamacare fail.” “I think we’re probably in that position where we’ll let Obamacare fail,” Trump said at the White House this week. “We’re not going to own it. I’m not going to own it. I can tell you, the Republicans are not going to own it.” Trump blamed the Democrats saying, “We have 52 people, we had no Democrat support. We had four ‘no’s…It would be nice to have Democrat support but really they’re obstructionist. They have no ideas. They have no thought process. All they want to do is obstruct government and obstruct, period.” Speaking from the White House on Tuesday, July 18, Trump said, “I am disappointed because for so many years I’ve
been hearing repeal, replace.” Then he pivoted to 2018 saying, “With only a very small majority, the Republicans in the House & Senate need more victories next year since Dems totally obstruct, no votes!” What Trump does not realize is that the health care issue is NOT all about politics. For Democrats and the few Republicans who stood their ground to fight against the bill that will repeal and replace Obamacare, it is about what will be good for their constituents. Health care, after all, is NOT a commodity. We are talking about something very personal — peoples’ health and lives. Doesn’t he consider the fact that lawmakers and local government officials also consider the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office which reports that with Trumpcare, more people will be
left uninsured compared to what will happen if Obamacare stays? That the poor and the hard-working middle class will be the ones most vulnerable while the richest of the rich will be rewarded with hefty tax credits? Doesn’t he realize that this Republican health care bill does not really have the approval and support of most Americans as revealed by polls after polls? And this sentiment is also shared even by Trump’s own voters. Just 12 percent of Americans living in the counties that fueled Donald Trump’s win in the 2016 presidential election support the Republican Party’s efforts on health care, as revealed by the results of the NBC News/ Wall Street Journal poll of these “Trump counties.” How can Trump wash his hands and say he does not own this problem and just let Obam-
acare fail? Doesn’t he realize he is responsible for people who will lose their access to health care should this happen? Is he praying for this to happen so he can say he “won”? Why is he so obsessed with repealing Obamacare when he and the Republicans can work with Democrats to repair the bill and make it work better for the American people? Is it because this is a major legacy of the first African-American president and they just want to kill it as they did with other Obama initiatives to protect ordinary hardworking Americans? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Our veterans The Philippines is now master in its own court
OUR veterans deserve the utmost respect and gratitude for their courageous service and the profound sacrifices they and their families have made for our country. Since its founding, the United States has relied on its military for the defense of the homeland and our cherished values. As Americans, we owe our security to the men and women who have given so
much for all of us. Despite the incomparable selflessness of our veterans and their families, drug addiction, homelessness, disability, mental health concerns, and underemployment continue to affect their everyday lives at a disproportionate level. These gaps are simply unacceptable. We have the responsibility as a country to ensure that veterans have adequate access to the resources and opportunities required to excel in civilian life. American veterans have had to endure long periods away from their families to face deadly adversaries in faraway places and survive harsh conditions that most Americans could not even begin to imagine. We owe these brave men and women a great debt for their admirable service. The well-being of our veterans and their families is an American duty, not a partisan issue. In the U.S. Senate, I am committed to working with senators from both parties to ensure that we fulfill our duty to American veterans. Congress must work with veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other stakeholders to address the needs of veterans and their families in civilian life. My congressional colleagues and I must provide a voice for veterans and tirelessly work towards building policies that work for them. Within my office, I have made sure that the voice of veterans is heard by having veterans and servicemembers on staff who bring their unique experiences and perspectives to the table. It is through the diverse military backgrounds of my staff that we are able to develop meaningful policies and provide attentive constituent services that serve Nevada’s military servicemembers, veterans and their families. As part of these efforts, I am partnering with the UNLV Military and Veteran Services Center and UNLV Career Services to host a semi-annual Veteran and Family Career Fair and Workshop. The career fairs will feature employers that have opportunities in a variety of occupations throughout Southern Nevada. The workshops will highlight résumé and interview skills improvement; local career services; best practices for employment-focused social media; how to apply for federal, state, education, law enforcement, and firefighting positions; and tips for career transitions in order to provide Veterans and their families with the necessary resources to obtain gainful employment. The first Veterans Career Fair will be held on Saturday, July 22 at 1:00 pm PT at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Student Union. Veterans and families who wish to attend may register atsen. gov/cortezmasto/KPW4. Our veterans have sacrificed so much to ensure that we enjoy freedom at home. We can never take this for granted. We must strive to ensure that veterans and their families experience a seamless transition into civilian life. This is the least we could do after they have given so much. *** Catherine Cortez Masto is a Democrat and U.S. senator from Nevada.
MORE than any attempt by President Rodrigo Duterte to sharpen his image as Opinion an “independent” head of state, a ruling by Associate Justice Normandie Pizarro of the Court of Appeals’ 12th Division affirming Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Bonifacio Pascua’s earlier denial of a $2 billion indemnity package award- FRanciSco tatad ed by a U.S. federal court to alleged Filipino martial law victims, now stands as the latest and most significant assertion of Philippine sovereignty vis-à-vis the United States. Unless later reversed by the Supreme Court on appeal by the affected parties, it will go down in history as a landmark decision that proclaims the Philippine court’s judicial independence and courage. It seems safe to assume the high court will not want to be seen lesser than the appellate court. As reported in the mainstream press, the ruling arose from a class suit filed in 1991 before a U.S. District Court in Hawaii by a group of 10 individuals, claiming to represent 10,000 alleged human rights victims during Martial Law under President Ferdinand Marcos. The Philippine government did not question the jurisdiction of the U.S. court. On February 3, 1995, the court decided that Marcos was “accountable for the torture, murder and disappearance of countless human rights victims,” and ordered the Marcos estate to pay $1.964 billion to the alleged victims. In 1997, former RTC judge Priscilla Mijares, former Human Rights Commission Chairman Loreta Ann Rosales, movie director Joel Lamangan, Hilda Narciso and Mariano Dimaranan filed a suit before the Makati RTC seeking enforcement of the U.S. court ruling. This was dismissed by RTC Branch 56 Judge Pascua, who ruled that the Hawaii court’s ruling cannot be enforced in the Philippines for lack of jurisdiction. The group then appealed their petition to the Court of Appeals. An independent and sovereign court Associate Justice Pizarro ruled, with Associate Justices Samuel Gaerlan and Joseph Lopez of the 12th Division concurring, that the appellate court found no reversible error in the lower court’s ruling and therefore upheld its dismissal of the petition by Mijares et al. The CA held
that those who filed the class suit in the U.S. had no legal standing to represent the thousands of alleged victims, none of whom was shown to have executed a power of attorney authorizing the group to represent them in a class suit. The court pointed out that the alleged torture, summary execution and disappearance of the purported victims cannot be joined into a class suit since “no two persons can suffer the same nature and degree of injury and damage.” For me, the most significant part of the court’s ruling is that which declares the final judgment of the Hawaii court “null and void, for want of jurisdiction,” and therefore “may not be enforced.” “Rules of comity should not be made to prevail over our Constitution and we cannot allow foreign impositions to trample upon our sovereignty,” the court said. After Marcos fell from power, and was flown to Hawaii in 1986, revolutionary President Corazon C. Aquino barred the Marcoses from returning to the Philippines to answer charges against them for crimes they were supposed to have committed against Filipinos in the Philippines. Marcos died in Hawaii in 1989, and Imelda Marcos was finally allowed to come home in 1991, after winning her celebrated case in New York, in order to run in the 1992 presidential elections. What Cory wanted to do But Cory Aquino remained determined to let the U.S. courts handle the so-called human rights cases against Marcos. This was an abdication of Philippine sovereignty, which should never have happened, unless the country had reverted to being a colony or protectorate of the U.S. But Cory Aquino was totally unprepared to run the affairs of a sovereign state, and anti-Marcos propaganda had tilted public opinion heavily against Marcos not only in the country but above all in the U.S. Outside of President Ronald Reagan, the U.S. political leadership (the State Department, the Pentagon and Congress) in 1986 supported the ouster of Marcos. And well-meaning Filipinos applauded the fact that Cory Aquino had rebuffed Marcos’ plea to answer any PAGE A7
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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Dateline PhiliPPines
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 20-26, 2017
The Philippines is now master in... PAGE A6 and all charges against him in the Philippines, and that instead a U.S. court should hear cases involving crimes he was supposed to have committed against Filipinos in the Philippines. Some people seemed ready to invest the U.S. court with the same power and jurisdiction which an international treaty (the Rome Statute) had invested the International Criminal Court at The Hague. Hopefully, the Pizarro ruling should be the last word on this. Genuine victims deserve indemnity This does not mean that genuine victims of human rights violations should not be legally compensated for damages. Many innocent civilians undoubtedly suffered in the hands of the military and the police. They deserve to be indemnified for their suffering, which can never be justified nor fully indemnified. But they must be thoroughly screened and accurately documented, and segregated from the communist combatants whose rebellion prompted Marcos in 1972 to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus throughout the Philippines. Martial Law threw them back, but Marcos’ ouster and Cory Aquino’s assumption into power gave them a new lease on life. Cory released the communists from jail, and as soon as she did, they tried to regroup and reorganize; their top leaders sought foreign sanctuary in Utrecht, the Netherlands, where they became the last subsisting communists in Europe after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. I have always thought that those who participated in the armed struggle against the government were ready to accept whatever they had gone through as the price of failing to bring down the government by force, just as the government’s loyal troops who had suffered in the hands of the communists have accepted everything they had gone through as the price of fighting for freedom and the democratic and republican state. I was wrong. While victims of military abuse are free to denounce the abuse and claim economic compensation for it,
the NPA could kill a government official, trooper or a civilian for reasons of their own, and the case is “closed” as soon as it is known the NPA was behind it. No NPA leader is facing any charge of violating anybody’s human rights, and being asked to indemnify any victim or their families. Now, who should indemnify the bona fide Martial Law victims? The Marcos estate or somebody else? To me this remains an unresolved issue, which should be thoroughly reexamined by the competent authorities. Not too long ago, the transfer of some “hidden wealth” from a Marcos account in Switzerland to the Philippines energized some human rights claimants to demand that they receive it. I do not recall exactly what happened here. The law says monies recovered by the Presidential Commission on Good Government from Marcos’ alleged stash of “ill-gotten wealth” should be used specifically for agrarian reform. So, unless the law was violated, it should have gone to the Department of Agrarian Reform. Assuming the Marcos estate is required by law to indemnify the human rights victims, any money recovered by the PCGG from the alleged Marcos stash becomes money of the state and therefore cannot be used to fulfil the estate’s duty to the claimants. However, I have grave misgivings about the correctness of the basic proposition. The proclamation of Martial Law, which was in force and in effect from September 21, 1972 to January 17, 1981, was an official act of the Philippine state. It was not a private personal act of Ferdinand Marcos. Any excesses committed by those who enforced it must therefore be referred directly to the state, without excluding the individuals involved. Any indemnity to any “victim” should therefore be demanded not from any particular individual, but from the state. Is this thesis correct or not? This deserves to be given the utmost consideration by our best minds. PNoy’s indictment While we are discussing a judicial issue of the highest importance, we could perhaps segue to the current excitement about Ombudsman Conchita
Carpio Morales’ reported decision to indict former President B. S. Aquino 3rd for “usurpation of authority” in connection with the botched special police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on January 25, 2015. This operation resulted in the massacre of 44 Special Action Force commandos, after Aquino reportedly ordered the military reinforcement units to stand down instead of coming to the rescue of the badly outnumbered commandos. It is to be regretted that PDU30 could not restrain himself from calling the Ombudsman’s finding “silly”, but that is probably the least that can be said about it. Whose authority did he usurp? As President and Commander in Chief, Aquino acted beyond his authority when he brought former PNP Chief Allan Purisima, who was under suspension at the time, into the operation to recover high-value terrorist targets in Mamasapano, while cutting off the Secretary of Interior and Local Governments and the acting PNP Chief from the chain of command. This was clearly a misuse or abuse of authority but certainly not usurpation of authority. But the real question that has been asked by the SAF widows and orphans, and by the men and women of the police and the military and everyone else, who has followed this tragedy to this day is this: Would the 44 SAF commandos have perished if Aquino did not directly or indirectly order the military reinforcement units to stand down, instead of answering the distress calls of the commandos? If Aquino has to be charged at all, it has to be in relation to this. But this is obviously a tough call. The Ombudsman is an Aquino appointee, but somehow related to the DU30 family by affinity. She is threatened with impeachment by one noisy anti-crime group, which claims to enjoy the blessings of DU30. She has to walk the tightrope. She has apparently decided to please both sides by charging Aquino with a crime, but it has to be a crime which does not exist or which he cannot possibly be guilty of. This has been done before by one distinguished secretary of justice. And he got away with it. The trouble, though, is that no less than the President himself has said the Empress is naked. (ManilaTimes.net)
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STREET FURY. Jeepney drivers and operators hold a rally along Elliptical Road in Quezon City to protest the government’s jeepney modernization plan. Under the PUV modernization program that was launched in June, the government will replace old units of jeepney with new electronic ones. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez
SAF widows welcome Aquino indictment Sen. Gordon says former president should face ‘graver charges’ by Dana
SioSon AJPress
THE widows of the fallen Special Action Force (SAF) commandos welcomed the Office of the Ombudsman’s recent order to file criminal charges against former Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III over his alleged role in the botched Mamasapano operation conducted two years ago. “He (Aquino) is the primary official responsible for the death of our loved ones,” Melanie Duque told Inquirer on Saturday, July 15. Duque is the wife of PO3 Andres Duque Jr., one of the fallen 44 SAF troopers who were ambushed by Moro rebels during an operation on January 25, 2015 — dubbed as “Oplan Exodus” — that aims capture two Malaysian terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. On Friday, July 14, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales indicted Aquino for the usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, and for violating the Section 3(a) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, or Republic Act (RA) No. 3019. Also cited as Aquino’s co-respondents were former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima and former PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) head Getulio Napeñas. With the Ombudsman’s order, Duque expressed hope that she and other families of the fallen SAF troopers would finally obtain the long-sought justice for their loved ones. “I have been crying. [With the latest development], I believe that PO3 Duque is rejoicing,” she added.
Merlyn Gamutan, widow of Senior Insp. Joey Gamutan, also wanted Aquino and his other top police officials be held liable for the tragic event, pointing out that their husbands would still be alive “if not for their negligence.” Kristine Clemencio, widow of PO1 Mark Lory Clemencio, likewise, welcomed the Ombudsman’s order. “I am happy with this development. [I] hope this will be the first step for us to achieve the justice we have been seeking all this time,” Clemencio said. While admitting that she fears the case against Aquino may not prosper, she said she is “ only pinning [her] hope to President [Rodrigo] Duterte who personally gave his assurance to [them] that justice would be served to [them] and our loved ones.” For Christine Cempron, widow of PO1 Romeo Cempron, the search for justice may still had a long way to go but she “will endure it to secure justice for the SAF 44.” Cempron said Aquino and Purisima “have the hardest hearts, as if they have not committed any lapses, as if nothing happened.” “I don’t care if it will take a long time. At least, the case is moving,” she added. ‘Graver charges’ In a radio interview, Senator Richard Gordon said Aquino should have been charged with with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, He pointed out that Aquino, as the then-commander-inchief, was clearly in charge of the operation. “If you were to ask me, without going to the Ombudsman I
would have filed graver charges. It is clearly multiple homicide to reckless imprudence,” said Gordon, who also heads the Senate committee on justice and human rights. The Office of the Ombudsman recommend the filing of graft and usurpation of authority charges against Aquino, Purisima, and Napeñas but it dismissed the “complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide” against them due to “lack of probable cause.” Gordon remarked that the Ombudsman “watered down” the sins of Aquino when it did not indict homicide charges against the former president. He said the Senate would definitely reopen its investigation into the Mamasapano tragedy and will invite Aquino to the proceedings. “Yes I will invite him (Aquino), nobody will be exempted,” Gordon said. Following the proposal to reopen the Mamasapano probe, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who was quick to criticize Gordon, said that the Senate should instead reinvestigate the supposed thousands of deaths in connection with the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. “Mas aatupagin pa ni Sen. Gordon ‘yung nakaraang issue na piniga na ng husto ng dating Congreso pero ‘yung mga libolibong pinapatay na Pilipino sa kasalukuyan, wala siyang panahon (Gordon would rather deal with an old issue that has already been squeezed out by the previous Congress, but for the thousands of Filipinos being killed presently, he has no time),” Trillanes said.
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Jinkee Pacquiao ponders about the future of her family by rIcky Lo Philstar.com
AS far as Jinkee Pacquiao is concerned, it’s possible to stay as young as you can be. And, yes, “it’s possible” for Jinkee to convince her husband, Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao, to hang his gloves for good and good riddance!!!...after his recent loss to Australia’s Jeff Horn by unanimous decision (reviewed with finality by an independent group authorized by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) in what was touted as Battle of Brisbane. As far as Jinkee is concerned, it’s family first. She puts God and her family above all else and has made sure to give everything she got on supporting Manny and their children. But Jinkee might get a polite “no” from Manny who is determined to seek vindication. Last July 12, Manny posted this on his Twitter account: I love this sport and until the passion is gone, I will continue to fight for God, my family, my fans and my country. Here’s an exclusive Conversation with Jinkee: This time after Horn, do you think you can convince Manny to retire? “I am praying consistently that Manny will soon retire.” Watching the fight in Brisbane (without Mommy Dionisia and the kids) pareho pa ang nararamdaman mo sa previous fights? “Yes, I always have the same feelings. Nervous and worried at the same time. Di ko naman maiaalis yun but more on prayer for him that’s what I do when he fights.” Is it true that Manny can’t say no to a rematch because of an existing contract? “I don’t know yet about the rematch. I believe he can’t say no to his opponent if he asks for a rematch.” Your family has more than enough money, can’t you tell
The Pacquiao family: Manny and Jinkee with the kids Michael, Israel, Emmanuel Jr., Queen Elizabeth and Mary Divine Grace. Photo from Jinkee’s Instagram account
Manny to just enjoy life with you and the kids? “Yes. For me, gusto ko magretire na siya and enjoy life with his family and focus on being a senator.” How is Manny as a husband? “Manny is a very loving and caring husband.” And how is he as a father? “As a father, he always makes sure that we are well. He loves to hug and kiss them. Even though he is so busy he still makes time to spend time with them, with us.” Your children are educated in exclusive schools, How do you and Manny keep up with them? “As parents, we mold them to become God-fearing. They are all very smart and lovable kids. We encourage them to read always the Bible and they love to do it! On my part, being a wife and mother is tough but I learned to be strong with everything that I’ve been through. And learned to have more patience and understanding. Most of all, I learned that to love and forgive is the key. Have a biblical perspective and positive outlook in life. I learned to always pray to
God in everything! He answers prayers.” Don’t you and Manny spoil the kids? “No. When they make mistakes, we talk to them in a gentle manner and, of course, with love. We want them to be humble and God-fearing men and women when they grow up. If they are godly, it leads to riches, honor and life. We also teach them that God loves them so much no matter what. And that they should always be grateful for everything!” Any health regimen? “To maintain my healthy lifestyle, of course, first I must have a positive outlook in life, get the right perspective and always hope for the best. Renewing my mind by changing the way I think in life. To love God and people. Love and forgiveness is the key! And then everything follows. Exercise four times a week, eat healthy foods, minus the sweets and soft drinks.” How do you see life with Manny if and when he agrees to retire? “Serving God and people.”
Angelina, Joey Mead King bond with Caitlyn Jenner By IrIs
VIcente AJPress
STAR couple Angelina and Joey Mead King of TLC Asia’s “The Kings” reunited with Caitlyn Jenner during a recent dinner date in Malibu, California. Angelina, who came out as a transgender woman on an Instagram post last year, first met with fellow transwoman Caitlyn in November whom she calls as her “adviser”. “My adviser @caitlynjenner advising my wife @joeymeadking to allow me to keep on racing” Angelina’s caption reads. The video showed the couple with Caitlyn who told Joey to “let Angie just kinda be herself, she’ll be so much happier.” Angelina, formerly Ian Angelo, is a car enthusiast and businesswoman who married Filipino-Iranian TV personality Joey Mead in 2011. She later came out of the closet with the support of family and friends especially her wife who’s been there all throughout her transition. “You can’t stop a charging train. So you jump along. I’m going in for the ride. It’s going to be a roller coaster, but I’m going to ride it until the wheels fall off – because I have fought hard for our love. We’ve been together for ten years, and I’m not fazed by how Ian, Angie, my wife, my partner, my soulmate—all these titles—I’m not fazed by how
Angelina and Joey Mead King with Caitlyn Jenner Photo from Angelina’s Instagram account
you will look. Nothing. I don’t see it. I just see that I love you. And that’s how it’s always been” Joey’s earnest remark on her relationship with husband, now wife Angie, in an exclusive tell-all with Rouge Magazine last year. Meanwhile, Caitlyn Jenner, previously Bruce, who stars in an E reality show “I am Cait,” is a former Olympian and father of famous celebrities Kendall and Kylie Jenner. Caitlyn, on her transition, appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair in 2015 and recently had her name and gender legally changed.
Will Kim Chiu meet Justin Bieber at his concert in PH? By IrIs
VIcente AJPress
IT’S a fangirl-dream-come-true moment for Kim Chiu after getting a special shout-out from no less than Justin Bieber himself during a recent Q&A session on his Instagram account. Bieber’s fans all over the world are now paying attention to the Filipina actress, who bears the name “chinitaprincess” on Instagram, for receiving a special mention from the “Biebs.” Chiu also gained international media’s attention—that got as far as Teen Vogue and InStyle Magazine—for gaining an exclusive acknowledgement from Bieber. “Chinita, I’ll see you in the Philippines” Bieber addressed the actress’s comment. A Belieber through and through, the actress could not contain her excitement that she even shared the recorded shoutout from Justin, on her Instagram account. “OK just had to post this “OMG” PAGE B6 Justin Bieber
Kim Chiu
EntErtainmEnt
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Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada Claudine Barretto settles feud with siblings impresses Vogue for slaying the red carpet By Joanna
EstorquE AJPress
SHe may not have gotten the 2017 tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical, but fil-Am eva Noblezada was complimented by Vogue.com as she slayed the red carpet with her stylish look. Wearing an elegant gown by Jonathan Simkhai, the 21-year-old theater actress was described to have the “best beauty looks” on the event held at radio Music Hall in New York last June 11. “Miss Saigon star eva Noblezada, who reached for trace of luminous highlighter to indicate off her tony-nominated cheekbones,” noticed by vogue.com. eva has been playing the lead role Kim in the popular musical “Miss Saigon.” Her experience, however, did not bring her to what could have been her first tony Award, as outstanding performer Bette Midler triumphed over her and Patti LuPone. Her luck started when she was only 17 and was chosen to lead the London revival of “Miss Saigon” after a director discovered her extraordinary talent while she was
Eva Noblezada
performing at the National High School Musical theatre Awards. And now, she’s proving her talent in Broadway. the Broadway production of “Miss Saigon” also received a nomination for Best revival of a Musical. eva performed a scene from this nominated play and aside from her look, she also en-
ticed people with her wonderful performance as she sang “I’d Give My Life for You.” “Miss Saigon’s” original Kim, Lea Salonga, and co-star Jon Briones joined the event and introduce the cast who performed the scene with eva. (With reports from Joanna Estorque/AJPress, Interkasyon)
After years of conflict, actress Claudine Barretto and siblings Joaquin ‘Jay-Jay’ Barretto and Michelle ‘Mitchi’ Barretto finally left their grudges in the past and reconciled last July 5. On Instagram, both Claudine and Joaquin “Jay-Jay” posted their photos together with Mitchie and their mother, estrella ‘Inday’ Barreto. Claudine captioned the photo, “With my Mom, Mich and Brother JJ. I can live without a boyfriend Claudine Barretto posted this photo on her Instagram account. In photo with her are sister [or] husband but I can’t live with- Mich, brother Jay-jay and their mom Estrella. eventually affirmed by Gretchen. her siblings. “this is so touchout JJ. I love him too much.” “I love my brother no matter Mito, Jay-Jay, Mitchie and Marjo- ing that you have reconcile with what happened tapos na yun. rie sided with Gretchen and their your brother. God bless you more. We hope and pray that realized I cannot live without brother-in-law. this confirmation of Gretchen you will have reconciliation with him. I love you J. Always have and always will,” the actress com- and the combined forces of the your Ate Gretchen. At the end five Barretto siblings outraged of the day.. magkapatid pa rin mented on the same post. On the other hand, Jay-Jay their mother. Out of the seven kayo and life is too short,” composted an almost similar photo Barretto children, only Gia de- mented by her follower. Unfortunately, right after puton his Instagram account and fended Claudine, aside from described it as “Bonding, dinner Inday and their father Miguel ting an end to the disagreeBarretto. ment with her siblings, Claudine date with my two sisters.” However, it is finally time to started facing another fight. She the squabble of the Barretto clan started in 2013, the year bury the memories of this dispute filed a complaint against Peggy Claudine and her estranged hus- and start a new life for the Bar- enriquez, a netizen who described Quia, her newly adopted band, raymart Santiago, started retto family. As expected, Instagram fol- daughter, as “like batang lansanto fall apart. Santiago accused Claudine of lowers of Claudine were de- gan” at the National Bureau of allegedly using drugs, which was lighted as she reconciled with Investigation.
Ping Medina still not ready to put the past behind with Baron Geisler By IrIs
VIcEntE AJPress
PING Medina admits on still having a bad blood with co-star Baron Geisler after a controversial “urinating” incident on the set of their film “Bubog” last year. It’s been almost a year since Ping Medina vent out his anger on social media via a facebook post on how Geisler urinated on him on the set of their film, which according to him, wasn’t part of the script. Medina also revealed that Geisler had reached out to him after the incident but he’s still not ready to make peace yet. “It’s not really something I focus on. You know, he was, like, still messaging me, but I was seen-zoning him all the time. eventually, I had to block him on facebook,” the 33 year old actor said in an interview with Pep.ph. the altercation even led to Medina filing a formal complaint to the Professional Artists Managers, Inc. (PAMI) against Geisler, which later decided to completely prohibit Geisler from working with
Ping Medina
artists and members of PAMI. Asked about whether he will forgive Baron or not, Ping said, “right now, I just don’t really think about it.” Ping, who recently graced the red carpet for being part of YeS! 100 Most Beautiful Stars together with his family as the “Medina Men,” is currently busy not just with acting jobs but also with managing their food business as
Baron Geisler
well as focusing on his love for writing screenplay inspired by the war in Marawi. “It’s something I can do simultaneously, like being creative and acting. I’m doing just the usual stuff, but now, I’m more of concentrating sa writing. I’ve always been developing but never finishing. But right now, this time, I’m developing a script with Direk Dondon Santos.” the actor said.
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(Clockwise from top left) Anne Curtis, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Pops Fernandez, Vina Morales, Isabel Granada, Tirso Cruz, Angel Aquino and have joined the roster of celebrity advocates who help spread awareness about the disease.
What you should know about leukemia? by Boy
aBunda Philstar.com
eVerYONe is susceptible to leukemia. It does not choose age or gender. However, there is hope. According to Dr. erlyn Demerre, a noted cardiologist, all of us can be stricken with the deadly disease. Dr. Demerre, founder of ePCALM, says everybody can hold onto hope, like what ePCALM does. ePCALM is erwin Piedad Cabanag Adult Leukemia Memorial, established in honor of erwin Cabanag, a Dumaguete City fiscal who died of leukemia at age 42. the foundation is dedicated to helping people afflicted with leukemia cope with the rigors of the disease through various activities. “God heals. the life of each patient who calls us is not in our hands,” says Dr. Demerre. ePCALM has been in existence since 2005. It has spread awareness through advocacies and awareness events staged regularly in different ways and venues. the first awareness campaign
was a parade on August 2005 during the Silliman University founders Day academic parade. then came the series of media events through medical fora; the launch of World Leukemia Awareness Month now being held every September; the healing seminarsUnderstanding Grief that brought in grief expert Mary ellen erickson from tacoma Washington and teen grief expert Dr. Bob Baugher alongside filipino experts. ePCALM has also invited Dr. Dan fowler who discussed new modalities of treatment available for leukemia, and Dr. ronald Gress, head of experimental transplantation of the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda Maryland, among others. Anne Curtis, Jasmine CurtisSmith, tirso Cruz, Pops fernandez, Vina Morales, Angel Aquino and Isabel Granada have joined the roster of celebrity advocates who help spread awareness about the disease. Balladeer Martin Nievera has also been generous in sharing his talent in helping ePCALM’s advocacies. Dr. Demerre reveals that in the patients they have serviced, most cases were leading stressful lives
with unhealthy eating and sleeping habits. Signs and symptoms of leukemia are non-specific and can come as headache, dizziness and fatigue. “Usually but not always, patients notice black and blue spots on their skin that is not related to any trauma.” She says that a complete blood count can be the first screening test. “for those who are suspected to have leukemia or related blood disorders, a bone marrow biopsy can confirm the diagnosis as well as the specific type of leukemia.” Prevention of the disease is through observing a healthy lifestyle. this means, eating healthy food, getting exercise, having enough sleep and stress management. “there is no direct relation with any identifiable offender that can cause leukemia. though it is said that chemicals can be a cause, there is not much evidence to directly pinpoint which chemicals and the quantity or duration of exposure that can induce the disease,” Dr. Demerre explains. According to DOH statistics, leukemia is the number four cancel killer in the country.
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Jolina Magdangal gets hurt in car crash A path to fortune: The Golden By IrIs
VIcente AJPress
SINGEr-actress Jolina Magdangal got into a vehicular accident with husband Mark Escueta after a collision with an SUV along Quezon City’s East Avenue, early morning last July 10. The Kapamilya star was immediately taken to the hospital after obtaining a few bruises and a lump on her head after the SUV smashed into their car in front of the Philippine Heart Center. According to the couple’s driver, orly Sebolino, they were on the way to the airport as the Magdangal family is going on a vacation when the accident occurred. The van collided with such force that the actress’ SUV had its right rear-end wrecked. The van’s front end was equally crushed. According to a report on Unang Balita by Jay Sabale, Sebolino said Jolina might have gotten the bruises from the shattered glasses caused by the crash. Meanwhile, the van’s driver, Peter Sevilla was also taken to the hospital after he was released
from getting trapped inside the vehicle. He later admitted that he fell asleep while driving out of exhaustion. According to one of Sevilla’s passengers, Miriam Bondoc, they have been driving from Batangas to Caloocan City and they were on the way to Makati City when they smashed into Magdangal’s car at around 1:30 in the morning. Authorities are still investigating the incident. In a Facebook post, Magdangal thanked everybody who helped her and informed them that she and her family are safe, especially her three-year-old son Pele. followed by her husband’s Instagram post days later showing their family on a plane. “Salamat po Lord at di mo kami pinabayaan sa gitna ng matinding aksidente, konti nalang yung sakit ng mga leeg namin, halos wala na yung bukol sa ulo ni Jolina, at higit sa lahat walang nangyaring masama kay Pele. Please bless our flight home” his caption reads. (Thank you Lord for keeping us from harm amidst the accident. The pain in our neck is already
Dragon Baccarat Tournament
Jolina Magdangal
bearable, the lump on Jolina’s head is almost healed and more importantly, Pele is safe. Please bless our flight home). The family made it to the vacation they were supposed to go to prior to the accident.
Brillante Mendoza to direct Duterte’s SONA anew AwArD-wINNING filmmaker Brillante Mendoza will be directing President rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA) again. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar in a radio interview confirmed that Mendoza will direct Duterte’s
second SoNA on Monday. He said the filmmaker also showed interest to be behind the production team of the national event. Andanar said that there will be changes in Mendoza’s direction since his camera angles for the 2016 SoNA was criticized. He added that the SoNA pro-
gram will be finalized within the week. “The director will also adjust some of his shots because alam ko, some of his shots were criticized last year. And let’s expect another Brillante Mendoza show, this coming July 24,” Andanar said in an interview with dzMM. The internationally-acclaimed director earned praises and criticisms during the first SoNA of Duterte as some netizens found his shots unnecessary for a political event while some appreciated Mendoza’s style of showing the president’s superiority through angles taken from below. Mendoza last year admitted that he was stressed for directing the SoNA since there were several “adlibs” from the president and he had to view 18 cameras for that day. He also said he was not able to rehearse with the president. The independent filmmaker has won the Best Director Award at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival for his film “Kinatay.” He also joined various international film festivals for his films “Serbis,” “Lola,” “Thy womb,” and “Ma’ Director Brillante Mendoza directs the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President rosa,” among others. (Rosette Rodrigo Duterte. Adel/Philstar.com)
For fans of the ancient and beloved game of baccarat, few events create as much excitement as the Golden Dragon Baccarat Tournament. For two weeks this summer, The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas hosts one of the most exciting gaming events in Las Vegas: the sixth annual Grand Dragon Master Baccarat Tournament Championship™, with its Las Vegas prize pool totaling more than $1,000,000. on July 21-24 and 28-31, a simple turn of the cards could give lucky players a piece of $25,000 daily prize pools featured in the Golden Dragon Baccarat Tournament. The stakes are high, and every moment of the tournament is an opportunity to win, pushing winners on toward an even greater tournament, especially since
they’ll receive a complimentary Tournament™ that will be held daily entry, as well. Each day, the october 6-8, offering a substantop finisher automatically advanc- tial prize pool of $250,000. es to the ruby Dragon Baccarat of course, the fabled hospitality of The Venetian and The Palazzo is as much a part of the fun as the tournament proper. our world-class entertainment shines nightly, and our luxury retailers offer the matchless goods that connoisseurs love. Fine dining from chefs like Mario Batali and Lorena Garcia make every meal a symphony. And even the parking is complimentary, something to be appreciated on the Las Vegas Strip. Participation is open to all, so don’t miss your chance to take part in this one-of-a-kind event. (Advertising Supplement)
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DIRECTOR MIKHAIL RED’S BIRDSHOT
A gripping thriller highlights endangered Philippine eagle and society’s ills By MoMar
G. Visaya
Last year, the film triumphed at the tokyo Film Festival and gave “Birdshot,” Filipino inde- red the Asian Future Award. this pendent filmmaker Mikhail red’s year, it went back to Japan for the second full-length film feature, is osaka Asian Film Festival as part of its new New Action! southeast on a roll in the filmfest circuit. AJPress
Asia special Program. so far, “Birdshot” has been screened in about 15 film festivals across the globe. the film, screened last week at the Film society of Lincoln Center as the Centerpiece Film of the 16th New York Asian Film Festival, is a thriller that centers around two violent events that found an unlikely intersection as the film progressed. it stars veteran actors John Arcilla, Ku Aquino and Arnold reyes, along with a young teen actress Mary Joy Apostol making her film screen debut. NYAFF’s sweet 16 the NYAFF, North America’s leading festival of Asian cinema, showcased 57 feature films, and featured appearances by more than 20 international filmmakers and celebrity guests from mainland China, hong Kong, taiwan, south Korea, Japan, and southeast Asia. New to NYAFF in 2017 is the Main Competition section, featuring seven diverse works by first or second-time directors that are all having their North American premieres at the festival. Competing are “Bad Genius” (thailand), “Birdshot” (Philippines), “A double Life” (Japan), “the Gangster’s daughter” (taiwan), “Kfc” (Vietnam), “Jane” (south
Director Mikhail Red and actor Arnold Reyes pose with NYAFF officials Samuel Jamier (executive director) and Stephen Cremin (deputy director) at the red carpet, prior to the screening of Birdshot.
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Korea), and “With Prisoners” (hong Kong). “We were seeking a range of original films from young, firsttime directors, films that represent the diversity of filmmaking from Asia, stories that say something both very local and specific to their countries of origin and something very universal: we hope we achieved at least some of this with our inaugural competition selection, which includes films from seven countries/cities in the region in a broad variety of genres,” NYAFF executive director samuel Jamier said. two other films from the Philippines made it to the lineup this year, “saving sally” and “Matangtubig (town in a Lake)”. “it’s important for us to champion new filmmaking from Asia, and the diversity of film made there at a time when other festivals in North America seem to be reducing the size of their Asian lineups,” Jamier added. Young blood the young director, Mikhail red started writing and directing short films when he was 15. At the age of 21, he made his first full-length feature film, rekorder, which went around the world to get screened in more than 10 film festivals. his first venture won him the Best New director award at the 2014 Vancouver international Film Festival along with other awards and accolades in Barcelona and Gwangju. “i’m really proud and thankful that New York Asian Film Festival invited our movie and has given us this platform to finally share this film with North American audiences. i hope people like our film,” red told the Asian Journal a few hours before the screening. red said that the idea of the film started when he saw a news article years ago about a father and son who shot and accidently killed an eagle. the man was eventually jailed for that but he insisted he was unaware that it was a crime. “it was tragic for the eagle, for the conservationists, even for the uneducated community members who live in the fringes of wilderness,” he shared.
Mikhail Red and Arnold Reyes
Mikhail came up with the script, which he co-wrote with his cousin in late 2014 when they won a grant from doha, Qatar. tBA, the production company behind the successful film heneral Luna, came on board when they saw that we had funding and the script had potential. the crew took their time since there were no deadlines or premiere requirements. it took them 23 days to shoot and six months for post-production. And when they were ready, they premiered at tokyo Film Festival. “Every time you’re in a film festival you are given a platform to share your story, your hard work with an international audience,” Mikhail said. “Just completing the film, it was a difficult film to make as it was almost ten times bigger than my first film, i had to parang jump off a cliff like bahala na, build your wings on the way down.” Twin plot “Birdshot” tells two parallel stories of two characters who start out very naïve and innocent and their characters progress and develop as they journey through in the film. then there are a couple of senior characters, who tell them that in order to survive the pecking order, they have to
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AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya
grow fangs and learn to become the predators. “i like morally ambiguous characters like that where the lines between the protagonists and antagonists are blurred. the film is like that, the characters are all victims in a way and are pitted against each other to survive this food chain of society and they have to navigate through a lot of moral decisions in almost like this minefield,” red shared. Peppered throughout that whole script is a lot of references to other true stories that happened in the Philippines, including his take on the infamous Maguindanao massacre. in essence, the film is a microcosm of what’s going on in the Philippine society. “i like making fictional plots more imaginative plots. i want the surface story to be something engaging even for a general audience. on the surface, “Birdshot” is a coming of age thriller with suspense elements but i’d like to smuggle in these extra layers that in a way, you earn as a viewer. Look closer and you get to see the sub-texts,” he said. Western feel When Mikhail was planning “Birdshot,” he wanted a western PAGE B7
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Your Immigration Solution Atty. nAnCy Miller The already difficult process of immigrating to the United States can be greatly complicated and delayed when the government decides that the noncitizen is inadmissible — a finding which often necessitates the filing of an application for a waiver of inadmissibility. The most common grounds of inadmissibility (i.e., ineligibility to be admitted to the United States) which require a waiver include unlawful presence in the United States in excess of 180 days, the commission of fraud to gain an immigration benefit, and certain criminal convictions. Unfortunately, not all applications for a waiver of inadmissibility are granted. In fact, a significant percentage of such applications are denied. Fortunately, for many, the denial of an application for a waiver
Health@Heart PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS LOSIng weight on a diet that is high in fat is dangerous for overall health. The risk of coronary heart disease has been found to be significantly higher among those individuals who stayed on a high protein red meat diet to lose weight. While these subjects became slimmer, their cholesterol levels were high, leading to a higher rate of heart attacks. The object of dieting is not only to maintain a normal weight but to be healthier all around. nothing beats abstinence from red meat and eggs (eating only fish, vegetable, fruit, high-fiber is healthier), combined with daily exercise, abstinence from tobacco, and disciplined alcohol intake is the best formula for maintaining good health. *** Persons getting a flu shot to prevent influenza may even experience an added benefit from it. Studies have shown that flu vaccination appears to be associated with a reduced risk of stroke, especially among those who are 60-75 years old.
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If at first you don’t succeed: Options after the denial of an application for a waiver need not be the final word on an individual’s attempt to immigrate to the United States. For many, options still remain which keep alive their prospects of immigrating. Any review of the denial of an application for a waiver of inadmissibility begins with a basic question — is the applicant inadmissible to the United States? To put it simply, there are instances when an individual is found by the government to be inadmissible to the United States when in fact he is not. While an individual may have filed an application for a waiver because he or she was directed to do so by the government, in some instances the correct course of action would have been to legally and/or factual argue that no such application was required. Unfortunately, without competent representation, the basic mistake of failing to contest an initial finding of inadmissibil-
ity is more likely to occur. Where it can (and should) be argued that an application for a waiver never should have been requested in the first instance, an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney can pursue a variety of options to redress such an error. These options include the timely filing of a motion with the government to rectify such an error, or through the refiling of the case with a legal brief addressing the issue of inadmissibility. Both of these options often prove successful. In those instances in which an application for a waiver was properly requested by the government, a significant number of these applications are ultimately denied because they are inadequately prepared. Filing an application for a waiver of inadmissibility is complicated – the legal standard for the granting of the waiver must be met, and this
Medical pearls *** Soft drinks, in whatever form, cola or uncola, caffeinated of decaf, diet or regular, are all toxic to our body, especially to children. This beverage harms our DnA in the long run and increases the risk for the development of metabolic syndrome. There is no healthier substitute for fresh, filtered, clean water, which is also less expensive. *** Forget all old worries and past problems, if you want your blood pressure not to shoot up. It is a medical fact that recalling previous sad or morbid events, or emotional trauma, raises the blood pressure during the moment of recollection. If these spikes in blood pressure happen often, they could adversely affect the heart. All of us should let go of these painful experiences of the past and not dwell on them. Life ahead of us is so precious we ought to leave our miserable baggage behind and have a more positive outlook, at the same time protect our heart. *** If you love tuna, which is a good fish, it is better to eat canned light tuna and not the giant albacore because its mercury content is much lower than fresh or frozen
tuna. Short-lived and younger tuna is used for canning. giant fish in general have higher mercury content. *** You do not really have to run or jog for health. Brisk walking can lower the incidence of heart disease by 18%, as effectively as any of those more vigorous exercises, minus the injuries attendant to them. Minimal impact exercises are better for our joints. *** Oil of oregano: an “antibiotic”? It seems so, to a certain extent, anyway. It has been found that oil of oregano, which is used in salad dressing and for cooking, reduces harmful food pathogens. This oil has been found to inhibit e. Coli and Listeria monocytogenes. *** Mustard is a popular condiment, used in a variety ways, especially with hotdogs. The compound that imparts yellow color in mustard is curcumin, component of tumeric spice, and curcumin has been found to slow down the progression of cancer. All spices are potent antioxidant that lower the risk for cancer development. *** Vegetables of all colors and types reduce cancer risk and PAGE B7
must be accomplished through the presentation of legally sufficient supporting evidence. even minor defects in an application can result in a denial. As a result, individuals who have a strong legal and factual basis for the granting of a waiver of inadmissibility often have their applications denied because their applications were not adequately prepared. however, the denial of an application for a waiver of inadmissibility does not preclude the filing of subsequent application. This point is extremely significant for those who have had their applications for a waiver denied — there is still hope even after a denial. As the preparation of an application for a waiver of inadmissibility is a complex endeavor, with little margin for error, the best chance an individual has to obtain an approval of his or her application is through retaining an experienced and knowledgeable immigration
attorney. While it is preferable to do so at the onset of the process, even once an application for a waiver is denied, an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney can prepare a superior subsequent application which will afford an applicant a much higher chance of obtaining an approval. The approval or denial of an application for a waiver of inadmissibility will in most instances decide whether an individual will immigrate to the United States. Too often, individuals receive denials of their applications; and many of these applications were not required in the first instance, or could have been approved if they had only been adequately prepared. Fortunately, most of these individuals have options regardless of when their waivers were denied — days, weeks, or even years ago. An experienced and knowledgeable immigration
attorney can advise an individual of his or her options, and pursue the appropriate course of action to overcome a prior denial. The process of immigrating to the United States seldom affords second chances. One of the few exceptions is for applicants seeking a waiver of inadmissibility. For waivers of inadmissibility, the old adage proves true – if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. *** 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)
Children just like you
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond
“The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy.”
Monette AdevA MAglAyA
- Alfred North Whitehead
(1 of 2 parts) (STORIES can teach, heal, entertain, remind and bring home a message with laser-like accuracy and oftentimes, with latent comment. They appeal to all ages. I like retelling the old classics and seeing how their lessons still apply to our lives today. Like organic botanicals from an older gene pool, these stories are pure, without manipulation or embellishments, and perhaps, are a good thing to chew on. Simple, organic, direct — these are the stories that hit home. The lessons are as good now as they were then. Here’s one of them.) Long ago in the island of Crete, there lived a man named Daedalus, who was famed for his skills as an inventor. he worked for King Minos. Foremost among his many achievements was building the labyrinth in which the king kept the Minotaur, a fearsome, legendary beast which was half-man and half-bull that fed on human flesh. It was said
that anyone who went into the labyrinth never came out of it again because of its complex, undecipherable winding walls and corridors. Daedalus was brilliant and this was a problem for the king. Although Daedalus had been giving the king great and loyal service all his life, Minos was deeply insecure and feared that Daedalus who was wise, celebrated and ingenious would, one day challenge him to become king. As a preemptive move, Minos imprisoned Daedalus and his son, Icarus in a prison tower. The king underestimated Daedalus, for one dark night, father and son escaped from their prison tower. They found out however that it was well nigh impossible to escape the island with the paranoid King Minos sending out an all points bulletin to his mindless minions. Minos’ soldiers carefully searched every boat that left the island.
Father and son took cover in a remote cave along the shore hidden from the watchful eyes of Minos’ soldiers while Daedalus figured out a way to escape. Watching the seagulls for hours soaring and diving for food on the shore, Daedalus was struck with the idea of flight as an escape route. he caught one bird and studied the structure and form of its wings and after careful thought, decided to copy how a wing is made. he instructed Icarus to catch seagulls and pluck their feathers. When there were enough feathers, he sewed them together and used melted wax to bind the feathers on a wooden framework. he created the contraption so skillfully that they looked like a giant replica of a bird’s wings. he customized two pairs of wings for himself and for his son, careful to take each of their individual body weights into consideration. But having wings was one thing, knowing how to use those PAGE B6
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Urian nod validates Khalil Ramos’ acting skills KHaLIL Ramos may have not taken the same path as his contemporaries, but given his recent accomplishments here and abroad, the young actor was able to establish himself as a bonafide thespian who delivers, often more than what is expected of him. Nominated as Best actor in the movie critics’ award-giving body gawad Urian for the movie “2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten,” Ramos counts this as an astounding feat. “My first reaction when I learned about my nomination was just being super happy. It’s so fulfilling for your craft to be acknowledged by Urian, which is very credible and very respected,” he said, adding that he believes he’s on the right track where his career is concerned. He said he immediately checked his co-nominees upon finding out that he made it into the list of nominees. He is pitted against seasoned stars Bembol Roco and Tommy abuel, musician Pepe smith, comedian Paolo Ballesteros, as well as rising stars Ronwaldo Martin and garry Cabalic. “I guess we can serve as the representation and inspiration of this generation. Parang iba siguro ang impression na nasi-set namin sa veteran actors, kasi parang may ipinaglalaban din ang generation,” he said of himself and the latter two as “younger bloods.” “Hopefully, we gave the message, na hindi namin mapapabayaan ang craft at ‘yung foundation na ginawa nung mga actors in the past,” he added. With excitement for the award’s night running especially high, the “La Luna sangre” star said he’s making sure to keep his emotions in check and to not let all the online adulation get into his head. “Sa Twitter ang daming nagsasabi na ‘O, sign na yan that you made it kasi Urian yan, nagawa mo na, you’re up there!’ Oo, narecognize ako pero I wouldn’t say
Dim sum favorite Ping Pang Pong expands, debuts new space at Gold Coast Hotel and Casino Khalil Ramos
na ‘Okay na ako kasi nominated na ako,’” he intoned. For what it’s worth, Ramos sees the nomination as a pathway for him to reach for even greater heights. “Parang kung ngayon na-recognize ako, I’m certain na mas malaki pa ang capability in telling more meaningful and better stories in the future. Mas malaki na ‘yung pangarap ko,” he stated. His character Felix salonga in the Petersen Vargas coming-ofage film previously earned him a Best actor nomination at the 12th Cinema One Originals Film Festival last year.
Only two weeks ago, the movie bagged the audience Choice award from the 32nd Lovers Film Festival-Torino LgBTQI Visions in Italy. excitement is written all over his face for the coming Urian awards night. “Just being there for sure would be an achievement na rin for me, not just as an audience, hindi lang dahil na-invite ako, kung hindi dahil nominado ako sa mismong award-giving body na 40 years nang tumatakbo ang reputation at hindi natitibag,” the “Pilipinas got Talent season 3” runner-up enthused. (ManilaTimes.net)
Will Kim Chiu meet Justin Bieber at his... PAGE B1 moment!!! check my stories for more fangirl moments with @ ilovekaye haha #BieberFever!!! hello @justinbieber,” her caption read. What are the odds of getting noticed by your idol in your lifetime? Chiu is definitely living the fangirl dream. With the popularity of Bieber, it’s pretty much a nobrainer how people would pay at-
tention to anyone who gets linked to his name. Despite her fame, success and a massive following of her own (3.6 million followers on Instagram), she is still a full-pledged fangirl at heart. Chiu admits to also idolizing Taylor swift (she was present in almost all concerts in the Philippines) ariana grande, and Britney spears among others. It isn’t the first time she has got-
ten the attention of international celebrities. In May, she also got noticed by famous sisters Kim and Khloe Kardashian during their respective instagram live sessions. With Bieber’s Purpose World Tour in Manila on september, Kim Chiu’s presence on the said concert could be expected but in regards to the possible meeting of the two—that, we have yet to find out.
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Las Vegas—One of Las Vegas’ most acclaimed Chinese restaurants — Ping Pang Pong — has premiered its redesigned and expanded space at the gold Coast Hotel and Casino. With seating for more than 300 guests (50 percent larger than its original space), and a private banquet room, more patrons than ever before can now enjoy Ping Pang Pong’s legendary and authentic Chinese dishes. “During the last 17 years, Karrie Hung, Kevin Wu and the Ping Pang Pong team have created one of southern Nevada’s most celebrated culinary destinations,” said Tony Taeubel, senior Vice President and general Manager of the gold Coast. “Now, Ping Pang Pong has a beautiful new space befitting its legendary reputation – and its delicious and authentic Chinese dishes.” guests visiting the new restaurant are greeted by elaborate dark walnut screenwork and a modern version of a Chinese pergola, juxtaposed with clean modern wood paneling to create a stunning façade. The entry portal is flanked by two authentic foo dog sculptures acquired direct from China. stepping inside, the reception area showcases a host station designed to resemble a Chinese apothecary cabinet and overhead are a gorgeous array of silk lanterns festooned with red tassels. an impressive tea servery visually anchors the front quarter of the seating area, while at the back, a large framed opening offers a glimpse of the culinary artistry in the bustling kitchen. The all-new Ping Pang Pong also features a private banquet room capable of hosting nearly 100 guests for private events, receptions and parties. Though the space is all-new, the flavors that made Ping Pang Pong famous remain unchanged. Dim sum service is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, with classic pushcarts offering a selection of more than 80 authentic dishes from provinces throughout China. Dim sum standards are joined by a rotating selection of seasonal favorites like the Mango Lobster scallop Roll, combining fresh diced mango, lobster and scallop in crisply fried thin panko tossed rice paper; or the aromatic Duck Bun, featuring southern Canton five-spice roasted pulled duck with Mandarin cucumber, served in a steamed lotus bun. From 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., diners
Marianne Johnson and Bill Boyd of Boyd Gaming join Ping Pang Pong owners Karrie Hung and Kevin Wu at the grand opening celebration. Pictured from left to right: Marianne Johnson, Karrie Hung, Bill Boyd and Kevin Wu
Boyd Gaming and Asian Chamber representatives join Ping Pang Pong owners for a ceremonial ribbon cutting to celebrate the debut of the restaurant’s new space.
can enjoy a selection of authentic dinner entrees, including smoked Orange Ribeye Cubes, seared over a high-flame wok with peppercorn and toasted garlic; and the Macanese Crustacean Claypot, featuring livetank seafood served in a ginger laksa curry broth with saffron and chopped herbs. since its debut in 2001, Ping Pang Pong has earned numerous dining awards. Travel + Leisure magazine recognized Ping Pang Pong as one of the top 10 Chinese restaurants in america, and the restaurant has received the “Best Chinese Restaurant” award six times from Las Vegas ReviewJournal’s annual “Best of Las Vegas” readers’ poll. Ping Pang Pong’s expansion is the latest in a series of restaurant debuts at Boyd gaming properties nationwide, including alder & Birch Cocktails and
Lion Dance hosted at Ping Pang Pong to celebrate the debut of the all-new expanded space.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
Dining, Ondori asian Kitchen, Bailiwick and Copper Whisk Cafe at The Orleans; California Noodle House and Redwood steakhouse at California Hotel and Casino; Cornerstone Classic american steakhouse at gold Coast Hotel and Casino; Brigg’s Oyster Co. at suncoast Hotel and Casino; and the angry Butcher and Big Mess Bar-BQ at sam’s Town Hotel and gambling Hall. For more information, please visit Boydgaming. com/amenities. Boyd Gaming Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd gaming is a leading diversified owner and operator of 24 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. additional news and information on Boyd gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Lion Dance hosted at Ping Pang Pong inside Gold Coast to celebrate the debut of the allnew expanded space.
Children just like you PAGE B5 wings to fly was another. so Daedalus strapped his wings and still taking his cue from the seagulls on how to soar, swoop, dive and glide, he proceeded to learn how to fly so that the wings felt like a seamless part of his arms and his body. He studied wind currents, the waters of the sea and the heat of the sun. Having gained the skill, he proceeded to teach his son patiently. at first, Icarus stumbled and fell and when he got past the first few fumbles, the youth learned quickly, his lithe, svelte form seemingly destined for flight. He learned to fly like a bird, swooping and diving, gliding and cir-
cling about, looking down below at the blue waters and their island prison, now a mere speck from above, and frolicking about overhead, chasing the seagulls and rolling in the clouds. Freedom was a heady drink. Icarus felt complete elation, knew the incredible lightness of being and tasted the sweet freedom of flight. Then came the day when Daedalus and Icarus were to fly out of Crete. The sun was up, and the wind was mild and Daedalus decided it was an auspicious day to make the great escape. Daedalus sat his son down and looked him in the eyes for serious pre-flight instructions know-
ing that once in the air, there would be little chance for communication. “Pay attention, Icarus. Stick close behind me and watch your altitude. Fly too low and the sea with its moisture will make your wings too heavy. Fly too high and the heat of the sun will melt the wax in your wings. Take heed and stay close.” Icarus nodded agreement but he was far too excited and his mind was already in the sky. (To be continued …) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
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Physicist crowned Miss Philippines Earth by Tessa
Mauricioa-arriola ManilaTimes.net
A ONE-TIME Bb. Pilipinas candidate realized her dream to be crowned a beauty queen when she was declared Miss Philippines Earth 2017 on Saturday, July 15. Twenty-six-year-old Karen Ibasco, a physicist and instructor at the University of Santo Tomas, bested 39 other candidates at the 17th edition of the national beauty pageant held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. True to her advocacy in energy conservation, Ibasco clinched the
title after answering the question what changes she would like to see in national environmental policies. She said, “In terms of environmental policies, everyone is experiencing climate change. The whole world is experiencing climate change and I’m just grateful that the Philippines signed the Paris Treaty. What I want to see is to pass a carbon tax. In that way, we would invest in renewable energy to help our world be a better place, greener and habitable for the whole humanity. Ibasco shared the winners’ circle with Vanessa Mae Castillo who
was crowned Miss Eco-tourism; Nellza Bautista, Miss Philippines Fire; Jessica Marasigan, Miss Philippines Water; and Kim de Guzman, Miss Philippines Air. Ibasco succeeds Miss Philippines Earth 2016 Loren Artajos, and will represent the Philippines in the international competition in November. A Manila-based pageant, the country has won the Miss Earth crown in 2008 with Karla Paula Henry, and in 2014 and 2015 respectively with the back-to-back win of Jamie Herrell and Angelia Ong.
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Filipino Caucus Family Retreat in Lake Hughes, CA The Filipino Caucus of the California Pacific Annual Conference (CALPAC) of the United Methodist Church (UMC) is inviting its members to a family retreat to be held from July 21 to 23. The venue will be the scenic Oak Camps and Conference Center (18651 Pine Canyon Road, Lake Hughes, California). The Rev. Dr. Bener Agtarap, Associate General Secretary of the UMC Board of Discipleship Ministry will be the resource person and guest speaker during the three- day gathering to be marked with group discussions and fellowship. “Rekindling the Flame” will be the theme of this retreat. According to Rev. Nelson Castorillo, the Filipino Caucus president, the goal of the retreat is re-igniting and rekindling the symbolic flame representing the spirit and unity of this growing group of Filipino-American Methodists and hoping this type of gathering will reenergize and revitalize the Church. The Rosewood UMC, headed by Ding Lapus, is coordinating the event. He is assisted by Noribel Taguba, Vicky Ignacio, Dennis Mañacop, Auring Garcia, John Umaguing, Revs. Manny Predas and Lisa Santiago. Food and lodging for three days is $148 and $103 for children 7-12 years old. Check is payable to the Filipino Caucus, PO Box 10435, Glendale, CA 91209. For more information please call Rev. Nelson (909) 538-7606 or email at nelsonpreacher@gmail.com.
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Money Smart for Small Business in El Monte, CA Miss Earth Philippines 2017 Karen Ibasco (center) poses with other winners (from left) Neliza Bautista (Miss Fire), Kim de Guzman (Miss Air), Jessica Marasigan (Miss Water) and Vanessa Mae Castillo, Miss Ecotourism
A gripping thriller highlights endangered... PAGE B4 set in the Philippine environment. In that case, he succeeded in doing so because they have been getting feedbacks and reactions that the film is not the typical indie film from the Philippines. To complete the western look that he wanted, the team went to the Department of Agriculture and they explained their vision and pegs. The officials pointed to a map, which turned out to be Isabela, which is quite an interesting coincidence because as they found out later, the last of the Philippine eagle colonies in Luzon are found up there, in the Sierra Madre mountain range. “When you think of Filipino film, you imagine rice fields so we decided to use corn fields instead to get that almost western look, that this is a place in the Philippines hidden from most of us. It’s almost like this Garden of Eden in a way, somewhere in the mountains where there is still a colony of eagles left,” he said. The slow-burning thriller moves at a more dynamic pace as the characters go through their evolution. Mary Joy Apostol, the teen girls who plays Maya, delivers in a big way. Not quite a small feat considering that this is her first feature film. “We wanted a fresh face surrounded by a lot of skilled, veteran actors. We made an open call and we got about a hundred submissions. Nag shortlist kami and she landed the role because of the combination of her grace and ferocity,” he said. Arnold Reyes, who plays the role of Domingo, the rookie cop, is just thankful to be included in this film. “Mik is very young. When
I finished watching the film, I said, ‘Gawa ba ito ng isang batang director? This is only his second feature but for me, ang lalim ng pinanggalingan niya,” he shared. “For us actors to be working with a director like Mik, who knows what he wants, is a blessing for us. That makes our jobs easier.” Reyes explained that he attacks each role from scratch and with his role as Domingo, he wanted to show where his character was coming from, his inner struggles and how he faces his dilemmas to survive in the world that the director has created for them. “It’s a great experience to give justice to the role of Domingo. Working with Mik is one big learning process for me because his vision is something and he really knows what he’s doing. Masarap katrabaho ang mga young directors kasi ang fresh ng mga ideas nila,” he said. Listening to that, Mikhail added, “What’s interesting and impressive in what Arnold and the rest of the cast did was that they had this character arc that they transformed to someone else in the ending and you see the contrast there compared to their roots. We had to shoot the film not in sequence so I don’t know how they pulled that off emotionally where we shift from one scene to another and where they are on their arc.” At a young age, Mikhail has written, edited and directed six short films, all of which have been in competition and won awards at international film festivals. He has also participated in numerous film workshops and has been involved in several commercial and motion picture productions.
Despite his credentials and pedigree, he still gets nervous sometimes specially when he is working with industry veterans such as actor John Arcilla. “It is very intimidating for a young filmmaker like me to be working with a lot of experienced and seasoned actors and crew members such as our cinematographer and production designer who have been in the industry longer than me so they know a lot more,” he shared. As a young kid, Mikhail used to tag along his father, Cannes award-winning director Raymond Red during production shoots. Now, he is a man of his own character, travelling the world and telling the stories through his own films. Among his tips to young ones who may want to venture into filmmaking as a career? Listen to the elders in the industry, learn from them and use that knowledge to share and tell your stories. “It is also important that you are confident of your own voice and you know what you are doing. As long as you believe in your vision, they will see it and they will strike that balance of respect and knowing what you want,” he shared. He is now working on his third feature film entitled Neo Manila slated for QCinema this October. For the long-term, Red is working on funding and resources for an ambitious period project about Black Dahlia and its Philippine connection. And finally, next month, “Birdshot” – after screening in close to 20 film festivals by then, will be coming home to be shown nationwide in the Philippines.
Medical pearls PAGE B5 boost the immune system. Also a cancer inhibitor is raspberry, actually ALL berries, because of their content, ellagic acid, a cancer-inhibitor. Make sur to wash vegetables, berries, and other fresh food items before consuming them to cleanse them of any contamination, bacteria, fungal, or chemicals. *** Which cooking oil is the best for us? Here is a list of the most commonly found ones on the grocery shelves, including the calories (Cal), fat contents in grams (F), saturated fat in grams (SF), cholesterol (Ch), per tablespoonful: Canola Cal-121, F-13.6, SF-1; Coconut Cal-118, F-13.6, SF-11.8; Corn Cal-121, F-13.6, SF-1.7; Olive Cal-119, F-13.5, SF-1.8; Peanut Cal-119, F- 13.5, SF- 2.3; Soybean 121, F- 13.6, SF2.0; Palm Cal-121, F-13.6, SF-6.7. All of these have zero cholesterol and sodium. Virgin olive oil and canola have the lowest saturated fat content, and coconut, the highest. One coconut has about 1349 calories and 127.7 grams of fat, 113 saturated fats and 76 mg of sodium. Eating a lot of coconut oil or food items made of, or with, coconut, is not really healthy. Our choice for cooking oil is, of course, virgin olive oil, canola, second. *** One can of beer, one 4-ounce glass of wine or one shot of whiskey reduced the incidence of heart attack, according to the American Cancer Society. The same benefit was found with ingesting 2, 3,
or 6 drinks. But at one drink the cancer rate and over-all death rate was lower. At two drinks, the prevalence of cancer and death rate are the same as among nondrinkers, and both total death and heart death are lower. At 3 drinks, the cancer death rate is higher. At four drinks, total death and cancer death are both higher. *** Homocysteine is a substance within our body that is implicated in the development of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the artery), leading to blockages in the carotid (causing stroke) and coronary arteries (causing heart attack), including the aorta in the chest and abdomen (causing aneurysm/ rupture and bleeding), and arteries in the legs (causing gangrene). The Framingham studies showed that the more elevated the level of homocysteine in the patient, the higher the finding of blockages in carotid and coronary arteries. Those with low folate (folic acid) to metabolize the harmful homocysteine have 3 times higher risk of developing heart attack. Folic acid in B complex vitamin is prescribed to these patients. This substance is found in green leafy vegetables, like spinach, lettuce, chard, whole grains, yeast, peanuts, wheat germ and dry beans. *** Is genetic a more important factor than diet in the development of coronary heart disease/ heart attack? Familial hyperlipidemia (super high serum cholesterol due to a genetic defect) is seen in one in 500 persons. Except for this type of individu-
als, and all “unhealthy habits” (smoking, inadequate, or lack of, daily exercise) remaining equal, diet is a very significant factor in the causation of coronary heart disease. It has been shown that even if the parents had coronary heart disease, the children did not necessarily develop the disease, if these offspring lived a healthier lifestyle than their elders. Keeping the cholesterol level low by minimizing red meat and eggs intake, and concentrating on fish, vegetables, fruits, hi-fiber diet, coupled with abstinence from cigarettes, minimal alcohol use, doing daily exercises, properly treating high blood pressure and or diabetes, if present, is the best strategy to ward off coronary heart disease/heart attack and stroke. The caveat: simply because we cannot choose our parents, does not mean we are trapped in this genetic dilemma, and, therefore, are hopeless. Far from it. If we are disciplined enough to live a healthier lifestyle than our parents did, we can outsmart those particular defective genes they gave us. *** 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
Come to an introductory business course designed for newer business owners, selfemployed individuals, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Course topics include: startup planning, organizational types, risk management, credit reporting, business insurance, time & financial management, selling & succession planning, banking services for small businesses, recordkeeping, and tax & business planning. The curriculum is developed jointly by the FDIC and the SBA. It will be held on Saturday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cathay Bank (9650 Flair Dr., El Monte, CA 91731). The fee is $20 payable to Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program (API SBP). Breakfast, lunch and course materials will be provided by Cathay Bank. There will be limited seating so advance registration is required. To register, please contact Colleen Seto at (213) 373-1605 or cseto@ltsc.org. Participants will be eligible for free business counseling by API SBP.
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The Filipino-Americans of Contra Costa County, Inc. hosts annual picnic in Hercules, CA The Filipino-Americans of Contra Costa County, Inc. (FACCC, Inc.) invites you to its annual potluck picnic on Saturday, July 29 at Foxboro Park in Hercules, CA. It will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share. FACCC, Inc. will provide barbecued beef, chicken, hot dogs and water. For any inquiries, call Chairperson Roy de Leon at (510) 5655465 or Vice Chair Joe Medrano at (510) 417-0585.
Spotlight on Vets in Van Nuys, CA Together with and under the leadership of Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz, Mutch Carino of Maxx Promos is presenting a fundraiser show Spotlight on Vets, in support of the Filipino WWII Veterans. The benefit show was launched during a press conference that was hosted by Goldilocks Norwalk in Cerritos through the courtesy of Robert Yee and Ms. Jo Ann Kyle. The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 was passed and was signed into law by President Obama on December 14, 2016. With this Act, our Filipino veterans will be honored by Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) for their service and sacrifice during World War II. Spotlight on Vets aims to raise funds in order to purchase and award Congressional Gold Medal replicas in bronze to living veterans and posthumously to surviving family members. It will be held on July 29, 2017 Saturday 7:00pm at the Envision Center - 15055 Oxnard Street in Van Nuys, California. For tickets and sponsorship information, please call (626) 716-5442.
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Philippine Heritage Institute International hosts 11th Annual Youth Congress in Rosemead, CA “Spreading Our Wings Towards Unity” is the theme of the 11th Annual Youth Congress to be presented by the Philippine Heritage Institute International (PHII) on August 12, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Garvey Community Center, 9108 E. Garvey Ave., Rosemead, CA 91770, (626) 569-2212. The Congress hopes to rekindle interest in the youth movement and its role in nation-building. “Our vision,” said the late PHII founder Naomi Palma-Armada, “is to improve the quality of life affecting Filipino American communities through research, education and recognition with the youth as its main focus.” Her legacy lives on. Speakers at the Youth Congress are: Charlene Bugais, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, L.A.; Louinn Lota, Chaminade College Preparatory, Teacher/Program Director, Speech/Debate; Aries Mladinov, Office Manager, Olive Branch Counseling Centers; Faith Nishimura, Team Captain, Speech/Debate, Claremont High School; and Charmaine Villacisneros-Tusjakova, CEO, ‘Iskaster Media.’ Admission is free; lunch and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by July 31 to: Chair Vicky de Leon (818) 648-3493, Email: manvic13@yahoo.com; Pres. Josie E. de Jesus (714) 272-0300, Email: joestarisdejesus@gmail.com; Co-chair Anna A. Chickey, M.D. (562) 900-0379, Email: annachickeymd@yahoo.com, or Lydia V. Solis (626) 827-1036, Email: lvsolis@aol.com.
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University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) Induction Ball in Whittier, CA The Univeristy of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) will hold its Induction Ball on August 13, 2017 Sunday at the Double Tree by Hilton - Whittier on 7320 Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602. Mutch Carino will be inducted as President of UPAAGLA for 2017-2019, together with the newly elected officers composed of Ethel Rubio (President Elect), Nati Matitu (1st VP), Evelyn Andamo (2nd VP), Joy Angeles (Recording Secretary), Gil Guinto (Treasurer), Malette Lampino (Assitant Treasurer), Dick Cu (Auditor), Benny Uy (PRO) and Bobby Canseco (IT Officer). The 2017-2019 UPAAGLA Board of Directors are Ivy Manalang, Atty. Mary Lyn Sanga, Luisa Lansingan, Ellery Atienza, Mary Drees, Jess Espanola, Bob Shroder, Carina Slepian, Ivy Cosio-Bautista, Ellen Gomez, Tina Escueta Martin, Angie Alvarez and Relson Banas. The advisers of UPAAGLA are Dr. Arnel Joaquin, Vicky Gancayco, Jazmin Gaite, Alma Onrubia, Frank Mamaril, Doris Maligalig and Sonja Menor. Red carpet arrivals and No Host Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. Program and dinner start at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, sponsorships and souvenir program advertisements, please call Dick Cu (562) 547-0560.
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Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School international reunion in Las Vegas Come and celebrate with RMCHS alumni and guests for the third biannual international homecoming. Sing, dance, party, share precious memories and join the fun from Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Join the golf tournament in the morning of Saturday, Sept. 2 and then wear your best (black and white) for a dinner dance later that evening. Make this event an opportunity to reunite with your own batchmates, watch a show, visit tourist spots, and stroll along the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, visit the RMCHS 2017 INTL REUNION Facebook page.
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26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park Save the date! The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.
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